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gracenevitt's reviews
156 reviews
Book People by Jackie Ashenden
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book follows Kate and Sebastian in a small village in England. Kate is new to town after getting out of a bad relationship, and inheriting her recently late grandma's storefront/apartment. It just so happens that she has always dreamed of opening a bookstore, and her storefront is across the street from Sebastian's family bookstore. We get to see how they learn to love while navigating through their rivalry, the struggling business of bookshop ownership, and uncovering family secrets.
I absolutely adored this grumpy sunshine, rivals to lovers romance. There was so much depth to each character. Kate was healing from an emotionally abusive ex and escaping to the place her family was from, while Sebastian seemed to be trapped by his family legacy right where he'd been his whole life. There was quite a bit of insta-love/lust, but having it take place in a small village makes that make a little bit more sense. Generally it's a really good romance that wasn't too fluffy or trying to be too much of anything. I loved the humor, pacing, and side plot of uncovering family secrets while trying to boost business for the bookshops.
I would definitely recommend this spicy romance to anyone that wants something with a little more substance than your average fluffy romance read.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book for an honest review! All thoughts are my own.
I absolutely adored this grumpy sunshine, rivals to lovers romance. There was so much depth to each character. Kate was healing from an emotionally abusive ex and escaping to the place her family was from, while Sebastian seemed to be trapped by his family legacy right where he'd been his whole life. There was quite a bit of insta-love/lust, but having it take place in a small village makes that make a little bit more sense. Generally it's a really good romance that wasn't too fluffy or trying to be too much of anything. I loved the humor, pacing, and side plot of uncovering family secrets while trying to boost business for the bookshops.
I would definitely recommend this spicy romance to anyone that wants something with a little more substance than your average fluffy romance read.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book for an honest review! All thoughts are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Domestic abuse
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
4.75
I just love the way Ashley Poston writes. I don't know what it is about the way she describes things!!! Her books are always shimmering with life and magic and honesty and I just absolutely love them. This one made me cry like 4 times. I loved it.
In Italy for Love by Leonie Mack
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Julia finds herself in the tatters of a whirlwind relationship that brought her to Italy. After it falls apart and she is without a valid passport, she finds herself (and her adorable dog) trying get as far away from her ex while staying in Italy to sort out her papers. Cue the small town of Cividale del Friuli on the border of Austria and Croatia. She bumps into a local with a slightly mysterious past, and what starts off as a friendly drink, ends in so much more.
I absolutely loved this book!! The characters were so lovable and flawed in the best way. The setting absolutely came to life in the writing, and I felt the urge to go and visit multiple times throughout reading the book. I love that it was deeper than a regular romance book, with so many layers to each character, as well as the sweetest cast of characters in the small town. (and I loved learning about Friulian culture too!)
It definitely felt drawn out in certain parts and started a little slow, but in general, this book was fantastic and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a deeper romance novel. I can't wait to read more of this author's work!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I absolutely loved this book!! The characters were so lovable and flawed in the best way. The setting absolutely came to life in the writing, and I felt the urge to go and visit multiple times throughout reading the book. I love that it was deeper than a regular romance book, with so many layers to each character, as well as the sweetest cast of characters in the small town. (and I loved learning about Friulian culture too!)
It definitely felt drawn out in certain parts and started a little slow, but in general, this book was fantastic and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a deeper romance novel. I can't wait to read more of this author's work!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
4.0
so cute. idk why I just LOVE vampire romances. these characters are so oblivious and adorable. there were so many hilarious moments. genuinely enjoyable as a nice little fluffy paranormal romance.
Hip-Hop Is History by Questlove
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest reviews.
I went into this book knowing a little bit more than maybe the average person about hip hop history (thanks to my boyfriend being a huge fan of music that grew up in NYC), and I felt like I learned soooo much that I didn't know. Questlove dives into his connections to the history of hip hop (although still debated in certain points, as he mentions), and how the genre grew and changed through his personal and professional experiences with the genre. I listened to a handful of the songs as I went and it made the experience so incredibly immersive! the book is a little dense at some points (particularly in the beginning where he's listing name and song after name and song). In general though, it was a really interesting blend of hip hop history and a personal memoir of his experiences. Highly recommend for fans of music wanting to learn more about hip hop or people just getting into the genre and want to learn about its cultural significance!
I went into this book knowing a little bit more than maybe the average person about hip hop history (thanks to my boyfriend being a huge fan of music that grew up in NYC), and I felt like I learned soooo much that I didn't know. Questlove dives into his connections to the history of hip hop (although still debated in certain points, as he mentions), and how the genre grew and changed through his personal and professional experiences with the genre. I listened to a handful of the songs as I went and it made the experience so incredibly immersive! the book is a little dense at some points (particularly in the beginning where he's listing name and song after name and song). In general though, it was a really interesting blend of hip hop history and a personal memoir of his experiences. Highly recommend for fans of music wanting to learn more about hip hop or people just getting into the genre and want to learn about its cultural significance!
You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose
1.0
I read to the end to see if the twist was as random and far-fetched as the other book of hers that I read.... and it was! she pulled basically the same ending twice and it was not surprising (to me) in the least. the writing was genuinely painful to read, albeit slightly better than the first book I read of hers. she would "show" and then "tell" immediately after, and shoehorned in similes ad nauseam. I tried to read this book to give her a second chance... but I can now officially say, without reservation or remorse, that I will so happily never read another Jeneva Rose book ever again 💗