its_beautifully_bookish's reviews
170 reviews

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.0

Overall Rating: 4⭐️

Format: paperback

Favourite Quote: “I had no idea what unconditional love looked like until you, Josephine. You taught me how to be like this and I will love you whether or not you're helping me win some fucking game. We are bigger than a game.”

Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, workplace romance, sports romance, forced proximity

Finally getting round to writing my review! 

I really liked Wells and Josephine‘s characters. It was kind of grumpy sunshine but she had a bit of sass too.

I don’t know why it took me so long to write this review because I really destroyed the book. I think it was a day or two days. I read it and it was something like that. It was quick even though it’s beastie. I was just able to absolutely chew through it.!!

I really liked how relatable to golf scenes were I don’t know a lot about golf but I know enough to know that she’d actually done her homework which is really nice because sometimes that extra effort from the author just makes all the difference. While we’re talking about it, the diabetes angle as well such a clever idea she really advocated for them without making them feel like they were a problem. And it gave us like an awareness and an insight into the strength they have day to day.

There were soooo many funny bits I mean the golf cart and the toes?! Haha I was kind of bummed that his signature colour wasn’t on the cover once I learnt about it!

I liked Josephine‘s parents. I thought they were so funny. We obviously didn’t get anything about Wells parents but that was explained and it was interesting how they were both only children.

I really liked the trust element running throughout the book as well I mean, obviously the book has spice in it. It’s author is known for spice books but it didn’t overpower the story.

I would say it was a fast paced read I don’t know if that’s because I read it fast or if the timeline was really quick I like the epilogue afterwards though that was sweet. Interestingly enough the epilogue didn’t have anything to lead onto the next book, at the end of the actual book there was But there was no hints in the epilogue which is making me wonder (which is probably the point)

overall, I really really love this book and I’m very excited to start book 2 but because it’s nearly Christmas and I have to do a December wrap up and a year wrap up. I’m not sure whether to read it now or to try and wait till the New Year to start off with a good read!

That Festive Feeling by Heidi Swain
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

I’m a mood reader and I just could not get on board with this book. The main character I just found entitled and a bit harsh. As well as the story being really overly detailed. That being said I will repeat I am a mood reader. I love this author and it might just be. I need to read it in a different frame of mind.
 
I think I need something a bit softer at the moment. I might reread this book another time and really enjoy it, but for now, I’m gonna stop where I am and maybe pick it up again Another time. 

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging hopeful tense

5.0

Overall Rating: 5⭐️

Format: paperback 

Favourite Quote:  “That’s the key isn’t it? To know the darkness will always remain, but how you choose to face it, handle it… that’s the important part. To not let it consume. To focus upon the good things that will you with wonder.”

Tropes: grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, fated mates, found family, self healing

How do I describe my feelings for this book? I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews on it but personally I absolutely loved it and this was my favourite out of the whole series.

I absolutely loved Nesta and Cassian and their dynamic that he saw the good in her and pulled it out and that she had good inside but she was so wrapped up in her panic and in her self loathing that she couldn’t see a way out.

I was so invested in their story. I didn’t realise how big it was but I was so invested and I enjoyed it so much that it didn’t feel as long as it probably should’ve done! 

I know there hasn’t been a new book in this series for a really long time but the ending of a quarter of silver flames is really open so I definitely think there should be another book unless the author’s got bored of this series. I’m not sure.?

I think, if you read further now into my review, I probably will leave some spoilers so this is a warning haha !

I really love the house of wind the way it connected with her and they bonded and then the precesses as well. I’d really like to see them all, out of their shells and her healing group of people and a safety net for them to walk into to hopefully overcome some of their demons or at least be able to control them. 

Clotho was a nice character I thought it was interesting. The part she played almost like she was underestimated a little bit. I can’t tell who in the series is going to be with Az I’m torn between a few precesses and obviously a few other people! 

In this book I just really enjoyed the self journey back and I really liked the way we got to see why she was acting out why she was doing what she was doing and it was because she was afraid it’s because she thought she didn’t deserve.

I thought it was a shame of the mountain in one sense that she didn’t get to be the top tier of winners but at the same time it was really magical and beautiful the way she held back so that her friends could survive and win my heart was in my throat when Cassie turned up though I was so so worried And the way he sacrificed himself again I was so panicked!

