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bookishdaylight's reviews
303 reviews
Better Than the Prom by Lynn Painter
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.0
I wanted to see a glimpse of Wes's thoughts and I love his character so much that I was so thrilled to find out that this had a novella about his pov. Sadly, I was so disappointed...
Here is the thing, this was so unnecessary if miss Lynn Painter was gonna copy paste everything during prom. There were also so many dramatic errors in the copy that I had and it made me very confused. This showed the YA thing that I hated in books and I'm seriously going to forget that this book even existed with Wes's cringe-exaggerated thoughts about the prom. Lastly, I also don't understand why this was so highly rated.
Here is the thing, this was so unnecessary if miss Lynn Painter was gonna copy paste everything during prom. There were also so many dramatic errors in the copy that I had and it made me very confused. This showed the YA thing that I hated in books and I'm seriously going to forget that this book even existed with Wes's cringe-exaggerated thoughts about the prom. Lastly, I also don't understand why this was so highly rated.
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
“Love is patient, love is kind, love means slowly losing your mind."
Libby's obsession with movies, books, and music was everything I could ever hope for and I knew from the beginning that this would be a comfort and a favorite of mine. The interactions between Libby and Wes had me smiling so much that my cheeks hurt. I was definitely in a great mood while reading even if I stopped mid-chapter. I love them so much...
I love how each character was presented throughout the story since mostly in YA, it can get dramatic with the conflict and the actions of the characters but in this one, there was no such thing as the foolishness of someone's actions. There was a build-up to that and we see how it makes sense for them to act that way. This book deals with grief, struggling with opening up, and finally, accepting the changes happening around us that we cannot control.
“So you think that two enemies—in the real world—can magically get over their differences and fall madly in love?”
Enemies to lovers in a contemporary setting aren't mostly the same in a fantasy setting but this was so good and so well done in a way that makes me want to also include that with my top-tier tropes. The build-up and how everything was written made it more realistic and relatable.
“Wes: Make sure you add “Someone Like You” to the Wes and Liz playlist.”
Wes was such an amazing character, and it was so obvious from the start that he liked Libby and that made my heart so happy even if Libby didn't even know it. The cute nicknames that he called her made me so giddy with joy. The use of my that he included with the nicknames, I see what you're doing Wes and I'm here for it and enjoying every second of it. I love him...
I love this book so much that I'm so sad I finished it but also glad that I didn't skip this well-known book.
Libby's obsession with movies, books, and music was everything I could ever hope for and I knew from the beginning that this would be a comfort and a favorite of mine. The interactions between Libby and Wes had me smiling so much that my cheeks hurt. I was definitely in a great mood while reading even if I stopped mid-chapter. I love them so much...
I love how each character was presented throughout the story since mostly in YA, it can get dramatic with the conflict and the actions of the characters but in this one, there was no such thing as the foolishness of someone's actions. There was a build-up to that and we see how it makes sense for them to act that way. This book deals with grief, struggling with opening up, and finally, accepting the changes happening around us that we cannot control.
“So you think that two enemies—in the real world—can magically get over their differences and fall madly in love?”
Enemies to lovers in a contemporary setting aren't mostly the same in a fantasy setting but this was so good and so well done in a way that makes me want to also include that with my top-tier tropes. The build-up and how everything was written made it more realistic and relatable.
“Wes: Make sure you add “Someone Like You” to the Wes and Liz playlist.”
Wes was such an amazing character, and it was so obvious from the start that he liked Libby and that made my heart so happy even if Libby didn't even know it. The cute nicknames that he called her made me so giddy with joy. The use of my that he included with the nicknames, I see what you're doing Wes and I'm here for it and enjoying every second of it. I love him...
I love this book so much that I'm so sad I finished it but also glad that I didn't skip this well-known book.
Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
3.0
This was an insight I needed from the darkling's childhood. I know that this was narrated by Ben Barnes but this was so short and I wanted more!
Marionette by Antonia Rachel Ward
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
2.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This did not hit the mark for me and as much as I love the book's cover, this is something I would forget in the long run. I was neutral about what happened throughout the story because of the fast pacing with the character's lack of personality.
The plot is very bland and I suppose it was for the reason that this is a novella making the story rushed and unconvincing with the character's actions and their agenda. The instalove is another reason why I didn't like it, the characters barely knew each other and were already in love which made the execution disappointing, to say the least.
This did not hit the mark for me and as much as I love the book's cover, this is something I would forget in the long run. I was neutral about what happened throughout the story because of the fast pacing with the character's lack of personality.
