bekkasbookclub's reviews
210 reviews

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

dark 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

I am not big on fantasy but I like to keep an open mind. I liked that this was realistic fantasy, meaning it had some fantasy elements sprinkled in. However, I felt it was hard to get fully invested in Luli. I didn’t understand her want/drive to become a big name in Hollywood. Did she want fame, fortune, admiration? I never caught on to why she was doing all of this. As for fantasy elements, I would have liked a bit more explanation on things. For example, the word “changeling” is used several times but never explained. People are described as “no longer human” but no explanation to what they are now. Overall, I feel it had potential with the 1930s Hollywood scene but the fantasy fell flat for me. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism

Moderate: Homophobia

Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert

lighthearted medium-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? No

4.0

Guys, this was the only Christmas book I read and it was absolutely adorable! I loved that it had romance, a cute village, and of course some Christmas magic. I loved that the romance wasn’t rushed for the one holiday season and we learn how Jack fell in love with Astra.

I am not a fan of the surprise pregnancy trope but I feel that it worked because of where Astra was in her life in the plotline of the story.

Overall, this story was super cute and I think it would make a great TV movie. 

How to Win a Wallflower by Samara Parish

medium-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? Yes

4.5

John inherits his brother’s title after his death and he must return to London to settle his brother’s affairs. He soon realizes the finances are worse than he could have imagined. John also finds that he must also follow through his brother’s proposal with Lady Luella, whose dowry would cover his debts and more. Luckily, Lady Charlotte, who has crushed on John since childhood, has an idea to help him out. The pair enter a gambling house to win enough money to settle John’s debts but soon discover they must resist growing feelings for one another.
This was a great brother’s friend, opposites attract, social butterfly/wallflower romance and I loved it! Charlotte has been enamored with John since childhood and he to returns, no longer seeing her as his best mate’s kid sister. I enjoyed seeing their relationship growing and ultimately, John no longer being able to resist Charlotte. I feel like they both brought out the best in one another. Charlotte made John realize that he was more than he was led to believe he was. John helps Charlotte that she can seek her own happiness without having to please others first. Though they are different in many ways, their differences complement each other. The third act break up and twist was not expected. However, I’m pleased with how it played out and that we got our HEA. I really enjoyed this book and loved this love story. I’m sad that this is the last of the series, but I do need to go back and read How to Deceive a Duke. Thank you Forever and Netgalley for a digital copy to review and Forever for my gifted copy! 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence

Minor: Sexual content

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

reflective slow-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? It's complicated

4.5

This book felt like I was reading into the future of what the United States could become if we don’t take corrective actions now. Living in Texas, I am all too familiar with the recent banning of books that have been deemed “inappropriate” by a small group of people. With recent events of Asian hate crimes over the past several years, this book felt all too real. While it had similar themes to those of 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, I do feel like the story was its own and could really be studied in schools in the future. Celeste Ng created this thought provoking world, and it is one I think everyone should read. The writing is not only beautiful, but her words are powerful. My only critique was that the pacing felt too slow at times and I felt like I had to push through to finish some chapters. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Hate crime, Racism

The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I was really excited to read this sequel to The Ex Hex! Especially because I wasn’t ready to give up spooky reads at the beginning of the month. Gwyn was such a fun character in the first book and I was excited to read about her in this one. Wells is the uptight, handsome older brother to Rhys and at first, I wasn’t sure if he would be a good fit for Gwyn. Their enemies to lovers storyline was so good but I wish it had lasted just a little bit longer. Their feuding seemed to come to an end too easily when they decided to call a truce. I also felt that the steamy kiss that started everything needed to have had something more magical behind it. Their romp in the back of Gwyn’s truck was really the only time we saw them together and I wish we would have gotten more. Overall, this is perfect for small town, Halloween vibes and I hope we get Bowen’s story next year! Though I really hope he doesn’t get paired with Gwyn’s mom 😬 

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

medium-paced

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

4.5

Omg, this book was 🥵🥵🥵 First, the premise of this book was just 😱 I could not imagine what I would do if I were any of the characters in this book. Second, this age-gap romance is just enough age-gap that it works without questions (I have a hard time with this trope). I really enjoyed the storyline and the will they or won’t they that Wilsner made the reader experience. The pacing of the story did slow down towards the end but it built up to a surprising reveal. While this is a taboo romance, I feel like you really root for Cassie and Erin. Also, Cassie and Parker’s friendship is the real deal and more mature than most college friendships. If you’re looking for age-gap romance with some sneaking around, I highly recommend this one! 

