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courtsbooknook's reviews
1599 reviews
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I didn't know what to expect going into this book, but I listened to it in one sitting. I had so much fun with these characters, and the setting of Scotland was so dreamy. This had many of my favorite tropes, including grumpy sunshine, slightly found family, and just enough paranormal activity. I'm not hugely into monster romance, but I genuinely loved this one. The spice was fun, the family secrets and magical mysteries were delightful, and how Lana Ferguson handled grief was well done. I'm glad the third-act conflict wasn't super long, and Key and Lachlan could communicate with each other. I also loved the epilogue. This was fun, and I really enjoyed reading this book!
Concerning Wings by Katie Cook
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Oh my god, this series is bringing me so much joy. I loved the first installment and this one just as much, if not more. The characters are EVERYTHING. I found every moment so wholesome and delightful, and the adventure they went on was perfect. I couldn't stop smiling while reading. Each character is so thought out and developed—Callie is fierce, Declan is so kind and just good for the soul, Radish is a little drama queen, and Lasser has my entire heart. I was laughing and genuinely felt so uplifted after reading this book. I can't believe Katie left us all on a cliffhanger like that, but I loved the art and the writing style so much. Truly a top-tier book.
Resist by Lasairiona Lewis
emotional
reflective
tense
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
If there's anything Lasairiona can do, it's the perfect blend of hot spice, real emotions, and vulnerability. Cora and Sterling are fantastic, and I couldn't stop reading. I also loved the roles each character played. Cora was a domme while Sterling was a switch, and I enjoyed those dynamics. Another thing about Lasairiona's books is the fierce friendships. Not only do all the female characters go to bat for one another, but the male ones do as well. I've been reading this series since day one and it's so great to see the world expand into something so lovely. I wish the third-act conflict didn't have to happen, but I also know it made sense in this context. That's why I loved both epilogues so much; they helped both characters feel finished and developed. Overall, I can't wait for the next book and I'm in for whatever Lasairiona writes! Thank you to her for providing the ARC!
Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a great sequel. I liked that it picked up right where the first book left off. The characters were developed quite nicely here, and I enjoyed the journey Ross and her friends took throughout the story. I think the duology closed off nicely, and the entire book was full of action, twists, and turns. I did think some of the tension and the romance between Ross and Devroe were missing. The heists were really well done, and I enjoyed the different settings of this book. Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read. Thank you to Penguin teen for the ARC!
Nothing Special, Volume 1 by Katie Cook
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Omg, this book was absolutely incredible. I loved the characters, I loved the story, and the art style was so adorable. Declan and Callie were a great pairing, and I loved their development throughout the story. It reminded me a lot of my relationship, which was super sweet and wholesome. The twists were also great, and I'm so excited to see where this series will go next!
Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
have to start by saying how feral my man's Sig was for Chloe. From the day they met to all the tension throughout the whole book, I was here for it. Also, the future step-sibling trope was wild! It was kind of like forbidden romance, and I was rooting for them regardless. I loved how the hockey team rallied for Sig in this one, too. Tessa Bailey does hockey romance well, and I enjoyed this one immensely. The spice in this one was so good that I only wanted more. I wished the reveal would have happened a bit sooner, but I understand why it didn't. The chemistry was amazing, but I would have loved to see a smidge more character development for Chloe. I liked her journey with Pierre and the harp, and her growth was cool. As always, I'm a big fan of Tessa Bailey, and I'm excited to see what she does next. Thank you to Avon for the ARC to read and review!
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I listened to this book on audio in one sitting. It was grotesque and interesting, and I couldn't stop reading. The characters were made to be ridiculously unlikable, the narrative a wild, satirical look into the publishing industry, and the writing engaging and captivating. As both a writer and a reader, I felt like I could resonate with both sides, not in a relatable way but in some way that just scratched the brain. I enjoyed how quick it was and how Kuang showed such a detailed lens into this world. I also thought the ending was wild, and June was actually losing it, which I knew was the whole point. I think I was a little skeptical of the language. I didn't love the anti-Israel moments and thought they didn't contribute to anything in the story. I think that's why it wasn't a full 5 for me; it just felt highly unnecessary.
My Calamity Jane by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand
funny
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
4.0
This was such a delightful installment in the series. Jane was a delightful main character, and I enjoyed her narration throughout the story. The concept of the Garou was just silly enough but also brought in a mythical element. The friendships and found family aspect were so well done. I also love the wild takes on history and how meta the world is. This made me laugh and was full of action, making it quick-paced. Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other books by this author trio!
Just Haven't Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Sophie Cousens delivers romance and personal growth stories so well. The idea of a meet-cute through luggage was so cute, and I loved how it kicked the story off. Also, Jersey sounds incredible, and I want to visit this cute little island and experience the sights myself. I also enjoyed how the love story became a little unexpected. The found family aspect was great, and I loved how Laura bonded with Ted and his family. The family history was so well done and I thought it reflected Laura's journey well. Overall, Sophie's books are light and introspective, and I quite enjoyed reading them.
The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I love Sophie Cousens, and this book was an absolute delight. Lucy was such a relatable character, and her shift from mid-20s to sudden mother of two was wild. I thought she had a lot of character development, especially in a life she felt wasn't hers. I thought Lucy was a smidge whiny initially, but her growth helped a lot. This was emotional, witty, and full of impactful moments. I loved the London setting. The aspect of female friendships is very important, and I liked this story. I loved the secondary characters and how they brought the story more to life. This felt like a wholesome book; I wish it could have gone on longer. I also loved the way this ended.