paperbacks_and_planners's reviews
1170 reviews

Overall this book was enjoyable. The author depicts a fantastical world that definitely draws you in. The story does jump through time and from the perspective of many different characters which makes the story a little more challenging to follow, especially for the first of the novel. I had to check back at the dates at the beginning of the chapters many times.

I could not put this trilogy down! RTC

I received a copy of this from Social Butterfly PR via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary
In the wake of an accident, Hanna wakes up in the hospital and can't remember the last 11 months. She is somehow engaged to the man she never thought she could have. Her life seems perfect. Until one night Nate Crane shows up and Hanna realizes her life is twisted with lies and secrets she can't remember.

Overview
This is told from 3 POV's - Hanna, Max, and Nate

This story contains grey area cheating, lots and lots of drama, miscommunication, amnesia, and a front-and-center love triangle. If these aren't your tropes, this isn't your book.

This does end on a cliffhanger.

Content Warnings: Amnesia/memory loss, Cheating, Body Dysmorphia, Disordered eating, Body shaming, Depression, Death of a parent (in the past)

What I Liked
1. This book/series is compulsively readable. I never wanted to put this down - I actually read each book in the series in a single sitting. I can't remember the last time I read a book this quickly. This story and these character gripped from the first page. Lexi Ryan's writing had me desperately turning the pages. Every time I thought "just one more chapter" something would happen that would keep me reading.
2. The angst and drama were everything I didn't know I needed. There were times I kept telling myself that this or that trope should be bothering me because they're "over-done" but I just didn't care. I ate up every. damn. word.

What I Didn't Like
1. This isn't a knock against the book as much as myself. I didn't realize when I started, but this is actually a spin off of another series. So there were times I was very confused by the brush off references to characters and backstories. It doesn't necessarily take away from the story any, but the large cast was definitely difficult to keep straight at times since I didn't read any of the previous books.
2. This may be seen as a spoiler to some so I will mark it as so. But I'll also keep it extremely vague.

Spoiler

I didn't love that all 3 "twists" at the end all ended up being the exact same twist...

This series will definitely not be for anyone. This is a high drama, messy love triangle of a story. But I never wanted this book or series to end. I love these characters and definitely plan to read more from Lexi Ryan.

3.5 stars! Starting book 3 immediately! RTC

I received an arc copy of this from Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary
This follows Mel, a female programmer who works the helpdesk at a startup incubator. The "hatchlings" she works with are often entitled and misogynistic.
Mel reaches her breaking point after her date stands her up and a man sends her a dick pic on the popular dating app, Fluttr. Out of anger, she creates the site JerkAlert where women can review the men/dates they meet on Fluttr. Seemingly overnight, the site goes viral. But Mel doesn't want anyone to know she is the person behind the site, and finds herself in over her head.

Overview
This is feminist contemporary about how Mel deals with the sexism. While this is classified as romance, the romance is definitely not at the forefront of the story.

➸ POV - This is told in 1st person from Mel's POV.

➸ Mel - 26. Works the helpdesk at Hatch, a startup incubator. After one too many bad dates and dick pics, she codes up a site called JerkAlert where woman can safely review their Fluttr matches.

➸ Alex - Hatchling at Hatch. (That is pretty much the extent of the character details we get...)

Content Warnings: Sexism, Harassment, Cheating, Misogyny

What I Liked
➸ This book is feminist AF. I am always here for books about women in underrepresented fields. I loved that this book tackled some really difficult but important and timely topics - online dating, harassment, sexism.
➸ As a Software Engineer myself, I love reading about women in that field. I think it is important to de-stigmatize women in STEM fields.
➸ I think my favorite part of this was the strong female friendship the main character had. There was never any women hating or backstabbing. The group of friends always had each other's backs and stood by each other, even when they didn't necessarily approved. I loved seeing such healthy and positive friendships in a book.

