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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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.
I requested this eARC because I've heard good things about Samantha Downing's other books, and a psychological thriller about a toxic relationship seemed intriguing. I disliked all of the characters here--especially Ivy and Wes--but Downing's ability to parcel out aspects of the plot is strong enough to prompt me to keep reading to find out what happened. After a while, though, the mind games and crimes started to wear thin and become less interesting; while there are some small twists, I expected more daring ones. The culprit at the very end of the novel is also predictable.
I requested this eARC because I've heard good things about Samantha Downing's other books, and a psychological thriller about a toxic relationship seemed intriguing. I disliked all of the characters here--especially Ivy and Wes--but Downing's ability to parcel out aspects of the plot is strong enough to prompt me to keep reading to find out what happened. After a while, though, the mind games and crimes started to wear thin and become less interesting; while there are some small twists, I expected more daring ones. The culprit at the very end of the novel is also predictable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual assault, Car accident, and Murder
Minor: Stalking
Love in Color: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
This was such a treat to listen to as folktales told in the oral tradition; I felt like I learned a lot about non-Western stories and mythology. The writing is beautiful and poetic while also incorporating hilariously biting remarks and contemporary references; I'd recommend listening to one story at a time to savor them. Some of the stories are stronger and more effective than others; I also wish there had been more LGBTQ+ romance plots--"Nefertiti" was the only one in the collection. Standout tales for me are "Osun," "Scheherazade," "Attem," and "Nefertiti." The last story, "Alagomeji," is about Bolu Babalola's parents, which is sweet and touching.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Infidelity, and Torture
Minor: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Racial slurs
To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai
adventurous
funny
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is bonkers, but I mean that in a positive way. Simi's ostensibly undiagnosed ADHD tendencies grew on me, especially when coupled with her fierce determination and loyalty to her family, friends, and crew. (Speaking of, the crew members are all heartwarming in their well-intentioned awkwardness.) Her inner thoughts and basically all the conversations between characters are so silly and enjoyable that I actually laughed out loud a few times; it's been a while since I've read dialogue like that.
Regarding the romance, Jack was not terribly appealing in his tendency to disappear at crucial moments--as Simi points out, it's cowardly--but I guess he comes through in the end and technically has a noble cause in his thievery. The love triangle bit feels unnecessary, but maybe it's set up to play out in a sequel? Honestly, I would have rather had more scenes with The Wedding Crew.
This book is bonkers, but I mean that in a positive way. Simi's ostensibly undiagnosed ADHD tendencies grew on me, especially when coupled with her fierce determination and loyalty to her family, friends, and crew. (Speaking of, the crew members are all heartwarming in their well-intentioned awkwardness.) Her inner thoughts and basically all the conversations between characters are so silly and enjoyable that I actually laughed out loud a few times; it's been a while since I've read dialogue like that.
Regarding the romance, Jack was not terribly appealing in his tendency to disappear at crucial moments--as Simi points out, it's cowardly--but I guess he comes through in the end and technically has a noble cause in his thievery. The love triangle bit feels unnecessary, but maybe it's set up to play out in a sequel? Honestly, I would have rather had more scenes with The Wedding Crew.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, and Violence
Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis
dark
hopeful
inspiring
One should definitely read this as an audiobook; Viola Davis does a tremendous job, of course, and manages to highlight both the brutality of her childhood alongside the joy she has found in life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
I absolutely adored this--it's realistic yet incredibly sweet, and it's filled with tiny nuances and intimate gestures that made me root for Nick and Andy even more than I already was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Outing
Minor: Death of parent
A Rulebook for Restless Rogues by Jess Everlee
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the first book in this series, so I was disappointed that I didn't connect with either David or Noah as much as I did Charlie and Miles. (I also, unfortunately, read this at the same time as a stellar M/M romance by Cat Sebastian, so I was constantly comparing the two.)
The villain and threats in this book were also less developed than in its prequel, so I had less emotional stake in this book. Also, this is a small pet peeve, but Noah's Italian has errors (though maybe that's on purpose?).
Nevertheless, the romance is cute and steamy and done well. I also enjoyed reading about Noah's ambition and talent--I could've read a whole book about the drama at his workplace. Overall it's a solid entry in the series; I just wanted more from it.
I loved the first book in this series, so I was disappointed that I didn't connect with either David or Noah as much as I did Charlie and Miles. (I also, unfortunately, read this at the same time as a stellar M/M romance by Cat Sebastian, so I was constantly comparing the two.)
The villain and threats in this book were also less developed than in its prequel, so I had less emotional stake in this book. Also, this is a small pet peeve, but Noah's Italian has errors (though maybe that's on purpose?).
Nevertheless, the romance is cute and steamy and done well. I also enjoyed reading about Noah's ambition and talent--I could've read a whole book about the drama at his workplace. Overall it's a solid entry in the series; I just wanted more from it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears by Michael Schulman
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.25
If you love movies (or have even a little bit of interest in movie history), read this. Granted, some chapters get bogged down by a focus on a particular individual, but the strongest parts of the book tie together the overall cultural, social, and political climate with the Awards seamlessly. It’s more than 600 pages, but it is a journey on which I was happy to embark.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Excavations by Hannah Michell
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book reminds me of Age of Vice with its take on corruption, greed, and the dark political underbelly and its reflection on trauma, but it also throws in some insights about motherhood that, as a new mom, I appreciated. I also enjoyed learning about some of the real-life historical events and politics of South Korea. The writing is awkward in places, and a couple of the twists are predictable (one or two genuinely surprised me, though), but the plot moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged as a result.
This book reminds me of Age of Vice with its take on corruption, greed, and the dark political underbelly and its reflection on trauma, but it also throws in some insights about motherhood that, as a new mom, I appreciated. I also enjoyed learning about some of the real-life historical events and politics of South Korea. The writing is awkward in places, and a couple of the twists are predictable (one or two genuinely surprised me, though), but the plot moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged as a result.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault
A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin
informative
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The pacing is slow for my taste, but I appreciated the plotting overall. Eliza is a well-written main character, and I loved seeing her live her best life after spending ten years in a loveless marriage (plus it gave Sophie Irwin an excuse to include more of Margaret, who is a sarcastic delight). I usually roll my eyes at love triangles, but I actually enjoyed this one because it resolves in a creative way. The chemistry between Eliza and her eventual husband is also solid and full of witty banter.
I haven't read Irwin's previous book, but I think I'll pick it up!
The pacing is slow for my taste, but I appreciated the plotting overall. Eliza is a well-written main character, and I loved seeing her live her best life after spending ten years in a loveless marriage (plus it gave Sophie Irwin an excuse to include more of Margaret, who is a sarcastic delight). I usually roll my eyes at love triangles, but I actually enjoyed this one because it resolves in a creative way. The chemistry between Eliza and her eventual husband is also solid and full of witty banter.
I haven't read Irwin's previous book, but I think I'll pick it up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Racism
Moderate: Infertility
The Woman They Could Not Silence: The Timeless Story of an Outspoken Woman and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear by Kate Moore
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I’m not sure what to rate this. The story itself is compelling; Elizabeth’s writing is so sharp and perceptive, and she’s an incredibly brave and intelligent figure in history. Kate Moore’s writing, though, gets too bogged down by small details and novelistic flourishes—I admire the amount of research she did for this book, but there’s only so much I can read about the weather or the amount of time Elizabeth spent on sewing.
This book did make me want to read Elizabeth’s works, though, which are apparently all available on hoopla (shameless library plug).
This book did make me want to read Elizabeth’s works, though, which are apparently all available on hoopla (shameless library plug).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse