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bubblewombat's reviews
2393 reviews
From Air by Jewel E. Ann
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
“You kissed me, Fitz. Twice. Why did you kiss me?”
“Because not kissing you became too exhausting.”
I've been finding a lot of new favourite authors this year, and Jewel E. Ann is now among them. HOW IS THIS BOOK SO GOOD?? I knew instantly that I'd love it, and I just kept falling in love with it more and more with every page.
I couldn't stop smiling and giggling at Jamie and Fitz's banter, they were SO ADORABLE. I loved them together and their will-they-won't-they situation drove me crazy (in a good way).
Both of them were well-developed as characters, they felt like real people. The supporting characters were all amazing too, I'd love to have a Will, Maren and Melissa in my life.
I liked learning about different types of firefighters, and what it all is they do. Like jumping out of planes. So cool. I actually didn't even think about that, so I learned something new at my big age of 26, hah.
There was a mystery element to the story, but it doesn't come into play till later in the book. If you thought you were going to be on an emotional roller-coaster solely because of the romance, you'd be wrong. That mystery had so many twists and turns, I'm surprised this author doesn't write thrillers.
And the pain that came with it...oof. LISTEN, I WAS NOT READY, OKAY? From Air had me sitting there crying, even knowing it HAD TO have a happy ending, but I couldn't help it, I was reduced to a puddle of tears.
It's clear to me now that this author likes to draw every single emotion out of her readers, and I feel like I have to thank her for it. Yes, even the tears. There are literally some still forming in my eyes as I'm writing this, I was THAT affected by this story.
I was panicking during the last 4-6 percent of the book, because I had no idea how things would be wrapped up, if the story would have to continue in book two etc, but luckily everything ended well, and I'm left with lasting emotional damage, yay!
On a happier note, this book is dual PoV, and it's done brilliantly. I enjoyed being in both Jamie and Fitz's heads, getting to know them and seeing them fall in love with each other one step at a time. But if we're being honest, it was more like a big leap than a step, those two recognised one another as "their person" immediately and you can't convince me otherwise.
I can't wait for the next book in this series, I know it's going to be just as lovely as this one. I also need to go and read more of Jewel E. Ann's books ASAP.
*Thank you to the author, publishers and Valentine PR for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
“Because not kissing you became too exhausting.”
I've been finding a lot of new favourite authors this year, and Jewel E. Ann is now among them. HOW IS THIS BOOK SO GOOD?? I knew instantly that I'd love it, and I just kept falling in love with it more and more with every page.
I couldn't stop smiling and giggling at Jamie and Fitz's banter, they were SO ADORABLE. I loved them together and their will-they-won't-they situation drove me crazy (in a good way).
Both of them were well-developed as characters, they felt like real people. The supporting characters were all amazing too, I'd love to have a Will, Maren and Melissa in my life.
I liked learning about different types of firefighters, and what it all is they do. Like jumping out of planes. So cool. I actually didn't even think about that, so I learned something new at my big age of 26, hah.
There was a mystery element to the story, but it doesn't come into play till later in the book. If you thought you were going to be on an emotional roller-coaster solely because of the romance, you'd be wrong. That mystery had so many twists and turns, I'm surprised this author doesn't write thrillers.
And the pain that came with it...oof. LISTEN, I WAS NOT READY, OKAY? From Air had me sitting there crying, even knowing it HAD TO have a happy ending, but I couldn't help it, I was reduced to a puddle of tears.
It's clear to me now that this author likes to draw every single emotion out of her readers, and I feel like I have to thank her for it. Yes, even the tears. There are literally some still forming in my eyes as I'm writing this, I was THAT affected by this story.
I was panicking during the last 4-6 percent of the book, because I had no idea how things would be wrapped up, if the story would have to continue in book two etc, but luckily everything ended well, and I'm left with lasting emotional damage, yay!
On a happier note, this book is dual PoV, and it's done brilliantly. I enjoyed being in both Jamie and Fitz's heads, getting to know them and seeing them fall in love with each other one step at a time. But if we're being honest, it was more like a big leap than a step, those two recognised one another as "their person" immediately and you can't convince me otherwise.
I can't wait for the next book in this series, I know it's going to be just as lovely as this one. I also need to go and read more of Jewel E. Ann's books ASAP.
*Thank you to the author, publishers and Valentine PR for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
5.0
This is my favourite book in the series so far, and I swear it's not just because it came out on my birthday.
The storyline was really interesting, I thought it would go in a completely different direction and was left surprised. The romance was so sweet, the characters had instant chemistry. I fell in love with Chan in book one, but after listening to this, and the author's note at the end, I love him even more.
Both this and the first book are such easy and fun reads, I highly recommend them if you want to relax. And here's to hoping for more spy romcoms!!
The storyline was really interesting, I thought it would go in a completely different direction and was left surprised. The romance was so sweet, the characters had instant chemistry. I fell in love with Chan in book one, but after listening to this, and the author's note at the end, I love him even more.
Both this and the first book are such easy and fun reads, I highly recommend them if you want to relax. And here's to hoping for more spy romcoms!!
The Annihilator by RuNyx
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“If we do this,” he said quietly against her mouth, “I will be your last everything. You choose this, you choose everything I am, every twisted, deranged, obsessed part of me. You choose this, and I will never fucking let you go. Do you understand?”
I was wrong, the fourth book wasn't the shortest, this one is. I'm not necessarily mad at that, because it was my least favourite (only one to not get 5 stars so far), but I do feel like we could've used a 100 more pages to include some key scenes. I know they're supposed to be in The Syndicater, but we should've at least gotten a little reunion scene.
Now, I'm mad at Dainn. Because I feel like he could've rescued her a loooong time ago, but didn't, just kept watching her suffer and for what?? Like even if he couldn't when they first met, we saw so many scenes throughout the book where he could've, since he's soooo powerful and everyone fears him.
That's what really gets me, like, I don't even care that he didn't give her all the information, even though that was such a shitty thing to do, but I'm mad that he could've stopped her suffering at any time and chose to do nothing until the very last moment.
If this was any other series, my rating would probably be even lower, but I didn't hate this book, there were parts that I liked (including some romantic scenes), so I'm settling on a three. I am a bit disappointed though, that The Shadow Man turned out to be like this, redemption arc in book 6? Maybe?
Anyway, we got SOME answers at least, I'm hoping the final book wraps things up properly, despite what I heard about it. Naive of me? Probably.
I was wrong, the fourth book wasn't the shortest, this one is. I'm not necessarily mad at that, because it was my least favourite (only one to not get 5 stars so far), but I do feel like we could've used a 100 more pages to include some key scenes. I know they're supposed to be in The Syndicater, but we should've at least gotten a little reunion scene.
Now, I'm mad at Dainn. Because I feel like he could've rescued her a loooong time ago, but didn't, just kept watching her suffer and for what?? Like even if he couldn't when they first met, we saw so many scenes throughout the book where he could've, since he's soooo powerful and everyone fears him.
That's what really gets me, like, I don't even care that he didn't give her all the information, even though that was such a shitty thing to do, but I'm mad that he could've stopped her suffering at any time and chose to do nothing until the very last moment.
If this was any other series, my rating would probably be even lower, but I didn't hate this book, there were parts that I liked (including some romantic scenes), so I'm settling on a three. I am a bit disappointed though, that The Shadow Man turned out to be like this, redemption arc in book 6? Maybe?
Anyway, we got SOME answers at least, I'm hoping the final book wraps things up properly, despite what I heard about it. Naive of me? Probably.
Konklava by Tatjana Bižić, Robert Harris
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
3.5
I'm planning on watching the movie, so I decided to check the book out beforehand.
I didn't have a hard time reading it, despite the slower pace, but I wouldn't say I loved it. It was an okay read, the ending chapters were the best, I couldn't have predicted those final scenes even if I tried. I also don't regret reading it, but I don't think I would've missed out had I simply decided to only watch the movie. Maybe my mum will like it better.
3.5
I didn't have a hard time reading it, despite the slower pace, but I wouldn't say I loved it. It was an okay read, the ending chapters were the best, I couldn't have predicted those final scenes even if I tried. I also don't regret reading it, but I don't think I would've missed out had I simply decided to only watch the movie. Maybe my mum will like it better.
3.5
Sonny Boy by Al Pacino
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
5.0
AL PACINO MEMOIR I REPEAT AL PACINO MEMOIR!!!!
This was such a great book to listen to, not only because Pacino narrates it himself, but because of the way he does it, the things he emphasises, it feels like you're in the room with him as he's telling you his life story.
He covers everything from his childhood to his acting adventures, his friendships and family, some health issues that come with age and his struggles with alcoholism, all with a dose of humour.
After finishing this, I now think the perfect age to write a memoir is when you're in your 80s. The way Pacino reflects on his life would be different if he was younger, but now it's "just right". I can't really explain, you'll get it when you read it though.
I also want to go rewatch all of his movies that I have seen, and watch the ones I haven't for the first time.
I truly feel like I got to know Al Pacino while listening to this, and I'd love to read it again and again, so I'll be getting a physical copy ASAP. If this is your first time reading it, definitely get the audiobook, and thank me later.
This was such a great book to listen to, not only because Pacino narrates it himself, but because of the way he does it, the things he emphasises, it feels like you're in the room with him as he's telling you his life story.
He covers everything from his childhood to his acting adventures, his friendships and family, some health issues that come with age and his struggles with alcoholism, all with a dose of humour.
After finishing this, I now think the perfect age to write a memoir is when you're in your 80s. The way Pacino reflects on his life would be different if he was younger, but now it's "just right". I can't really explain, you'll get it when you read it though.
I also want to go rewatch all of his movies that I have seen, and watch the ones I haven't for the first time.
I truly feel like I got to know Al Pacino while listening to this, and I'd love to read it again and again, so I'll be getting a physical copy ASAP. If this is your first time reading it, definitely get the audiobook, and thank me later.
The Spirit of Christmas by Greg Olsen
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
That's the Spirit of Christmas when all's said and done, God's gift of love, that came as His Son!
Oh! This was simply delightful! Give me 10 more!!! I seriously need this to go on forever, the poem is beautiful, as are the illustrations.
I read the ebook, which didn't hinder my enjoyment one bit, but if you have the chance to get a physical copy, do it, you won't regret it.
I'd also love to see this as a little animated movie, so it could reach an even wider audience. But until then, go get the book!!
Oh! This was simply delightful! Give me 10 more!!! I seriously need this to go on forever, the poem is beautiful, as are the illustrations.
I read the ebook, which didn't hinder my enjoyment one bit, but if you have the chance to get a physical copy, do it, you won't regret it.
I'd also love to see this as a little animated movie, so it could reach an even wider audience. But until then, go get the book!!
The Finisher by RuNyx
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
“I might not remember you,” he whispered, his lips almost at hers. “But you’re my wife now. Mine. And I’d bathe this whole city in blood before I let you change that.”
OMG AAAAAAAH!!! We have a very strong contender for my favourite book in the series, depending on how the last two go. Based on what I heard about The Syndicater, I'm assuming that one won't be it, but we'll see about The Annihilator.
I honestly didn't belive any of the couples could beat Tristan and Morana, but Alpha and Zephyr touched my soul in a different way. And you know, Morana might wear glasses like me, Amara might be tall like me, but Zephyr is the character I relate to the most (so far). I too feel things deeply and cry a lot, and I truly felt her and Alpha's pain as if it were my own.
Normally I'm not one for the amnesia trope, but it wasn't annoying here, it was a small part of the story in the grand scheme of things.And it doesn't really matter if Alpha never gets the memories back. It would probably be sweeter if he did, but they're together forever, regardless of that.
I'm already used to this series having some bigger twists at the end, but I also didn't guess what they would be. For one of them, the seed was planted early on, but I thought nothing of it, and for the other I don't think I would've suspected it, even if I had been purposely looking through the text for clues.
I can't wait to see how this wraps up in the next book, because from the author's note, the sixth book wasn't planned and the fifth was supposed to be the final one. I also want to see more of these two, because their book seems to be the shortest and they didn't get a proper epilogue like the other couples.
OMG AAAAAAAH!!! We have a very strong contender for my favourite book in the series, depending on how the last two go. Based on what I heard about The Syndicater, I'm assuming that one won't be it, but we'll see about The Annihilator.
I honestly didn't belive any of the couples could beat Tristan and Morana, but Alpha and Zephyr touched my soul in a different way. And you know, Morana might wear glasses like me, Amara might be tall like me, but Zephyr is the character I relate to the most (so far). I too feel things deeply and cry a lot, and I truly felt her and Alpha's pain as if it were my own.
Normally I'm not one for the amnesia trope, but it wasn't annoying here, it was a small part of the story in the grand scheme of things.
I'm already used to this series having some bigger twists at the end, but I also didn't guess what they would be. For one of them, the seed was planted early on, but I thought nothing of it, and for the other I don't think I would've suspected it, even if I had been purposely looking through the text for clues.
I can't wait to see how this wraps up in the next book, because from the author's note, the sixth book wasn't planned and the fifth was supposed to be the final one. I also want to see more of these two, because their book seems to be the shortest and they didn't get a proper epilogue like the other couples.
Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
If you read one Duggar book - read this one, it's by far the best of the bunch, and I'm so proud of Jill for writing it.
She talks about things that were covered in Shiny Happy People, as well as some behind the scenes things we didn't know about, how she stopped believing in IBLP and decided to wear pants, and a lot of other firsts.
We get to see how controlling Jim Bob really was from her perspective (we saw it a bit from Jinger's, but I didn't quite get the same vibes from her book as I did in this one), but like a bunch of other readers, I don't feel like Michelle is blameless. It's clear Jill loves her mother, and I don't believe she's totally evil or anything, just that it couldn't have been only Jim Bob pulling the strings.
However, I also get that it's hard for her to speak badly about her family, so the fact that we got something like this at all is already enough.
What I like about both Jinger and Jill is that they haven't lost their faith, it's just different now, and (presumably), healthier. Both of them have come so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they grow from here.
Also, check the audiobook out, because Jill narrates it and you can easily finish it in a day, it's that interesting.
She talks about things that were covered in Shiny Happy People, as well as some behind the scenes things we didn't know about, how she stopped believing in IBLP and decided to wear pants, and a lot of other firsts.
We get to see how controlling Jim Bob really was from her perspective (we saw it a bit from Jinger's, but I didn't quite get the same vibes from her book as I did in this one), but like a bunch of other readers, I don't feel like Michelle is blameless. It's clear Jill loves her mother, and I don't believe she's totally evil or anything, just that it couldn't have been only Jim Bob pulling the strings.
However, I also get that it's hard for her to speak badly about her family, so the fact that we got something like this at all is already enough.
What I like about both Jinger and Jill is that they haven't lost their faith, it's just different now, and (presumably), healthier. Both of them have come so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they grow from here.
Also, check the audiobook out, because Jill narrates it and you can easily finish it in a day, it's that interesting.
BOSSED UP BY THE SNOWMAN by Kandis Tolliver
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Took a bit of break from this series for a few months, now I'm ready to finish it.
This book, along with A Snow Man's Haven, is my absolute fave in the series so far. Heart Break with the Snowman is close behind, and the other books were okay reads, but didn't leave as much of an impact on me as these three. We'll see how the last four books go.
I really loved the strong Christmas spirit in this one, and how Madden wasn't scared to jump into a relationship with a single mother, he was instantly all-in and ready to give both Aurora and her son the best Christmas ever.
It was a feel good read all around, you'd think maybe there'd be some jealousy because he's a retired athlete and she has a kid by another man, but everyone was actually mature and handled things like adults.
The love story was really cute too, the way he was wooing her and calling her his wife because he knew she would be one day hit me right in the feels. And that Christmas present scene at the end made me tear up, I'm definitely going to be checking out more books by this author in the future.
This book, along with A Snow Man's Haven, is my absolute fave in the series so far. Heart Break with the Snowman is close behind, and the other books were okay reads, but didn't leave as much of an impact on me as these three. We'll see how the last four books go.
I really loved the strong Christmas spirit in this one, and how Madden wasn't scared to jump into a relationship with a single mother, he was instantly all-in and ready to give both Aurora and her son the best Christmas ever.
It was a feel good read all around, you'd think maybe there'd be some jealousy because he's a retired athlete and she has a kid by another man, but everyone was actually mature and handled things like adults.
The love story was really cute too, the way he was wooing her and calling her his wife because he knew she would be one day hit me right in the feels. And that Christmas present scene at the end made me tear up, I'm definitely going to be checking out more books by this author in the future.
Into the Sunset by Mary Connealy
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
While I'm sad there's no more books in this series, I gotta say that the ending wrapped everything up nicely, and the book was just as exciting as the past two.
We even got a little crossover from a different series and I was like "wait, is what I think is happening actually happening??", it was indeed, friends.
This is definitely my favourite series by Mary Connealy, I said it when I was reading book one and now it's cemented. I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS SO MUCH!!! I will never get tired of thinking about them, or their story. And I can't wait to see what other books Connealy has cooking for us, I know they'll be amazing.
We even got a little crossover from a different series and I was like "wait, is what I think is happening actually happening??", it was indeed, friends.
This is definitely my favourite series by Mary Connealy, I said it when I was reading book one and now it's cemented. I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS SO MUCH!!! I will never get tired of thinking about them, or their story. And I can't wait to see what other books Connealy has cooking for us, I know they'll be amazing.