ashleynicole1's reviews
35 reviews

Funny Story by Emily Henry

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Did I finish this in one sitting? Yes. Is it Emily Henry's best book? No. Emily Henry is a incredible writer. I will read anything that woman publishes. The characters in this one just fell a bit flat for me. I couldn't connect with Daphne and even less with Miles. I did enjoy their banter and the development of their relationship but as I said not her best work for me.

Side note: the diverse characters in this book did feel slightly like the side characters in a Hallmark movie (IYKYK). 
The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Mary Kay Andrews is the queen of light-hearted romances that somehow find a way to pull at your heartstrings. When I am in a reading slump, I always find myself reaching for one of her books. 
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I neared the end of this book with a sense of dread. Let me make it clear that this author is a fantastic writer- one of the best I have encountered in my reading journey this year. By acknowledging that, I feel more comfortable saying that the ending fell flat and I found myself rooting against the MC- now looking back maybe that was Ruth’s entire point and her genius is beyond my comprehension. 

I think this book tells an excellent story of female friendships and their dynamic nature. It also touches on the idea of growing out of friendships. The book, as well as a our main character, does dwells in the past too much. Now I understand trauma, but also ten years is a long  time.
Night Will Find You by Julia Heaberlin

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I really, really liked this one. I truly love the reveal of this book. I did not see it coming or the interconnectedness of the characters. I already requested another of the author's books from the library. I like the style of writing and, yeah, I like the Texas. 

 
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

I enjoyed this one. The experience of reading this book felt like a metaphor for a road that is being paved. Half of it is already done but there are a few bumps left. This book won't stay with me forever or greatly change my life in anyway but it was entertaining and a mostly fun journey. 
Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

 Did I complete this book in less than 48 hours? Yes I did. Was it worth it? No. (I wish I could say yes). This book was entertaining enough but when I closed the book for the last time, I was dissatisfied. Now, I am not above a romantic fantasy (smut galore included) but I am getting quite disheartened by the books I have seen recommended on social media. This book was long, too long. Usually a fantasy has to build the world and create the setting with all of the history. But this felt long winded and a bit unnecessary in length. A part of me also really dislikes when the author hides who the characters truly are from us. There is a difference between a big reveal and misleading your reader. 
Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

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emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a 5 star read for me. This author is refreshing and the book is exciting and thrilling. It is entirely different from any mystery/”who done it” novel I have ever read. The narrator’s humor is endearing. I want to be his friend and have him tell me every story. 
A Prayer for Travelers by Ruchika Tomar

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adventurous emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I closed this book feeling almost empty but also rewarded? It was an entirely strange and unique journey with beautiful prose that seemed to stumble towards an end. While I typically like to understand the end of a novel, I enjoy when an author leans into the mystery and leaves an ending open ended if it is done well. This was not done well. It felt like the author simply ripped an entire chapter out instead of letting us draw conclusions. 

The meat of this novel is loneliness, friendship, and growing up. I found myself heartbroken for Cale, angry at her  naivete, and proud that she was able to get away. Will her life be better, whole? A life fulfilled? Probably not. But she has the chance. 


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The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

In a way this novel felt like one long metaphor for being buried itself. Florence is constantly in the dark with more and more being covered up by the town and its people. Bu the end Florence finds the light and uncovers the truth but by then it feels like its too late- a somewhat bitter taste has already been left in your mouth. Still, I found this mildly enjoyable. 
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 Every once in a while a book finds you at the time when you need it most. Sometimes it is because you need a laugh or to fall into a different world. Sometimes it is because you need that moment when you sit back and think “maybe everything will be okay.” This is one of the books for me. While I do not think this is the best book I have ever read and it is far from the best written book I have ever read, it speaks to anyone in their 20s dealing with the peak of What Ifs.