Personally, I feel like the story could lead on to follow Nesta a bit more maybe that’s just because I love her she got powers from the mother by the sounds of it when she gave them back and I feel like she could maybe become a leader a bit like Cassian because by the sounds of it war is coming so if both of them lead a legion into the war, I think that would be so kick ass!!

I think I would’ve really enjoyed a bit more about the two friends and the Illyrians after the Wright I think that would’ve been really good to watch then bow down to them and needs to be in charge something like that would’ve really ticked the boxes for me.

The bit about Feyre and Rhysand was a clever undertone in the story. I didn’t quite understand the point of it the way she couldn’t and it was dangerous and their bargain it was kind of like okay so someone gonna pass away cause if someone does?? But I feel like that ties up their story now I feel like that we could happily leave them where they are as second lead characters just floating around putting an opinions in and out but not being the lead anymore. I think they’ve had enough books!! 

I think I said before the Elaine and Lucian interested me and I wanted to see more from them I do and I don’t apparently they’re mated. I almost want them not to be because I don’t know. I feel like they don’t work very well maybe that’s because he doesn’t know who his dad is maybe that will help, but I just feel like they don’t fit very well. I did say about her being with Az and I’m still not sure what to do about that whether they still would work or whether he’s better off with a priestess.. and then Lucy, I’m not sure where the Vasa should be entertained for his can you undo the mating bond and re make with someone else?

I do think VA’s story needs to be a bit more detailed, but maybe that’ll come through in one of the next books if there is one. Overall I feel like there’s quite a few few loose ends that this author could go into as a direction and I’m not sure which way it’s going to go but I’m definitely looking forward to seeing which characters are in the next book in the series.

A five star review from me means I loved this book!! I would recommend this book to everyone, fantastic, amazing, big fan. I always have room for this on my bookshelf.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

hopeful inspiring sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Overall Rating: 4⭐️

Format: hardback

Favourite Quote: "At the end of the day, whether one returns to the past or travels to the future, the present does not change. So it raises the question: just what is the point of that chair? But Kazu still goes on believing that, no matter what difficulties people face, they will always have the strength to overcome them. It just takes heart. And if the chair can change someone's heart, it clearly has its purpose."

Tropes: time travel, loss of loved one, thought provoking, multiple pov, translated story

The first story in this book is about a woman who wants to confront a man who left them. This story didn’t really capture me that much, I didn’t see her need to travel back into time when she could in the present action her issue, I guess it was her pride so knowing the past helped her decide what to do when she returned to the present but I didn’t think it was a strong start. I was desperate to know what she did if she went after him to America!!

Then part 2 the husband and wife, I cried hard, I re read it and cried again, beautifully written and the letter had me so emotional for them both, I really liked how in the past he knew what was happening and the connection they were able to have before returning to the present it was incredible!

The sisters story again was interesting and added more perspective to the story as a whole because it really emphasises the note that you can’t change the past no matter how much you might want to, I felt sorry for the sisters but it did awaken the idea that time is precious as it moments in time itself. What intrigues me in this part is only one of the staff interacts with the ghost. 

The girl who arrived took me by surprise but then the final chapter, surprise I cried again. It was such a clever thought out book and it must have been Goro in the cafe right? Rightttt? 

This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, at times it was hard to keep track of all of the characters and I appreciated the relationships map at the start to refer back to. 

Head over to my Goodreads for the full review! Xx (Link in Bio) 

#bookreview #bookreviewers #bookreviewblog #bookreview

Unfiltered: My Incredible Decade in Formula 1 by Guenther Steiner, Guenther Steiner

3.0

Overall Rating: 3⭐️

Format: hardback

Favourite Quote: “OK, you bunch of rock stars. I'll see you on the other side, wherever that might be.”

Tropes: success and failure, F1, first person pov, based on true events, chronological order

Just a reminder, my three star reads mean I enjoyed this book. I had fun reading it. Would recommend if you like the tropes or author. For me it didn't hit the spot at the time.

I love his character that’s not the reason I didn’t love the book, for me as a mood reader I bought it but then found myself struggling as some parts were very similar to surviving to drive… I did love the pit stop moments which added something new but overall I sadly struggled with connecting to this biography.

I might have preferred the audio book to really get a sense of the story more. His personality is second to none it’s incredible and funny I absolutely loved the reference to the teenagers queuing for his book signing and his wife laughing at him! His outlook on life is great not to mention the stories he can tell. When and if he writes about his life story in full (not just the F1 side) I will be queuing up to purchase for sure. 

