sara_says_'s reviews
462 reviews

challenging emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the audiobook.

I had to go back and reread the description on this one to see if I missed some key details, but nope. I maybe would have felt differently OR wouldn’t have picked this up if the description had been clearer on what the content would be like. From the blurb, this felt like a set up for a heartwarming second chance romance. What I wasn’t expecting was a third pov from a highly dislikable character and the intense plot points surrounding that character. And it’s saying a lot that that pov was so dislikable considering none of the characters in this book were particularly easy to like. If the plot of this book were laid out in an r/aita subreddit (which is about in line with how the drama here plays out) the verdict would be “everyone sucks here.” With the exception of Marcus’s mom (she’s my hero) I found all the characters annoying and not at all compelling. The pacing also left something to be desired, especially toward the end.

As far as the audiobook, I found the voices engaging, but I found Marcus’s narration a little stilted. But if I had been reading it myself, I probably would have DNFd or skipped the 3rd PoV, so at least they kept me engaged.

Spoilers and content warnings: cheating, miscarriage, rape “on page.”

Content Warnings

Not in My Book by Katie Holt

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the Audiobook

Rivals to lovers/grumpy x sunshine are two of my favorite tropes. Add in a bookish focus and Taylor Swift references and I’m IN. I loved the first 60% of this one. The banter and on page chemistry was great.

My one complaint is that I so wish we would have just tied it up neatly after they got together instead of the extra spice and then subsequent 3rd act break up. I thought the book was wrapping up, but then checked and still had 2+ hours of listening left. I just didn’t feel like the drag out was worth the pay off in my opinion. It also felt like a bit of a bashing of both MCs who I had liked up until this point. Suddenly they both came across as unreasonable and manipulative/dramatic.

I really enjoyed the presentation of the audiobook, but I did get a little confused on whether they were talking as the book characters or as the characters in the book those characters are writing, but that may have been purposeful since the two works are supposed to be mirrors, but I did find it a little confusing in places. I’d get “excerpt from” and wonder how long I’d been listening to an excerpt.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and the characters, and I know other people have really enjoyed this one, so it’s possible certain aspects just weren’t for me, but it’s still worth the read/listen!

Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Disclaimer: thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy.

Heartwarming, winter vibes. It took me a little longer than normal to get through, which makes me think maybe something is up with the pacing, but once I got though the first 10% I was hooked and couldn’t wait to pick it back up.

I found both of the main characters as well as the supporting cast to be well written and engaging. I love that even though (spoilers) there’s a 3rd act breakup, it’s truly a breakup over extenuating circumstances and both parties trying to do the right thing rather than a miscommunication or something blown out of proportion.

It definitely has some spicy scenes, so if that’s something you like to know going in, make note.

Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced