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grace_astudentreading's reviews
439 reviews
Recipe for Confidence by Samantha Picaro
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
Advanced reader's copy review
This was an absolutely delightful and adorable read, just like I knew it would be. I am now completely and totally obsessed with the idea of Setback Cakes! They are such a wholesome concept! I also loved the main character Brynn. She had so passion and determination to pursue graphic design, while also having imposter syndrome that I, and I am sure many others, can relate to. And she had absolutely amazing development as she learned to be more authentic and shed her overly positive mask. Along with Bryn I loved her friends. Their friendships were so supportive but also accurately showed the trials that come from high school dating and preparing to go off to college. However, I did not love Bryn’s family that much. I felt that they failed Bryn and did not do nearly enough to try to correct their mistakes. I also felt there was too much external conflict. There was family conflict, friend fighting, and so much controversy over the cakes. It was a bit too much especially when added to Bryn’s internal conflicts. But overall this was a cute book that I recommend.
Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This was an absolutely delightful and adorable read, just like I knew it would be. I am now completely and totally obsessed with the idea of Setback Cakes! They are such a wholesome concept! I also loved the main character Brynn. She had so passion and determination to pursue graphic design, while also having imposter syndrome that I, and I am sure many others, can relate to. And she had absolutely amazing development as she learned to be more authentic and shed her overly positive mask. Along with Bryn I loved her friends. Their friendships were so supportive but also accurately showed the trials that come from high school dating and preparing to go off to college. However, I did not love Bryn’s family that much. I felt that they failed Bryn and did not do nearly enough to try to correct their mistakes. I also felt there was too much external conflict. There was family conflict, friend fighting, and so much controversy over the cakes. It was a bit too much especially when added to Bryn’s internal conflicts. But overall this was a cute book that I recommend.
Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The Sunshine Court by Nora Sakavic
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I canceled my plans the moment this book dropped and read it in one sitting. I don’t think I have ever anticipated a release more. And it did not disappoint! Jean owns my heart and soul. His development was slow and tedious, but his trauma is so deep and vast. By the end of the book there is strong visible progress that I know will only continue in the next book. I also loved Jeremy; he is an absolute angel. I will say my one critique on this book is that I wanted more of his point of view. This book definitely centered on Jean, but it is clear that Jeremy has his own stuff going on that I hope will get explored more in the next book. And Cat and Laila are an amazing couple and great friends to Jean and Jeremy. I love them almost as much as Andrew and Neil. Neil got a couple of cameos in this book that I loved. As for the plot, it is quite slow because the plot is Jean’s healing. And that takes time and patience. Overall, I loved this book and I am so happy to be back in the world of All for the Game, and I cannot wait for the next book in this spin off series.
Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Advanced reader’s copy review
Typically, when I read a book, my brain automatically assigns a word to it. A “describe this book in one word” kind of thing. But my brain could not pick just one word for this book, so I give you three: raw, visceral, and poignant. This book took my heart and ripped it right out of my chest. Even the author’s note had me in tears (you’ll understand when you read it). I wanted to reach into the book and pull Jo out and wrap her in a giant blanket and protect her from the rest of the world and show her all the love she deserves. And I will fight anyone who calls Jo an unlikable main character. She is messy and she is angry, yes, but she is also tired and lonely and traumatized and so so hurt. And she has spent her whole life being told who she is and that she is unlikable. That was probably my favorite part of the book, watching her unlearn everything she was told and become her own true self and learn to show herself love and empathy. It was absolutely amazing development that had me sobbing from pride. I cannot overstate how much I loved Jo. I also loved the Birds and Tess. They were amazing side characters and helped Jo so much in her journey. As for the mystery plot, I also really enjoyed it. It was very well written in relation to the character development, stimulating Jo’s journery in the beginning then taking more of a back seat to allow for all the growth before picking back up at the end for a strong and exciting conclusion. Overall, I loved this book so much and highly recommend it (but check the trigger warnings first).
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Typically, when I read a book, my brain automatically assigns a word to it. A “describe this book in one word” kind of thing. But my brain could not pick just one word for this book, so I give you three: raw, visceral, and poignant. This book took my heart and ripped it right out of my chest. Even the author’s note had me in tears (you’ll understand when you read it). I wanted to reach into the book and pull Jo out and wrap her in a giant blanket and protect her from the rest of the world and show her all the love she deserves. And I will fight anyone who calls Jo an unlikable main character. She is messy and she is angry, yes, but she is also tired and lonely and traumatized and so so hurt. And she has spent her whole life being told who she is and that she is unlikable. That was probably my favorite part of the book, watching her unlearn everything she was told and become her own true self and learn to show herself love and empathy. It was absolutely amazing development that had me sobbing from pride. I cannot overstate how much I loved Jo. I also loved the Birds and Tess. They were amazing side characters and helped Jo so much in her journey. As for the mystery plot, I also really enjoyed it. It was very well written in relation to the character development, stimulating Jo’s journery in the beginning then taking more of a back seat to allow for all the growth before picking back up at the end for a strong and exciting conclusion. Overall, I loved this book so much and highly recommend it (but check the trigger warnings first).
