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javacat's Reviews (25)
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What would you do if you found a mysterious item that may be able to lead you to or away from life altering decisions? Would you believe that item or would you choose to make your own destiny?
That's where our main character, Sophie, finds herself. Sophie is a meticulous person who finds comfort in the familiar. She's surrounded by those she loves, she has a career in a field she has wanted to work in, but she's anxious to take leaps without knowing where she'll land. Relatable.
Peter, our other main character, had such a great back story and character arc. He's easy to empathize with, and its effortless to root for him. I wish we had seen more of his home life as I really enjoyed the dynamic.
It was easy to read this story, and put yourself in the shoes of either character. I found myself, unexpectedly, unable to put this book down. There isn't necessarily "banter," but I loved the conversations between the two main characters. Sophie's and Peter's relationship with Willa and Archer was also top notch.
This is my first book of Proctor's, and I look forward to reading more. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC, and for helping me discover a new author.
That's where our main character, Sophie, finds herself. Sophie is a meticulous person who finds comfort in the familiar. She's surrounded by those she loves, she has a career in a field she has wanted to work in, but she's anxious to take leaps without knowing where she'll land. Relatable.
Peter, our other main character, had such a great back story and character arc. He's easy to empathize with, and its effortless to root for him. I wish we had seen more of his home life as I really enjoyed the dynamic.
It was easy to read this story, and put yourself in the shoes of either character. I found myself, unexpectedly, unable to put this book down. There isn't necessarily "banter," but I loved the conversations between the two main characters. Sophie's and Peter's relationship with Willa and Archer was also top notch.
This is my first book of Proctor's, and I look forward to reading more. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC, and for helping me discover a new author.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What happens when nostalgic Y2K romcom vibes meet a group of girls going on a two week getaway to Spain? You get Too Hot To Handle. When Molly, and overworking romantic, joins her friends for a two week getaway for her best friend's wedding, absolutely nothing goes to plan. What begins as an escape from her everyday life quickly turns to chaos and junkfood.
While I felt this book was had some unrealistic elements, it was such a cozy read! I loved most of the characters, but it's evident that not all characters were meant to be likeable. Molly was very relatable and had such great inner monologuing. There was definitely some fourth wall breaking going on, but it wasn't over the top.
This is my first book written by McIntosh and I felt as if the book was written in such a way that it felt as if you were there with the characters. I was able to picture what I felt the villa looked like, a mix of what would be my ideal villa set up mixed with various features of the property.
I am so glad and thankful to have received this book as an ARC and have read it. I would recommend this book as a fun summer read. Something to read lounging by a pool, perhaps at a villa on your own getaway. I wish there was a bit more closure of some of the characters in the final chapter, or maybe a bit more of the story when it came to the second week of the planned vacation. Either way, the main character had a good rounding out to her story. I plan, and look forward, to reading more books by this author.
While I felt this book was had some unrealistic elements, it was such a cozy read! I loved most of the characters, but it's evident that not all characters were meant to be likeable. Molly was very relatable and had such great inner monologuing. There was definitely some fourth wall breaking going on, but it wasn't over the top.
This is my first book written by McIntosh and I felt as if the book was written in such a way that it felt as if you were there with the characters. I was able to picture what I felt the villa looked like, a mix of what would be my ideal villa set up mixed with various features of the property.
I am so glad and thankful to have received this book as an ARC and have read it. I would recommend this book as a fun summer read. Something to read lounging by a pool, perhaps at a villa on your own getaway. I wish there was a bit more closure of some of the characters in the final chapter, or maybe a bit more of the story when it came to the second week of the planned vacation. Either way, the main character had a good rounding out to her story. I plan, and look forward, to reading more books by this author.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
Tell Me How You Really Feel means so many things in this book besides just the title. Told in dual perspective, the story follows Maeve and Finn as they learn to tell themselves and each other how they really feel.
Cayouette does a remarkable job at capturing the anxiety and inner struggle of opening up when you don't know how those around you will respond. Both characters are conflicted with how to open up to themselves and the others, yet are simultaneously giving advice focusing on just that.
There are many stereotypes that Maeve and Finn deal with, one of which becomes a central theme of the book, and is very important in reality. Cayouette has brought this into the story not in a way that is informational and droning, but woven into the story in such a way that shows it's importance and will stick with you.
While I did enjoy the book, and I really hope to see more books from this author, I don't think this will be one of the top five romance romance novels I recommend. Unfortunately, for those who have read Cayouette's first novel, One Last Shot, I felt the character arcs were too similar between both stories. I hope if we get a third novel, its just as entertaining but with some fresh character development.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
Cayouette does a remarkable job at capturing the anxiety and inner struggle of opening up when you don't know how those around you will respond. Both characters are conflicted with how to open up to themselves and the others, yet are simultaneously giving advice focusing on just that.
There are many stereotypes that Maeve and Finn deal with, one of which becomes a central theme of the book, and is very important in reality. Cayouette has brought this into the story not in a way that is informational and droning, but woven into the story in such a way that shows it's importance and will stick with you.
While I did enjoy the book, and I really hope to see more books from this author, I don't think this will be one of the top five romance romance novels I recommend. Unfortunately, for those who have read Cayouette's first novel, One Last Shot, I felt the character arcs were too similar between both stories. I hope if we get a third novel, its just as entertaining but with some fresh character development.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC opportunity. This review has been left voluntarily.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book as an ARC. Please note, there are spoilers for the By The Orchid and The Owl (Esholian Institute book 1) ahead.
Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Hunger Games, By The Moonbeam and The Mist is a fast paced romantasy that does not slow down.
The story follows Rayna - our brave, never-back-down narrator - through her second year at the Esholian Institute as she copes with the loss of her first year memories, all while learning more of herself than she ever expected. Friendships are created, lost, and tested many times while Rayna must also learn how to be friends with herself.
Being that the story is written in a first person perspective, we are provided many inner thoughts and emotions that Rayna has. We see her compassion, determination, fears, and her struggle. Montoya has done a wonderful job at recalling the first book in such a way that readers have the same experience as Rayna as the story progresses. There is amazing imagery of some new landscapes we haven't yet seen that provides so much into a number of characters in the story that I was surprised by, and I hope to learn more about in future books.
Much like By The Orchid and The Owl, I could not put this book down. I found myself wanting to know more about Rayna, Coen, and others at the end of every chapter, and the book as a whole. I cannot wait for book three!
Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Hunger Games, By The Moonbeam and The Mist is a fast paced romantasy that does not slow down.
The story follows Rayna - our brave, never-back-down narrator - through her second year at the Esholian Institute as she copes with the loss of her first year memories, all while learning more of herself than she ever expected. Friendships are created, lost, and tested many times while Rayna must also learn how to be friends with herself.
Being that the story is written in a first person perspective, we are provided many inner thoughts and emotions that Rayna has. We see her compassion, determination, fears, and her struggle. Montoya has done a wonderful job at recalling the first book in such a way that readers have the same experience as Rayna as the story progresses. There is amazing imagery of some new landscapes we haven't yet seen that provides so much into a number of characters in the story that I was surprised by, and I hope to learn more about in future books.
Much like By The Orchid and The Owl, I could not put this book down. I found myself wanting to know more about Rayna, Coen, and others at the end of every chapter, and the book as a whole. I cannot wait for book three!
