Just as cute as the 2024 one, but here we got more background on Clawdeen and Toralei's relationship, and we got to see some character development froJust as cute as the 2024 one, but here we got more background on Clawdeen and Toralei's relationship, and we got to see some character development from Valentine (whose story with Spelldon was also adorable). Please keep these coming!!!...more
This was adorable and the art was gorgeous. Out of the two stories, I liked the first one better, but loved the second one too. Monster High will neveThis was adorable and the art was gorgeous. Out of the two stories, I liked the first one better, but loved the second one too. Monster High will never fail to make me happy....more
This book made me cry only 11% in, and it wasn't the only time either.
I loved the story, but I do wish that we got a bit more relationship developmenThis book made me cry only 11% in, and it wasn't the only time either.
I loved the story, but I do wish that we got a bit more relationship development between Rosa and Evelyn, because the latter is discovering that she's bi, so the first half of the book is spent on her being with her boyfriend, and only after do she and Rosa get more page time together (outside of helping each other practice).
And then it felt like it happened too fast, suddenly there was miscommunication and they stopped speaking only to reconcile at the end etc. I think the boyfriend section should've ended around 30% max, and the rest should've been the two of them bonding, if the miscommunication really had to happen.
But I thought the two of them were super cute, the storyline was very relatable and I will be looking out for more books by this author in the future.
One last thing, I was surprised to see so many reviews mentioning "explicit sexual content", which wasn't my impression at all.
I'm very sensitive to those things and I tend to mention in my reviews if a YA book feels like it would suit NA readers better (or MG, if it reads too young), but this one felt YA to me, although older readers would enjoy it too because of the topics covered.
There were mentions of teenagers having sex, which...some teenagers do, and the little that was actually in this book was very tame (in my opinion, someone else might have different standards and that's okay), the descriptions vague etc.
So if you want to read this I'd suggest you do and then form your own opinion, but if you think any of this will make you uncomfortable, then feel free to skip it and pick up a different book instead....more
Possibly my favourite book by Julie Soto (so far), I couldn't pry myself away!! This book consumed all my thoughts until I finished it, it was THAT goPossibly my favourite book by Julie Soto (so far), I couldn't pry myself away!! This book consumed all my thoughts until I finished it, it was THAT good.
The beginning chapters were a little slow, but then the action started and I was all in. I loved every twist and couldn't wait to find out what actually happened, and I didn't end up guessing the majority of it. Bonus points for including some supernatural elements, which always elevate thrillers in my mind.
The only thing that could've made this book even better is if it had a bit more romance. But I like that it was minimal and didn't take over the story, I just want to see more of them together.
I'm hoping for a sequel with the way that it ended, I'd read several more books about these dorks if Julie Soto would write them.
Also, I gotta say that she did an amazing job transitioning from adult to YA books, if you told me she normally writes YA thrillers I'd believe you....more
I love how the werewolves wolf out at completely random times and NO ONE bats an eye, but somehow later on they're like "shifters are real? No wayyyy"I love how the werewolves wolf out at completely random times and NO ONE bats an eye, but somehow later on they're like "shifters are real? No wayyyy", like, you didn't notice the past 100 times it happened?? That was a bit silly.
I read this for the Teen Wolf vibes, except it's basketball instead of lacrosse. The plot was fairly simple and could get repetitive (all the Banter legacy talk, for example), but I did enjoy it and would read another graphic novel set in this world (if we do get one)....more
What's funny is that I absolutely shipped Daisy and Noah at the beginning, and wanted her to find love or AGNES DESERVED BETTER, I SAID WHAT I SAID!!
What's funny is that I absolutely shipped Daisy and Noah at the beginning, and wanted her to find love or another friend so she'd know it would be okay after Agnes left, but then she kept taking him to all the events she and her best friend had planned, and downplaying their interests because Noah didn't get them.
I still had a good time with this, don't get me wrong, I even felt my heart squishing and shed a few tears throughout, but I would've loved this so much more if the girls got to do all they had planned and Noah was in the background being a supportive boyfriend.
