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talknerdybookblog's reviews
2607 reviews
The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Representation: Main character who suffers from a traumatic brain injury (leading to migraines, seizures, and compromised vision), Main character who exhibits hoarding behaviours
Mature Themes:
• Sex (alluded to, not explicit)
• Alcohol consumption and abuse (by a side character)
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Recounting of physical assault while in prison
• Main character who suffers from hoarding
• Recounting of incarceration
• Recounting of the murder of parents during a home invasion
• Police intimidation
• Recounting of car accident resulting in hospitalization of a main character
• Parental abandonment
• Recounting of the Connelly siblings’ mother dying from c@ncer when they were children
Ending:HEA, but the resolution between the siblings was off-page, which was frustrating.
Mature Themes:
• Sex (alluded to, not explicit)
• Alcohol consumption and abuse (by a side character)
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Recounting of physical assault while in prison
• Main character who suffers from hoarding
• Recounting of incarceration
• Recounting of the murder of parents during a home invasion
• Police intimidation
• Recounting of car accident resulting in hospitalization of a main character
• Parental abandonment
• Recounting of the Connelly siblings’ mother dying from c@ncer when they were children
Ending:
Happy Medium by Sarah Adler
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.5
Representation: Lesbian supporting character, sapphic side relationship, supporting character with dementia
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• Does have mild OW drama
- a woman whose family owns a honey farm is very interested in the Hero, and the Heroine observes they'd be perfect for each other. But the Hero only has eyes for the Heroine. It's mild though cuz the MCs kinda lean into the OW's crush to help the Hero bring in profit for his farm. E.g., the Heroine knows the OW has a crush, so the Heroine emphasizes how thankful the Hero would be if the OW would see the Hero's product at the markets he can't attend. Nothing happens between the Hero and OW, though.
• No OM drama
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Grief
- Hero's grandmother passed away
• Traumatic childhood and toxic parental relationship between Heroine and her father (he was a con man and raised her accordingly)
• Hero's grandfather has dementia and is in a home
Ending:HEA with Epilogue. Married.
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• Does have mild OW drama
- a woman whose family owns a honey farm is very interested in the Hero, and the Heroine observes they'd be perfect for each other. But the Hero only has eyes for the Heroine. It's mild though cuz the MCs kinda lean into the OW's crush to help the Hero bring in profit for his farm. E.g., the Heroine knows the OW has a crush, so the Heroine emphasizes how thankful the Hero would be if the OW would see the Hero's product at the markets he can't attend. Nothing happens between the Hero and OW, though.
• No OM drama
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Grief
- Hero's grandmother passed away
• Traumatic childhood and toxic parental relationship between Heroine and her father (he was a con man and raised her accordingly)
• Hero's grandfather has dementia and is in a home
Ending:
Sable Peak by Devney Perry
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions*
*While there's no egregious OW drama, I think this book counts as "with Exceptions" cuz the unrequited love trope is STRONG in this book. And reconciling this is a big hurdle for the MCs to get their HEA.
• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
- Hero was still stuck on and grieving his ex-girlfriend (the first woman he fell in love with) at the beginning of this book. Even though they were broken up months before she gave birth (she didn't tell the Hero she was pregnant, and he only found out after she died in childbirth), he didn't understand why their relationship ended the way it did.
- It's been ~ 2 years since the death of his ex/birth of his daughter, and he's been on a few dates but hasn't slept with someone since his ex. <i>However,</i> the Heroine sees the Hero flirting with an OW at the bar during a night out with everyone, and she comes to the realization that he's never seen her the way she's seen him. Consequently, the author is stuck playing catch up the whole book trying to convince the reader that *now* that he sees the Heroine, everything is fine. When in reality, the Heroine has been hearing of the dates he's been going on and then eventually seeing it in person.
• No OM drama
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• PTSD
- We find out in the previous book that the Heroine's mother attempted to drown the Heroine and successfully drowned her two younger sisters.
- Heroine lived on the run with her father for years and managed to escape the police by living in national forests for years (see below for the reason).
• Murder (recounted)
- Heroine's father killed her mother in reaction to discovering what she did to their two youngest children in a drunken haze.
