bookobsessedmommy's reviews
1084 reviews

A Gentleman's Gentleman by TJ Alexander

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emotional lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Ok so here's the thing. I really enjoyed this book. The set was great, there's intrigue and secrecy, and lot's of Downton abbey type fun. I liked the side characters, especially Etienne, and the bit of action we get in the middle. But ther was just something missing for me. Things moved a little too fast and seemed a little too easy. I think hearin things from James pov might have helped, because some of his behavior seemed so erratic to me. We hop around a lot in the timeline to avoid some more boring bits, bit I feel like I missed a lot of the relationship development. I get that they love each other, but when did that happen and why? Cause Christopher is kind? Cause James is hot and attentive? I wanted more, but I did still enjoy it. 

Thanks to Vintage and Netgalley for this ARC.
Wish You Weren't Here by Erin Baldwin

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funny lighthearted 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

Juliette grows so much in this story and her back and forth with Priya goes from annoying to understandable. It's basically miscommunication, but the kind that makes sense for teenagers. The camp setting meant there were a ton of characters, but they were decently distinct. The constant interruptions are very 90's sitcom, but I think this is a great ya queer romance written with younger teens in mind.
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

What a ride. I had no clue what to expect heading into this one. This Afrofuturistic story incorporates the otjize practices of present day Himba people that makes them distinctive, but imbues it with power not only to stand out, but also to heal. There is a kind of confusing mathematical magic system, though I don't know if magic is the right word, that allow our MC to solve problems that otherwise would seem impossible. And her meditation practice brings her wisdom as a well as restoration. I see overlap with so many of the books I've read recently, but specifically Rest is Resistance. The book is so short I don't want to spoil anything, but it is fascinating. The writing is beautiful, but not overdone. The plot is very focused, and while we know what's happening, we don't fully understand it and neither does the MC. She just keeps putting one foot in front of the other. Action before assurance. I can't wait to read the next one. I can see this being used in schools to teach analytical skills. 
Fate Be Changed by Farrah Rochon

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense 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? No

4.5

This is an AU for Merida from Brave, and I really enjoyed it! We've got a time travel, Back to the Future sort of situation going on where Merida meets her own mom when she was young lady and needs to get her parents to fall in love in this alternate timeline. There's a lot of hurry up and wait in this, but it manged to keep me engaged. I like how organically Merida realizes how complicated being an adult with responsibility is, and also how much more appreciation she gains for the servants in her castle. There was a bit at the end that had me screaming at my phone cause it seemed like it was dragging for no good reason, but the resolution was solid and the characters were well developed. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series, especially the one's by Rochon. 
I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming

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

3.5

What a fun and silly romp. I was not expecting a thrupple situation, but it was an interesting dynamic. I was not a fan of the power trip sword crossing. I like all my sexual encounters to be fully consensual instead of coerced. The sex scene on the dino seemed completely random, and I'm tempted to go back and listen to it again and see if I missed an explanation. Lots of high action and ridiculous situations. There are some small references to the Wizard of Oz, but it would be some serious Gumby work to call it a retelling. If you're looking for a good time in a world of dinosaurs, Tamagotchi's, and hot centaurs with talented appendages, this is the perfect book for you.
I'm Afraid of Men by Vivek Shraya

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emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

This is a short book with high impact. It is hard to imagine being this terrified all the time. Being so afraid to just walk out of the house in your own body. Patriarchy and white supremacy have made life shit for everyone, even if they don't realize it, but Trans women ,especially black and brown ones, bear a disproportionate weight of the horrors. 
I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

I loved this so much! I'm usually dubious of second Chance romance, but Braylon and Dez quickly won me over. Their chemistry is electric, and even though Dez makes some huge mistakes and Braylon is a bit standoffish, it's clear that they still care about each other. They both burrowed their way into my heart, and I loved the SC's too, even the nosy, meddling aunties. Sometimes a cast this big can seem unnecessary or be hard to keep up with, but Winter's made them relatively distinct and they all served a purpose. I cried with Dez while he tried to choose between who he thought he had to be and who he wanted to be. I could go on and on. I just loved this. No notes!
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-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? No

3.75

This one is as much romance as it self-discovery and entrepreneur journey. Ashanti has a thriving doggy day care while Thad is trying to open a bar, and I liked seeing their struggles and decisions as we move through the story. Thad is such a jerk in the beginning that he felt like a caricature, but eventually he develops more traits than just hot and surly. There were a couple things that rubbed me the wrong way, and the conflict with her sister was weird and out of left field. I enjoyed the story overall, and I'm looking forward to more from Rochon.
Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole

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

4.0

I'm annoyed that I took so long to read this. This sweet little novella has a bit of glitz by being royalty adjacent, but Likotsi and Fabiola are very down to earth. The conflict did feel a little dragged out, but I enjoyed go on NYC tour with a local and watching them fall for each other. We've got some instalove, but both characters acknowledge the silliness an lean into it. Fabiola's underlying story really hits close to home,  and is a reminder of just how much we sacrifice for family and that it's ok to grieve what was lost. I really like the narrator, and I'm looking forward to listening to the rest of this series.
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

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emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This one took me on a roller coaster of emotions. It feels weird to say, but I almost wanted her to say no. There's just something about "he changed his world view because he met HER" that gives me the ick. But the story was great, cause it made me feel things. I wanted to slap Sebastian numerous times, but he eventually got sorted. This does have a bit of an instalove, but you still get high quality pining as well. It was painful to read about women fighting for basic rights in the 1800's and to feel like we're heading back to those draconian times right now. That said, if you're looking for a spicy historical romance with a bit of politics and drama, you'll probably have a good time with this one.