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azieyosabor's reviews
114 reviews
A Gentle Reminder by Bianca Sparacino
this book was like super uplifting and sweet! bianca sparacino totally wanted to make sure you know you're worthy of love, and it totally worked to heal hearts 🥹. i constantly kept going back to some quotes and even sent them to my groups – whether i thought it would help my friends or family members. every line in this book has the power to fix a heart and bring hope, whether it's about love or just life ❤️🩹. but, to be honest, it got a bit too repetitive without really saying anything new. like, we didn't need every cool line repeated three times – that's the only thing i didn't like. everything else was really heartwarming though! <3<3
➛ some quotes that i loved sm.
⤷ “because at the end of the day, the right people fight for you. the right people show up. the right people care, not only when life is convenient, but when it is difficult and messy and it aches all over.”
⤷ “no one will ever fully be able to understand the internal battles you had to endure just to heal, just to grow, just to make it here today. be proud of the way you fought to save yourself. be proud of the way you survived.”
⤷ “you have to believe that your ideas, and your hope, and your being, deserve to take up space.”
⤷ ”even the strongest souls gets exhausted”
⤷ “if you were capable of feeling so much towards those who may not have always been gentle with your heart, imagine how beautiful love will be when it is right — imagine how beautiful love will be when it stays”
⤷ “i hope you have the courage to go deeper. to never exist on the surface of your life, even if it’s easier or more convenient.”
⤷ “it's okay to slow down. it's okay to take the time you need. you are in no rush to figure out your own soul. it's never too late to start over, it's never too late to chance your mind, it's never too late to redirect yourself, to replace the dreams you thought you wanted for the ones that genuinely excite and challenge you.”
emotional
inspiring
reflective
3.0
“life is a mess - yes, but my god, is it ever a beautiful one”
this book was like super uplifting and sweet! bianca sparacino totally wanted to make sure you know you're worthy of love, and it totally worked to heal hearts 🥹. i constantly kept going back to some quotes and even sent them to my groups – whether i thought it would help my friends or family members. every line in this book has the power to fix a heart and bring hope, whether it's about love or just life ❤️🩹. but, to be honest, it got a bit too repetitive without really saying anything new. like, we didn't need every cool line repeated three times – that's the only thing i didn't like. everything else was really heartwarming though! <3<3
➛ some quotes that i loved sm.
⤷ “because at the end of the day, the right people fight for you. the right people show up. the right people care, not only when life is convenient, but when it is difficult and messy and it aches all over.”
⤷ “no one will ever fully be able to understand the internal battles you had to endure just to heal, just to grow, just to make it here today. be proud of the way you fought to save yourself. be proud of the way you survived.”
⤷ “you have to believe that your ideas, and your hope, and your being, deserve to take up space.”
⤷ ”even the strongest souls gets exhausted”
⤷ “if you were capable of feeling so much towards those who may not have always been gentle with your heart, imagine how beautiful love will be when it is right — imagine how beautiful love will be when it stays”
⤷ “i hope you have the courage to go deeper. to never exist on the surface of your life, even if it’s easier or more convenient.”
⤷ “it's okay to slow down. it's okay to take the time you need. you are in no rush to figure out your own soul. it's never too late to start over, it's never too late to chance your mind, it's never too late to redirect yourself, to replace the dreams you thought you wanted for the ones that genuinely excite and challenge you.”
They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
OML, i was obsessed with this! jonah and dylan own my heart 💘. they deserve all the happiness. the characters, the romance, the story—literally EVERYTHING in this book was on point 😍. it was cute, warm, and kinda heartbreaking (shh, don’t spill that i shed a tear or two for dylan and jonah). "they hate each other" is that book you just know will be a solid 5 stars, from reading the synopsis alone. amanda woody nailed it, and it's totally a well-deserved 5-star read! i’m legit in love and swooning so hard. these two dorks will be on my mind for months (seriously, get ready to hear about them ALL the time 🤭).
tropes.
⤷ enemies to lovers (😍🤭)
⤷ fake dating your arch enemy
⤷ only one bed
⤷ “what are we?”
⤷ insufferably grumpy bi kings
⤷ forced proximity
⤷ practice kissing to “look convincing”
⤷ queer without the phobia
— genre’s: contemporary ya romance
plot summary.
so, check it: jonah and dylan are like total opposites. they can't stand each other. jonah thinks dylan's all arrogant and spoiled, while dylan sees jonah as a loudmouth attention-seeker. their friends swear it's just hidden attraction, and things get wild when they wake up together in one bed TOGETHER after homecoming. freaked out, they decide to fake date, hoping a big fake breakup will prove they're not a match. but, surprise, spending time together messes up their plan, and they start seeing each other in a whole new light! 👀
overall.
this book? it's just... wow. the banter, the tension, the chemistry – all freaking amazing. right from the start, i was all in for dylan and jonah, they had me cracking up. you could practically taste their mutual dislike, like, they straight-up couldn't stand each other. and when they pulled the fake dating stunt just to shut their friends up about them being a perfect match? perfect move, honestly! 😍 their friends were so right – dylan and jonah are like a match made in heaven. amanda woody, you've got me hooked, and i'm not letting go. super stoked for your other projects (exes & foes, watch out, i'm coming for you next 💋). loved this book, seriously, said it a million times, gonna say it a million more 'cause it's the real deal!!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
𓍢 ִ ໋ “fake it until we crush it. for good.”
