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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“He refused to spend any more time worrying about how it would feel when it all eventually ended”
My kind of trouble is a pretty cozy book, funny and very easy to read. Yet, it lights up some deep and important themes, like book bans, especially in small towns/communities. I truly enjoyed how that problematic was written, and how Preston dedicates himself to avoiding “his” library stop being a safe place for kids, no matter who they are. That aspect truly kept me inside the story, making me turn the pages faster.
I loved that Preston is autistic, and so is his sister. Their experience felt right to me, as a fellow Au(HD). I think I would have liked a more “internal” experience of this character, but every autistic person is different, so that’s completely OK. Choosing Harmony, a Robin-Wood-like scammer, as his love interest was just perfect to make both characters grow. She is an amazing character too (major bonus for her plus size body, without any self shame), even though I found the resolution a bit too easy for her. I think I would have liked a true redemption arc at the end of the book –but that’s probably autistic me talking. In any case, I spent a great time with both characters and their romance with an expiry date. I would love to read more books from this author in the future.
Thank you Net Galley, Alcove Press and LA Schartz for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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:
Complicated
This book was EVERYTHING. I can't even put into words how good it was, so I'm just going to share some of my favorite quotes and hope that speaks for itself.
"Someone who might want to curl up and discuss what they were reading. Someone kind, like he'd said. Though he wasn't against a little hair-pulling among consenting adults."
"She kissed him back hard, silently declaring that she might have been a thief but all she wanted was this stolen moment with him."
"'This was the perfect chance to talk about what she wanted them to be. Or maybe it was the perfect chance to grab a bread stick and shove it in her mouth and not say anything at all because feelings were stupid and relationships were scary but bread - bread would always love you."
Convinced yet?
"Someone who might want to curl up and discuss what they were reading. Someone kind, like he'd said. Though he wasn't against a little hair-pulling among consenting adults."
"She kissed him back hard, silently declaring that she might have been a thief but all she wanted was this stolen moment with him."
"'This was the perfect chance to talk about what she wanted them to be. Or maybe it was the perfect chance to grab a bread stick and shove it in her mouth and not say anything at all because feelings were stupid and relationships were scary but bread - bread would always love you."
Convinced yet?
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
📌 Release Date: October 8.
This book pleased me; it was a bit different from what I usually read, but it was entertaining.
A conwoman arrives in a small town to exact the revenge she's always dreamed of, but she didn't expect to fall in love with the town librarian (who happens to have autism). Is it a great premise? For me, yes. I love seeing women take charge, and Harmony embodied that for me. Her intelligence in deception and evading capture amazed me, on the other hand, Preston is her counterpart: a shy guy who simply wants to support his sister (who also has autism) and save the library's books (which resonated with me because it's something we sadly witness every day). Could they be more different? Yes, but the chemistry they shared was beautiful: slow but steady. Yes, her lies bothered me a bit, but at the same time, I understood her. Romantically, they were exactly what each other needed, and I appreciated that they didn't overcomplicate things. I was eager to see how the web of lies would unravel, and it didn't disappoint. There was no major drama; the secondary characters added depth to the book, and the sense of family warmed my heart.
I understand that this is the author's debut novel, and while it shows a little, I feel it's a great book filled with love.
📌I received a e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
This book pleased me; it was a bit different from what I usually read, but it was entertaining.
A conwoman arrives in a small town to exact the revenge she's always dreamed of, but she didn't expect to fall in love with the town librarian (who happens to have autism). Is it a great premise? For me, yes. I love seeing women take charge, and Harmony embodied that for me. Her intelligence in deception and evading capture amazed me, on the other hand, Preston is her counterpart: a shy guy who simply wants to support his sister (who also has autism) and save the library's books (which resonated with me because it's something we sadly witness every day). Could they be more different? Yes, but the chemistry they shared was beautiful: slow but steady. Yes, her lies bothered me a bit, but at the same time, I understood her. Romantically, they were exactly what each other needed, and I appreciated that they didn't overcomplicate things. I was eager to see how the web of lies would unravel, and it didn't disappoint. There was no major drama; the secondary characters added depth to the book, and the sense of family warmed my heart.
I understand that this is the author's debut novel, and while it shows a little, I feel it's a great book filled with love.
📌I received a e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
No
**Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to review.**
As soon as I heard that this book featured a librarian hero and a plus-sized heroine, I was down to read it. But THEN you throw in the fact that there's a fantastic autistic representation within Preston and Lucy, and I was sold two-fold. This book was so much fun to read, and even though she's a con woman, Harmony is easy to root for, and you want her to win. She's like the Robin Hood of con artists, if you will. Preston was fun to get to know and read about because I could relate to all of the issues he dealt with as a librarian (especially being one myself), but it was also interesting to see him navigate life with autism and the ways he's "dealt" with it. The conflict was quickly resolved, which I'm ok with because it happened in such a cute way. I wish there would have been more conversation around everythingbecause everyone accepts that Harmony lied because she tried to do right by them and create an actual festival. PLUS no one turned her in for fraud, seriously?? That was a bit too unbelievable for me. , but I enjoyed this book otherwise!
As soon as I heard that this book featured a librarian hero and a plus-sized heroine, I was down to read it. But THEN you throw in the fact that there's a fantastic autistic representation within Preston and Lucy, and I was sold two-fold. This book was so much fun to read, and even though she's a con woman, Harmony is easy to root for, and you want her to win. She's like the Robin Hood of con artists, if you will. Preston was fun to get to know and read about because I could relate to all of the issues he dealt with as a librarian (especially being one myself), but it was also interesting to see him navigate life with autism and the ways he's "dealt" with it. The conflict was quickly resolved, which I'm ok with because it happened in such a cute way. I wish there would have been more conversation around everything
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
So cute but the ending felt very rushed
I am a huge fan of romance, but I’ve be ever enjoyed plots (in movies, or otherwise) featuring heists or conartistry. For that reason, I wasn’t enamored with the female main character in this novel. While she arguably had decent intentions, she dug herself in such a deep hole that I couldn’t connect with her character.
However, I fell in love with Preston. He is such a lovable character. Forgiving, understanding, inquisitive. He was really funny and brought a unique angle to this story that kept me hooked. His relationship with his little sister is so precious, and his personality is a breath of fresh air for a MMC.
However, I fell in love with Preston. He is such a lovable character. Forgiving, understanding, inquisitive. He was really funny and brought a unique angle to this story that kept me hooked. His relationship with his little sister is so precious, and his personality is a breath of fresh air for a MMC.