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javacat's Reviews (25)
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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:
Yes
Post break up, kindergarten teacher Cassie is thrown into an awkward living situation with her best friend's brother she has never met before. Who just so happens to be the NHL's hottest and grumpiest player.
O'Dea has debuted her writing with Off The Ice, a story proving that not every hockey romance needs to be spicy. Told in dual perspective, both characters face different situations with both each other and their respective families, which force them to grow. They learn that there are just some things in life that you can not control, and those things have no bearing on themselves.
Cassie's character arc is very compelling as she seeks inner peace through a very tumultuous time in her life. I found myself rooting for her all around. The book leaves no conflict unresolved while giving you a glimpse of what came after the end of the story, and the end gave me a sense of fulfillment that I don't always get. Maybe I found myself more invested in the characters than I expected to be when I picked up the book. Who knows. I hope there are more books to come by O'Dea that have such dynamic characters.
Thank you, Emma O'Dea, for allowing me the privilege of receiving an ARC for this book. This honest review has been left voluntarily.
O'Dea has debuted her writing with Off The Ice, a story proving that not every hockey romance needs to be spicy. Told in dual perspective, both characters face different situations with both each other and their respective families, which force them to grow. They learn that there are just some things in life that you can not control, and those things have no bearing on themselves.
Cassie's character arc is very compelling as she seeks inner peace through a very tumultuous time in her life. I found myself rooting for her all around. The book leaves no conflict unresolved while giving you a glimpse of what came after the end of the story, and the end gave me a sense of fulfillment that I don't always get. Maybe I found myself more invested in the characters than I expected to be when I picked up the book. Who knows. I hope there are more books to come by O'Dea that have such dynamic characters.
Thank you, Emma O'Dea, for allowing me the privilege of receiving an ARC for this book. This honest review has been left voluntarily.
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
For anyone who has ever felt like their happiness is dependent on making others happy, this book is for you.
I've read a lot of books recently with relatable characters or an engaging storyline. Something about Hayle's storytelling and character development has me truly invested in her characters. I need to know what happens next in their story, and I really hope they're in all of the subsequent books.
While not it didn't ruin the story, I felt taken off guard by how the two main characters suddenly progress to an intimate relationship. It felt like it was a flip of the switch and was a bit awkward and unrealistic. Likewise, the original conflict of the female main character was wrapped up a bit too nicely; it didn't feel like it was a well developed plotline.
Even with all of the above stated, I still loved this book. I wish book two was releasing tomorrow so I could continue with this world of characters. Thank you for writing this book.
Thank you, Olivia Hayle and Netgalley, for this ARC. This review has been left honestly and voluntarily.
I've read a lot of books recently with relatable characters or an engaging storyline. Something about Hayle's storytelling and character development has me truly invested in her characters. I need to know what happens next in their story, and I really hope they're in all of the subsequent books.
While not it didn't ruin the story, I felt taken off guard by how the two main characters suddenly progress to an intimate relationship. It felt like it was a flip of the switch and was a bit awkward and unrealistic. Likewise, the original conflict of the female main character was wrapped up a bit too nicely; it didn't feel like it was a well developed plotline.
Even with all of the above stated, I still loved this book. I wish book two was releasing tomorrow so I could continue with this world of characters. Thank you for writing this book.
Thank you, Olivia Hayle and Netgalley, for this ARC. This review has been left honestly and voluntarily.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Yes
A relatable self-love romcom with all the feels.
I found Katie to feel forced in the first couple of chapters of this book (and for some reason, I kept forgetting her name). However, the more the story went on, the more I realized that I related to her. She's as uncomfortable in colors as she is her own skin. She became so much more likable as the story progressed, and you can't help but root for her. I wanted Katie to have the best of everything, and she deserved all the good things.
This story had a mix of great characters. Charming characters. Dishonest characters. Private characters. But the very best ones - catty elderly women. Each of these characters held a place in my heart while I read this book.
The story was wholesome and complete. Center left no detail unfinished. I've not read any other books by her, but I am looking forward to adding some to my list for this upcoming summer.
Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
I found Katie to feel forced in the first couple of chapters of this book (and for some reason, I kept forgetting her name). However, the more the story went on, the more I realized that I related to her. She's as uncomfortable in colors as she is her own skin. She became so much more likable as the story progressed, and you can't help but root for her. I wanted Katie to have the best of everything, and she deserved all the good things.
This story had a mix of great characters. Charming characters. Dishonest characters. Private characters. But the very best ones - catty elderly women. Each of these characters held a place in my heart while I read this book.
The story was wholesome and complete. Center left no detail unfinished. I've not read any other books by her, but I am looking forward to adding some to my list for this upcoming summer.
Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If you are looking for a book where the slow burn is slow, the world is painted beautifully, and the twists are unpredicted, then I am here to tell you that the hype is real!
