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currant7's reviews
472 reviews
Dirty Books by Carissa Knight
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Coming into this book, I was worried I would be lost in the characters and storyline since this is Book 2 of the author's One Night Stand series. It's safe to say that even if it's a series, this book stands well alone with new and exciting characters that are complex and cute at the same time.
What do an author (Carlie) and a gym trainer (Adam) have in common? A scarred past and an exclusive/secretive invite to Club Nocté's Upper Tier event. This one-night rendezvous was supposed to be one time, but somehow Fate has these two MCs bound tightly after their first meet, with Carlie having Adam as her assigned trainer! What happens next isn't a full-blown recognition of who the other person is, but a connection that is shown through their unexplainable instinct and association by working through how to boost Carlie's confidence, get her out of her writing slump, and gain back her confidence to start looking forward and not be stuck with her cheating ex-boyfriend. On the other end of the story, Adam has to thread through his ex-girlfriend, who dumped him out of nowhere and yet has work in the same place as she is while trying to start his own business at the same time.
My first thought was that the book is lengthy for a contemporary romance. Not to say that the length could have been better, but I thought it would be a simple romance, one-night stand, some misunderstandings, and then HEA. It is almost double what I was used to, but my reader's advice is to keep going! Surprisingly, there was more to the story - character development and plot that intrigued me. Not only was there a viral scandal in the mix of a writer and gym trainer, but also a lot of internal conflict within Carlie (FMC) and Adam (MMC) that needed to be addressed and later evolve with the help of each of their friends. I find books that take care of building characters and a loving, supportive environment a real gem!
The slow-burn pace did not help ease the full-on angst for any reader since both MCs had suspicions about the other but could only confirm something far beyond the chapters! I initially dismissed the story as "easy to solve attraction," without realizing how impossible it was to rush the "healing" both characters were going through individually. Note that both were so badly scarred from their past relationships that it would have been a disservice to have them both jump into each other impulsively and assume it all. I appreciate the author's decision to give long enough time for both characters to connect and discover each other while helping Carlie feel empowered again.
I liked how the author chose an author (pun intended) to be her FMC, which is perfect since she can write from experience regarding the book industry and how anonymity is essential, yet sometimes, a problem with later finding out one's self. Carlie has to step out of her "author hat" to heal and find the happiness she deserves. It took her some time and time with the people around her to learn how to stand up for herself, but she eventually did so because social media pushed her to do that. (No spoilers from me!)
I enjoyed Carlie's grandma, who injected so much humor into the scenes, and Carlie's internal comedy skits playing off embarrassing moments in the book. The Dirty B's were a great supporting cast that brought so much color and charisma to the story. Their help and shared outlook brought Carlie back to the empowered woman she writes about in her book! (Note: semi-spoiler alert...the Dirty B's will have their books/stories to share in this series!)
Overall, Dirty Books is an interesting and angsty (positive) read. The book will take readers on unexpected hurt, healing, and later empowerment journeys, with its deep dive into meaningful relationships and internal struggles for two very impressionable characters. Expect a lot of seduction, attraction, angst, and the need to start working out or going to a gym, or if not, to meet or have someone like Adam.
Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Top 5 Reasons to Read Song of the Six Realms
#1: Epic Worldbuilding
The introduction to the realms helped a lot at the start of the book. Still, the author's descriptive words and descriptors gave stimulating visuals for readers, from the atmosphere of melodic music notes filling the air from a qin to exploring Meng Compound, wherein readers are taken straight to the beauty of oriental architecture and garden delights, etc. It was a feast of the tastes and sounds of the Orient. While I appreciate the author's diving into the court politics and landscape before GuXue (Xue) was born and wanting to educate and inform Xue (and the readers), I had a problem with the "too-many" descriptions provided. It can sometimes slow the story's pace and character development.
#2: Intricate and Intriguing Storyline
Kudos for stumping me, the reader, with how the story unfolded. I was so engrossed in everything in the book that I missed a few connections linking one MC to another. I appreciate the book stating the hierarchy of Realms at the beginning of the chapter, which gives a better grasp of the Realms. Also, non-spoiler trigger warnings provided a good summary of what might come.
A side note: Although I enjoyed the story, the pacing may seem discouraging. The author did not kid on her statement that the book is a slow-burn angst read. It definitely is! The complex scenes, relationship-building, and numerous backstories made me stop a few times to reflect and understand their correlation to the story.
#3: Imperfectly Perfect Characters
All the characters were interesting since readers get only one POV—Xue, the main character. Little did Xue know that many things were happening behind the scenes and even in front of her that affected the story. I realized how all the characters were slowly interconnected throughout the book, creating a complex yet cohesive ending.
Be warned, though—many characters appear in the book. It can get overwhelming, so if you need to make an organizational chart or notes on the side to track the character roles, their importance in the story, etc., do it early so you won't flip back and forth to find the names after reading ten chapters, like me.
