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hobbithopeful's reviews
227 reviews
A Soul to Touch by Opal Reyne
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Who needs therapy when you have monster romance?
I loved how badass and strong Mayumi was! It was so cool to see a woman lead know how to survive, and thrive! I feel like I could survive for maybe an hour now in their world, after reading how Mayumi would cook and hunt. (In actuality I would survive for maybe 5 minutes, unless I'm abducted by a Duskwalker)
Faunus was so sweet, he was such a cat ! I think he is the first Duskwalker we have seen who wasn't constantly working, and ready to go everyday. Much like his appearance he was more content to just nap lazily all day. (Also that tail though!)
On the flip side Mayumi was a difficult character to love, in best terms she was an unabashed asshole, with no desire or want to change, and no remorse in how she treats those around her. A huge hypocrite, at times I was surprised there was anything that Faunus saw in her. When she was slapped by a woman that she one night stand-ed, and then had the audacity and gall to act offended. Her inner monologue was something along the lines of "well she was probably treated like this by men so it's okay". Like what even? The inner misogyny was strong. I can see why this was the first book to not have the brides meet or interact, Mayumi had a very abrasive personality and I don't see how it would have ended well. (I feel like Delora and her could have cool sparring matches though!)
Honestly this is some of the best BIPOC writing from an author I have ever seen in a book. You can tell so much time and research was done into writing her character, and I loved every second of it. It was incorporated into so much of Mayumi's character, and even how she ended up fixing a certain piece of material just was the cherry on top.
One final thing to say: barbed for her pleasure
Another must read book by Opal Reyne!
I loved how badass and strong Mayumi was! It was so cool to see a woman lead know how to survive, and thrive! I feel like I could survive for maybe an hour now in their world, after reading how Mayumi would cook and hunt. (In actuality I would survive for maybe 5 minutes, unless I'm abducted by a Duskwalker)
Faunus was so sweet, he was such a cat ! I think he is the first Duskwalker we have seen who wasn't constantly working, and ready to go everyday. Much like his appearance he was more content to just nap lazily all day. (Also that tail though!)
On the flip side Mayumi was a difficult character to love, in best terms she was an unabashed asshole, with no desire or want to change, and no remorse in how she treats those around her. A huge hypocrite, at times I was surprised there was anything that Faunus saw in her. When she was slapped by a woman that she one night stand-ed, and then had the audacity and gall to act offended. Her inner monologue was something along the lines of "well she was probably treated like this by men so it's okay". Like what even? The inner misogyny was strong. I can see why this was the first book to not have the brides meet or interact, Mayumi had a very abrasive personality and I don't see how it would have ended well. (I feel like Delora and her could have cool sparring matches though!)
Honestly this is some of the best BIPOC writing from an author I have ever seen in a book. You can tell so much time and research was done into writing her character, and I loved every second of it. It was incorporated into so much of Mayumi's character, and even how she ended up fixing a certain piece of material just was the cherry on top.
One final thing to say: barbed for her pleasure
Another must read book by Opal Reyne!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder
Minor: Torture, Death of parent
Out of the Blue by Jason June
Did not finish book. Stopped at 69%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 69%.
Cheating, lusty teens, miscommunication, and completely inaccurate swimming makes this a tough read to swallow.
Why cheating. Just why.
Miscommunication, does anyone actually enjoy that trope? (no seriously, does anyone?)
This book is all about lust and physicalness, to the point it was uncomfy and also in no way a relationship? Like make it make sense.
Nothing in regards to swimming is accurate! Listen I used to swim competitively and it just was all so wrong. You will shave everything when you swim, especially if you are going to swim meets and whatnot. It helps to reduce drag and no coach would ever not make you shave. Swimming is extremely strenuous exercise, it burns so many calories and if you are on the competitive level where you are ranking so high and winning scholarships, you are going to be incredibly lean and lithe. Please I loved the plus sized rep so don't come for me, just look up Michael Phelps diet if you are curious about how much swimmers have to eat to even maintain their bare body.
I regret buying this. I should have gotten it from the library before buying it.
Why cheating. Just why.
Miscommunication, does anyone actually enjoy that trope? (no seriously, does anyone?)
This book is all about lust and physicalness, to the point it was uncomfy and also in no way a relationship? Like make it make sense.
Nothing in regards to swimming is accurate! Listen I used to swim competitively and it just was all so wrong. You will shave everything when you swim, especially if you are going to swim meets and whatnot. It helps to reduce drag and no coach would ever not make you shave. Swimming is extremely strenuous exercise, it burns so many calories and if you are on the competitive level where you are ranking so high and winning scholarships, you are going to be incredibly lean and lithe. Please I loved the plus sized rep so don't come for me, just look up Michael Phelps diet if you are curious about how much swimmers have to eat to even maintain their bare body.
