juliajjshields's reviews
396 reviews

2.75✨ this was so poorly written but the spice was spicing & that was the point of this read so for that we give a 2.75. will I most definitely be reading the rest? yes. but did this feel like an early middle school level novel with sex scenes infused? also yes lol

3.75✨ perhaps I am naive buT there were so many elements to this story I didn’t see coming from Stella’s own personal life to the actual case with Rose. sometimes when I read a thriller it can feel so silly but this was well written, engaging & clearly thought out. 

I really came to care for Stella & all she’d gone through & how fiercely loyal she was. This is my first book by Pekkanen & her storytelling made me want to read more from her in the future. 

As tends to happen with thrillers, the last 40 pages are a mad dash to reveal the truth of all nuanced details of a plot that had you on the verge of an anxious breakdown the previous 300 pages. In short - the end was a bit rushed & chaotic for my liking but overall did the job, I was spooked, thrilled ! 

I didn’t expect anything that happened in this book lol once it’s revealed why Phoebe is at the Cornwall, things take a turn. it tackled heavy topics in a satire, light way that I enjoyed. I felt it was well written and so engaging. I feel like I’m still processing it because there was just so much there but I really loved the way Phoebe detailed observations of weddings, the bridal party and the freedom of an outsider to say what they feel/want. There are so many quotes I highlighted & took-away. It was full of humor & the fact that the ending was left open without definite ends, tied bows to each plot line was refreshing. Everyone was depicted so wholly with their flaws & redeeming qualities…just so well done!!

2.75✨ i love Ashley Poston!! Her two previous novels were so magical…so safe to say I’m bummed with this one. It was still so cute! & I loved the idea of stumbling into a fictional town, but I think the whole Anders plot fell a bit short for me? while reading I just kept asking myself where is this even going…it felt like a lot of life lessons and cute romance tropes thrown into a book hoping for it to make sense. 

Again i think the premise was so great but I don’t think it was executed well? Ah🫣 idk like they weren’t even remotely seeming involved and then all of a sudden BOOM! Love!! And then for her to leave and he doesn’t come with? WhAT? And then she opens a bookstore and he appears ? WHAT? I just was so lost 

However Ashley Poston’s writing and stories are always like a warm hug and that saved this for me. Plus the promise of the plot! While it wasn’t fully actualized I loved the creativity. Would still recommend as a nice fall read 😌 

3.75✨I enjoyed this so so much more than the one before! we got straight into the action & there was more to the plot which had me hooked. It did feel a bit drawn out at times hence a .25 away from 4, but overall so solid. We love elements of magic and an unexpected crew working together!! I was a fan of getting more context on everyone’s backgrounds and stories amidst the drop into hell. Unexpected & creative.

I didn’t expect the cliffhanger at the end either? I thought this was a duology so that was a pleasant surprise! I loved the incorporation of Mercy & getting more of Turner. I’m curious as to how things will unfold with Darlington & Alex…this book is so dark academia no romance but then there was a line from Darlington post-hell about devouring that had me audibly go “oH?” Lmao so we shall see what occurs. Twas a good time! 

 2.5✨ sighs…let me start by saying that I am not familiar with Drew Afualo. Ive seen her on the internet a few times & think she’s funny, makes great content, but am not a follower. I just love a memoir! This however was not quite that? Or maybe it was? Idk a lil “my story” but a lotta preaching so I almost DNF’d. I audiobooked it which made it easier to finish as her voice is calming, but had I been physically holding it, I wouldve ditched it. 

 

Everything she says in this book is real! True! Correct! I just don’t think I was the target audience. This felt very preachy about basic feminism and not taking shit from crap men. Which again, period! But just all felt so elementary to me. This would be great for a preteen audience or teen audience. Perhaps for those also in their 20s, but again everyone is at a different point in their journey so if you are needing affirmations about your worth and men being insecure then this is for you nd it will definitely hype you up! I also feel you can get that type of affirmation from so many other books that exist right now, so I just felt that this didnt address any gaps in that sense, but am glad there is Samoan representation and appreciated the beautiful ways she discussed the culture and community. 

 

If anything, this made me want a book written by her mother? Like who is this icon! Give me a parenting guide/memoir ! That is what I feel could’ve been a stronger book and bigger impact but alas! Maybe next time. Keeping an eye out for Mama Afualo’s book 

3.75✨ very insightful & terrifying lol. Audiobooked this & it was a bit difficult to get through as the narrator sounded like a teleprompter come to life but alas I persisted since data tracking etc isn’t a realm I’m very familiar with! I’m glad I did as I certainly feel more enlightened & will continue to think about data critically. Some things weren’t new to me (ie Snowden or social media’s impact on people’s lives) but others were fascinating. As the secret life of data and AI continue to infiltrate our world, I want to make an effort to seek out this kind of information & I encourage others to do the same! 

4.25✨ I’m absolutely teary eyed & quivering in the plane rn. This was insanely beautiful and gut wrenching. So magically written. This book is grief and the shit storm that is life embodied in the most delicate & lovely package. I’m just in awe. This was translated from French & I’m keen on reading the original as I’m sure the language & beauty hits harder in its original language and text. This really hit hard. The loss of a parent, the loss of a grandparent, the loss of a sibling. So wonderfully portrayed jumping back and forth through time. The cutesy cover is deceiving. I’m left feeling so warm yet heavy. Truly a must read  

3.5✨ all a bit ridiculous but in the way I absolutely devour!! also first time ever I think that a book has finished with a spicy scene? In the epilogue? shock factor alone 10/10 lol. This was such a silly premise & so over the top with the wealth displays but in a way that I could tell brought joy to the author that I could feel through the page. Couldn’t help but also fall into this fake, extravagant world. The whole inheritance fake marriage drama was not my cup of tea but overall I did enjoy this one & would recommend for a fun & fast romance :) 

okay so I was with it majority of the time, got more interesting towards the end & then the unveiling I was like what is even going on. It felt a bit scattered going between the time hopping throughout? Wasn’t as well done as I’d hoped when reading the premise, but could’ve been super solid. Will I read the next? Yes! But am I impressed? Not really. I was entertained…I’m a fan of dark academia and enjoyed the magic in New Haven and the secret societies…I’m still processing the end of it all but I hope the next one jumps straight in. I didn’t feel as invested in these characters and stories but again, want to know what happens next and see if it comes together a bit more