#4: Unique Connections and Relationships
I appreciated the author's relationship-building—Xue's familial connections and the slow-burn connection with JingLang. Many past flashbacks greatly impacted her devotion to her Uncle, and she took heed of every piece of advice he imparted. He prepared her for everything, and his "contingency plans" were perfectly orchestrated when the time arose!
I like the demisexual connections made since this is a rare topic in romance. I have a love-and-hate relationship with the angst, slow-burn books. Sometimes, it works, while other times, it falls flat. This book initially gave me doubts, but the latter chapters made me believe in Jinglang and Xue's connection. I love the author's beautiful message of love and family.
#5: Last but not least...Inclusion of Chinese Myths
I thoroughly enjoyed the myths/legends' backstory imparted before each chapter, which foreshadows the upcoming scenes and even within the chapters. I was familiar with a lot, but a good chunk was a surprise.
The Song of the Six Realms was a long yet enjoyable read. It has its share of slow moments and complicated connections/twists, which were later tied nicely to create a cohesive and satisfying ending. I enjoyed reading a fantasy that is not heavily dependent on romance to move the storyline. Instead, the urgency of the events and the "saving the world" themes made me push to finish this as fast as I could.
Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie by Jackie Lau
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
What to expect:
Slow-burn romance
Fake relationships
In-denial
Dating later in life
Meddling 👩
Mother-daughter relationship development
Nosey roommates
Author problems
Middle-child syndrome
Dealing with Siblings
Surprising family revelations in the end
Judgemental 🐈
Pacing:
The pacing is moderate to slow due to the slow-burn element and relationship denial. Nonetheless, the book was easy to relate and understand. The storyline was engaging storyline, even if the spice (🌶) started only in the middle of the book because of FMC's stubborn denial of the "potential relationship" in front of her.
Characters:
- Parents of MC: funny at times, primarily hilarious and straightforward; love them all!
- FMC: funny, very patient and thoughtful to a fault, over-analyzing things too much, insecure at first but more confident in the end
MMC: down-to-earth, sweet and sensible.
I enjoyed a lot of aspects of the book like:-
-The complex revelations that came out and sorted the complex relationship between mothers and daughters.
- The super rational-irrational juxtaposition between MMCs. Only one character was rash and impulsive, while the other may be confused and distressed on the inside; nothing showed through on the outside, which was relieving.
- The intricacies of being an author, in general, were eye-opening for me. The road to being published is complex and complicated, especially living in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto.
- Annoyed as one can predict, FMC's mum and dad are my favorite surprise.
Overall, Love, Lies and Cherry Pie was an enjoyable read.
I relate to the book's complex look at relationships from an Asian child/family's POV. The balance between emotional connection and lifestyle stability has always been at the forefront of my life experiences.
I cannot wait to see other books by the author again!
<><><>
Thank you to the publisher for graciously providing this ARC through Edelweiss for an honest review.
Slow-burn romance
Fake relationships
In-denial
Dating later in life
Meddling 👩
Mother-daughter relationship development
Nosey roommates
Author problems
Middle-child syndrome
Dealing with Siblings
Surprising family revelations in the end
Judgemental 🐈
Pacing:
The pacing is moderate to slow due to the slow-burn element and relationship denial. Nonetheless, the book was easy to relate and understand. The storyline was engaging storyline, even if the spice (🌶) started only in the middle of the book because of FMC's stubborn denial of the "potential relationship" in front of her.
Characters:
- Parents of MC: funny at times, primarily hilarious and straightforward; love them all!
- FMC: funny, very patient and thoughtful to a fault, over-analyzing things too much, insecure at first but more confident in the end
MMC: down-to-earth, sweet and sensible.
I enjoyed a lot of aspects of the book like:-
-The complex revelations that came out and sorted the complex relationship between mothers and daughters.
- The super rational-irrational juxtaposition between MMCs. Only one character was rash and impulsive, while the other may be confused and distressed on the inside; nothing showed through on the outside, which was relieving.
- The intricacies of being an author, in general, were eye-opening for me. The road to being published is complex and complicated, especially living in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto.
- Annoyed as one can predict, FMC's mum and dad are my favorite surprise.
Overall, Love, Lies and Cherry Pie was an enjoyable read.
I relate to the book's complex look at relationships from an Asian child/family's POV. The balance between emotional connection and lifestyle stability has always been at the forefront of my life experiences.
I cannot wait to see other books by the author again!
<><><>
Thank you to the publisher for graciously providing this ARC through Edelweiss for an honest review.
A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
As a child, I have always been curious about the possibility of rewinds - that would be an exciting and less problematic childhood. There were many instances that I found myself in a situation because I missed crucial signs like not reading the instructions carefully or taking note of my instincts on certain events. Although this concept is not new (remember the movie Sliding Doors), I am glad that the author gave more nuances and depth to the characters in the book.
