ashleyj_reads's reviews
338 reviews

It's Not Me, It's You by Alex Light

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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 on
her 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 for
zero spice (one super mild makeout session and few kisses) and maybe five uses of "shit" or "shitty."
Brain Damage by Freida McFadden

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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

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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.

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Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

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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.

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The Wedding People by Alison Espach

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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.

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Crank by Ellen Hopkins

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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.

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Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

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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.

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Glass by Ellen Hopkins

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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.

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The Crash by Freida McFadden

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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

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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.

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