Scan barcode
sophiesometimesreads's reviews
256 reviews
The Ace and Aro Relationship Guide: Making It Work in Friendship, Love, and Sex by Cody Daigle-Orians
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley publishers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This non-fiction informative self-help book outlines relationship advice, with a focus on asexual and aromantic relationships, including friendships, platonic life partners, and romantic and sexual relationships. I thought this was a really good look into forming relationships as an aspec person, but also would provide good advice to anyone looking to form relationships no matter their sexuality, and those looking to persue relationships with aspec people.
I really liked how relationships were explored outside of romantic relationships, and how we were introduced to a range of different relationship types that can exist. I also really appreciated the author acknowledging their privilege and where this book is lacking in terms of representing the struggles of intersectional people in the aspec community.
Though some of this was quite base-level advice, it would be really great for people just starting their own journey with self-identification as aspec and wanting to navigate relationships. The reflective "Act and Do" sections were good to provide actionable steps towards happy, healthy relationships. I think it would've been a great book for me to read in my teen years, to better understand myself and my relationships.
The book doesn't delve too far into the definitions of sexualities and relationship types, though it doesn't promise to do this so that's fine. It does have some good resources at the end, though, for people to use to explore more about aspec experiences.
I would recommend this not only for aspec people, but for everyone, to learn how to form meaningful and respectful relationships with people with a range of sexualities and identities.
This non-fiction informative self-help book outlines relationship advice, with a focus on asexual and aromantic relationships, including friendships, platonic life partners, and romantic and sexual relationships. I thought this was a really good look into forming relationships as an aspec person, but also would provide good advice to anyone looking to form relationships no matter their sexuality, and those looking to persue relationships with aspec people.
I really liked how relationships were explored outside of romantic relationships, and how we were introduced to a range of different relationship types that can exist. I also really appreciated the author acknowledging their privilege and where this book is lacking in terms of representing the struggles of intersectional people in the aspec community.
Though some of this was quite base-level advice, it would be really great for people just starting their own journey with self-identification as aspec and wanting to navigate relationships. The reflective "Act and Do" sections were good to provide actionable steps towards happy, healthy relationships. I think it would've been a great book for me to read in my teen years, to better understand myself and my relationships.
The book doesn't delve too far into the definitions of sexualities and relationship types, though it doesn't promise to do this so that's fine. It does have some good resources at the end, though, for people to use to explore more about aspec experiences.
I would recommend this not only for aspec people, but for everyone, to learn how to form meaningful and respectful relationships with people with a range of sexualities and identities.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
💖🥰🥹😍❤️💕😘🥺✨
Loved this! It was such a cozy, heartwarming read. It was the perfect balance of romance with a dash of fantasy, with the fantasy elements properly explained and fleshed out (which is often the issue I have with romantasy, though I'm not certain you can classify this as romantasy?) and the found family element was wonderful. Will definitely be reading more by this author and rereading this book at some point.
Loved this! It was such a cozy, heartwarming read. It was the perfect balance of romance with a dash of fantasy, with the fantasy elements properly explained and fleshed out (which is often the issue I have with romantasy, though I'm not certain you can classify this as romantasy?) and the found family element was wonderful. Will definitely be reading more by this author and rereading this book at some point.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Physical abuse and Racism
A Sign of Affection, Volume 1 by suu Morishita
emotional
lighthearted
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
So cute and wonderful representation 🥹🥰
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
Reread via audio before reading Celestial Monsters. This was even better the second time around, when I could see all the little things that hinted towards that reveal at the end. I cannot wait for the sequel, I'm just waiting for my local bookstore to get more copies in because they'd sold out when I went to buy one.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
My mind is reeling.
Possible spoilers ahead, I think this is best going in without a deep knowledge of the book so read this review at your own risk.