• Alcoholism of Heroine's mother recounted (see above)
• Death of Hero's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child in childbirth
• Grief
Ending:HEA with Extended Epilogue. Years later, they are married, successful in their careers and have 3 (I think?) children.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions*
*While there's no egregious OW drama, I think this book counts as "with Exceptions" cuz the unrequited love trope is STRONG in this book. And reconciling this is a big hurdle for the MCs to get their HEA.
• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
- Hero was still stuck on and grieving his ex-girlfriend (the first woman he fell in love with) at the beginning of this book. Even though they were broken up months before she gave birth (she didn't tell the Hero she was pregnant, and he only found out after she died in childbirth), he didn't understand why their relationship ended the way it did.
- It's been ~ 2 years since the death of his ex/birth of his daughter, and he's been on a few dates but hasn't slept with someone since his ex. <i>However,</i> the Heroine sees the Hero flirting with an OW at the bar during a night out with everyone, and she comes to the realization that he's never seen her the way she's seen him. Consequently, the author is stuck playing catch up the whole book trying to convince the reader that *now* that he sees the Heroine, everything is fine. When in reality, the Heroine has been hearing of the dates he's been going on and then eventually seeing it in person.
• No OM drama
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• PTSD
- We find out in the previous book that the Heroine's mother attempted to drown the Heroine and successfully drowned her two younger sisters.
- Heroine lived on the run with her father for years and managed to escape the police by living in national forests for years (see below for the reason).
• Murder (recounted)
- Heroine's father killed her mother in reaction to discovering what she did to their two youngest children in a drunken haze.
• Alcoholism of Heroine's mother recounted (see above)
• Death of Hero's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child in childbirth
• Grief
Ending:
Betrothed to the Beast by Elina Emerald
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.0
Representation: Black biracial supporting character
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW dama
- Hero is betrothed to the Heroine's sister -- he's not looking forward to the match and is immediately captivated by the Heroine but is resigned to doing his duty to protect his people
- ONS of the Hero's from months ago comes back to brief drama. This OW is the only person the Hero has slept with since his wife passed two years ago.
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Miscarriage (Hero's wife dies from complications)
• Heroine's mother dies in childbirth (flashback)
• Infidelity (Heroine's mother was her father's mistress)
• Heroine is a virgin
• Kidnapping
• Possible suicide of a side character discussed
Ending:HEA
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW dama
- Hero is betrothed to the Heroine's sister -- he's not looking forward to the match and is immediately captivated by the Heroine but is resigned to doing his duty to protect his people
- ONS of the Hero's from months ago comes back to brief drama. This OW is the only person the Hero has slept with since his wife passed two years ago.
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Miscarriage (Hero's wife dies from complications)
• Heroine's mother dies in childbirth (flashback)
• Infidelity (Heroine's mother was her father's mistress)
• Heroine is a virgin
• Kidnapping
• Possible suicide of a side character discussed
Ending:
Like Real People Do by E.L. Massey
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Representation: Mixed-race gay main character with epilepsy who uses a service dog, Gay main character with anxiety and OCD, Bisexual side characters
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OM drama
- Although Alex exhibits mild jealousy when (1) a teammate is thought to be Eli's boyfriend, and (2) he jumps to the conclusion Eli hooked up with Alex's ex
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away in the beginning
- Alex is not ready to come out, and Eli doesn't want to be a secret
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Homophobia, including slurs (challenged on page)
• Biphobia
• Recounting of medical trauma (Eli was in a car accident - he was hit by a drunk driver)
Ending:HFN
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OM drama
- Although Alex exhibits mild jealousy when (1) a teammate is thought to be Eli's boyfriend, and (2) he jumps to the conclusion Eli hooked up with Alex's ex
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away in the beginning
- Alex is not ready to come out, and Eli doesn't want to be a secret
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Homophobia, including slurs (challenged on page)
• Biphobia
• Recounting of medical trauma (Eli was in a car accident - he was hit by a drunk driver)
Ending:
If You Give a Single Dad a Nanny by Ann Einerson
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW drama
• Mild OM drama
- Heroine is unknowingly set up on a blind date, and the Hero is very jealous and interrupts
- The MCs met a year ago, it's unclear whether the Heroine and Hero have been celibate the whole time, but both remark throughout the book that it's been a long time.
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Parental abandonment & neglect
Ending:HEA. Extended epilogue has the MCs engaged.