What I Didn't Like
➸ There was not a single subtle moment in this book. While I appreciated the feminist stance of this book, I felt like I was being beaten over the head at every page. It was absolutely nonstop - coworkers: sexist, boss: sexist, stranger on the train: sexist, boyfriends: sexist.
➸ Everyone that is except Alex! Ugh, this book painted every male character out to be a truly vile person but then the love interest was obnoxiously naive. There is literally a scene where is talking to Mel's friends about how he didn't know online dating was so difficult for women or that unsolicited dick pics were a thing. Was this guy living under a rock? The juxtaposition of his naivety versus the never-ending misogynistic hoard was so jarring and cringey. I get it, we're supposed to like Alex.
➸ But unfortunately I felt absolutely nothing about the relationship. Alex's character gets so little personality there was never anything for me to like or hold onto.
➸ This used my least favorite trope - miscommunication. Mel is so convinced everyone is out to get here that she jumps to conclusions and sabotages her relationship. I'm not saying stuff like this doesn't happen, I just hate reading about it over and over again.

Overall this missed the mark for me. As someone who works in this industry, I was so excited to see myself in a book. But I somehow wasn't able to relate at all this story or these characters. Everything felt so forced and over the top that I was never able to become immersed in the story.

2.5 stars

I received an arc copy of this from Simon and Schuster via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary
This takes place in 1937 and follows Theordora Fox whose father is a treasure hunter and world traveller. Once again she is left behind in a hotel while her father tracks down some ancient relic. But then the boy who suddenly disappeared from her life a year ago, shows up at her hotel and tells her, her father is missing and may be in trouble.
The two them travel across Eastern Europe to find her father and in the process find a web of dangerous men and occult magic.

Overview
I think this is a case of it's me, not you. This book just didn't click with me. I'm terrible with history and all the historical references went so far over my head I had trouble keeping everything straight - where they were, what year it was, what historical things happened when.

➸ POV - This is told in 1st person from Theo's POV and in between each chapter we get a journal entry from her father, Richard's, journal.

➸ Theodora Fox - 17, Trouble-maker, Believes in magic and curses

➸ Huck Gallagher - 18, Irish, Lost family to a car accident, Taken in by the Fox's

➸ Richard Fox - Father, Widower, Treasure hunter, MIA

Content Warnings: Death of a parent, Violence

What I Liked
➸ I loved the Romanian setting and mysterious vibes of this story. I'm not a huge fantasy or historical fiction reader, so this book was definitely out of my comfort zone. But I love a good mystery and atmospheric setting so this definitely helped me connect with the story more.

What I Didn't Like
➸ There was just so much time walking... and walking... and then riding a train... and walking some more. I was 71% into the ebook and I was ready to chuck my kindle across the room if I had to read one more scene about them walking and fighting.
➸ In general things just felt very drawn out. Their travel, their fights, their discussion of their relationship. By the end I was honestly just sick of hearing about all of it.
➸ I hate the miscommunication trope and this had it in spades. Both the main plot and the love plot were built around miscommunication. Not a fan.
➸ The relationship in general I just never got on board with. I didn't feel anything about or connect with their love story in any way.
➸ And that ending... so much of this book was spent wandering that I was hoping for a big payoff in the end. But this climax lasted for all of a chapter and ended so dang conveniently. I was really disappointed.

Overall this story wasn't for me. I didn't connect to any characters, I didn't enjoy the meandering pace, and I found the climactic action scene underwhelming.

Summary
For the last year, everyone in the world has been having dreams about the world ending on April 23rd. As the day approaches, society begins to collapse. Now just days before the end of the world, violence and destruction have taken over. Rain Williams is ready - the end of the world means she no longer needs to feel anything. Until Wes shows up and convinces her that they can survive.

Overview
Overall I don't think this book was terrible, but it was most definitely not for me. I didn't connect with the relationship and the twist just didn't work for me. I can 100% see why so many people love this, it's sadly just not my kind of story. If you're into post-apocalyptic romance, I'd say disregard my review and give this a shot.

