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itsjustkatereading's reviews
1643 reviews
The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
I'm somewhat conflicted about this one. On the one hand, it was entertaining and definitely enjoyable. On the other hand, it fell ever so slightly flat for me.
I liked the characters and the plot was fun. That being said, while there wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it but also nothing entirely new or exciting. I think I just wanted a bit more from everything, whilst also feeling the book definitely could have been shorter. The ending was also somewhat anticlimactic.
That being said, it's very possible this is a 'right book, wrong time' situation, so I'd definitely be interested to see what I thought upon a reread before the sequel's released!
I liked the characters and the plot was fun. That being said, while there wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it but also nothing entirely new or exciting. I think I just wanted a bit more from everything, whilst also feeling the book definitely could have been shorter. The ending was also somewhat anticlimactic.
That being said, it's very possible this is a 'right book, wrong time' situation, so I'd definitely be interested to see what I thought upon a reread before the sequel's released!
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
There are some books in life that you come across as just the right time. Swift and Saddled is one of those books for me. This book is the warm hug I so very much needed and well worth my first five star rating of the year.
This book has well and truly stolen my heart, as have its two main characters. I knew I adored Ada (as a dungarees girl, I appreciate the rep) but the moment she started discussing her experiences of loneliness and self doubt in socialising solidified her as a new favourite fmc. I can also very much relate to crying over cows, so that also helped.
And then there’s Wes. When you look up ‘perfection ’ in the dictionary, I’m convinced you’ll find the words ‘Weston Ryder’. A man who’s open about his struggles with mental health, quotes How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and rescues calfs in storms? It’s safe to say I have ever so slightly fallen in love.
The discussions around depression made my heart so happy. I truly thought it was done beautifully. It’s subtle and not the main plot point but it’s received with gentleness and care. The same goes for Ada’s experiences with friendship struggles and self doubt.
Swift and Saddled is a book of self worth and gentleness and letting your guard down. It’s possible I’m simply a little minimal right now but I truly loved this book with my whole being.
But most of all, this is the first cowboy romance I’ve read with actual cow content and that in itself is deserving of five stars.
What to expect:
• black cat x golden retriever
• country boy x city girl
• depression rep (mmc)
• opposites attract
• forced proximity
• small town romance
• cows
• a very good dog
What to expect:
• black cat x golden retriever
• country boy x city girl
• depression rep (mmc)
• opposites attract
• forced proximity
• small town romance
• cows
• a very good dog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Toxic relationship
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Not in Love has a very different vibe from Ali’s previous books. It’s less rom-com and more melancholic but it’s not lacking in Ali’s quick wit and snark. This was a tender book about messy people finding each other, themselves and learning to trust. It’s a story of love and heartbreak in romance, friendships and careers. I loved both Rue and Eli’s characters, both together and apart and would happily read a sequel following their happily ever after and Rue becoming a dog mum. Eli was gorgeous and there was something about Rue’s character I just adored. Whilst not my favourite of Ali’s, I really enjoyed this one.
What to expect:
• dual pov
• forbidden romance
• he falls first
• instalust
• stem romance
• workplace romance
• found family
• cute pup
What to expect:
• dual pov
• forbidden romance
• he falls first
• instalust
• stem romance
• workplace romance
• found family
• cute pup
Lore Olympus: Volume Seven by Rachel Smythe
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This wasn’t my favourite volume as it felt a tad disjointed at times but also I loved every page so who am I to complain?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Did I find myself a little confused at times? Yes.
Do I need a sequel asap despite this? Also yes.
I had a great time with this action packed historical fantasy. I thought this exploration discussions surrounding linguistics were such an interesting focal point and not something I’ve come across in a fantasy before. Sure, some elements of the magic system and world building went over my head a little (I’m happy to blame my currently exhausted brain for this) but I have a feeling this wouldn’t be an issue upon a reread, which I’m hoping will happen because I’d love a sequel after that ending!!
Do I need a sequel asap despite this? Also yes.
I had a great time with this action packed historical fantasy. I thought this exploration discussions surrounding linguistics were such an interesting focal point and not something I’ve come across in a fantasy before. Sure, some elements of the magic system and world building went over my head a little (I’m happy to blame my currently exhausted brain for this) but I have a feeling this wouldn’t be an issue upon a reread, which I’m hoping will happen because I’d love a sequel after that ending!!
The Bangalore Detectives Club by Harini Nagendra
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
3.0
This is the perfect example of a book where I loved the journey but was throughly disappointed by the final destination. The first 90% of this book had me fully immersed in this story but the eventual ‘whodunnit’ reveal was so disappointing, simply because it was played into a tired trope I’m really not a fan of (but sadly can’t go into as it’d be a big spoiler.) It just felt uninspired compared to the rest of the book, which was refreshing and engaging. That being said, I did enjoy most of my time with this book and would definitely read more of the author’s work. It’s just a shame the ending left me feeling rather frustrated.
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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? No
4.5
I was both nervous and excited going into this. Excited because I adored The Serpent and the Wings of Night and couldn’t wait to dive back into this story. Nervous because I’d seen some very mixed reviews. Having now finished it, I’m thrilled to say I adored every single second of my time with this book.
Carissa Broadbent superbly balances romance and action in this book. It’s slower paced than TSATWON in parts, which allowed for moments of deeper emotional connection and character growth and depth, which I adored. Oraya and Raihn were gorgeous characters to follow, both together and in their own right and I truly cannot get enough of their relationship dynamic.
I didn’t expect to love this book and series as hard as I did but this is the first time in a long time a fantasy series has had this much of a fangirl style hold over me.
Dramatic, romantic, action packed, emotional and a hell of a ride, this was such an epic conclusion of Oraya and Raihn’s story and I can’t wait to continue with the next instalment in this series.
Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This was a really fun read. I loved the treasure hunting elements and enjoyed the characters. I do wish there had been a little more depth to the romance, as it went from hate to love seemingly overnight. That being said, it was a very entertaining read and I’d definitely look forward to reading more from Jo Segura in the future.
Lord of the Empty Isles by Jules Arbeaux
adventurous
emotional
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
3.75
While the world building/magic system was a little confusing at times, I ultimately found myself very much enjoying this action-packed, yet cozy sci-fi story. The characters truly stole the show and I look forward to reading more from June Arbeaux in the future. I feel like this is a book I will love even more on a reread.
Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I loved this book almost as much as I loved the cinnamon roll that is Andrew Santos.
Must Love Books is a raw and nuanced exploration of a side of depression not often discussed; not necessarily wanting to die but not knowing why you want to live. It's about a woman in her twenties not knowing where she fits in the world and not having the energy to find it. It's a messy story of keeping your head above water with lies and doing your best to try and seem okay. It's a gentle love story of many parts; romantic, familial and self love are all represented and given time to shine.
I can see why people might be thrown if they went into this expecting a light romance. Yes, the romance is sweet and flawed and heartwarming but it's not this story's centre. At its centre, this is a story about a woman doing her best to keep up with the world she's found herself in, a world that she doesn't always feel strong enough to withstand. It's a story that truly stole my heart.
Must Love Books is a raw and nuanced exploration of a side of depression not often discussed; not necessarily wanting to die but not knowing why you want to live. It's about a woman in her twenties not knowing where she fits in the world and not having the energy to find it. It's a messy story of keeping your head above water with lies and doing your best to try and seem okay. It's a gentle love story of many parts; romantic, familial and self love are all represented and given time to shine.
I can see why people might be thrown if they went into this expecting a light romance. Yes, the romance is sweet and flawed and heartwarming but it's not this story's centre. At its centre, this is a story about a woman doing her best to keep up with the world she's found herself in, a world that she doesn't always feel strong enough to withstand. It's a story that truly stole my heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts