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betterwithabookinmyhand's reviews
467 reviews
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Like with any author, not every book or series hits the same, this series just wasn’t my favorite. The world is just a bit too big, the plot extremely ambitious, with a ton of characters. What felt different from her other intricate novels is I didn’t feel connected to these characters. It almost felt like the scope of the world/characters/mission had been narrowed more I could have cared more deeply for the characters but with SO many I had a surface level attachment to all of them. I wish the book had been a bit shorter, it felt like some long scenes could have been shortened or cut. I was disappointed by the ACOMAF crossover, I wish there had more of the whole ACAF crew, specially Rhys and and Feyre.
I love Throne of Glass and Sarah J Maas is absolutely incredible at her craft, this series just wasn’t for me.
I love Throne of Glass and Sarah J Maas is absolutely incredible at her craft, this series just wasn’t for me.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Wow! This was a fast read! When things picked up I didn’t, nay, COULDN’T put it down! There are definitely some dark and twisted parts of this story so check the content warnings but yeah, that was a really captivating read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and Gaslighting
I Haven't Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I came for Miranda Hart (who stole my heart as Chummy on Call The Midwives) and stayed for the moving story of her chronic illness and hard-earned mentally and emotional wellness. I didn’t know how many truth bombs she dropped on my plate but I’m full of them and may circle back to write a number of them down. I’d highly, highly recommend this book to anyone really, especially someone who is battling with a long or chronic illness, what beautiful work Hart did to reframe her state of mind. An absolute joy to read, and bonus points for the audio as it’s Miranda Hart herself narrating the story.
Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel by Lisa Jewell
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this story! I love Lisa Jewell and when I saw the synopsis I knew I wanted to pick it up.
I’ve been over the big superheroes of late so to focus on one who’s more of a more gritty and somewhat normal personal investigator I found compelling.
The mash up of Lisa Jewell with Jessica Jones was *chef’s kiss* such a good match. I felt drawn to Jessica’s story because of the build up Lisa Jewell provided. I even started a few episodes of the Jessica Jones TV show just so I had more context for the story.
The mystery aspect of the story was dark and woven well where I didn’t feel in a terrible hurry for the answers because I was enjoying Jessica’s story. (Once again, props to Lisa Jewell for that.)
I’d recommend this story to any Lisa Jewell fans, any gritty detective readers, and or Marvel gurus.
Jessica Jones’ messed up corner of the Marvel universe happens to be one of my favorites (ahem, Daredevil fan here) and I’m glad for an excuse to get back into it.
I’ve been over the big superheroes of late so to focus on one who’s more of a more gritty and somewhat normal personal investigator I found compelling.
The mash up of Lisa Jewell with Jessica Jones was *chef’s kiss* such a good match. I felt drawn to Jessica’s story because of the build up Lisa Jewell provided. I even started a few episodes of the Jessica Jones TV show just so I had more context for the story.
The mystery aspect of the story was dark and woven well where I didn’t feel in a terrible hurry for the answers because I was enjoying Jessica’s story. (Once again, props to Lisa Jewell for that.)
I’d recommend this story to any Lisa Jewell fans, any gritty detective readers, and or Marvel gurus.
Jessica Jones’ messed up corner of the Marvel universe happens to be one of my favorites (ahem, Daredevil fan here) and I’m glad for an excuse to get back into it.
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
adventurous
emotional
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? N/A
4.75
Back for a reread before starting Rebel Witch. I’m SO in love with this duology I hope I can binge book 2 and report back asap!
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This might be one of my new favorites of Ali Hazelwood’s adult fictions! While the spice is still a bit spicier than I go for the relationship felt authentic and the emotional build up is done really well. I was a fan of the collegiate diving and swimming plotline! As a collegiate rower it all really resonated and felt interesting as a subject I don’t find often in romance books. If you like spicy romances, this one is definitely a fun read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I’m glad I got to read this, I’ve missed Vera and have recommended book 1 to so many people!
While nothing can ever top the first book I quickly got immersed into Vera’s chaotic world and fell for her new mystery!
I love Vera’s character, her frenemy in the bakery next door, and the hodge podge of characters Vera pulls into her orbit.
The only struggle I had was remembering the characters from the first book. Vera demands attention and attracts a new crowd in this book so I ended up just not worrying too much about book 1’s characters and it worked out fine.
I had a different idea for what the ending would be but there’s still so much of the book I enjoyed.
Definitely another hit of a cozy mystery by Jesse Q Sutanto!
While nothing can ever top the first book I quickly got immersed into Vera’s chaotic world and fell for her new mystery!
I love Vera’s character, her frenemy in the bakery next door, and the hodge podge of characters Vera pulls into her orbit.
The only struggle I had was remembering the characters from the first book. Vera demands attention and attracts a new crowd in this book so I ended up just not worrying too much about book 1’s characters and it worked out fine.
I had a different idea for what the ending would be but there’s still so much of the book I enjoyed.
Definitely another hit of a cozy mystery by Jesse Q Sutanto!
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you Berkley Romance and Penguin Random House Audio for the free advanced reading copy and for the free advanced listening copy!
Well damn, this is my new rom com rec! This was SO good im just sad its over! It’s going to be a series though so I’m overjoyed to read more about some side character romance. Definitely preorder this, grab your special editions—you’re going to want to read this!
There’s so much I loved about this story. The characters were relatable and felt authentic. The author didn’t rely on miscommunication as a major premise. In fact the characters were more honest with each other from the beginning than most romance stories and I was really appreciative of that. The chemistry and progression of their romance was there. It’s even a little of a slower burn than some are used to but it’s worth it! And the spice is there!
This was a story I looked forward to getting to read again, and the audio was incredible. I’ll take the two narrators for every of my romance listens! Her male and female voices are great, I hear the flirting in her tone, and his voice is gravely when needed and smooths in others, his female voice is great, and I just could listen to them forever.
Well damn, this is my new rom com rec! This was SO good im just sad its over! It’s going to be a series though so I’m overjoyed to read more about some side character romance. Definitely preorder this, grab your special editions—you’re going to want to read this!
There’s so much I loved about this story. The characters were relatable and felt authentic. The author didn’t rely on miscommunication as a major premise. In fact the characters were more honest with each other from the beginning than most romance stories and I was really appreciative of that. The chemistry and progression of their romance was there. It’s even a little of a slower burn than some are used to but it’s worth it! And the spice is there!
This was a story I looked forward to getting to read again, and the audio was incredible. I’ll take the two narrators for every of my romance listens! Her male and female voices are great, I hear the flirting in her tone, and his voice is gravely when needed and smooths in others, his female voice is great, and I just could listen to them forever.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Well damn, this was the best holiday book I read this year! A lighthearted, LGTBQIA+, fantasy rom com like none other! I cannot WAIT for book two in the fall!
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The writing was fantastic. Arden ropes you right in to the time with these historic events being mentioned during character interactions. All the details about what life looks like at that time really drew me in. The author is also SO good at showing vs telling. The audiobook was a beautifully atmospheric listen.
It was a little slow for me but I don’t read many historical fiction novels. It’s labeled as a historical fantasy but the fantasy is just a small sliver of the story I could have done without it. For me it either needed no fantasy or more fantasy.
I love the setting but I felt myself waiting for the fantasy to jump into the story but it was all very subtle. I wish it was just labeled as a historical fiction.
Overall I think it rocks as a historical fiction I just wish it either went harder on the fantasy or took out the fantasy altogether.