t0ast_and_t3a's reviews
411 reviews

Piglet by Lottie Hazell

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emotional reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Character-driven, sensory forward, and slow-paced. I really enjoyed the writing style—the visuals and descriptions that made me feel as if I were there with the main character throughout the story. The relationships were complicated all around, especially the relationship the MC had with herself. The story really puts into perspective one’s place and how they take up space, not only in the world but other people’s worlds as well. But also, how we make ourselves fit into the worlds in order to not cause disruption or discomfort for those around. The writing and themes were phenomenal, but in the end it was the pacing that knocked the rating down a bit for me. 

Favorite quote: “How to say she built a life that relied on the mirrors of others”
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

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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

4.0

This was “Check & Mate” with spice, and I’m not mad about it. 
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi

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dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5🌟

This is a lyrical character-driven gothic romance. The characters are beautifully written and the story is terrific. The only thing that lost it half a star was I guessed the big reveal in the first couple chapters—maybe that would have been different if I’d physically read it. The male narrator was great, and while there was nothing wrong with the female narrator, I personally felt she wasn’t right for the character (this is a nit-pick, so pay it little mind). I really enjoyed the romantic theme throughout the story, between all the characters, but it was the language that was truly captivating. Rich, ethereal, and all-encompassing.
The Beast in Aisle 34 by Darrin Doyle

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Wasn’t vibing with the writing style.
Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

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

3.0

Another tension-filled romance from Bailey. Not going to lie, I almost dropped this a few times, not really vibing with the step-sibling angle, but in the end it worked out. The FMC was a bit frustrating and the MMC was an overprotective hockey man, but it was still entertaining. As per usual, the side characters shined, and I’m interested to see what happens with two of them in, what I’m sure will be her next book.
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

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adventurous emotional inspiring 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

4.0

I enjoyed this one more than the first. More action, more stakes, more romance. A satisfying conclusion to an intriguing duology. 
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

This is just brilliant. The Sleepless in Seattle nod, the tight strings of tension that Borison just steadily plucks like she’s teaching a masterclass in the art of slowburn (and boy, when that string snaps, it SNAPS), and the adorable as f*ck ending. 

A perfect arc, great side characters, and dual POV. It’s just a powerhouse of a romance and I just love it. Okay, bye.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

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challenging emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

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adventurous dark emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

My favorite one of the series. Love the dual narrative and the
new perspective on scenes we’ve already seen in the series—sometimes that can become too repetitive, but Weaver does a good job with it.


Audiobook was fantastic—the two narrators do a great job of giving that extra level of character to the POVs.

And honestly, these two were the most realistic characters to me from the series. Just the way they were written and how they interact with each other and the rest of the world built in the series was so well done. 

Also—That cotton candy scene will forever live rent free in my head😏🥵.



My Funny Demon Valentine by Aurora Ascher

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

2.0

Yep, I got got by the pretty edges and cover.

The premise was there, but the execution was NOT for me. 

Two new icks unlocked: the phrase “gold-medal  wrestling match” when referring to them kissing with tongue. And Ash saying “you are so precious” while he’s very much inside you know where.