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bookishdaylight's reviews
303 reviews
Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.5
I love Winslow as a character and her relationship with her Pops! When it comes to the relationship between Griffin and Winslow, it was developed really quickly, and ever since the first chapter you can tell that they were already into each other. The thing is that I saw a couple of people review the book and said it was a slow-burn romance between the characters but it was a lie and I was disappointed in that.
I devoured this book so quickly and I really like the other characters in the story so I'm looking forward to continuing the series! Overall, this was a fun read!
I devoured this book so quickly and I really like the other characters in the story so I'm looking forward to continuing the series! Overall, this was a fun read!
There Is No Devil by Sophie Lark
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This is better than the first book!! Their character development made me adore their character more in where I didn't want the story to end. I love them so much!!
There Are No Saints by Sophie Lark
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
This was very entertaining and I did enjoyed reading it but there were moments that were a bit off.
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
This was a refreshing feel-good read that I very much enjoyed. Nora's character was everything you wanted in a mother and you see how much effort into making sure the kids come first. Most of the time when there are children involved, they are disregarded in most situations, especially in serious ones but this one did not and I liked how the children and Nora supported one another no matter how hard or light felt the circumstances were.
This was mostly focused on family and Nora's work and even though we have a love interest named Leo, their relationship was only focused on the beginning. I didn't really know where this story was gonna go because this was mostly character-driven. The only reason why it was not a five-star is for the reason that the conflict could've been solved if they talked to one another.
This was mostly focused on family and Nora's work and even though we have a love interest named Leo, their relationship was only focused on the beginning. I didn't really know where this story was gonna go because this was mostly character-driven.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
lighthearted
fast-paced
1.0
To say I was struggling to read this is an understatement. There was nothing that was very appealing that hooked me. The names that were used such as baby and honey gave me an ick. Brendan portrayed such a creepy way that bothered me and the fact that his manliness and Piper's femininity were often brought up made it so cringy. To make things worse, there was no chemistry or build-up between Brendan and Piper's relationship. None at all.
When it comes to Piper's character, she was very childish and I know she comes from a privileged life but it's like she's in her teen phase. There was no character development throughout the story. She didn't know what she wanted in life, making her decisions, in the end, more pointless considering she had a goal and when there were one or two things that didn't go her way, she would just give up and go back to what she was used to and that was her life in L.A. partying and being a celebrity famous.
The other relationships she had with the characters felt insignificant as if they were just props to add layer and depth to the story. For example, Hannah is Piper's sister and she was only brought up if there is talk about music and records. She was mostly disregarded even though the reason she was there is to not let Piper feel alone in that town. There was also another character that has a very important role and yet she was also disregarded and I can't say her name due to spoilers. Most of the whole book was focused on Piper and Brendan's relationship and they were obsessed with one another but they barely knew each other.
I have to comment on the smut because it was that bad. I was mostly gagging and cringing when they do it and it was another nightmare I didn't want to read. The terms that were used in those scenes were just not it. The whining and begging were weird to imagine because we all know how Piper's character is.
This was my first book by Tessa Bailey and if this is her writing style then I'm out. Don't get me wrong, I love small-town romances and grumpy sunshine but this did not hit the mark.
When it comes to Piper's character, she was very childish and I know she comes from a privileged life but it's like she's in her teen phase. There was no character development throughout the story. She didn't know what she wanted in life, making her decisions, in the end, more pointless considering she had a goal and when there were one or two things that didn't go her way, she would just give up and go back to what she was used to and that was her life in L.A. partying and being a celebrity famous.
The other relationships she had with the characters felt insignificant as if they were just props to add layer and depth to the story. For example, Hannah is Piper's sister and she was only brought up if there is talk about music and records. She was mostly disregarded even though the reason she was there is to not let Piper feel alone in that town. There was also another character that has a very important role and yet she was also disregarded and I can't say her name due to spoilers. Most of the whole book was focused on Piper and Brendan's relationship and they were obsessed with one another but they barely knew each other.
I have to comment on the smut because it was that bad. I was mostly gagging and cringing when they do it and it was another nightmare I didn't want to read. The terms that were used in those scenes were just not it. The whining and begging were weird to imagine because we all know how Piper's character is.
