Scan barcode
sleepy_bookworm's reviews
172 reviews
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh my gosh this was such a wholesome book!!! I took a risk stepping out of my usual genre and I'm so glad I did. Each of the characters were so well developed and the story was so good. Daniel Henning did a great job narrating and bringing the story to life.
I know there was some controversy around this book and it's potential ties to some not so great things in history. Personally, I didn't get those vibes at all reading it. I think if anything it was more a narrative on the downfalls of the child welfare system with a feel-good fantasy twist.
I know there was some controversy around this book and it's potential ties to some not so great things in history. Personally, I didn't get those vibes at all reading it. I think if anything it was more a narrative on the downfalls of the child welfare system with a feel-good fantasy twist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Body shaming and Confinement
Minor: Child abuse
Dear Rosie, by S.J. Tilly
emotional
medium-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
5.0
I freaking love S. J. Tilly so much. This book made me feel all the things. I'm sad it's the end of the Love Letters series but I get it, it would probably be really redundant to have the same sort of premise for over two books.
I also think we need more books with cats as side characters. This is the second book I've read this year where the cat had a prominent role in the book and I'm so here for it.
I also think we need more books with cats as side characters. This is the second book I've read this year where the cat had a prominent role in the book and I'm so here for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Medical content, and Death of parent
Minor: Murder and Pregnancy
Spurs by M.A. Cobb
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book had its good parts and definitely kept me interested enough to keep reading. I feel like the mysterious aspect of the plot was introduced then nothing happened with it for several chapters so I kind of just forgot about it until something else happened with that plot point. I also found Sophia's "coming around" to the relationship did a complete 180 super fast and that wasn't super believable, but I get that it needed to happen that way for the plot to continue. There were definitely points of this book where it was more spice heavy than plot heavy - not a complaint just not what I was expecting. It was heavy on the insta-love so avoid this book if that's not your thing. I liked this book enough to want to read Dixon's book in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Gun violence and Violence
Hidden Waters by Catherine Cowles
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
5.0
I think this is my favorite book in this series thus far. I fell in love with Addie and Beckett from page one. The stuff popping up from Addie's past kept me turning the pages to see what happened next, and I loved the relationship progression between her and Beckett.
I loved that Addie was a strong lead. Despite her past she made it a point to branch out on her own. Even though Beckett wanted to put her in a bubble, he didn't stunt her growth and understood when she needed to do things on her own. I think that was my favorite part of this story. That, and the communication the two main characters had with each other. They were always honest about their thoughts and feelings which really helped their relationship progress as quickly as it did.
Catherine Cowles is absolutely becoming one of my favorite authors.
I loved that Addie was a strong lead. Despite her past she made it a point to branch out on her own. Even though Beckett wanted to put her in a bubble, he didn't stunt her growth and understood when she needed to do things on her own. I think that was my favorite part of this story. That, and the communication the two main characters had with each other. They were always honest about their thoughts and feelings which really helped their relationship progress as quickly as it did.
Catherine Cowles is absolutely becoming one of my favorite authors.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Minor: Murder and Pregnancy
Love, Utley by S.J. Tilly
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am fully S. J. Tilly cannot write a bad book. I freaking loved this story. This was the best use of the miscommunication trope I have read. I usually hate that trope but here it all makes sense. Also, actively child-free by choice characters?? Yes please! I need more of that in my romance novels. This was a lighthearted story with witty characters and no third act break ups. 12/10 would recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Car accident
Moderate: Death of parent and Sexual harassment
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
emotional
mysterious
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? No
5.0
I don't usually read YA but this book was recommended to me by a friend and oh my gosh I'm so glad I gave it a chance. First, I love that this book is based in Michigan's upper peninsula. My family and I would visit our extended family there every summer and we always stayed in Sault Ste. Marie. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Secondly, even though this book is fiction, the history the main character shares is all accurate. I loved that the author included what would be the main character's native language as well, and made the indigenous culture a large part of this book.
While this book got off to a slow start, once the plot picked up everything moved pretty fast and I honestly never knew what to expect next. I'd say the last third of this book was not very predictable and I loved that. I wanted to keep listening to find out what would happen next.
This is a YA book but it does deal with some pretty heavy topics, so definitely be weary of the triggers.
Secondly, even though this book is fiction, the history the main character shares is all accurate. I loved that the author included what would be the main character's native language as well, and made the indigenous culture a large part of this book.
While this book got off to a slow start, once the plot picked up everything moved pretty fast and I honestly never knew what to expect next. I'd say the last third of this book was not very predictable and I loved that. I wanted to keep listening to find out what would happen next.
This is a YA book but it does deal with some pretty heavy topics, so definitely be weary of the triggers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Racism, and Rape
Moderate: Addiction, Confinement, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism
Minor: Toxic relationship and Cultural appropriation
Spookily Yours by Jennifer Chipman
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was definitely a sweet read that was a nice break from my dark romance reads. I enjoyed the low angst and lack of miscommunication trope. I am for sure going to add Luna and Zain's book to my tbr.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death
Emma's Examination by Lucinda Lee
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Medical content
Under His Command by Rhea Harp
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Holy moly the plot twist!!!! I was not expecting this book to end on a cliffhanger. I also was planning on giving this book a 4-star review but WOW. For erotica, this was a pretty well written book. You do have some of the cheesiness and "instalove" because it is such a short book. However, the spice was so freaking good. I need more from this author right now!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death and War
Minor: Stalking and Car accident
Christmas: A Ghosts of Halloween Bonus Story by Layla Fae
fast-paced
5.0
The mouths on these men omggg. This was included after the Ghosts of Halloween novel in KU so I decided to give it a shot. Besides, I love a follow up with characters. The author was correct in saying there is no plot and it's all spice. I didn't mind at all (ofc you have to be in the mood for something like this). Honestly it gave more of an insight on the relationship with the men. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a one-handed read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content