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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat by Sonya Lalli
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I've read a couple of Sonya Lalli's romances, and this is definitely my favorite! I was skeptical at the start because I hated Jasmine's lack of self-control over her spending and lifestyle, and Jake's random, dickish aloofness put me off. (Also, the five-year age gap is not huge, but it's enough to give one pause.) Ultimately, though, both won me over with their willingness to be vulnerable with one another and address their mistakes in a healthy way. The romance is a slow burn, but in a way that allows them to get to know one another better and appreciate both their shortcomings and their positive traits--I love to see growth in relationships! I also appreciated Sonya Lalli's depiction of cultural expectations and the double standards for boys and girls (aka, sexism) that Jasmine experienced. It was heartwarming to read about how Jasmine's dynamic with her parents and with her local South Asian community changed by the end of the book.
I've read a couple of Sonya Lalli's romances, and this is definitely my favorite! I was skeptical at the start because I hated Jasmine's lack of self-control over her spending and lifestyle, and Jake's random, dickish aloofness put me off. (Also, the five-year age gap is not huge, but it's enough to give one pause.) Ultimately, though, both won me over with their willingness to be vulnerable with one another and address their mistakes in a healthy way. The romance is a slow burn, but in a way that allows them to get to know one another better and appreciate both their shortcomings and their positive traits--I love to see growth in relationships! I also appreciated Sonya Lalli's depiction of cultural expectations and the double standards for boys and girls (aka, sexism) that Jasmine experienced. It was heartwarming to read about how Jasmine's dynamic with her parents and with her local South Asian community changed by the end of the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is sweet, and I can see why readers compare it to A Man Called Ove, but it's more linear and less nuanced. I did love reading about Tova and her journey with grief and loneliness, and I'm glad she found solace in her conversations with Marcellus the octopus. Oddly enough, I didn't care for Marcellus' asides and found them aloof and pretentious, so I could have done with even less of those. Cameron is fine; I appreciate how he fits into Tova's story, but his introduction is rough and made me less sympathetic toward him.
I'm glad I read this, as it is indeed heartwarming, but I wasn't as wowed as I thought I would be.
I'm glad I read this, as it is indeed heartwarming, but I wasn't as wowed as I thought I would be.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Abandonment
Minor: Pregnancy
Lo and Behold by Wendy Mass
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is not only a fun, vividly illustrated graphic novel about the merits of VR, but also a sensitive portrayal about struggling with loneliness, grief, separation from a parent, and having a family member with an addiction. I think readers will see themselves in Addie as she struggles to adapt to her dad's summer work environment and tries to, paradoxically, find a way to belong and also isolate herself on the college campus. I didn't have a chance to check out the other VR resources author Wendy Mass mentions, but I'm sure they enhance the story and provide ample opportunity for further research.
Overall, this is sweet, delightfully nerdy, and poignant and would appeal to middle-grade, YA, and adult readers alike.
This is not only a fun, vividly illustrated graphic novel about the merits of VR, but also a sensitive portrayal about struggling with loneliness, grief, separation from a parent, and having a family member with an addiction. I think readers will see themselves in Addie as she struggles to adapt to her dad's summer work environment and tries to, paradoxically, find a way to belong and also isolate herself on the college campus. I didn't have a chance to check out the other VR resources author Wendy Mass mentions, but I'm sure they enhance the story and provide ample opportunity for further research.
Overall, this is sweet, delightfully nerdy, and poignant and would appeal to middle-grade, YA, and adult readers alike.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Minor: Child death
The Time of Your Life by Sandra Kitt
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
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sandra Kitt is a new-to-me author; I was hesitant to read this when I hadn't read the first book in The Millionaires Club series, but it works well as a standalone.
I most appreciated how solid Eden and Beck feel, both as characters and in their relationship with one another. They're level-headed enough to not have unnecessary drama and recognize their capacity to grow, but they're human enough to flounder a bit when they receive MILLIONS OF DOLLARS (who wouldn't?) from the estate of Everett Nicholls, Beck's former stepfather and Eden's mentor. The story has a cozy feel to it, and I enjoyed going along for the gentle ride (besides getting to know Eden's sister Holly; she annoyed me even at the end).
Sandra Kitt is a new-to-me author; I was hesitant to read this when I hadn't read the first book in The Millionaires Club series, but it works well as a standalone.