OML, i was obsessed with this! jonah and dylan own my heart 💘. they deserve all the happiness. the characters, the romance, the story—literally EVERYTHING in this book was on point 😍. it was cute, warm, and kinda heartbreaking (shh, don’t spill that i shed a tear or two for dylan and jonah). "they hate each other" is that book you just know will be a solid 5 stars, from reading the synopsis alone. amanda woody nailed it, and it's totally a well-deserved 5-star read! i’m legit in love and swooning so hard. these two dorks will be on my mind for months (seriously, get ready to hear about them ALL the time 🤭).
tropes.
⤷ enemies to lovers (😍🤭)
⤷ fake dating your arch enemy
⤷ only one bed
⤷ “what are we?”
⤷ insufferably grumpy bi kings
⤷ forced proximity
⤷ practice kissing to “look convincing”
⤷ queer without the phobia
— genre’s: contemporary ya romance
plot summary.
so, check it: jonah and dylan are like total opposites. they can't stand each other. jonah thinks dylan's all arrogant and spoiled, while dylan sees jonah as a loudmouth attention-seeker. their friends swear it's just hidden attraction, and things get wild when they wake up together in one bed TOGETHER after homecoming. freaked out, they decide to fake date, hoping a big fake breakup will prove they're not a match. but, surprise, spending time together messes up their plan, and they start seeing each other in a whole new light! 👀
overall.
this book? it's just... wow. the banter, the tension, the chemistry – all freaking amazing. right from the start, i was all in for dylan and jonah, they had me cracking up. you could practically taste their mutual dislike, like, they straight-up couldn't stand each other. and when they pulled the fake dating stunt just to shut their friends up about them being a perfect match? perfect move, honestly! 😍 their friends were so right – dylan and jonah are like a match made in heaven. amanda woody, you've got me hooked, and i'm not letting go. super stoked for your other projects (exes & foes, watch out, i'm coming for you next 💋). loved this book, seriously, said it a million times, gonna say it a million more 'cause it's the real deal!!
Only a Chance by Delancey Stewart
➛ plot summary:
the story kicks off with emily dealing with some heavy stuff after her brother died in a navy accident. being a travel writer who's not big on venturing too far, she ends up reviewing kasper ridge, a lodge in colorado. the twist? it's owned by the dude linked to her brother's accident, archie kasper. for years emily's dad paints this guy, archie, as a heartless monster, who took his only son from him, but emily's not sold on that. so, she sets out to uncover the real truth about archie and her brother’s death. turns out, archie's carrying guilt for his friend's death and now lives a secluded mountain life. emily, curious and all, starts getting close to him. can she mend his heart and make him realize he's not to blame? they team up for a treasure hunt, and yeah, she does help him heal. but the big question: can their love survive when archie figures out emily's true identity?
➛ tropes:
⤷ a brother’s best friend
⤷ fake identity romance
— genre: contemporary romance
oml, kinda feeling awkward 'cause i'm like the only one not giving this book 4 or 5 stars. 😅 but hey, i'll own it – let's call it a “me problem.”
now, gonna spill the tea on what didn't vibe with me in this book 🙃
➛ 1) the pacing:
guess what? i finished this book in, like, less than an hour! normally, that's cool 'cause it means i'm hooked, but this time? nah. it's weird – i zoomed through it, but now it's like, what even happened? 😀 no memories, no feelings, just nada. not love, not hate, just a blank…
this book's speed is crazy, like the fastest thing i've ever read. it snatches you up and sprints, everything's crazy fast, and bam, you're at the end. i swear, a minute ago, the main characters just met, and suddenly, epilogue time 😭. the speed stressed me out, not gonna lie.
➛ 2) emily schaeffer (FMC):
ugh, seriously, she got on my last nerve 😐. like, i couldn't get her at all, and it was kinda dumb. i'm legit baffled thinking about her – so irritating, i couldn't deal. and why's she playing the guilt card ALL THE TIME? it's not a crime wanting to know about her brother’s death, right? so, she goes and meets archie, who was INVOLVED in the accident, but keeps it a secret who she really is. which like, what was the point in doing so? 😭 anyway, now she’s on a insufferable guilt trip. i don't get it – so many “guilts” in her chapters, i almost lost it.
➛ 3) the romance:
just gotta say two words: forced and unreal. the book's speed? so was their relationship “development” if you even wanna call it that. they meet, chat, dive deep into talks – cool, right? but bam! after just one convo, she's all into him, forgetting why she's even at his retreat. okay, some people catch feelings quick, fair enough. but then, bam again –INSTALUST/LOVE. ugh, hate that. it's not even fun; i'm all about slow burns. this one? zero development, just dragged into their speed race 🥱. and how did she fall in love so darn fast with the guy her family blamed for her brother’s death for years? like, did she forget herself? 😭 after their first time sleeping together, it's all “can't live without you” vibe – snooze. then the big reveal about her identity, a third-act-breakup (that's short-lived), and poof, back together, happily in love. didn't vibe with me; their romance felt so pushed and just not real 🤷🏾♀️
➛ overall:
yeah, this one didn't really do it for me. it was kinda overwhelming and forgettable. no vibes with the characters or the story, you know? full disclosure, i've never read anything from this author or the other books in the series, so maybe that's why it didn't click 🤷🏾♀️. but i'm still gonna give archie's sister and will's story a shot – they seemed cute 😋. not much else to say, so i'm wrapping up the review. props to the author, though. it's not a bad book; it's just a “me” thing. still gonna recommend it 'cause others are loving it.