The plot is very bland and I suppose it was for the reason that this is a novella making the story rushed and unconvincing with the character's actions and their agenda. The instalove is another reason why I didn't like it, the characters barely knew each other and were already in love which made the execution disappointing, to say the least.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail
Meet Me Halfway by Lilian T. James
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
4.0
This is a slow-burn heartwarming romance about Maddie being a single mom and how she tries to work three jobs to make a living while struggling to cope with her past.
From the very start, we see Maddie dealing with criticism from everyone she meets and would question her every action. It was very hard for her and at the same time trying her best not to let it affect her. She was such a wonderful mother and I admired her for how she dealt with every challenge she faced.
Some instance that broke my heart was when Jamie told Maddie about how he felt towards her working three jobs for him to be able to go to a nice school and how he is very defensive to every man he meets because of Maddie's past relationship with a certain someone that affected her view of men.
When Garrett came in, he was exactly what Maddie needed in life, someone who would be there for her through thick and thin and worship the ground she walks on. Their chemistry and how they interacted were so wholesome when they started to become friends. When he first spoke to Maddie, he was very straightforward with his approach to having conservation, which made him kind of an asshole in the beginning but thankfully it vanished when he truly got to know her.
The only reason why I haven't rated it higher is that I was struggling to read the first few chapters since I didn't know that this was a slow burn and I wanted a quick read but I managed to get through it and enjoyed every single moment of the interaction between the characters.
From the very start, we see Maddie dealing with criticism from everyone she meets and would question her every action. It was very hard for her and at the same time trying her best not to let it affect her. She was such a wonderful mother and I admired her for how she dealt with every challenge she faced.
Some instance that broke my heart was when Jamie told Maddie about how he felt towards her working three jobs for him to be able to go to a nice school and how he is very defensive to every man he meets because of Maddie's past relationship with a certain someone that affected her view of men.
When Garrett came in, he was exactly what Maddie needed in life, someone who would be there for her through thick and thin and worship the ground she walks on. Their chemistry and how they interacted were so wholesome when they started to become friends. When he first spoke to Maddie, he was very straightforward with his approach to having conservation, which made him kind of an asshole in the beginning but thankfully it vanished when he truly got to know her.
The only reason why I haven't rated it higher is that I was struggling to read the first few chapters since I didn't know that this was a slow burn and I wanted a quick read but I managed to get through it and enjoyed every single moment of the interaction between the characters.
The Maiden and The Unseen by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Hades and Persephone retelling in a modern-day setting that is focused more on smut than plot. This was an easy quick read if you're looking for a workplace romance with a few magical elements thrown into it.
The beginning hooked me with the interaction of our main characters and Persephone's bold and charming personality. Her character was mostly what I expected to be and I liked the way how most gods were accurately portrayed.
I did notice that it got repetitive with the miscommunication always being used as a conflict to further lengthen the story. The thing is that the miscommunication was there again once the first miscommunication got solved and it can be tiresome at some points by adding so much of it.
There were also moments in the beginning when the connection between Hades and Persephone seemed forced by making them super horny out of nowhere making us think that their connection has great importance which it is but it was how it was portrayed that didn't hit the mark. Hades not knowing much or hearing about Demeter is weird since they are siblings and I know that they've encountered each other a few times.
overall, this was just alright but I think it was too long.
A Hades and Persephone retelling in a modern-day setting that is focused more on smut than plot. This was an easy quick read if you're looking for a workplace romance with a few magical elements thrown into it.
The beginning hooked me with the interaction of our main characters and Persephone's bold and charming personality. Her character was mostly what I expected to be and I liked the way how most gods were accurately portrayed.
I did notice that it got repetitive with the miscommunication always being used as a conflict to further lengthen the story. The thing is that the miscommunication was there again once the first miscommunication got solved and it can be tiresome at some points by adding so much of it.
There were also moments in the beginning when the connection between Hades and Persephone seemed forced by making them super horny out of nowhere making us think that their connection has great importance which it is but it was how it was portrayed that didn't hit the mark. Hades not knowing much or hearing about Demeter is weird since they are siblings and I know that they've encountered each other a few times.
overall, this was just alright but I think it was too long.
Last of the Talons by Sophie Kim
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a Korean mythology retelling and It was surprisingly delightful making me enthralled from the very beginning. What made this story stand out for me is Lina's keen and notorious character and what she represents as being a survivor that would do anything to protect her loves ones.
It was clear from the start that Lina is in a place where she was struggling to deal with her past and we see her go to such lengths to numb her pain. We have a past-present adventure where we follow her becoming a talon and how she ended up serving the crime lord. This is a story of a character being merciless with facing a lot of internal conflicts as she battles her enemies.
