bookishlysimsy's reviews
241 reviews

Disclaimer: I was provided a digital galley via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. This does not affect my opinion.

I was left disappointed.

This book started off okay. Pru--our main character--seemed somewhat relatable, and the book got right into the plot. It was about 5% of the way through when things started to go wrong.

For one, the MC is actually full of herself past this point. Pru deems it necessary to cast bad karma on anyone who is mildly inconveniencing her or doing something that she thinks is unnecessary or wrong. She doesn't bother listening to anyone whose opinion or circumstances differ from her own, and she expects everyone to cater to her every need if something bad happens. I was honestly on her side for that first 5% of the book, but past that, I started to agree with the other characters that she acted like a prude.

On top of that, the writing in this book is mediocre at best. I expected more from Marissa Meyer, considering so many people love her books. The plot was also affected by this, as the instances in which Pru's "bad karma" power (?) repeated unnecessary inflictions on people.

All in all, I can say that I'm glad this is a standalone. If there were another book of *this*, I'd be fairly concerned.

UPDATE EDIT: It was brought to my attention that there are some very serious problems with this book and Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series. Recognizing that, I feel it's also important to point out discussions about this from @KailiaSage and author Katie Zhao. Please make yourself aware of these and address the very real issues with these books.

Disclaimer: I was provided a physical galley for the purposes of a book tour. This does not affect my opinion.

I was really hoping to like this book, but it let me down in more ways than one.

The book started off okay until I realized that Caleb, one of the main characters in this book, was essentially an obsessive and creepy guy that didn't know how to take a hint. It was revealed to us that Evie had rejected him in the past and told him she didn't see him that way, but instead of backing off like a decent person, he continued pining after her. I mean, he internally tracked each of their "almost-kisses" by their dates. (They really weren't even almost-kisses, they were mostly just times he felt like kissing her.)

Along with that, this book is supposed to have anxiety representation? And yet, the author included a harmful comment from Evie's friend Bex about Evie needing to "talk the crazy out" with no pushback against it. Way to make us with anxiety feel loved.

Overall, after a few chapters into reading this book, I DNFed it. Based on this experience, I won't be reading future books from this author.

Disclaimer: I was provided a physical galley and finished copy of this title for review and publicity purposes. This does not affect my opinion.

Even Though I Knew the End was an unexpected read. Despite being a novella, there was a full story within C. L. Polk's written pages.

Rating: Starred

Check out my full review on my blog now!

Disclaimer: I was provided a digital galley via Edelweiss+ for review purposes. This does not affect my opinion.

Beauty and the Besharam is a fun, addicting take on the classical Beauty and the Beast Disney fairytale edition. From start to finish, I was hooked on this book and unable to put it down, and I found myself wanting more upon finish.

Rating: Starred

Check out my full review, available on my blog now!

Trigger/Content Warning(s): Grief, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Infidelity

The worst writing, by far, I've read. Extremely cringey, and the dialogue doesn't read as realistic either.

Disclaimer: I was provided a physical galley by the publisher in return for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion.

Seoulmates is a fun, estranged childhood friends-to-lovers romance that tugs on all the right heartstrings and presses the reader to read into the author's message.

Rating: Starred

Check out my full review on my blog, Belle's Archive, now!

Self-Made Boys was an eye-opening twist on The Great Gatsby classic. With heart-tugging scenes and queer characters existing as themselves, this book felt like receiving a warm hug.

Rating: Starred (recommended)

Check out my full review available on my blog Belle's Archive now!

Disclaimer: I was provided a digital galley by the author and Valentine PR for the purpose of providing an honest review. This does not affect my opinion.

Irish Charmer was an entertaining addition to the Brooklyn Kings series with characters both familiar and anticipated. However, while the book itself was enjoyable, it did not entirely live up to expectations.

Rating: Not Starred (not recommended)

Check out my full review on my blog Belle's Archive now!

Disclaimer: I was provided a physical galley by the author and publisher for the purpose of providing an honest review. This does not affect my opinion.

Well, That Was Unexpected was a whirlwind, adventure rom-com between two messy teens just doing the best they can. Filled with self-discovery, growth, and learning, this book is perfect for teens and anyone who might feel a bit misplaced in life's direction.

Rating: Starred (recommended)

Check out my full review on my blog Belle's Archive now!