Scan barcode
paperbacks_and_planners's reviews
1165 reviews
City of Ghosts by V.E. Schwab
4.0
I finally of finished an audiobook!
This was really good! Hands down my favorite Schwab book.
I loved the characters in this. I loved the dynamic between the main character, Cassidy, and the ghost that "haunts" her, Jacob. And later her friendship with Lara (who might be my favorite character). Cassidy's parents are ghost enthusiasts and actually active in her life - yay for non-absent parents in YA lit!
The villain was really well developed and spooky. I love when a villain is given a backstory the reader can sympathize with. And this was definitely the case here.
The narrator did a great job for this. I will say sometimes her male, Scottish accent leaned more toward Dracula, but it didn't come up often enough to bother me.
It looks like this is going to be series, which I definitely plan to continue with!
I highly recommend this if you're looking for a fun, quick, paranormal book!
This was really good! Hands down my favorite Schwab book.
I loved the characters in this. I loved the dynamic between the main character, Cassidy, and the ghost that "haunts" her, Jacob. And later her friendship with Lara (who might be my favorite character). Cassidy's parents are ghost enthusiasts and actually active in her life - yay for non-absent parents in YA lit!
The villain was really well developed and spooky. I love when a villain is given a backstory the reader can sympathize with. And this was definitely the case here.
The narrator did a great job for this. I will say sometimes her male, Scottish accent leaned more toward Dracula, but it didn't come up often enough to bother me.
It looks like this is going to be series, which I definitely plan to continue with!
I highly recommend this if you're looking for a fun, quick, paranormal book!
Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4.0
Even in such a short story, Taylor Jenkins Reid crafted a story and characters I fell in love with. I read this whole thing at the gym and actually yelled out loud at the ending 😅 I'm pretty I will love everything she writes
Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore
4.0
I keep going back and forth on how to rate this but I think I'm settling on 4 stars.
I really loved this story. The magical elements and characters were so beautiful. And the rep in this book was next level. This has trans characters, gay characters, Latina characters, victims of abuse. And each of their stories and struggles was handled so perfectly. I grew so attached to each of the main characters.
The main reason this isn't a 5 star is because the flowery, overly-descriptive prose is not my thing. So this star deduction is purely a personal preference thing. If you love whimsical, descriptive narrative, this is your book. But I found I started skipping over a lot of the description as the book went on. It was beautiful, it just slowed the story down for me.
I really loved this story. The magical elements and characters were so beautiful. And the rep in this book was next level. This has trans characters, gay characters, Latina characters, victims of abuse. And each of their stories and struggles was handled so perfectly. I grew so attached to each of the main characters.
The main reason this isn't a 5 star is because the flowery, overly-descriptive prose is not my thing. So this star deduction is purely a personal preference thing. If you love whimsical, descriptive narrative, this is your book. But I found I started skipping over a lot of the description as the book went on. It was beautiful, it just slowed the story down for me.
We Told Six Lies by Victoria Scott
2.0
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh man where to even begin...
Synopsis
This is a YA mystery/thriller that follows the main character Cobain after his girlfriend, Molly, goes missing. Everyone thinks she just ran off, but Cobain thinks something more malicious is has happened.
Overview
This book was all over the place to me. It's told in second person which was such an odd choice. It's also told from multiple perspectives and multiple timelines. It jumps between the present day and a couple months ago when Cobain and Molly met. But all the perspectives with the second person narrative made this hard to follow and connect with. But beyond the odd style choice the rest of the story just didn't do it for me either.
What I Liked
1. Once I got into this story I couldn't put it down. I had to know how it all wrapped up because I has SO many questions. And overall it did a pretty good job of connecting all the loose ends and questions (even though I didn't love the twist)
What I Didn't Like
1. The relationship in this was really problematic and I just couldn't get behind it. They are manipulative and codependent. And no part of their relationship seemed healthy. All the adults kept talking about what good things they did for each other but as a reader I just kept going "where?! how?!"
2. Cobain is such an odd main character. He felt so dang creepy and I didn't like being in his head most of the time. I couldn't understand his actions and motivations. And even when things were revealed I still couldn't empathize with him.
