The first time I tried to read this, I DNFed it at about 40% or so because I just wasn’t really sold on Solange and Dean as a couple.
After switching tThe first time I tried to read this, I DNFed it at about 40% or so because I just wasn’t really sold on Solange and Dean as a couple.
After switching to the audio, I ended up really enjoying the story, and I think that it helped with the pacing a lot. By the end, I was ended up enjoying everything Solange and Dean endured and how they really brought out the best in each other....more
This is a super nerdy queer coming of age story that is also a slow burn m/m friends to lovers romance.
If you’re a Felix Ever After fan then this stoThis is a super nerdy queer coming of age story that is also a slow burn m/m friends to lovers romance.
If you’re a Felix Ever After fan then this story is definitely for you!
The characters from this book were amazing (loved Isaac and Diego and well as the entire The Six friend group). I loved the diverse representation from ethnicity and race to the exploration of different queer labels.
I also loved seeing BIPOC being able to just nerd out and getting excited over fandoms and gaming.
This is definitely one of those feel good summer books.
Thank you Penguin Teen for providing a review copy. This did not affect my review. All opinions are my own....more
If you’re a fan of slow burn friends to lovers romances then this one is for you!
Both Kamila and Rohan are fantastic characters with tons of chemistrIf you’re a fan of slow burn friends to lovers romances then this one is for you!
Both Kamila and Rohan are fantastic characters with tons of chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions even with they were knee deep in the miscommunication trope.
I also loved the other incredible friendships with the supporting cast (BIPOC & queer!) that we get to see through Kamila’s weekly Bollywood night, which includes a Bollywood flick and a different style of biryani each time.
While this story does have lighthearted moments, Heron does tackle some tough themes too such as parental death (recount), parental emotional abuse, and therapy (there’s more so please check content warnings!).
The is the second book by Heron that I’ve loved (check out Accidentally Engaged!), and I can’t wait for more.
Thank you Forever Pub for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own....more
This is such a powerful book and reminded me of my time as a Black college student at a prestigious PWI. So many of Savannah’s st4.5 stars rounded up!
This is such a powerful book and reminded me of my time as a Black college student at a prestigious PWI. So many of Savannah’s struggles were what I experienced as well, and there’s such a fantastic dialogue about whether it’s worth “sticking it out” or going to an HBCU where your Blackness isn’t constantly on display.
Can’t wait for more books from this author. ...more
This is a sweet friends to lovers holiday romance with an all Black cast. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Noelle and Klaus, especially their respThis is a sweet friends to lovers holiday romance with an all Black cast. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Noelle and Klaus, especially their respect for one another. Zuri was a damn riot. She's definitely that kind of friend that I love having around. ...more
I think I'm done with the series. I went into this book thinking that this series was a trilogy and that we'd get a fantastic conclusion after the cliI think I'm done with the series. I went into this book thinking that this series was a trilogy and that we'd get a fantastic conclusion after the cliffhanger from the previous book. Alas, that is not the case.
While I did enjoy parts of Pippa and Arjun's story, I found myself losing interest in the story as I finished this book. Pippa's and Arjun's POVs were by far the better sections of this book. Nothing new is really learned from Bastian's and Celine's POVs.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own....more
Holy hell. I LOVED both Isolde and Adrian. This enemies to lovers romance is steamy as hell. Oh, and it’s VAMPIRES!
The worldbuild4.5 stars rounded up!
Holy hell. I LOVED both Isolde and Adrian. This enemies to lovers romance is steamy as hell. Oh, and it’s VAMPIRES!
The worldbuilding is fantastic. I love that Isolde refuses to let anyone think her weak or lesser and ensures that everyone around her knows it as well…vampire or not.
The diversity is well done. Isolde is a Brown and curvy woman. The majority of the characters are queer and their relationships are on page (steamy scenes Included).
I’m ready for book two now. I need more of this story!
Thank you Bloom Books for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own....more
I’ll be honest, I picked this one up because it’s a gorgeous Black woman on the cover of a paranormal romance…yes please.
Unfortunately, thiDNF at 20%.
I’ll be honest, I picked this one up because it’s a gorgeous Black woman on the cover of a paranormal romance…yes please.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. While I do enjoy Instalove story lines, I’m not a fan of the aggressive male claiming/be possessive over virgin women.
The writing felt clunky, and I just want sold on this instant attraction between Lux and Winter, especially since Winter literally was running from a marriage proposal before stumbling into Lux’s arms.
The story may get better from here, but this is a no from me. ...more
The writing in this one is fantastic. It is atmospheric and visceral. In terms of the plot, I really wanted more since it took me quite a bit of time The writing in this one is fantastic. It is atmospheric and visceral. In terms of the plot, I really wanted more since it took me quite a bit of time to figure out what was going on. ...more
A Soft Place to Land is a heartwarming, coming of age story that follows 12 year old Joy Taylor who one day dreams of becoming a film score composer lA Soft Place to Land is a heartwarming, coming of age story that follows 12 year old Joy Taylor who one day dreams of becoming a film score composer like the amazing John Williams, but first, she needs to learn how to play the piano. Joy’s dreams come to a crashing halt when her dad is laid off leaving their family to move into an apartment and cut unnecessary spending, which includes her piano lessons. This was such a a sweet coming of age story that explored starting a new school, making new friends, sibling rivalry, and how financial strain can burden families. I really loved the storyline surrounding The Hideout, which was a place that the kids in the apartment building could gather away from their families and just be. I think kids being able to have their own safe space to escape stressful situations is so important.
Thank you to Harper Kids and The Shelf Stuff for providing a review copy. this did not influence my review. All opinions are my own....more
Toya (thereadingchemist)
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