alexdicanio's reviews
341 reviews

Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver

2.0

(Warning - some spoilers for the first 5 chapters)

I wanted to enjoy this, truly. I had such a fun time as the first one. This book felt exactly the same though, the characters, the banter, the tone, all of it. The 2nd time around, with supposedly new mc’s should offer something different.

I had a few other issues with this as well, including the characters making out in like the 3rd chapter while they don’t recognize each other. I get it, not every romance is a slow burn, but chapter 3 or 4? Come on. The mc’s meet for the first time and were talking for two minutes then go to make out (everyone was sober.)

Also, idk why Lark thought that a clean up guy was gonna be all happy and cheerful. He’s there to do a job, let him do it. Sure he shouldn’t have made her go in the trunk - I can agree with her there. 

The main reason I continued on and didn’t dnf, was because I refused to waste a credit, and the dual narration was amazing- the narrators are incredibly talented. Plus I’m a sucker for an Irish accent. 

The LGBTQ + History Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by D.K. Publishing

medium-paced

5.0

This was very well researched. It spans millennia, continents, cultures, and religions on top of how race affects LGBTQ+ lives. I think it gives great insight and details into a lot of different LGBTQ+ events and people. Highly recommend. I learned a lot. 

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

4.0

Betty by Tiffany McDaniel

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

I was catatonic after finishing this. I loved it, but this absolutely tore me to pieces. The writing is phenomenal and visceral. From page 1, I was invested in the characters, in the family. Please please check trigger warnings before reading this. I don’t know if anyone can be emotionally prepared for this book. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Mental illness, Racism, Self harm, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail

Exit Strategy by Martha Wells

adventurous funny fast-paced

4.0

Murderbot is one of the funniest, most real characters I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. 

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 4 by Kanehito Yamada

adventurous funny medium-paced

4.0

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

adventurous dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

One of the best books I read all year. The only reason I didn’t finish it in 3 days was because I was reading this with a friend and didn’t want to get too far ahead. This story was written in such a unique way, I was hooked from the beginning. The plot was amazing. Highly recommend, just check trigger warnings first because some parts are dark. 

Life on Earth by David Attenborough

informative slow-paced

4.0

Attenborough, you’ve done it again. Quality education paired with an incredible voice for narration. 

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 3 by Kanehito Yamada

adventurous emotional medium-paced

5.0