jackiespider's reviews
290 reviews

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

emotional hopeful sad slow-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

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

funny 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? It's complicated

3.75

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.5

Parallel by Elizabeth O'Roark, Elle O'Roark

emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

Unsteady by Peyton Corinne

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I wanted to love this. The mental health rep was brilliant, especially displayed within a male character. It cannot be ignored that this aspect of the story was executed brilliantly.

However…. This book was not for me. Throughout the exploration and development of Sadie and Rhys’s relationship, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly sorry for Sadie. Every single person in her life needs her, needs her to be there literally all the time, at any given moment, and enter Rhys, who just adds to it. 

I wish I could have empathised more, but him needing so much from Sadie so soon, and the mention of love at the 50% mark, just gave me the ick. I admit, this probably says more about me than the book, and it’s an entirely me problem, I just couldn’t cope with it, and I wanted to run for the hills. 

Funny Story by Emily Henry

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? It's complicated

3.5

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.5

Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh

emotional slow-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

3.75

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

4.0

This was a beautiful story!

I absolutely love stories of magical realism, and this was no exception. Delphie is flawed and unlikeable and struggles to forge any meaningful relationships. As soon as we learn the reasons that made her that way, I fell in love with her. 

I adored the theme of connection throughout, letting people be your village, allowing yourself to be vulnerable. 

Whilst the story was very predictable, it still packed an emotional punch. Highly recommend for fans of The Dead Romantics! 

The Risk by S.T. Abby

dark mysterious fast-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? Yes

4.0