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iamcaseyrkelley's reviews
275 reviews
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
4.0
I received an ARC and an ALC for a honest review.
This book was unexpected. I went in anticipating a typical romance but got so much more. This book had magical realism and music history organically woven into the story in a way that surprisingly worked. Even being able to anticipate where the story would take me did not lessen the beauty of the journey. Tia Williams does an amazing job of writing flawed characters that are at the same time incredibly endearing.
My one complaint was the storyline with her family and sisters. It seemed unnecessary and added no value to the story. On the flip side, I loved that she found a home with Della.
This book was unexpected. I went in anticipating a typical romance but got so much more. This book had magical realism and music history organically woven into the story in a way that surprisingly worked. Even being able to anticipate where the story would take me did not lessen the beauty of the journey. Tia Williams does an amazing job of writing flawed characters that are at the same time incredibly endearing.
My one complaint was the storyline with her family and sisters. It seemed unnecessary and added no value to the story. On the flip side, I loved that she found a home with Della.
Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen
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
5.0
I received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review
TLDR: It was four stars and then the book made me cry. That’s an automatic five stars for me. When authors are able to connect me to characters so completely that I can feel their emotions enough that I am crying with them….it is five stars. Period.
There’s so much I want to say about why I loved this book so much but I think a lot are spoilers. First things first. Danielle Allen had zero time for a slow burn. The first line and backs are getting blown out. I was so here for all of it. I loved reading a plus size woman that is extremely confident despite others around her with fatphobia. Aaliyah was for the most part a likable character. I wanted to shake her at the end because she was so far in her head. I wanted her to lay all her cards on the table so badly but I understood where the insecurity came from (SN: It wouldn’t have worked in the story if she just went for it). But y’all it’s official. Ahmad is my new story sneaky link. His vulnerability, intensity and heart felt so pure and so raw. I could go on and on about this book but it is just reaffirming what I learned last year while reading ten Danielle Allen books…. She is truly that girl and her pen is fire. She is going to be a force in the traditionally published romance space.
Now lemme go reread that scene in that room at the bar cuz baybeeeee…..Ahmad. That’s all I’m gonna say.
TLDR: It was four stars and then the book made me cry. That’s an automatic five stars for me. When authors are able to connect me to characters so completely that I can feel their emotions enough that I am crying with them….it is five stars. Period.
There’s so much I want to say about why I loved this book so much but I think a lot are spoilers. First things first. Danielle Allen had zero time for a slow burn. The first line and backs are getting blown out. I was so here for all of it. I loved reading a plus size woman that is extremely confident despite others around her with fatphobia. Aaliyah was for the most part a likable character. I wanted to shake her at the end because she was so far in her head. I wanted her to lay all her cards on the table so badly but I understood where the insecurity came from (SN: It wouldn’t have worked in the story if she just went for it). But y’all it’s official. Ahmad is my new story sneaky link. His vulnerability, intensity and heart felt so pure and so raw. I could go on and on about this book but it is just reaffirming what I learned last year while reading ten Danielle Allen books…. She is truly that girl and her pen is fire. She is going to be a force in the traditionally published romance space.
Now lemme go reread that scene in that room at the bar cuz baybeeeee…..Ahmad. That’s all I’m gonna say.
Shots Not Taken by Nicole Falls
funny
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
3.75
Enjoyed but distracted by plot hole
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. However, there’s were two secondary characters (a couple) that sort of just disappeared. They were the two that introduced our main characters as they were respective best friends of the main characters. There were major things that happened in the characters’ lives that it seemed odd that the couple wasn’t present, especially the FMC’s best friend. Halfway through the book, they are never mentioned again but there wasn’t a falling out to justify their disappearance. Because of their role in the first part of the book, their absence is noticeable (and not explained) especially in the epilogue.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. However, there’s were two secondary characters (a couple) that sort of just disappeared. They were the two that introduced our main characters as they were respective best friends of the main characters. There were major things that happened in the characters’ lives that it seemed odd that the couple wasn’t present, especially the FMC’s best friend. Halfway through the book, they are never mentioned again but there wasn’t a falling out to justify their disappearance. Because of their role in the first part of the book, their absence is noticeable (and not explained) especially in the epilogue.
The Truth: His Side, Her Side, and The Truth About Falling in Love by Christina C. Jones
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Somebody That I Used to Know by Dana L. Davis
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
Loved It”
This was such a cute story. One of the things I loved in this book was how Dylan refreshingly shared her feelings. A lot of times in YA Romance, the FMC tend to live in their heads which often causes unnecessary problems in their relationships (including familial and platonic relationships). It was a quick light read that I enjoyed in one sitting. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.
This was such a cute story. One of the things I loved in this book was how Dylan refreshingly shared her feelings. A lot of times in YA Romance, the FMC tend to live in their heads which often causes unnecessary problems in their relationships (including familial and platonic relationships). It was a quick light read that I enjoyed in one sitting. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.