alicia_simons's reviews
308 reviews

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

This was such a cute, fun book! An adventurous journey with a romance plot that was funny and lighthearted. A fun romantasy read that is perfect for the summertime. 

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

This was entertaining. Not the best thriller I’ve read, but not terrible. However I don’t think I’ll be reading anything else by her. 

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely loved this! I loved being back at Rebel Blue Ranch. I loved that Ada was an interior designer. I loved how respectful Wes was. I loved that the third act conflict wasn’t a long, drawn out thing like it tends to be in this genre. I absolutely loved it. 

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

challenging emotional reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

I was constantly tearing up listening to this memoir. Michelle’s recollection of her relationship with her mother was painful to read at times but it was one of realizing that parents are people too. It was also full of her struggle to feel connected with her mother’s culture during one of the hardest times of her life. Listening to her talk about food made me want to try things I’ve never heard of before but sound delicious. This was emotional and raw and it truly touched my heart in a way I didn’t expect. 

Rise of Empire by Michael J. Sullivan

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.5

I’m loving this series so much. Each installment throws new things into the mix that help bring new elements to the story while keeping with the original storyline. I’m very excited to read the final bindup and find out how the story ends. 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

It was very interesting to read about President Snow’s youth and his introduction to the Hunger Games. I loved seeing the little connections to the original trilogy and it was fun tying the two together. I thought this book was a bit more gorey and violent than the original trilogy. Overall I thought this was a great way for Suzanne Collins to continue writing in this world without continuing Katniss’s story. 

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

The more Jennifer Lynn Barnes books I read, the faster I end up reading them. I really enjoy her writing style and she has a way of completely captivating my attention very quickly. I couldn’t put this down and I immediately want to go pick up the next one. 

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

adventurous funny medium-paced

4.5

This met and exceeded my expectations. This was much tamer than I thought it was going to be, but I’m glad it was. The storyline was phenomenal and I’m genuinely looking forward to the next one.

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

fast-paced

2.5

This was not a good book. It did not live up to the expectations that I had in any way shape or form. The writing was not good and I felt like it would’ve been better if it had been an adult book and not sensored to be young adult. That being said, I have not read any of her adult books and I am interested to know if the bad writing was because she was trying to write for a younger audience. I’m genuinely bummed that I didn’t really like this book because the initial premise was so good. The execution just flopped. 

Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. I was uncertain of how the storyline would play out but I thought the flashbacks and the telling of the present story were well matched and paced well. The ending did feel a little rushed, but I’ve almost come to expect that with many romance books now. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it!