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courtsbooknook's reviews
1599 reviews
A Million Junes by Emily Henry
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I think this book is highly underrated, and as a huge Em Hen fan, I knew I needed to read it. I loved the writing style of this book. It was lyrical, engaging, and emotional, and I really enjoyed that. This was such a different style than I was used to from Emily, as this came out much sooner than her adult romances, but I liked it regardless. I got a little lost in the middle with the magical realism elements and was trying to keep up with the various family trees, but they took me out of the story a bit. I did love June and Saul, though. They were great characters, and their banter was exceptional. I also valued the friendships throughout the story. I enjoyed this book for sure, and I'm excited to check out more of her YA backlist!
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
No one does historical fiction quite like Pam Jenoff. Her books always pull me in from the start and I was hooked the whole way. What was interesting about this one is that the timelines were only a couple of years apart. I enjoyed the different perspectives, and Grace, Marie, and Eleanor were all super interesting and complex characters. The twist at the end was really great, which isn't surprising. This was a story I wasn't super familiar with, and I know Pam takes inspiration from real-life events. She did it so well and I liked exploring this part of history. Pam also does Jewish fiction immensely well so I'm glad I got to read another one of her books.
The Big Life: Embrace the Mess, Work Your Side Hustle, Find a Monumental Relationship, and Become the Badass Babe You Were Meant to by Ann Shoket
hopeful
inspiring
4.0
This book would have been exactly what I needed after grad school. Although it was published in 2017, it's still highly relevant in the media world, and I look up to Ann Shoket immensely. I related to different aspects and It's inspiring for both those in journalism and those not to go after what they really want. It was quick but filled with advice, inspiring anecdotes, and, of course, impactful women. I enjoyed reading this and it was an easy break from the other books I've been reading.
The Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
If anyone is going to deliver a perfectly kooky cast of characters, it'll be Lucy Score. This reminded me of the Finlay Donovan series, which is always a great time. I thought it was funny and light, and I liked the mystery combined with the romance. However, I did feel like it was a bit long in the middle, so it took a bit to get to the point and the resolution. Nick and Riley's banter was so fun, and I liked how they interacted with the other characters. Gabe was delightful, and I hope he appears in the rest of the series. Riley's psychic abilities also made a cute addition. I'm looking forward to the rest because I love anything Lucy writes!
Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was fantastic. I haven't had a new fantasy book hold my attention in a while, but this one absolutely delivered. The world-building was unique, and I liked the different classifications of fae. They were different from other books, and seeing how this concept was executed so well felt refreshing. I found the writing engaging, and I was hooked from the beginning. Female friendships and powerful women were central to this story, which was so fantastic. What would happen to Kenna was a bit predictable, but how it happened was more of a surprise, which I enjoyed. This was dark, evocative, and hard to put down. I can't wait to see what will come from the next installments in this series! Overall, so glad i read this one because it was so incredible.
Secrets of Blackthorn Hall by Cassandra Clare
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
How could I not love this? It was just a quick catch-up with all my favorite characters, including several mentions of my OG book boyfriend, Will Herondale. This was so fun, and I liked that all the chapters were written in letter format. It was also just a great connection to several of Clare's series, and I loved that so much. This was funny, light, and felt like coming home. I was so happy to see all of my favorites!!
The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I liked the first one in this series better, but this was still cute! After attending my very first comic con this year, I liked the fangirl vibes and all the fun things that setting offered. Imogen and Jess were both interesting and exciting main characters, and switching back and forth between their POVs was great. I liked the behind-the-scenes drama and enjoyed the different friendships and relationships that were explored. There was a lot of growth from both FMCs, and I appreciated that. I liked seeing Elle and Darian from the first book as well. Overall, this was a fun read, and I liked being immersed in the fangirl world as a fangirl myself.
Hopeless by Elsie Silver
medium-paced
2.5
I can't believe this book was part of the other four Chestnut Springs books I loved because it felt like an entirely different story. I was looking forward to Beau's book big time, but unfortunately, it fell so flat for me. I don't feel like there was any growth with Beau until maybe the end, which was too late after all he was going through. I also usually love a fake dating situation, but this felt forced. I didn't feel any sparks or chemistry from Beau and Bailey. This one also lacked the family dynamic that the other four books did so well. The spice felt like a distraction from Beau's trauma, and I didn't like that. The third-act conflict was too far into the book and it seemed random and lacking. Overall, these characters didn't do anything for me, and nothing moved the plot forward. It was a struggle to get through booj five after totally loving the other four.
Reckless by Elsie Silver
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I'm not usually the biggest fan of the surprise pregnancy trope, but Elsie Silver absolutely nailed it. Theo and Winter were incredible and I loved the entirety of their story arc. Winter had so much development from book one until her story and I really valued that as a reader. Also, Theo STEPPED UP. He was so excited to be a father even though it was unexpected. Something else I really enjoyed was that Winter and Theo fit in like they were Eatons themselves. The close-knit friendships and found family vibes were so well done. Book two is still my favorite in this series, but I loved this one so much!
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
This was super cute, and I liked the Beauty and the Beast vibes. I initially found Izzy to be a little annoying, but I liked her more as the book progressed. I wish the romance was a little more of the focus and similar to the first one in this series. I felt like the couple didn't get enough time to actually be together, and it was more of a build-up. I did love that this was centered around books. Overall, this was an easy listen and I enjoyed it.