This was my first book by Tessa Bailey and if this is her writing style then I'm out. Don't get me wrong, I love small-town romances and grumpy sunshine but this did not hit the mark.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
I knew the concept of this book before reading it. I appreciate the topics and the effort to discuss how trauma and abuse are being inflicted on people and how most of the time they linger. The thing that bothers me is the way it's used as a plot in books and I hate that through that medium, they make it redeeming even though it's not.
I knew from the start that Ryle had some issues and yet it was brushed off as if it was nothing.
Lily, who grew up in an abusive household should know the signs as little as that but I supposed she just didn't acknowledge it. When she first described him, she mentioned that his demeanor is appealing to most people and I suppose she would be correct if they didn't know him.
The thing with Ryle is that he said he doesn't do relationships of any kind except he continuously tries to pursue Lily as if she's an exception cause she's a drug to him he said. We see him change his perspective about relationships in just a few months because of Lily whom we know that he is very serious about getting in bed with at the beginning.
Ryle was very manipulative as a person and I know how good he is at doing it considering he doesn't get any punishment for what he inflicted on her throughout the whole book and he just seems to get away with it every time, even in the end. I hated how he still got redemption in the end even though he didn't deserve it. What Ryle did to Lily was repeated throughout the whole book and in those moments, he did it with purpose and guilt-tripping her into making it seem as if it was just really who he is and not his fault.
There were so many topics that were showcased and I think it's really hard to focus on something if most of the time it has a big impact on the story. For example, Atlas was just there on the sideline waiting for Lily.
We know that there's more to dive into his character because of his past but he only becomes an important part of the story when Lily is ready to be with him. Allysa who deals with infertility is another important topic to dive into and so many more.
Another thing is that when Lily had to call someone when Ryle hurt her and she knew she can't just call anyone, leading to her calling Atlas and mentioning that she memorized his number just in case. The fact that she needed to memorize his number, tells us there is a possibility that Ryle could hurt her again adding to the fact she still feels unsafe with him and didn't trust him. Lily's mom once said that if he truly loved her, he would've let her go. He didn't let her go wherein it made her feel trapped and more undecisive if she really needed to leave him or stay. We all know she needed to leave but the way Ryle tried to be good again just shows how much he is willing to go through that length to trap Lily in that relationship.
Lastly, the reason why I rated it so low is because of how abuse was represented. I would not recommend this to anyone at all. I don't care if this is fictional but the way they portrayed abuse and trauma is so problematic and yes I've read the author's note and this is simply my opinion. I know I've read books from her that deal with the same case of issues but this one is just not it. I hate how other people who don't know the kind of abuse some experience and then read this and perceive abuse in a wrong way thinking it's not that bad even though it is and how it is not black and white. I know people experience abuse differently but this was just so disappointing and I hate how this was marketed.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
1.0
I knew from the start that Ryle had some issues and yet it was brushed off as if it was nothing.
Lily, who grew up in an abusive household should know the signs as little as that but I supposed she just didn't acknowledge it. When she first described him, she mentioned that his demeanor is appealing to most people and I suppose she would be correct if they didn't know him.
The thing with Ryle is that he said he doesn't do relationships of any kind except he continuously tries to pursue Lily as if she's an exception cause she's a drug to him he said. We see him change his perspective about relationships in just a few months because of Lily whom we know that he is very serious about getting in bed with at the beginning.
Ryle was very manipulative as a person and I know how good he is at doing it considering he doesn't get any punishment for what he inflicted on her throughout the whole book and he just seems to get away with it every time, even in the end. I hated how he still got redemption in the end even though he didn't deserve it. What Ryle did to Lily was repeated throughout the whole book and in those moments, he did it with purpose and guilt-tripping her into making it seem as if it was just really who he is and not his fault.
There were so many topics that were showcased and I think it's really hard to focus on something if most of the time it has a big impact on the story. For example, Atlas was just there on the sideline waiting for Lily.
We know that there's more to dive into his character because of his past but he only becomes an important part of the story when Lily is ready to be with him. Allysa who deals with infertility is another important topic to dive into and so many more.
