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allieonreading's reviews
857 reviews
An Impossible Impostor by Deanna Raybourn
4.0
So far in the Veronica Speedwell series, the things I love the most are Veronica’s spunk and her chemistry with Stoker. This book had the spunk, but the character even admits that this one pulls her out of herself a bit. And, for plot reasons, she and Stoker don’t interact as much as they normally do. Because of that, this one is on the lower end of my enjoyment in this series. I did enjoy the mystery; it went places I didn’t expect to and avoided some of the cliches I don’t like as much, but parts of the ending felt a bit rushed to me. Still, I’m excited to see what the next book entails—but it will be a little while before I read it (I’m dangerously close to catching up with this series and will be loathe to wait between books!).
The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent
2.5
I mean the spice was fun, but both characters were absolutely batshit. I had more fun than I thought I would though!
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Ok time for my Ali Hazelwood rant. I’ve know for a while that her books are just not for me. But, I wanted to give her YA debut a shot.
I will say I was pleasantly surprised (for the most part)! I really liked the narrative voice; the humor was a stand out to me, and I enjoyed most of the side characters a lot.
HOWEVER, I think I finally got what it is about Hazelwoods books that really get me: her men. Of the three books of hers I’ve read, the men are are dimensional as paper to me. Yes, Nolan had a detailed backstory. But, all he really did in this book is obsess over Mallory. Their romance just never worked for me, mainly because he was so all in about her and it never made sense why.
Also, a big point in this book is about Mallory being emotionally stunted and pushing people away. Yes, she did that frequently. But let me tell you, I was actually on her side the entire time. Maybe the narrative voice just stuck with me too much, but I just never bought that Mallory deserved to be treated like she was by Easton and her family. Sabrina’s beef especially I never got. Maybe I’m crazy, butI really do think Nolan was creepy for funding Mallory’s fellowship without telling her, and also hanging out with her sisters without her. Just because she would “throw a fit”? Sorry, what claim do you have over these people you don’t actually know .
Ive officially read Ali Hazelwood’s STEM rom-com, fantasy, and YA, and all have been a no for me.
I will say I was pleasantly surprised (for the most part)! I really liked the narrative voice; the humor was a stand out to me, and I enjoyed most of the side characters a lot.
HOWEVER, I think I finally got what it is about Hazelwoods books that really get me: her men. Of the three books of hers I’ve read, the men are are dimensional as paper to me. Yes, Nolan had a detailed backstory. But, all he really did in this book is obsess over Mallory. Their romance just never worked for me, mainly because he was so all in about her and it never made sense why.
Also, a big point in this book is about Mallory being emotionally stunted and pushing people away. Yes, she did that frequently. But let me tell you, I was actually on her side the entire time. Maybe the narrative voice just stuck with me too much, but I just never bought that Mallory deserved to be treated like she was by Easton and her family. Sabrina’s beef especially I never got. Maybe I’m crazy, but
Ive officially read Ali Hazelwood’s STEM rom-com, fantasy, and YA, and all have been a no for me.
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
4.0
Angeline Boulley is fantastic at delivering gripping YA mysteries. Her stories move really well and she creates amazing characters! My only issue was the pacing; this one felt a bit long. The second half had a lot more action to it, and it was lot quicker than the first half.