The only reason why I haven't rated it higher is that it wasn't enemies to lovers. In my case, for them to become enemies to lovers, they both have to hate each other with passion, and yet I didn't feel the wrath of the emperor toward her. There was only one scene where he showed hatred for her and other than that, he was mostly enjoying her company making me think he liked her when he first saw her. The time around the story is also the reason why for me I think the enemies to lovers was cut-short and I understand she had a deadline to save her sister but I was hoping that she would hate him until the very end.
Lastly, This was an amazing debut and I can't wait for the next release!
This was a Korean mythology retelling and It was surprisingly delightful making me enthralled from the very beginning. What made this story stand out for me is Lina's keen and notorious character and what she represents as being a survivor that would do anything to protect her loves ones.
It was clear from the start that Lina is in a place where she was struggling to deal with her past and we see her go to such lengths to numb her pain. We have a past-present adventure where we follow her becoming a talon and how she ended up serving the crime lord. This is a story of a character being merciless with facing a lot of internal conflicts as she battles her enemies.
The only reason why I haven't rated it higher is that it wasn't enemies to lovers. In my case, for them to become enemies to lovers, they both have to hate each other with passion, and yet I didn't feel the wrath of the emperor toward her. There was only one scene where he showed hatred for her and other than that, he was mostly enjoying her company making me think he liked her when he first saw her. The time around the story is also the reason why for me I think the enemies to lovers was cut-short and I understand she had a deadline to save her sister but I was hoping that she would hate him until the very end.
Lastly, This was an amazing debut and I can't wait for the next release!
The Storm of Echoes by Christelle Dabos
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
5.0
I won't be able to move on from this series and as I'm writing this review, I want to go back and rewind everything to cherish every single moment and appreciate the simple things that made me happy.
I knew that there are a lot of unfinished things that needed to be uncovered when I finished the previous book but this was intense and heartbreaking most of the time and the brutality of every character's fate is shocking.
There is a lot of controversy about this book and I now understand the reason for it. It makes sense how the way it ended but this ending wasn't the one I was expecting and hoping for. It was unfair and unredeemable for the characters to go through such lengths and get that outcome. I know that it is an open-ending to make us feel that there is hope but I am now conspiring the other ways that could've happened to change the ending and I don't think it will be that great.
This was truly a magical, enthralling series and I never would have imagined that this would have become a favorite of mine since I randomly listened to this on audiobook on Spotify and the cover was the one that captured my attention. Thank you Christelle Dabos for this wonderful heartbreaking adventure.
I knew that there are a lot of unfinished things that needed to be uncovered when I finished the previous book but this was intense and heartbreaking most of the time and the brutality of every character's fate is shocking.
There is a lot of controversy about this book and I now understand the reason for it. It makes sense how the way it ended but this ending wasn't the one I was expecting and hoping for. It was unfair and unredeemable for the characters to go through such lengths and get that outcome. I know that it is an open-ending to make us feel that there is hope but I am now conspiring the other ways that could've happened to change the ending and I don't think it will be that great.
This was truly a magical, enthralling series and I never would have imagined that this would have become a favorite of mine since I randomly listened to this on audiobook on Spotify and the cover was the one that captured my attention. Thank you Christelle Dabos for this wonderful heartbreaking adventure.
This Winter by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
3.0
It is all about family and the struggles of the siblings during this time of holiday.
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
dark
emotional
tense
5.0
As a kid, shows like Icarly and sam & cat on nickelodeon are the ones that I grew up watching, and now that I know what Jennette truly felt not only about the shows that she was in but the brutal way how she started acting was an insight I never knew needed to be heard and told.
So many hardships that she experienced at such a young age that she never really had a childhood where she had to mature early on than the other kids. So many harsh truths are revealed about the producers and the Hollywood industry itself. How her mom basically controlled her entire life was frankly shocking. The emotional abuse she had to endure her entire childhood and her mom being a narcissistic person was something we never really expected and I was saddened by the circumstances that Jennette had to go through when her mom died.
This was such a bold story which makes it inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. This memoir presents us with depictions of trauma, abuse, eating disorders, and grief. At first glance, the title of the book is rather ruthless but if you had any idea of the concept of the book then you know that this is the most fitting title for the book.
So many hardships that she experienced at such a young age that she never really had a childhood where she had to mature early on than the other kids. So many harsh truths are revealed about the producers and the Hollywood industry itself. How her mom basically controlled her entire life was frankly shocking. The emotional abuse she had to endure her entire childhood and her mom being a narcissistic person was something we never really expected and I was saddened by the circumstances that Jennette had to go through when her mom died.
This was such a bold story which makes it inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. This memoir presents us with depictions of trauma, abuse, eating disorders, and grief. At first glance, the title of the book is rather ruthless but if you had any idea of the concept of the book then you know that this is the most fitting title for the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting