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emilyreadthatbook's reviews
807 reviews
Stealing for Keeps by Rebecca Jenshak
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Ooof I do not miss high school. This book captures my memories of the relationship melodrama of high school.
Claire is recovering from a figure skating injury that ended her hopes of further competition and career. During this time, her long term boyfriend broke up with her. Never fear, as the school year begins a new guy starts at her school who she definitely has an interest in. One problem, he plays on the same soccer team as her jealous ex.
Rebecca Jenshak does a great job taking us to that place of high school relationship angst. Claire and Austin don’t want to hurt her ex Vaughn’s feelings, but also cannot stay away from each other. This, along with the everyday family issues and concerns about grades and what’s next; this is the epitome of a high school romance. If there was one thing I would change, I would love to know a little bit more about the side characters. I feel some of the side characters backgrounds and other details that are usually included in Jenshak’s books were glossed over or left out. It was hard to really know their personalities and what made them tick.
Claire is recovering from a figure skating injury that ended her hopes of further competition and career. During this time, her long term boyfriend broke up with her. Never fear, as the school year begins a new guy starts at her school who she definitely has an interest in. One problem, he plays on the same soccer team as her jealous ex.
Rebecca Jenshak does a great job taking us to that place of high school relationship angst. Claire and Austin don’t want to hurt her ex Vaughn’s feelings, but also cannot stay away from each other. This, along with the everyday family issues and concerns about grades and what’s next; this is the epitome of a high school romance. If there was one thing I would change, I would love to know a little bit more about the side characters. I feel some of the side characters backgrounds and other details that are usually included in Jenshak’s books were glossed over or left out. It was hard to really know their personalities and what made them tick.
A Trace of Something Stranger by Allison Giordano
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A unique story of a girl learning the truth about her family and true nature, mixed in with a magical fantastical element.
Going to camp seemed like such an innocent act of rebellion, but for Tempest, it is the catalyst for her whole life changing. When she meets Jet, there is a spark on her side, but on his, there is a recognition of something more. This is the story of what happens next.
Allison Giordano has a special way of building this story. I had several moments throughout where I made guesses about what was going to come to pass, only one proved true (so far). There was a significant amount of world building, but it didn’t suffocate the story since it was divulged as Tempest, herself, was learning about the world around her. There are many threads available for future books (and I hope there are future books). I want to know what happens next. What Jet finds. And most of all, I want to know who Tempest becomes.
Going to camp seemed like such an innocent act of rebellion, but for Tempest, it is the catalyst for her whole life changing. When she meets Jet, there is a spark on her side, but on his, there is a recognition of something more. This is the story of what happens next.
Allison Giordano has a special way of building this story. I had several moments throughout where I made guesses about what was going to come to pass, only one proved true (so far). There was a significant amount of world building, but it didn’t suffocate the story since it was divulged as Tempest, herself, was learning about the world around her. There are many threads available for future books (and I hope there are future books). I want to know what happens next. What Jet finds. And most of all, I want to know who Tempest becomes.
War by Brittanée Nicole
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Tyler “War” Warren is a tattooed enforcer of a hockey captain, and a complete cinnamon roll. When he runs into a roadblock adopting his kids, his lawyer jokingly suggests getting married. Enter Ava. Ava hates War. Several years prior he stood her up and continued to let her down by not attending charity events he had committed to that she had organized. Ava has a super special relationship with one of the little girls War is attempting to adopt and rather than see Josie remain in the system, agrees to fake marry War.
This story is fairly predictable but has a very earnest delivery, which makes it heartwarming and not tired. To add, Brittanee Nicole kills it with the spice. The spice is spicin’ and there are a surprising number of references to glittery male genitalia (unless you have been reading the series, plus the previous interconnected one, in which case, it is not surprising at all).
Ava and War’s relationship is sweet and sometimes a little sad. Both have some history and are working through some of it by giving these kids the opportunity to a loving family. In this, they find ways to honor each other and share the little things that feel like family to them. The scene with Christmas breakfast is just adorable.
This story is fairly predictable but has a very earnest delivery, which makes it heartwarming and not tired. To add, Brittanee Nicole kills it with the spice. The spice is spicin’ and there are a surprising number of references to glittery male genitalia (unless you have been reading the series, plus the previous interconnected one, in which case, it is not surprising at all).
