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sdupont's reviews
522 reviews
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is wild and weird but not necessarily in a bad way. The book is over 300 pages with frankly very little plot but you aren’t even mad about it because you find yourself wanting to keep turning the page. Weirdly, this book reads almost like a continuous stream of consciousness. It felt like jumping from one thought to another to dialogue and back to internal monologue. It was messy and entertaining with an abrupt ending. I loved all the references to Rhode Island, it was fun seeing spots nearby listed in a book. I recommend this for fans of messy relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Cancer, Blood, Vomit
In Good Company by Kat Singleton
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? Yes
4.5
This book totally hit the spot. I was craving a fun book with a Hampton’s chef and Kat delivered. I enjoyed Cal and Lucy’s story. Cal is down bad obsessed with Lucy. Right away he is so enamored and has to have her work for him. This man put in work. He was consistent in his pursuit. While Lucy was guarded, Cal was loud in his love. I wish they were a little more open and vulnerable with each other. That would’ve added to their connection. Also this book has some quality spicy scenes. I recommend this if you are looking for summer vibes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief
Minor: Infidelity, Medical content, Car accident, Classism
A Love Like the Sun by Riss M. Neilson
emotional
slow-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? Yes
3.75
While I enjoyed this story, I found the pacing to be far too slow. It felt like it took too long to get into the plot and far too long to get to the relationship. I can get behind a slow burn but usually there is flirting and tension. With both characters on opposite coasts of the country, we missed out on really seeing their friendship in action and their love story bloom. When Laniah and Isaac were together it was clear they were meant to be. They had a deep love and connection. I did find Laniah’s poor communication to be frustrating. Despite being her person, she kept a lot from Isaac. I would’ve liked to see her work through that more prior to the resolution in the end. The bones of this story were good but it left me wanting a little bit more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent
Save Your Breath by Kandi Steiner
emotional
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
4.5
Kandi knows how to write a hockey romance! While a bit of a slower start for me, I ended up really enjoying this book. Once I got to know Mia and Aleks, I was all in. My poor sweet Aleks who was so hard on himself. His constant inner monologue on not being enough was heartbreaking. He had me crying at one point. Mia has so much drive. We love a career driven queen. What I loved even more was how at ease and herself she could be with Aleks. They understood each other in ways no one else did yet because of their miscommunications would miss seeing each other. That was so frustrating to read at times. I wish we had a few more scenes with the other boys on the team, it made sense since Aleks was more of a lone wolf but I missed that team camaraderie. I recommend this for fans of a bad boy x good girl, it’s always been you childhood crush moment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Addiction, Death of parent, Alcohol
Minor: Vomit
Patterns of Portugal: A Journey Through Colors, History, Tiles, and Architecture by Christine Chitnis
informative
medium-paced
5.0
This book is filled with gorgeous photos from across the different regions of Portugal. I loved getting to learn more about the history of Portugal, and my culture, through the images and captions. The azulejos are beautiful, and getting to learn more about how the iconic tiles came to be was so interesting. I loved the intersection of that with the architecture with snippets on food and fabric as well. Highly recommend that folks check out this book!
Content Warnings
Minor: Colonisation, War
My Silver Lining by Laura Pavlov
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Laura, my small town queen, you have done it again! As always, Laura writes the most fabulous romances that are well balanced with sweetness and spice. The Chadwick family is so lovely, they all deeply care about one another. It is one of the best parts of the story that is not about the romance. I enjoyed reading Rafe and Lulu’s love story. We love a fake dating moment, especially when it doesn’t stay fake for too long. Rafe is so thoughtful and genuine, something Lulu has been lacking in her life. I loved that he was able to support her without dimming her light or her independence. My one frustration was that neither was willing to admit their true feelings for far too long. It was like reading a game of chicken. Despite that, I couldn’t put this book down. I am excited to continue on with the series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Infidelity, Medical content
From Nowhere by Jewel E. Ann
emotional
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
4.0
What can I say? I just love a single dad. Ozzy has been through it, he’s a grieving widower with a traumatized but spirited daughter and bitter in-laws as roommates. Despite this, he is a babe with slow and steady game. I do wish his communication was better and frankly Ozzy and Maren were too old to be sneaking around. Maren is sure of herself and is open and ready for love. She was all in on her new package deal. I loved Lola, she is full of life and energy. Her relationship with Maren was so sweet and earnest. While I expected this book to be a little more dramatic based on the first in the series, I enjoyed reading this romance. I hope we get to see Will and the doctor’s second chance in Book 3!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Car accident
Minor: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Vomit
You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian
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
I really enjoyed this book! It was an earnest and sweet love story. I loved the premise of baseball player and reporter circa 1960. The opportunity to read a historical that was not a regency romance was great. Eddie and Mark were the sweetest little couple. Eddie was so open and sunny while Mark was thoughtful but a little prickly. Truly a perfect match. They understood each other and offered support in ways the other needed. Reading their romance was like being wrapped in a warm blanket. I recommend this for fans of Chloe Liese.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death
Minor: Racism, Medical content
Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi
emotional
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
3.75
Just like a love triangle, this book left me with mixed feelings. I found the pacing to be slow at times, giving a lull that did not build up tension between the characters or further the plot. I appreciated how steady and consistent and deliberate Mal was with his feelings and actions towards Jojo. We love a man with intention. I wanted to see a little more of Jojo’s self work. It feels like she gets an epiphany as she emerges from her depression but with no indication as to how she’s going to open up and communicate going forward. Also, don’t get me started on Ezra and fam. This is one reason why love triangle tropes are so hard to do well- I never was rooting for those two. I did not find their ending particularly satisfying. Despite my frustrations, I did think that the book offered up some great scenes between Mal and Jojo (honorable mention to their fab friends). They had big and small declarations of love throughout. If you like messy characters this book is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, Medical content
Minor: Drug abuse
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow some books really do just hold up to the hype! This book was so good. It was sweet and tender, just ooey gooey. I loved that we got to see Eve go on this journey of self discovery while being pregnant and starting her path to motherhood. Her introspection, her anxieties, and her hopes were all so relatable even for someone who has not been pregnant. My favorite was of course her slowly realizing her feelings for Shep. Ugh Shep! What a babe! Shep was hot af. He was so sure and steady just waiting for his deep love for Eve to be recognized. That was a man down bad. Them getting together felt so right. I loved the declarations scene but I actually wish we got just a little more of Shep revealing his longtime love. This book is fabulous and great for fans of Chloe Liese or Hannah Bonam-Young.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Vomit, Abortion