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itsjustkatereading's reviews
1643 reviews
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.
Reel by Kennedy Ryan
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Reading Reel was like watching the most beautiful classic old Hollywood movie. It’s smooth, sultry, stylish and utterly unforgettable.
There is so much about this book that is truly standout but, for me, Neevah’s journey with chronic illness and the way Cannon stood by and supported her was something truly special.
Reel is a love story for the ages and one I will be recommending to anyone who will listen.
what to expect:
• chronic illness rep (lupus) fmc
• black fmc and mmc
• grumpy x sunshine
• slow burn
• big city romance
• she’s an actress, he’s the producer
• complex family histories
what to expect:
• chronic illness rep (lupus) fmc
• black fmc and mmc
• grumpy x sunshine
• slow burn
• big city romance
• she’s an actress, he’s the producer
• complex family histories
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A small but mightily moving read.
Deadly Little Scandals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
I hope this town uses its vast wealth to get the family therapy it needs.
Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s books are always a huge amount of fun and rich in drama, secrets and rich people hijinks, Little White Lies is no exception to that rule.
My only gripe with this book is that I found myself craving higher stakes. I just wanted a little bit more to keep me on the edge of my seat, desperate for answers. Don’t get me wrong, I flew through this and a was undeniably engaged but it didn’t quite hook me in the way JLB’s books have in the past.
That being said, this book was a great time and made my teen PLL obsessed self very nostalgic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming
Unromance by Erin Connor
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This was the most rom-com movie rom-com I’ve ever read and I loved every minute of it. This is truly a love letter to the romance genre in the best way. It’s tropey and fun, whilst also having depth and a cast of characters you can’t help but adore. I’m so excited to see what Erin Connor writes next!
what to expect:
• once night stand
• bi, anti romance romance author fmc
• cinnamon roll, hopeless romantic actor mmc
• all the romance tropes
• big city chicago setting
• rom-com movie references
• dual perspective
what to expect:
• once night stand
• bi, anti romance romance author fmc
• cinnamon roll, hopeless romantic actor mmc
• all the romance tropes
• big city chicago setting
• rom-com movie references
• dual perspective
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
dark
mysterious
tense
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
Needy Little Things is one of the most additive and compelling YA thrillers I’ve read in a long time.
Unique in its quiet use of magic, this book expertly balances social commentary and mystery, all while exploring topics such as mental illness, racism, neurodivergence, addiction, chronic illness and complex family dynamics, with grace and nuance.
With a constant air of building suspense that doesn’t once let up, I found this truly difficult to tear myself away from and ended up devouring it in a matter of hours.
I absolutely loved the way Channelle Desamours writes can’t wait to read more from her in the future (hopefully a Needy Little Things book two because after that ending, I have a desperate need for it!!)
Overall, this was a superb and incredibly memorable debut and one I would both happily and highly recommend.
what to expect:
• twists and turns
• black, bi fmc with adhd
• sickle cell anemia rep (side character)
• close knit friendship group
• sweet, slow burn romance
• mysteries upon mysteries
Unique in its quiet use of magic, this book expertly balances social commentary and mystery, all while exploring topics such as mental illness, racism, neurodivergence, addiction, chronic illness and complex family dynamics, with grace and nuance.
With a constant air of building suspense that doesn’t once let up, I found this truly difficult to tear myself away from and ended up devouring it in a matter of hours.
I absolutely loved the way Channelle Desamours writes can’t wait to read more from her in the future (hopefully a Needy Little Things book two because after that ending, I have a desperate need for it!!)
Overall, this was a superb and incredibly memorable debut and one I would both happily and highly recommend.
what to expect:
• twists and turns
• black, bi fmc with adhd
• sickle cell anemia rep (side character)
• close knit friendship group
• sweet, slow burn romance
• mysteries upon mysteries
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
The Bell Jar: The Illustrated Edition by Sylvia Plath
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
I’m not giving this a rating because honestly? I have no idea how to rate it.
On the one hand, it was a compelling read and I can appreciate its merit.
On the other hand, it’s racist, fatphobic and written in a style I didn’t particularly love.
That being said, I’m appreciative that this book helped pave the way for society/literature to be able to have honest conversations about mental health, something I’m incredibly passionate about.
I have a lot of thoughts and no idea how to put them down into words right now. Maybe one day but right now I just need to process and talk it out. 😅
On the one hand, it was a compelling read and I can appreciate its merit.
On the other hand, it’s racist, fatphobic and written in a style I didn’t particularly love.
That being said, I’m appreciative that this book helped pave the way for society/literature to be able to have honest conversations about mental health, something I’m incredibly passionate about.
I have a lot of thoughts and no idea how to put them down into words right now. Maybe one day but right now I just need to process and talk it out. 😅
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Racism
The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
okay but who allowed sarah adams to write books this cute? this was adorable, funny and just an all round good time.
what to expect:
• single mum
• brothers best friend
• adorable son
• close family dynamics
what to expect:
• single mum
• brothers best friend
• adorable son
• close family dynamics
Black Star by Kwame Alexander
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
Powerful, devastating and beautifully lyrical. Having adored The Door of No Return, I was apprehensive about picking up its sequel but I had no need to worry. Black Star was just as unforgettable, moving compelling as its predecessor. I devoured this in a few hours, finding it impossible to pull myself away from. I am incredibly intrigued and excited as to how book three will continue to explore this family’s story. I can’t recommend these books more highly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Slavery