itsjustkatereading's reviews
1682 reviews

The Floating World by Axie Oh

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Between The Floating World and The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, it's clear that Axie Oh is a true master of unique and vivid of world creation. With vibes of Ghibli and City of Ember and an exciting video game-ensque quality to it, The Floating World had me hooked from page one. A whirlwind read of magic, action, love, adventure and secrets, The Floating World is a truly transportive read and I can't wait to see what happens next! 

what to expect:

- demons
- he's hired to capture her but ends up falling for her
- floating city 
- swordsman x troupe performer 
- magic
- mythology

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

this was fantastic and probably my favourite in the series yet and that ending?? that final sentence?? I need moreeeee now please. 

also someone please tell me why I keep going into books thinking it’s the finale only for it to end on a cliffhanger because there are more books coming? it’s killing me. :’) 

Will They or Won't They by Ava Wilder

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I really, really like this one. Ava Wilder has a way of writing that’s so easy and enjoyable to read. I loved Lilah’s and Shane’s perspectives, both having a quiet wit that made me laugh and a depth that felt honest. Theo Hollywood aspect was a lot of fun and all in all, I had a great time with this. That said, I can’t be convinced these two aren’t breaking up in a few months. :’) 

what to expect:

•jewish fmc with anxiety and panic attacks
• slow burn
• love-to-hate-to-love
• second chance 
• he falls first 
• dual pov
• celebrity romance
• hollywood backdrop
• dramaaaaa 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders

Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

Oh this made my heart so very full. I’ve always been a Disney Fairies girlie and reading Wings of Starlight was every bit the nostalgic, transportive and magical reading experience I’d hoped it would be. I think I’m going to have to become comfortable with the fact that this book is now ingrained in my soul and I will likely be in a forever state of wanting to rewatch all the Disney fairies movies and run away to Pixie Hollow. 

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

While I definitely enjoyed this, I’m sad and rather shocked that I didn’t love it. It had a different vibe from Emily Henry’s other work and while that’s not a bad thing, I felt it lacked her usual magic. 

Don’t get me wrong, it was an entertaining reading and one I flew through in two sittings but I can’t say I felt all too much for it. The romance took a back seat to Margaret’s story and whilst that’s not a bad thing as I really enjoyed learning about her life, it left me wanting more from Alice, Hayden and their love story. I enjoyed both of their characters but I just didn’t feel as though they got enough time to fully develop and shine and main characters. Their relationship felt rushed and incomplete and I just craved the depth and sparkle of Emily’s previous romances. 

All that being said, I did enjoy my time with this book. It just sadly didn’t quite give me the high of Emily’s previous work. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Eating disorder

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

The stress this book put me through!!!! 

This was such a fantastic sequel and although there was so much going on all of the time. in a way that made my head hurt a little, I couldn’t bring myself to mind too much because it’s just so clever and brutal and addictive. I kind of want to reread it already because I know I’ll have missed bits but alas, Oathbound is calling my name. 

Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

With heartwarming messages about seeing through prejudice and coming together, self acceptance and friendship, this was an utterly adorable graphic novel. The plot itself did feel a little rushed at times which was a shame but overall this was an action packed, heartfelt and beautifully illustrated read and I’m already looking forward to book seeing where the story goes! 

Reclaiming Kate by Mary Warren

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

A super cute and moving hockey player x bookseller romance. 

Reclaiming Kate had the bones of something really fantastic. I adored Kate and Wes and the side cast were fun to get to know. The romance was tender and healing and I loved watching these two take care of one another. 

My issue was that I craved more depth. The romance went from zero to a hundred so quickly, there didn’t feel like their relationship had time to develop or anywhere to go after the first few chapters. I also found some of the dialogue and sentences a little stilted and repetitive. 

That said, I did have a good time with this and there were some really lovely and moving moments. I just feel as though, with a little more editing, this could have been a book I totally fell in love with.

what to expect:

• age gap
• plus size rep (fmc)
• golden retriever mmc
• they read together
• hockey player x bookseller 
• small town


TW: past toxic relationship and domestic abuse. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

dark emotional sad 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

Horrifying and beautifully heart-aching. This is a movie waiting to happen. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: War

Moderate: Homophobia, Antisemitism

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5