I most appreciated how solid Eden and Beck feel, both as characters and in their relationship with one another. They're level-headed enough to not have unnecessary drama and recognize their capacity to grow, but they're human enough to flounder a bit when they receive MILLIONS OF DOLLARS (who wouldn't?) from the estate of Everett Nicholls, Beck's former stepfather and Eden's mentor. The story has a cozy feel to it, and I enjoyed going along for the gentle ride (besides getting to know Eden's sister Holly; she annoyed me even at the end).
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
Wings Once Cursed and Bound by Piper J. Drake
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this, and I actually found Peeraphan (“Punch”) to be a fun and compelling protagonist with a healthy amount of agency and a lot of strength. I just wish Piper J. Drake had focused more on in-depth world-building instead of throwing a bunch of facts at the reader; the writing feels obtuse in some of its descriptions, and I feel like I didn't fully grasp the history or lore This description also applies to the romance, which starts quickly and feels lackluster; I found myself skimming the steamier scenes, and the culmination feels rushed.
Again, if the writing had been more effective, this would feel like a more promising start to a new series based in Thai mythology and folklore.
I wanted to love this, and I actually found Peeraphan (“Punch”) to be a fun and compelling protagonist with a healthy amount of agency and a lot of strength. I just wish Piper J. Drake had focused more on in-depth world-building instead of throwing a bunch of facts at the reader; the writing feels obtuse in some of its descriptions, and I feel like I didn't fully grasp the history or lore This description also applies to the romance, which starts quickly and feels lackluster; I found myself skimming the steamier scenes, and the culmination feels rushed.
Again, if the writing had been more effective, this would feel like a more promising start to a new series based in Thai mythology and folklore.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Violence
Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is one of the better accidental-baby-trope romances I've read, though I wish there had been more detail about the pregnancy (or maybe I'm just looking for solidarity). Some of the audiobook narrators' choices are also puzzling (mostly around accents and pronunciation of words like "rifling"), but I'm being picky.
Like her first book, Mazey Eddings dispels stereotypes and myths about mental health/neurodiversity (in this case, ADHD). There are moments when Lizzie's behavior frustrated me, but as someone who doesn't have ADHD it didn't seem fair to judge her for them. The romance is pretty insta-lovey, which isn't my thing, but Lizzie and Rake do grow to genuinely care for one another. (The scenes at Lizzie's parents' house are my favorite in the book because of how they support one another.)
I STILL think they should have moved to Australia together instead of living in Philadelphia...but what do I know.
Like her first book, Mazey Eddings dispels stereotypes and myths about mental health/neurodiversity (in this case, ADHD). There are moments when Lizzie's behavior frustrated me, but as someone who doesn't have ADHD it didn't seem fair to judge her for them. The romance is pretty insta-lovey, which isn't my thing, but Lizzie and Rake do grow to genuinely care for one another. (The scenes at Lizzie's parents' house are my favorite in the book because of how they support one another.)
I STILL think they should have moved to Australia together instead of living in Philadelphia...but what do I know.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Pregnancy
Minor: Emotional abuse
The One by Julia Argy
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of several behind-the-scenes-of-the-Bachelor/ette books I've read in the past few years; it's not particularly innovative, but I found myself drawn in by Emily and the other characters because I wanted to know what happened next. As a character, Emily's too wishy-washy for me to connect with, but I ended up liking her by the end. I thought her asides about her Catholic/restrictive upbringing would become annoying after a while, but I appreciate that they give the reader more insight into her life and her choices; conversely, the chapters featuring her handler, Miranda, are sharp and contrast nicely with Emily's view of the show. There is, of course, a twist, which I predicted right away, but Julia Argy's not trying to be subtle about it. I wish the ending had offered more closure, but it's fitting that it concludes the way it does.
This is one of several behind-the-scenes-of-the-Bachelor/ette books I've read in the past few years; it's not particularly innovative, but I found myself drawn in by Emily and the other characters because I wanted to know what happened next. As a character, Emily's too wishy-washy for me to connect with, but I ended up liking her by the end. I thought her asides about her Catholic/restrictive upbringing would become annoying after a while, but I appreciate that they give the reader more insight into her life and her choices; conversely, the chapters featuring her handler, Miranda, are sharp and contrast nicely with Emily's view of the show. There is, of course, a twist, which I predicted right away, but Julia Argy's not trying to be subtle about it. I wish the ending had offered more closure, but it's fitting that it concludes the way it does.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia
I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin
challenging
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- 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 picked this up and could not stop reading it because I was fueled by rage. Rage at Charlie for giving into his addition, rage at Leah for continuing to go back to Charlie, rage at Leah's mom for leaving her family for no discernable reason...the list goes on. Leah and Charlie's relationship is a trainwreck, but I guess that's the point, right? To make the reader want to watch the whole thing crash and burn?
That being said, Hanna Halperin brings a sense of rawness and vulnerability to Leah's life and decisions not only through this relationship, but also her relationship with her family, friends, and those in Charlie's life. As much as I wanted to scream at her, I also felt sympathy for her throughout the book. I was rooting for her to make the best choices for herself, and I could see her friends doing so too, but she has enough depth as a character that I was able to understand that she wouldn't be perfect and would be self-destructive sometimes. It's an uncomfortable feeling, but it made me appreciate Halperin's writing skills.
If you can stomach reading about being in a relationship with an addict, this would be a quick (aka, rage-fueled) read.
I picked this up and could not stop reading it because I was fueled by rage. Rage at Charlie for giving into his addition, rage at Leah for continuing to go back to Charlie, rage at Leah's mom for leaving her family for no discernable reason...the list goes on. Leah and Charlie's relationship is a trainwreck, but I guess that's the point, right? To make the reader want to watch the whole thing crash and burn?
That being said, Hanna Halperin brings a sense of rawness and vulnerability to Leah's life and decisions not only through this relationship, but also her relationship with her family, friends, and those in Charlie's life. As much as I wanted to scream at her, I also felt sympathy for her throughout the book. I was rooting for her to make the best choices for herself, and I could see her friends doing so too, but she has enough depth as a character that I was able to understand that she wouldn't be perfect and would be self-destructive sometimes. It's an uncomfortable feeling, but it made me appreciate Halperin's writing skills.
If you can stomach reading about being in a relationship with an addict, this would be a quick (aka, rage-fueled) read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Ana María and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love to see more multicultural historical romances in publication! I am embarrassed to say I don't remember much about the Second Franco-Mexican War from my high-school history classes, so I enjoyed reading about the political repercussions here--the idea that the Luna sisters would be shipped to England to both hide and garner support for Mexico in the war is compelling. Ana María's "forbidden" attraction to Gideon Fox is a little less scandalous than I thought it might be, but again, it makes sense given her existing engagement and his political status. The romance is a sweet, slow burn--almost too sweet and slow for me--that culminates in a marriage of convenience and a dramatic event that makes Gideon realize his passion for his wife.
It's a promising start to a new series, and I look forward to reading Isabel's love story (at least, I assume that's the next one based on the foreshadowing in this book).
I love to see more multicultural historical romances in publication! I am embarrassed to say I don't remember much about the Second Franco-Mexican War from my high-school history classes, so I enjoyed reading about the political repercussions here--the idea that the Luna sisters would be shipped to England to both hide and garner support for Mexico in the war is compelling. Ana María's "forbidden" attraction to Gideon Fox is a little less scandalous than I thought it might be, but again, it makes sense given her existing engagement and his political status. The romance is a sweet, slow burn--almost too sweet and slow for me--that culminates in a marriage of convenience and a dramatic event that makes Gideon realize his passion for his wife.
It's a promising start to a new series, and I look forward to reading Isabel's love story (at least, I assume that's the next one based on the foreshadowing in this book).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Kidnapping
Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- 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.
The representation in this is excellent in its discussion of mental health, trauma, systemic racism, LGBTQ+ romance, and family dynamics, and I love the introduction of a new magic system; however, the book feels bloated in an effort to cover all of these topics. For me, it became tough to engage with the story because of how much the book jumps from one plot point and theme to another.
While I wish the execution had been better, I do appreciate the topics the book covers, and for that alone I'd recommend trying it.
The representation in this is excellent in its discussion of mental health, trauma, systemic racism, LGBTQ+ romance, and family dynamics, and I love the introduction of a new magic system; however, the book feels bloated in an effort to cover all of these topics. For me, it became tough to engage with the story because of how much the book jumps from one plot point and theme to another.
While I wish the execution had been better, I do appreciate the topics the book covers, and for that alone I'd recommend trying it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Murder