“only a chance” by delancey stewart drops on march 7th, 2024! get ready to splurge on that book! 💸🗓️
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
“em. you forgave, and you forced me to see that holding onto all the pain was eating me alive. eating us. you saved us, basically.”
➛ plot summary:
the story kicks off with emily dealing with some heavy stuff after her brother died in a navy accident. being a travel writer who's not big on venturing too far, she ends up reviewing kasper ridge, a lodge in colorado. the twist? it's owned by the dude linked to her brother's accident, archie kasper. for years emily's dad paints this guy, archie, as a heartless monster, who took his only son from him, but emily's not sold on that. so, she sets out to uncover the real truth about archie and her brother’s death. turns out, archie's carrying guilt for his friend's death and now lives a secluded mountain life. emily, curious and all, starts getting close to him. can she mend his heart and make him realize he's not to blame? they team up for a treasure hunt, and yeah, she does help him heal. but the big question: can their love survive when archie figures out emily's true identity?
➛ tropes:
⤷ a brother’s best friend
⤷ fake identity romance
— genre: contemporary romance
oml, kinda feeling awkward 'cause i'm like the only one not giving this book 4 or 5 stars. 😅 but hey, i'll own it – let's call it a “me problem.”
now, gonna spill the tea on what didn't vibe with me in this book 🙃
➛ 1) the pacing:
guess what? i finished this book in, like, less than an hour! normally, that's cool 'cause it means i'm hooked, but this time? nah. it's weird – i zoomed through it, but now it's like, what even happened? 😀 no memories, no feelings, just nada. not love, not hate, just a blank…
this book's speed is crazy, like the fastest thing i've ever read. it snatches you up and sprints, everything's crazy fast, and bam, you're at the end. i swear, a minute ago, the main characters just met, and suddenly, epilogue time 😭. the speed stressed me out, not gonna lie.
➛ 2) emily schaeffer (FMC):
ugh, seriously, she got on my last nerve 😐. like, i couldn't get her at all, and it was kinda dumb. i'm legit baffled thinking about her – so irritating, i couldn't deal. and why's she playing the guilt card ALL THE TIME? it's not a crime wanting to know about her brother’s death, right? so, she goes and meets archie, who was INVOLVED in the accident, but keeps it a secret who she really is. which like, what was the point in doing so? 😭 anyway, now she’s on a insufferable guilt trip. i don't get it – so many “guilts” in her chapters, i almost lost it.
➛ 3) the romance:
just gotta say two words: forced and unreal. the book's speed? so was their relationship “development” if you even wanna call it that. they meet, chat, dive deep into talks – cool, right? but bam! after just one convo, she's all into him, forgetting why she's even at his retreat. okay, some people catch feelings quick, fair enough. but then, bam again –INSTALUST/LOVE. ugh, hate that. it's not even fun; i'm all about slow burns. this one? zero development, just dragged into their speed race 🥱. and how did she fall in love so darn fast with the guy her family blamed for her brother’s death for years? like, did she forget herself? 😭 after their first time sleeping together, it's all “can't live without you” vibe – snooze. then the big reveal about her identity, a third-act-breakup (that's short-lived), and poof, back together, happily in love. didn't vibe with me; their romance felt so pushed and just not real 🤷🏾♀️
➛ overall:
yeah, this one didn't really do it for me. it was kinda overwhelming and forgettable. no vibes with the characters or the story, you know? full disclosure, i've never read anything from this author or the other books in the series, so maybe that's why it didn't click 🤷🏾♀️. but i'm still gonna give archie's sister and will's story a shot – they seemed cute 😋. not much else to say, so i'm wrapping up the review. props to the author, though. it's not a bad book; it's just a “me” thing. still gonna recommend it 'cause others are loving it.
“only a chance” by delancey stewart drops on march 7th, 2024! get ready to splurge on that book! 💸🗓️
”thank you netgalley, victory editing netgalley co-op, and the author for sending me a copy of this e-arc. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
The Cerise by Bailey Black
OML, bailey black, that cliffhanger?! 😨 seriously criminal! gonna be stressing about my babies till november. but, like, i can't wait! 🤭
and, guys, EVERYONE needs to read this book RN! it's seriously awesome, loved it so much. just a tiny issue, but it's almost close to perfection. the world-building, the plot, and OML, THE CHARACTERS 🥹. such a ride, and getting that ARC approval made my week. bailey, you rocked my world with this book, even though you also shattered it with that cliffhanger! 😵💫
➛ tropes:
⤷ a witch in a world where magic is illegal
⤷ a rescue mission
⤷ a touch of enemies to lovers
⤷ a revenge mission
⤷ he falls first she falls harder
⤷ 2 love interests (not a reverse harem nor a love triangle)
— genre’s: fantasy, romance
➛ plot summary:
so, there's this girl khiara, right? she's on a mission to save her friend, ezra, who's stuck in the kingdom dungeons fighting for his life. she can't just let him die, but walking into the castle? risky move 😬. but, guess what? with some unexpected allies, she dives into the culling - this one-time shot at becoming queen. khiara's not into winning the prince heart or the crown; she just wants to storm the castle, find her friend, and bounce before they figure out she's a cerise.
sounds cool on paper, huh? but when the welcome ball on the first night turns into a messed-up dance of death, everyone's eyes are on khiara. and as if that's not wild enough, the soldier who killed her whole family back then is also there. yeah, khiara's in for a crazy ride 😭
➛ the writing:
okay, so that little issue i mentioned? yeah, the start of this book was a bit of a drag 🥱. seriously, it felt like forever to get into it, and i almost gave up, but thank the stars i didn't because i would've missed out on this masterpiece. for me, things started getting good around 37%, and from there, it was just up, up, up 😍. loved every second, it became a total page-turner. i was hooked, couldn't do anything else but read to find out what happens.
around 60%, i was loving this book so much that i didn't want it to end 😣. had to force myself to drop it for like 8 hours before i was back to clinging desperately to it. yeah, i'm seriously attached. the writing is cool – it's a fantasy, but not all fancy and complicated. easy to read, kinda contemporary vibe, and i'm all about it. plus, the second half's pacing was spot-on, had me on edge till the end. super awesome! 😋
꒰🕸️ ⌗ khiara:
⤷ little bird / princess
SPITFIRE! 🔥 i'm telling you, i'm lowkey obsessed with this girl 😫. i'm all about those strong, badass female main characters, and khiara is owning that title. her no-nonsense attitude is off the charts, seriously remarkable. even with her whole family death, she's standing strong, doing her thing. she's independent as heck, fights her battles solo, but hey, if someone decent comes along, she won’t say no 🫣
and her sass? legendary. khiara's comebacks to the mean girls in the culling? priceless 😂. she demands respect, and you better believe she gets it. overall, she's on a mission for revenge and justice for her family and all the cerise’s. if you're into fierce female leads, khiara's your girl. i'm legit in love with her, and bonus, she kinda reminds me of alizeh from this woven kingdom. anyway, did i mention i love her? like, a lot 🤭💘
꒰👑 ⌗ bash:
he's legit charming, like giving off major jacks vibes from once upon a broken heart. so witty, it's hilarious, feisty, and sweet all rolled into one. i'm loving how he instantly clicked with khiara and has been glued to her side ever since 🥹. she's got him wrapped around her finger, and it's just adorable how into her he is. he's like a super welcome highlight to the story, seriously awesome, no lie. can't wait to see what he's up to in the next book, especially after that ending 👀
꒰🗡️ ⌗ riot:
OML, let's finally talk about riot because HOLY MOLY, #teamriot all the way! 😍 this guy is a whole mood. he's like hazan from this woven kingdom, but cranked up to a hundred in the sexiness department. riot is the bomb, seriously. he's this perfect mix of sweet and hot, protective, witty, and sassy – just like khiara. and get this, he COOKS for her. like, cook for me, and i'm head over heels! 😫 plus, he'd probably kill anyone who even glances at khiara. total gentleman move – he gives her his coat so she won't freeze, like, all the time! i'm just in love, major swoon vibes! 🥹
oh, and did i mention jealous riot? hell yeah! he's like a sulking baby when he's jealous, and it's freaking adorable. like, let me kiss that frown off your face! 🤭 and his mouth? unreal. wink wink 🤪. when he talks, i'm on the floor every time. the things he says about khiara, to her – it's all too much. i just NEED riot to be endgame, you feel me? 😣
꒰🕊️ ⌗ khiara and bash:
so, these two haven't hit the relationship gas pedal like khiara and riot, but they're chill and comfy together. their interactions? super cute. right now, though (early days, you know?), they seem more like tight pals than anything romantic. but hey, who knows? things might spice up in the next book. for now, it's all cozy and platonic vibes. 🤷🏾♀️
꒰❤️🔥 ⌗ khiara and riot:
if these two ain't endgame, i swear i’m gonna riot, 'cause OML, they're just perfect for each other, and i'm dying to see more of them 😭. the chemistry is off the charts, and the tension? i can't even! and that spicy scene? hold up, i did not see that coming – jaw on the floor moment, for real 😳. these two might just be the death of me, but i want them together, crazy in love, forever and ever 😋. they're adorable, perfect, match made in heaven – i'm all heart eyes for them. yeah, my review might be a bit biased, but can you blame me? these two are the real deal, and i can't help but gush about it. 😍🔥
➛ overall.
"the cerise" is a magical, mind-blowing adventure. the twists, the characters, the plot – it grabs you and won't let go 🤭. it's out everywhere, so seriously, grab it. if you loved “the selection” and “from blood and ash,” this is your jam. also, if you vibed with “once upon a broken heart” and “this woven kingdom,” trust me, you'll be screaming about this one too!
P.S. november 5th, come faster! 😫
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
“blood was the key to it all. it cursed, and it cured, but not without cost.”
OML, bailey black, that cliffhanger?! 😨 seriously criminal! gonna be stressing about my babies till november. but, like, i can't wait! 🤭
and, guys, EVERYONE needs to read this book RN! it's seriously awesome, loved it so much. just a tiny issue, but it's almost close to perfection. the world-building, the plot, and OML, THE CHARACTERS 🥹. such a ride, and getting that ARC approval made my week. bailey, you rocked my world with this book, even though you also shattered it with that cliffhanger! 😵💫
➛ tropes:
⤷ a witch in a world where magic is illegal
⤷ a rescue mission
⤷ a touch of enemies to lovers
⤷ a revenge mission
⤷ he falls first she falls harder
⤷ 2 love interests (not a reverse harem nor a love triangle)
— genre’s: fantasy, romance
➛ plot summary:
so, there's this girl khiara, right? she's on a mission to save her friend, ezra, who's stuck in the kingdom dungeons fighting for his life. she can't just let him die, but walking into the castle? risky move 😬. but, guess what? with some unexpected allies, she dives into the culling - this one-time shot at becoming queen. khiara's not into winning the prince heart or the crown; she just wants to storm the castle, find her friend, and bounce before they figure out she's a cerise.
