bookishlysimsy's reviews
235 reviews

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? No

Disclaimer: I was provided a physical galley by the publisher in return for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion.

Seoulmates is a fun, estranged childhood friends-to-lovers romance that tugs on all the right heartstrings and presses the reader to read into the author's message.

Rating: Starred

Check out my full review on my blog, Belle's Archive, now!

Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore

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emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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? It's complicated

Self-Made Boys was an eye-opening twist on The Great Gatsby classic. With heart-tugging scenes and queer characters existing as themselves, this book felt like receiving a warm hug.

Rating: Starred (recommended)

Check out my full review available on my blog Belle's Archive now!

Irish Charmer by L.K. Shaw

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Disclaimer: I was provided a digital galley by the author and Valentine PR for the purpose of providing an honest review. This does not affect my opinion.

Irish Charmer was an entertaining addition to the Brooklyn Kings series with characters both familiar and anticipated. However, while the book itself was enjoyable, it did not entirely live up to expectations.

Rating: Not Starred (not recommended)

Check out my full review on my blog Belle's Archive now!

Content Warnings

Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing 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

Disclaimer: I was provided a physical galley by the author and publisher for the purpose of providing an honest review. This does not affect my opinion.

Well, That Was Unexpected was a whirlwind, adventure rom-com between two messy teens just doing the best they can. Filled with self-discovery, growth, and learning, this book is perfect for teens and anyone who might feel a bit misplaced in life's direction.

Rating: Starred (recommended)

Check out my full review on my blog Belle's Archive now!

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad 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? It's complicated

It is difficult to put into words the sheer brilliance that Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas is. This book is a masterpiece, a craft of its own level. Completely addicting and un-put-down-able, this book lives up to its hype and is more than worth a read.

Rating: Single Star (recommended)

Check out my full review on my blog, Belle's Archive, now!

Boys I Know by Anna Gracia

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challenging emotional reflective tense 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

Disclaimer: I was provided both a physical and digital ARC by the publisher in return for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion.

Rating: Single Star (Recommended)

Boys I Know was everything it had said it would be and more. Depicting messy teenagers, hard situations and bad decisions with a mix of finding oneself amidst the problems spread around, this novel was a very enjoyable read.

Check out my full review on my blog Belle's Archive now!

Content Warnings

Drinks With Umbrellas by Tuesday Harper

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adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-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? No

Drinks with Umbrellas is an enjoyable, cute novella that feels like a breath of fresh air while reading.

Rating: Single Star (recommended)

Check out my full review, available on my blog Belle's Archive now!

Trigger/Content Warning(s): Panic Attack, Anxiety, Sex On-Page

Content Warnings