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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The cozy mystery aspect of this book is fun, but I found the multigenerational dynamics between Lana, Beth, and Jack far more interesting. As the formidable matriarch recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer, Lana is a force of nature in her ability to track down clues--but her newfound vulnerability makes her more human and relatable. I also loved the teenage Jack; she reminds me a bit of myself when I was that age. I wish Nina Simon had spent more time on Beth, but it was great to see how she raised not only Jack but herself starting at age eighteen.
Also, the author's note at the end about Simon's own mother's lung cancer made me cry (and made me appreciate the book more).
The cozy mystery aspect of this book is fun, but I found the multigenerational dynamics between Lana, Beth, and Jack far more interesting. As the formidable matriarch recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer, Lana is a force of nature in her ability to track down clues--but her newfound vulnerability makes her more human and relatable. I also loved the teenage Jack; she reminds me a bit of myself when I was that age. I wish Nina Simon had spent more time on Beth, but it was great to see how she raised not only Jack but herself starting at age eighteen.
Also, the author's note at the end about Simon's own mother's lung cancer made me cry (and made me appreciate the book more).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Minor: Death, Murder, and Pregnancy
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun and fluffy take on the vampire-human romance trope. I particularly enjoyed Frederick's text messages with Raymond; they read a lot like Daniel M. Lavery's Texts from Jane Eyre, and I could have read a whole book's worth of them. I wish the writing were less surface level--for example, I wanted to know more about the logistics of vampirism and Frederick's history--but the romance is cute, and I enjoyed witnessing Cassie's personal and professional growth.
This is a fun and fluffy take on the vampire-human romance trope. I particularly enjoyed Frederick's text messages with Raymond; they read a lot like Daniel M. Lavery's Texts from Jane Eyre, and I could have read a whole book's worth of them. I wish the writing were less surface level--for example, I wanted to know more about the logistics of vampirism and Frederick's history--but the romance is cute, and I enjoyed witnessing Cassie's personal and professional growth.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Blood
The Witch Is Back by Sophie H. Morgan
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Second-chance romances are hit-and-miss for me, but this one worked well (probably because of the magical elements involved). Both Bastian and Emma are well-intentioned but have some growing to do, and their growth arcs are full of depth. There are some annoying bits of miscommunication, but overall their relationship feels realistic (for, you know, one between two magical beings) and supportive (Bastian's takedown of Emma's mom is AWESOME). I also loved the cozy, witchy atmosphere of the book--I want to know more about the magical society in which Bastian and Emma grew up.
I'm not sure if this will end up being a series, but I'd love to read about Tia, Leah, and their respective love interests!
Second-chance romances are hit-and-miss for me, but this one worked well (probably because of the magical elements involved). Both Bastian and Emma are well-intentioned but have some growing to do, and their growth arcs are full of depth. There are some annoying bits of miscommunication, but overall their relationship feels realistic (for, you know, one between two magical beings) and supportive (Bastian's takedown of Emma's mom is AWESOME). I also loved the cozy, witchy atmosphere of the book--I want to know more about the magical society in which Bastian and Emma grew up.
I'm not sure if this will end up being a series, but I'd love to read about Tia, Leah, and their respective love interests!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
What was Shakespeare Really Like? by Stanley Wells
informative
slow-paced
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I would have loved to hear Stanley Wells read this as it was originally intended because it feels dense in parts as a written text. I did appreciate Wells' take on Shakespeare's sense of humor, though, and his analysis of his love poems was an entertaining read--reminded me of the more fun parts of grad school.
I would have loved to hear Stanley Wells read this as it was originally intended because it feels dense in parts as a written text. I did appreciate Wells' take on Shakespeare's sense of humor, though, and his analysis of his love poems was an entertaining read--reminded me of the more fun parts of grad school.
Night Fever by Ed Brubaker
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Maybe I don't get Ed Brubaker's stories because I felt similarly about Fatale: the plot is disjointed and tough to follow. Night Fever feels more like Brubaker's attempt to parse out his own demons in a fever dream--he implies this much in his author's note--than a coherent thriller, but it suits Sean Phillips' art nicely.
Maybe I don't get Ed Brubaker's stories because I felt similarly about Fatale: the plot is disjointed and tough to follow. Night Fever feels more like Brubaker's attempt to parse out his own demons in a fever dream--he implies this much in his author's note--than a coherent thriller, but it suits Sean Phillips' art nicely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Murder
Accidentally in Love by Danielle Jackson
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I'm glad this book exists because the representation (folks of color, body positivity, main character w/ chronic illness, burnout, etc.) is solid, and it's great to see it normalized in romance. I also loved the fun, silly abandon of Chicago summer; it reminded me of my years spent in the city.