Perry has created a strong, passionate female lead who refuses to be held down by societal expectations. The story is beautifully told from Odessa's perspective and never over-tells. You know only what Odessa knows, and you uncover it all with her. All characters are fully developed with flaws, strengths, and secrets, and it's clear that the author had a lot of dedication to this story. I hope to see it continue through the remainder of the series.
I found the first half of the book to be slow but had to remind myself of the importance of world building. By the end, I learned that none of that time was wasted, I needed to understand each of these villages. I can't wait for the next book and am anxiously awaiting what happens next. I've been recommending this book since I was halfway through, and I will keep recommending it.
Thank you, Red Tower Books and Entangled Publishing for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
Perry has created a strong, passionate female lead who refuses to be held down by societal expectations. The story is beautifully told from Odessa's perspective and never over-tells. You know only what Odessa knows, and you uncover it all with her. All characters are fully developed with flaws, strengths, and secrets, and it's clear that the author had a lot of dedication to this story. I hope to see it continue through the remainder of the series.
I found the first half of the book to be slow but had to remind myself of the importance of world building. By the end, I learned that none of that time was wasted, I needed to understand each of these villages. I can't wait for the next book and am anxiously awaiting what happens next. I've been recommending this book since I was halfway through, and I will keep recommending it.
Thank you, Red Tower Books and Entangled Publishing for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Angela has moved across the country for law school on a scholarship. She has her own apartment, a steady job, and is making it on her own. But will the first guy she falls for be the one to bring her fully to the freedom she craves, or will he bring her right back to her old life?
I loved this book. Every time I had to put this book down, I looked forward to the next time I could pick it up. While this is an easy read, there is so many moving parts to the story, and with every new chapter came new deceit. I do wish that the internal conflicts of the main characters regarding their relationship was more intense. I would have liked to have seen them struggle more about what they felt for each other, and have the book be more of a slow burn.
I hope the author continues to write more books, I look forward to reading more.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
I loved this book. Every time I had to put this book down, I looked forward to the next time I could pick it up. While this is an easy read, there is so many moving parts to the story, and with every new chapter came new deceit. I do wish that the internal conflicts of the main characters regarding their relationship was more intense. I would have liked to have seen them struggle more about what they felt for each other, and have the book be more of a slow burn.
I hope the author continues to write more books, I look forward to reading more.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
dark
emotional
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
A life-long soul reaper, and son of Death himself, who has lost his compassionate touch is sent on his next assignment with the expectation to re-learn how to guide souls. Will the woman who returned to her hometown to tend to a lavender farm be the one who can soften his edges? Or will she be the one who breaks Samael further?
Told in dual perspective, this was an easy, engaging read. I couldn't put it down, and I have no regrets. The characters were likeable and had realistic traits. However, I wish Walters had given more of a physical description to Adrianne. It seemed as though there were ample descriptors for Samael, but not Adrianne.
I found myself changing what I thought would happen at the end of the book a number of times. This is not a very predictable story. It keeps you guessing without taking away from the themes. The focus is kept intact and all secondary themes support the main storyline.
I've already recommended this book multiple times, and look forward to reading book two!
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
Told in dual perspective, this was an easy, engaging read. I couldn't put it down, and I have no regrets. The characters were likeable and had realistic traits. However, I wish Walters had given more of a physical description to Adrianne. It seemed as though there were ample descriptors for Samael, but not Adrianne.
I found myself changing what I thought would happen at the end of the book a number of times. This is not a very predictable story. It keeps you guessing without taking away from the themes. The focus is kept intact and all secondary themes support the main storyline.
I've already recommended this book multiple times, and look forward to reading book two!
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What could go wrong with an arranged marriage to someone who won't meet until after the wedding?
I really enjoyed this story, however I felt it to be poorly executed. I struggled to imagine both the scenery and the characters. The current book cover does show characters, but only one vague characteristic is given for a character, and it's not shown on the cover. This story perhaps could have been a duo with so much more description given.
I found the types of gods in the story to be unique, and they each had their own story to tell. The stories of the cities were fascinating, from beginning to end. The story wraps up nicely, but if a sequel were written, I would likely read it. Especially if the story was told in more detail.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this story, however I felt it to be poorly executed. I struggled to imagine both the scenery and the characters. The current book cover does show characters, but only one vague characteristic is given for a character, and it's not shown on the cover. This story perhaps could have been a duo with so much more description given.
I found the types of gods in the story to be unique, and they each had their own story to tell. The stories of the cities were fascinating, from beginning to end. The story wraps up nicely, but if a sequel were written, I would likely read it. Especially if the story was told in more detail.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What's meant to be a getaway amongst two friends catching up ends up diverted to a long left behind city and uncovered secrets.
I really enjoyed this story which follows Maddy and Chickie who each have opposite personalities learning to uncover another layer of themselves and love who they are. This book had a lot of themes that YA books have, but centers around two women who are around 70, proving that life doesn't need to slow down with age.
While each character has their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, i found it difficult to differentiate for about the first 1/3 which character was talking and who we were following. The dialogue for each character was incredibly similar, so until each begins to address their own conflicts, I struggled.
The story wraps up nicely and leaves just enough open ended to infer what the next chapter leaves, while wrapping every bit of the story up with a nice little bow.
Thank you, Netgalley and Köehler Books for this book. This review has been left voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this story which follows Maddy and Chickie who each have opposite personalities learning to uncover another layer of themselves and love who they are. This book had a lot of themes that YA books have, but centers around two women who are around 70, proving that life doesn't need to slow down with age.
While each character has their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, i found it difficult to differentiate for about the first 1/3 which character was talking and who we were following. The dialogue for each character was incredibly similar, so until each begins to address their own conflicts, I struggled.
The story wraps up nicely and leaves just enough open ended to infer what the next chapter leaves, while wrapping every bit of the story up with a nice little bow.
Thank you, Netgalley and Köehler Books for this book. This review has been left voluntarily.
adventurous
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:
No
Living a humble life in hiding for fear of persecution, Rylee enters The Choosing with only one mission. It has been one year since she has seen her sister, and she's determined to find her. Fate, however, has different plans. Can she handle the Legends of Chaos whose reputations precede them? Or have they finally met their match?
The Never List doesn't have extensive world building, but I felt as though I could imagine each city, kingdom, event, and even the statues. Scenery was woven through the story as if you're actually seeing everything for the first time through Rylee's eyes. Being a character-driven story, Presley has written from all characters' perspectives, but primarily Rylee's. I felt Rylee's actions were a bit "scrappier" than the average person. She's quick-witted, passionate, and looking to preserve the wellbeing of herself and those she loves. She has two amazing best friends who I hope we see more of in the rest of the story, and their time together feels like a friend circle you would want to be a part of.
I would have liked to have had more closure to some of the smaller conflicts in the story. It felt like some of the conflicts, or characters, seemed as if they would hold a large part of the book, but they fell off rather quickly. These characters or conflicts have the opportunity to come back in a future book, so I won't lose hope! But I would have liked to have seen them wrapped up a little more in this one.
I am thrilled to have read this, and I will definitely be recommending it. I cannot wait to read more about our characters and what happens with Lumathyst. Thank you so much to Red Tower and Entangled Publishing for the ARC and this opportunity.
This review has been left voluntarily.
The Never List doesn't have extensive world building, but I felt as though I could imagine each city, kingdom, event, and even the statues. Scenery was woven through the story as if you're actually seeing everything for the first time through Rylee's eyes. Being a character-driven story, Presley has written from all characters' perspectives, but primarily Rylee's. I felt Rylee's actions were a bit "scrappier" than the average person. She's quick-witted, passionate, and looking to preserve the wellbeing of herself and those she loves. She has two amazing best friends who I hope we see more of in the rest of the story, and their time together feels like a friend circle you would want to be a part of.
I would have liked to have had more closure to some of the smaller conflicts in the story. It felt like some of the conflicts, or characters, seemed as if they would hold a large part of the book, but they fell off rather quickly. These characters or conflicts have the opportunity to come back in a future book, so I won't lose hope! But I would have liked to have seen them wrapped up a little more in this one.
I am thrilled to have read this, and I will definitely be recommending it. I cannot wait to read more about our characters and what happens with Lumathyst. Thank you so much to Red Tower and Entangled Publishing for the ARC and this opportunity.
This review has been left voluntarily.
emotional
reflective
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:
Yes
Yes, I am old enough to see this title and think of The Princess Diaries. Yes, that made me want to read this book. And yes, I enjoyed it!
Catch a Falling Star is a heartwarming story of grief and self-love. While the story itself feels unrealistic, it's still one that draws us in. I felt the book jumped right into the story, almost a little too fast, but it made my heart feel full by the end. I found myself more invested in the characters than I expected, and wish the story didn't end where it did.
Lyra and Guy are two characters who actually know how to communicate, and maturely. The character flaws are miniscule compared to the characters' growth. The flaws the main characters have are ones we can all relate to. I do however wish we had gotten more of a look into Lyra's life in the years prior to the story taking place, more interaction with other characters, and some more insight and closure to some other topics/situations in the story.
Please note, content warnings mentioned are not on page, but mentioned throughout.
Thank you to Laura Carter, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
Catch a Falling Star is a heartwarming story of grief and self-love. While the story itself feels unrealistic, it's still one that draws us in. I felt the book jumped right into the story, almost a little too fast, but it made my heart feel full by the end. I found myself more invested in the characters than I expected, and wish the story didn't end where it did.
Lyra and Guy are two characters who actually know how to communicate, and maturely. The character flaws are miniscule compared to the characters' growth. The flaws the main characters have are ones we can all relate to. I do however wish we had gotten more of a look into Lyra's life in the years prior to the story taking place, more interaction with other characters, and some more insight and closure to some other topics/situations in the story.
Please note, content warnings mentioned are not on page, but mentioned throughout.
Thank you to Laura Carter, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief
Minor: Drug abuse