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josephines_library's Reviews (101)
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
This book had me squealing throughout its entirety. With You’ve Got Mail vibes, Layne really wrote a modern-day fairytale (with an actual fairytale aficionado) AND an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story. Something I thought impossible.
Grace is an absolute utter queen, I love her so much, her life is in a messy place at the beginning, living with her middle child syndrome (which I apparently also have as an older child?) and pushing aside her goals and life in order to maintain her family’s business alive.
Sebastian is a corporate something or other that is trying to buy Grace out of her wine store’s lease in order to make a parking structure (bleh, am I right?). But then he gets to know her by attending events the shop hosts and providing her with the opportunities to pursue her dreams.
And can I mention that Grace is part of an online dating app that matches people based on personality rather than looks, like penpals, and she ends up in love with both Sir and Sebastian?
Ugh, I’m smitten with this story. It’s a one-sit read and absolutely perfect for the summer. Give yourself a chance to fall in love with Grace and Seb’s story the same way I did.
One thing to note though is the lack of diversity in the story which I would have loved a little more of outside of one or two side characters. But overall pretty good.
8/10
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and the opportunity to read this work of art.
Grace is an absolute utter queen, I love her so much, her life is in a messy place at the beginning, living with her middle child syndrome (which I apparently also have as an older child?) and pushing aside her goals and life in order to maintain her family’s business alive.
Sebastian is a corporate something or other that is trying to buy Grace out of her wine store’s lease in order to make a parking structure (bleh, am I right?). But then he gets to know her by attending events the shop hosts and providing her with the opportunities to pursue her dreams.
And can I mention that Grace is part of an online dating app that matches people based on personality rather than looks, like penpals, and she ends up in love with both Sir and Sebastian?
Ugh, I’m smitten with this story. It’s a one-sit read and absolutely perfect for the summer. Give yourself a chance to fall in love with Grace and Seb’s story the same way I did.
One thing to note though is the lack of diversity in the story which I would have loved a little more of outside of one or two side characters. But overall pretty good.
8/10
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and the opportunity to read this work of art.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book is something way out of my comfort zone but a story that I could not get out of my head. When I saw it on Book of the Month’s May choices, I decided on it in the spur of the moment, thinking I’d put it off for months and then be cemented in my decision that it wouldn’t be good. And why would it? I usually stick to women-written stories, and especially those who have at least a dash of romance and this had neither. But boy was I proven wrong!
Leitch’s story is a fascinating, light hearted, and informative mystery that follows Daniel, a young adult with SMA. The narrative that Daniel weaves is intricate but uber engaging, his voice is something that I could relate to and wanted to keep knowing more about.
I loved so many things about the story:
-While Daniel has a progressively deteriorating disorder, he doesn’t let it stop it from living his life. He has supportive friends, family, and aid that push him to do what he wants to do and not submit to society’s depiction of how a disabled person should act.
-The audacity of Daniel to actually correspond with a kidnapper without feeling scared. That man really had no sense of self preservation but I was at the edge of my seat anxious that something terrible would happen (and when it did it was just as bad as I thought).
-Again with the narrative, although the book spans a week in Daniel’s life, he weaves his past, present, and online life so seamlessly that it makes you feel like you’ve known him forever.
Overall, a stunning standalone novel. I recommend it wholeheartedly for those who like mystery but not all the angst/thriller vibes that it comes with.
8/10
Trigger Warnings: Violence towards the end, mentions of weed use, alcohol use
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
This story was a modern take on the royalty-pauper trope with a fun twist. I liked how quirky and real Serena was from the get-go. She exhibited the exact jet-lag symptoms I have after flying which was more realistic than the perfect, off the plane depictions some stories have. And her relationship with Shai, while fast-paced, was refreshing. For me, this was not as much a realistic love story (we all know governments usually have more say on who royalty is able to be with) but it did create a version of what can be.
Personally, I felt like I was reading an adult version of a fairytale (Gail Carson Levine anyone?) and it felt nice to have something to fall into without being worried the whole time about what could go wrong.
3 /5
Triggers: alcohol usage, mentions of weed and slight drug consumption, mentions of sexual harassment.
Genre: contemporary romance, romance, royalty
Thanks to NetGalley and BHC Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and the opportunity to read this work of art.
Personally, I felt like I was reading an adult version of a fairytale (Gail Carson Levine anyone?) and it felt nice to have something to fall into without being worried the whole time about what could go wrong.