The book was SO creepy, mostly for the fact that you CAN write things off as mundane and having a realistic explanation but there's still that palpable anxiety around what COULD be happening. It was great how my experience as a reader really deeply reflected Eve's experience and feelings in the book.
I liked the ending and the open-endedness of it, whilst still making sense, but I do think we got a few too many unanswered questions aside from the ending for me to give this a 5 star. I understand how the documents come together but I think it could've been a little clearer, and I'm still questioning how the message spelled out by the Morse code clue plays into things, but maybe once I think about it more it will become clearer.
This is one of my first forays into horror, so take my rating with a grain of salt. I really enjoyed my time with this, though, and would recommend it.
Possible spoilers ahead, I think this is best going in without a deep knowledge of the book so read this review at your own risk.
The book was SO creepy, mostly for the fact that you CAN write things off as mundane and having a realistic explanation but there's still that palpable anxiety around what COULD be happening. It was great how my experience as a reader really deeply reflected Eve's experience and feelings in the book.
I liked the ending and the open-endedness of it, whilst still making sense, but I do think we got a few too many unanswered questions aside from the ending for me to give this a 5 star. I understand how the documents come together but I think it could've been a little clearer, and I'm still questioning how the message spelled out by the Morse code clue plays into things, but maybe once I think about it more it will become clearer.
This is one of my first forays into horror, so take my rating with a grain of salt. I really enjoyed my time with this, though, and would recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Gore and Religious bigotry
Minor: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
emotional
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
4.5
This is my first Kennedy Ryan book and, let me tell you, it definitely won't be my last! I absolutely loved this.
The writing was absolutely wonderful and the characters felt so layered and real. I had so many feelings over the journey these characters went on, not only together but individually too.
It was also great to read about two characters who were older and had children together, as it is something I haven't read in a romance before.
There is a deep exploration of grief, death, loss and depression in this novel, so please be aware of that and check the content warnings before reading. In saying this, I felt the depiction of depression and therapy was done thoughtfully, and I liked how therapy was depicted not only as a means for Yasmen to work through her depressive thoughts, but as a tool for self-improvement for other characters as well.
Pretty much the only thing that dropped it half a star for me was bc it had a bit too much spice for my liking, and it felt like a couple of those scenes dragged and were unnecessary for the plot and character development BUT I do have a low spice tolerance so I can definitely see this not being an issue for many people.
Though there were many painful moments through this book, I had a great time reading it and the ending and resolution was beautiful. I would highly recommend this book and can't wait to pick up the next book in this interconnected series.
The writing was absolutely wonderful and the characters felt so layered and real. I had so many feelings over the journey these characters went on, not only together but individually too.
It was also great to read about two characters who were older and had children together, as it is something I haven't read in a romance before.
There is a deep exploration of grief, death, loss and depression in this novel, so please be aware of that and check the content warnings before reading. In saying this, I felt the depiction of depression and therapy was done thoughtfully, and I liked how therapy was depicted not only as a means for Yasmen to work through her depressive thoughts, but as a tool for self-improvement for other characters as well.
Pretty much the only thing that dropped it half a star for me was bc it had a bit too much spice for my liking, and it felt like a couple of those scenes dragged and were unnecessary for the plot and character development BUT I do have a low spice tolerance so I can definitely see this not being an issue for many people.
Though there were many painful moments through this book, I had a great time reading it and the ending and resolution was beautiful. I would highly recommend this book and can't wait to pick up the next book in this interconnected series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Death of parent
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Dementia
Last Seen Online by Lauren James
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Absolutely smashed through this, it kept me engaged and wanting more but I did predict the whodunnit at 18% (but definitely not the how and why). Rating tbc, likely between 3 and 4 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Stalking, and Murder
Moderate: Transphobia
A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
This was a sweet little romcom about two Vietnamese girls falling in love in Sài Gòn. Overall, I thought it was quite adorable, but it did fall into some of the usual romance traps for me.