I regret buying this. I should have gotten it from the library before buying it.
How to Sell Your Blood and Fall in Love by D.N. Bryn
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
I actually liked this book more than the first one! I feel like that's always a good sign, when an authors' books just keep getting better it makes me so excited to read them. I think I liked this one more because it really expanded on the world building, and I just really felt engaged with the premise and writing a lot more. I loved how organic Clem and Justin's' relationship was, it was a slow burn of them getting to know each other and slow start to trust. I was afraid when reading that there was going to be an easy fix for the pain Justin faced, often times books like to just have a magical cure for that kind of thing. As sad as it was, I am glad it showed how realistic the struggle is that people go through in regards to that situation. Him finally resting and even using a scooter shows his acceptance that he needs to give his body more space to rest and relax.
I am eager to see more of the lore now, Justin have the spurs under his skin was a really cool concept, and I am eager to see what other inhumans there are.
Favorite Parts: chronic pain rep, queer community donating for vampires, the salt & pepper collection
I really loved Clementine so much and I felt he was so relatable as a character. How he views relationships, and all of his little "quirks" are things that I also experience. So you can imagine how I felt when I realised why I found him so relatable with the reveal in the last chapter. It's not something I've talked about on my tiktok, (and I am truly only mentioning this now because these reviews really only get read by me, I hope.) but I am actually halfway through getting an "official" ASD diagnosis. I've finally realized I need more help and resources, and I need to accept support. It is somewhat a bittersweet feeling to see a character I relate to so heavily in a book and then find out why that is.
I do think the only bit in this book that fell a bit short is everything in regards to the Dr. Blood and the pharmaceutical company. I do hope we see those characters and companies better fleshed out and given more of a dimension other then just being hateful and discriminatory for no reason.
I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend if you are looking for a queer vampire story with great disability rep!
I am eager to see more of the lore now, Justin have the spurs under his skin was a really cool concept, and I am eager to see what other inhumans there are.
Favorite Parts: chronic pain rep, queer community donating for vampires, the salt & pepper collection
I really loved Clementine so much and I felt he was so relatable as a character. How he views relationships, and all of his little "quirks" are things that I also experience. So you can imagine how I felt when I realised why I found him so relatable with the reveal in the last chapter. It's not something I've talked about on my tiktok, (and I am truly only mentioning this now because these reviews really only get read by me, I hope.) but I am actually halfway through getting an "official" ASD diagnosis. I've finally realized I need more help and resources, and I need to accept support. It is somewhat a bittersweet feeling to see a character I relate to so heavily in a book and then find out why that is.
I do think the only bit in this book that fell a bit short is everything in regards to the Dr. Blood and the pharmaceutical company. I do hope we see those characters and companies better fleshed out and given more of a dimension other then just being hateful and discriminatory for no reason.
I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend if you are looking for a queer vampire story with great disability rep!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Drug use, Hate crime, Homophobia, Sexual content, Blood, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use
The Legacies by Jessica Goodman
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Blackmail, secrets, and so many drugs! The Legacies was a tense and thrilling book that I devoured, eager to find out what had happened and who was the one who was murdered.
It took me a moment to gain my footing, it really dropped me right into the story at the beginning, I had to take a minute to be like...wait? What's happening? I soon became immersed in the opulent world of the rich and powerful, rich kids and murder really pair well together.
I really loved the Jewish representation, and how some characters had their heads on straight.
I felt like I spent so much of the book waiting for action, or waiting for a reveal. When the reveal did happen at the end it felt....like a let down? It was revealed as if it was a big twist and a huge shock, but I just didn't find myself that into it.
This is one of those stories where everything could have been avoided with communication and one conversation, which makes it a bit frustrating to endure.
There were quite a few characters in this book, and it just felt there were so many at times in order to drag the story out a big longer. It just felt like none of them had any depth. Not in a "shallow/rich" way, but in a one dimensional character kind of way. I didn't really feel like they were in any danger, nor did I care what happened to them at all. They just spent all their time partying and that was it?
Everything regarding Bernies' Mom just felt...meh.
I ended up loving Isobels' POV the most, as she spiraled deeper into addiction the writing really conveyed her mood and unstableness.
I don't know if part of the story was meant to criticize, or be a bit of a metaphor for classism, and what gossip and power does to people. If it was then I don't think it should have ended the way it did. Or maybe showing that rich people can get away with anything was the point of the book.
I liked the concept a lot, but I feel the execution could have been better. It didn't really feel like a murder mystery to me.
If you really like YA Thrillers, then give this a read. If you are on the fence about this book, maybe check out some reviews before delving in.
It took me a moment to gain my footing, it really dropped me right into the story at the beginning, I had to take a minute to be like...wait? What's happening? I soon became immersed in the opulent world of the rich and powerful, rich kids and murder really pair well together.
