juengerm's reviews
103 reviews

Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey

adventurous funny fast-paced

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

4.0

This was probably my least favorite of the series, but I still definitely recommend it. It’s a pretty typical take on the last chance romance trope. Rosie is a fun protagonist, but her story is probably best situated among the Castle family’s. 

The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin

challenging dark 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? Yes

5.0

I am demolished. The conclusion is so heart wrenching and beautiful, and I loved every second of Nassun’s plot line. It left me wanting a thousand more pages.

Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is a great follow-up in the series, and it ties the storyline from the first book in well. I read these out of order and definitely think anyone could, but it made the book so much better to know Georgie's story. Overall, this was the funniest rom-com I've read yet and I'm excited to hear more from Tessa. 

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny 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? No

4.0

Tessa Bailey is obscene and fun, and she's definitely beginning to grow on me. It's funny enough to get by, but the smut takes the cake. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a silly, quick read.

The Temps by Andrew DeYoung

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is a really fun debut that reminds me of a mix between Colson Whitehead's Zone One and Ready Player One. Centered on recent college grads with "impractical" majors, the book's multiple-POV format builds very authentic characters you recognize in classmates. There's some excessive cringe-by-proxy, but the conclusion is really well done and I loved the whole plot. 

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

funny lighthearted

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

5.0

This is smart, well-written romance at its finest. It's clever and hilarious, playing into genre tropes but retaining originality. Tessa Bailey is a talented romance writer with a knack for making you fall for her characters. 

The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel

emotional hopeful inspiring slow-paced

4.5

It inherently feels cheugy to read Alison Bechdel in college, but this was really wonderful and easy to use connect with. I think her story is told in an easy-to-interpret timeline. Overall, it was a lovely, reflective read that echoed Thoreau or Kerouac in a female lens (which was very much her intention).

The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin

adventurous dark medium-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 is incredibly well written, moving, and perfectly paced. Rarely does a sequel achieve the same pace and tone as the original, but Jemisin nails it. I’d recommend this series to every reader. 

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This was a really great piece of literary speculative fiction. It was sold to me as horror, but I definitely think it’s more dystopia. Overall, it was a dark, meditative, and beautifully written/translated. 

The Most Likely Club by Elyssa Friedland

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-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

3.75