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fritz42's reviews
2873 reviews
Made for You by Anyta Sunday
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Initially this was a 3.5 star story for me, mainly because it took me a while (almost the whole book) to get use to Ben. His bumbling antics at time, especially when he was nervous, just rubbed me the wrong way. And his constant flirting and trying to push the boundaries when Jack had explained why they couldn't become involved.
However, the ending of the story, when the two of them decided (in a responsible manner) to be together publicly, tied it up for me. Maybe Ben did just need some support. I liked where the story left Jack, Ben, and Milo.
However, the ending of the story, when the two of them decided (in a responsible manner) to be together publicly, tied it up for me. Maybe Ben did just need some support. I liked where the story left Jack, Ben, and Milo.
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
This was so good. With the next four years ahead of us, looking back on the first Muslim ban and how it impacted Americans and immigrants alike, was a good history lesson for me. It was also a lesson about how we need to stand up for what is right even when it's hard.
I enjoyed Kareem's story. The difficulties he had as a Syrian American, how he just wanted to fit in somewhere, and the mistakes he makes along the way trying to navigate this. (And he makes some mistakes.) It was gratifying to see the growth he makes with the support and love of his family and friends.
And I LOVED the football analogies/rules and how they applied to his life and the struggles he was having. I hope that middle-schoolers and all people older can enjoy the message and lessons in this book.
I enjoyed Kareem's story. The difficulties he had as a Syrian American, how he just wanted to fit in somewhere, and the mistakes he makes along the way trying to navigate this. (And he makes some mistakes.) It was gratifying to see the growth he makes with the support and love of his family and friends.
And I LOVED the football analogies/rules and how they applied to his life and the struggles he was having. I hope that middle-schoolers and all people older can enjoy the message and lessons in this book.
Not That Complicated by Isabel Murray
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was an interesting book to start my year with. I'm just going to say this upfront. Ray is a neurotic mess of a person, and being up in his thoughts is like being caught in one of those metal balls that a trick motorcyclist is driving around and around in. There were times I was wondering what the heck was going on with this guy. It was like watching an accident happening, and strangely enough, I couldn't look away.
So when the whole "finding dead bodies" thing started to happen and kept happening, I was along for the ride.
I did have some difficulty getting a handle on Adam and what he truly felt for Ray. Fortunately the author has Ray finally get out of his own way and get some insight into what Adam needed. Once that happened, everything fell into place. And because of that, I gave it 1/2-1 star more.
So when the whole "finding dead bodies" thing started to happen and kept happening, I was along for the ride.
I did have some difficulty getting a handle on Adam and what he truly felt for Ray. Fortunately the author has Ray finally get out of his own way and get some insight into what Adam needed. Once that happened, everything fell into place. And because of that, I gave it 1/2-1 star more.
The Witch's Familiar by TJ Nichols
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’d have to say this book surprised me. Initially, I questioned if I could finish it because of the internal musings of both MCs. I found those musings in the first chapters of the book to be too repetitive and at times, going around in circles even in the same paragraph. It took me out of the book.
But I hung in there. The plot started to thicken after the two MCs meet in a bar and some magical things start to happen. I found myself caught up in the story and the impossible mission that Jude had been assigned. My feelings for Jude started to change. Initially, I thought he was a just scattered-brained person who only thought of himself. But soon I felt sorry Jude did not get the type of magical training he should have gotten from the moment he discovered his magic. Those feelings intensified when we could see how he hadn't been given the skills he needed, only to be sent out to fail. Even so, Jude dove right into doing what needed to be done regardless to what might happen to him.
I also enjoyed Mack once he seemed to make a decision about being a familiar and got out of his head. (Seriously, though, their internal musings were more repetitive than they needed to be.) I loved his strength and his support for Jude. I admired how he did what needed to be done to help save his town and Jude’s magic.
The world building was interesting, especially the creatures featured in this book. My curiosity is piqued in regards to the Coven and its governing board. Are they truly working for the good of the paranormal communities? I’m open to reading the other books in the series, especially if they would have these Jude and Mack involved in other missions or investigations.
But I hung in there. The plot started to thicken after the two MCs meet in a bar and some magical things start to happen. I found myself caught up in the story and the impossible mission that Jude had been assigned. My feelings for Jude started to change. Initially, I thought he was a just scattered-brained person who only thought of himself. But soon I felt sorry Jude did not get the type of magical training he should have gotten from the moment he discovered his magic. Those feelings intensified when we could see how he hadn't been given the skills he needed, only to be sent out to fail. Even so, Jude dove right into doing what needed to be done regardless to what might happen to him.
I also enjoyed Mack once he seemed to make a decision about being a familiar and got out of his head. (Seriously, though, their internal musings were more repetitive than they needed to be.) I loved his strength and his support for Jude. I admired how he did what needed to be done to help save his town and Jude’s magic.
The world building was interesting, especially the creatures featured in this book. My curiosity is piqued in regards to the Coven and its governing board. Are they truly working for the good of the paranormal communities? I’m open to reading the other books in the series, especially if they would have these Jude and Mack involved in other missions or investigations.
Magic For You by Anyta Sunday
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
4.0
The Duke at Hazard by KJ Charles
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
5.0
The Humbug Holiday by Lane Hayes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
These guys were perfect for each other, both coming to hate Christmas for the losses they suffered around the holiday. It was fun, watching them slowly embrace the Christmas spirit through their interactions with each other. I loved where the book left the two of them.
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another great short story from Ali. I enjoyed how Marc knew in his heart that Jamie was the one for him even when they were teenagers and he was willing to bide his time. I enjoyed this as a short story, and I would have loved it was a full length novel, too.
The Boy Next Door by Josh Lanyon
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5