charlee92's reviews
368 reviews

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really liked her writing style. a second chance romance with some big/heavy themes discussed. i liked the characters but I'm not sure I loved them. I would definitely read more by her.

this reminded me of seven days in june. if you liked that I think you'd like this.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

this was written really well and an easy read despite the topics. I really enjoyed the story line. not too many years after covid it does feel a bit uncomfortable to read even though it isn't exactly the same world/reality. I'd definitely recommend this.

A Better World by Sarah Langan

dark medium-paced

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

2.5

this was fine. the beginning had good lead up and I thought I knew where it was going. but I felt it didn't lean in enough at times or add details where needed. the ending felt rushed. I'm not sure I loved any characters. I think I liked the daughter and maybe the mom at times.

The Killer Whale Who Changed the World by Mark Leiren-Young

informative sad medium-paced

4.5

such an interesting backstory to how the whales in captivity craze started. very thorough yet still a quick and easy read. it is full of sad moments. I still find it a worthwhile read. as someone who knows a lot about whales I had never heard of anything before namu. it covered all that and then some. it also talked about recent times (as of 2016 which sadly is still true today).

the audiobook is really great to listen to as well. his performance definitely adds to the story.

for fans of blackfish, orca lovers, and animal enthusiasts.

Eat You Alive by Eden O'Neill

dark tense medium-paced

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

2.0

here's the thing. I knew this book wasn't for me when I heard the content warning. I am not a bully romance person. but I gave it a chance anyways because I thought this might be rio from good girls vibes.

ares/wolf is terrible. in the way men are terrible in real life and why read about it. I like my book boyfriends to be better. the bullying crosses the line for me into worse. BUT I know for some people that is your cup of tea and no shade to you. in that sense this is entertaining. just definitely check the trigger warnings before reading.

red was annoying in the beginning but in the end she came into her strength and I appreciated that.

I will say once we got past the bully part and more into the enemies to friends to lovers I did enjoy it. the cliffhanger got me. I wasn't sure I was going to finish it, but now I am curious how it wraps up. 

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

dark reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

this is a really interesting concept. it is very disturbing and hard to get through. I found its portrayal of the special meat process very accurate and true to our current food system.

as a vegan I think I read this a bit differently than others. I do not feel this book is pushy or preachy or gross for gross's sake. I think it is a very interesting alternate reality that remains true to a lot of our current habits and behaviors at our worst and most ignorant. I do hope it is thought provoking to those who read it. and while it is hard to stomach so is the real life version with animals. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I think some things could have been lost in translation or rushed and so I did not feel attached to any of the main characters. I felt marcos was a total hypocrite.

The Whale Warriors: The Battle at the Bottom of the World to Save the Planet's Largest Mammals by Peter Heller

adventurous reflective medium-paced

5.0

10/10 I loved this book. it was written in the 2000s and you can definitely tell by some non-PC language. however it was very objectively written and covered so many facets of whaling. I had no idea this book was about sea shepherd. I just saw it at a used book store and thought cool I like whales. I was so pleasantly surprised.

outside of the poor language at times the only thing I felt this book needed was a bit more about whale capture for entertainment. its mentioned in a few sentences but I do think it should have a bit more time in the book.

for anyone who loves whales, wants to protect them, or wants to understand a plight of our oceans (because there are many more) highly recommend.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death and Animal cruelty

Bittersweet by Morgan Elizabeth

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

 this was fine, it was a bit repetitive. in the dedication she mentions her love for writing filth and that is what this was. definitely a book that is better in fantasy and if a man was like that in real life 🤢

but for people who love possessive semi alpha-holes you'd love this. the plot outside of the romance was heavy themes but not too intense. I wish it was more about making the bakery work and less about some of the family drama. 

Secrets and Masks by Emerald_Slytherin

dark tense medium-paced

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach

informative sad slow-paced

3.0

I had high hopes for this. and now that I'm done I'm not sure how to feel. I appreciate how the book wrapped up. I felt she was fair in all her research and showing both sides. maybe I'm too close to the issue but her jokes sometimes felt insensitive. in the beginning I was actually worried about the direction it would take. it's a lot more direct than I expected it to be fluffy and silly.

it could be an interesting book for understanding human and animal relationships if you're new to that space.