danadoesbooks's reviews
893 reviews

College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be - Second Edition by Andrew Delbanco

informative

3.0

Thank you Princeton University Press and Libro FM for the ALC of College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be!  All opinions in this review are my own.

This exploration into the history of colleges and how they have changed is fascinating.  I like that the author talks about how the purpose of college has changed over time and how it seems like it is on the brink of changing again.  Since this is the second edition, there is an added chapter on how the pandemic changed the college format and opened up new possibilities due to technology.

The Worst Duke in London by Amalie Howard

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the eARC of The Worst Duke in London!  All opinions in this review are my own.

If you are a fan of 90s/2000s romantic comedies, then you need to read Amalie Howard's Taming of the Dukes series!  

In this newest installment, The Worst Duke in London is a 10 Things I Hate About You retelling.  Effie's sister can only be courted if Effie is too.  After a horrendous first season, Effie has vowed never to go through that again, until she meets Gage.  Gage makes a deal to solve some of his problems but he did not expect to fall for Effie in the meantime.

The Worst Duke in London is full of humor and heart.  Howard expertly creates lovable characters who you can't help but root for.  I hope there are more books to come in this series because they are such fun reads!

The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss

hopeful informative reflective

4.0

Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

5.0

The Secret of the Three Fates by Jess Armstrong

4.0

Thank you Minotaur and NetGalley for the eARC of The Secret of the Three Fates!  All opinions in this review are my own.

I have been waiting for the next book in this historical mystery series and it did not disppoint!  Much like The Curse of Penryth Hall, The Secret of the Three Fates is atmospheric and you are never quite sure whether there is something supernatural going on or not.

Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the eARC of Can't Help Falling Love.  All opinions in this review are my own.

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this one.  There was too much about how bad Lexi is as a waitress in the beginning and then by the time it got to the actual story, I couldn't understand why she cared so much about people from high school.  When I realized I was skimming more than reading, I knew it was time to stop.

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson

4.0

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the eARC of Booked For Murder! All opinions in this review are my own.

Although the main character is a bit too trusting for someone who is being threatened, Booked For Murder is an excellent start to a new cozy mystery series! I love the setting of the bookstore in an old Victorian house and how the mystery involved Madeline instead of her just being nosy. I can't wait for the sequel!

This Girl's A Killer by Emma C. Wells

4.0

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the eARC of This Girl's a Killer! All opinions in this review are my own.

This book took me some time to get into, but once I did, I didn't want to put it down!  The second half is so good and will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Just Playing House by Farah Heron
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the eARC of Just Playing House. All opinions in this review are my own.

DNF at 44%

While I like the complexity of this second chance, celebrity romance where he takes care of her after major surgery, it's moving too slow for me. I don't have the focus to read a book that is slow-paced right now and I find myself skimming more than reading which means it's time to stop.

One Last Gift by Emily Stone
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.

Thank you Dell Books and Team Tandem for the gifted copy of One Last Gift. All opinions in this review are my own.

DNF at 153 pages

This is the most depressing Christmas book I have ever read.  I should have known what I was getting myself into based on the synopsis, but I found myself skimming more than reading which means it's time to put it down.