emmreadsbooks's reviews
1143 reviews

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

I don't know how I slept on this book for so long, but DAAAAANG. Statistics, science, DNA, I diiiiiiiig. I liked seeing the tech start-up culture, and seeing some insight into how their algorithm worked. To be fair, it did feel a little like they went "ehhhh neural network!" with it, but some of the math checks out! I did love this "dating of convenience" trope, kind of a fun take on the traditional trope without all the commitment. And oooooooomg the epilogue, the art science fair, THE BROTHELS.

I loved Jess, Juno, and Fizzy, and even River grew on me with time. More than just a romance, we get to examine the architecture of a family and everything that goes along with that. I enjoyed the narration and can't wait to dive into The True Love Experiment.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

funny lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

Ignore all of the people saying that this is a carbon copy of The Love Hypothesis. For one, most of them haven't even read it... And for two, the remake is NEVER better than the original.

And hey, hi, hello - this book is really great. Like REALLY REALLY. Give me a short diabetic queen fighting the fight against academia any day. Elsie and Jack are fundamentally different from Ali Hazelwood's previous couples - there's admittedly some strife between them, but it's not caused by any miscommunication trope. The steamy bits were exceptionally hot in my opinion, even when compared to her other books. I really enjoyed all of the little subplots and the overall focus on being honest with yourself. Elsie is so talented, but she improves so much as a character when she stops being a doormat. Jack is a SBD all the way through and Cece is the ultimate BFF with a vengeful hedgehog. I'm taking out a second mortgage in the Aliverse y'all.

*Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore

hopeful inspiring 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

2.5

I love me some uplit, but this didn't feel quite uplifting enough. I almost wish we'd switched PoVs more often, rather than breaking it into sections for each character. It's an ensemble cast and I really enjoyed Sloane and Maisey. I definitely wanted to see a little bit of romance though! There were also some weird moments where the narrator was voicing a male but using a really effeminate voice that took me out of the book. But ultimately it was really cute and I love book clubs, so you might still enjoy it.

*Thank you to LibroFM for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou

tense fast-paced

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

3.75

This YA reminds me of a mix of Crescent City and Ace of Shades - a mysterious fantasy full of political intrigue and magical abilities. Add in Greek mythology and I was sold. We follow Io, a descendant of The Fates, as she tries to solve a rapidly unfolding murder mystery. This story avoids the traditional demigod take which I really enjoyed, and infuses some mafia elements. Cliffhanger ending? Enjoyed a bit less so, but I'm so excited for a sequel!!

*Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling

dark mysterious medium-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? No

2.75

I think I would've enjoyed this book more if I'd read it physically, despite the narrators giving an amazing performance. Dystopian climate book? Uh yeah, sounds like an Emm book. I just feel like I got a little lost in the sauce and couldn't keep the plotlines separated. But that being said, I enjoyed the commentary on losing ourselves in the internet and the detrimental effects as such. Michelle Min Sterling crafted a gorgeously flawed setting, between the Floating City, the North, and White Alice, I just wish I could've understood it better.

*Thank you to Simon Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

Dark Corners by Megan Goldin

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.25

God I missed Rachel Krall, y'all! This is a slow burn mystery with the glorious return of podcast chapters. This time, we're focused on a mix of cold cases and recent murders of influencers - with the catch that the suspected perpetrator is currently imprisoned. The hunt is on for his partner, and it is TENSE. We also get perspectives of FBI Agent Joe Martinez and the aforementioned partner. It adds a lot of interest to the plot, especially because Joe is hot as HECK. I also enjoyed the dialog on social media and its corruption. I did predict the big twist, but it was still *so* well done and not what you'd usually expect. I'm not sure if Megan Goldin is planning to continue Rachel's stories, but I'd love to see another!

*Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Betting On You by Lynn Painter

funny hopeful 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? No

4.0

Between trying to get some space from her mom's boyfriend, her new job at the local space-themed family funplex, and Charlie? Yeah Bailey's got a lot going on. There's a lot of nuance in this book from the takes on divorce and dating with children to young friendship. And, of course, it's not without Lynn Painter's signature humor (and picky eating). Between Bailey's deconstruction of pizza and Charlie's wry grins, there's so much character between them. And while this isn't Better than the Movies, there are still SO many movie and pop culture references.

Ultimately this book is Lynn Painter - if you like her, you'll like it. Between the bets, games, and fake dating, it's hard not to love Bailey and Charlie.

*Thank you to Lynn Painter for the gifted ARC*

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

adventurous challenging medium-paced

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

4.0

I have some qualms about this book - mainly that everything we knew would happen, did happen, without much obstacle. That being said, the worldbuilding and magic systems were IMMACULATE. It's a political fantasy for sure, with comments on imperialism and war, but isn't without moments of levity. What I loved about this book was the focus on capable and strong female characters, despite all of their challenges and flaws. We do bounce around between PoVs quite often, but the viewpoints are predominantly female throughout. I felt as though the beginning dragged a little bit, as we're being given all of the subtle exposition about this kingdom, but understand that it was necessary for the story as a whole.

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

funny lighthearted fast-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? No

4.5

Hi, yes, give me men with floral tattoos please. I have a bucket ready for my drool.

This book is your typical good girl/bad boy fare in a small town, but mixed with fake dating to make it an extra fun time. I'd say this one is a little steamier than When in Rome, but still mostly closed door. Even with that though, there were enough sexy hijinks and cute Kentucky moments to keep me captivated. I'm not sure if all of the books in this series are going to be Audrey Hepburn movie reimaginings, but it would be SO cool if so! My money is on Madison getting the next book and I honestly can't wait.

*Thank you to PRH Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

When in Rome by Sarah Adams

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

I was doubtful when people told me I needed to read this one before Practice Makes Perfect, but now I'm so glad I gave into their demands. Because this is THE sweet romance I needed. Between Noah's grumpiness and Amelia's stardom drama, there was always plenty to keep me interested. I could've done with more pie content, mostly because I love a good pie, but was satisfied overall. Lots of almost kissing, small town vibes, and a set up for a family-focused romcom series. Big fan.

*Thank you to PRH Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*