Scan barcode
jshawreads's reviews
578 reviews
Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Ferguson
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
3.75
Thank you to Harper360 for sending me a free Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Those Pink Mountain Nights follows Berlin, Cam, and Jessie, employees at Pink Mountain Pizza, as they confront loss, expectations, and trauma. As the stories develop and intertwine, we learn about a community rocked by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S), the crushing weight of societal pressures, and the ever present prejudices that still exist against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.
I have to admit, this book was not what I expected. Going into it thinking I would read about teen drama, your average growing pains, and perhaps some delicious pizza, I was overwhelmed by this book, to say the least. Learning about the indigenous peoples of Canada, and learning more about MMIWG2S (which I have to admit, I was aware of in the USA, but dod not realise was also a huge problem in Canada), and following a group of activist teens looking to make a tangible difference was amazing. Plus, there is still pizza...
A great read, full of fantastic representation of indigenous people in Canada, queer youth, disabled youth, and body positivity. I'm so glad this read was there to finish strong for August!
Those Pink Mountain Nights follows Berlin, Cam, and Jessie, employees at Pink Mountain Pizza, as they confront loss, expectations, and trauma. As the stories develop and intertwine, we learn about a community rocked by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S), the crushing weight of societal pressures, and the ever present prejudices that still exist against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.
I have to admit, this book was not what I expected. Going into it thinking I would read about teen drama, your average growing pains, and perhaps some delicious pizza, I was overwhelmed by this book, to say the least. Learning about the indigenous peoples of Canada, and learning more about MMIWG2S (which I have to admit, I was aware of in the USA, but dod not realise was also a huge problem in Canada), and following a group of activist teens looking to make a tangible difference was amazing. Plus, there is still pizza...
A great read, full of fantastic representation of indigenous people in Canada, queer youth, disabled youth, and body positivity. I'm so glad this read was there to finish strong for August!
Blaine for the Win by Robbie Couch
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Blaine Bowers has just been dumped... on his one year anniversary... in public... by his high achieving Senior Class President boyfriend, Joey. Joey said he wasn't a "Serious Guy" and spent too much time pursuing his creative endeavours, painting murals for businesses in his area. So Blaine sets out to prove him wrong, to show Joey he can be a "Serious Guy", that he can "grow up", by running in the race to be Joey's successor as class president, and win him back. But as the race begins, Blaine realises that maybe winning Joey back isn't the endgame... Maybe he could make a good president and change things for the better...
.
Blaine for the Win is another funny, heartfelt success from Robbie Couch. Dealing with themes of identity, loss, loneliness, and friendship, we follow Blaine as he learns about what is truly important. I loved this book and absorbed it in two sittings, a perfect fast-paced read, which felt a little less heavy than Sky Blues and If I See You Again Tomorrow, but with all the charm. Robbie Couch has truly cemented his place as an auto-buy author for me.
.
I loved the friendship group that surrounds Blaine and his relationship with his aunt, their interactions feeling so real, and would love to read more about what happens next for Blaine, Trish, Camilla, Danny, and Zach (not you Joey 🤣)
.
Blaine for the Win is another funny, heartfelt success from Robbie Couch. Dealing with themes of identity, loss, loneliness, and friendship, we follow Blaine as he learns about what is truly important. I loved this book and absorbed it in two sittings, a perfect fast-paced read, which felt a little less heavy than Sky Blues and If I See You Again Tomorrow, but with all the charm. Robbie Couch has truly cemented his place as an auto-buy author for me.
.
I loved the friendship group that surrounds Blaine and his relationship with his aunt, their interactions feeling so real, and would love to read more about what happens next for Blaine, Trish, Camilla, Danny, and Zach (not you Joey 🤣)
Wolfsong by TJ Klune
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
3.5
Right... This is a tricky one...
.
This is the first book by this author that I did not find myself immediately screaming about, wanting to give it six out of five, and feeling like my life has been changed for the better (alright Elphaba) for reading. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, I really did, but I think Klune has spoiled me with the other books of his that I have read.
.
Wolfsong is the first in a series of four books in the Green Creek world, and follows Ox as he comes to terms with a world somewhat beyond his understanding, a world of magic and werewolves and loss, and tries to find and cement his place in it. The lore so far has been wonderful, and I love fantasy worlds with grit and darkness. The characters are (mostly) instantly lovable. But... the age gap, and the circumstances under which to characters and eventual lovers, meet did make me feel a little uncomfortable at times. Nothing happened with an underage character, but the implication that a ten year old child had selected a "mate" was just a bit much for me. And it wasn't done very subtly either. No "romance" or sexual activity happened until adulthood, but it still left me a bit creeped out. As well, the writing felt a little repetitive, and the book on the whole was maybe a hundred to a hundred and fifty pages too long. Now, this book was initially released before Klune struck widespread acclaim, so maybe his style just needed to develop, but maybe a "remastered" version could have been edited for this re-release.
.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read, but just not to the same incredibly high standard that I am used to from this author. I will continue reading this series, as I understand each book follows a different character and expands the universe more.
.
Has anybody else read this and felt similarly? Or am I in the minority here? 🤣
.
This is the first book by this author that I did not find myself immediately screaming about, wanting to give it six out of five, and feeling like my life has been changed for the better (alright Elphaba) for reading. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, I really did, but I think Klune has spoiled me with the other books of his that I have read.
.
Wolfsong is the first in a series of four books in the Green Creek world, and follows Ox as he comes to terms with a world somewhat beyond his understanding, a world of magic and werewolves and loss, and tries to find and cement his place in it. The lore so far has been wonderful, and I love fantasy worlds with grit and darkness. The characters are (mostly) instantly lovable. But... the age gap, and the circumstances under which to characters and eventual lovers, meet did make me feel a little uncomfortable at times. Nothing happened with an underage character, but the implication that a ten year old child had selected a "mate" was just a bit much for me. And it wasn't done very subtly either. No "romance" or sexual activity happened until adulthood, but it still left me a bit creeped out. As well, the writing felt a little repetitive, and the book on the whole was maybe a hundred to a hundred and fifty pages too long. Now, this book was initially released before Klune struck widespread acclaim, so maybe his style just needed to develop, but maybe a "remastered" version could have been edited for this re-release.
.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read, but just not to the same incredibly high standard that I am used to from this author. I will continue reading this series, as I understand each book follows a different character and expands the universe more.
.
Has anybody else read this and felt similarly? Or am I in the minority here? 🤣
One Night War (Myth Shifters, #0.5) by Dylan Drakes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Do you mean to say I get a prequel novella featuring big, sexy Calix if I sign up for the authors newsletter? Wow... What a treat!
.
This novella was fun, sexy, and covered a catalyst for the events of Our Satyr Prince, the titular One Night War. I loved meeting characters mentioned in OSP and getting a deep (oh my) dive into how Calix became the man we met in OSP.
.
So yeah, this is not a paid promotion, but I strongly advise signing up for Dylan Drakes' newsletter to get this novella!
.
This novella was fun, sexy, and covered a catalyst for the events of Our Satyr Prince, the titular One Night War. I loved meeting characters mentioned in OSP and getting a deep (oh my) dive into how Calix became the man we met in OSP.
.
So yeah, this is not a paid promotion, but I strongly advise signing up for Dylan Drakes' newsletter to get this novella!
A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
After the Instagram algorithm absolutely pelting me with this book on release, I knew I would eventually read it as I have no willpower and I am susceptible to marketing 🤣
.
A Little Bit Country is a fun queer YA romance with a country music twist. I was feeling Dolly Parton vibes the entire way through and loved it. Emmett dreams of making it big as an out and proud gay country music superstar, and plans on spending the summer working at the amusement park owned by his idol, country music start Wanda Jean Stubbs. Luke is focused on working as hard as he can to support his financially struggling family as his mum suffers from MS, and ends up working at the amusement park owned by his grandmother's former country music co-star...
.
I really liked the sparks that flew between Luke and Emmett and felt particularly drawn to Luke, struggling with coming to terms with his sexuality and having an unwell/disabled parent as a dependent. Also, a fun little mysterious story in the background, which I have to admit I did guess at the moment it was hinted 😅. Overall, a charming story with lovable characters, thoroughly enjoyable.
.
A Little Bit Country is a fun queer YA romance with a country music twist. I was feeling Dolly Parton vibes the entire way through and loved it. Emmett dreams of making it big as an out and proud gay country music superstar, and plans on spending the summer working at the amusement park owned by his idol, country music start Wanda Jean Stubbs. Luke is focused on working as hard as he can to support his financially struggling family as his mum suffers from MS, and ends up working at the amusement park owned by his grandmother's former country music co-star...
.
I really liked the sparks that flew between Luke and Emmett and felt particularly drawn to Luke, struggling with coming to terms with his sexuality and having an unwell/disabled parent as a dependent. Also, a fun little mysterious story in the background, which I have to admit I did guess at the moment it was hinted 😅. Overall, a charming story with lovable characters, thoroughly enjoyable.
The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.0
Now, this book was a real surprise. A blend of speculative fiction and emotional YA, The Infinite Noise follows Caleb, an "Atypical" who has the ability to feel and experience the emotions of those around him, a kind of super-empathy, and Adam, a lonely student who struggles with his mental health. As Caleb's abilities develop, he notices that somehow, when he is around Adam, he feels calmer and more in control.
.
The moments with Caleb in therapy, working through his issues, and Adam's periods of low mood and poor self-esteem, felt visceral and real, full of raw emotions, and reading about how the two helped each other was wonderful. The only drawback for me and my inner nerd was that I wish a little more background and explanation of Atypicals was in there, but this may be present in other books in the series.
.
Overall, it's a great read, and I will definitely be picking up the next in the series, a prequel, I believe!
.
The moments with Caleb in therapy, working through his issues, and Adam's periods of low mood and poor self-esteem, felt visceral and real, full of raw emotions, and reading about how the two helped each other was wonderful. The only drawback for me and my inner nerd was that I wish a little more background and explanation of Atypicals was in there, but this may be present in other books in the series.
.
Overall, it's a great read, and I will definitely be picking up the next in the series, a prequel, I believe!
Our Satyr Prince by Dylan Drakes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Dylan Drakes for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
.
Our Satyr Prince is a spicy, queer, mythological fantasy, with a base in Greek myth but plenty of original spin. With all the political scheming and plotting that we love in a good high fantasy, the deep, real connections to characters, and some damn good sex scenes, this book is a treat and a dream for the queer lover of fantasy who longs for a bit of smut in their world. Calix is a swoon worthy beast of a man, Aurelius is a fun character, with a real undercurrent of turmoil and sadness, and every other character felt fleshed out and real, with their own personality and motivations.
.
I am so glad I read this, and I absolutely devoured it in a single day. I can't wait for more from this series, and from what I can tell, the author does have an awful lot more to come for us (phrasing). I can not recommend this book highly enough, and I'll be buying myself a physical copy!
.
Our Satyr Prince is a spicy, queer, mythological fantasy, with a base in Greek myth but plenty of original spin. With all the political scheming and plotting that we love in a good high fantasy, the deep, real connections to characters, and some damn good sex scenes, this book is a treat and a dream for the queer lover of fantasy who longs for a bit of smut in their world. Calix is a swoon worthy beast of a man, Aurelius is a fun character, with a real undercurrent of turmoil and sadness, and every other character felt fleshed out and real, with their own personality and motivations.
.
I am so glad I read this, and I absolutely devoured it in a single day. I can't wait for more from this series, and from what I can tell, the author does have an awful lot more to come for us (phrasing). I can not recommend this book highly enough, and I'll be buying myself a physical copy!
Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley, Tor Nightfire, and Chuck Tingle for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Neverton, Montana is the home to Camp Damascus, the number one gay conversion camp with a one hundred per cent success rate. Run by the enigmatic and charismatic leader of the Kingdom of the Pines church. Rose is a young woman, deeply devoted to the church, but when she starts to witness strange things happening around her, everything she believes in will be shaken to the core.
A horrific, unsettling, and unnerving depiction of the trauma and torture that is gay conversion therapy and the burden and impact it has on queer youth, Camp Damascus is emotional horror at its best. A fictitious, but not too far removed from reality, representation of the tireless work of extremist Christians to mutilate queer youth, Camp Damascus is heavy, but really worth it. Rose is an intelligent and lovable protagonist, and the antagonistic characters will genuinely make your skin crawl. A fantastic read.
Neverton, Montana is the home to Camp Damascus, the number one gay conversion camp with a one hundred per cent success rate. Run by the enigmatic and charismatic leader of the Kingdom of the Pines church. Rose is a young woman, deeply devoted to the church, but when she starts to witness strange things happening around her, everything she believes in will be shaken to the core.
A horrific, unsettling, and unnerving depiction of the trauma and torture that is gay conversion therapy and the burden and impact it has on queer youth, Camp Damascus is emotional horror at its best. A fictitious, but not too far removed from reality, representation of the tireless work of extremist Christians to mutilate queer youth, Camp Damascus is heavy, but really worth it. Rose is an intelligent and lovable protagonist, and the antagonistic characters will genuinely make your skin crawl. A fantastic read.
The Temperature of Me and You by Brian Zepka
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.5
Okay, this one has been on my TBR for a while, and after getting it not too long ago, I decided to go for it, and I am so glad I did.
The book had some really funny moments, but it felt natural and laced with the teen awkwardness I'm sure everyone remembers, I definitely do! Dylan is a great main character, you really feel his struggles and how he feels torn between Jordan, who needs him, but needs to keep secrets, and his friends who only want the best for Dylan. I was really intrigued by Jordan and his... abilities, shall we say, and without spoiling too much, I must say I did like the decent amount of explanation we got while still leaving plenty of mystery.
This book does a great job of keeping you hooked, and I finished it in a single day. Would love to see more of these characters!
The book had some really funny moments, but it felt natural and laced with the teen awkwardness I'm sure everyone remembers, I definitely do! Dylan is a great main character, you really feel his struggles and how he feels torn between Jordan, who needs him, but needs to keep secrets, and his friends who only want the best for Dylan. I was really intrigued by Jordan and his... abilities, shall we say, and without spoiling too much, I must say I did like the decent amount of explanation we got while still leaving plenty of mystery.
This book does a great job of keeping you hooked, and I finished it in a single day. Would love to see more of these characters!
The Other Ones by Fran Hart
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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
4.5
Sal and his sister live in a haunted house. A house that the entire village stays away from, that creaks and groans, and seems to trap the spirits of anyone who has lived there... At least that's what Sal's mum says. But when Pax, the new kid in town, is drawn to the house by his love of the occult and supernatural, it's the friendship and affection of Sal that keeps him going back. Together with the rest of his group of "Others" Sal works to find the courage to truly banish his ghosts.
This book is deliciously cosy, heartwarming, and intriguing. I went into it expecting a certain story and theme, and had that totally flipped around on me. Meeting grumpy, but with a heart of gold, Sal, the literal sunshine weird boy Pax, and the rest was delightful. Queerness without associated phobia as a struggle is always refreshing, and to see Sal develop himself and learn about his sexuality was lovely. The theme of ghosts and unspoken hauntings was wonderful, and the development of a really good core group of friends for the outcasts, the weird, and the wonderful was fantastic to see.
A pumpkin spice candle, hot chocolate, and a blanket in a book. So much love for this!
This book is deliciously cosy, heartwarming, and intriguing. I went into it expecting a certain story and theme, and had that totally flipped around on me. Meeting grumpy, but with a heart of gold, Sal, the literal sunshine weird boy Pax, and the rest was delightful. Queerness without associated phobia as a struggle is always refreshing, and to see Sal develop himself and learn about his sexuality was lovely. The theme of ghosts and unspoken hauntings was wonderful, and the development of a really good core group of friends for the outcasts, the weird, and the wonderful was fantastic to see.
A pumpkin spice candle, hot chocolate, and a blanket in a book. So much love for this!