3. The twists... This twist was so over the top (and felt a lot like the Pretty Little Liars twist - show version, I never read the book(s)). I don't know maybe mystery/thriller just isn't my genre. I find mosts of the twists so outrageous that it lowers my enjoyment.
Overall I didn't love this one. It's a fast read with lots of twists. But I didn't connect with or particularly like any of the characters or writing style.
Oh man where to even begin...
Synopsis
This is a YA mystery/thriller that follows the main character Cobain after his girlfriend, Molly, goes missing. Everyone thinks she just ran off, but Cobain thinks something more malicious is has happened.
Overview
This book was all over the place to me. It's told in second person which was such an odd choice. It's also told from multiple perspectives and multiple timelines. It jumps between the present day and a couple months ago when Cobain and Molly met. But all the perspectives with the second person narrative made this hard to follow and connect with. But beyond the odd style choice the rest of the story just didn't do it for me either.
What I Liked
1. Once I got into this story I couldn't put it down. I had to know how it all wrapped up because I has SO many questions. And overall it did a pretty good job of connecting all the loose ends and questions (even though I didn't love the twist)
What I Didn't Like
1. The relationship in this was really problematic and I just couldn't get behind it. They are manipulative and codependent. And no part of their relationship seemed healthy. All the adults kept talking about what good things they did for each other but as a reader I just kept going "where?! how?!"
2. Cobain is such an odd main character. He felt so dang creepy and I didn't like being in his head most of the time. I couldn't understand his actions and motivations. And even when things were revealed I still couldn't empathize with him.
3. The twists... This twist was so over the top (and felt a lot like the Pretty Little Liars twist - show version, I never read the book(s)). I don't know maybe mystery/thriller just isn't my genre. I find mosts of the twists so outrageous that it lowers my enjoyment.
Overall I didn't love this one. It's a fast read with lots of twists. But I didn't connect with or particularly like any of the characters or writing style.
Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett
3.0
ARC provided by Simon Teen via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
This story follows Birdie, a mystery-loving teen who just got her first job working the graveyard shift at a hotel in downtown Seattle. She meets Daniel, the hotel's shuttle driver, and the two have an instant connection. They team up to solve a mystery and grow closer, but Daniel has secrets and Birdie is scared to let her guard down.
Overview
This is a YA, contemporary romance told from Bridie's point of view. It follows her romance with Daniel, her struggles with narcolepsy, and her learning to find her way in a world her Grandmother isolated her from for years.
This book has narcolepsy representation which was really interesting to read about! However I can't comment on the accuracy as I've never read anything about narcolepsy.
Content warnings: Narcolepsy, depression, attempted suicide, death of a parent
What I Liked
1. Birdie and Daniel's relationship was really sweet. I definitely found myself "aw-ing" through a lot of the second half. They both - but especially Birdie - have huge character growth throughout the book. And they way they come together is really heartwarming.
2. This book is fantastically sex-positive.
3. I really appreciated the unconventional but healthy depictions of home and family. Birdie was raised by her "aunt" and grandparents and Daniel lives in communal housing with his mom and grandparents.
4. Mona was a quirky, fun side character. She definitely danced to the beat of her own drum, but she was also a good role model and support system for Birdie.
What I Didn't Like
1. My main issue with this was the pacing. This book was way too long in my opinion (over 400 pages) and took on a few too many things - romance, family, physical & mental health concerns, mystery, etc. There were times the story dragged or felt like it was repeating - ie. Birdie and Daniel seemed to get into the same argument a few too many times.
Overall this was a really sweet, diverse contemporary. I definitely recommend this for anyone who loves contemporary romance!
Summary
This story follows Birdie, a mystery-loving teen who just got her first job working the graveyard shift at a hotel in downtown Seattle. She meets Daniel, the hotel's shuttle driver, and the two have an instant connection. They team up to solve a mystery and grow closer, but Daniel has secrets and Birdie is scared to let her guard down.
Overview
This is a YA, contemporary romance told from Bridie's point of view. It follows her romance with Daniel, her struggles with narcolepsy, and her learning to find her way in a world her Grandmother isolated her from for years.