Too much time was spent on them fighting, it took Daisy so long to come to her senses. (view spoiler)[Like, the day before she leaves, really? (hide spoiler)] And Daisy didn't even properly apologise for it all, while poor Agnes constantly had to be cool with everything, her only "fault" is that she didn't talk to her friend a bit earlier about what was bugging her.
I will say that the story felt realistic, I could 100% believe this happened in real life because it has, I just wish the story didn't focus so much on Daisy's boyfriend ruining the list is all.
As an alt person, I loved the fashion and the art style, and would definitely read another novel by Victoria Evans. I'd also love a little sequel to this, so these two can get the ending they deserve....more
I don't want it to be the enddddd, I want this to continue forever and ever, I need everyone to reconsider the original 15 issue plan, please, write aI don't want it to be the enddddd, I want this to continue forever and ever, I need everyone to reconsider the original 15 issue plan, please, write a few more, for me, pleaseeeeeeee.
The story is so good, I know I'm gonna miss it. The ending was perfect, everything was wrapped up nicely. There was something that happened, which I saw coming, based on how volume 2 ended, and I'm glad I was right. I wasn't expecting the "fix" to be what it was, but I loved it.
The only way this could've been better, was if (view spoiler)[Willa's dad somehow turned out to be alive also (hide spoiler)], but I'll take what I can get....more
Gigantic bugs that eat humans for breakfast? It's a no from me (sounds like a nightmare scenario), but I still enjoyed the story so much. I was on theGigantic bugs that eat humans for breakfast? It's a no from me (sounds like a nightmare scenario), but I still enjoyed the story so much. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. In some ways, this was even better than the first volume. I'm honestly obsessed.
I'm in love with the story and the art style, I too would love to be able to get from place to place by flying. Ahh. The concept of gravity suddenly gI'm in love with the story and the art style, I too would love to be able to get from place to place by flying. Ahh. The concept of gravity suddenly going poof was an original one, and it was executed well. I also loved how diverse the world was, and can't wait to read the next volume (the cliffhanger!!)....more
I've been meaning to read this since the movie came out last year, finally sat down to do it.
It's a straightforward account of the nine days Donn FenI've been meaning to read this since the movie came out last year, finally sat down to do it.
It's a straightforward account of the nine days Donn Fendler spent lost on a mountain (in Maine), and what he did to survive, running on no food except the occasional strawberry, and losing his sneakers and pants along the way.
It was an amazing story, honestly, when you consider he was only twelve years old and he managed to survive all on his own, despite the harsh elements, mosquitos, bears and awfully jagged rocks that cut up not only his feet, but the paws of the search and rescue dogs as well.
You can tell he was a kid, because of the words used, and the way he describes his thoughts at the time, it's incredible he managed to keep it together for so long. A lot of adults wouldn't be able to.
In the afterword, we get to see what his family and the rescue teams were doing while he was lost, and there are pictures of the mountain, and the rescue throughout the book.
I hope I'll like the movie just as much, I'd recommend this if you're a fan of survival stories....more
Childhood friends to rivals to friends to lovers? Seated!!
This was such a cute read, and I loved how diverse all the characters were. The theatre proChildhood friends to rivals to friends to lovers? Seated!!
This was such a cute read, and I loved how diverse all the characters were. The theatre proved to be the perfect setting for the story, everyone was so passionate about saving it and preserving its history.
There was a strong emphasis on friendship, and the found family trope was thriving. The romance was adorable, and there was a lot of character development *cough * Rochelle *cough*.
I liked the author's attention to detail, it made the world even easier to visualise. I'll definitely be checking out her adult debut when it's out....more
I was expecting toxicity and boy did I get it. I was actually convinced for most of the book that these two wouldn't face any huge challenges apart frI was expecting toxicity and boy did I get it. I was actually convinced for most of the book that these two wouldn't face any huge challenges apart from their occasional jealously, but I was wrong.
I also liked the minimal drama versions of them, because it allowed for more character growth. Now it feels like they're back at square one and will have to do it all over again.