There was a lot of political intrigue and strategic manipulation that I enjoyed. A series of intricate plot twists captivated me in my reading nook. Despite its moderate pace, some scenarios maintained tension. The world-building was descriptive and very colorful. The royal court's descriptions were accurate to the time and culture, wherein the societies were complex. The book explores socio-political issues like class struggle and misogyny (still prevalent even now) and gives nuances on the justification for each character's choices and actions. Things were more "cut-throat," like what historians talked about.
I love Mingshin's wit and insight. She is the main character I needed - strong, brave, patient, and wise. Her take on her "second life" was eye-opening as she navigated through the intrigue and deceit of a royal court and its political controversies. Readers will see a total character change - a 180-degree turn and will surely excite anyone coming from where the first chapter or two started. She perfected the balance of a timid facade while ensuring she exacted her revenge at the right time. She guided others around her without giving much away on why. She was the "invisible hand" that foiled the villains in their plans but still maintained a faultless innocence in other people's eyes.
She played the political game like how a Grand Master chess player crushed one's opponent in a very satisfying ending that I will remember for a while.
Summary: A Bright Heart captivates the reader with its fresh take on reincarnation and revenge - two elements in the novel that will capture and engage readers on the possibilities of a "redo life." With a strong female protagonist with special powers, the book didn't go "over" with the feminist ideology (since it wouldn't be possible in Asia in general) but somehow manipulated things to her advantage and her safety. There was a good balance of strong/brave heroes with uncertain futures.
I am excited to see what is next for the author in the coming years!
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
medium-paced
3.0
From someone who typically avoids war themes, I was pleasantly surprised to pick up this book and like a lot of things in the book. The use of magic, myth, and "monsters" was well done, and everything felt real. I devoured the book like there was no tomorrow! The characters and plot were all good... the writing was captivating.
Ironically, I gave it a 3 vs. a 4 mainly because how Iris evolved by the ending did not feel suitable for someone who wrote articles from the safety of a city desk to moving to the frontlines trying to find the truth about the war. Her reaction to love and family was good and valid, BUT the execution didn't make sense or work for me. I have the same reaction as you to Iris' behavior and her change...but I liked the plot twist in the epilogue.
I will read the next book to see if I will be able to resolve why the Iris had to be this way...I am still rooting for Roman on how he will get them back together from the Gods who are separating them.
Ironically, I gave it a 3 vs. a 4 mainly because how Iris evolved by the ending did not feel suitable for someone who wrote articles from the safety of a city desk to moving to the frontlines trying to find the truth about the war. Her reaction to love and family was good and valid, BUT the execution didn't make sense or work for me. I have the same reaction as you to Iris' behavior and her change...but I liked the plot twist in the epilogue.
I will read the next book to see if I will be able to resolve why the Iris had to be this way...I am still rooting for Roman on how he will get them back together from the Gods who are separating them.
The Girl From the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Deluxe Edition III by Nagabe
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've been trying to venture out of novels and give graphic novels a go. I've started with the Lore Olympus series. It was an excellent start to keep things current. But when I heard a few friends gush over Nagabe's The Girl from the Other Side. I jumped to have a go. Thank goodness I ordered the whole series on a whim!
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Deluxe Edition II by Nagabe
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've been trying to venture out of novels and give graphic novels a go. I've started with the Lore Olympus series. It was an excellent start to keep things current. But when I heard a few friends gush over Nagabe's The Girl from the Other Side. I jumped to have a go. Thank goodness I ordered the whole series on a whim!
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Deluxe Edition I by Nagabe
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've been trying to venture out of novels and give graphic novels a go. I've started with the Lore Olympus series. It was an excellent start to keep things current. But when I heard a few friends gush over Nagabe's The Girl from the Other Side. I jumped to have a go. Thank goodness I ordered the whole series on a whim!
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
Burning Justice by Tee O'Fallon
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.0
It has been a long time since I enjoyed an excellent romantic suspense book, and the author did a fantastic job of pulling me back into this genre with Burning Justice!
I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and how the twists came out. The author took time to build the story and characters, yet the pacing felt smooth. Past characters in the series helped solve the arson case sweeping the Colorado Springs area, which was a nice treat!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Burning Justice! It has got everything I look into suspense books ~ unforgettable male characters, smart and sassy heroines, relatable drama, and heartstopping suspense, plus an adorable furry hero to boot in Blaze!
If this is an indication of how the author writes her other books, you know I will be there for it! I seriously cannot wait to see more from the author and will look into the previous books in the series!
I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and how the twists came out. The author took time to build the story and characters, yet the pacing felt smooth. Past characters in the series helped solve the arson case sweeping the Colorado Springs area, which was a nice treat!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Burning Justice! It has got everything I look into suspense books ~ unforgettable male characters, smart and sassy heroines, relatable drama, and heartstopping suspense, plus an adorable furry hero to boot in Blaze!
If this is an indication of how the author writes her other books, you know I will be there for it! I seriously cannot wait to see more from the author and will look into the previous books in the series!