After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez

slow-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

4.0

This book started off with a bang, literally. Alex and Jeremiah hook up within fives minutes of meeting. After that, it is truly an enemies to lovers story. Alex is a strong female lead who is unapologetically, comfortable with who she is. Jeremiah is a quiet, bookish love interest that falls for Alex hard. I loved that the author had them working together on what essentially became a treasure hunt and it help to build their relationship. Alex tried very hard to deny her growing feelings for Jeremiah but that didn’t last long. I think my favorite thing about the book that may go unnoticed is how much Alex’s family loved Jeremiah already. And if you’re in with the familia, you’re in with the girl. It’s something so small that happens with Mexican families, mine included, that I really appreciated. This was probably one of the spiciest 🌶 books I’ve read all year🫣 However, Jeremiah’s incessant using of sweetheart, angel, and darling was a little too much for me. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for a spicier romance with a ghost and some family drama thrown in. 

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

funny lighthearted medium-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? Yes

3.75

I was excited for this book because I really enjoyed The Love Hypotheses. However, I felt that it was too similar in plot and trope. It would have been nice to experience a new trope, second chance romance or even a friends to lovers, but the broody love interest and quirky, smart female lead felt too similar. Not that that’s a bad thing, I just would have liked to have seen something different from Hazelwood. I think the similarities made the book a little predictable and I wasn’t as excited reading it like I was her first book. I really liked the nod to You’ve Got Mail via Twitter. That’s one of my favorite movies and I loved how it was somewhat modernized with social media.
I was really excited to see that this book was taking place at NASA and would be set in Houston. However, I didn’t get much Houston vibes and that part fell flat for me. With that said, I will most likely read her next book but I’m definitely hoping for a different trope or at least different character personalities. 

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison

mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

This was such a fun, Halloween time read. It was like a mixture of horror and romance. Two genres you wouldn’t think go well together but it actually works out. Rory is also going through a lot mentally, adjusting to her new body; silver blood, grey fur under her skin, sharp nails, etc. The book turned into a story of self-growth and discovery, which I really enjoyed. I liked that Rory and her sister, Scarlett experienced similar problems with their bodies. Rory becoming a werewolf and Scarlett being pregnant. The romance was sweet because it’s with her long time friend, Ian. However, it didn’t distract from the other themes of this book. I would definitely recommend this if you’re into paranormal creatures and liked the werewolf storyline in The Vampire Diaries. 

A Hundred Other Girls by Iman Hariri-Kia

informative 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? Yes

4.0

Noora, an Iranian American writer looking for her big girl job when she lands a coveted position at her long-time favorite magazine. Vinyl has taught Noora everything growing up and she is excited to see if this position opens opportunities for feature articles for her writing. However, her boss Loretta, is the most unhinged and behind the times person in media. Loretta is constantly message Noora with crazy demands and Noora realizes this job isn’t what she expected it to be. Noora then find herself in the middle of a full on war between Vinyl print and Vinyl digital and must choose a side. Loyalty to the magazine that raised her or potential writing job opportunities.
This book is exactly what I expected it to be, drama, drama, drama. I loved that Hariri-Kia was able to grab my attention with all the ins and outs of media. If I had the slight idea of how crazy it is to work for a magazine, she opened my eyes to more than I expected. The amount of work Loretta put Noora through, and without a thank you, was absolutely unreasonable. I know Loretta was behind the times but I mean, having your assistant comes to your house to shoot content, on her day off, before her date? I mean , and you then threaten her that if she leaves, she may as well not come into work? I loved that Hariri-Kia was able to take her experience in journalism and create this fictional world but added some of her real life experiences. Noora is not a complicated character, she’s just trying get life together but just can’t seem to make it work. Overall, I think it was a solid debut from the author and can’t wait to see what she puts on next. If you loved The Devil Wears Prada or The Bold Type, I highly recommend you check this one out.