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booknerd_lifestyle's reviews
57 reviews
Virtual Unicorn Experience by Dana Simpson
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.0
VIRTUAL UNICORN EXPERIENCE is the story of Phoebe and her unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. The first thing I noticed about this book is that Marigold is very conceited. Perhaps that's a unicorn thing. I'm not sure it's something I'd want my daughter reading.
Beyond that, this story was good. A bit boring and all over the place but good. I was halfway through the book before there was any mention of a "virtual unicorn experience" so I'm a little confused at the rating.
I liked the illustration style and the fact that everyone around Phoebe seems to know Marigold exists. That was different.
***I received a complimentary eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions within are entirely my own.
Beyond that, this story was good. A bit boring and all over the place but good. I was halfway through the book before there was any mention of a "virtual unicorn experience" so I'm a little confused at the rating.
I liked the illustration style and the fact that everyone around Phoebe seems to know Marigold exists. That was different.
***I received a complimentary eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions within are entirely my own.
Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom by Terry Blas
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
What happens when a bunch of teenagers go to a weight loss camp for the summer? Of course, someone dies!
DEAD WEIGHT: MURDER AT CAMP BLOOM is an entertaining YA sleuth graphic novel. It has a collection of diverse characters and a fairly fast-moving plot. About halfway through their summer camp, one of the adult camp counselors is murdered. When two of the teenagers witness it happen, they - along with two of their camp-mates - start investigating.
I liked that, even though Jesse wasn't too happy to be at "fat camp" in the beginning, she wasn't this angry teen throughout the entire book. She opened up to a few of the other campers and I enjoyed her character.
The illustrations are very well-done, with expressive faces and a creepy atmosphere as they're investigating the murder. This might be a little bit spooky for young teenagers but most of it is entertaining and mystery-ish. The full camp map on the inside front and back covers was a nice addition, along with a behind-the-scenes after the story.
DEAD WEIGHT: MURDER AT CAMP BLOOM is an entertaining YA sleuth graphic novel. It has a collection of diverse characters and a fairly fast-moving plot. About halfway through their summer camp, one of the adult camp counselors is murdered. When two of the teenagers witness it happen, they - along with two of their camp-mates - start investigating.
I liked that, even though Jesse wasn't too happy to be at "fat camp" in the beginning, she wasn't this angry teen throughout the entire book. She opened up to a few of the other campers and I enjoyed her character.
The illustrations are very well-done, with expressive faces and a creepy atmosphere as they're investigating the murder. This might be a little bit spooky for young teenagers but most of it is entertaining and mystery-ish. The full camp map on the inside front and back covers was a nice addition, along with a behind-the-scenes after the story.
Always Her Love by Melissa Foster
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book had me hooked from the minute I started reading because I've wanted to see Levi and Tara's love story for so long!
I thought no Steele could be better than Jock but from their first introduction, I wanted to know more about Levi and Tara. I adored Levi's story because single dad romances are some of my favorites but this time, Tara had been a part of Joey (Levi's daughter)'s life from the beginning.
Not only does this book give a fantastic single dad romance, but it's also a friends-to-lovers (another of my favorites). Tara, Joey's birth mom's sister, comes to stay for spring break and sparks fly between her and Levi, like always. Only this time, they aren't ignored.
ALWAYS HER LOVE is one of the hottest Foster books I've read so far!
ππππ π ππππππ:
π€οΈ Joey and Tara's relationship - they're so comfortable with each other and Tara treats Joey the way her mother should be.
π€οΈ Levi and Tara's video sex chats. Holy hotness!
π€οΈ Jules and Bellamy! To be fair, I don't think there's a time I haven't adored Jules.
π€οΈ Levi the Dark Knight! I have fallen so in love with the Dark Knights and was thrilled to see Levi as one of them. And Joey as the little biker princess!!
I thought no Steele could be better than Jock but from their first introduction, I wanted to know more about Levi and Tara. I adored Levi's story because single dad romances are some of my favorites but this time, Tara had been a part of Joey (Levi's daughter)'s life from the beginning.
Not only does this book give a fantastic single dad romance, but it's also a friends-to-lovers (another of my favorites). Tara, Joey's birth mom's sister, comes to stay for spring break and sparks fly between her and Levi, like always. Only this time, they aren't ignored.
ALWAYS HER LOVE is one of the hottest Foster books I've read so far!
ππππ π ππππππ:
π€οΈ Joey and Tara's relationship - they're so comfortable with each other and Tara treats Joey the way her mother should be.
π€οΈ Levi and Tara's video sex chats. Holy hotness!
π€οΈ Jules and Bellamy! To be fair, I don't think there's a time I haven't adored Jules.
π€οΈ Levi the Dark Knight! I have fallen so in love with the Dark Knights and was thrilled to see Levi as one of them. And Joey as the little biker princess!!
