emmas_bookshelf's reviews
688 reviews

Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter

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dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

In this book about a child internet star/influencer, she writes so sharply and reflectively about internet culture, influencer culture, kids as influencers, and even touches on the ethics of true crime podcasts. It was a great story, well told, predictable in some parts but surprising in others. Well done and congrats Olivia! I would totally recommend! 
A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril by Manda Collins

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dark funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is the fourth installment in Manda Collins’s Ladies Most Scandalous historical romantic suspense (mystery + romance) series. Much like the others, I loved it!! A murder to solve, romantic intrigue, female friendships and women defying the expectations and limits of society = fantastic! It’s a delightful read. 
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

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dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I listened to it on audiobook which for me usually means in the car so when I arrive at my destination the book gets paused and I was so riveted it was hard to metaphorically “put it down”. Margot’s life exemplifies all the lack of societal support for children and parents post-childbirth and also illustrates the hypocrisy and selfishness so many display - but somehow manages to be fun and funny while brutally indicting society and most of the people around Margot? It was great. 10/10 would recommend. 
Four Weddings and A Puppy by Lizzie Shane

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was such a sweet, slightly cheesy hallmark-movie of a book! It’s a second chance romance featuring skiers at a resort near a small town in Vermont. And as the title would suggest, a hilarious chaos agent in the form of a golden retriever puppy. If you’re looking for an easy read, would recommend!
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Very Bad Company by Emma Rosenblum

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dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book gives major Knives Out 2: Glass Onion vibes. An extremely eccentric and narcissistic CEO, a group of friends who lie to and for each other, and lots of bad behavior in this contemporary mystery. I ate it up!! Taking place on a “corporate retreat” in Miami, it’s the perfect summer read to suck you in. Would totally recommend! 
Mistakes We Never Made by Hannah Brown

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funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

When I learned Alabama Hannah from The Bachelor franchise wrote a romance, I obviously was curious and had to read it. Thanks to Forever pub for hooking me up with a copy via NetGalley. While the characters were a little immature and the plot a little easy to guess, it was still an enjoyable read. Parts were funny, it was often cheesy, but still a fun romance and story of friendship. 
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This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

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emotional reflective 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? Yes

5.0

I loooooved this book. I really loved Every Summer After and Meet Me at the Lake, and this years new novel by Carley Fortune joins their ranks of summer must reads. My favorite thing about this book and Fortune’s books generally is how well she writes a setting. I’ve certainly never been to Prince Edward Island but I feel like I have after reading it. I could feel the sand in my toes, the chill of the evenings, smell the salt in the air. It’s just beautiful writing, coupled with a story that’s almost equal parts about platonic love (female friendship!!!!) and romantic love. It burns slow and steady and wholly absorbed me. Take it to the beach or the lake and dive in. 
Dominoes by Phoebe McIntosh

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emotional reflective 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? No

4.5

This book was fascinating. I love a good family drama and coupled with social commentary... It was great. Layla, Sera, Andy, and all of Layla's family members were such interesting, complex characters.
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

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dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

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emotional hopeful 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

4.5

Well, no one writes messy realistic feelings like Alison Cochrun. Two high school frenemies set off on am ill-advised road trip with their beloved high school English teacher, whose dying wish is for them to take him to Bar Harbor, Maine, so he can die in peace on his own terms. It’s funny and sad, poignant and looks death, queer identify, and other topics straight-on. Would recommend!