bananathebookbestie's reviews
356 reviews

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

dark emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was incredible. More thoughts to come, but wow. Loved it so much.

Only and Forever by Chloe Liese

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

Really sweet series end to the Bergman fam. I could've done without all of the very overt romance book lover t-shirts — I think one or two would've been good, but it felt a little over the top. Loved the ADHD rep and how naturally the relationship progressed. Very cute! 

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

When I saw this was available to "read now" on Netgalley, I RAN to download it!! I loved Julie Soto's debut, Forget Me Not, and was so excited to read this one. It did not disappoint. The tension, the chemistry, the "from two worlds" of it all, the MUSIC — I really enjoyed this book. And not just for the spice, but for how these two characters were like magnets to each other. Julie also did a great job with the various characters in this book — I was rooting for some while simultaneously rooting for others to fail (or maybe get what they deserve is more accurate). The wedding scene at the beginning of the book immediately drew me in and I couldn't stop. I literally wish I could hear the music Gwen and Alex wrote together. The third act was a little tough to get through, and it surprised me in some ways. I understand why it was set up the way it was, but I think there should've been a stronger resolution between some of the characters. All in all though? Excellent book, loved reading it the whole time. 

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my review! 

You, with a View by Jessica Joyce

4.0

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

3.0

This personally didn't live up to the hype for me. 

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue

3.0

That was a wild read

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

4.0

The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn

4.0

Kate Clayborn's writing is SO tender and wonderful. That was the same in this book. I will admit, I'm not a true crime or podcast girlie, so I didn't love the plot of this as much as some of her other books. I also had some qualms about the journalism that was happening in the book. BUT pushing all of that aside, this book had so much heart. She explored the pain and nuances of complicated family dynamics in a way that felt so genuine. I also loved the MMC and his complete adoration of the FMC. Very sweet. 

A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril by Manda Collins

3.0

I really enjoyed this latest installment in the Lady's Guide series from Manda Collins! I particularly liked how our main female character didn't give up once she realized how much of the murder was connected to her father. The serial killer aspect of it was a fun new twist, but I liked that the overall tone of the book was still cozy. The FMC and MMC duo was so charming and I liked that they had to reconcile with each other. The history worked well for them. This was cute. 

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for my review.