dooziekins's reviews
54 reviews

The Big Book of Pride Flags by Jessica Kingsley, Jem Milton

informative slow-paced

4.0

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the e-copy of this book. 
This is such a great read. It provides quick and easy access to the different pride flags and their meanings. 
I'll be getting a copy of this for my kids. 
There is some repetition, but still very informative.

Book Boyfriend by Kris Ripper

emotional 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

4.0

A big thank you to Netgalley and publishers for an e-copy of this book.
This was another cute queer romance. 
The book starts with Preston helping his best friend Art after a much awaited breakup (on Preston's part, anyway). 
You see, Preston wants more than that, but can't quite find the strength to say it (this guy is seriously the cutest, in a totally over the top, anxious blubbering way), so he writes it into a novel instead. 
And that's when things get interesting.....

At first I really struggled with the writing style, it was very OTT (and using a 
LOT of text language and like, a lot of likes throughout). But once I adjusted I realised there was just no other way to write this character, and being first person the writing style really made sense and I adjusted quickly. 

Art was this super adorable, nerdy character that gave me serious Johnathon Van Ness vibes... I loved the discussion throughout on Arts gender identity and Preston's desire to get the terminology right.

I also love that it briefly tapped into relationship and sexuality dynamics, and connections you don't expect. 

I enjoyed this read and kept finding excuses to come back to it.

The Romance Recipe by Ruby Barrett

emotional hopeful reflective fast-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

Thanks so much to Netgalley and publishers for an e-copy of this book!
This is such a cute love story. 
I really enjoyed the fact that this wasn't your standard slow burn, and that things got heavy pretty early on. I enjoyed the characters and their development, especially Sophie navigating her coming out as bisexual. 
Got to love some representation for us bi/pan people!
Sophie certainly loves that peach shampoo, hey 😉
All in all a great sapphic story that I read in one day, and would recommend.
I'll be reading Ruby's other book asap!

Sacrifice of Mine by Janeal Falor

challenging dark fast-paced

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

4.0

Tell Me Everything by Laura Kay

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for a copy of this in e-book format.
I read this in one sitting. This is such a great story.
I didn't really know where the book was going to head, but I really enjoyed the outcome. 
This story shows that the stigma around therapists being perfect people and having their issues sorted is so incredibly false. 
I've read a few books this year about therapists and the reality of their very human reactions, and this was a great example of that. 
I liked the inner turmoil of the main character, fighting between logic and emotion.
I also loved the character and family growth, and all in all this was a book I'd recommend to anyone.

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

emotional slow-paced

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

3.0

After re-reading the Vampire Academy series, I knew I had to delve into the Bloodlines series. As much as I have been loving it, I did feel that this book in the series was a little slow. I know it is set up for the next book but after the twists and turns of the first three this one was a little underwhelming. However, I'm excited to keep going on with the series, and the ending, though inevitable, was a shock.

Just Princesses by Crystal Velasquez

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

Just Dope by Allison Margolin

informative medium-paced

3.25

Thanks to NetGalley and North Atlantic Books for an ARC of this book.
This was a really interesting insight not only into some of the cases Allison has dealt with, but also logical reasoning behind drug legalisation and reducing the regulations in place for marijuana in the US. 
Since I don't live in the US, I did struggle to wrap my head around some of the information (I mean, we can't even get marijuana legalised here in Aus) but it did provide interesting historical facts. 
I'm intrigued about Allison's experiences, and she hints at the end what her next book will entail, and I have to say I'm intrigued. 
Definitely had me considering things I had not considered before!

Good Game, Well Played by Katherine Lobo, Rachael Smith

challenging emotional reflective 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

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0