emmreadsbooks's reviews
1180 reviews

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes

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

3.0

To set the record straight, in my opinion this book is a mystery. Having that expectation really sets the tone for the pacing and general vibes. Maya is an unreliable narrator with questionable memories, though we've learned by now that you should trust your gut in these things. It's slow until about 75% where we finally go over the hill and start riding down. I found it difficult at times to keep track of which timeline we were in, having something like years in the chapter title would've been great for me on audio. But the narrator was amazing at building tension and killed it at the scenes in Spanish. While this one wasn't my favorite mystery, I'm not opposed to trying out Ana Reyes again.

*Thank you to LibroFM for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*
Where We Go When All We Were Is Gone by Sequoia Nagamatsu

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challenging hopeful inspiring reflective sad

5.0

To those saying that the stories are weird, you're absolutely right. These books linger in that uncanny valley and make me feel all sorts of uncomfortable (though in the best way).

I'm convinced that I'll love everything that Sequoia Nagamatsu writes, because by god... I just love it. From the short story structure to the topics he chooses to write about, it's amazing! I was already recommending this book to friends after the first story because of the kaiju. But he also effortlessly weaves mythology and pop culture together with tales about grief, marriage, and family. The audio narrators were phenomenal as well, though I want to snag a copy to reread with my eyes. Huge fan honestly.

*Thank you to LibroFM for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*
Always Only You by Chloe Liese

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

4.25

Will every Bergman become my favorite when I read their book? Almost surely. But give me a Shakespeare loving, sweet and tender Viking boy any day. And the grumpiest girl Frankie, they're absolutely precious together. I loved all of the representation of autism and rheumatoid arthritis, hearing more about hockey, and (of course) the steam. It got me oh so excited for Ziggy's book. I wanted a little more focus on their breakup, but overall was very happy with it.
The Plus One by Mazey Eddings

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Without question, Mazey Eddings books are always perfection. They're real, messy, and lovely stories all with incredible mental health representation thrown in the mix. I've been craving Indira's story since her introduction in A Brush with Love, though I didn't know how hard it would hit me. She's dealing with her father's abandonment as well as the hilarious betrayal of her boyfriend and now? Now she's forced to spend time with her childhood nemesis. Mix with all of the vibes that come with a wedding and it's a recipe for romance. She never shies away from the tough aspects of PTSD and really paints therapy in such a positive light. The number of quotes I highlighted from this one is unreal and I'm never going to look at organic peanut butter in the same way.

*Thank you to St Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
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Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

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

5.0

Sheer and utter devastation. That's how I feel right now after finishing this book, and somehow I'm wishing that I'd read it sooner? This story heavily features death, divorce, and depression yet is able to also focus on hope and honesty. Yasmen and Josiah's love story is hard to read at times, but they show such growth as characters throughout. Kennedy Ryan focuses on the stigma around therapy for Black men, the tragic grief that comes with losing a child, and the feeling of fighting for yourself against waves of depression. It's painful and tender, and I need the next story in the Skyland Series 10 minutes ago, thank you.

*Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
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Back in a Spell by Lana Harper

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adventurous funny hopeful slow-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

3.75

Lana Harper can have my little witchy heart and keep it in Thistle Grove because *ooooof*. Nina and Morty are precious and must be protected at all costs. I enjoyed seeing into the Blackmoore family, as we've seen Gareth act like a big tool in the past few books, and gain an understanding of what their dynamic is like. (It is not good.)

Add in Morty suddenly gaining magical powers and the instant chemistry between him and Nina? Yes please. This book finally questions the sources of magic in Thistle Grove and why they insist on such secrecy. And consequently how that secrecy affects the town around them. Can't wait for Delilah's book!

*Thank you to PRH Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*
Kill Joy by Holly Jackson

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

5.0

Holly Jackson, you've done it again. Or more appropriately, this is the first doing? I'm a sucker for a murder mystery party, especially one that doesn't end in a bloodbath. And getting to see how Pip got set on the case that skyrocketed her to fame (and danger) was awesome. Plus Bailey Carr just absolutely smashes it, even in such a short amount of time. If you're missing the AGGGtMverse, this is the perfect quick read.

*Thank you to PRH Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

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adventurous dark mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

THIS BOOK. After waiting 4 years for this fucker, I was blown away. Nothing felt unnecessary, we get to sink into the lore of Yale's secret societies, and most importantly... WE GET MORE OF PAMELA DAWES. God bless.

The action, the plot, the betrayals - it's all there! We get to see Alex really sink into her trauma (though she's not entirely processing it yet), and finally confront some of her demons. Hell Bent really feels like the stakes have been raised in comparison to Ninth House, and it gives me the delightful heart palpitations that only Leigh Bardugo can dole out. This book is best enjoyed over a bowl of warm soup, preferably homemade, with no one around to interrupt you. Here's hoping we don't have to wait 4 years for the next one. (Because oh yes, it's another devastating cliffhanger)
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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

4.5

I don't know why it took me so long to read this book. Possibly because of all of the ~*hype*~, or that I'm just generally averse to historical fiction books - but regardless, I finally dove in. And it's damn good.

Not only is it raw and hard-hitting, you get to truly understand Evelyn's motivations as she navigates the Hollywood scene. This woman is used, abused, and everything in between, though she's not necessarily intrinsically likable herself. Be warned, this book is FULL of triggers as we hear Evelyn's life story. But we also get the contrast of Monique's (relatively) normal life and the appreciation that she gains for it after hearing Evelyn's tale. This book is full of heart and heartbreak, and quite possibly the reason for my most recent depressive episode. You've been warned.
Only When It's Us by Chloe Liese

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adventurous emotional hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Hello Bergman family, sorry I'm late. This book is a warm hug with a side of Swedish massage, plus enough banter to leave you sated for at least a year. I came to this series after reading Two Wrongs Make a Right and am so glad I did. 

7 stories for 7 siblings, all with varying tropes? How can you resist? I snagged this one on Hoopla and devoured it. Willa is a downright spitfire with delicious soccer thighs and Ryder is a giant lumberjack who you'll want to climb like a tree. Plus we also have a glorious dialogue on Ryder's journey with being hard of hearing. The plot was a little weird (because the last 50 pages felt like a whole bunch of sex to make all of the slow burn story you'd spent reading worth it), but still super enjoyable. I can't wait to read Ren's story next!
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