itsjustkatereading's reviews
1635 reviews

Joined at the Joints by Marissa Eller

emotional informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.25

Joined at the Joints is the kind of book that pops up now and again to remind me how important YA (and even more specifically, diverse YA) books are. This was affirming, comforting, necessary and incredibly sweet. Ivy goes on multiple journey's throughout this book and each one is handled with sensitivity and love. The way book has the power to make many of its readers feel seen in a way that so few pieces of fiction offer is a type of special that can't be underestimated. My only slight qualm with this book was the story line between Ivy and her friend Rory but even that is a story and experience that deserved to be told. Overall, this was a warm, eye opening and heartfelt read and one I'd happily recommend. 

Off to the Races by Elsie Silver

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

A solid fun, quick and easy read. Elsie Silver’s books are a little hit or miss for me and despite not being among my favourites, this was definitely more of a hit than not and I’m looking forward to continuing the series. 

For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

emotional tense fast-paced

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

3.75

A fast paced and action pace story of vengeance, treasure and the price of power.

I was incredibly excited about this book and although I definitely enjoyed it, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The plot and characters were interesting to follow but not particularly outstanding or memorable. I feel like this could have benefitted from being extended into a duology, giving it more time for further world building and depth to the characters and relationships etc. as they fell a little flat at times. 

That being said, I did enjoy my time with this story. It was engaging and held my attention with some fun twists and turns. I'm excited to see what Emily Varga writes next. 

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

This was an entertaining enough read but sadly nothing particularly memorable. I think its downfall was that it simply tried to do too much in too short a time. The pacing felt all over the place and although the elements it did have were interesting, they weren’t developed enough for me to feel invested or particularly care. I did like the characters but again, I wish they’d been a little more developed because they felt a little one dimensional after a few chapters. 

The Brightness Between Us by Eliot Schrefer

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

I know this is probably the last book in this series but I’d very much like it not to be because I absolutely adored this and I just feel like there’s so much left to explore and answers to be found (in the best way). 

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer

emotional funny 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

4.0

I love these space boys almost as much as I love when a book lives up to its hype, which this most certainly did. 

This book took me on a ride and I loved that I was able to experience each twist and turn alongside Ambrose and Kodiak because at no point was I able to figure out what was going on until they did. This was all the best things about movies like The Martian and Interstellar, with a touch more heart and I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-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

4.25

When I say I devoured this book whole, I mean I sat down to read it and didn't stop until I realised I'd finished and done nothing else with my day (and wasn't remotely mad about it.)

This was a perfect balance of a cosy, locked room mystery and a banter filled hate-to-love romance. It's filled with suspense and tension, in both the romance and mystery and was just so much fun. I am loving Ally Carter's shift to adult fiction and am already eagerly awaiting her next release.

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin, Marissa Stapley

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

This was like every cheesy holiday movie rolled into one and it was an utter joy. With romance, family drama and holiday cheer, all wrapped up in a snowy small setting, this was a sweet and warm hearted celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and Ramadan. 

What to expect:

- small town
- forced proximity
- estranged friends-to-lovers
- celebrity romance
-family dynamics
- sisterhood
- new found friendship
- all the cheesy holiday cheer

Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.25

Take Me Home has everything you could want from a winter romance. It’s got angst, tension, humour, sarcasm, frenemies to lovers, road trip, family drama, emotional turmoil, forced proximity, small town, he falls first and did I mention, there’s only one bed? 
The romance in this was a delight. The chemistry was sweet and vulnerable and really fun. 
It wasn’t especially Christmassy but that made it the perfect read to ease me into the festive reading season. I absolutely adored the characters, story and relationships Melanie crafted in this and I am already eagerly awaiting reading whatever she writes next. 

I'll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

The moment this was compared to The Holiday (one of my favourite movies) I was all in and it did not disappoint. This had all the Christmassy adorableness you could want from a festive rom-com. I’d have liked a little more from the ending, which felt somewhat abrupt/rushed but other than that, this was the perfect book to get me into the Christmas reading spirit.


What to expect: 

- life swap
- small town vs big city 
- black fmc’s
- f/f and f/m romances 
- explorations of grief, toxic parents, sibling rivalry and sexuality 
- a fluffy chicken 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia