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adogmomsbookishlife's reviews
454 reviews
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
3.25
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was a fresh take on the paranormal romance trope. The spice level was not quite “fade to black” but it was far from “open door.” There were a lot of family elements to the story that I loved, but the pacing of the story felt very slow to me. I guessed part of the ending fairly early on, but that isn’t what disappointed me. There was another “twist” at the end that didn’t make much sense; at least not to me. It’s not that I didn’t understand it, I just didn’t understand why it was included as a twist. It didn’t really add anything to the plot. Unless I totally missed something else related to said twist, which is highly possible. Lol I will definitely read more by this author, but this particular novel wasn’t as alluring for me as I’ve seen from other reviews. I will say that I will never look at a murder of crows the same though!! IYKYK Also, be aware of the following trigger warnings: murder (off page and non-descriptive), death of a parent, & grief.
A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Let me tell you, I BINGED this story! Connor is a top tier book boyfriend! Claire is working on herself, and she refuses to lose sight of that. These two are waving all the green flags with their level of communication!
This novelette is spicy & sweet, naughty & nice. This novelette is EVERYTHING! The story left me wanting more in the best way. Most shorter length stories leave me wanting more, because they don’t feel complete. That is NOT the case here!! Jessica gives us a complete story and, she executes it flawlessly. Check out the trope list below, grab your copy, and dive in! You don’t want to miss out on the fun! Trust me! 🥵
Trope List:
❄️ One-night stand ➡️ one-weekend stand
❄️ Oh, the weather outside is frightful
❄️ But this man is so delightful(ly hot)
❄️ Cozy holiday vibes
❄️ Mostly just vibes, actually
❄️ Golden retriever bf
❄️ Nicknames
❄️ Steamy enough to melt the ice outside
❄️ Quick read (20k)!
❄️ Lover meets New Year’s Day meets Like Real People
This novelette is spicy & sweet, naughty & nice. This novelette is EVERYTHING! The story left me wanting more in the best way. Most shorter length stories leave me wanting more, because they don’t feel complete. That is NOT the case here!! Jessica gives us a complete story and, she executes it flawlessly. Check out the trope list below, grab your copy, and dive in! You don’t want to miss out on the fun! Trust me! 🥵
Trope List:
❄️ One-night stand ➡️ one-weekend stand
❄️ Oh, the weather outside is frightful
❄️ But this man is so delightful(ly hot)
❄️ Cozy holiday vibes
❄️ Mostly just vibes, actually
❄️ Golden retriever bf
❄️ Nicknames
❄️ Steamy enough to melt the ice outside
❄️ Quick read (20k)!
❄️ Lover meets New Year’s Day meets Like Real People
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this advanced copy.
If you enjoy magical realism with twists and turns that leave your mind blown, then look no further. This story contains time travel, alternate realities, and sliding doors. I’m not sure I truly understand what happened, but I enjoyed the ride immensely! lol 😝
I read this on my kindle and I think I may have followed the timelines a little better if I could flip the pages back and forth more easily to double-check dates. An infographic with the timelines and dates with notes would have been helpful as well.
I think this is one of those books that you just read without worrying too much about “getting it” the first time, then when re-reading it, the pieces will fall into place. I look forward to testing this theory next time I pick this one up.
If you enjoy magical realism with twists and turns that leave your mind blown, then look no further. This story contains time travel, alternate realities, and sliding doors. I’m not sure I truly understand what happened, but I enjoyed the ride immensely! lol 😝
I read this on my kindle and I think I may have followed the timelines a little better if I could flip the pages back and forth more easily to double-check dates. An infographic with the timelines and dates with notes would have been helpful as well.
I think this is one of those books that you just read without worrying too much about “getting it” the first time, then when re-reading it, the pieces will fall into place. I look forward to testing this theory next time I pick this one up.
Change of Plans by Dylan Newton
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.25
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this advanced copy.
I adored the relationship between the two main characters, Bryce and Ryker. I respected the relationship Bryce had with her nieces, and it was hard to see what each of them went through (no spoilers) together as a family. The relationship between Ryker and Bryce’s nieces is ADORABLE!! He is the tough, military veteran, but he is SUCH a cinnamon roll!!! Each of these characters were so lovable, even in their most challenging moments.
I appreciated the disability and mental health representation in the story. I loved how each person handled “their stuff” in a healthy way (mostly), or at least learned how to throughout their character growth.
I adore Dylan Newton’s writing style, and I will read anything she writes!
