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crystalcollectsbooks's reviews
342 reviews
Into the Woods by Jenny Holiday
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
4.25
There was so much to enjoy in this book - it was funny and just straight up entertaining.
While the chemistry between Gretchen and Teddy was good and their dynamic entertaining, there was also a good amount of depth to each of the characters. Both main characters come from challenging backgrounds and have their own stuff to work through. Along the way we are privy to each of their individual journeys. There was also a good amount of soul searching for each of them.
In a family, things can often be left unsaid. In this story, healing from childhood trauma is explored. Teddy is encouraged by Gretchen to discuss the trauma of his mother’s departure with his sister. From this, he learns that his sister has been suffering quietly in her way. he is also struggling to figure out what his next steps in life are after the breakup of the band that has consumed his life for almost twenty years. Gretchen has forged her own path in life, after watching her parents struggle with finances and purpose. With her fortieth birthday right around the corner, she is questioning whether what she has is enough.
The story includes romance, trauma, anxiety, and a small dose of existential dread. I have a few thought provoking moments, as well as some rather heartfelt moments highlighted on my kobo.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a romantic read that also has some good character depth.
Many thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
While the chemistry between Gretchen and Teddy was good and their dynamic entertaining, there was also a good amount of depth to each of the characters. Both main characters come from challenging backgrounds and have their own stuff to work through. Along the way we are privy to each of their individual journeys. There was also a good amount of soul searching for each of them.
In a family, things can often be left unsaid. In this story, healing from childhood trauma is explored. Teddy is encouraged by Gretchen to discuss the trauma of his mother’s departure with his sister. From this, he learns that his sister has been suffering quietly in her way. he is also struggling to figure out what his next steps in life are after the breakup of the band that has consumed his life for almost twenty years. Gretchen has forged her own path in life, after watching her parents struggle with finances and purpose. With her fortieth birthday right around the corner, she is questioning whether what she has is enough.
The story includes romance, trauma, anxiety, and a small dose of existential dread. I have a few thought provoking moments, as well as some rather heartfelt moments highlighted on my kobo.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a romantic read that also has some good character depth.
Many thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
This is an exquisitely told dual perspective enemies-to-lovers vampire tale.
I was lost in the pages from the moment I started until the very end - If I was a father reader, then this would have been a book finished in a single sitting. The world in which the story takes place is not particularly complex, as it takes place in a small village. Despite this, the other does a very good job setting the stage. I felt like I was part of the Fuentes family, living in their home, visiting the village, and hunting vampires alongside them.
Carolina is fierce and determined. She will stop at nothing to be noticed by her family as a vampire hunter and not someone to be married off to someone in the city. Lalo just wanted revenge for the death of his parents and is instead cursed to live as that which he despises most. With his sister (and research) in tow, he escapes the city - and his tormentor - to find a way to break the curse. This brings him to the very town inhabited by the Fuentes family, cue ominous music. Lina and Lalo are natural enemies drawn to one another with inexplicable chemistry. Did I mention that we have some highly unlikely fake dating here too? maybe even some star-crossed lovers? This book just has IT ALL! Including an intriguing mystery behind the vampire curse as well and how to stop it.
This book contains moment after moment - swoony and meaningful/inspirational. I have so many quotes highlighted in my ebook that I will tab in my physical copy. This book deserves a spot on my shelves. I definitely see myself reading this again and recommending it to everyone.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House Canada/ Joy Revolution and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
I was lost in the pages from the moment I started until the very end - If I was a father reader, then this would have been a book finished in a single sitting. The world in which the story takes place is not particularly complex, as it takes place in a small village. Despite this, the other does a very good job setting the stage. I felt like I was part of the Fuentes family, living in their home, visiting the village, and hunting vampires alongside them.
