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kathigh86's reviews
286 reviews
Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
3.75
Marigold Mind Laundry by Jungeun Yun
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really enjoyed the premise of this novel, but the delivery was not what I was exactly expecting.
In the past, I have enjoyed a few translated stories, but they are not my main genre of choice. If you know you love translated novels, and stories set in other countries surrounding characters from other cultures, this book might be perfect for you. Much like the description says, this book is very introspective. It really digs into past traumas and how they can really take control of your life and how you interact with the people around you.
Things that really lowered my rating: the pacing, this book was very slow. When we were going through each story for each character, I was expecting a bit more emotional impact (which might just be my interpretation). I think if the delivery was different I would have been able to rate this book a little higher and been a little more excited or satisfied by the ending.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!*
In the past, I have enjoyed a few translated stories, but they are not my main genre of choice. If you know you love translated novels, and stories set in other countries surrounding characters from other cultures, this book might be perfect for you. Much like the description says, this book is very introspective. It really digs into past traumas and how they can really take control of your life and how you interact with the people around you.
Things that really lowered my rating: the pacing, this book was very slow. When we were going through each story for each character, I was expecting a bit more emotional impact (which might just be my interpretation). I think if the delivery was different I would have been able to rate this book a little higher and been a little more excited or satisfied by the ending.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!*
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow... I think I'm okay after reading that book. I had to take a night to sit on my review but I'm still at a loss for words.
I have been putting off reading this book because I'm not the biggest fan of the "accidental pregnancy" trope. It's just generally not something I gravitate towards. But the way that this book portrays Win's pregnancy and her relationship with, not only Bo, but everyone around her is quite literally amazing. The pregnancy isn't always front and center, there's family dynamics, career goals, and individual trauma. It ebbed and flowed so perfectly. I was really worried that the book would slow down or lose traction after she told Bo about the pregnancy but it definitely didn't.
Win and Bo's love for each other is so pure and trusting. It really gives you hope for them as a couple. Their moments together were absolutely adorable. Bo is probably the best MMC I've encountered in a long time. Win... she is so realistic and refreshing. It's so nice to see that not everyone is on the path that they wanted by the time they're in their late 20s.
I would recommend this to people who know they like the 'accidental pregnancy' trope, but also to people who may not like that trope but want to try it anyways. This is a healthy representation of pregnancy in the non-traditional sense. Also to people who love: romance that's oh so sweet, disability rep., and a good cry.
I have been putting off reading this book because I'm not the biggest fan of the "accidental pregnancy" trope. It's just generally not something I gravitate towards. But the way that this book portrays Win's pregnancy and her relationship with, not only Bo, but everyone around her is quite literally amazing. The pregnancy isn't always front and center, there's family dynamics, career goals, and individual trauma. It ebbed and flowed so perfectly. I was really worried that the book would slow down or lose traction after she told Bo about the pregnancy but it definitely didn't.
Win and Bo's love for each other is so pure and trusting. It really gives you hope for them as a couple. Their moments together were absolutely adorable. Bo is probably the best MMC I've encountered in a long time. Win... she is so realistic and refreshing. It's so nice to see that not everyone is on the path that they wanted by the time they're in their late 20s.
I would recommend this to people who know they like the 'accidental pregnancy' trope, but also to people who may not like that trope but want to try it anyways. This is a healthy representation of pregnancy in the non-traditional sense. Also to people who love: romance that's oh so sweet, disability rep., and a good cry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicide, Vomit, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Ableism and Cancer
Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Having already read this book as a indie publication, then reading it again for a traditional publishing house... this book just gets better and better. Reading it again for the second time just made everything so sweet and I got to soak up all my favorite interactions and moments. I really think I ended up enjoying the book more overall the second time around. But for those who are reading it for the first time...
The relationship between Millie and Finn is like a warm hug on a cold day. It heartwarming and SO swoon worthy. Millie and Finn as individuals are amazing! They are both well established adults who understood the boundaries of their professional relationship before becoming friends then eventually lovers. I think the workplace aspect of this book is super realistic which is refreshing compared to some other workplace romances out there. I loved that Finn didn't hide what he was feeling for Millie or hide it for a majority of the book. He waited for her and gave her the space to figure out what she wanted/needed from her next relationship. And he still showed up for her throughout that time. SWOON!
Millie and Finn also had their own past traumas they were working through and they COMMUNICATED!!! I love when characters do that. I hate unnecessary conflict. When they did have conflict, it made sense for the characters and their relationship together. And guess what they did, they TALKED IT THROUGH! The heavier topics discussed in this book weren't overbearing, the book was still overall a very light read. Check TWs though!
Overall, this book is amazing! I love the romance, the setting, the communication, the side characters, everything was just too good.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!*
The relationship between Millie and Finn is like a warm hug on a cold day. It heartwarming and SO swoon worthy. Millie and Finn as individuals are amazing! They are both well established adults who understood the boundaries of their professional relationship before becoming friends then eventually lovers. I think the workplace aspect of this book is super realistic which is refreshing compared to some other workplace romances out there. I loved that Finn didn't hide what he was feeling for Millie or hide it for a majority of the book. He waited for her and gave her the space to figure out what she wanted/needed from her next relationship. And he still showed up for her throughout that time. SWOON!
Millie and Finn also had their own past traumas they were working through and they COMMUNICATED!!! I love when characters do that. I hate unnecessary conflict. When they did have conflict, it made sense for the characters and their relationship together. And guess what they did, they TALKED IT THROUGH! The heavier topics discussed in this book weren't overbearing, the book was still overall a very light read. Check TWs though!
Overall, this book is amazing! I love the romance, the setting, the communication, the side characters, everything was just too good.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
Chasing the Puck by Lyssa Lemire
There were some great aspects, I did like some of the banter between them. The acts of service were cute and their moments alone were sweet.
The lack of communication is insane. They hardly talked about their feelings and it just leaves so much left to be said. Maybe if the book was a little longer there could have been more development between Tuck and Olivia. The arguments were kind of repetitive and once I was nearing the end I was questioning whether the two should be together in the first place.
Much like the first book, I think this book was written around the tropes that the author wanted to include. This book is a good palate cleanser/short read if that’s all you’re looking for.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really wanted to like this book. I loved the build up from the first book, so I was super excited to see their interactions first hand... But I was a little disappointed. I think I like the first book better than this one.
There were some great aspects, I did like some of the banter between them. The acts of service were cute and their moments alone were sweet.
The lack of communication is insane. They hardly talked about their feelings and it just leaves so much left to be said. Maybe if the book was a little longer there could have been more development between Tuck and Olivia. The arguments were kind of repetitive and once I was nearing the end I was questioning whether the two should be together in the first place.
Much like the first book, I think this book was written around the tropes that the author wanted to include. This book is a good palate cleanser/short read if that’s all you’re looking for.
Offside Play by Lyssa Lemire
Summer was a pretty cute character. She definitely embodies the bubbly, top grades student. Hudson, I loved his chapters. I appreciated that we got a lot of his softer side outside of hockey. His interactions with Salsa were absolutely hilarious.
Both these characters together were pretty flat. Even when their struggles were explained it felt a bit forced. With Hudson’s dad, they did have some issues resolved, but I feel like their discussion could have been a bit longer and not so rushed at the end of the book.
I feel like this book was written around the tropes that the author wanted to include. The potential to be better was there, but as I was reading it felt like I was just waiting for the next popular trope to come along. All the other writing was relatively lackluster.
This book did have me giggling and kicking my feet at points. I would recommend to people who want a book that requires absolutely no thinking power to get through. It’s a great palate cleanser.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book was very character centered. Little to no plot, which is perfect for a palate cleanser.
Summer was a pretty cute character. She definitely embodies the bubbly, top grades student. Hudson, I loved his chapters. I appreciated that we got a lot of his softer side outside of hockey. His interactions with Salsa were absolutely hilarious.
Both these characters together were pretty flat. Even when their struggles were explained it felt a bit forced. With Hudson’s dad, they did have some issues resolved, but I feel like their discussion could have been a bit longer and not so rushed at the end of the book.
I feel like this book was written around the tropes that the author wanted to include. The potential to be better was there, but as I was reading it felt like I was just waiting for the next popular trope to come along. All the other writing was relatively lackluster.
This book did have me giggling and kicking my feet at points. I would recommend to people who want a book that requires absolutely no thinking power to get through. It’s a great palate cleanser.
False Confidence by Sophie Snow
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If you're someone who grew up queer in a small town, or at the very least felt like an outsider no matter where you went. Or if you're someone having quarter-life crisis... This book may be perfect for you.
This novel really brings out the uncomfortable truths of turning 30, going back to the hometown you never thought you'd go back to, and coming face-to-face with childhood problems and teenage mistakes. The time travel aspect of this book really tied it all together, it would not have made sense or hit the same way it did otherwise.
Darby, the most perfectly imperfect character. I think it was important for his own development to have these interactions with his younger self. I think it was his own way of healing himself and his inner child. The decisions he made along the way were not always the best choices, but I feel like it's quite realistic to not always do things right the first time. The journey is sometimes more important than the destination. I feel like Darby's argument with Olivia was kind of pointless, and the fact that he ignored them for so long. There are plenty of other ways to introduce Darby's want/need to go back to Oak Falls, especially without leaving his friends in the dust.
The book as a whole is very low stakes and the sci-fi aspect is pretty minimal/easy to digest. I thoroughly enjoyed the delivery of this book and all the issues it addresses (regardless of how they're resolved). I hope that if you choose to read this, that it will heal you a little bit as it did for me.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager Publishing for the ARC*
This novel really brings out the uncomfortable truths of turning 30, going back to the hometown you never thought you'd go back to, and coming face-to-face with childhood problems and teenage mistakes. The time travel aspect of this book really tied it all together, it would not have made sense or hit the same way it did otherwise.
Darby, the most perfectly imperfect character. I think it was important for his own development to have these interactions with his younger self. I think it was his own way of healing himself and his inner child. The decisions he made along the way were not always the best choices, but I feel like it's quite realistic to not always do things right the first time. The journey is sometimes more important than the destination. I feel like Darby's argument with Olivia was kind of pointless, and the fact that he ignored them for so long. There are plenty of other ways to introduce Darby's want/need to go back to Oak Falls, especially without leaving his friends in the dust.
The book as a whole is very low stakes and the sci-fi aspect is pretty minimal/easy to digest. I thoroughly enjoyed the delivery of this book and all the issues it addresses (regardless of how they're resolved). I hope that if you choose to read this, that it will heal you a little bit as it did for me.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager Publishing for the ARC*
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying and Homophobia