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justkarlah's reviews
95 reviews
In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati Alexander
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
3.75
▫️1st person POV▫️
⭐️⭐️⭐️.⁷⁵/5
🌶/5
I liked the beginning of this book, the way the two MCs meet, and the circumstances that lead to them vacationing together. It had some cute and funny moments. You can definitely tell there's physical attraction between Sloane and Charlie right away, and an interest to learn more about each other beyond that, too.
I was not a big fan of the clearly illegal, sexist interview Sloane went through (it felt so, so icky). The ending felt rushed and the problem seemed to be "resolved" in just a couple of paragraphs.
I understand it was a part of her character growth, but seeing how many times Sloane could have explained something out loud and didn't was frustrating. So much miscommunication, even when Charlie initiated/tried to initiate conversations.
It was a mostly fun read, and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in vacation romances, supportive MMCs, fake dating, and healing from heartbreak.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.⁷⁵/5
🌶/5
I liked the beginning of this book, the way the two MCs meet, and the circumstances that lead to them vacationing together. It had some cute and funny moments. You can definitely tell there's physical attraction between Sloane and Charlie right away, and an interest to learn more about each other beyond that, too.
I was not a big fan of the clearly illegal, sexist interview Sloane went through (it felt so, so icky). The ending felt rushed and the problem seemed to be "resolved" in just a couple of paragraphs.
I understand it was a part of her character growth, but seeing how many times Sloane could have explained something out loud and didn't was frustrating. So much miscommunication, even when Charlie initiated/tried to initiate conversations.
It was a mostly fun read, and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in vacation romances, supportive MMCs, fake dating, and healing from heartbreak.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
A Story Spun in Scarlet by R. Dugan
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
▫️1st person POV▫️
It's been a while since I've read a fantasy book with a unique magical world. The characters were well thought out, with flaws and needs that made them feel like real people. I enjoyed the world building as well, although I will say that the pace of the book threw me off a bit at times.
The beginning of the book felt a little slow, which I feel is pretty common with fantasy books. The pace picked up once Audra met Jaik, and it became almost impossible for me to put the book down until about two thirds of the way through. At that point, it felt like there was way more filler chapters than there needed to be, and I found it hard to keep reading. Took me weeks to finish the last couple of chapters. I will say though, even when I guessed how it would end, it still felt like a good ending!
I loved the magic that Storycrafters used, and the way the stories come to life with their words. The fighting scenes felt like they would look amazing to witness in real life. The magic of storytelling left me with some questions though.Do Storycrafters run out of magic, and what are the consequences of using too much of their magic? ALSO, how did Jaik know to find her at the inn/hotel/whatever, when she used a fake name? I would have thought that they arranged it beforehand, but when she was checking in, she seemed to just blurt out that name on the spot.
Jaik stole my heart and refused to give it back, so I'm just going to say that he was my favorite character.Especially after he broke down when Audra woke up after getting hurt? My heart could barely take it.
Audra was constantly struggling internally with herself and what she wanted. She did the best she could with the life she was dealt, and I felt like this made her feel more realistic and relatable.
There are little hints that are sprinkled throughout the book that have you wondering and guessing along with Audra and Jaik about what exactly is going on in their world, and I personally loved it.
The friendships and love formed along their journey were some of my favorite parts of this book. It never felt rushed or forced.I do wish we could have gotten more interactions with the friends they remembered toward the end though. And we never got to see her meet her parents again, either.
If you're looking for a fantasy book filled with storytelling magic, adventure, and a slow burn romanceAND a one bed trope , then I would definitely reccomend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
It's been a while since I've read a fantasy book with a unique magical world. The characters were well thought out, with flaws and needs that made them feel like real people. I enjoyed the world building as well, although I will say that the pace of the book threw me off a bit at times.
The beginning of the book felt a little slow, which I feel is pretty common with fantasy books. The pace picked up once Audra met Jaik, and it became almost impossible for me to put the book down until about two thirds of the way through. At that point, it felt like there was way more filler chapters than there needed to be, and I found it hard to keep reading. Took me weeks to finish the last couple of chapters. I will say though, even when I guessed how it would end, it still felt like a good ending!
I loved the magic that Storycrafters used, and the way the stories come to life with their words. The fighting scenes felt like they would look amazing to witness in real life. The magic of storytelling left me with some questions though.
Jaik stole my heart and refused to give it back, so I'm just going to say that he was my favorite character.
Audra was constantly struggling internally with herself and what she wanted. She did the best she could with the life she was dealt, and I felt like this made her feel more realistic and relatable.
There are little hints that are sprinkled throughout the book that have you wondering and guessing along with Audra and Jaik about what exactly is going on in their world, and I personally loved it.
The friendships and love formed along their journey were some of my favorite parts of this book. It never felt rushed or forced.
If you're looking for a fantasy book filled with storytelling magic, adventure, and a slow burn romance
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Violence, Blood, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Kidnapping, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail
Finale by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.25
It feels like a lot happens throughout this book, much like the other two in this trilogy, but this one wasn't as confusing. I liked the way Scarlett and Donatella grow as sisters and find ways to put each other first. Wasn't a big fan of the back and forth, pushing each other away, running after them parts though. It felt repetitive and got kind of annoying.
I loved the characters, even if they were frustrating to read about sometimes. Even the Fates were interesting to read about.
The ending felt a little rushed. So much could have happened that would have been more satisfying, but it just kinda ended abruptly.
Definitely my favorite book in the trilogy, and a pretty good intro to the OUABH trilogy and the world it takes place in.
I loved the characters, even if they were frustrating to read about sometimes. Even the Fates were interesting to read about.
The ending felt a little rushed. So much could have happened that would have been more satisfying, but it just kinda ended abruptly.
Definitely my favorite book in the trilogy, and a pretty good intro to the OUABH trilogy and the world it takes place in.
Moon Soul by Nathaniel Luscombe
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
4.0
▫️1st person POV▫️
This was different from my usual reads, but it was nice to read something so different yet relatable.
I liked the way it flowed. The world building was good without unloading too much on you at once. It did leave some questions unanswered, but it doesn't make the meaning of the story any less meaningful.
While this book is a comfy sci-fi story, there is a large theme of self-discovery and personal growth. It's about discovering what you want to do with your life and the family you find along the way.
It's short but sweet. I think most people can relate to the main character August in one way or another.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was different from my usual reads, but it was nice to read something so different yet relatable.
I liked the way it flowed. The world building was good without unloading too much on you at once. It did leave some questions unanswered, but it doesn't make the meaning of the story any less meaningful.
While this book is a comfy sci-fi story, there is a large theme of self-discovery and personal growth. It's about discovering what you want to do with your life and the family you find along the way.
It's short but sweet. I think most people can relate to the main character August in one way or another.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wilde Christmas: A Candlewood Falls Novel by K.M. Fawcett
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
▫️3rd person POV▫️
Both main characters have gone through a lot in their lives, and are actively trying to figure out how to live the rest of it. Remi the dog is adorable, and a wonderful addition to the story.
I liked that this book had a cancer survivor and an amputee as the main characters. It was a nice change to typical love stories.
It had a good mystery element to it, but it felt like the tiniest side story that you only got bits and pieces of throughout the book. Wish there had been more to the mystery.
I wasn't a huge fan of the insta-love story, it just didn't seem believable.Especially when the first couple of days that they know each other is spent arguing over Remi. I had a hard time getting through the last half of the book, and the mystery is what really kept me going till the end.
If you're into insta-love, Christmas, and cancer/amputee representation, then this might be the right book for you.
Both main characters have gone through a lot in their lives, and are actively trying to figure out how to live the rest of it. Remi the dog is adorable, and a wonderful addition to the story.