➸ POV - This is told in alternating chapters from Rain and Wes's POVs

➸ Rain Williams - 19, Addict, Dealing with grief/trauma, Waiting for the world to end.

➸ Wes Parker - 22, Foster child, Musician, Personal Motto: "Everyone Leaves", Believes he can survive the end of the world.

➸ Audiobook - I listened to this audio so I figured I would comment on the narration... because I didn't love it. The faux southern accents were definitely cringey. But the male narrator... the voice he used for female characters was borderline offensive. He made everyone sound so whiny and childish. I actually had to speed up his sections to get through them as quickly as possible.

Content Warnings: Suicide, Murder, Drug Abuse, Grief, Depression/Anxiety, Gun Violence, Death of an Infant, Child Neglect, Foster Care System

What I Liked
➸ I thought this entire story was SO unique. I've never read anything like this and I really appreciated reading something so completely different.
➸ The dreams & devolution of society created made this such an atmospheric, almost spooky, read. You really get into the heads of these characters as they deal with horrifying dreams about the end of the world and their ability (or inability) to deal with them. I love the look at how society as a whole collapsed once everyone thought they were going to die. I definitely got drawn into the world and atmosphere.

What I Didn't Like
Unfortunately quite a bit...

➸ I felt very uncomfortable with the way Wes talked about Rain. In one breath he would comment on how young, innocent, and child-like she was but in the next he would talk about wanting to undress her. It was odd and... uncomfortable.
➸ Ughhh... another book that romanticized unprotected sex. Can we please stop doing this? These 2 characters met about 2 days ago and they're already doing this? Not okay.
➸ Speaking of which - this entire romance was a giant case of insta-love. There was absolutely no build up. One second, Wes is kidnapping Rain to get food and the next he's in love with and risking his life for her. It made no sense to me and hindered me from ever connecting to the romance.
➸ This ending... About half way through the book I thought to myself "hm... I'll be really annoyed if...". And then it happened. I don't know, it just didn't work for me and I do not plan on continuing on with this series because I don't think I will like the direction it goes in.

Overall, this just wasn't the book for me. I think this is really unique story with an audience that will absolutely adore it. Sadly I'm just not that audience, so I won't be continuing on with this series.

2.5 stars

I received an arc copy from William Morrow via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review

Summary
25 years ago, Jo's beloved nanny, Hannah, suddenly disappears. Leaving her stuck with her mother whom she can't stand.
Now, Jo and her daughter, Ruby, have moved back to Lake Hall after the sudden death of their husband/father. Jo and her mother, Virginia, immediately butt heads. But their relationship is pushed to its limits when an unexpected guest shows up at their door.

Overview
This book was unfortunately just okay. I found some parts surprising and intriguing but overall this felt more like a familial drama than mystery/thriller to me.

➸ POV - This has multiple POVS in multiple timelines:
➸Present day, 1st person Jocelyn Holt
➸Present day, 1st person Virginia Holt
➸Present day, 3rd person Andy
➸Past, 3rd person Linda

➸ Jocelyn (Jo) Holt - 30, Recently widowed and moved back home from California, Daughter Ruby

➸ Virigina Holt - Mother, Widowed

➸ Hannah - Jo's nanny who disappeared mysteriously 25 years ago.

➸ Andy - Detective investigating the Holt's.

➸ Content Warnings: Death of a Spouse, Grief, Abuse, Murder, On page animal death, Cheating

What I Liked
➸ I liked that all of the characters were SO flawed. It made for such an interesting reading experience because you didn't know who to trust. Since you saw so many POVs, you saw how differently everyone interpreted situations. How they favored themselves and what they needed.
➸ These characters were intriguing and kept me turning the page (albeit quite slowly). I wanted to know how some of these things tied together and wrapped up.