A great interesting guy! Not to say I won’t re read this book at some point just for now I think I was hoping for more Steiner than F1. And the guest house!!! I was hoping it would be a hotel gutted! I think he would have had people queuing but maybe that’s just me wanting to experience something through his creativity / vision. I am glad this isn’t the last we will see of Guenther.

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

3.0

Overall Rating: 3⭐️

Format: paperback

Favourite Quote: “To the stars who listen — and the dreams that are answered”

Tropes: found family, novella, fated mates, multiple povs, holiday season

Cute I think that’s about sums up this book, I don’t know if it’s small enough to be classed as a novella?? But it was a short sweet story with multiple povs to tie up but also leave you with some questions for what’s next.

Freyre and Rhys as always were strong together and depicted the found family trope so well. I think this story felt almost like an end (I realise it’s not) but it had no real direction for me, in a good way it just gave you extra perspective on the characters you have followed so far!

Tamlin and Lucien I don’t know how I feel I don’t like them but I don’t dislike them either I am hoping Feyre can help the human queen with the spell but overall I wouldn’t say I am drawn to hear from these characters more I feel like they are not at the forefront but rather secondary to whatever narratives the story takes next.

I do want to say that yes Tamlin is bad but I think him finding someone and respecting Feyre and Rhysand and them all becoming a strong front appeals to me, no a redemption arc isn’t want I am saying butttttt if he had a novella or something… I don’t know just a thought to have them all not friends but just respectfully living especially after what he said at the end of ACOFAS.

I don’t feel like Elaine and Lucien are bonded maybe they are but I feel like it’s maybe hopefully broken or not true I don’t feel they are right for each other, I think I remember somewhere saying they don’t have to follow the bond… I am not sure, do I think Az is for Elaine..? I don’t know maybe a friend? Maybe more?? I can’t tell but he seems to be the only one she is comfortable talking to so maybe they should? Or maybe it should become a strong friendship…??

Armen was hilarious I can’t Dec if her character is now content or if she has more to play in this series! And Mor I don’t know does she become possessed everyone says they think she will turn evil, I don’t understand her hiding her estate but maybe that’s just me and what was that thing in the dark…? And her gift being the truth but she lies… how does that work?!

Cassian and Nesta are an interesting dynamic I don’t know how their book will go but I already know it will be explosive… hopefully a HEA?

The book was nice but it lacked direction and has something missing for me I am glad I read it and it was a great bridge between ACOWAR and ACOSF but I am wondering if it was needed I guess it added extra layers in preparing for the next book(s) in the series but I feel like that maybe could have been done in ACOSF.

3 stars means to me I enjoyed this book. I had fun reading it. Would recommend if you like the tropes or author.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Francesc Miralles, Héctor García

3.0

Overall Rating: 3⭐️

Format: hardback

Favourite Quote: “life is not a problem to be solved. Just remember to have something that keeps you busy doing what you love while being surrounded by the people who love you.”

Tropes: self discovery, history, cultural discussions, thought provoking, multiple interviews

I think I would put this book in the self-help category I really enjoyed reading this book. There were points that didn’t quite grasp but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good book. I’d say it’s very good very informative and it’s definitely giving me a load of things to think about and try.

I picked this book up thinking it would be very different than what it actually was. I’d say it’s more detailed and more descriptive than I was expecting. However that doesn’t take away from what I’ve actually come to understand and learn from this book. I think I found some key points to take away and some new things that I will definitely be trying, and looking out for more often.

I enjoyed most hearing from all the different people that where interviewed and their thought and opinions on it all, some had me laughing at their frank and honest responses.

I did originally picked this book up thinking it would be full of quotes and stories and they were quotes and stories in this book however they weren’t the base of which it was written. It was very detailed and I did really enjoy learning all the facts that were presented in this book. 

A three star from me means that I enjoyed this book. I had fun reading it.

My December Darling by Lauren Asher

4.0

My December Darling

Overall Rating: 4⭐️

Format: kindle

Favourite Quote: “It’s obvious that Catalina isn’t stuck-up or rude like some people might assume based off one interaction, but rather, she is a shy, cautious person who dislikes the unknown.”

Tropes: small town romance, novella, doctor x nurse, best man x maid of honor, he falls first

My December Darling was such a cute little novella that I really enjoyed and has definitely got me into the Christmas spirit! (Yes in November hahaha) Luke and Catalina had this fiery banter and soft side which I thought was really adorable. 

