juliana_reads's reviews
377 reviews

Phew! I don’t think I have read a horror novel before. Short stories yes, but this had slow burn intensity that only a novel could achieve. I really enjoyed it, particularly the strong sense of place and time. Two things impacted my rating:
1) The prose was clunky and repetitive at times! Everyone was “worrying” their lips. There were a few “I knew two things to be true…” lists. But, this is the author’s first novel and I would 100% read another.
2) I could have done without one of the last chapters

when Beatriz and Andres slept together. I think their love and tenderness could have been expressed differently given the intense trauma they had both endured. It also seemed so contrary to Andres’ piety? Maybe they could have just kissed and embraced, I don’t know. But him receiving a letter six weeks after, and Beatriz mentioning her descendants using the house…seems suspicious.

But man, was it a creepy book. The visceral descriptions of the house really made it a page-turner.

Content Warnings

Curated by Nellie Wilson

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this. As a museum worker, it was so fun to read a book in such a familiar setting. The funding issues, the grant writing, the musty historic house- very relatable. I also liked how Emmy and Ryan tussled and bickered with each other, professionally and intimately. They were cute.

I do have two main criticisms. First, I have a pet peeve with books that mention COVID and take place “post-pandemic” but don’t actually present the long-term implications. Yes, the two museums faced challenges, both MCs had to pivot during closures, but you’re telling me anxious Emmy went on a plane without a mask? They hosted a gala in peak flu/COVID season and didn’t have a vaccine requirement? If authors want to incorporate the pandemic, that’s fine, but it does nothing for the story if you just mention it in past tense and don’t factor in the way the world has changed since 2020.

The second is that I wanted Ryan to hold Emmy accountable for her outbursts! Them going back and forth was fun most of the time, but

her storming off, especially during the big fight, was really unhealthy and counterproductive. I understand she has anxiety, but that doesn’t absolve you from being cruel to your partner. When Ryan confessed his love in Boston, I wanted him to say “I love you, I’m sorry for making assumptions about your career, but I also need you to talk with me instead of walking away in anger.” If he is a people pleaser, he also should work on that by speaking up for himself, ya know?

I received an ARC, I do look forward to the book being published and future interconnected books.

Content Warnings

Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.

Really not a fan of Lear or the dual POV on this one.

Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-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

3.5

Of the series, I still think Book 3 (April and Mitch) was the best. I liked Lulu and Dex’s story fine, but I had a hard time feeling invested in their relationship. Their initial attraction seemed abrupt. Lulu also tended to act in a way that was uncharacteristic of someone like a successful (former) lawyer, like when she flipped out at Daniel towards the end. But it was nice to catch up with past characters and as always I loved the ren faire setting.

Content Warnings

Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter

Go to review page

emotional inspiring 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

Loved this except for the “she tasted better than peach cobbler” bit, that was cringey for me. I enjoyed the mental health rep especially.

Content Warnings

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

Cute premise, loved the setting, but the pacing was weird! The whole reason for the fake dating (the contest) didn’t happen until way later in the book, and the third act breakup lasted like two pages. A+ friends to lovers longing though.

Content Warnings

Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory

Go to review page

lighthearted relaxing 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

3.5

Not a bad book, it was just average! Low stakes conflict, a bit of an age gap…it was a good read if you want something quick and easy. I just wasn’t super invested. If you’ve read other Jasmine Guillory books there are some cameos and easter eggs that were fun.

Content Warnings

More...

juliana_reads's reviews 377 reviews

juliana_reads's reviews
377 reviews