This book has narcolepsy representation which was really interesting to read about! However I can't comment on the accuracy as I've never read anything about narcolepsy.
Content warnings: Narcolepsy, depression, attempted suicide, death of a parent
What I Liked
1. Birdie and Daniel's relationship was really sweet. I definitely found myself "aw-ing" through a lot of the second half. They both - but especially Birdie - have huge character growth throughout the book. And they way they come together is really heartwarming.
2. This book is fantastically sex-positive.
3. I really appreciated the unconventional but healthy depictions of home and family. Birdie was raised by her "aunt" and grandparents and Daniel lives in communal housing with his mom and grandparents.
4. Mona was a quirky, fun side character. She definitely danced to the beat of her own drum, but she was also a good role model and support system for Birdie.
What I Didn't Like
1. My main issue with this was the pacing. This book was way too long in my opinion (over 400 pages) and took on a few too many things - romance, family, physical & mental health concerns, mystery, etc. There were times the story dragged or felt like it was repeating - ie. Birdie and Daniel seemed to get into the same argument a few too many times.
Overall this was a really sweet, diverse contemporary. I definitely recommend this for anyone who loves contemporary romance!
Snow in Love by Nic Stone, Aimee Friedman, Melissa de la Cruz
3.0
Snow and Mistletoe by Kasie West ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Working in a Winter Wonderland by Aimee Friedman ⭐️.5
The Magi's Gifts by Melissa de la Cruz ⭐️
Grounded by Nic Stone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall I really enjoyed this collection! There was only 1 story I really didn't like. And Kasie West's story was so stinkin' precious! I definitely recommend this is you're looking for a light, festive holiday read.
Working in a Winter Wonderland by Aimee Friedman ⭐️.5
The Magi's Gifts by Melissa de la Cruz ⭐️
Grounded by Nic Stone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall I really enjoyed this collection! There was only 1 story I really didn't like. And Kasie West's story was so stinkin' precious! I definitely recommend this is you're looking for a light, festive holiday read.
Vicious by V.E. Schwab
3.0
Let's say 3.5
This was good. It piqued my interest from the very beginning and had me engaged through the whole book. But now that I'm done with it I just don't have any strong feelings about it. The characters were fine albeit a little flat and the story arc was good although not super unique. Overall I enjoyed this, I just don't think it's gonna be super memorable for me in the long run. Definitely a solid real world fantasy though.
This was good. It piqued my interest from the very beginning and had me engaged through the whole book. But now that I'm done with it I just don't have any strong feelings about it. The characters were fine albeit a little flat and the story arc was good although not super unique. Overall I enjoyed this, I just don't think it's gonna be super memorable for me in the long run. Definitely a solid real world fantasy though.
After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4.0
Officially settling on 4.5 stars for this
Summary
Lauren and Ryan have been together for 11 years. But their marriage is breaking at the seams and they can't stand being around each other anymore. So they decide to take a year apart - no seeing each other or contacting each other. Can this time apart heal what's been broken?
Overview
This story is told in first person from Lauren's POV.
This really revolves around miscommunication and the resentment that can harbor. It's an intense look inside a failing relationship and what it means to love each other.
These characters are not necessarily likable. They are real and severely flawed.
Content Warnings: Death of a family member, cheating, marriage troubles
What I Liked
1. This book felt so relatable. I don't know if it's because I'm the same age as the characters or because I've been in my own relationship for the same amount of time. But this book felt so real. And I'm sure for many people it has. TJR always blows me away with out authentic her stories and characters read.
2. This book does not shy away from the ugly side of relationships. Lauren and Ryan are in the throws of their resentment for each other from page one and you see first hand how unhappy they are. You see fights, angry emails, and lots and lots of blame. I read a lot of romance where the love interests are put pedestals and end in happily ever after. It was refreshing to read what comes after that HEA.
What I Didn't Like
1. I struggled to lay my finger on what was missing, keeping this from a full 5 star read for me. But I just didn't feel connected to these characters. I loved the story - the plot and execution really tugged at me - but not to the characters. When the ending came around I didn't have an emotional reaction. And I realized I would have given this book the same rating even if it had worked out differently. Perhaps if we had seen some of Ryan's perspective, I would have felt more attached.