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW drama
• Mild OM drama
- Heroine is unknowingly set up on a blind date, and the Hero is very jealous and interrupts
- The MCs met a year ago, it's unclear whether the Heroine and Hero have been celibate the whole time, but both remark throughout the book that it's been a long time.
• Does have the MCs pushing each other away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Parental abandonment & neglect
Ending:
Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation by Douglas Sanderson, Andrew Stobo Sniderman
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Representation: Ojibwe research participants, author Douglas Sanderson is a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Mature Themes:
• Sex alluded to in passing but not engaged with or described (e.g., participants or friends of participants got pregnant)
• Alcohol use and abuse
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Colonialization
• Child abuse
• Recounting of forced institutionalization at residential schools
• Racism, including racial slurs mentioned
• Medical trauma
• Alcoholism discussed
• Brief mention of children using household products to get high
• Sexual violence discussed
• Cultural genocide
• Xenophobia recounted
Ending:Reflective
Mature Themes:
• Sex alluded to in passing but not engaged with or described (e.g., participants or friends of participants got pregnant)
• Alcohol use and abuse
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Colonialization
• Child abuse
• Recounting of forced institutionalization at residential schools
• Racism, including racial slurs mentioned
• Medical trauma
• Alcoholism discussed
• Brief mention of children using household products to get high
• Sexual violence discussed
• Cultural genocide
• Xenophobia recounted
Ending:
The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Representation: Side character uses a wheelchair
My biggest issue with this book was Helena's (the protagonist's) characterization. Her backstory informs the reader that she grew up during unrest as her country resisted colonialism, was subsequently orphaned and survived on the streets by herself. And yet, in the present - only two years since living on the streets hand-to-mouth - she complains about the quality of her life with Sir Konrad (who directly reports to the <i>Emperor</i>) as they're always on the move, staying as guests to the most high-ranking officials in the towns/cities they visit, <i>and</i> has temper tantrums about being mentored to become a Justice herself. It made no sense.
Furthermore, the book is set during a time when it was not uncommon for a woman Helena's age (19) to have been married for 3 years. Yet, Helena behaves like a teenager from the 21st century, frequently pouting, scowling, and being contrary just for the sake of it. Her characterization in the present would've made way more sense if she came from privilege and had never known hard work before.
I was also disappointed with the author's choices regarding Helena's romance. Not only is it the most ridiculous case of insta-love (I find insta-love can be forgivable if there's actual chemistry), but Helena quickly comes to the decision that she'll give up the opportunity to become a Justice (perhaps the most powerful job) herself to become the wife of this random boy she's just met. FML.
While the function of the Justice was fleshed out very well - the author's grasp on law definitely shined through - the book also suffered from a distinct lack of chemistry between the main group of characters. I honestly didn't care for a single character, and while we were told everyone cared about each other, their actions said otherwise.
Despite finishing the book, I think this would've (and should've) been a DNF. However, I had a reading challenge to complete this month, so I stuck it out.
Mature Themes:
• Sex (not explicit)
• Swearing
• Alcohol consumption
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Colonialism
• Hints at an eventual sexual relationship between Helena and Sir Konrad Vonvalt despite the book characterizing their relationship at the beginning as a pseudo-adoptive father/daughter (she's 19, and he's ~38 in this book)
• Sexism
• Ableist language (unchallenged)
- Brain death of a supporting character subsequently described in ableist terms
• Religious fundamentalism
• Immolation
• Necromancy
• Knife/Sword violence
• Attempted murder
• Murder
• Death by hanging (described)
• Abduction and captivity
• Amputation (described)
• Religious persecution
Ending:HFN in that the conspiracy was revealed, the murder mystery solved, and the group is on their way to Sova, the Imperial capital. However, there's a mild cliffhanger since the big bad villain (the priest) gets away.
My biggest issue with this book was Helena's (the protagonist's) characterization. Her backstory informs the reader that she grew up during unrest as her country resisted colonialism, was subsequently orphaned and survived on the streets by herself. And yet, in the present - only two years since living on the streets hand-to-mouth - she complains about the quality of her life with Sir Konrad (who directly reports to the <i>Emperor</i>) as they're always on the move, staying as guests to the most high-ranking officials in the towns/cities they visit, <i>and</i> has temper tantrums about being mentored to become a Justice herself. It made no sense.
