helenedesmond1's reviews
131 reviews

The Game Plan by Allie Lasky

fast-paced

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

2.5

This book is very repetitive I wanted to be in love with the characters but everything happens so fast without the development of the characters. The writing is lack luster and the thought processes of the main characters is kind of upsetting the depiction felt disingenuous. As a reader I felt unbelievably disconnected. I had high hopes and it just fell flat. 😞

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

This was an amazing book. This was my first time reading the fake dating trope and I can see why it is so loved! Bolu Babalola did an amazing job making all the characters feel real and lively. I was so  immersed in this story that I felt I was on campus and in the hangout spot listening to the radio Honey. This was a BEAUTIFUL  story of black love ❤️ 

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

5.0

This was a heartbreaking story. My heart truly goes out to Jennette. I am so thankful she is thriving and got the closure she needed by writing this. The humor she brought to her early beginnings and the way she gave us a first hand look through her eyes of what it was like growing up was heart wrenching. This was beautifully written and even though the hard content of feels like she talking to you through her writing and not at you. All in all this was beautiful and I loved and hated everything minute of it ❤️🥺

Scarred by Emily McIntire

dark tense medium-paced

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

3.0

After reading Hooked I expected this to be amazing but I felt the characters we very underdeveloped. The tension between Tristian and Sara didn’t seem believable. I also felt because they weren’t fleshed out the romance fell flat for me. 

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

5.0

This was so adorable! This High School romance had me on an emotional roller coaster! Young love is hard to depict without it being cringe worthy but Talia Hibbert bring so much depth and emotion to this relationship as it unfolds. Highly recommended ❤️

A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair

dark emotional lighthearted 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? Yes

4.75

This was far better than A Touch of Darkness! Being able to see things from Hades pov was so heartwarming. I loved every page of this ❤️

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

adventurous inspiring lighthearted 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

4.75

This Hades and Persephone's retelling has such a modern twist. Hades is given a light of being misunderstood and Persephone is looking for herself. Together the both can conquer the hat they need. This story hits all the notes and I enjoyed it very much! ❤️

Ice Planet Honeymoon: Raahosh & Liz by Ruby Dixon

funny lighthearted fast-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? Yes

4.25

Ice Planet Honeymoon: Vektal and Georgie by Ruby Dixon

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5

Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon

adventurous funny hopeful 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

4.5

This has been my favorite of the series so far! Kira and Aehako are my favorite personalities types I and so happy they got the love story they deserve! Kira is shy but headstrong and Aehako is charming and thoughtful. Together they are the best couple! I can’t wait to see glimpses of them in the rest of the series. ❤️