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I did not think it was possible for Hafsah Faizal to break me again after having read We Hunt the Flame and We Free the Stars. I thought I knew all her tricks to destroy me. I was naive. Completely and totally wrong. This book still turned me into an absolute wreck, kept me from my sleep, and consumed my every thought. It was that amazing. For starters, I loved the characters so much. Arthie is an incredibly complex and compelling main character, while Jin is caring and charismatic. Their sibling dynamic was everything and made me love both of them even more. Flick was so sweet and had amazing development, Matteo was a hilarious wild card, and Laith had me desperate to reread the previous duology. I loved them all, even with all their secrets and lies and fears and rage and pain. As for the plot, it was one hundred percent chaos, scheming, and general vibes. I loved the mystery and tension working behind the scenes, as well as the heist and adventure in the foreground. There was so much going on at all times I could barely keep track. As for the ending, it absolutely wrecked me. There was insane twist after insane twist and I need the next book as soon as possible just to fully understand what exactly went down. And the fall out that I am certain will be significant in all regards, but especially in terms of character and relationship development. Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend it (though I also recommend waiting for book two to be out to save yourself some pain and suffering).
The Infiltrator: A Derek Harrington Novel by T. R. Hendricks
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Advanced reader's copy review
This book has cemented Derek Harrington as one of my all time favorite characters ever. He is a truly good person. Of course, he is not without flaws, continuing to struggle with using alcohol as a cooping mechanism, control his rage, and overall manage his PTSD. However, he is trying so hard to be better for his family, and he shows empathy and compassion to those who lost their lives as a result of his operation when many others do not. And my favorite part of his character, he completely and totally detests FBI politics and has no problems displaying such disdain to his higherups. Derek is seriously amazing! The other characters were also great. I loved the team that Derek got to work, and I did really enjoy that we got Sarah’s point of view. Of course, the action in this book was also fantastic. I need a movie made of this because the scenes were so cinematic! I will say that for me there was a bit of an overload of technical information on the weapons/tools, but I know some will love it. Overall, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Forge and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book has cemented Derek Harrington as one of my all time favorite characters ever. He is a truly good person. Of course, he is not without flaws, continuing to struggle with using alcohol as a cooping mechanism, control his rage, and overall manage his PTSD. However, he is trying so hard to be better for his family, and he shows empathy and compassion to those who lost their lives as a result of his operation when many others do not. And my favorite part of his character, he completely and totally detests FBI politics and has no problems displaying such disdain to his higherups. Derek is seriously amazing! The other characters were also great. I loved the team that Derek got to work, and I did really enjoy that we got Sarah’s point of view. Of course, the action in this book was also fantastic. I need a movie made of this because the scenes were so cinematic! I will say that for me there was a bit of an overload of technical information on the weapons/tools, but I know some will love it. Overall, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Forge and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This book had just about all of the my favorite things: nonbinary and other queer representation, cooking and amazing descriptions of food, adorable side characters (we stan Barbs), a perfect balance of emotion and humor, and impeccably written romance and chemistry. To the start, I loved London so much. I loved their journey throughout the story as they learned to be more comfortable being publicly nonbinary, and the way they talked about their gender. Now, for the food. It was everything! I love to cook and I love to eat, so I loved reading about both the cooking process and the decedent descriptions of the final results. Lastly, for the main romance, which was one of the best romances I have ever read and London and Dahlia are definitely now one of my all time favorite couples. They had amazing chemistry and the development of their relationship was perfectly paced. There was clear consent and a good balance of physical versus emotional intimacy. Overall, I truly cannot recommend this book enough!
Medusa of the Roses by Navid Sinaki
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
The Stranger At Black Lake by Christina McDonald
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Advanced reader's copy review
This book was the prequel I never knew I needed! It was absolutely amazing! For starters, I loved seeing this version of Jess so much. Her and Mac are so perfect together, and she is just so much happier than the Jess I met in These Still Black Waters. I cannot help but want to see that version of Jess come back as she heals more. And I hope that her and Mac get a second chance. I also loved watching Jess become a detective, and learning about her past career as a paramedic. It was such an amazing origin story! Words truly cannot begin to describe how much I love Jess. As for the plot, it was also amazing. It was super fast paced with tons of twists and turns. And I loved how everything came together in the craziest of endings. Of course, this a novella, so I do wish it was longer, no matter how well it was done at this length. The mystery was definitely complex enough for an entire novel. Overall, I loved this prequel so much and cannot wait to continue the journey with Jess Lambert in What Lies in Darkness!
Thank you Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review
This book was the prequel I never knew I needed! It was absolutely amazing! For starters, I loved seeing this version of Jess so much. Her and Mac are so perfect together, and she is just so much happier than the Jess I met in These Still Black Waters. I cannot help but want to see that version of Jess come back as she heals more. And I hope that her and Mac get a second chance. I also loved watching Jess become a detective, and learning about her past career as a paramedic. It was such an amazing origin story! Words truly cannot begin to describe how much I love Jess. As for the plot, it was also amazing. It was super fast paced with tons of twists and turns. And I loved how everything came together in the craziest of endings. Of course, this a novella, so I do wish it was longer, no matter how well it was done at this length. The mystery was definitely complex enough for an entire novel. Overall, I loved this prequel so much and cannot wait to continue the journey with Jess Lambert in What Lies in Darkness!
Thank you Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This book was one of my best impulse buys ever! I was immediately swept away by this novel in the best way possible. From the first page the prose was nothing short of stunning and lyrical. The narrator’s voice was captivating, and while I don’t usually like switching between first and third person I felt it worked very well in this case. I loved both of the main characters. Snow was so determined and fierce in her emotions. She was also so blunt at times it was hysterical. She also had so much inner turmoil and truly amazing development over the course of the story. I did feel she didn’t get the resolution that I wanted her to get, but it was still fitting. As for Bao, he was such a sweet character. I truly loved him with all my heart and thinks he deserves the world. And he really gets the happiest of endings that almost made me cry! As for the plot, it was on the slower side but in a good way, that allowed me to fully understand the characters. And I loved the way the two character’s stories merged together at the end. Overall, I highly recommend this book!