3 /5
Triggers: alcohol usage, mentions of weed and slight drug consumption, mentions of sexual harassment.
Genre: contemporary romance, romance, royalty
Thanks to NetGalley and BHC Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and the opportunity to read this work of art.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
This book is phenomenal. A beautifully written work of art depicting the love story between two women and their journey in sexual awareness. It’s refreshingly sex-positive in that the levels of experience between both protagonists are vastly different but validating.
It’s a quick read, hangover cure story. Very fluffy, and has that opposites-attract feel that is a personal favorite. I can’t say more except: READ IT ASAP!!
100/5 recommend. You NEED THIS in your life.
Triggers: Mentions of weed, alcohol, sex (a lot), emotional abuse
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and the opportunity to read this work of art.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m a huge, huge fan of crime tv, but a baby to really gory, angsty, intense thriller media, so the fact that Arsenic and Adobo is a light-hearted mystery made it perfect for me.
Things I loved:
🍛 The cover is beautifully eye-catching, and representative of the characters in the story.
🍛 I felt drawn to Lila’s struggle with family, coming from a minority community as well, but also appreciated the positives that such a strong and involved family can provide, particularly in difficult times.
🍛 The disclaimer at the beginning explaining how sensitive topics may be perceived was appreciated.
🍛 All the descriptions of food and the recipes at the back! I'm excited to try them out and taste the deliciousness that Lila and her family ate all throughout the story.
🍛 It’s the first in the series which is great because it leads me to:
Things I could’ve loved more:
🍛 (slight spoiler) Lila’s relationship with Ameena! The argument wrapped up too nicely for me, I wanted it to be more fleshed out so that their future plans are more stable
🍛 I get it, it's a mystery not a romance novel, but introducing two beautiful potential partners and not going anywhere with either of them? I need more in the next book
🍛 I was absolutely frustrated at Detective Park’s policing of Lila and her family and then flipping the switch and acting like he was worried. It didn’t seem like he cared for them at all and just wanted to blame someone for the crimes.
Triggers: poisoning, murder, mentioned drug use and overdose
4 / 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and the opportunity to read this work of art.
Things I loved:
🍛 The cover is beautifully eye-catching, and representative of the characters in the story.
🍛 I felt drawn to Lila’s struggle with family, coming from a minority community as well, but also appreciated the positives that such a strong and involved family can provide, particularly in difficult times.
🍛 The disclaimer at the beginning explaining how sensitive topics may be perceived was appreciated.
🍛 All the descriptions of food and the recipes at the back! I'm excited to try them out and taste the deliciousness that Lila and her family ate all throughout the story.
🍛 It’s the first in the series which is great because it leads me to:
Things I could’ve loved more:
🍛 (slight spoiler) Lila’s relationship with Ameena! The argument wrapped up too nicely for me, I wanted it to be more fleshed out so that their future plans are more stable
🍛 I get it, it's a mystery not a romance novel, but introducing two beautiful potential partners and not going anywhere with either of them? I need more in the next book
🍛 I was absolutely frustrated at Detective Park’s policing of Lila and her family and then flipping the switch and acting like he was worried. It didn’t seem like he cared for them at all and just wanted to blame someone for the crimes.
Triggers: poisoning, murder, mentioned drug use and overdose
4 / 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and the opportunity to read this work of art.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This novel is an homage to writers everywhere. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth for Sara so beautifully written, you know you’re experiencing the adventure of a writer herself.
Loves:
✨The quotes at the beginning of every chapter were inspiring and helped represent where in the writing process Sara was.
✨The romance aspect with Nik was subtle and didn’t detract from the journey. He wasn’t the main goal of the story, but rather necessary support that boosted her and set her on the correct path.
✨Her. Sister. I LOVED how wonderful Anna-Katherine was, (can I say supportive one more time?) the best big sister ever.
Could have loved more:
✨The novel was slow-medium paced, at times it felt like it was dragging but then it would speed up. Once I got to the end I wanted more of Sara’s story as her own author.
✨Phil was so cantankerous. Ugh, I see why he was necessary but he seemed like a constant barrier to Sara.
✨I would get so frustrated at Sara sometimes, especially at the beginning. She would block herself and be repeatedly refusing to grow and push herself even when she wasn’t at a good place in her life. I definitely saw the growth throughout, but I still wanted to slap her.
Triggers: parental death (cancer), mental health issues
3 / 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for providing me with the eARC and the opportunity to read this work of art and for letting me meet an amazing author.
