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itsjustkatereading's reviews
1642 reviews
Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Never before have I craved a croissant as much as I did whilst reading this book. Almond croissants were here there and everywhere and it’s a crime this book doesn’t come with a free sample.
I absolutely adored this ray of sunshine of a book. It was endearing, wholesome and just so incredibly heartwarming. I adored the cast of characters (the twins were the real stars of the show) and thought Millie and Finn’s relationship was gorgeously written (he buys her a kitchen aid and I just… is there anything more perfect?). I also thought the explorations of grief, mental health, toxic family dynamics and abusive relationships were really well done.
All in all, this was a really lovely reading experience and I’m already incredibly excited to read the next book in this series because I had such a good time with this.
what to expect:
•grumpy (but actually a cinnamon roll) x sunshine
• workplace romance
• stem
• they cook for each other
• he falls first
• therapy rep (mmc)
• single parent/guardian
• slow burn
• hate to friends to lover
• the cutest kids
• croissants
I absolutely adored this ray of sunshine of a book. It was endearing, wholesome and just so incredibly heartwarming. I adored the cast of characters (the twins were the real stars of the show) and thought Millie and Finn’s relationship was gorgeously written (he buys her a kitchen aid and I just… is there anything more perfect?). I also thought the explorations of grief, mental health, toxic family dynamics and abusive relationships were really well done.
All in all, this was a really lovely reading experience and I’m already incredibly excited to read the next book in this series because I had such a good time with this.
what to expect:
•grumpy (but actually a cinnamon roll) x sunshine
• workplace romance
• stem
• they cook for each other
• he falls first
• therapy rep (mmc)
• single parent/guardian
• slow burn
• hate to friends to lover
• the cutest kids
• croissants
Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.0
I almost wish I didn’t love this as much as I did because even though the rebel witch was a perfectly satisfying duology finale, I already want more. I want more from these characters and its world and this magic. I want more of the enemies to lovers back and forth I couldn’t get enough of from these two. This was such a strong duology. It’s addictive, emotional, dramatic, magical, dark and compelling and story I’d happily return to in the future.
what to expect:
• witch x witch hunter
• enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers ♾️
• forbidden romance
• blood magic
• a good time
what to expect:
• witch x witch hunter
• enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers ♾️
• forbidden romance
• blood magic
• a good time
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Scarlett Vandermeer and Lukas Blomqvist have my heart. They were such beautifully developed characters and I adored both their story both together and Scarlett’s individual narrative. While the spice was admittedly a little too much for me at times, I honestly didn’t mind because the story was so unexpectedly sweet??? There was so much care and love in this book and it was just gorgeous.
what to expect:
• sports romance: diver x swimmer
• college setting
• her best friends ex (it’s not as bad as it sounds)
• ptsd & mental health rep (fmc)
• he falls hard
what to expect:
• sports romance: diver x swimmer
• college setting
• her best friends ex (it’s not as bad as it sounds)
• ptsd & mental health rep (fmc)
• he falls hard
Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
When I say I adored this book, I mean I adored this book.
Ever Evergreen, Semi Magical Witch is a ray of sunshine in middle grade book form and made my Kiki's Delivery Service loving heart very happy. It's a wholesome, magical and wonderful story of friendship, defying expectations, kindness and self belief. I loved every minute of it.
Ever Evergreen, Semi Magical Witch is a ray of sunshine in middle grade book form and made my Kiki's Delivery Service loving heart very happy. It's a wholesome, magical and wonderful story of friendship, defying expectations, kindness and self belief. I loved every minute of it.
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Part of me is frustrated I waited to long to read this book. Another part of me is so glad I did because after that ending? I have a feeling the wait for book two would have likely ruined me.
This was an incredibly fun, immersive and engaging read. The cast of characters were fully developed, the plot compelling and the writing comfortable and easy to read. I had such a good time with this one.
what to expect:
• hate to love
• cat and mouse
• witch x witch hunter
• humans vs. witches
• love triangle (sorta?)
• deception on all sides everywhere all at once
• dual pov
This was an incredibly fun, immersive and engaging read. The cast of characters were fully developed, the plot compelling and the writing comfortable and easy to read. I had such a good time with this one.
what to expect:
• hate to love
• cat and mouse
• witch x witch hunter
• humans vs. witches
• love triangle (sorta?)
• deception on all sides everywhere all at once
• dual pov
Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
This was an entertaining read but nothing particularly outstanding. I enjoyed the main characters but found it difficult to keep track of the supporting cast. The world was intriguing but again, I struggled to completely get to grips with its politics and magic system. That being said, I have a feeling I might have found it easier to follow has I read the physical book, rather than audio.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a series I'd consider continuing when the sequel is released, I just might need a reread of this one before then.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a series I'd consider continuing when the sequel is released, I just might need a reread of this one before then.
(S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi
dark
emotional
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
4.25
A beautiful and uniquely told story, (S)Kin expertly explores topics such as sisterhood, complex family dynamics, class, identity, colourism, self value and immigration.
I absolutely adored the way Ibi Zoboi told Marisol's and Genevieve's story. I thought the way their narrations intertwined and paralleled towards the end was especially poignant. The was a story I found incredibly difficult to pull myself away from and ended up spending an evening finising it from start to finish.
There were moments I found a little confusing and I wasn't a huge fan of the way the story closed, hence not giving it the full five stars but this has undoubtedly become one of my favourite novels in verse and I've already caught myself talking about it to anyone who will listen. Overall, (S)Kin was a powerful, thought provoking, emotional and quietly magical read and one I'd happily both recommend and reread.
I absolutely adored the way Ibi Zoboi told Marisol's and Genevieve's story. I thought the way their narrations intertwined and paralleled towards the end was especially poignant. The was a story I found incredibly difficult to pull myself away from and ended up spending an evening finising it from start to finish.
There were moments I found a little confusing and I wasn't a huge fan of the way the story closed, hence not giving it the full five stars but this has undoubtedly become one of my favourite novels in verse and I've already caught myself talking about it to anyone who will listen. Overall, (S)Kin was a powerful, thought provoking, emotional and quietly magical read and one I'd happily both recommend and reread.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver
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
3.0
I’m so sad I didn’t love this as much as I’d hoped to. I really liked both Violet and Cole as characters but elements of their story kind of gave me the ick (mostly the way they met and some of Violet’s reactions to Cole’s ptsd). I also just didn’t get the banter and chemistry I’d have liked from both them and the side characters. That being said, it was enjoyable enough and I love me some positive therapy rep. I’m just not 100% sold.
what to expect
• grumpy x sunshine
• forced proximity
• ptsd and amputee rep (mmc)
what to expect
• grumpy x sunshine
• forced proximity
• ptsd and amputee rep (mmc)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
An utterly adorable, slow burn debut romance.
I had such a great time with this book. The cast of characters were well developed and I found myself instantly warming to them. The romance was everything its classic meet cute led to me to expect. It was sweet, with some great banter and chemistry and was on the perfect side of slow burn. The only slight issue for me was that I felt as though the fake dating lasted a little too long but the overall pacing of the book was great, so it didn’t bother me too much.
I also really enjoyed Etta Easton’s writing style. It was comfortable and easy to read in the best way, whilst not being too simple. She balanced the lighthearted tone of the book well alongside more emotional topics such as chronic illness and grief.
All in all, this was a really lovely read and having happily finished it in two sittings, I’m looking forward to reading more of Etta’s work in the future!
What to expect:
• Black mmc and fmc
• Cinnamon roll mmc
• He falls first
• Slow burn
• Fake dating
• Forced proximity
• Only one bed
• Chronic illness rep (fmc’s mother has sickle cell anemia)
I had such a great time with this book. The cast of characters were well developed and I found myself instantly warming to them. The romance was everything its classic meet cute led to me to expect. It was sweet, with some great banter and chemistry and was on the perfect side of slow burn. The only slight issue for me was that I felt as though the fake dating lasted a little too long but the overall pacing of the book was great, so it didn’t bother me too much.
I also really enjoyed Etta Easton’s writing style. It was comfortable and easy to read in the best way, whilst not being too simple. She balanced the lighthearted tone of the book well alongside more emotional topics such as chronic illness and grief.
All in all, this was a really lovely read and having happily finished it in two sittings, I’m looking forward to reading more of Etta’s work in the future!
What to expect:
• Black mmc and fmc
• Cinnamon roll mmc
• He falls first
• Slow burn
• Fake dating
• Forced proximity
• Only one bed
• Chronic illness rep (fmc’s mother has sickle cell anemia)
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
This book definitely had moments of being intriguing and creepy but sadly this didn’t do much for me. I wasn’t a fan of the multiple POV’s/tenses and it overall just felt a little flat. It may be due to having high expectations after hearing so many glowing reviews but this was very much a middle ground, not good but not bad, three stars.