sounds cool on paper, huh? but when the welcome ball on the first night turns into a messed-up dance of death, everyone's eyes are on khiara. and as if that's not wild enough, the soldier who killed her whole family back then is also there. yeah, khiara's in for a crazy ride 😭
➛ the writing:
okay, so that little issue i mentioned? yeah, the start of this book was a bit of a drag 🥱. seriously, it felt like forever to get into it, and i almost gave up, but thank the stars i didn't because i would've missed out on this masterpiece. for me, things started getting good around 37%, and from there, it was just up, up, up 😍. loved every second, it became a total page-turner. i was hooked, couldn't do anything else but read to find out what happens.
around 60%, i was loving this book so much that i didn't want it to end 😣. had to force myself to drop it for like 8 hours before i was back to clinging desperately to it. yeah, i'm seriously attached. the writing is cool – it's a fantasy, but not all fancy and complicated. easy to read, kinda contemporary vibe, and i'm all about it. plus, the second half's pacing was spot-on, had me on edge till the end. super awesome! 😋
꒰🕸️ ⌗ khiara:
⤷ little bird / princess
SPITFIRE! 🔥 i'm telling you, i'm lowkey obsessed with this girl 😫. i'm all about those strong, badass female main characters, and khiara is owning that title. her no-nonsense attitude is off the charts, seriously remarkable. even with her whole family death, she's standing strong, doing her thing. she's independent as heck, fights her battles solo, but hey, if someone decent comes along, she won’t say no 🫣
and her sass? legendary. khiara's comebacks to the mean girls in the culling? priceless 😂. she demands respect, and you better believe she gets it. overall, she's on a mission for revenge and justice for her family and all the cerise’s. if you're into fierce female leads, khiara's your girl. i'm legit in love with her, and bonus, she kinda reminds me of alizeh from this woven kingdom. anyway, did i mention i love her? like, a lot 🤭💘
꒰👑 ⌗ bash:
he's legit charming, like giving off major jacks vibes from once upon a broken heart. so witty, it's hilarious, feisty, and sweet all rolled into one. i'm loving how he instantly clicked with khiara and has been glued to her side ever since 🥹. she's got him wrapped around her finger, and it's just adorable how into her he is. he's like a super welcome highlight to the story, seriously awesome, no lie. can't wait to see what he's up to in the next book, especially after that ending 👀
꒰🗡️ ⌗ riot:
OML, let's finally talk about riot because HOLY MOLY, #teamriot all the way! 😍 this guy is a whole mood. he's like hazan from this woven kingdom, but cranked up to a hundred in the sexiness department. riot is the bomb, seriously. he's this perfect mix of sweet and hot, protective, witty, and sassy – just like khiara. and get this, he COOKS for her. like, cook for me, and i'm head over heels! 😫 plus, he'd probably kill anyone who even glances at khiara. total gentleman move – he gives her his coat so she won't freeze, like, all the time! i'm just in love, major swoon vibes! 🥹
oh, and did i mention jealous riot? hell yeah! he's like a sulking baby when he's jealous, and it's freaking adorable. like, let me kiss that frown off your face! 🤭 and his mouth? unreal. wink wink 🤪. when he talks, i'm on the floor every time. the things he says about khiara, to her – it's all too much. i just NEED riot to be endgame, you feel me? 😣
꒰🕊️ ⌗ khiara and bash:
so, these two haven't hit the relationship gas pedal like khiara and riot, but they're chill and comfy together. their interactions? super cute. right now, though (early days, you know?), they seem more like tight pals than anything romantic. but hey, who knows? things might spice up in the next book. for now, it's all cozy and platonic vibes. 🤷🏾♀️
꒰❤️🔥 ⌗ khiara and riot:
if these two ain't endgame, i swear i’m gonna riot, 'cause OML, they're just perfect for each other, and i'm dying to see more of them 😭. the chemistry is off the charts, and the tension? i can't even! and that spicy scene? hold up, i did not see that coming – jaw on the floor moment, for real 😳. these two might just be the death of me, but i want them together, crazy in love, forever and ever 😋. they're adorable, perfect, match made in heaven – i'm all heart eyes for them. yeah, my review might be a bit biased, but can you blame me? these two are the real deal, and i can't help but gush about it. 😍🔥
➛ overall.
"the cerise" is a magical, mind-blowing adventure. the twists, the characters, the plot – it grabs you and won't let go 🤭. it's out everywhere, so seriously, grab it. if you loved “the selection” and “from blood and ash,” this is your jam. also, if you vibed with “once upon a broken heart” and “this woven kingdom,” trust me, you'll be screaming about this one too!