Another thing is that when Lily had to call someone when Ryle hurt her and she knew she can't just call anyone, leading to her calling Atlas and mentioning that she memorized his number just in case. The fact that she needed to memorize his number, tells us there is a possibility that Ryle could hurt her again adding to the fact she still feels unsafe with him and didn't trust him. Lily's mom once said that if he truly loved her, he would've let her go. He didn't let her go wherein it made her feel trapped and more undecisive if she really needed to leave him or stay. We all know she needed to leave but the way Ryle tried to be good again just shows how much he is willing to go through that length to trap Lily in that relationship.
Lastly, the reason why I rated it so low is because of how abuse was represented. I would not recommend this to anyone at all. I don't care if this is fictional but the way they portrayed abuse and trauma is so problematic and yes I've read the author's note and this is simply my opinion. I know I've read books from her that deal with the same case of issues but this one is just not it. I hate how other people who don't know the kind of abuse some experience and then read this and perceive abuse in a wrong way thinking it's not that bad even though it is and how it is not black and white. I know people experience abuse differently but this was just so disappointing and I hate how this was marketed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Abandonment
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
fast-paced
2.0
There might be a slight spoiler so be warned.
The premise was very intriguing, but how our main character Finlay was portrayed in the story was straight-up trash. Sure, she's broke and has two kids, worried about his ex-husband getting custody of her kids, also don't forget she's an author with a late deadline. Then the only thing that could help her solve everything was to murder someone accidentally and not do it right while being dumb enough not to know how to get rid of it?! Yeah, That's mostly how to summarize it.
She was lucky enough that no one knew it was her. Straight dumb luck was the only thing with her throughout the story. I refuse to believe this book is so appealing considering Finlay was a mess. She was dirty, her house was dirty along with her clothes with a lot of stains and she could barely function without a nanny? The kids barely existed as if they were props to add flavor. Yeah, the kids have shitty parents, and most of the time we should be able to relate to Finlay? I mean sure maybe in some parts but I hated how Finlay, a grown-ass woman didn't know how to act as a mother and be independent without his husband. It was said in the book that Steve, the so-called ex-husband barely tolerates the kids and he is mostly non-present in most situations where I wonder how was Finlay at that time? It's as if a single mom can't function without his shitty ex-husband barely doing anything.
Vero the nanny, could've done it better than Finlay, and yet she continuously tries to support Finlay all over her dumb, stupid actions throughout the whole book. Add in the two love interests that were so interested in her ( whatever that is ). The bartender guy, whom we barely saw throughout the book turns out to be Finlay's favorite between the two of them just because he answered her question in a way she thought, oh he knew me better than Nick whereas he didn't really see the true me. So if Nick wasn't that special? why did I have to read you guys all over each other while Julian gets a barely-there scene, oh yeah we fucked and moving on...
By the way, the romance lacked so bad that I don't even see any connection between the three. I can see the author was trying to combine genres but it just didn't work. Lastly, What was even the point of the whole book?!
The premise was very intriguing, but how our main character Finlay was portrayed in the story was straight-up trash. Sure, she's broke and has two kids, worried about his ex-husband getting custody of her kids, also don't forget she's an author with a late deadline. Then the only thing that could help her solve everything was to murder someone accidentally and not do it right while being dumb enough not to know how to get rid of it?! Yeah, That's mostly how to summarize it.
She was lucky enough that no one knew it was her. Straight dumb luck was the only thing with her throughout the story. I refuse to believe this book is so appealing considering Finlay was a mess. She was dirty, her house was dirty along with her clothes with a lot of stains and she could barely function without a nanny? The kids barely existed as if they were props to add flavor. Yeah, the kids have shitty parents, and most of the time we should be able to relate to Finlay? I mean sure maybe in some parts but I hated how Finlay, a grown-ass woman didn't know how to act as a mother and be independent without his husband. It was said in the book that Steve, the so-called ex-husband barely tolerates the kids and he is mostly non-present in most situations where I wonder how was Finlay at that time? It's as if a single mom can't function without his shitty ex-husband barely doing anything.