Firstly, the things I loved and enjoyed. The descriptions of food were DIVINE, so much so that I literally made my partner drive us to get bánh mì yesterday because this book made me crave it. I loved the atmosphere of being in Sài Gòn, too, it made me feel like I was back there even though it's been years since I last went. The sapphic element was fun too, and I enjoyed how the story didn't centre around "coming out" and instead focused on their backgrounds and family.
It was a bit of insta-love, l could mostly write that off as young love but it was a little bit cringey towards the end, though I read the book quickly so maybe the timeline isn't right in my head and they were supposed to have known each other longer. I also think the resolution was way too rushed, it felt like the first half of the story was focused on the family and writing aspects of the story so the romance and third-act conflict/resolution felt a bit squished into the second half, particulalry given this wasn't a huge book in the first place. I would've loved to see a bit more resolution and some more time with them together post-conflict, though that last line did make me smile.
Overall, this was a cute, fun read, though it did delve into some deeper topics at time when talking about generational and familial trauma.
Firstly, the things I loved and enjoyed. The descriptions of food were DIVINE, so much so that I literally made my partner drive us to get bánh mì yesterday because this book made me crave it. I loved the atmosphere of being in Sài Gòn, too, it made me feel like I was back there even though it's been years since I last went. The sapphic element was fun too, and I enjoyed how the story didn't centre around "coming out" and instead focused on their backgrounds and family.
It was a bit of insta-love, l could mostly write that off as young love but it was a little bit cringey towards the end, though I read the book quickly so maybe the timeline isn't right in my head and they were supposed to have known each other longer. I also think the resolution was way too rushed, it felt like the first half of the story was focused on the family and writing aspects of the story so the romance and third-act conflict/resolution felt a bit squished into the second half, particulalry given this wasn't a huge book in the first place. I would've loved to see a bit more resolution and some more time with them together post-conflict, though that last line did make me smile.
Overall, this was a cute, fun read, though it did delve into some deeper topics at time when talking about generational and familial trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Medical content
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Wow. What a powerful memoir. A deep dive into the impact of sexual assault and the justice system on victims. A must-read for everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Seven Devils by Elizabeth May, L.R. Lam
adventurous
emotional
tense
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
4.5
I'm going to need 5-10 business years to just process what I read, I think 🤯😭😬😅🥵😰
Okay, okay, I think I've processed enough now (maybe?). This was a wild, fun time and I loved it!
I loved and felt so strongly for the cast of strong, diverse, queer, female characters who supported each other. They were probably the strongest part of the book. I was hesitant about the number of POVs but I think it really worked to develop all the core crew of characters.
The plot was twisty and intriguing, and every time I thought that something needed to happen to keep this plot moving, something happened immediately after, so the pacing was great in my opinion. I guessed a couple of plot points but not too far ahead and I had so many feelings for the characters that it didn't bother me at all and still had an emotional impact on me.
I thought the world was really cool, and how the storyline reflected similar events in the real world today.
I had a great time with this, thank you Rhys (readswithrhys) for encouraging me to pick up this book! I can't wait to read the sequel 🙏🏼
Okay, okay, I think I've processed enough now (maybe?). This was a wild, fun time and I loved it!
I loved and felt so strongly for the cast of strong, diverse, queer, female characters who supported each other. They were probably the strongest part of the book. I was hesitant about the number of POVs but I think it really worked to develop all the core crew of characters.
The plot was twisty and intriguing, and every time I thought that something needed to happen to keep this plot moving, something happened immediately after, so the pacing was great in my opinion. I guessed a couple of plot points but not too far ahead and I had so many feelings for the characters that it didn't bother me at all and still had an emotional impact on me.
I thought the world was really cool, and how the storyline reflected similar events in the real world today.
I had a great time with this, thank you Rhys (readswithrhys) for encouraging me to pick up this book! I can't wait to read the sequel 🙏🏼
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, and Colonisation
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, Violence, and War