P.S. november 5th, come faster! 😫
”thank you netgalley, booksgosocial, and the author for sending me a copy of this e-arc. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
Offtrack by Esha Patel
challenging
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
quick plot summary.
miguel de la fuente, a formula 1 hotshot, is this close to winning it all. but things get interesting when his rival, eddie palomas, bows out unexpectedly. suddenly, there's a spot open, and a rookie, diana zahrani, swoops in. miguel, confused but intrigued, is told to be careful around diana. turns out, she's not just here for kicks, and sparks fly on and off the track. drama, surprises, and racing showdowns – diana's rookie season in F1 is a rollercoaster. miguel's got to figure out if he's playing it safe or taking a gamble with diana.
my thoughts.
so, long story short, i was hella bored 🥱. at first, i blamed myself, thinking maybe it's 'cause i've never read a formula 1 book and don't know much about the sport. but as i kept reading, plot twist – it ain't on me.
i'm actually really into the formula 1 storyline, gave this book two stars, because of that alone. what i ain't vibing with is the writing, the characters, and the romance.
let's break it down with a list and figure out why it's not clicking 😄
1) the writing.
dude, the writing in that book was a total mess. no structure, just yanks you in randomly (which is cool sometimes, just not here). besides the plot, the grammar was off, and the bilingual talk? not even believable, often very cringe, and they messed up phrases in both english AND spanish… como se dice “yikes”? 😬
throughout the book, everything's crammed in without rhyme or reason. pacing? nope, it's all over the place – too quick start, slow ending. plot holes and random, pointless tropes thrown in outta nowhere, and they're super cliché. confusing as heck, had a tough time getting through it 😭
nah, not my thing at all. it felt chunky and monotone, like, what even. and oh, brace yourself for the worst part – multiple POVs, like six of 'em 😵💫. why, though? unnecessary. got me lost with too many characters. if i didn't HAVE to finish it for an honest arc review, i would've DNF’d it. plus, i hoped it would get better.
spoiler: it didn't.
2) the characters.
alright, so we got a bunch of characters in this story, but the only one i actually vibed with till the end was the male main characters sister, paula. everyone else? not really bringing much to the plot, kinda meh.
but, let's get to the main duo – miguel de la fuente and diana zahrani.
diana, oh man, i was all about her in the beginning. total badass, right? strong female lead, killer driver in a men-dominated sport, and she had a heart of gold. but then, plot twist – she falls in love and loses all her self-respect. like, what the heck? she goes from badass diana to just down bad for a guy who doesn't even deserve her. too nice, felt forced and boring. i mean, why wouldn't she overtake other drivers in races just 'cause they were nice to her…? and risking losing the championship for a dude? excuse me? it's a sport, who cares if they're nice – if you're better, you're better. i'm sorry, but i'm baffled 🤦🏾♀️. you've got the chance to be the best, win the championship (first female in years, hello!), and you wanna throw it away for a guy? a miguel? 😭 nah, he doesn't deserve that. seriously, diana, what are you doing? my love for her just tanked a bit.
moving on!
miguel, man, he's on a whole new level of stupidity. the whole situation with jatziry? don't wanna spill much, but if you know, you know – had me tossing my kindle way too many times. he's a total simp for diana, no denying, but he's so basic, no depth. suddenly, he's in love and all down bad, but like, why? i'm always asking why, and with miguel, there are way too many whys and hows in my head. it's cute, i guess, but seriously, how? why? and it's not like we only get diana's POV – we get his too, and i still don't get him 🤨. too many open questions about this dude. the author should've dived way deeper into his character, and not just him, but diana too. all the characters were kinda meh, probably 'cause there were too many. cut the extras – main characters and like 2-3 important side characters would've been plenty. i don't hate miguel 'cause i don't know him, but i don't like him either. that's the deal. 🤷🏾♀️
3) the romance.
okay, i'm all about romance, give me a book with even a hint of it, and i'm there 😋. but this one? nah, didn't need the romance subplot. diana falling for miguel messed up her whole vibe 😭. loved the female empowerment, but with the romance thrown in, it felt iffy. it feels a bit like saying that if a woman joins F1, she's for sure gonna end up dating one of men drivers 🙃. maybe not the actual intention, but that's the vibe i got, gotta be honest. so, cool, there's a romance subplot, and i wouldn't have minded if it was done right.
spoiler: it wasn’t.
their relationship was way better off as just friends. the romantic part felt forced, zero chemistry between miguel and diana. falling in love is supposed to be gradually, right? well, this was like they were racing into it, not falling (no pun intended 😅). happened too quick, had potential but didn’t live up to it. needed some development, emotional depth, but nope, none of that. the romance was pretty much useless – didn’t make me swoon, wasn’t excited when they declared love, ‘cause i didn’t see love 🤷🏾♀️. saw attraction, and that’s it. made everything awkward, while them just being friends felt natural and fitting. i get it, romance is awesome, but if it doesn’t fit, it just doesn’t. to all authors out there, no need to force in a romance subplot every time. if the book’s good without it, it’s good without it. no need to squeeze it in, ‘cause sometimes, it just doesn’t work – like in this case. 🥲
more thoughts.
after all that griping, let's talk about the F1 storyline, like i said i was into it from the start. it was pretty cool, got me hooked, learned some new stuff – had to google a thing or two, but it was a blast 😅. i can see myself diving into more books about this sport. not gonna stick with this author, but i'm open to checking out others' take on it. if y'all got recommendations, drop 'em in the comments! 🤭
hey, author, don't read this review (just kidding, kind of 😭). so, you asked for honesty, and here it is – might sound a bit harsh, my bad. wasn't aiming to hate on the book, wanted the opposite, but it just didn't click for me 🤷🏾♀️. doesn't mean others shouldn't give it a shot though. not my top recommendation, but hey, tastes vary!
