lattes_lipstick_literature's reviews
404 reviews

Pixies of the Sixties: We Can Work It Out by Harry Bozino, Alice Geslin

Go to review page

3.0

 *I received an advanced digital copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

Pixies of the Sixties: We Can Work It Out deals with a lot of different themes like sexism, racism, drug use, and police corruption, a bit heavy for this time of the year but sadly still relevant. There are two stories in this graphic novel, the first being Carrie's story, a journalist investigating a fairy murder she seems to have personal ties to. The second is Amar's story, he's also investigating a fairy murder but this one has ties to 'fairy dust' a new dangerous drug flooding the market. I found Amar's story much more interesting as Carrie's seemed to jump around too much for me and seemed to wrap up too neatly. I did like the villain in that one as it fits the fantasy element I was looking for, but there was just more to the second one. I do wish the pacing was a bit slower but I understand with graphic novels you have to keep a lower page limit.

Overall, a very interesting urban fantasy. 
The Baker & the Bard by Fern Haught

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

*I received an advanced digital copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

This was such a short, heartwarming graphic novel filled with fun adventure. I love the diverse cast of characters and the amazingly colorful artwork. This cozy little story is perfect for curling up with a warm drink on a gloomy day. Haught does know how to create loveable characters even in a short story. Juniper is so sweet, while Hadley is adventurous. Both are well suited for each other.

Overall a cozy fantasy perfect for those who want to get into the genre. 
Game Over at Guild Hall by Amy Patricia Meade

Go to review page

funny mysterious medium-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

3.0

 *I received an advanced digital copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

First, let me start by saying that I have not read the other books in this series, so keep that in mind as you read this review. Now, with that being said Meade did a great job at (re)introducing the characters to the story. Stella and her husband are great and I really enjoyed their dynamic and amateur sleuthing. The Plot and mystery were delightful and almost made me wish I could park up and move to Vermont. I really appreciated Meade's injection of humor into the mystery as I've found that really lacking with cozies lately. The red herrings were great and almost got me once. The one thing that really lost it for me was the long info dump of dialogue at the end. I understand that you need the read to put together what happened but there had to be a better way than reading long blocks of text. 

Overall, this did make me curious about the first two books of the series. 
Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!, Volume 1 by Kanata Hoshi, Peperon, Chika Mizube

Go to review page

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-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? Yes

5.0

 *I received an advanced digital copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

A bit of a spoiler alert, but I very much enjoyed this manga, I thought it was a very sweet and unique premise. I am also a sucker for a manga that features food, even in this case it would be monster meat, but I always love how in detail mangas give when preparing and cooking the meat. Melphiera is also just super sweet and so very socially awkward to the point of it being endearing, it sucks that she gets ostracized for her love of food. I loved seeing her get so excited when she talked about food. The Duke of Galbraith was also so very sweet to her while being absolutely badass. Seeing them being so awkward together just pulls at my heartstrings. I can't wait to see how the story develops. 

Overall, a sweet, fun, and fresh manga. 
The Name Drop by Susan Lee

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

Hello Fellow Readers,

This was such a fun and drama-filled romance. Typically when romances are full of drama I tend to turn my nose up at them but in "The Name Drop' it made sense. First of all, the premise is right up my alley a case of mistaken identity causes two teens from opposite sides of the financial spectrum to meet and ultimately, fall in love. Jessica and Elijah were so cute and I loved how throughout the book you can see their characters grow into young adults.

 Of course, considering the plot you know eventually the poo is going to strike the blades of a fan so there is an underlying tension of waiting for when they get caught and the fallout. This is where the meat of the drama is, and some drama it is, It only takes a couple of chapters there is a lot that happens. Despite being a romance, there are some serious topics that Lee handles like misogyny and classism. I do appreciate the epilogue as I always wonder how things go after the ending, and it went exactly as I hoped. 