Carolina is fierce and determined. She will stop at nothing to be noticed by her family as a vampire hunter and not someone to be married off to someone in the city. Lalo just wanted revenge for the death of his parents and is instead cursed to live as that which he despises most. With his sister (and research) in tow, he escapes the city - and his tormentor - to find a way to break the curse. This brings him to the very town inhabited by the Fuentes family, cue ominous music. Lina and Lalo are natural enemies drawn to one another with inexplicable chemistry. Did I mention that we have some highly unlikely fake dating here too? maybe even some star-crossed lovers? This book just has IT ALL! Including an intriguing mystery behind the vampire curse as well and how to stop it.
This book contains moment after moment - swoony and meaningful/inspirational. I have so many quotes highlighted in my ebook that I will tab in my physical copy. This book deserves a spot on my shelves. I definitely see myself reading this again and recommending it to everyone.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House Canada/ Joy Revolution and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
To Poison a King by S.G. Prince
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
This book was absolutely amazing 🤩
A must read!
It was well written, flowed beautifully and kept me engaged from page 1 until the end. I have never been so captivated by a character driven book.
The reader gets the chance to know the characters so deeply. We watch Selene grow up as the story is told from her point of view in a sort of memoir style. It was a unique form a storytelling that had me even more invested. Elias's character grows gradually throughout the story very organically.
I wish I was a better wordsmith so that I could get everything I feel about this out there in such a way as to convince everyone that this is a book worth reading.
This book made me feel so much. I am not a crier and boy was I in pain sometimes.
For so much of the book it seems that nothing is happening because the setting barely changes. But so much happens with the wonderful characters (you'll hate Persaphe as much as you love the others).
This is my favorite book that I have read this month and definitely my favorite read of the year so far as well. Can I give more than 5 stars?
TW: suicide attempt
I received a copy of the book for free and leave my review freely. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
A must read!
It was well written, flowed beautifully and kept me engaged from page 1 until the end. I have never been so captivated by a character driven book.
The reader gets the chance to know the characters so deeply. We watch Selene grow up as the story is told from her point of view in a sort of memoir style. It was a unique form a storytelling that had me even more invested. Elias's character grows gradually throughout the story very organically.
I wish I was a better wordsmith so that I could get everything I feel about this out there in such a way as to convince everyone that this is a book worth reading.
This book made me feel so much. I am not a crier and boy was I in pain sometimes.
For so much of the book it seems that nothing is happening because the setting barely changes. But so much happens with the wonderful characters (you'll hate Persaphe as much as you love the others).
This is my favorite book that I have read this month and definitely my favorite read of the year so far as well. Can I give more than 5 stars?
TW: suicide attempt
I received a copy of the book for free and leave my review freely. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Conflictus by Kristen Dovnik
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book is a debut, as can be seen by the writing style and grammatical errors throughout. The storytelling is not as immersive as I would like it because it felt like I was being told what was happening rather than being allowed to experience it.
That being said, this did not stop me from reading because the ideas brought forth were quite compelling. I was quickly hooked by the storyline.
The plot unfolds nicely; the reader is not left confused. There is a good amount of suspense throughout and I have my suspicions about what will come of book 2, which I will be reading. The author is able to capture attention.
The things that I really enjoyed were the multiverse vibes (more of a duo-universe) - certain beings being able to go from our world into a veiled world accessible only to them. The love interest was good - the intense attraction of soulmates. I also liked the resurrection aspect of the two royals in the book.
The title is fitting, as there is much conflict - the battle between light and dark being one. I am quite curious as to how things will play out in book 2.
I was gifted a copy of the book and leave my honest opinions voluntarily.
That being said, this did not stop me from reading because the ideas brought forth were quite compelling. I was quickly hooked by the storyline.
The plot unfolds nicely; the reader is not left confused. There is a good amount of suspense throughout and I have my suspicions about what will come of book 2, which I will be reading. The author is able to capture attention.
The things that I really enjoyed were the multiverse vibes (more of a duo-universe) - certain beings being able to go from our world into a veiled world accessible only to them. The love interest was good - the intense attraction of soulmates. I also liked the resurrection aspect of the two royals in the book.
The title is fitting, as there is much conflict - the battle between light and dark being one. I am quite curious as to how things will play out in book 2.
I was gifted a copy of the book and leave my honest opinions voluntarily.