I adored the relationship between the two main characters, Bryce and Ryker. I respected the relationship Bryce had with her nieces, and it was hard to see what each of them went through (no spoilers) together as a family. The relationship between Ryker and Bryce’s nieces is ADORABLE!! He is the tough, military veteran, but he is SUCH a cinnamon roll!!! Each of these characters were so lovable, even in their most challenging moments.
I appreciated the disability and mental health representation in the story. I loved how each person handled “their stuff” in a healthy way (mostly), or at least learned how to throughout their character growth.
I adore Dylan Newton’s writing style, and I will read anything she writes!
Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this advanced copy.
I am learning that romance novellas are not my favorite as they tend to lean towards insta-love themes, which is also not my favorite trope. However, this novella is VERY well written. I would have loved to read this story as a full length novel.
This is a perfect Christmas novella as it takes place during a snow storm around Christmas / New Years. However, it also works to read in the fall simply for the magical realism themes. Lastly, if you are a regency romance reader, you will love this as the main male character is a sexy Scottish Laird.
This is one of the better novellas that I’ve read before, and I highly recommend it for someone looking for a quick read with a bit of heart. However, please be cautious of the trigger warnings as there is off-page and on-page cancer themes as well as themes of parental loss.
I am learning that romance novellas are not my favorite as they tend to lean towards insta-love themes, which is also not my favorite trope. However, this novella is VERY well written. I would have loved to read this story as a full length novel.
This is a perfect Christmas novella as it takes place during a snow storm around Christmas / New Years. However, it also works to read in the fall simply for the magical realism themes. Lastly, if you are a regency romance reader, you will love this as the main male character is a sexy Scottish Laird.
This is one of the better novellas that I’ve read before, and I highly recommend it for someone looking for a quick read with a bit of heart. However, please be cautious of the trigger warnings as there is off-page and on-page cancer themes as well as themes of parental loss.
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books!
I went back and forth on how much I enjoyed this novel. It start’s with Ivy’s coming of age story (mother) and then transitions into Mia’s (daughter). The remainder of the first part of this book is about Mia and her escape from the cult her mother found them in.
Davis’ (cult leader) sociopathic behavior towards Mia is super creepy! Be cautious if you have any triggers for stalking and manipulative/narcissistic conversations.
Mia has a love for Nathaniel Hawthorne and his novel The Scarlet Letter. She feels it was written just for her. The story takes a break from these women and transitions into a historical narrative of Nathan Hawthorne’s life. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of Hawthorne’s side of the story. It made me want to read The Scarlet Letter, for sure.
However, the two timelines then merge and that was the part that I am not so sure about. I was very intrigued and wanted to keep reading, but I also couldn’t help but feeling like it was a little weird.
I will say that the story did not end the way I thought it would. this was neither a good nor a bad thing. Overall I do recommend this book. It didn’t have the fall witchy vibes I was anticipating, but it did have a level of magical realism that made it a fun fall read.
I went back and forth on how much I enjoyed this novel. It start’s with Ivy’s coming of age story (mother) and then transitions into Mia’s (daughter). The remainder of the first part of this book is about Mia and her escape from the cult her mother found them in.
Davis’ (cult leader) sociopathic behavior towards Mia is super creepy! Be cautious if you have any triggers for stalking and manipulative/narcissistic conversations.
Mia has a love for Nathaniel Hawthorne and his novel The Scarlet Letter. She feels it was written just for her. The story takes a break from these women and transitions into a historical narrative of Nathan Hawthorne’s life. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of Hawthorne’s side of the story. It made me want to read The Scarlet Letter, for sure.
However, the two timelines then merge and that was the part that I am not so sure about. I was very intrigued and wanted to keep reading, but I also couldn’t help but feeling like it was a little weird.
I will say that the story did not end the way I thought it would. this was neither a good nor a bad thing. Overall I do recommend this book. It didn’t have the fall witchy vibes I was anticipating, but it did have a level of magical realism that made it a fun fall read.
Dogtown by Katherine Applegate, Gennifer Choldenko
adventurous
funny
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.
This middle grade book is so sad and sweet and accurate in regards to dog rescue. If any of you are rescue advocates and/or looking for a quick read/listen this is such a bittersweet, heartwarming book!!
The premise of the book discusses the various types of dogs that end up in the shelter: those who have lived a pampered life but their owner passed away, those who get easily adopted due to their breed but then returned over and over again by people who don’t know what they’re getting into, the ones who are constantly overlooked (old, “damaged,” loud) and end up on “the list” to make room for others looking for a home, etc. It tells the story of how many humans fail, while so many others save, these sweet creatures.