Overall, a great romance. 
The Once and Future Fling by Leigh Heasley

Go to review page

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

1.5

 * I received a copy of this book digitally for free and am leaving this review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

The synopsis for this book is so unique and interesting, plus with such a gorgeous cover I jumped at the chance to read this. Sadly, this book is a bit of a disappointment. First, Besides the amazingly colorful cover, the thought of a time travel dating agency romance just sounded so good. I was hoping we'd get a couple of chapters about this and just how Ada can't seem to find her groove before we got to the meat of the story but sadly that didn't happen. The first chapter grabbed a hold of me and I was so invested but eventually, as I got to know Ada and read more of the story I just kept getting frustrated. 

As must as I wanted to like her, Ada just did not seem that likable. She was flat and seemed really immature, in fact, most of the characters and dialogue just seemed immature. Also, it could have benefitted from more description because there were plenty of times that I was just lost. I couldn't quite picture any of the scenes in my head and I had to go back and reread to grasp what the hell was going on. 

Overall, this just wasn't for me. 
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Go to review page

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

3.5

 
*A quick thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for gifting me this ebook. This is my honest and unbiased review*


Hello Fellow Readers, 

Dark Academia is a genre I have not read too much of but have been looking to read, so when I got the chance to read Novik's A Deadly Education I was very excited. I do know it is a Young Adult book but I still loved El. She's a BAMF who, although very unpopular, knows what it takes to survive Scholomance Magic School. Of course, when she is saved (but absolutely didn't need to be saved) by the popular cinnamon roll Orion, things start to change for El. 

The dynamic between El and Orion was entertaining, but very much reminded me of high school. Their dynamic brought a bit of light to what would otherwise be a dark book. Despite it being high school (but you know with magic) I was interested in the intrigue and politics that goes on at the school as well as the theme of class and privilege.

The book is from El's point of view and she is a broody edgy girl, so there is a lot of brooding and sarcasm (think Wednesday Addams) but I was absolutely not prepared for the ramblings, info dumps, and over-detailing of everything. This is what really hurt the book for me, the book could have been significantly shorter had they edited out all the unnecessary details.

Overall, an interesting and unique spin on magic schooling. 
As Long As You Love Me by Marianna Leal

Go to review page

3.5

  *I received a copy of this book digitally for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
Hello Fellow Readers,
First of all, if anyone needs a book boyfriend can I recommend Gabe? He's so sweet, I can really see why Catalina ends up falling in love with him (although he falls first, which I am always a sucker for). First, let us talk about how Leal addressed the political situation in Venezuela as it is not something you hear talked about much less used as a plot point in a book. 
As for Catalina and Gabe, I loved them. Rivals to Lovers and Fake Marriages just give me the tingles and never fail to make me completely fall in love with a book. I will say that I could have done without the drama from a certain side character (looking at you Gabe's Mama), but that shouldn't deter you from this sweet romance.
Overall, very good read. 
Full Moon Over Freedom by Angelina M. Lopez

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 * I received a copy of this book digitally for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
Hello Fellow Readers,
Hot and spicy romance featuring Latino Main Characters? Sign me up! The only regret I have is that I did not read the first book in the series After Hours on Milagro Street as I am totally missing out. So let us talk about how Gillian gets her witchiness back. A divorcee with two children and an ex-husband who is refusing to help unless she signs over her family's business, you can say that Gillian is cursed. Now back in her hometown, she runs into Nicky, the one who got away. Of course, now he's (still) hot, engaged, and successful. I could have done without him being engaged as I felt it was unnecessary, still Gillian and Nicky's chemistry was hot, and when the spice hit I rejoiced, it was steamy. 
Two things I really love was how Lopez was about the realistically make Gillian's growth look. At first, I didn't know if I was going to like Gillian, as she did seem a bit dull but eventually you learn to love her. The second thing was how well Lopez captured the Latino community and how they banded together. People tend to write our community as loud and noisy but they don't convey how helpful and protectful we are to those we love. The side characters were all amazing, and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store. 
Overall, A romance must read.  
Justice Calling by Annie Bellet

Go to review page

3.0