The ending was so chaotic, and also heartbreaking, not so much because of (view spoiler)[the breakup (hide spoiler)], but because of (view spoiler)[Noah's assault by someone she trusted. Michael took advantage of her when she was vulnerable, and I'm glad he got beaten up (hide spoiler)]. I hope that won't be pushed under the rug in book three....more
“I need to kiss you,” he said. “Then do it,” I replied. “You don’t understand. I need to kiss you all over…touch you, feel your skin… I want you to be “I need to kiss you,” he said. “Then do it,” I replied. “You don’t understand. I need to kiss you all over…touch you, feel your skin… I want you to be mine, Noah…in every sense of the word. I’ve never felt that for anyone…and it scares me… It scares me because I feel like I’m going crazy.”
I was so confident in this book before I started it, that I bought two physical copies in two different languages. Luckily, I didn't grow to regret my decision.
Now, I won't sit and pretend this is some lyrical masterpiece, you can tell it originated on Wattpad, and there's definitely something lost in translation, but I had fun, which is all that matters.
Nick and Noah aren't that bad as characters, and they're not as toxic as I expected them to be. I do wonder if that will change in the next books though, since there's plenty that could still go wrong.
My Fault was easy to get into, and to get lost in. I was buddy reading with a friend, and each of us accidentally read more than we agreed upon, two different times.
But I wouldn't say it's an extremely addictive book, not like After, I didn't get even half as much emotion pulled out of me as I did when I read that series.
The only thing I can really complain about is the character development and lack of descriptions. The insta-love I was expecting, but Nick changing his whole personality instantly because he realised he loved Noah, I was not. It happened too fast for it to be believable. And the descriptions...not a big deal, just something I kept noticing throughout.
I also haven't seen the movies (I will after I finish the series), so this is all just based on the book. I would recommend it if you want an easy, over-the-top read, especially if you have someone to discuss the ridiculousness with....more
I started reading this last night and found it so hard to stop, but alas, I was getting sleepy, so I finished it today instead. It's such an easy readI started reading this last night and found it so hard to stop, but alas, I was getting sleepy, so I finished it today instead. It's such an easy read, despite the topics covered, so you'll have no problems finishing it in one go.
The story was intriguing from the beginning, the way it started - it could've been a thriller!! But really, it's a book about two childhood friends figuring things out while dealing with different mental health issues.
Both Sarah and Ai-eesh (yes, I had to) felt like real people to me, and I could relate to them both.
I had a family member who was an alcoholic, and who unfortunately passed away from related issues, so Sarah's behaviours were familiar to me on a deeper level.
I so badly wanted her to succeed, to go back to rehab, but she kept messing up AAAAAAH. Did I feel like hugging her? Yes. Did I feel like throwing that burnt mac and cheese at her until she stopped drinking? Also yes.
Aisha meanwhile, struggles in school, unsure if she picked the right path for herself, and if that isn't me...I 100% picked the wrong major and I'm suffering, I get you Aisha.
She meets a boy named Tim who I wish had a bigger role in the story. He helps Aisha break out of her shell a bit, and keeps trying with her, the way she keeps showing up for Sarah.
I do feel like the book is a teensy bit short, because, while it does end on a happy note, not everything was resolved fully. I wouldn't have minded an extra chapter in between chapter 29 and the epilogue filling those blanks in.
But anyway, read this if you want to see mental health, addiction and homelessness be tackled properly, and in an approachable way for YA readers, and also if you want to read about a cool female friendship where one friend has awesome music taste *cough* kpop *cough*.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
I had just as much fun with Heist Royale as I did with Thieves' Gambit, but I have to say that the first book was more to my liking, even though this I had just as much fun with Heist Royale as I did with Thieves' Gambit, but I have to say that the first book was more to my liking, even though this one had more character development.
It was just more exciting, and I couldn't stop reading, while I was okay with putting this one down a few times before finishing it. It's still a fast read though, and perhaps a bit short for a book that's supposed to end the series.
My favourite part was the casino heist, it gave me the same feeling I got when I was reading the first book, and I wish the rest of this one followed suit.
In the romance department, nothing much has changed for me, I'm still not Devroe's biggest fan. But to be fair, he didn't have much of a chance to convince me he was the right person for Ross, because they didn't have a lot of interactions together.
A certain other side couple was adorableeeee though, all the stars for them. I'd totally read a novella about them after the scene in the casino (you know which one).