The writing, unfortunately, doesn't flow well; there are many moments that feel stilted and awkward or inserted for the sake of inclusion rather than incorporated into the story. (The narrator for the audiobook does an admirable job with what she's given, though.) The chemistry between Russell and Sam also felt off--that might have had something to do with how persistent Russell was at the beginning, though.
The writing, unfortunately, doesn't flow well; there are many moments that feel stilted and awkward or inserted for the sake of inclusion rather than incorporated into the story. (The narrator for the audiobook does an admirable job with what she's given, though.) The chemistry between Russell and Sam also felt off--that might have had something to do with how persistent Russell was at the beginning, though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Medical content
The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Giving this an extra .5 stars mostly because the Author's Note gave more meaning to the themes of the novel). This is a cute, Time Traveler's Wife-esque romance; there are tragic elements revealed in the middle of it, but none of them touch our featured couple, Romeo and Juliet...I mean...Sebastian and Helene. For how long and anguished their romantic history is, I expected more chemistry--but their relationship is still sweet and loving. There are also some scenes in which the villain gets his comeuppance in a way that I found sneaky yet satisfying.
Giving this an extra .5 stars mostly because the Author's Note gave more meaning to the themes of the novel). This is a cute, Time Traveler's Wife-esque romance; there are tragic elements revealed in the middle of it, but none of them touch our featured couple, Romeo and Juliet...I mean...Sebastian and Helene. For how long and anguished their romantic history is, I expected more chemistry--but their relationship is still sweet and loving. There are also some scenes in which the villain gets his comeuppance in a way that I found sneaky yet satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Sexual content and Pregnancy
The Apology by Jimin Han
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love a generational drama, and Jimin Han creates a strong sense of Jeonga's family and the sense of loyalty and fidelity within this sphere. My favorite parts of the novel are those when Jeonga is alive and playing the role of snooty, controlling sammonim even while traveling with her fellow centenarian sisters and her personal assistant. I also appreciate how well the cultural elements of family and aging in Korea are depicted even after Jeonga dies. The afterlife scenes are a bit on-the-nose in Han's insistence on squeezing out Jeonga's titular apology, but they fit within the "family first" theme of the novel.
I love a generational drama, and Jimin Han creates a strong sense of Jeonga's family and the sense of loyalty and fidelity within this sphere. My favorite parts of the novel are those when Jeonga is alive and playing the role of snooty, controlling sammonim even while traveling with her fellow centenarian sisters and her personal assistant. I also appreciate how well the cultural elements of family and aging in Korea are depicted even after Jeonga dies. The afterlife scenes are a bit on-the-nose in Han's insistence on squeezing out Jeonga's titular apology, but they fit within the "family first" theme of the novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Terminal illness
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Infidelity
The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec
adventurous
emotional
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this better than Genevieve Gornichec's previous novel, The Witch's Heart, likely because it was less of a straightforward mythology retelling and more of Gornichec's own creation. The dialogue is also stronger and less awkward. One aspect from The Witch's Heart that I was happy to see preserved here, however, is how much agency our women protagonists have--they're incredibly strong, inspiration, smart, and bitingly funny in their wit. There's also a trans character (possible spoiler?) that ends up having a major role in the story.
I liked this better than Genevieve Gornichec's previous novel, The Witch's Heart, likely because it was less of a straightforward mythology retelling and more of Gornichec's own creation. The dialogue is also stronger and less awkward. One aspect from The Witch's Heart that I was happy to see preserved here, however, is how much agency our women protagonists have--they're incredibly strong, inspiration, smart, and bitingly funny in their wit. There's also a trans character (possible spoiler?) that ends up having a major role in the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and War
The Mis-Arrangement of Sana Saeed by Noreen Mughees
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sweet-yet-passionate halal romance with enough drama to satiate those of us who love over-the-top Dolly/Tolly/Bollywood films. The fated-mates/second-chance trope doesn't usually work for me, but I enjoyed it within this cultural context. I also appreciated the autism rep, especially in relation to family dynamics. (Like Sana, I have a brother who is autistic.) The writing feels blunt in places--there are several instances of telling rather than showing, especially at the beginning of the novel--but debut author Noreen Mughees eventually finds her flow.
This is a sweet-yet-passionate halal romance with enough drama to satiate those of us who love over-the-top Dolly/Tolly/Bollywood films. The fated-mates/second-chance trope doesn't usually work for me, but I enjoyed it within this cultural context. I also appreciated the autism rep, especially in relation to family dynamics. (Like Sana, I have a brother who is autistic.) The writing feels blunt in places--there are several instances of telling rather than showing, especially at the beginning of the novel--but debut author Noreen Mughees eventually finds her flow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia
Minor: Death and Death of parent