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xandriaisreading's reviews
153 reviews
Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was so good! I was worried it wouldn't live up to the tiktok hype however, I was pleasantly surprised! It's a really quick romance book with lovable characters who are just trying to get through a wedding with a bridezilla (and questionable fianće...) from hell.
It was nice to see the mmc make space for the fmc to indulge and take care of herself. He definitely fell first and harder! He spends the book proving that she can trust him and, hopefully, trust what they have can survive after the wedding...
It was nice to see the mmc make space for the fmc to indulge and take care of herself. He definitely fell first and harder! He spends the book proving that she can trust him and, hopefully, trust what they have can survive after the wedding...
Pride and Joy: A Novel by Louisa Onomé
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.0
A story about family and grief told from the perspective of three different generations. What was supposed to be a birthday celebration, turns into a lesson about grief when the matriarch passes in her sleep.
The book contains perspectives from just about everyone in the family. Each character feels like a fully developed person with their own unique voice. Each experiencing and grappling with grief in their own way as they wait to see if the premonition of the matriarch's return comes to fruition.
Reading this book, I felt like I was part of the family. Their relationships with one another, the way they talk to and think about each other, feels like every family gathering that I've been to. I found myself taking sides and felt like I was a gossiping auntie! I was quick to lose myself in the story and even I was back and forth on whether the premonition would come true...
Overall, I'm really grateful to have gotten to spend time with this family before the book hits shelves. The story, the way it's written, the characters... It all feels familiar and comforting.
Thank you NetGalley & Atria Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The book contains perspectives from just about everyone in the family. Each character feels like a fully developed person with their own unique voice. Each experiencing and grappling with grief in their own way as they wait to see if the premonition of the matriarch's return comes to fruition.
Reading this book, I felt like I was part of the family. Their relationships with one another, the way they talk to and think about each other, feels like every family gathering that I've been to. I found myself taking sides and felt like I was a gossiping auntie! I was quick to lose myself in the story and even I was back and forth on whether the premonition would come true...
Overall, I'm really grateful to have gotten to spend time with this family before the book hits shelves. The story, the way it's written, the characters... It all feels familiar and comforting.
Thank you NetGalley & Atria Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
Another author I waited to long to read! My first experience with Abby Jimenez and Yours Truly was the perfect introduction!
A strong fmc willing to do anything for her brother. A caring an selfless mmc putting everyone's comfort ahead of his being an introvert. I didn't see it at first, but the banter and chemistry these two had was so sweet! I also loved the way the book tackled mental health, from Jacob's anxiety to Briana's past relationships.
I'm also surprised I like this book because I don't typically likemiscommunication and surprise baby , but it was done right!
These two really are the epitome of the phrase, "love shows up." 🤎
A strong fmc willing to do anything for her brother. A caring an selfless mmc putting everyone's comfort ahead of his being an introvert. I didn't see it at first, but the banter and chemistry these two had was so sweet! I also loved the way the book tackled mental health, from Jacob's anxiety to Briana's past relationships.
I'm also surprised I like this book because I don't typically like
These two really are the epitome of the phrase, "love shows up." 🤎
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity and Miscarriage
Looking for a Sign by Susie Dumond
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As a fellow Aries, I saw a lot of myself within Gray! I'm even on the same journey as her so this couldn't have been a more perfectly timed read. Having a quarter-life crisis and feeling like she's falling behind, Gray looks to the stars and one Madame Nouvelle Lune for help, she finds herself in a dating challenge with each of the zodiac signs to achieve her dream of finding her soulmate and starting a family. With a unique plot such as this, the book introduced a colorful cast of characters that you can't help but love.
I enjoyed Gray and Cherry's relationship. They are the best friends and unconditionally support and love one another. They also weren't afraid to have tough conversations and, in my opinion, this helped Gray to grow.
I also loved the diversity of the characters and dates. Gray's dates range in sexuality, gender, and race. Each character felt fully developed and I found myself agreeing and keeping tabs similar to how Gray was. It is such a breath of fresh air to the romance genre!
Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed Gray and Cherry's relationship. They are the best friends and unconditionally support and love one another. They also weren't afraid to have tough conversations and, in my opinion, this helped Gray to grow.
I also loved the diversity of the characters and dates. Gray's dates range in sexuality, gender, and race. Each character felt fully developed and I found myself agreeing and keeping tabs similar to how Gray was. It is such a breath of fresh air to the romance genre!
Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Rebecca Ross got me. I was crying for the last three or four chapters! I enjoyed the story and the characters. Some bits, like the first, felt a little predictable. Though by the end of part three and four, I couldn't predict what was going to happen.
It was interesting to the see the reverse of the first book in regards to the letters. In the first, Kitt knew it was Iris on the other end and she was left in the dark. This time, Iris knew it was Kitt she was writing to, but he was in the dark.
I hate Dacre with a passion for wiping the memories and partially healing soldiers to fight for him. He is literally the walking definition of a red flag and toxic man.