It did progress fast, but at the same time I felt like and everything it needed! Although I didn’t get a very Christmassy feel from it. I had goosebumps!!

I did find the sister dynamic very strange and the fact that she was with her sisters fiance but they weren’t actually together but they were at the same time. It was a bit of an odd one for me but I’m very glad it wasn’t one of those wedding vibes where he’s a bad guy and she’s a bad guy and they don’t actually get married. I’m very happy for happily ever after of the couple!! 

The mum was quite sweet. It kind of touched into the story to add a bit more detail without going fully into it which I quite liked. And his parents too without being overbearing. I think they handled the hospital nurse and doctor dynamic really well. Showing both sides without again going too heavy and keeping to the novella theme.

Catalina is my spirit animal. I relate to this character so much in the way that she’s shy but comes across as unapproachable we can all be Catalina sometimes!! and I like that this was portrayed and shown and that no matter what he still broke through those barriers and decided she was worth it!

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella and I’m hoping Lauren writes more of these in the future! 

My 4 star rating means I really liked this book. A great read overall would recommend but the overall feels were not as strong as other reads.

The Syndicater by RuNyx

3.0

Overall Rating: 3⭐️

Format: kindle

Favourite Quote: “My atoms miss your voice.“

Tropes: dark mafia romance, all is not as it seems, multiple pov, found family, secret society 

Just a reminder, my three star reads mean I enjoyed this book. I had fun reading it. Would recommend if you like the tropes or author. For me it didn't hit the spot at the time.

If you know me, you know I rave about the dark verse series. It’s no secret that I love the first five books and I loved the storyline of the syndicater… however… it was a real shame and I did refresh my Kindle after the authors note that Amazon had uploaded the wrong version but the version after that also had lots of typos duplicated sentences words missing which was a real real shame because it was a great storyline. 

But let’s talk about the plot, I did already figure out the ending obviously I didn’t know if correct but I was which was okay. I think I would’ve liked more of a curveball. You kind of saw it coming. Everyone else had been eliminated. A few interesting changes and they did confuse me a little bit, but again, I think that’s because of the upload! 

Mr Shadowman though … wowwww the way he was the guardian the guardian?!?!!! he just has so many layers but nobody sees and he is just 110% my favourite and Lyla she was so strong and so badass and at the end I was like what the hell but obviously then a bit I knew about we figured out happened and I was like okay fair enough. I wouldn’t say it was as twisty as the others in the series but it did put a lot to bed.

I would have liked more of Zephyr and Alpha maybe for a bit of his memory to come back but hopefully this will come in the novella I think I would cry at his pov of the memories and them as kids that would just be amazinggggg.

Lex was an interesting twist I didn’t fully understand his part in the story and Xanders age was confusing me through out but they were cute, Tristan and Morana where fireeeeee her accent though was a shame but I loved seeing the softer side to Tristan. Shame he didn’t say ILY that would have been sweet I was expecting it at the wedding but he didn’t?

Dante and Amara always pulling everyone together love them and Tempest was sooooo cuteeee shame about Vin might have been nice for a omg moment for him and the girl but they weren’t kind of 86ed off the storyline…

It was definitely a great book to tie everything up. I think that’s what I felt. The most. There wasn’t a lot of surprise. It was a lot of finalising which I really appreciate because it was nice to know where everything went and who did what and where and see the couples in happy ever after, moment! And I love love loved the multiple povs I would have liked them longer but that’s just my love for the characters and couples I guess ahha.

The typos and sentencing issues did affect the way the storyline came across. It meant at times I was trying to figure out what they meant rather than being amerced fully into the story.

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

adventurous challenging inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

Lost and Lassoed

Overall Rating: 4⭐️

Format: kindle

Favourite Quote: “I don’t have much to offer,” he went on softly. “Just a quiet life with a grumpy man from a small town, but I can promise to love you every day.

Tropes: best friends brother, enemies to lovers, single dad x nanny, small town romance

Lost and lassoed I was counting down the days to read this book. This series is so good it definitely gave me heartless vibes but at the same time it was completely its own.

I loved Teddy and their chemistry. It was always always an enemies to lovers sort of vibe. I really enjoyed it and then the little kid as well so cute all her sunshine.!! 

It was quite fast before you know I’ve read the whole thing! I like the way they both cared for others and found the way to care for each other as well and I was so worried about Hank thank God he was okay!! 

I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a funny read with a bit of fire and bit of spice and a storyline that’s easy to follow with characters that you fall in love with.