What I Didn't Like
➸ The constant changing between characters and 1st/3rd person was so jarring and I never got used to it. I actually had to write down who's POV I was currently reading because I kept getting confused. It was just too many. Which is kind of how I felt overall...
➸ This book tried to do too many things, from too many POVs, and was 100 pages too long. There were quite a few things I felt like could have been left out without changing the actual plot at all. Andy's POV was unnecessary and brought nothing to the narrative, the "family business" was such a strange thing to add it, and all the history of the family & nanny dragged this out.
➸ The final twist just didn't do it for me. The twist itself wasn't exactly shocking and in the end I felt like the moral of this story was if you're rich you can get away with anything... which left me feeling kind of uncomfortable once I put this down.

Unfortunately this was a bit of a flop for me. However I definitely think I will pick up another book by this author in the future as I think her premises are really intriguing!

My favorite of the series so far ❤ RTC

2.5 stars

Summary
This follows Hannah who is an elemental witch living in Salem, Massachusetts. It's the summer before her senior year of high school and her biggest concerns are saying goodbye to friends and avoiding her ex, Veronica - who is also an elemental witch, at all costs. But at the end of the year bonfire, Hannah and Veronica stumble upon a blood ritual and they immediately suspect a blood witch is in Salem for the first time in decades.
When more dark and dangerous things start to happen, Hannah and Veronica fear they, and everyone else in their coven, is in danger.

Overview
I want to preference this by saying while this book did not work for me, I appear to be in the minority. So definitely do not let my rating deter you away from picking this up. Overall, this just wasn't the book I was expecting to read. I was expecting a lighthearted, fun, witchy standalone and instead I got one half lighthearted and one half a dark and heavy. It took me aback and really hindered my enjoyment. Also just a not this is a series, not a standalone like I originally thought.

➸ POV - 1st person from Hannah's POV

➸ Hannah Walsh: 17, High school junior, Works at Fly by Night Cauldron, Elemental witch
➸ Veronica Matthews: 18, Ex-girlfriend, Elemental witch, Recent graduate
➸ Gemma Goodwin: 17, "Reg", Hannah's best friend

➸ Content Warnings: Animal cruelty, Underage drinking, violence, blood/gore, arson, death of a parent, grief, panic attacks

What I Liked
➸ This book was filled to the brim with representation. There were queer characters, trans characters, discussions about bisexuality, etc. And I was here for it. Sprinkled throughout the book were also subtle mentions or descriptions of underrepresented demographics that really highlighted the normalcy of a diverse world.
➸ The romance in this was so sweet and well written. These characters are young and their interactions and relationships felt true to their age. I was definitely rooting for them throughout the entire story.
➸ YA books need more friendships like Gemma and Hannah's. There is a scene where Gemma defends Hannah to her parents that had me cheering. Their friendship was so strong and I'm always here for women supporting women.

What I Didn't Like
➸ This unfortunately contained one of my biggest YA pet peeves - teenage main characters who think they know more and can do better than all the adults. Hannah makes bad decision after bad decision and then complains about how no adults know what they're doing so she needs to take things into her own hands. No you don't, you're 17, sit down. It was very frustrating to read about - nonetheless 3 or 4 times.
➸ Some of the reveals were quite predictable. To the point where I became frustrated with the characters for not coming to the conclusion quicker. I don't want to go into spoilers but this applies not only to the major reveals but small ones. I thought the relationship between 2 characters had been established and when they are "discovered" the main character's reaction made no sense to me.
➸ But overall - this story was just NOTHING like what I was expecting. This cover and synopsis led me to believe I was in for a fun, witchy YA read. But this story goes quite dark. And while I have no qualms with that in theory, it was an extremely jarring change at the half way point. I know cutesy, illustrated covers are in right now, and synopses need to be vague. But I felt very misled by the last page.

Also a note! This is not a standalone and does end with minimal closure and lots of loose ends.

Unfortunately this book just didn't work for me. I didn't love the writing (which came across quite young but then again I'm not the intended audience) and the story was not at all what I was expecting. While the ending left many unanswered questions, I honestly don't care enough about the plot or characters to continue on with this series.