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
DAISY DARKER had me on the edge of my seat through at least the last half. I couldn't believe how awful the people in Daisy's family were. There didn't seem to be a decent one among them. And of course, once people started dying, it was a race to find out who the killer was among them. And why were they all ignoring Daisy in the present and horrible to her in the past?β£
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The first half of this book gave me vibes of the movie ππ―πͺπ·π¦π΄ ππΆπ΅ but later more of a πππΆπ¦ vibe. Of course, I loved that Nana's character was an author. β£
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I'm so glad I listened to the audiobook, as well, because it sucked me in even more. The creepy vibe carried over into the narration so expertly and I will definitely be hunting down more of Stephanie Racine's works. β£
β£
This was my first Alice Feeney book and I guarantee it won't be my last!β£
β£
The first half of this book gave me vibes of the movie ππ―πͺπ·π¦π΄ ππΆπ΅ but later more of a πππΆπ¦ vibe. Of course, I loved that Nana's character was an author. β£
β£
I'm so glad I listened to the audiobook, as well, because it sucked me in even more. The creepy vibe carried over into the narration so expertly and I will definitely be hunting down more of Stephanie Racine's works. β£
β£
This was my first Alice Feeney book and I guarantee it won't be my last!β£
The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
As much as I enjoyed Vivi and Rhys's story, I loved Gwyn and Wells. Their story has put me in such a book hangover since I finished it, nothing coming close.
Gwyn is determined not to like Wells because he didn't go to Vivi and Rhys's wedding but the attraction between them makes this very difficult.
Another big plus to this story is the Baby Witches - Sam, Cait, and Parker - who are students at the college but want someone to practice magic with. Gwyn agrees to help them and I loved the way they work their way into her world. They're such a cute and heartwarming addition to the book.
Half of THE KISS CURSE centers around the shop-battle between Gwyn and Wells when he opens up a magic store right across the street from hers. The second half follows what happens when Gwyn starts having issues with her magic. Each storyline kept my attention and I loved how they blended together.
This is such a quick, fun read. It's definitely an enemies-to-lovers book that gives all the feels and is perfect if you're looking for a quick Halloween romance with a little bit of spook to it. I was sad to see it end and is probably one of the few books I'll re-read simply because of how much I loved Gwyn and Wells.
Gwyn is determined not to like Wells because he didn't go to Vivi and Rhys's wedding but the attraction between them makes this very difficult.
Another big plus to this story is the Baby Witches - Sam, Cait, and Parker - who are students at the college but want someone to practice magic with. Gwyn agrees to help them and I loved the way they work their way into her world. They're such a cute and heartwarming addition to the book.
Half of THE KISS CURSE centers around the shop-battle between Gwyn and Wells when he opens up a magic store right across the street from hers. The second half follows what happens when Gwyn starts having issues with her magic. Each storyline kept my attention and I loved how they blended together.
This is such a quick, fun read. It's definitely an enemies-to-lovers book that gives all the feels and is perfect if you're looking for a quick Halloween romance with a little bit of spook to it. I was sad to see it end and is probably one of the few books I'll re-read simply because of how much I loved Gwyn and Wells.
Big Nate: Nailed It! by Lincoln Peirce
slow-paced
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley for my eARC of BIG NATE: NAILED IT!
I read this book with my 8-year-old and, while the graphic illustrations were very well-done, the story just fell a little flat for us.
Nate spends most of his time getting into trouble, drawing comics, and playing pranks on others. Some of these were entertaining and we did enjoy the side characters. Unfortunately, Nate wasn't our favorite. This book struggled to hold my son's attention but we finished it to see how everything played out.
If you're a fan of Big Nate, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one! If not, you'll probably pass like we did.
I read this book with my 8-year-old and, while the graphic illustrations were very well-done, the story just fell a little flat for us.
Nate spends most of his time getting into trouble, drawing comics, and playing pranks on others. Some of these were entertaining and we did enjoy the side characters. Unfortunately, Nate wasn't our favorite. This book struggled to hold my son's attention but we finished it to see how everything played out.
If you're a fan of Big Nate, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one! If not, you'll probably pass like we did.
Dead Wrong by Leighann Dobbs
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was my first Leighann Dobbs cozy mystery and I really enjoyed the Blackmoore sisters.
Early in the book, one of the sisters - Morgan - is framed for murdering a mean old woman. As she didn't do it, the four sisters set about trying to clear Morgan's name and find out who really did kill Prudence.
I loved the sisterly bond between the four of them and the way Jake - a police officer - stepped in to help them try to clear Morgan's name. The mini-romance between him and Fiona was a nice addition, too, though I would have liked a little bit more from that. I'm hoping it develops more in the rest of the series.
There were few characters I didn't like but the Sherriff - Overton - was at the top of that list. It was clear from the beginning that he wanted to pin the murder on Morgan, with or without evidence.
As far as cozy mysteries go, I'm pretty new, but I really enjoyed this one and look forward to continuing the series.
Early in the book, one of the sisters - Morgan - is framed for murdering a mean old woman. As she didn't do it, the four sisters set about trying to clear Morgan's name and find out who really did kill Prudence.
