fightmemacbeth's reviews
94 reviews

A coal delivery man in 1985 Ireland goes about his regular life in the weeks leading up to Christmas. But he wonders about more than just living in endless routine.

I thought the writing style was beautiful, even though some of the dialect was new to me. The narrator of the audiobook did a really good job.

"nothing ever did happen again; to each was given days and chances which wouldn’t come back around. And wasn’t it sweet to be where you were and let it remind you of the past for once, despite the upset, instead of always looking on into the mechanics of the days and the trouble ahead, which might never come."

I related heavily to the main character, who didn't know his father and thought about it regularly. But he also struggled with wanting to help others and doing what is best for himself and his family. Not in a selfish way, but he had a lot of kindness and not a lot of resources. I could feel his ache and understand his struggle. The internal battle between knowing there is goodness in people, but also seeing the worst of people.

Summarizing the whole book without spoiling it would be difficult, but it definitely took a turn I wasn't ready for.

I really liked this book. I wish I would've have looked for content warnings, so I knew a bit more of what I was getting into.

THE ENDING HOWEVER. I struggled with the endings ambiguity. There were so many loose ends and things left unknown, and I really don't like those kinds of endings.

I would recommend this book to someone looking for something deep and thought provoking, who may not have a lot of time on their hands.

Content Warnings

The Tea Dragon Society by K. O'Neill

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.

The art was lovely, it just wasn't my vibe. I'm not a big fan of graphic novels.

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This is one of three Women in STEM novellas by Ali Hazelwood. It follows Mara and Liam, after Mara's mentor dies she leaves her ownership of half of a house in Washington DC. Her mentor's nephew, Liam, owns the other half. They don't get along.

This is the second book by Ali Hazelwood that I've read and I like her style. I wish there was a bit more to the characters than woman in stem and asshole but secretly sweet guy, but overall I like her writing.

A minor criticism I have is for whatever reason I thought they were going to be like snowed in and then they weren't so I was ever so slightly disappointed. That's mostly on me though since it didn't say anyway that that was going to happen lol.

If you liked Love Hypothesis, you'll probably like this. Although it feels a touch repetitive.

Had his been a full book, I feel like Ali Hazelwood would have killed me with a slow burn. I definitely was yelling at the characters because they got so close, and then one of them would walk away 😭

I feel pretty neutral towards this novella. I didn't dislike it, but it's definitely not something I absolutely loved and will talk about until I die. It was just a short little audiobook I'd been putting on while I did some chores, or played on my phone.

I think if you like the style of The Love Hypothesis and you don't mind another story that is very very similar to it. You would enjoy this book. Ali Hazelwood knows what her strength is and definitely plays to it. I know she's written a chess themed YA novel and a paranormal romance.

I might check out the Paranormal romance at some point we'll have to see.

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

Butcher & Blackbird is a dual POV, friends-to-lovers, dark romance about two serial killers who kill other serial killers, and the little competition/game they make out of it.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes true crime and wants to dip into the dark romance genre. Additionally, anyone who kinda likes contemporary romance, but need more intensity and violence to feel more interested. HOWEVER CHECKING THE TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNINGS IS VERY IMPORTANT BEFORE READING THIS BOOK.

Parts of this book had me squealing and kicking my feet. I don't feel like there was a super big message or overly important commentary, but I was okay with that. This book is dark and gory good time and I was vibing with that.

The friends-to-lovers arc felt a little fast for me, but honestly I liked the characters to the point where I didn't mind it too much. But the TWIST near the end had me literally screaming. It's fully possible that I missed the clues but I did not see the last little twist coming.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, I had a good time reading it

(aside from having cookies and cream ice cream ruined for me forever)

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants romance with a burst of non-supernatural darkness.

Content Warnings

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

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adventurous emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

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

4.5

I really liked this book, even if it took me a while to get into it. Some of the moments BROKE ME. It's a tie between Catching Fire and this one to be my favorites of the series.

I wish more would have been done with Finnick, Johanna, and Annie. But overall I liked it.

Some of the book felt a little jumpy, but overall it was good.

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fightmemacbeth's reviews 94 reviews

fightmemacbeth's reviews
94 reviews