Overall this is another novel from TJR that I absolutely love and will gush over forever. If you have't check out her books yet, I can't recommend doing so enough!
Summary
Lauren and Ryan have been together for 11 years. But their marriage is breaking at the seams and they can't stand being around each other anymore. So they decide to take a year apart - no seeing each other or contacting each other. Can this time apart heal what's been broken?
Overview
This story is told in first person from Lauren's POV.
This really revolves around miscommunication and the resentment that can harbor. It's an intense look inside a failing relationship and what it means to love each other.
These characters are not necessarily likable. They are real and severely flawed.
Content Warnings: Death of a family member, cheating, marriage troubles
What I Liked
1. This book felt so relatable. I don't know if it's because I'm the same age as the characters or because I've been in my own relationship for the same amount of time. But this book felt so real. And I'm sure for many people it has. TJR always blows me away with out authentic her stories and characters read.
2. This book does not shy away from the ugly side of relationships. Lauren and Ryan are in the throws of their resentment for each other from page one and you see first hand how unhappy they are. You see fights, angry emails, and lots and lots of blame. I read a lot of romance where the love interests are put pedestals and end in happily ever after. It was refreshing to read what comes after that HEA.
What I Didn't Like
1. I struggled to lay my finger on what was missing, keeping this from a full 5 star read for me. But I just didn't feel connected to these characters. I loved the story - the plot and execution really tugged at me - but not to the characters. When the ending came around I didn't have an emotional reaction. And I realized I would have given this book the same rating even if it had worked out differently. Perhaps if we had seen some of Ryan's perspective, I would have felt more attached.
Overall this is another novel from TJR that I absolutely love and will gush over forever. If you have't check out her books yet, I can't recommend doing so enough!
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
5.0
I think I'm officially giving this 4.5 stars but I rounded up.
Synopsis:
This sotry takes place in a world made up of 3 castes:
Paper: Humans and the lowest caste
Steel: Half human, half demon
Moon: Demons, the highest cast
The main character, Lei, is forced from her home and family to become a Paper Girl, a group of 8 human girls who are concubines for the ruler, the Demon King. For the next year they live at the palace and bend to the will of the king. But Lei isn't willing to give herself up to the king. This story follows her as she fights against the rules of the palace - including falling in love.
Review:
This story covers really tough topics - race, sexual assault, gender, and sexuality. And holy cow was it beautiful. The main romance was so dang precious and I'm always here for a well written f/f romance. And definitely a trigger warning for sexual assault with this. The scenes between Lei and the Demon King was really hard hitting.
I'm not giving this a full 5 stars because I did find some the side characters a little one dimensional (or their layers felt forced - Blue). And the climax of the story happened so quickly. The world building and setup were really beautiful but then the final battle was done in like 15 pages. And the twist was definitely not surprising by any means.
But overall I really loved reading this. I can't wait for the second book!
Synopsis:
This sotry takes place in a world made up of 3 castes:
Paper: Humans and the lowest caste
Steel: Half human, half demon
Moon: Demons, the highest cast
The main character, Lei, is forced from her home and family to become a Paper Girl, a group of 8 human girls who are concubines for the ruler, the Demon King. For the next year they live at the palace and bend to the will of the king. But Lei isn't willing to give herself up to the king. This story follows her as she fights against the rules of the palace - including falling in love.
Review:
This story covers really tough topics - race, sexual assault, gender, and sexuality. And holy cow was it beautiful. The main romance was so dang precious and I'm always here for a well written f/f romance. And definitely a trigger warning for sexual assault with this. The scenes between Lei and the Demon King was really hard hitting.
I'm not giving this a full 5 stars because I did find some the side characters a little one dimensional (or their layers felt forced - Blue). And the climax of the story happened so quickly. The world building and setup were really beautiful but then the final battle was done in like 15 pages. And the twist was definitely not surprising by any means.
But overall I really loved reading this. I can't wait for the second book!
Rush by Kandi Steiner
3.0
I absolutely loved Greek so I was really interested to see if this could fill it's void. This was a super quick, fun read. I hated Ashlei's drug story line but I enjoyed the rest of this.