Furthermore, the book is set during a time when it was not uncommon for a woman Helena's age (19) to have been married for 3 years. Yet, Helena behaves like a teenager from the 21st century, frequently pouting, scowling, and being contrary just for the sake of it. Her characterization in the present would've made way more sense if she came from privilege and had never known hard work before.
I was also disappointed with the author's choices regarding Helena's romance. Not only is it the most ridiculous case of insta-love (I find insta-love can be forgivable if there's actual chemistry), but Helena quickly comes to the decision that she'll give up the opportunity to become a Justice (perhaps the most powerful job) herself to become the wife of this random boy she's just met. FML.
While the function of the Justice was fleshed out very well - the author's grasp on law definitely shined through - the book also suffered from a distinct lack of chemistry between the main group of characters. I honestly didn't care for a single character, and while we were told everyone cared about each other, their actions said otherwise.
Despite finishing the book, I think this would've (and should've) been a DNF. However, I had a reading challenge to complete this month, so I stuck it out.
Mature Themes:
• Sex (not explicit)
• Swearing
• Alcohol consumption
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Colonialism
• Hints at an eventual sexual relationship between Helena and Sir Konrad Vonvalt despite the book characterizing their relationship at the beginning as a pseudo-adoptive father/daughter (she's 19, and he's ~38 in this book)
• Sexism
• Ableist language (unchallenged)
- Brain death of a supporting character subsequently described in ableist terms
• Religious fundamentalism
• Immolation
• Necromancy
• Knife/Sword violence
• Attempted murder
• Murder
• Death by hanging (described)
• Abduction and captivity
• Amputation (described)
• Religious persecution
Ending:
The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer
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? It's complicated
5.0
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW drama
- Hero has been celibate for 1+ year (since he reconnected with the Heroine)
• Does have OM drama
- Heroine's ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her, has been transferred to the hockey team she works for. Instead of apologizing, her ex makes her feel like shit, so she agrees to fake date the Hero to come across as if she's no longer hurt.
- Her ex attempts to woo her (creepily) throughout the book, which is completely unwelcome but causes the Hero to become jealous
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Sexual harassment
• Recounting being cheated on (and being the last to know if her friend group)
• Negative self-talk and fatphobia (challenged) of a side character
• Complicated family relationships
Ending:HEA with Epilogue. Just married and talking about kids in the distant future.
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW drama
- Hero has been celibate for 1+ year (since he reconnected with the Heroine)
• Does have OM drama
- Heroine's ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her, has been transferred to the hockey team she works for. Instead of apologizing, her ex makes her feel like shit, so she agrees to fake date the Hero to come across as if she's no longer hurt.
- Her ex attempts to woo her (creepily) throughout the book, which is completely unwelcome but causes the Hero to become jealous
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Sexual harassment
• Recounting being cheated on (and being the last to know if her friend group)
• Negative self-talk and fatphobia (challenged) of a side character
• Complicated family relationships
Ending:
The Highgate Cemetery Murder by Irina Shapiro
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Representation: Indian side characters who are Muslim
Mature Themes:
• Alcohol use and abuse
• Opium use and abuse
• Sexual content doesn't surpass discussion in the context of the police investigation (e.g., sex workers offering their services, what certain clients ask to be performed)
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Murder
• Mutilation of a corpse
• Autopsy during the mid-19th century described
• Discussion and recounting of gang r@pe of side characters
• Murder of Hero's wife while pregnant described in detail
• Alcoholism
• Drug abuse
• Grief
• Death of Heroine's brother
• Sexism
• Prejudice against sex workers (challenged by protagonists)
• PTSD from serving in the Crimean war as a nurse
Ending:HFN
Mature Themes:
• Alcohol use and abuse
• Opium use and abuse
• Sexual content doesn't surpass discussion in the context of the police investigation (e.g., sex workers offering their services, what certain clients ask to be performed)
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Murder
• Mutilation of a corpse
• Autopsy during the mid-19th century described
• Discussion and recounting of gang r@pe of side characters
• Murder of Hero's wife while pregnant described in detail
• Alcoholism
• Drug abuse
• Grief
• Death of Heroine's brother
• Sexism
• Prejudice against sex workers (challenged by protagonists)
• PTSD from serving in the Crimean war as a nurse
Ending: