cclift1114's reviews
1115 reviews

My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

A cute, funny, lighthearted take on a vampire romance. I liked the idea of the vampire having to adjust to modern culture. There were some bits of the writing that were a bit awkward or stilted, but overall it was an enjoyable read. 
The Christmas Contract by Evie Mitchell

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Very similar to the other books in the series, I liked it well enough but there wasn’t as much that made this one special. Again, I think it might have been better as a full length novel. 
Funny Story by Emily Henry

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challenging emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Another solid romance from Emily Henry. Is it similar to her other novels and other ones in the genre? Yes. Is it still enjoyable with some great characters? Also yes. I will say that the title seemed quite appropriate given how many times I did laugh out loud with this one from the witty banter between characters or even Daphne’s internal monologue. 
Papacito by Craig Klein Dexemple

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

El Pombero: Una leyenda paraguaya by Craig Klein Dexemple

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funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

Transmogrify!: 14 Fantastical Tales of Trans Magic by g. haron davis

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad tense fast-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

Absolutely loved this collection of short stories about trans characters and their magic. These were so well-written, I don’t know that I’ve read a short story collection with so many examples of great writing. These authors pretty much across the board were able to find that balance between giving enough for a short story and almost wishing for more because you love the characters and the story, but still being satisfied where things are left. My favorite story was “Dragons Name Themselves” because it was freaking adorable. 
The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Another win from Sonora Reyes, covering some heavy topics for young readers with dignity and compassion. This books covers sexual assault, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA issues, race, consent, etc. At first I was a little thrown because everything seemed to work out a little too nicely in the end, but then I stepped back and thought, “Well, why not?” Survivors of SA, queer kids, and neurodivergent kids deserve stories where everything is wrapped up in a nice bow at the end. We don’t always need the gritty, real life endings. After all, if we can’t even imagine a true happy ending in fiction, how the hell can we expect to work to make it happen in real life?