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emmas_bookshelf's reviews
688 reviews
Close Knit by Jenny Colgan
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This starts out kind of like a cozy little light romance, then evolves into a terrifying rescue mission when kids are stuck in the mountains in a snowstorm. What a ride!! I really enjoyed the book and the cast of characters. I always find Jenny Colgan’s books to be easy but poignant reads.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a fun book. This might be a hot take, but I actually thought the wine pairings at the start of each chapter didn’t really add anything to the story. I did enjoy Kit and Theo and watching their relationship unfold amidst a cast of quirky side characters.
The Breakup Vacation by Anna Gracia
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was incredibly steamy, which is what I would say it primarily has going for it. I was constantly irritated by the immaturity and poor decision-making of the main character. I would recommend if you’re looking for something spicy, silly and messy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is so unique in that it’s a thriller but it’s central theme is friendship. It was fascinating to read, but there is a lot of childhood trauma told in flashbacks, so I would recommend checking content warnings on the StoryGraph app, which include sexual exploitation and rape of a minor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Murder
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book. It had me in its thrall right from the start and the voice acting on the audiobook is impeccable. There are so many layers of secrets and deception. It’s a perfect cozy light thriller for fall. Would highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and Alcohol
The Intern by Michele Campbell
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book! It has me in its grip from the first chapter, and had some surprising twists. Like the opening line suggests, it really is about class, ambition, and family. Would highly recommend if you want a light thriller for the fall. It also takes place in Boston which was a great setting IMO.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking
Moderate: Gun violence and Alcohol
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really enjoyed this book! Ember is only 20 and the book initially felt very YA-like to me because, well, she has the maturity of a 20-year-old. But then it gets spicy and it’s definitely an ADULT romance. It was a fun read and Ember will absolutely have you rooting for her. A great read for fall!
The Finders Keepers Library by Annie Rains
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I really enjoyed this book! Annie Rains is definitely a book lover who writes for book lovers. It’s full of found family love, the love of literature, and great representation of characters with chronic illness (lupus) and disabilities. Highly recommend!! A warm and happy book for fall.
Sounds Like a Plan by Pamela Samuels Young, Dwayne Alexander Smith
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really enjoy romantic suspense / romantic mysteries, and private detectives (Marshmallow here IYKYK) so I was eager to read this! Unfortunately the characters weren’t my favorites BUT the mystery twist did take me by surprise (in a good way!) and was mysterious enough to compel me to read to the end. Could be a fun read if you like this type of book!
Elizabeth of East Hampton by Emily Harding, Audrey Bellezza
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
In this modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice, the Bennet family are reimagined as native Long Islanders who run a bakery in the Hamptons. When Darcy and the Bingleys (plus the perfidious Tristan) blow in for the summer, it upends their lives. This is the second in these authors’ Austen series (after Emma of 83rd Street, which I loved) set in New York, and I love how creative they are with the reimagining of an Austen cast of characters in present day New York. No spoilers but Mary is an environmental activist who gets arrested! Very well done and worth a read!