However, I liked the way that Enva was woven into the story in this book. And you learn that she's been there the whole time; passed over by the reader as she is passed over by the citizens of Oath. Getting to see and hear from her in how and who she's "spoken" to was really interesting. I knew she had to have killed the other Gods. What I didn't expect is how that weakened her.
And finally, Forest. Forest and Prindle. I read it. Knew it. Still sobbed when they found their bodies. I don't even know how to end this review because that just hit me all over again.
Overall, I'm really glad that I read this series. It was bit simple and predictable at points, but it knew how to leave you wanting more.
I hate Dacre with a passion for wiping the memories and partially healing soldiers to fight for him. He is literally the walking definition of a red flag and toxic man.
However, I liked the way that Enva was woven into the story in this book. And you learn that she's been there the whole time; passed over by the reader as she is passed over by the citizens of Oath. Getting to see and hear from her in how and who she's "spoken" to was really interesting. I knew she had to have killed the other Gods. What I didn't expect is how that weakened her.
And finally, Forest. Forest and Prindle. I read it. Knew it. Still sobbed when they found their bodies. I don't even know how to end this review because that just hit me all over again.
Overall, I'm really glad that I read this series. It was bit simple and predictable at points, but it knew how to leave you wanting more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Chronic illness and Grief
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
I was hesitant about this one. Historical stories/books usually don't work for me. Though I'm glad I read this!
It was a bit slow in the beginning. Though after finishing the book, I can't really recall much from part one other than some key details. Part two and three really pick up the pace. I was hooked!
Part 3 & Epilogue Spoilers
I wish we got to know more about Attie's experience on the front line. But once it was Iris's turn to go to the front, it was like non-stop. I basically read the last 40% of the book in one sitting because it flowed so well. I just had to know what was going to happen next!
The epilogue, yikes man. Not prepared for that but it does give more weight to why it was so hard for Forest to desert Dacre's forces. Now I'm worried for Kitt! A minute from death but saved by Dacre? Are Forest's wounds reopening because he deserted? Or does it just happen to remind him of his debt to Dacre for saving him? Will this happen to Kitt too?
I'm thankful the second book was just released so I don't have to wait for it. Just bought it and will be jumping in tomorrow. For my first book/series of 2024, I don't think I could've done better!
It was a bit slow in the beginning. Though after finishing the book, I can't really recall much from part one other than some key details. Part two and three really pick up the pace. I was hooked!
Part 3 & Epilogue Spoilers
The epilogue, yikes man. Not prepared for that but it does give more weight to why it was so hard for Forest to desert Dacre's forces. Now I'm worried for Kitt! A minute from death but saved by Dacre? Are Forest's wounds reopening because he deserted? Or does it just happen to remind him of his debt to Dacre for saving him? Will this happen to Kitt too?
I'm thankful the second book was just released so I don't have to wait for it. Just bought it and will be jumping in tomorrow. For my first book/series of 2024, I don't think I could've done better!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Alcoholism and Death of parent
Minor: Abandonment
Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
A cute and quick Christmas read! Boss/employee and miscommunication are things I'm not particularly a fan of so it lost me for a bit.
The characters are stubborn. The love story is only 2 months with the majority of their interactions in the second month. Then a 5 year time jump? For a short read, it really tried to stuff as much as it could in to it.
The characters are stubborn. The love story is only 2 months with the majority of their interactions in the second month. Then a 5 year time jump? For a short read, it really tried to stuff as much as it could in to it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Stalking, and Death of parent
Fool Me Twice at Christmas by Camilla Isley
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
This was fun! A great holiday read that has the perfect place and all the fun of Christmas movie!
Wildfire by Hannah Grace
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
I'm so glad I took a chance on the Maple Hills series. I was a little disappointed when the second book wasn't Russ, but after having finished Wildfire, I'm so glad to have learned more about Russ and Aurora!
I liked the build up and how they were both determined to grow and we're able to lean on each other. Even better, Aurora hates the miscommunication trope and so do I! The characters actually had conversations to avoid any misinterpretations and there was no third act break up! Thank you, Hannah Grace!
I also really like the time jumping in the epilogues. They really toe up the books well and.give you a sneak peak into not only how the couple is doing, but their friends as well. Now I can't wait for Russ' book!
I liked the build up and how they were both determined to grow and we're able to lean on each other. Even better, Aurora hates the miscommunication trope and so do I! The characters actually had conversations to avoid any misinterpretations and there was no third act break up! Thank you, Hannah Grace!
I also really like the time jumping in the epilogues. They really toe up the books well and.give you a sneak peak into not only how the couple is doing, but their friends as well. Now I can't wait for Russ' book!
The Christmas Swap by Talia Samuels
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A cute and quick Christmas read! I listened on Spotify and it wasn't bad. There were two narrators, one for each of the main characters. The story is cute but miscommunication is a large part of it. Not my favorite, but it was still fun.