I really loved the Jewish representation, and how some characters had their heads on straight.
I felt like I spent so much of the book waiting for action, or waiting for a reveal. When the reveal did happen at the end it felt....like a let down? It was revealed as if it was a big twist and a huge shock, but I just didn't find myself that into it.
This is one of those stories where everything could have been avoided with communication and one conversation, which makes it a bit frustrating to endure.
There were quite a few characters in this book, and it just felt there were so many at times in order to drag the story out a big longer. It just felt like none of them had any depth. Not in a "shallow/rich" way, but in a one dimensional character kind of way. I didn't really feel like they were in any danger, nor did I care what happened to them at all. They just spent all their time partying and that was it?
Everything regarding Bernies' Mom just felt...meh.
I ended up loving Isobels' POV the most, as she spiraled deeper into addiction the writing really conveyed her mood and unstableness.
I don't know if part of the story was meant to criticize, or be a bit of a metaphor for classism, and what gossip and power does to people. If it was then I don't think it should have ended the way it did. Or maybe showing that rich people can get away with anything was the point of the book.
I liked the concept a lot, but I feel the execution could have been better. It didn't really feel like a murder mystery to me.
If you really like YA Thrillers, then give this a read. If you are on the fence about this book, maybe check out some reviews before delving in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Drug abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Death of parent
D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Queer joy at its finest, D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding left me smiling, and in a better mood then when I started. The premise is one of fake dating, Kris and D'Vaughn are on a reality show and have to convince their families they are getting married in six weeks! (They are complete strangers!) If they get to the altar they have the choice to either get hitched or get a fat check.
Kris and D'Vaughn have the STEAMIEST chemistry. From the moment they met at the party whenever they were in a room together the temperature rose like 10 degrees. All of the spicy scenes had me swooning, I very much would love to be on this reality show.
I swear just the description of Kris had me giggling and kicking my feet. Kris was so mature and thoughtful, I loved how healthy the communication was in this. I also found this to be one of the best depictions of Spanish in a book, I loved the Afro-Latinx representation.
I was so sad when the book ended, I wanted to keep reading!
Oh and I thought it was really cool how it took place in Houston! (H town whoop whoop!)
<i> Perfect for fans of romance, queer stories, or really just fantastic representation. </i>
Kris and D'Vaughn have the STEAMIEST chemistry. From the moment they met at the party whenever they were in a room together the temperature rose like 10 degrees. All of the spicy scenes had me swooning, I very much would love to be on this reality show.
I swear just the description of Kris had me giggling and kicking my feet. Kris was so mature and thoughtful, I loved how healthy the communication was in this. I also found this to be one of the best depictions of Spanish in a book, I loved the Afro-Latinx representation.
I was so sad when the book ended, I wanted to keep reading!
Oh and I thought it was really cool how it took place in Houston! (H town whoop whoop!)
<i> Perfect for fans of romance, queer stories, or really just fantastic representation. </i>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Toxic relationship
She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.75
Sapphic colonization horror!?? LIKE WHAT! This was such an engaging and creepy read. I couldn't put it down, even as I had goosebumps from the suffocating imagery. I don't think there are many authors that can pull off writing about race and colonisation for a horror book, but Trang Thanh Tran NAILED it! I am a grade A weenie, so this wasn't too scary for me to read. I was guessing the whole time, and I loved the twists and turns.
I absolutely loved how race was talked about, it was just done so well and seamlessly. Honestly still cracking up about the line "this woman has a PHD in colonization.." . Jade feels so out of place in Vietnam, like a banana she mentions, and honestly I relate so much to her with my own race struggles.
Also this book is sapphic!
A truly creepy and tense tale about a hungry house, and too many bugs!
If you like thriller books you will definitely like this one!
I absolutely loved how race was talked about, it was just done so well and seamlessly. Honestly still cracking up about the line "this woman has a PHD in colonization.." . Jade feels so out of place in Vietnam, like a banana she mentions, and honestly I relate so much to her with my own race struggles.
Also this book is sapphic!
A truly creepy and tense tale about a hungry house, and too many bugs!
If you like thriller books you will definitely like this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Racism, Suicide, Xenophobia, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death
What's the T? The no-nonsense guide to all things trans and/or non-binary for teens by Juno Dawson
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
Highly informative and funny, What's the T? excels at delivering information in a easy to consume way, the illustrations alongside were so helpful and cracked me up. I read This Book is Gay, and absolutely adored that and knew I had to read this one as well. This primarily follows Trans and Non-Binary experiences. I will say I do feel like this book was majorly focused on all things related to being Trans, and while it had a ton of great information, stories, and resources, it felt like it fell a bit short regarding the Non-Binary experience. Though I do feel like it is difficult to fully cover any subject or topic where everyone has such a deeply personal and different experience regarding their gender identity. My favorite parts of the book included snippets of other people's experiences, and what they have gone through. I also really like how Dawson addressed some of the issues around This Book is Gay, primarily related to race and such.
