jennametheny's reviews
163 reviews

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

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

3.5

Julie Soto writes great romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I have zero background in music so I can’t tell you anything about accuracy, but the characters fit well together and I loved reading about them. But I feel there are some missed opportunities to go deeper. 

Soto seems to skim the surface of class commentary, but never fully addresses the issue of privilege and the way it warps Alex’s perspective. Gwen talks about stability and growing up poor, and even though privilege is centric to their conflict, it’s never clearly addressed.

We also skim the surface of Gwen’s trusting nature. I thought we’d get deeper into the betrayals that multiple characters endure throughout the book, but those conflicts seem to wrap up prettily with no commentary on how easily Gwen could have fallen into the same trap. 

That said, if you want light and fluffy, this is a super fun ride! 
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

The One by John Marrs

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

4.0

Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail by Barney Scout Mann

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adventurous inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

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hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

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

3.75

DisneyWar by James B. Stewart

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funny informative slow-paced

4.0