Scan barcode
opheliaslittlelibrary's reviews
117 reviews
She Gets the Girl by Alyson Derrick, Rachael Lippincott
challenging
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.75
Another book I've had on my tbr forever and now love! I loved the scheming in this book, the grumpy x sunshine, the dual pov, the skating scene, the banter, all of it! Plus, there were some deeper themes explored by both characters in this book, and they were handled very tastefully.
I'm not usually a fan of the playboy (or playgirl in this case) x virgin, but once the whys and hows were explained, it made much more sense and ultimately contributed to the story.
Overall, it was a great read and a good time. It felt like the entire book just flew by.
I'm not usually a fan of the playboy (or playgirl in this case) x virgin, but once the whys and hows were explained, it made much more sense and ultimately contributed to the story.
Overall, it was a great read and a good time. It felt like the entire book just flew by.
Loveless by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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? Yes
4.5
I'm so glad I finally read this book! I initially started reading it two years ago but was having such a terrible time of focusing on anything, I put it down. However, when I saw my library has the audiobook, I (of course) wanted to read it properly, and it was such a good time!
Seeing AroAce representation at the front and centre was so wonderful to me since I don't see it nearly enough. Georgia's struggles really hit home to me, and Alice Oseman did a great job writing them accurately and respectfully.
The love-square (or whatever you want to call it) and Pip and Rooney's miscommunication could be a bit frustrating at times, especially towards the end. However, overall, the book was really, really good, and I will definitely be recommending it in the future!
Also, Sunil is the best character, and I will hear no arguments 🤚
Seeing AroAce representation at the front and centre was so wonderful to me since I don't see it nearly enough. Georgia's struggles really hit home to me, and Alice Oseman did a great job writing them accurately and respectfully.
The love-square (or whatever you want to call it) and Pip and Rooney's miscommunication could be a bit frustrating at times, especially towards the end. However, overall, the book was really, really good, and I will definitely be recommending it in the future!
Also, Sunil is the best character, and I will hear no arguments 🤚
I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
How am I supposed to write a review after this?
I feel like Ann Liang reached into my brain, scooped out all the sad, messy bits, and then charged me $14.99 for it.
I already knew I would be devastated by this book, but when "let's just read 50 pages", turned into "I can't breathe until I finish this book", I knew I was ruined.
I've had Midnight Rain going around my head for days now. The craving for academic validation was written perfectly. The grief? The expectations? It all felt so personal.
I love how Jenna's relationship with Jessica changed over the course of the book, and the relationship arcs with her family and friends did an incredible job of showing Jenna's own arc.
Of course, the romance was perfect (have I said perfect already?) That ending hit me so hard I legitimately was holding my breath as I read.
I would recommend this to all of the "this is me trying" readers (especially those who feel too much or who push themselves too far). This book made me feel seen, and I can't wait to read it again.
I feel like Ann Liang reached into my brain, scooped out all the sad, messy bits, and then charged me $14.99 for it.
I already knew I would be devastated by this book, but when "let's just read 50 pages", turned into "I can't breathe until I finish this book", I knew I was ruined.
I've had Midnight Rain going around my head for days now. The craving for academic validation was written perfectly. The grief? The expectations? It all felt so personal.
I love how Jenna's relationship with Jessica changed over the course of the book, and the relationship arcs with her family and friends did an incredible job of showing Jenna's own arc.
Of course, the romance was perfect (have I said perfect already?) That ending hit me so hard I legitimately was holding my breath as I read.
I would recommend this to all of the "this is me trying" readers (especially those who feel too much or who push themselves too far). This book made me feel seen, and I can't wait to read it again.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this book! It's been on my tbr for way too long, and since the sequel is in the works, I knew I had to get a move on.
It delivered really well on everything it promised. Yadriel's growth was evident in ao many ways: his relationships with his family, Julian and himself. Aiden Thomas painted the scene for the book really well, and I was glad that every character had their own arc, including the side characters.
The book could be a little slow at times, which is why I didn't rate it the full 5 stars. However, it was a good time throughout and I can't wait to read more of Thomas' books!
It delivered really well on everything it promised. Yadriel's growth was evident in ao many ways: his relationships with his family, Julian and himself. Aiden Thomas painted the scene for the book really well, and I was glad that every character had their own arc, including the side characters.
The book could be a little slow at times, which is why I didn't rate it the full 5 stars. However, it was a good time throughout and I can't wait to read more of Thomas' books!
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Hate crime, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, and Murder
Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
This Time It's Real by Ann Liang
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Sooooo I knew this book would wreck me, but the ending still hit me so hard. Let's get into it because I need people to talk to about it (no spoilers).
First of all, Xishi's story was written so perfectly. The character arc? The emotional arc? She has a different strength to the type often seen in popular novels, and this was exactly what I needed. Her strength initially lies in the power she doesn't know how to wield, but as she trains her mind and her body, she as a character grows as well.
One of my favourite parts of this book was the complex nature of Xishi's relationships with others. Liang expertly weaved relationship arcs into the story without resorting to tropes or cliches, then used them to reflect on human nature as a whole.
The romance (s? I don't think I can accurately describe them in a review), were explained so well without info dumping. My heart broke, and by the end, I could barely remember this is supposed to be 'just a book'.
Like I said, the ending (Ann Liang, you know what you did) broke my heart. It was beautifully tragic, just as promised. It read like a c-drama, and I would melt if it were to be adapted into film or TV (Ann Liang already came up with the perfect cast and I'm so on board!)
I really wish everyone would read this book if they're looking for something sad but well-written. It was perfection, and I can't stop thinking about it!!
First of all, Xishi's story was written so perfectly. The character arc? The emotional arc? She has a different strength to the type often seen in popular novels, and this was exactly what I needed. Her strength initially lies in the power she doesn't know how to wield, but as she trains her mind and her body, she as a character grows as well.
One of my favourite parts of this book was the complex nature of Xishi's relationships with others. Liang expertly weaved relationship arcs into the story without resorting to tropes or cliches, then used them to reflect on human nature as a whole.
The romance (s? I don't think I can accurately describe them in a review), were explained so well without info dumping. My heart broke, and by the end, I could barely remember this is supposed to be 'just a book'.
Like I said, the ending (Ann Liang, you know what you did) broke my heart. It was beautifully tragic, just as promised. It read like a c-drama, and I would melt if it were to be adapted into film or TV (Ann Liang already came up with the perfect cast and I'm so on board!)
I really wish everyone would read this book if they're looking for something sad but well-written. It was perfection, and I can't stop thinking about it!!