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ashleyj_reads's reviews
338 reviews
It's Not Me, It's You by Alex Light
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
***Won a copy from a Goodreads Giveaway!***
Thank you, Goodreads and S&S for a copy of this adorable book!
Jackie is a new adult (teen) who is trying to figure out herself and her life the summer after graduating high school. She navigating the changes happening to a lifelong friendship, the maturing relationships she has with her sisters, and new budding romance. Throw in some newfound internet fame and life is CONFUSING! I was frustrated and sad for her but eventually cheered onher growth (with some beautiful communications skills) and HEA ending .
I truly enjoyed this short-term coming-of-age story that today's youth can definitely relate to (and maybe even learn a lesson?!).
For the young adults who will read this, I give bonus points forzero spice (one super mild makeout session and few kisses) and maybe five uses of "shit" or "shitty."
Thank you, Goodreads and S&S for a copy of this adorable book!
Jackie is a new adult (teen) who is trying to figure out herself and her life the summer after graduating high school. She navigating the changes happening to a lifelong friendship, the maturing relationships she has with her sisters, and new budding romance. Throw in some newfound internet fame and life is CONFUSING! I was frustrated and sad for her but eventually cheered on
I truly enjoyed this short-term coming-of-age story that today's youth can definitely relate to (and maybe even learn a lesson?!).
For the young adults who will read this, I give bonus points for
Brain Damage by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
Do You Remember by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this story for its unlikeable characters and consistent feel of mistrust - I didn't truly know who the "bad guy" was until the end. It has the Freida twist at the end that ties everything together, which we just adore in thrillers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Cancer, Car accident, and Death of parent
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
AAAAAHHHH!!
Let's start with the request for the art department: please update the map for book four. Thanks.
ANDARNA! I bawled like a baby, may have thrown the book across the room. I am not okay.
OS is amazingly written, and is definitely my favorite book of the series so far. I am fascinated by the world, politics, and society building that's just packed into the plot of the Quest Squad's adventures. Keep Ridoc safe. Bring back Garrick.
I have so many questions and need book four now please. Oh, and more of Broccoli.
Let's start with the request for the art department: please update the map for book four. Thanks.
ANDARNA! I bawled like a baby, may have thrown the book across the room. I am not okay.
OS is amazingly written, and is definitely my favorite book of the series so far. I am fascinated by the world, politics, and society building that's just packed into the plot of the Quest Squad's adventures. Keep Ridoc safe. Bring back Garrick.
I have so many questions and need book four now please. Oh, and more of Broccoli.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Phoebe is the character I feel for but also want to shake some sense into. Thank goodness she found her sense and adjusted her lifestyle choices! The growth is epic and as odd as the friendship and found family personalities are in contrast to Phoebe's, it works so well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What an absolute roller coaster of a plot! It's entirely character-based and this poor child is going through it. The emotions that come with reading this are many, and come from every part of my own history (teenager, mom, girlfriend, etc.). From one POV Hopkins allows you to see and feel how so many can be affected by one very distinct moment in time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I haven't read an Ally Carter book in years, decades maybe, but I now remember why I used to love them. Such good characters, plot, development of both, and just good writing.
Dual POV of two friends caught in the middle of an international Problem. They lose each other but are, thankfully, forced back together just in time to save the world and each other. A cute, actually realistic (looking at you, every girl-finds-out-she's-a-princess trope (but honestly ILY too)) coming of age/YA love story.
Dual POV of two friends caught in the middle of an international Problem. They lose each other but are, thankfully, forced back together just in time to save the world and each other. A cute, actually realistic (looking at you, every girl-finds-out-she's-a-princess trope (but honestly ILY too)) coming of age/YA love story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Blood
Glass by Ellen Hopkins
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well. I was gutted by Crank, but this one is so, so much worse. Watching Kristina continue down the path that is addiction and its consequences is heartbreaking. This installment of the series hurts more because of the motherhood piece of it all. Kristina's journey is captivating, heart wrenching, and written in beautiful verse.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Body shaming and Sexual content
The Crash by Freida McFadden
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Predictable in a I’ve read lots of this author and understand her style way, but still has twists and surprises. I loathe all but two of these characters.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
Kya is a STRONG human being with and incredible talent and accompanying intelligence. This is a beautiful love letter to nature (both wild and human).
Destroy the evidence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Murder