on a positive note, major props to the author! self-publishing ain't a walk in the park, and writing, editing, and publishing solo deserves a round of applause 👏🏾. it's cool to see that effort. sure, the book might not be perfect, but everyone improves over time. maybe, maybe our paths will cross again, and i'll be all about that next book 😙
”thank you netgalley, avon books uk, and the author for sending me a copy of this e-arc. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
miguel de la fuente, a formula 1 hotshot, is this close to winning it all. but things get interesting when his rival, eddie palomas, bows out unexpectedly. suddenly, there's a spot open, and a rookie, diana zahrani, swoops in. miguel, confused but intrigued, is told to be careful around diana. turns out, she's not just here for kicks, and sparks fly on and off the track. drama, surprises, and racing showdowns – diana's rookie season in F1 is a rollercoaster. miguel's got to figure out if he's playing it safe or taking a gamble with diana.
my thoughts.
so, long story short, i was hella bored 🥱. at first, i blamed myself, thinking maybe it's 'cause i've never read a formula 1 book and don't know much about the sport. but as i kept reading, plot twist – it ain't on me.
i'm actually really into the formula 1 storyline, gave this book two stars, because of that alone. what i ain't vibing with is the writing, the characters, and the romance.
let's break it down with a list and figure out why it's not clicking 😄
1) the writing.
dude, the writing in that book was a total mess. no structure, just yanks you in randomly (which is cool sometimes, just not here). besides the plot, the grammar was off, and the bilingual talk? not even believable, often very cringe, and they messed up phrases in both english AND spanish… como se dice “yikes”? 😬
throughout the book, everything's crammed in without rhyme or reason. pacing? nope, it's all over the place – too quick start, slow ending. plot holes and random, pointless tropes thrown in outta nowhere, and they're super cliché. confusing as heck, had a tough time getting through it 😭
nah, not my thing at all. it felt chunky and monotone, like, what even. and oh, brace yourself for the worst part – multiple POVs, like six of 'em 😵💫. why, though? unnecessary. got me lost with too many characters. if i didn't HAVE to finish it for an honest arc review, i would've DNF’d it. plus, i hoped it would get better.
spoiler: it didn't.
2) the characters.
alright, so we got a bunch of characters in this story, but the only one i actually vibed with till the end was the male main characters sister, paula. everyone else? not really bringing much to the plot, kinda meh.
but, let's get to the main duo – miguel de la fuente and diana zahrani.
diana, oh man, i was all about her in the beginning. total badass, right? strong female lead, killer driver in a men-dominated sport, and she had a heart of gold. but then, plot twist – she falls in love and loses all her self-respect. like, what the heck? she goes from badass diana to just down bad for a guy who doesn't even deserve her. too nice, felt forced and boring. i mean, why wouldn't she overtake other drivers in races just 'cause they were nice to her…? and risking losing the championship for a dude? excuse me? it's a sport, who cares if they're nice – if you're better, you're better. i'm sorry, but i'm baffled 🤦🏾♀️. you've got the chance to be the best, win the championship (first female in years, hello!), and you wanna throw it away for a guy? a miguel? 😭 nah, he doesn't deserve that. seriously, diana, what are you doing? my love for her just tanked a bit.
moving on!
miguel, man, he's on a whole new level of stupidity. the whole situation with jatziry? don't wanna spill much, but if you know, you know – had me tossing my kindle way too many times. he's a total simp for diana, no denying, but he's so basic, no depth. suddenly, he's in love and all down bad, but like, why? i'm always asking why, and with miguel, there are way too many whys and hows in my head. it's cute, i guess, but seriously, how? why? and it's not like we only get diana's POV – we get his too, and i still don't get him 🤨. too many open questions about this dude. the author should've dived way deeper into his character, and not just him, but diana too. all the characters were kinda meh, probably 'cause there were too many. cut the extras – main characters and like 2-3 important side characters would've been plenty. i don't hate miguel 'cause i don't know him, but i don't like him either. that's the deal. 🤷🏾♀️
3) the romance.
okay, i'm all about romance, give me a book with even a hint of it, and i'm there 😋. but this one? nah, didn't need the romance subplot. diana falling for miguel messed up her whole vibe 😭. loved the female empowerment, but with the romance thrown in, it felt iffy. it feels a bit like saying that if a woman joins F1, she's for sure gonna end up dating one of men drivers 🙃. maybe not the actual intention, but that's the vibe i got, gotta be honest. so, cool, there's a romance subplot, and i wouldn't have minded if it was done right.
spoiler: it wasn’t.
their relationship was way better off as just friends. the romantic part felt forced, zero chemistry between miguel and diana. falling in love is supposed to be gradually, right? well, this was like they were racing into it, not falling (no pun intended 😅). happened too quick, had potential but didn’t live up to it. needed some development, emotional depth, but nope, none of that. the romance was pretty much useless – didn’t make me swoon, wasn’t excited when they declared love, ‘cause i didn’t see love 🤷🏾♀️. saw attraction, and that’s it. made everything awkward, while them just being friends felt natural and fitting. i get it, romance is awesome, but if it doesn’t fit, it just doesn’t. to all authors out there, no need to force in a romance subplot every time. if the book’s good without it, it’s good without it. no need to squeeze it in, ‘cause sometimes, it just doesn’t work – like in this case. 🥲
more thoughts.
after all that griping, let's talk about the F1 storyline, like i said i was into it from the start. it was pretty cool, got me hooked, learned some new stuff – had to google a thing or two, but it was a blast 😅. i can see myself diving into more books about this sport. not gonna stick with this author, but i'm open to checking out others' take on it. if y'all got recommendations, drop 'em in the comments! 🤭
hey, author, don't read this review (just kidding, kind of 😭). so, you asked for honesty, and here it is – might sound a bit harsh, my bad. wasn't aiming to hate on the book, wanted the opposite, but it just didn't click for me 🤷🏾♀️. doesn't mean others shouldn't give it a shot though. not my top recommendation, but hey, tastes vary!
