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aroundthebookbend1's reviews
149 reviews
The Backup Plan by Eden Finley
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I quite enjoyed The Backup Plan. Thank you for the advanced copy. I was incredibly happy to receive it.
Thad and Kelley somehow fit each other so well, despite the hostility between them. They had some really nice chemistry and their banter was so funny. I laughed quite a bit. And the deep dives into both of their mentalities was so well done. The anxiety, unresolved insecurities, bitterness, it was both beautiful and heartbreaking to see. Both of them had some deep layers that were wonderfully explored. It was nice seeing the different sides of them compressed to why they show the world.
I spied a possibility for the next book, and I’m super excited for it if it is them. The tension between them is definitely up my alley.
I’m pretty new to the Sadenverse, have only read the Egotistical/Irresponsible Puckboys and Frat Wars, so there were some characters I didn’t know. But I will eventually correct that.
Thad and Kelley somehow fit each other so well, despite the hostility between them. They had some really nice chemistry and their banter was so funny. I laughed quite a bit. And the deep dives into both of their mentalities was so well done. The anxiety, unresolved insecurities, bitterness, it was both beautiful and heartbreaking to see. Both of them had some deep layers that were wonderfully explored. It was nice seeing the different sides of them compressed to why they show the world.
I spied a possibility for the next book, and I’m super excited for it if it is them. The tension between them is definitely up my alley.
I’m pretty new to the Sadenverse, have only read the Egotistical/Irresponsible Puckboys and Frat Wars, so there were some characters I didn’t know. But I will eventually correct that.
Head Above Water by CE Ricci
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Very emotional
I definitely cried while reading this. It was a painful read, that was her to get through at times. But I still thoroughly enjoyed reading. Grief is such a painful thing to endure. It’s different for everyone. And I think it was captured in a very raw way here. Unhealthy coping mechanisms, the feeling of drowning with no way to the surface, the sense of emptiness. This read definitely touched in my soul.
I gave it only four stars due to it dragging a bit at the end. I found myself skimming a bit through the last twenty percent. With that said, it was still pretty good.
I definitely cried while reading this. It was a painful read, that was her to get through at times. But I still thoroughly enjoyed reading. Grief is such a painful thing to endure. It’s different for everyone. And I think it was captured in a very raw way here. Unhealthy coping mechanisms, the feeling of drowning with no way to the surface, the sense of emptiness. This read definitely touched in my soul.
I gave it only four stars due to it dragging a bit at the end. I found myself skimming a bit through the last twenty percent. With that said, it was still pretty good.
My Best Friend's Secret by Romeo Alexander
4.0
This was a cute read. Easygoing for the most part with very low angst. Bennett was a riot. Loved his chaotic energy. The best part of this book was definitely Adam’s parents. They stole every scene they were in. The bickering and banter was just hilarious and adorable. That’s the kind of relationship everyone should strive for.
To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders
emotional
medium-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
5.0
What a beautiful journey
This was absolutely amazing. Beautiful and full of emotions. I’m so upset that this is the first time I’ve read something by Emmy Sanders, but I can say without a doubt that I will be reading more.
I adored Lucky and Ellis together. The way they communicated with each other; how Lucky could tell exactly what Ellis wanted to say without him actually talking. The love between them was so beautiful. And Danil was such a fun, loving character.
There are no words for how much I adored this. 100 stars!!!!
This was absolutely amazing. Beautiful and full of emotions. I’m so upset that this is the first time I’ve read something by Emmy Sanders, but I can say without a doubt that I will be reading more.
I adored Lucky and Ellis together. The way they communicated with each other; how Lucky could tell exactly what Ellis wanted to say without him actually talking. The love between them was so beautiful. And Danil was such a fun, loving character.
There are no words for how much I adored this. 100 stars!!!!
My Dark Desire by L.J. Shen, Parker S. Huntington
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
100 stars
If I could give this book 100 stars, I would. I loved Zach and Farrow so much. The tension and chemistry between them. The banter, quips, and barbs. The hilarious group chats. The character development. The friendships. Everything was fantastic.
I was hooked from the first chapter, and stayed up to almost one in the morning to finish it. Wasn’t sure if I would like Zach. He was an intriguing character in My Dark Romeo. But I worried for nothing. He stole my heart. He was just a beautiful, tragic character that deserves the world. That first chapter almost broke me. Farrow was a new character that snagged me right away. Brazen and not afraid of Zach. I felt for her too.
These two were absolutely perfect for each other. Two broken puzzles whose edges fit each other.
I can’t wait for Oliver’s story.
If I could give this book 100 stars, I would. I loved Zach and Farrow so much. The tension and chemistry between them. The banter, quips, and barbs. The hilarious group chats. The character development. The friendships. Everything was fantastic.
I was hooked from the first chapter, and stayed up to almost one in the morning to finish it. Wasn’t sure if I would like Zach. He was an intriguing character in My Dark Romeo. But I worried for nothing. He stole my heart. He was just a beautiful, tragic character that deserves the world. That first chapter almost broke me. Farrow was a new character that snagged me right away. Brazen and not afraid of Zach. I felt for her too.
These two were absolutely perfect for each other. Two broken puzzles whose edges fit each other.
I can’t wait for Oliver’s story.
Whit by Cora Rose
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Caleb is so amazing
Loved everything about this. The sample drew me in, and I didn’t hesitate to get it.
Caleb is just absolutely amazing. So full of life and acceptance. I loved how he just rolled with everything. And how open he was with what he wanted. It’s rare that I love a character right from the start, and I did with him.
I wanted to wrap Whit up and let him know everything was going to be okay. Watching his layers get peeled back by Caleb was both beautiful and heartbreaking.
I adored Caleb’s family and friends. Mal was amazing from the beginning, and another character I immediately took to. Sem and Luke were awesome weirdo’s that brightened up every scene they were in. I’m so excited to read Sem’s story next.
There was laughter, spice, heartbreak, sadness, and beautiful love. I could not put this down. Cora Rose has a new fan.
Loved everything about this. The sample drew me in, and I didn’t hesitate to get it.
Caleb is just absolutely amazing. So full of life and acceptance. I loved how he just rolled with everything. And how open he was with what he wanted. It’s rare that I love a character right from the start, and I did with him.
I wanted to wrap Whit up and let him know everything was going to be okay. Watching his layers get peeled back by Caleb was both beautiful and heartbreaking.
I adored Caleb’s family and friends. Mal was amazing from the beginning, and another character I immediately took to. Sem and Luke were awesome weirdo’s that brightened up every scene they were in. I’m so excited to read Sem’s story next.
There was laughter, spice, heartbreak, sadness, and beautiful love. I could not put this down. Cora Rose has a new fan.
The Santiago Trilogy by Catherine Wiltcher
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
It’s definitely a series that has to grow on you. I didn’t immediately like it, but by the end I was invested.
Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, Joey Benun
5.0
Pebbles and the Biggest Number was a delight to read. It was engaging, colorful, and full of fun facts that even I, being nearly twenty-five, didn’t know. Pebbles was adorable and innocently curious, and I was happy to follow along with as he learned new things. I believe that this book is great for both its intended audience and for those above. I would definitely recommend getting this for your children.