bendersreads's reviews
217 reviews

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

funny hopeful reflective relaxing 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? No

3.5

Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and Classism

Moderate: Bullying

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.5

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

1.5

I understand this is very petty, but he was smiling too much for my liking. Came off as creepy. Author also turned out to be a Zionist, so my rating is lower.

West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.

Put me in a reading slump. Might come back to it later.

Here's to Us by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.

I love Adam Silvera’s writing so much but this book was really disappointing me. 

Dylan was my favorite character from the 1st book but he was so annoying in this sequel. I also do not like the indirect kissing trope. These guys are in college and, idk, the trope and a lot of the situations were just very immature. If it took place in high school, I probably would’ve read ‘til the end.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.

I do not like the implication of a romance between Signa and Death. Very sad to DNF bc I did enjoy the writing style, prose, and most of the character set up.

Big Chicas Don't Cry by Annette Chavez Macias

emotional funny hopeful sad 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

4.75

Twisted Love by Ana Huang

dark funny mysterious 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

2.75

It’s only an average rating due to the fact that I don’t like the “we shouldn’t be together because you’re my best friend’s sibling” trope. It’s always insufferable to me. I did enjoy most of the book besides it, though. The writing style was fine and most of the characters were likable. I have hope for higher ratings for the rest of the books in this series.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Death of parent

Moderate: Gun violence, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence

Minor: Transphobia