Loves:
✨The quotes at the beginning of every chapter were inspiring and helped represent where in the writing process Sara was.
✨The romance aspect with Nik was subtle and didn’t detract from the journey. He wasn’t the main goal of the story, but rather necessary support that boosted her and set her on the correct path.
✨Her. Sister. I LOVED how wonderful Anna-Katherine was, (can I say supportive one more time?) the best big sister ever.
Could have loved more:
✨The novel was slow-medium paced, at times it felt like it was dragging but then it would speed up. Once I got to the end I wanted more of Sara’s story as her own author.
✨Phil was so cantankerous. Ugh, I see why he was necessary but he seemed like a constant barrier to Sara.
✨I would get so frustrated at Sara sometimes, especially at the beginning. She would block herself and be repeatedly refusing to grow and push herself even when she wasn’t at a good place in her life. I definitely saw the growth throughout, but I still wanted to slap her.
Triggers: parental death (cancer), mental health issues
3 / 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for providing me with the eARC and the opportunity to read this work of art and for letting me meet an amazing author.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
Loving someone means loving them for who they are, not what they look like. And this novel embodies that in the absolute best way possible.
Alice and Alfie are two souls who would not have met except for the terrible circumstances life dealt them. By chance, after a terrible fire at Alice’s office leads to her recovering from burns on one side of her body, she ends up laying in bed next to peppy and positive Alfie who has lost his leg after a car accident.
I give this story 5 stars so I’ll give you 5 reasons why:
1. A beautifully written angsty romance
2. It’s a romance novel, but it depicts gradually falling in love with someone as their personality is displayed through conversations and interactions before seeing what they look like in any capacity.
3. The healing process after suffering a terrible trauma is multidimensional and touches upon the different perspectives, depression, and thoughts that one may encounter rather than just writing it as a positive healing journey.
4. The supporting characters are so lovable. From Alice’s best friend to Alfie’s favorite nurse and his fellow patient, as a reader you also grow attached to them and how they help the protagonists.
5. Finally: the protagonists are SO CUTE! They are the epitome of the grouchy one loving the peppy one and being perfect for each other.
I hope we get a sequel soon because I need more of their dynamics and what happens after they see each other!!
Before I Saw You is out in the US on May 4, so make sure to get your copy!
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with the eARC and the opportunity to read this work of art and for letting me meet an amazing author.
Alice and Alfie are two souls who would not have met except for the terrible circumstances life dealt them. By chance, after a terrible fire at Alice’s office leads to her recovering from burns on one side of her body, she ends up laying in bed next to peppy and positive Alfie who has lost his leg after a car accident.
I give this story 5 stars so I’ll give you 5 reasons why:
1. A beautifully written angsty romance
2. It’s a romance novel, but it depicts gradually falling in love with someone as their personality is displayed through conversations and interactions before seeing what they look like in any capacity.
3. The healing process after suffering a terrible trauma is multidimensional and touches upon the different perspectives, depression, and thoughts that one may encounter rather than just writing it as a positive healing journey.
4. The supporting characters are so lovable. From Alice’s best friend to Alfie’s favorite nurse and his fellow patient, as a reader you also grow attached to them and how they help the protagonists.
5. Finally: the protagonists are SO CUTE! They are the epitome of the grouchy one loving the peppy one and being perfect for each other.
I hope we get a sequel soon because I need more of their dynamics and what happens after they see each other!!
Before I Saw You is out in the US on May 4, so make sure to get your copy!
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with the eARC and the opportunity to read this work of art and for letting me meet an amazing author.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cat’s are a woman’s best friend.
That’s how the saying goes, doesn’t it? It’s applicable for me, and also for Lauren, the protagonist of the story. She runs a cat cafe in this cutesy part of Brooklyn that hasn’t been taken over by corporations and chain companies, right next door to a veterinary clinic. Which happens to be right where Dr. Cutie McCutie, Caleb works. Who is also a dog person.
This fast-paced story is good for those of you who like enemies-to-lovers type romances. The title accurately describes the relationship between Lauren and Caleb, they hate each other but also can’t keep their hands off each other. Arguments are their foreplay and for the longest part of the book it fuels their secret relationship. I just wanted to slap both of them and get them to communicate, which they did at the beginning but not as they developed.
I learned a few more facts about cats, animals and small businesses are a big part of the story, but also that having friends and a support group is necessary to have a thriving and happy life.
3 out of 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ (Harper Collins) for providing me with the eARC and the opportunity to read this work of art and for letting me meet an amazing author.