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bittersweetcritiques's reviews
330 reviews
Spotlight on Poppy by Mary Warren
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Thank you for the arc.
I was really torn on how to rate this book because the things I loved; the plus size rep, the open communication, the golden retriever energy, & the excellent spice just couldn't quite overcome the elements I didn't enjoy.
I felt like Josh and Poppy were supposed to always have been into each other, and been ships passing in the night, never quite the right time or place, but outside of the bar-room & bedroom, I couldn't find their chemistry. I kept waiting for their banter to feel warm instead of awkward and it didn't happen.
Spotlight on Poppy is a cute story and the epilogue was very sweet, but overall it wasn't my favorite contemporary romance.
I was really torn on how to rate this book because the things I loved; the plus size rep, the open communication, the golden retriever energy, & the excellent spice just couldn't quite overcome the elements I didn't enjoy.
I felt like Josh and Poppy were supposed to always have been into each other, and been ships passing in the night, never quite the right time or place, but outside of the bar-room & bedroom, I couldn't find their chemistry. I kept waiting for their banter to feel warm instead of awkward and it didn't happen.
Spotlight on Poppy is a cute story and the epilogue was very sweet, but overall it wasn't my favorite contemporary romance.
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
"Our bodies belonged to us. Poor, disabled, it didn't matter. These were our bodies, and we had the right to decide what to do with them." - Civil Townsend (Take My Hand pg.294)
Sometimes I feel drawn toward a book and this was one of those times. This story hit me hard; as a woman, as a mother, and as a mother to a daughter. Some of these chapters hurt in ways that I'll be reflecting on for years to come. With the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, this story feels extremely poignant and raw.
Take My Hand is an emotionally profound book that explores grief, regret, redemption, trust, & love of all kinds and I highly recommend it.
Sometimes I feel drawn toward a book and this was one of those times. This story hit me hard; as a woman, as a mother, and as a mother to a daughter. Some of these chapters hurt in ways that I'll be reflecting on for years to come. With the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, this story feels extremely poignant and raw.
Take My Hand is an emotionally profound book that explores grief, regret, redemption, trust, & love of all kinds and I highly recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Racism, Medical content, Grief, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Abortion
Made to Rule by Marianne A. Scott
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
It's been a pleasure being apart of the arc team for The Made From Magic series.
I feel like I've gotten to know these characters over the past year and view them as friends, so it's always hard and scary to embark on one last journey together. There is so much heartbreak in this final installment, but so much beauty & light, too. I think fans will be pleased with the way Scott wraps everything up for Katie and the Kingdom of Magic and get us excited for our next adventure in another realm.
I feel like I've gotten to know these characters over the past year and view them as friends, so it's always hard and scary to embark on one last journey together. There is so much heartbreak in this final installment, but so much beauty & light, too. I think fans will be pleased with the way Scott wraps everything up for Katie and the Kingdom of Magic and get us excited for our next adventure in another realm.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Death of parent, and War
Living Legend by Allie Shante
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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
Thank you for the arc!
Living Legend kept me guessing and full of anxiety from start to finish. Honestly, I'm still sitting here puzzling out the particulars. The found family feel, even though it was super stabby, was perfect and I love our dangerous foursome so much.This is one heck of a debut novel and I'm itching to get my hands on the next installment as quickly as possible.
Living Legend kept me guessing and full of anxiety from start to finish. Honestly, I'm still sitting here puzzling out the particulars. The found family feel, even though it was super stabby, was perfect and I love our dangerous foursome so much.This is one heck of a debut novel and I'm itching to get my hands on the next installment as quickly as possible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Blood
How To Marry A Marble Marquis by C.M. Nascosta
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Thank you for the arc!
I've been eagerly awaiting this Bridgerton meets monsters regency romance and my did it hit just right. It was spicy and playful with quick-witted banter and plenty of tension. I knew how it would end, but it didn't make the journey any less enjoyable.
I've been eagerly awaiting this Bridgerton meets monsters regency romance and my did it hit just right. It was spicy and playful with quick-witted banter and plenty of tension. I knew how it would end, but it didn't make the journey any less enjoyable.
Sight Unseen by Kasha Thompson
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-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
Thank you for the arc!
4.5⭐️
Okay, I sat with my thoughts on this book for a day because it gave me BIG feelings. The budding romance between our MCs after they tie the knot was very sweet and there were several times that Thompson had me teary-eyed (or full out sobbing -- that Christmas gift), but I struggled with the with-holding of verbal affection that Evie did often, and even Quincy did occasionally. I understand the motivation behind the behavior, it just frustrated me quite a bit. Regardless, I was rooting for them throughout the whole story and the spice was perfect.
4.5⭐️
Okay, I sat with my thoughts on this book for a day because it gave me BIG feelings. The budding romance between our MCs after they tie the knot was very sweet and there were several times that Thompson had me teary-eyed (or full out sobbing -- that Christmas gift), but I struggled with the with-holding of verbal affection that Evie did often, and even Quincy did occasionally. I understand the motivation behind the behavior, it just frustrated me quite a bit. Regardless, I was rooting for them throughout the whole story and the spice was perfect.
Songs of Vice by Nicole Bailey
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Songs of Vice is a delightful heist story filled with loveable characters, complicated motives, and plenty of twists & turns.
Songs of Vice is a delightful heist story filled with loveable characters, complicated motives, and plenty of twists & turns.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Homophobia, Xenophobia, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual content
Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Pride & Protest brilliantly honored the original source material while simulateously making the story completely its own. There were so many good callback moments paired with new modern day tensions & scenarios. Liza & Dorsey had out of this world chemistry. And I really loved the addition of a Bennet brother. I couldn't have asked for a better retelling of a beloved classic.
Love in Times of Contempt by Leonor Soliz
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
Getting to see Ana & Liam settle into their love is absolutely perfect. I'm so glad we have the opportunity to experience more of their story after Seeking Stars. I'd follow this couple (and this author) anywhere!
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
- 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
4.25
A devastating story of grief and the nonlinear path to healing & reclaiming joy. Messy, very messy, but underneath the chaos, a love story of the purest kind where two souls cry out for each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Grief, Car accident, and Abandonment