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ivi_reads_books's reviews
300 reviews
Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.0
Heavy on themes of medicine, mental health, and social media, but ultimately a cute and engaging story!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Racism, Sexual content, and Medical content
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Did not see this ending coming!
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.5
Finally a romance novel where the main couple doesn’t jump straight into mind-blowing sex!
Instead, the book takes its time, showing the journey of how they build that connection, drawing inspiration from Emily Nagoski's Come As You Are.
While the mental health topics felt a bit forced and the ghostwriting aspect could have been explored more, it's still an engaging read. The pace slows down a bit towards the end, but overall, it's a refreshing take on romance.
Instead, the book takes its time, showing the journey of how they build that connection, drawing inspiration from Emily Nagoski's Come As You Are.
While the mental health topics felt a bit forced and the ghostwriting aspect could have been explored more, it's still an engaging read. The pace slows down a bit towards the end, but overall, it's a refreshing take on romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
OCD
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
This book portrays a lonely protagonist who, despite her social challenges, illustrates the profound connections that can still be forged, even in the final moments of life. Rather than following her own path, she chooses to honor her patients' memories by continuing their passions after they pass away.
Despite Clover's reserved demeanor, a few people manage to break through her barriers, becoming friends who challenge and support her.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, and Medical content
Minor: Sexual harassment
Grief Is Love: Living with Loss by Marisa Renee Lee
emotional
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Miscarriage, Racism, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Gen Z's dream come true! Everyone shares their feelings openly, and families are super wholesome. Realistic? Maybe not. Adorable? Absolutely!
And even though it’s a romance novel, it’s perfectly PG-13.
Thanks to Wednesday Books for an advance reader copy of this book.
Thanks to Wednesday Books for an advance reader copy of this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Death of parent, and Outing
The Summer I Dared by Barbara Delinsky
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
ChatGPT said it would be about a character with chronic pain and it isn't
The Bookshop Sisterhood by Michelle Lindo-Rice
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Every character was the same. Keeping secrets, dramatizing and focussing on outward appearance. They didn't support one another even though they are supposed to be friends. The bookshop was barely a topic
The Women by Kristin Hannah
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed the insights into life in the US in the 60s and 70s around the time of the Vietnam war. The authors shows the struggles women and specifically women soldiers went through and how they found support.
The book handles a lot of heavy themes in a quite graphic way, so check the trigger warnings if you don't want to read about certain subjects.
The book handles a lot of heavy themes in a quite graphic way, so check the trigger warnings if you don't want to read about certain subjects.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Police brutality, Kidnapping, and Pregnancy
Minor: Infertility, Suicide, Torture, and Sexual harassment
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
If you like an unreliable, and frankly unlikeable, narrator and an Agatha Christie like narration, give this book a try
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, and Murder