Ava and War’s relationship is sweet and sometimes a little sad. Both have some history and are working through some of it by giving these kids the opportunity to a loving family. In this, they find ways to honor each other and share the little things that feel like family to them. The scene with Christmas breakfast is just adorable.
Saint: A Novel by Adrienne Young
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Saint may now be my favorite character in the Narrows world. With the intro to him in Fable, he came across as cold and unfeeling. This origin story explains how some of those behaviors came to be. They were part of what made him as successful as he became.
In Fable and Namesake, Isolde is but a name, we never get to meet her. Having her also be a part of this story helps create a richer backstory for the original duology. In the descriptions of Isolde in the duology, there is a sense she was confident and maybe a little foolhardy. What we see in this book is her coming into her own. Leaving the protection of her mother, she loses the security her mother’s name brings her. There is a sense that she has been sheltered in some ways and being around Saint and the other characters she crosses paths with really opens her eyes to the world she now lives in.
Here’s hoping this is not the last we see of these characters or this world. They now live rent free in my head.
In Fable and Namesake, Isolde is but a name, we never get to meet her. Having her also be a part of this story helps create a richer backstory for the original duology. In the descriptions of Isolde in the duology, there is a sense she was confident and maybe a little foolhardy. What we see in this book is her coming into her own. Leaving the protection of her mother, she loses the security her mother’s name brings her. There is a sense that she has been sheltered in some ways and being around Saint and the other characters she crosses paths with really opens her eyes to the world she now lives in.
Here’s hoping this is not the last we see of these characters or this world. They now live rent free in my head.
Tides: Paj & Auster by Adrienne Young
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I usually don’t love novellas but the novellas about the Narrows world are really meeting a need for me. This is the backstory about how Auster and Paj, who we get to know in Fable and Namesake, initially meet and become who they are in the Narrows duology.
Auster is from a family who are essentially mobsters. On a job one night, he is thwarted by a trader from a recently docked boat. He gets away before the harbor watch is called, but 2 weeks later the boat pulls in again and the trader, Paj, ends up at the same tavern as Auster. As Paj and Auster begin to meet every 2 weeks when Paj’s boat is in port, the cracks begin to show in the foundation Auster has with his family.
Though this is a short story, the development of Auster and Paj’s relationship is apparent. Through walks and shared meals, the seeds of intimacy are sown and it is understandable the decisions made that lead to how we meet them in Fable.
Auster is from a family who are essentially mobsters. On a job one night, he is thwarted by a trader from a recently docked boat. He gets away before the harbor watch is called, but 2 weeks later the boat pulls in again and the trader, Paj, ends up at the same tavern as Auster. As Paj and Auster begin to meet every 2 weeks when Paj’s boat is in port, the cracks begin to show in the foundation Auster has with his family.
Though this is a short story, the development of Auster and Paj’s relationship is apparent. Through walks and shared meals, the seeds of intimacy are sown and it is understandable the decisions made that lead to how we meet them in Fable.
The Last Legacy by Adrienne Young
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
When Bryn Roth is called back to Bastian by her uncle at 18, she knows the world she is walking into is different from the one she experienced being raised by her great aunt after her parents died. The Roth’s have the fingers in many pots but are looking to finally receive the approval to act as merchants; an opportunity that would have a positive impact on the family. Bryn has to learn how to hold her own in a new environment and gain her family’s trust to solidify her position in the family or face getting married off to better her uncle’s business relationships. To make matters worse, the silversmith who works for the family has caught her eye.
Adrienne Young takes us back to the world of the Narrows with a tale focusing on some familiar characters who first showed up in Namesake. Instead of adventures on the sea, we are introduced to the inner workings of the merchants in Bastian. Though the characters in this book were not as fleshed out as in others of this series, the history with the Roths helped the reader understand certain dynamics and decisions made throughout this book. I would have loved to have learned a little more about Ezra. It felt like 65% of his character was being quiet and brooding. A few more sentences would have been great to see on the page. I really enjoyed Bryn. She is conniving in the best way. I loved seeing the game plan play out. I am hoping this is not the last we get about the Narrows world and Bryn and Ezra (heck let’s get a book about Murrow or Tru).
Adrienne Young takes us back to the world of the Narrows with a tale focusing on some familiar characters who first showed up in Namesake. Instead of adventures on the sea, we are introduced to the inner workings of the merchants in Bastian. Though the characters in this book were not as fleshed out as in others of this series, the history with the Roths helped the reader understand certain dynamics and decisions made throughout this book. I would have loved to have learned a little more about Ezra. It felt like 65% of his character was being quiet and brooding. A few more sentences would have been great to see on the page. I really enjoyed Bryn. She is conniving in the best way. I loved seeing the game plan play out. I am hoping this is not the last we get about the Narrows world and Bryn and Ezra (heck let’s get a book about Murrow or Tru).
Namesake by Adrienne Young
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
In one review I read that Fable is about her finding her father, but in a way Namesake is about Fable finding family, including her father. With the complicated relationship she has with her father, based on rules to keep them both safe in an unsafe world, Fable finding ways to connect with him time and time again, sometimes even as she challenged him, was sweet. Her craving for his affection and attention is something that universally translates, no matter the age or culture.
Adrienne Young has a way of describing things in her stories that guide you on how to feel about them. Saint is described using the color blue and the smell of his pipe. When he is on the page, you want to lean in and stare at his blue eyes, while he is wearing his blue coat, and you can almost smell the scent of his pipe. Isolde is described in a way that reminds me of the embrace of water. It can surround you and hold you, but it never fully belongs to you. West is like a lighthouse, bringing Fable to safety. His blond hair is mentioned as catching Fable’s eye. She watches for him and when she sees him, in either book, she is drawn to his light.
I enjoyed Fable putting trust in her people to come through and sometimes being let down. She kept giving opportunities even when it looked like she was on her own. Clove, is an excellent example of someone she thought she could trust implicitly and though everything appeared as if he joined the other side and had no reason to help her, she still gave him the opportunity to surprise her.
I really want to keep reading books in this world. I hope we have little sneak peeks into the Narrows for years to come.
Adrienne Young has a way of describing things in her stories that guide you on how to feel about them. Saint is described using the color blue and the smell of his pipe. When he is on the page, you want to lean in and stare at his blue eyes, while he is wearing his blue coat, and you can almost smell the scent of his pipe. Isolde is described in a way that reminds me of the embrace of water. It can surround you and hold you, but it never fully belongs to you. West is like a lighthouse, bringing Fable to safety. His blond hair is mentioned as catching Fable’s eye. She watches for him and when she sees him, in either book, she is drawn to his light.
I enjoyed Fable putting trust in her people to come through and sometimes being let down. She kept giving opportunities even when it looked like she was on her own. Clove, is an excellent example of someone she thought she could trust implicitly and though everything appeared as if he joined the other side and had no reason to help her, she still gave him the opportunity to surprise her.
I really want to keep reading books in this world. I hope we have little sneak peeks into the Narrows for years to come.
Drift: Willa & Koy: A Narrows Novella by Adrienne Young
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This issue I have with novellas is I wish they were longer. Seeing where Willa and Koy end up after leaving the Marigold is everything I would want for them. There was a certain tension between them when they initially met, but it is was quite clear from the first page of this story. Here’s hoping we continue to get stories of the Narrows.
Fable by Adrienne Young
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Fable is a story of a woman finding her way against unlikely odds. Abandoned on an island forced to survive against others who would cut her throat sooner than help her, Fable finds a way to get by, and eventually find her way.
After having this book on my TBR for a while and on my bookshelf for several months, I finally picked it up on a whim. Holy moly. What an adventure this story weaves. Every time Fable gets her footing, it seems to be cut out from under her. And yet, she perseveres.
Adrienne Young has a lyrical writing style that takes the reader on a fantastical journey. Every book I’ve read of here, I finish with a great sigh and am reminded how much I love her work.
After having this book on my TBR for a while and on my bookshelf for several months, I finally picked it up on a whim. Holy moly. What an adventure this story weaves. Every time Fable gets her footing, it seems to be cut out from under her. And yet, she perseveres.
Adrienne Young has a lyrical writing style that takes the reader on a fantastical journey. Every book I’ve read of here, I finish with a great sigh and am reminded how much I love her work.
Trouble by Brittanée Nicole
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Holy spice. This is a spice heavy book where occasionally it felt like they were just spicing it up. There were some heavier topics discussed and I thought it was handled very tastefully. After meeting all the characters in previous books, it was fun to get their stories and see them open up. Pretty sure Declan was my favorite though.