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condls27's reviews
304 reviews
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I don’t know why I picked this up knowing it was a Wuthering Heights retelling. I love angst and tension but not that kind.
I liked the structure of the book, it enhanced the tension & drama of the story, I just hated everything after the 50% mark.
I liked the structure of the book, it enhanced the tension & drama of the story, I just hated everything after the 50% mark.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship
Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was so beautiful. I love Hannah’s writing so much. Every book is so sweet and funny but they pack such an emotional punch. I love them even if they always give me the biggest book hangovers 😭
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Work in Progress by Kat Mackenzie
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was sweet but I could not get past the miscommunication trope and the randomly inserted 2nd love interest.
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Still fighting off tears I write this. This was a beautiful story about friendship, persevering and forgiveness. I highly recommend the audiobook, I felt like I was sitting next to Young-sook while she told me about her life. This story will stick with me forever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Colonisation, and War
Lessons with the Mothman by Kathryn Moon
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
If Kathryn Moon writes it, I’m absolutely going to read it. This was a fun little romp, it’s been a while since I’ve read a monster romance so it was fun to dip my toes back into the pond. I didn’t fully connect with the characters but I loved their dynamics and as always, the representation was top tier. Can’t wait for the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity and Toxic relationship
Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Oh boy. I’ll start by saying Chloe’s books always feel like a warm hug and the world would be a better place if all the men were written by Chloe Liese. That said, I did not like this at all and trust me, no one is more disappointed than me. I was feral for this series and I am so bummed. 😭
From the jump, the premise just did not make sense and it prevented me from investing in the story. I think the stakes were a little silly in the previous books too but the characters and their chemistry made up for it enough that I could ignore it. That was not the case here. I understand why Jules didn’t trust herself and why Will felt like he wasn’t relationship material but their chemistry was so obvious and immediate, they didn’t need to “practice romance” because it was already happening naturally. (Speaking of, could we have gotten a synonym of romance at least once?! It was said 110 times!)
On top of my issue with the set-up, I could not connect with either character at all. They were too perfect to be believable. I need a character flaw to relate to, something that makes them human and not cheesy, Hallmark movie robots. The reasons why they kept telling themselves a relationship wouldn’t work just felt so flimsy and forced. (And Will’s reason for wanting to get married honestly almost made me DNF. Just hire a business partner William!) If there’s not much going on plot wise, then I need a little more angst from the characters. Something to sink my teeth into so the payoff at the end is worth it. This was just too fluffy and sweet with nothing else going on.
All that said, Chloe’s disability rep and inclusion are always top tier. I will always cherish that about her books. I know this will be someone’s 5-star read, it was incredibly sweet (and the spice was spicing like always) but this was just not for me. I am so bummed I had to end a beloved series this way.
From the jump, the premise just did not make sense and it prevented me from investing in the story. I think the stakes were a little silly in the previous books too but the characters and their chemistry made up for it enough that I could ignore it. That was not the case here. I understand why Jules didn’t trust herself and why Will felt like he wasn’t relationship material but their chemistry was so obvious and immediate, they didn’t need to “practice romance” because it was already happening naturally. (Speaking of, could we have gotten a synonym of romance at least once?! It was said 110 times!)
On top of my issue with the set-up, I could not connect with either character at all. They were too perfect to be believable. I need a character flaw to relate to, something that makes them human and not cheesy, Hallmark movie robots. The reasons why they kept telling themselves a relationship wouldn’t work just felt so flimsy and forced. (And Will’s reason for wanting to get married honestly almost made me DNF. Just hire a business partner William!) If there’s not much going on plot wise, then I need a little more angst from the characters. Something to sink my teeth into so the payoff at the end is worth it. This was just too fluffy and sweet with nothing else going on.
All that said, Chloe’s disability rep and inclusion are always top tier. I will always cherish that about her books. I know this will be someone’s 5-star read, it was incredibly sweet (and the spice was spicing like always) but this was just not for me. I am so bummed I had to end a beloved series this way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Definitely Better Now by Ava Robinson
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a beautifully messy story that made me laugh and sob. Definitely recommend the audiobook, the narrator was amazing.
I have seen some reviews of people going into this thinking it’s a romance and being disappointed. While there is romance and we do get an HEA, it’s definitely a subplot of the story.
I have seen some reviews of people going into this thinking it’s a romance and being disappointed. While there is romance and we do get an HEA, it’s definitely a subplot of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Misogyny, Grief, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Wolf.e by Paisley Hope
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I only have myself to blame. I should’ve dnfed 🤦🏼♀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Rape
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Another solid angsty and magical mystery from Adrienne! I love her storytelling, I can picture everything so clearly I feel like I’m standing in the story. That said, I I wish we got a few more flashbacks to flush out each character a little more. Other than that, I have no complaints.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Grief, and Murder