I recommend this book for anyone who is curious, questioning, or just wanting to educate themselves a bit more.
I recommend this book for anyone who is curious, questioning, or just wanting to educate themselves a bit more.
Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
Did not finish book. Stopped at 78%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 78%.
Everyone raved about this book, and it just feels so meh to me. It's very insta love and I don't feel at all engaged with the characters. It was compared to Heartstopper which is confusing because other then also being an achillean romance the two couldn't be more opposite.
I don't understand why they are even bothering fake dating, so much in this book doesn't make sense.
It all feels very fast-paced, to the point where it just doesn't make sense.
There is a lot of misogyny that just gets glossed over without mention. Dylan's sister isn't allowed to sleep over at her best friend since childhood, but it is okay for Dylan to go sleep over and spend the weekend with a complete stranger? Please make it make sense.
The cover is the only thing the I liked about this book. (Though I also liked the food descriptions!)
I don't understand why they are even bothering fake dating, so much in this book doesn't make sense.
It all feels very fast-paced, to the point where it just doesn't make sense.
There is a lot of misogyny that just gets glossed over without mention. Dylan's sister isn't allowed to sleep over at her best friend since childhood, but it is okay for Dylan to go sleep over and spend the weekend with a complete stranger? Please make it make sense.
The cover is the only thing the I liked about this book. (Though I also liked the food descriptions!)
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
Witty, funny, cozy, this was such a delight to read! I love the concept of a society of refined and polished ladies who are also pirates! There was not a single chapter in this that I didn't laugh out loud, I thoroughly enjoyed every page I read.
India Holton has a very distinct writing style and I was immediately drawn in by the historical world and magic she brought. I loved how badass all the characters are, and how they ran the show and treated men with disdain or exasperation.
I am so glad this is a series, I can't wait to read the next book.
If you are looking for a cozy and funny book filled with adventures, pirates, and romance, then this is the perfect book for you. (Or if you just want to read a good book, I HIGHLY recommend!)
India Holton has a very distinct writing style and I was immediately drawn in by the historical world and magic she brought. I loved how badass all the characters are, and how they ran the show and treated men with disdain or exasperation.
I am so glad this is a series, I can't wait to read the next book.
If you are looking for a cozy and funny book filled with adventures, pirates, and romance, then this is the perfect book for you. (Or if you just want to read a good book, I HIGHLY recommend!)
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
A Soul to Heal by Opal Reyne
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.5
Another sweet and steamy read in the Duskwalker Brides series, I really enjoyed this! I was so happy to see content warnings, I love it when authors let the reader make an informed choice before diving in.
It was really cool to see a romance where the MC struggles with depression, and isn't just immediately happy and perfect.
The smut in this book is rated a 10000000000000000/10. Had me giggling and kicking my feet I swear.
I think the issues that some authors face when writing a romance series centered around different characters of the same "species", is that the names often becomes easily interchangeable with every book. There truly isn't any different in the characters, the plot, or the story. I am so happy to say that is not the case with this series.
I think I was afraid that Delora was also going to have her own fighting/training montage, much like Reia did in her book. I was so happy to see that Delora is her own character, with her own problems and motivations. I really liked how different the dynamic is in this book, I never thought I would enjoy a story with a pregnancy in it, but it is a testament to Opal Reyne's writing how engaged I was.
I loved seeing a glimpse of "Kitty", as well as getting more insight into the Owl Lady and what she goes through every day. I can't wait to read the next book!
Highly recommend this series to any monster lovers!
It was really cool to see a romance where the MC struggles with depression, and isn't just immediately happy and perfect.
The smut in this book is rated a 10000000000000000/10. Had me giggling and kicking my feet I swear.
I think the issues that some authors face when writing a romance series centered around different characters of the same "species", is that the names often becomes easily interchangeable with every book. There truly isn't any different in the characters, the plot, or the story. I am so happy to say that is not the case with this series.
I think I was afraid that Delora was also going to have her own fighting/training montage, much like Reia did in her book. I was so happy to see that Delora is her own character, with her own problems and motivations. I really liked how different the dynamic is in this book, I never thought I would enjoy a story with a pregnancy in it, but it is a testament to Opal Reyne's writing how engaged I was.
I loved seeing a glimpse of "Kitty", as well as getting more insight into the Owl Lady and what she goes through every day. I can't wait to read the next book!
Highly recommend this series to any monster lovers!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, Pregnancy
Minor: Body horror, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Infidelity