Vero the nanny, could've done it better than Finlay, and yet she continuously tries to support Finlay all over her dumb, stupid actions throughout the whole book. Add in the two love interests that were so interested in her ( whatever that is ). The bartender guy, whom we barely saw throughout the book turns out to be Finlay's favorite between the two of them just because he answered her question in a way she thought, oh he knew me better than Nick whereas he didn't really see the true me. So if Nick wasn't that special? why did I have to read you guys all over each other while Julian gets a barely-there scene, oh yeah we fucked and moving on...
By the way, the romance lacked so bad that I don't even see any connection between the three. I can see the author was trying to combine genres but it just didn't work. Lastly, What was even the point of the whole book?!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
" Just because not everyone gets you doesn't mean you're wrong. You're someone people can count on. Really count on. And that doesn't make you cold or boring. "
I knew from the first few pages that this book will be my new favorite from her. I don't know how Emily Henry does it but I was so in love with Nora's character that she was portrayed as complex and misunderstood in a way where you know that there's a lot to decipher about her character which makes me love her more.
Charlie and Nora were so alike that they were really perfect for one another. I adored their relationship and how they interact, where you know that there is chemistry and a bit of longing and want when they do encounter each other. I didn't mind that it wasn't really focused on Charlie and Nora considering I worship Libby and Nora's sister relationship as if it was my own with my sisters.
I loved the deep dive into family relationships and how it connects to the character's internal struggles that they faced throughout the story. The development each of them had was so beautifully written and it helped shaped them as a person to see and appreciate themselves more.
I knew from the first few pages that this book will be my new favorite from her. I don't know how Emily Henry does it but I was so in love with Nora's character that she was portrayed as complex and misunderstood in a way where you know that there's a lot to decipher about her character which makes me love her more.
Charlie and Nora were so alike that they were really perfect for one another. I adored their relationship and how they interact, where you know that there is chemistry and a bit of longing and want when they do encounter each other. I didn't mind that it wasn't really focused on Charlie and Nora considering I worship Libby and Nora's sister relationship as if it was my own with my sisters.
I loved the deep dive into family relationships and how it connects to the character's internal struggles that they faced throughout the story. The development each of them had was so beautifully written and it helped shaped them as a person to see and appreciate themselves more.
Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
Is this an addiction? I don’t know and yet here am I in the third book in the series.
Even though it did delivered what it was supposed to deliver, I can’t help but notice the poor choices the other characters made toward Harlow and how they blame her for it?!
To be honest, I’m starting to think I don’t like Vektal that much anymore considering how he voices his opinions and how he acts towards others that I kind of find unacceptable for him to do so. Yes I know he is the chief but come on, the poor choices that he made in the first three books are red flags.
I don’t have any complaints towards Aehako’s character for the reason that I find him more gentle and laidback than the others. Overall this series is rather cute and kind of funny in a weird way.
Even though it did delivered what it was supposed to deliver, I can’t help but notice the poor choices the other characters made toward Harlow and how they blame her for it?!
To be honest, I’m starting to think I don’t like Vektal that much anymore considering how he voices his opinions and how he acts towards others that I kind of find unacceptable for him to do so. Yes I know he is the chief but come on, the poor choices that he made in the first three books are red flags.
I don’t have any complaints towards Aehako’s character for the reason that I find him more gentle and laidback than the others. Overall this series is rather cute and kind of funny in a weird way.
Barbarian Alien by Ruby Dixon
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
This was so cute and heartwarming!! Liz and Kira are my favorite characters out of all them and now in this book I get to know more of Liz’s character in where I really like her strong personality and how she’s not afraid about voicing her thoughts and opinions about stuff regarding everything that has happened to them.
I think I’m starting to be a fan of this series just because of the girls personalities in where I find them rather amusing and also intriguing. I still can’t help myself laughing at some parts because there are still ridiculous situations that I find are quite weird but I’m not totally surprised considering what I’m reading.
I think the relationship between the characters in this book are more developed in terms of how the conflict was handled and how they communicate with one another in order to understand more of the situation and to make it better.
I think I’m starting to be a fan of this series just because of the girls personalities in where I find them rather amusing and also intriguing. I still can’t help myself laughing at some parts because there are still ridiculous situations that I find are quite weird but I’m not totally surprised considering what I’m reading.
I think the relationship between the characters in this book are more developed in terms of how the conflict was handled and how they communicate with one another in order to understand more of the situation and to make it better.