jessicadoom's reviews
230 reviews

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

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adventurous dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 This story felt so much in the vein of a Wayward Children book, and I loved every second of that feeling. One of those novellas a year is simply not enough, so to feel like I found the same kind of story from the perspective of a different author was a breath of fresh air.

I was hoping for a happier ending, but I knew that was going to be too good to be true. Overall, though, the story was fantastic and creepy and heart wrenching. Just a lovely read. 
Seven Faceless Saints by M.K. Lobb

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Did not finish book.
I'm not even sure why this is something I thought I'd want to read?
Loveless by Alice Oseman

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
It didn't feel like it was going anywhere. I didn't enjoy Heartstopper, so I'm not sure why I'd enjoy this. *shrug*
Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

On the heels of Delilah Green, I can't in good conscience rate this 5 stars, but it was still a great read! It had a wonderful HEA, and I was satisfied. Although the characters were adults, it read YA, but I can forgive that since they were all BARELY adults. Overall, a cute little romance.
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-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

5.0

It's like a Hallmark movie with some spice peppered in. Not too much spice - just enough to be sexy and still leave room for plot. Definitely my kind of book - can't wait to read more from this author, and to get to know these characters a little deeper.
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Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This reminded me of playing a Call of Cthulhu game in the absolute best way. The novella progressed really nicely with just the right amount of mystery and romance. The relationship between Helen and Edith? *chef's kiss* Just beautiful and a wonderful little palate cleanser before I move on to something longer.
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The Spells We Cast by Jason June

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Yeah, no, cowboy romances aren't for me even when they include magic.
Beating Heart Baby by Lio Min

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challenging emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I was very invested throughout the first part, right up until that big reveal scene! And then the second part started...and the author lost me. The rest of the book just seemed to drag along until the end. It was incredibly well written, the characters were relatable and human. I was just...bored?
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Cinder by Marissa Meyer

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

3.5

After reading Renegades, I had high hopes for the rest of Marissa Meyer's books. World-building wise, I was still very much impressed. And the story was great! There was just something missing to keep it from being a full 4 stars. Maybe it was the insta-love. Maybe the fact that I called the twist from very early on. Not sure, but I did still enjoy it! Just not yet ready to pick up the next book in the series.
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Black Iris by Elliot Wake

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Elliot Wake's books have been on my TBR for years. I started "Bad Boy" way back when and was too busy to actually read it, but figured I should start from the beginning since they tie together. And I'm glad I did! It seems important now that I understand the backstory of how Black Iris was founded.

Overall, I did really enjoy the book. I found myself wanting to do nothing but finish the book, despite all the obstacles in my life that made that difficult and the process a bit drawn out.

The writing was beautifully poetic, and the characters very complex. The only thing that brought this down to a very solid three for me would be that there's simply too much smut for my little demisexual self. A lot of it felt unnecessary, even though I do understand that it helped to seal Laney's characterization. If I was someone else, maybe it wouldn't have bothered me as much.

All that aside, the thrilling twists and turns really did keep me engaged and I can't wait to continue reading the rest of his books!
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