mrs_smuttersworth's reviews
123 reviews

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

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adventurous emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.25

“Love and Other Conspiracies” was such a fun read! As someone who enjoys anything cryptid related, I love the dynamic between Hallie and Hayden. They’re both learning to trust again after heartbreaking incidents in their lives, and working together on a web-show about cryptids and conspiracy theories brings out the best in them. I really loved how the author showed how hard it is to trust yourself after an emotionally manipulative ex-partner, and the complexities that come with finding yourself in a relationship after. The light hearted moments, mixed with tackling past trauma was just right. I can’t wait to read more from this series. 
Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

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adventurous dark emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

I loved “Children of Blood and Bone” and I enjoyed the second installment even more! Following each characters journey as they navigate new powers, changing relationships, and really developing their own strategies to save their people was so inspiring and emotional. I loved the multiple POV we get and the complicated feelings that we get to see when confronted with breaking from familial legacies. I can’t wait to read the next book!
The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book was like a warm hug, and was so enjoyable. Imagining a place where dreams are chosen and sleepers get to pick what they take from their dreams is so fantastical. I enjoyed this book from the very first page, and following the characters through their daily life as dream stewards. 
How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss by Jenny Proctor

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura

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adventurous emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

After reading “Raiders of the lost Heart” I was so excited to devour the second book in the series! In this book we follow Miriam (Miri) on her forst major archeological dig since her boss and mentor Corrie helped protect Aztec ruins from greedy investors. I loved following her story and seeing her passion for preserving ancient sites and shining a spotlight on the peoples of the the ancient world. Her blossoming romance with Rafa was just the icing on the cake! 
Brewbies by Cynthia St. Aubin, Kerrigan Byrne

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emotional funny 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

All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox

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slow-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

2.5

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

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challenging 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

4.5

James by Percival Everett

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” was one of the first books I remember reading and being assigned to read it with a critical, literary eye. I couldn’t understand why we needed to “read critically” but I was also a 16 year old who didn’t really read anything but her mom’s contraband romance novels, so. I now understand why putting a critical eye to what you read is important, and “James” was the other side of this story I remember wanting in high school. 

We follow Jim, who we learn prefers James, and his escape from slavery. His main goal is to make enough money to purchase his wife and children so he can take them to freedom. We see what happens when Huck isn’t in the picture, and we are given harsh glimpses of life for a runaway slave who is desperate to hide his education and evade capture. 

This should be required reading when reading Huck Finn, in order to see the juxtaposition between the privilege Huck enjoys, and the bravery it takes James to fight for his life and family.