The end of the book has a list of things kids can do (with the help of an adult) to help shelter pets and the humans who run the facilities. This is such an important read to help all ages understand why it’s so important to adopt, not shop, when looking for a pet to add to your home.
I give this one all the stars, and I highly recommend it!!
This middle grade book is so sad and sweet and accurate in regards to dog rescue. If any of you are rescue advocates and/or looking for a quick read/listen this is such a bittersweet, heartwarming book!!
The premise of the book discusses the various types of dogs that end up in the shelter: those who have lived a pampered life but their owner passed away, those who get easily adopted due to their breed but then returned over and over again by people who don’t know what they’re getting into, the ones who are constantly overlooked (old, “damaged,” loud) and end up on “the list” to make room for others looking for a home, etc. It tells the story of how many humans fail, while so many others save, these sweet creatures.
The end of the book has a list of things kids can do (with the help of an adult) to help shelter pets and the humans who run the facilities. This is such an important read to help all ages understand why it’s so important to adopt, not shop, when looking for a pet to add to your home.
I give this one all the stars, and I highly recommend it!!
Love, Holly by Emily Stone
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group.
I was a bit nervous to read this novel as I’ve read a previous Emily Stone novel and while I enjoyed that one, I was not prepared for the level of hurt the story put me through. While this story does deal with deep and tragic elements and is not a light hearted romance, it was very well written. I loved all of the characters, as grumpy and imperfect as they were. There were some actions I disagreed with due to extreme lack of communication between the said parties, but everyone handles grief differently so I found a way to respect each characters actions. The ending was one that the reader sees coming, but it is so well executed and leaves the reader feeling hopeful instead of hopeless.
Yes, this story takes place around Christmas, but I would not categorize this as a holiday novel in general. Please take note of trigger warnings for off page infertility and miscarriage occurences. The references are not extremely detailed or graphic but there are references to both throughout the story.
Overall I really enjoyed the story and how it was told, especially getting the dual POV of both the main male character and the main female character.
I was a bit nervous to read this novel as I’ve read a previous Emily Stone novel and while I enjoyed that one, I was not prepared for the level of hurt the story put me through. While this story does deal with deep and tragic elements and is not a light hearted romance, it was very well written. I loved all of the characters, as grumpy and imperfect as they were. There were some actions I disagreed with due to extreme lack of communication between the said parties, but everyone handles grief differently so I found a way to respect each characters actions. The ending was one that the reader sees coming, but it is so well executed and leaves the reader feeling hopeful instead of hopeless.
Yes, this story takes place around Christmas, but I would not categorize this as a holiday novel in general. Please take note of trigger warnings for off page infertility and miscarriage occurences. The references are not extremely detailed or graphic but there are references to both throughout the story.
Overall I really enjoyed the story and how it was told, especially getting the dual POV of both the main male character and the main female character.
The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager.
This book is everything!! It will definitely be a top contender for my favorite book of 2023. This book has THE BEST banter and dialogue. The Blonde Identity is an over the top spy satire that takes place in France. It is so easy to visually picture how these action scenes would occur. Think Fast and Furious level stunts with James Bond level fight scenes and romance with the wit and humor of a satire like Scary Movie.
I think everyone should read this book. I was able to listen to the audio of this after pub date, and both male and female narrators (for dual POV reading) execute their parts flawlessly! I cannot wait to re-read this now that I have my hands on a physical copy as well.
This book is everything!! It will definitely be a top contender for my favorite book of 2023. This book has THE BEST banter and dialogue. The Blonde Identity is an over the top spy satire that takes place in France. It is so easy to visually picture how these action scenes would occur. Think Fast and Furious level stunts with James Bond level fight scenes and romance with the wit and humor of a satire like Scary Movie.
I think everyone should read this book. I was able to listen to the audio of this after pub date, and both male and female narrators (for dual POV reading) execute their parts flawlessly! I cannot wait to re-read this now that I have my hands on a physical copy as well.
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
3.0
I really loved the premise and TJR Can truly do no wrong. However I listened to it on audio and it was very hard to keep the two storylines separate because they were so similar in a lot of ways. I want to read it again as a physical copy where I can take notes on each timeline and pay closer attention. That being said, I did not like it as much as I think I could have which is why I want to truly give it another chance. The chapters didn’t have any type of header to announce which timeline you were on so when you paused and went back to it the next day it was hard to remember where you were at. I think the story is absolutely beautiful and like I said, I’m excited to do a reread and pay closer attention.