I liked the ending, I knew we were heading in that direction so it was satisfying, but it was wrapped up a bit fast. I wanted at least 50 more pages, not necessarily of the ending, just of the characters existing, hanging out, etc, if this really is the last time we'll see them.
Which I'm hoping it won't be!! Because these books are so fun and so underrated, I wish they got the same hype as some other YA heist books, because Lewis is truly a great writer. I'll be seated for whatever she writes next....more
I know this is a duology, but hear me out, five books? Four books? I'll even settle for three PLEASE I NEED MORE!!!
I had an arc of book one and loved I know this is a duology, but hear me out, five books? Four books? I'll even settle for three PLEASE I NEED MORE!!!
I had an arc of book one and loved it to bits, but this release went a bit off the radar for me, so I was really exited when I saw it was finally out.
It's such a brilliant sequel, I can't say which book I love more. While the first focused on Cass trying to find herself, this one really leaned into her embracing her destiny. AND, we got to see (and meet) Arthur, Merlin and the Knights too.
The dreamy writing style is still present and perfect for the story, I'd like to go back to this dream again and again thanks!!
I just adore the way this was written, the choices made relating to each character, in which light to paint them, and the huge emphasis on women being forgotten throughout history no matter how grand their contributions.
Cass grew so much during her journey, and I'm so glad I got to know her and the rest of the women. They'll continue living in my head rent free forevermore....more
The story was really important and I'm glad I read it for that reason, but as a whole I felt like something was missing. I wanted a bit more depth froThe story was really important and I'm glad I read it for that reason, but as a whole I felt like something was missing. I wanted a bit more depth from the characters, and the ending felt rushed. It was like the whole book was moving at a steady pace, and then suddenly fastfastfast, BAM, over. Not everything was wrapped up, and the epilogue didn't help much, but I don't regret reading (technically, listening to) this....more
Fun Fact was a super cute read, but I honestly wasn't expecting the grief aspect of it. We have a parent who dies on-page, and while it didn't hit me Fun Fact was a super cute read, but I honestly wasn't expecting the grief aspect of it. We have a parent who dies on-page, and while it didn't hit me as hard as it normally would, I think it was handled well.
I loved the idea of a teenage boy being a best-selling author, and that he had to keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he likes, who may or may not have been the inspiration for one of his characters.
Their romance was adorable, and they were such a good fit. All the book references really made this all the more fun for me. I also like that they act their age, but there wasn't any huge miscommunication between them. Nellie didn't blow up when she found out Jensen's identity, even if it was in a less-than-ideal way...she gets extra points from me because of that.
Like, I was literally dreading her finding out, because I felt like we were being set up for a confrontation, especially with how long Jensen dragged it out, so I was pleasantly surprised.
The audiobook was lovely and kept me engaged throughout, though occasionally Nellie's narrator would pronounce certain words as if she was bored which made me dislike Nellie for a second until it went back to normal.
Overall, this is a pretty strong debut, and I'll be looking forward to more books by Gina Lynn Larsen....more
BE STILL MY GEEKY HEART!! Another banger by Kristy Boyce, she needs to keep 'em coming.
I was a lil (but just a lil) bit afraid this one wouldn't be asBE STILL MY GEEKY HEART!! Another banger by Kristy Boyce, she needs to keep 'em coming.
I was a lil (but just a lil) bit afraid this one wouldn't be as amazing as the first one, but I needn't have worried. I'm so sorry for doubting you, Miss Boyce, I'll never do that again.
I had a great time with the story and characters, and was so into their role playing that I was on the edge of my seat during the gaming sessions. I felt as if I was in the book myself, playing D&D with them.
The romance was adorable, as expected. It had me smiling all over the place. I love the way this author writes romantic scenes.
And the grandma??? Arguably the best character. She was so fun!! I wanna be her when I grow up.
One of my favourite things is how D&D slowly became a family (and beyond) affair, like yess spread the joy all around, everyone is welcome to join.
I am a bit sad that this wasn't a direct spinoff of the first book with Hoshiko and Lucas, but maybe their book is in the works. Either way, I can't wait for the next one. ...more