clairefrances_8's reviews
151 reviews

A Pact of Blood by Eva Chase

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful 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

4.0

Enjoyed the first book in this series more -

felt like there was a hidden pregnancy trope/breeding kink in here a bit. Not really my cup of tea

The plot moved along but it

once again was the same set up of four challenges where the heroine has to prove herself.

I enjoyed it and the little twist at the end was interesting. Likely to read the next book but not in a rush for it to get here.

Desire or Defense by Leah Brunner

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.25

Heartwarming no spice hockey romance. Relationship develops over the whole book instead of being an immediate meet cute love you romance. 

Bridesmaid for Hire by Meghan Quinn

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.25

Fun format of texts between best friends as a narrative device! 

Had some literal LOLs and it was a fun read. The banter was great but sometimes a little too blunt with the language. A little more innuendo would have been nice at times rather than outright statements.  

Likely to read another. Ok in the series or by the author

The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable by Amitav Ghosh

informative medium-paced

4.0

Well presented sections that are researched. The book as a whole feels divided into different essays. The authors perspective and positionally is stated well then used to hone in on key aspects of climate change and impact. Undercurrent of how climate change DOESNT show up in texts both historical and contemporary. Overall feels like a gap in literature was found, researched, and then proclaimed as “the gap”

Bizarre detour into merging of religion with climate change movements and public policy at the end. Was published in 2016 - but the merging of religion with policy proposal has not aged well for this US based reader given current issues within government rn.

Nightbane by Alex Aster

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-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? Yes

4.5

The pacing between present tense and memories felt drawn out in the middle. This book feels like it’s setting up for BIG things in the series while the FMC recovers/comes into her power. Some of the dynamics between FMC and MMC for book two felt sus or like keeping distance for the sake of keeping distance. If it weren’t for the last 25% of the book I’d put this down to 4 stars

Highland Games by Evie Alexander

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Simply and sweet - easy reading with some fun banter

Power Play by B.P. Gilmore

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

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

5.0

😭

Rule of Three by Misti Wilds

adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.0

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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

3.75

Reminiscent of Gillian Flynn’s work with a bit of Gone Girl. Classic woman trying to fit the pieces together. Alix Summers reminds me a little of Tina Feys character in Only Murders in the building but like her origin story?? Enjoyed and recommend to anyone who likes a little twist.