I loved the sisterly bond between the four of them and the way Jake - a police officer - stepped in to help them try to clear Morgan's name. The mini-romance between him and Fiona was a nice addition, too, though I would have liked a little bit more from that. I'm hoping it develops more in the rest of the series.
There were few characters I didn't like but the Sherriff - Overton - was at the top of that list. It was clear from the beginning that he wanted to pin the murder on Morgan, with or without evidence.
As far as cozy mysteries go, I'm pretty new, but I really enjoyed this one and look forward to continuing the series.
Snowed In with the Billionaire by Leslie North
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
As I've come to expect from Leslie North books, SNOWED IN WITH THE BILLIONAIRE did not disappoint.
*** I received a complimentary eARC of this book via NetGalley and all opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Leslie North writes steamy and heartfelt romances that I can binge-read in a day (two if I start it late in the day like this one).
I loved Brea and George. Brea is on her way home to see her family for Christmas when she ends up in a ditch in a snowstorm. Not dressed for the weather, she hikes to a nearby house in the woods, happening to belong to billionaire George. At first, he's suspicious of her and isn't all too happy about someone invading his private space, but the two of them warm up to each other as the night progresses.
Watching Brea and George get to know each other was sweet but I think I would have liked more of the romance. But either way, I loved this book and am eager for more of Leslie's billionaire books!
*** I received a complimentary eARC of this book via NetGalley and all opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Leslie North writes steamy and heartfelt romances that I can binge-read in a day (two if I start it late in the day like this one).
I loved Brea and George. Brea is on her way home to see her family for Christmas when she ends up in a ditch in a snowstorm. Not dressed for the weather, she hikes to a nearby house in the woods, happening to belong to billionaire George. At first, he's suspicious of her and isn't all too happy about someone invading his private space, but the two of them warm up to each other as the night progresses.
Watching Brea and George get to know each other was sweet but I think I would have liked more of the romance. But either way, I loved this book and am eager for more of Leslie's billionaire books!
Sheikh's Pregnant Fake FiancΓ©e (The Sheikh's Wedding Series Book 3) by Leslie North
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I was so excited to get an ARC of SHEIKH'S PREGNANT FAKE FIANCEE on NetGalley because I love Leslie North's sheikh romances. American woman who meet the princes of their dreams and fall madly in love.
Zev and Meredith started out a little different - a fun, no strings attached relationship before Meredith even knew he was a future sheikh. With a love prophecy hanging over his head, Zev asks Meredith to pose as his fiancee so the press will focus more on what he wants to do for the country as sheikh and less on his love life.
Things get a little complicated when Meredith finds out she's pregnant. I loved everything between Zev and Mere because I got to see from both sides that they were falling in love. Each one assumed the other wanted out of the bargain, like they agreed, and it broke my heart to watch that. But oh, this book is so sweet! I loved it and it wasn't until about halfway through that I remembered reading Willow and Hadi's story (another gem!).
This book is perfect for royalty romance fans and those who enjoy a good fake engagement!
Zev and Meredith started out a little different - a fun, no strings attached relationship before Meredith even knew he was a future sheikh. With a love prophecy hanging over his head, Zev asks Meredith to pose as his fiancee so the press will focus more on what he wants to do for the country as sheikh and less on his love life.
Things get a little complicated when Meredith finds out she's pregnant. I loved everything between Zev and Mere because I got to see from both sides that they were falling in love. Each one assumed the other wanted out of the bargain, like they agreed, and it broke my heart to watch that. But oh, this book is so sweet! I loved it and it wasn't until about halfway through that I remembered reading Willow and Hadi's story (another gem!).
This book is perfect for royalty romance fans and those who enjoy a good fake engagement!
Sheikh's One-Night Stand by Leslie North
medium-paced
4.0
***I received a free ARC of SHEIKH'S ONE-NIGHT STAND via NetGalley. All opinions expressed within are entirely my own and are not reflected by the gifting of this ARC.
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I read this series out of order so I already knew Tatiana and Ilyas from the next book. However, I was amazed at how long it took the two of them to get together.
SHEIKH'S ONE-NIGHT STAND starts with a New Year's night of passion, only to result in a baby surprise. When Tatiana is hired by Ilyas's family to help him find a bride, the two of them have to figure out how they'll navigate being parents together.
As with many of Leslie North's books, this was a quick read. I enjoyed her writing style and the way her characters were crafted. I'm just not sure the playboy prince was my favorite of the three. I think he has some things to learn from his two cousins.
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I read this series out of order so I already knew Tatiana and Ilyas from the next book. However, I was amazed at how long it took the two of them to get together.
SHEIKH'S ONE-NIGHT STAND starts with a New Year's night of passion, only to result in a baby surprise. When Tatiana is hired by Ilyas's family to help him find a bride, the two of them have to figure out how they'll navigate being parents together.
As with many of Leslie North's books, this was a quick read. I enjoyed her writing style and the way her characters were crafted. I'm just not sure the playboy prince was my favorite of the three. I think he has some things to learn from his two cousins.