courtsbooknook's reviews
1619 reviews

Stand and Defend by Sloane St. James

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emotional lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I was waiting for Banksy to get his moment, and this book certainly delivered. This installment is right up there with book two. Jordan and Camden were spicy and delightful, and I loved them for it. I also loved how protective Camden was over her. Seeing Jordan's character development was quite special. She went from being so much in her shell to an absolute boss, and after everything she went through with that douchecanoe Bryan, it was awesome to witness that. I could not get over Camden and his mouth, but I also loved that these two were especially silly and goofy with each other. I also enjoyed seeing the closure with the other characters, and the hockey team's ending was pretty sweet. Overall, I enjoyed reading this fun and super spicy series. 
In The Game by Sloane St. James

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Barrett and Raleigh's story was so good. I loved their chemistry and how he never stopped showing up for her. Sloane St. James knows how to write a filthy talker. Every spicy scene was so well done, and I also really appreciated how Barrett got Raleigh to love herself. There was a lot of miscommunication initially, which I didn't love, but I'm glad they could open up and talk about their issues. I really liked how they became a family, and all of Barrett's moments with Arthur were so wholesome and sweet. This installment was really good, I just think two really did me in!
Strong and Wild by Sloane St. James

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I'm so glad I kept reading because I loved book two much more than book one. Micky and Rhys were SO good. This one also had one of my favorite tropes where they know each other in another capacity, meet in person, and hate each other until they find out who the other person really is. I'm also noticing that these books are mostly light, with darker elements. Again, the spice here was absolutely fantastic, and these hockey men certainly have filthy mouths. I also really liked the tropes here and seeing the characters from book one. It also perfectly set up the third book, which was cool. I was excited for Micky and Rhys and seeing their story develop was so great. Overall, I think this is my favorite so far!
Before We Came by Sloane St. James

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dark emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This was a good setup for the series, but the plot got a little lost. I really liked Birdie and Lonan together, and their chemistry was fantastic. It was certainly a quick and binge-able read with plenty of spicy moments; I just wish Birdie's past was explored a bit more. The abduction plot was really interesting, but it dropped off, and the writing felt a little juvenile in this installment. That being said, I did enjoy the characters and the tropes featured. I'm excited to see where the rest of the series goes and the other couples that get their happily ever after. 
Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson

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challenging emotional 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? It's complicated

4.5

Stormlight Archive wouldn't be complete for me without a top-tier narration from Michael and Kate. And boy did they bring this story to life. I think so much happened here, and while some points were slower than others, I was always invested in the story. I am still shook that this was supposed to be a closing arc of part one and we as readers got no closure whatsoever. Like it was still a giant cliffhanger, and now I have to wait a long time for the next book. That being said, I love these characters so much and the journeys and personal growth they've endured throughout the series. I thought the aspect of therapy as kind of a sub plot point was fantastic. How Sanderson wove that it in was so well done. There were some big moments and pivotal action times, I think I just wanted a bit more resolution. I also would have loved to see some of the characters be together a little more, but overall still a fantastic book. I can't wait (7 long years, hopefully) for book 6 and I'll always be a fan of his! 
Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Chloe Liese never misses. This book was fabulous. I loved the neurodivergence and chronic illness representation that Liese does so well. The fake dating/relationship of convenience was executed perfectly. I also loved the Shakespeare references throughout this entire series. Juliet and Will were such a perfect match. There were so many beautiful moments about love and relationships, which made this story so easy to enjoy. It was great seeing the other two sisters so happy, and I loved the heartfelt times between all three of them. I loved the spice and the tender moments and generally enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Thank you to Berkley for the ARC to read and review!
We Would Never by Tova Mirvis

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

This was such a fast-paced read! I didn't know what to expect, but I was hooked from the start. It wasn't really a thriller, as I initially thought, but more of a family drama or lit-fic. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the Jewish representation and how some observances and holidays played a role in the plot. This was intense and dark, but I couldn't put it down. It had The Secret History vibes, and I think I liked that parallel.  I also enjoyed the alternating POVs. This was a great page-turner and I'm definitely excited to explore more of Tova's work. Thank you to Avid Reader Press for the ARC to read and review!
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Oh my god. This book absolutely wrecked me. I cried at the beginning. I cried at the end, and in the middle, I hoped to get through it without crying more. Ella was such a strong character, and I think her determination and independence were inspiring. Beckett had many admirable qualities, and I loved how he continued showing up for Ella and the kids. This was my first foray into Yarros' contemporary romance, and I was not disappointed. I loved the small town, the found family, and the letters that started each chapter. Colt and Maisie were great side character,s and their bond as siblings was so incredibly wholesome. Everything about this book was a win, genuinely. I can't wait to dive into more of her backlist, even if it will emotionally destroy me. 
The Three Lives of Cate Kay: A Novel by Kate Fagan

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mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

This was pitched as Evelyn Hugo, and I did get a little bit of that vibe, except with alter egos rather than seven husbands. I liked that Annie was the narrator for the book's first part, but it quickly shifted into multiple POVs, including her other personas. The writing was lyrical and light, even though the book got heavy at times. I liked the pacing and felt like the story moved along well. I also liked the meta-writing style. Cate Kay was the author and the main character, which I thought was unique. Sometimes, there were almost too many narrators, and I was confused about who's who, but overall, this was an enjoyable read. Thank you to Atria books for the ARC to read and review!
Chase Lovett Wants Me by Helena Hunting

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Starting off the year with Helena Hunting is a gift. Chase and Cammie were a delightful pairing and I loved this cute little Toronto Terror Spin off. They fell for each other fast, but I loved their chemistry. The spice was sooo hot and I loved how the Lord of The Rings fan fiction played a big role in the story. This has classic Helena humor, and I also liked that there was no third-act break-up. Chase and Cammie always communicated with each other and I enjoyed that aspect. Both of them also had great relationships with their friends, which I thought was nice. Cammie's development and independence was so well done and I loved how she grew as the story went on. I'll always pick up something from Helena, and this was the perfect read. Her books always feel comforting, and I'm grateful for that. Thank you so much to Helena for providing me with an ARC to read and review!