hedonicbooks's reviews
599 reviews

The First To Die At The End by Adam Silvera

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

The Paper Boys by D.P. Clarence

funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

On the Mountain by Riley Hart

dark emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun

emotional funny reflective 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? Yes

3.5

A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy

emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

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

3.5

Ah, young love.
This was mostly sweet, but also a bit heartbreaking. Luke is coming to terms with his sexuality and witnessing his journey was very emotional.

While I loved the story and even the setting, I'm not a fan of country music. I don't think I've listened to more than 10 country songs in my entire life. But that didn't take away from the whole experience, I quite enjoyed it.

I will say this, the pacing was a bit off. There are loads of things that happen off page, things that we're told about, but never actually read about. That made the connection between Luke and Emmett feel a bit superficial, forced, unexpected. I wish the author spent more time building their relationship on page, I would have loved more interactions between them.

Overall, a very enjoyable YA story. No happily ever after though, but a solid, emotional happy for now (which I actually prefer in YA books, especially since this book felt more centered on the characters' individual struggles and less on the romance aspect).

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

4.0

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

4.0