prishukla's reviews
83 reviews

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is a regency novel with a decent plot progression and spice. Very relaxing in the best way. 
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland

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

4.0

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This book was weird and terrifying. I dreaded what would happen with each turn of the page and also couldn't put it down. I devoured it much like the ouroborus depic ed throughout the High Place, the manor this story mostly takes place in. Really incredible allegory for the legacy of colonialism with a strong young woman as a protagonist. 
Rough Around the Hedges by Lish McBride

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
There was barely any magic &that's what is signed up for. I also found Vanessa annoying & frail from the jump and couldn't quite empathize with her. Perhaps I didn't understand the stakes since I haven't read the first book, but there was so much telling and very little showing from the outset, and I couldn't get into it.
A Demon's Guide to Wooing a Witch by Sarah Hawley

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funny lighthearted 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? Yes

3.0

A lighthearted spicy romance between a demon & witch in the modern world. It's great escapism and a fun adventure. I remember trying the first book and not being able to get into it, but am willing to give it another try now that it seems this lighthearted reading is what my brain & heart want right now.
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-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

A delightful room, everything I wanted from India Holton plus extra tickles as a magic-enamored ex-academic
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
I just couldn't get into the slow pacing if this book, it felt like there wasn't ever really any plot development 
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

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

3.5

An enjoyable Kevin Kwan romp that also criticizes the excess that is celebrates. It all ends in a neat little package, though I'm not sure it qualifies as resolution. Arabella was so over-the-top and awful at times & then also a stark reminder of aunties I've encountered in my own community that I'm not sure how much of my dislike was for the character of the people she represents that absolutely exist. Overall, a lighthearted read that I enjoyed.
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.
I heard so many incredible things about this book and there were moments that I felt the rush, but overa I was confused and just couldn't get invested. Maybe I'm just not in the right place mentally to sit in this book, perhaps I'll find the ay back to it.
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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? No

4.0

Oh gosh, I loved this follow-up to the undertaking of Hart & Mercy! Not only is this novel about a middle-aged couple, but it is also good exclusively from Twyla's perspective, giving you insight into her experience as a working woman/mother/grandmother and the realities of being her age (including sexually) and a lifetime of patriarchal bullsh!t. We also get to watch her have multiple romantic partners. 

The mystery plot is also excellent, with a twist I didn't see coming. And, as with the previous book, I was invested in the B-plot storyline happening in the background. Duckers is an excellent addition of comic relief/freshness throughout.