emmreadsbooks's reviews
1173 reviews

The Unbroken by C.L. Clark

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-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

It took me forever to read this book, but man if I didn't love it. Was it a bit on the nose and predictable sometimes? Yes. But would I have changed any of it? Hell no. While it's a fairly long book, the plot keeps moving at a great pace. And more impressively, it didn't feel too expository or "lore dump-y". I enjoyed seeing Touraine and Luca navigate their drastically different worlds, all while interfacing with each other. At points it felt like chess, while in other a dramatic game of capture the flag. Full of political intrigue, a unique magic system, and so many queer romances, it's a fantasy book to remember. I'll be diving into The Faithless ASAP!
VenCo by Cherie Dimaline

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

3.25

I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this one, though my experience of it definitely suffered from me falling asleep during the audiobook... frequently... BUT that was because I was on a road trip, not any fault of the narrators. There's something so dark and sexy about it. From the long search for magic to an extremely attractive (and deadly) witch hunter, it'll keep you guessing. I really enjoyed seeing the point of views of the coven. At some points I had trouble following the magic system and what the full capabilities were, but it's a great quick read (especially on audio!)

*Thank you to Libro FM for the gifted ALC and Book Club Girls for the gifted physical copy*
Planes, Trains, and All the Feels by Livy Hart

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

3.5


Remind me to never travel again. This book hits on all of my anxieties about it, but does add some romance which is nice. Be it on a plane, train, or automobile, Luke and Cassidy are orally brawling and eyefucking each other. I really enjoyed the narrative on toxic relationships and self-worth. Things get rushed at times, rightfully so as there's a ticking clock to get back for Isabella's wedding, but it's enjoyable throughout. I'd love to see Berkeley get her own book (maybe with Will??), hopefully with a bit less transportation involved. Though will I see a ferris wheel or the Eiffel tower in the same way again? Heck no.

*Thank you to Entangled and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron

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

4.5

I am WIIIIIILD about Jana Goes Wild. From the blatant sexual tension between Jana and Anil, the cutest baby girl Imani, and the awesome settings of Tanzania and the Serengeti, this is an amazing romcom to satisfy your wanderlust. As a huge fan of Kamila Knows Best, I was happy to see Kamila featured in this book (even as a background character). I feel like we get to see Jana and Kamila's friendship grow throughout this book, from being a reluctant member of the Bridal Brigade to really being besties. I love a career-oriented protagonist, especially when she's also prioritizing her family. Anil's not perfect, but he's pretty dang close - he could take me to Disney any day. There are some mild miscommunication tropes throughout, but it's a really solid second-chance romance. AND I can't wait to try out the recipes in the back, mmmmmmmm.

*Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
Queen of Volts by Amanda Foody

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adventurous dark mysterious tense 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? No

5.0

You know when a series just absolutely sticks the landing? This is it. The way the last half of the book had me rolling around in bed, audibly gasping, and even screaming "WHAT THE FUCK" before I frantically DMed Amanda Foody about my shock... unparalleled. The whole book is a shadow game, but with most of the key players participating. Amp up the political intrigue by 11 and you've got a really dang interesting book. I loved how many PoVs we got to see throughout, especially Harvey's and Lola's! It makes sense with the narrative as well, because now the book is about more than just Levi and Enne. While the books are sizable, I wholeheartedly recommend this series for YA fantasy fans.
The Angel Maker by Alex North

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

3.0

As usual with Alex North books, I am CONFUSED for most of it. But contrary to my usual experiences, I actually enjoyed the confusion this time around. It helped that the real action started within the first few pages, but I really enjoyed the focus on the future as a theme. Would you truly want to know what would happen, especially if it meant you couldn't stop it? The narrator did an amazing job contrasting the dark themes with her light and concise voice, but still added so much drama to the story. Plus the entire idea of controlling your own fate mixed with the tales of a serial killer is just so delectable. I think I would've enjoyed it more on paper, but it's still a super fun and gruesome thriller.

*Thank you to Celadon and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review* 
Never Vacation with Your Ex by Austin Siegemund-Broka, Emily Wibberley

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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? Yes

3.0

An adorable second chance romance set on the beaches of California, this is a great YA for summer. I've never read about sand volleyball at length, so that was a really interesting angle. For me, the most interesting parts of the book were when the family was all together - rather than the romance unfortunately. Dean is such a precious cinnamon roll, but Kaylee is too caught up in herself to treat him right. That being said, Lucy and Jessie are the cutest and have the BEST taste in music. Give me all the ABBA please!

*Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

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challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This was my first Sally Hepworth novel and I did enjoy most of it. There was just something about how the mental illnesses in this book were treated that didn't sit right with me. It felt like medication was treated as a cure to all ills, and that certain plot elements were caused purely by it. That being said, I really enjoyed the narration and the tension that was built over the multiple PoVs. Having an Australian narrator really helped keep me focused on where the book was set, and only added to the ambiance. There's so much trauma built into this book from the premise alone, but we also get to explore the relationships in the family and their sordid past. Pacing was excellent, just hoping for a little more sensitivity in her next book.

*Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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

5.0

Just perfection, the comedic cozy mystery I've come to expect from Jesse Q Sutanto. It's even better on audio as Eunice Wong encapsulates Vera and her sassy inner monologue. I did guess the killer from the beginning, but it was definitely pure luck. What's more important to this book is the glimpse we get into each character and their struggles. From the struggling artist to the stay at home mother, the cast is unique and wholly lovable. I'd love to see more books in this universe, especially with Vera leading the sleuthing charge.

*Thank you to PRH Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*
Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt

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

4.0

It's funny and it gave me feelings, so overall a great title. Farley and Meyer just need their cheeks squeezed, followed by smushing their faces together and screaming "NOW KISS". This was a fun friends to lovers, mixed with fake dating and workplace romance. I enjoyed the incorporation of ASL throughout and how respectfully they treated Hazel as a member of the deaf community. Honestly I would've loved to see Farley's sets live because her imitation of a bumblebee just killed me. It was a bit difficult at times following the PoV and timeline switches, but still heartwarming nonetheless. Mad respect for those s'mores bars.