on a positive note, major props to the author! self-publishing ain't a walk in the park, and writing, editing, and publishing solo deserves a round of applause 👏🏾. it's cool to see that effort. sure, the book might not be perfect, but everyone improves over time. maybe, maybe our paths will cross again, and i'll be all about that next book 😙
”thank you netgalley, avon books uk, and the author for sending me a copy of this e-arc. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
funny
lighthearted
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
oh my days, this book is an absolute DELIGHT! 🌟 rowan and neil's academic rivalry turning into something more had me HOOKED, and seattle as the backdrop? perfection! plus, can we talk about that 24-hour timeline? who knew so much romance and chaos could go down in a single day? I LOVED IT SO MUCH, and guess what? there's a sequel coming out on june 4, 2024! 🗓️ mark your calendar, seriously. i NEED more rowan and neil in my life.
plot summary:
so, like, today's the last day of high school for rowan roth and neil mcnair. these two have been going head-to-head for four years, from vying for valedictorian to one-upping each other in gym class. now, the crazy part is they decide to team up for the annual howl scavenger game. somehow, the impossible happens. tonight's the big showdown - can they put their rivalry on pause and beat the competition together? or maybe, just maybe, they! realize it's more fun when they're not constantly trying to outdo each other. ill stop here with the quick plot teaser. it's your turn to grab the book and see if by tomorrow, rowan and neil become more than just high school rivals! 🤭
plot summary:
so, like, today's the last day of high school for rowan roth and neil mcnair. these two have been going head-to-head for four years, from vying for valedictorian to one-upping each other in gym class. now, the crazy part is they decide to team up for the annual howl scavenger game. somehow, the impossible happens. tonight's the big showdown - can they put their rivalry on pause and beat the competition together? or maybe, just maybe, they! realize it's more fun when they're not constantly trying to outdo each other. ill stop here with the quick plot teaser. it's your turn to grab the book and see if by tomorrow, rowan and neil become more than just high school rivals! 🤭
"every test, every competition, it's nell and rowan, rowan and neil. if i never hear their names together again, it'll be too soon."
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
oh my days, pike lawson is basically living rent-free in my head for the next few weeks. that man is something else! 🤭😍
okay, so i picked up this book with no expectations whatsoever, 'cause the synopsis didn't scream “must-read!” to me 🤷🏾♀️. but surprise, surprise, i ended up enjoying it. i legit had moments where i was laughing out loud, swooning, and pike lawson... that man made me go FERAL 😫. like, come on, he's so... dadd- *gets shot*. yep, you get what i mean ☺️
but, here's the thing, age gap stuff, especially when there's a 19-year difference, still feels a bit odd to me 😅. despite that, the book was pretty adorable 😋. oh, but let me tell you, the miscommunication trope? ugh, that got on my last nerve 😣. seriously, can characters just talk to each other and save us all the trouble?! 🤦🏾♀️
anyway, if you're down for a mix of laughs, swoons, and a bit of age-gap drama, give it a shot 🫶🏾
PS, this is kinda short and different 'cause, you know, deep in that review slump vibe right now 😭
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
𓍢 ִ ໋ “you look at each other like…” “like?” he swallows, an unusually troubled pinch to his brow. “like the two of you have your own language.”
oh my days, pike lawson is basically living rent-free in my head for the next few weeks. that man is something else! 🤭😍
okay, so i picked up this book with no expectations whatsoever, 'cause the synopsis didn't scream “must-read!” to me 🤷🏾♀️. but surprise, surprise, i ended up enjoying it. i legit had moments where i was laughing out loud, swooning, and pike lawson... that man made me go FERAL 😫. like, come on, he's so... dadd- *gets shot*. yep, you get what i mean ☺️
but, here's the thing, age gap stuff, especially when there's a 19-year difference, still feels a bit odd to me 😅. despite that, the book was pretty adorable 😋. oh, but let me tell you, the miscommunication trope? ugh, that got on my last nerve 😣. seriously, can characters just talk to each other and save us all the trouble?! 🤦🏾♀️
anyway, if you're down for a mix of laughs, swoons, and a bit of age-gap drama, give it a shot 🫶🏾
PS, this is kinda short and different 'cause, you know, deep in that review slump vibe right now 😭
Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I LOVE LOVE! 🥹💓
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
never trusting booktok again.
i was bored to freaking death.
i was bored to freaking death.
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
1) evangeline pisses me the fuck off
2) jacks’ the only saving grace 🤭💓
3) how is 90% of the book pure boredom, just for you to deliver in the last 10% — why not do that from the start??
4) apollo pisses me off too
5) the vampire with a helmet; weird
6) jacks 💓😍🤭🎀🤧🩷🥴
7) i didn’t like the first or this book too much, will i read the third book tho? yes. why? i don’t know.
2) jacks’ the only saving grace 🤭💓
3) how is 90% of the book pure boredom, just for you to deliver in the last 10% — why not do that from the start??
4) apollo pisses me off too
5) the vampire with a helmet; weird
6) jacks 💓😍🤭🎀🤧🩷🥴
7) i didn’t like the first or this book too much, will i read the third book tho? yes. why? i don’t know.