I liked that this book had a cancer survivor and an amputee as the main characters. It was a nice change to typical love stories.
It had a good mystery element to it, but it felt like the tiniest side story that you only got bits and pieces of throughout the book. Wish there had been more to the mystery.
I wasn't a huge fan of the insta-love story, it just didn't seem believable.
If you're into insta-love, Christmas, and cancer/amputee representation, then this might be the right book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Gun violence, Infertility, and Cancer
The Perfect Mistake by Olivia Hayle
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
▫️Dual 1st person POV▫️
Even though I'm not really a huge fan of single dad/nanny books, I still wanted to give this one a try. I'm a fan of Olivia Hayle's writing, so I knew I couldn't pass up her new book!
This book had a lot of parts that I loved. Isabel as a character was one of them. She's a passionate person who's dedicated her entire life to being a ballerina. Her entire world turns upside down when she gets hurt, loses her job, and can't dance like she used to. We get to see her journey as she learns to accept her new truth, and how she chooses to live the rest of her life. I think a lot of us have gone through something like this, with the realization that our future won't look the way we always thought/hoped it would. I loved her determination and strength to keep going.
I liked how protective Alec was over his loved ones, but I'll admit, he was one of my least favorite characters. He and Isabel had some great moments together, and their banter was cute for the most part, but there was just something about him that made me not love him as much as I had hoped I would.His constant back and forth about wanting Isabel but not thinking he was enough, only to keep going to her and pushing her away over and over? This man is 40 years old! And it kept happening to the point where I was just annoyed with him, even if I do understand that it was all because of his fear of loving and losing her. I'm glad he learned to put more faith in himself and his loved ones in the end.
The sexual tension between Alec and Isabel is so, so good. It was written beautifully, and the spicy scenes did not disappoint.Alec being such a giving partner in bed made it even better. The men in Olivia Hayle's books never disappoint in that department. And the kindle scenes? Brilliant.
Alec's children and the people that helped take care of them were interesting to read about. They felt like real people, with real problems, and I liked that each one had a bit of history that led them to where they are now, which obviously resonates with Isabel and her journey. I liked that we got to read about Connie and Gabriel throughout this storyline, too!
This book has a lot of tropes that I think would interest a large group of romance readers. There's the age gap trope, single dad/nanny trope, grumpy/sunshine trope, best friend's older brother trope, and forced proximity trope, to name a few! If you love any or all of these tropes, then I would definitely recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Even though I'm not really a huge fan of single dad/nanny books, I still wanted to give this one a try. I'm a fan of Olivia Hayle's writing, so I knew I couldn't pass up her new book!
This book had a lot of parts that I loved. Isabel as a character was one of them. She's a passionate person who's dedicated her entire life to being a ballerina. Her entire world turns upside down when she gets hurt, loses her job, and can't dance like she used to. We get to see her journey as she learns to accept her new truth, and how she chooses to live the rest of her life. I think a lot of us have gone through something like this, with the realization that our future won't look the way we always thought/hoped it would. I loved her determination and strength to keep going.
I liked how protective Alec was over his loved ones, but I'll admit, he was one of my least favorite characters. He and Isabel had some great moments together, and their banter was cute for the most part, but there was just something about him that made me not love him as much as I had hoped I would.
The sexual tension between Alec and Isabel is so, so good. It was written beautifully, and the spicy scenes did not disappoint.
Alec's children and the people that helped take care of them were interesting to read about. They felt like real people, with real problems, and I liked that each one had a bit of history that led them to where they are now, which obviously resonates with Isabel and her journey. I liked that we got to read about Connie and Gabriel throughout this storyline, too!
This book has a lot of tropes that I think would interest a large group of romance readers. There's the age gap trope, single dad/nanny trope, grumpy/sunshine trope, best friend's older brother trope, and forced proximity trope, to name a few! If you love any or all of these tropes, then I would definitely recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, and Alcohol
Minor: Grief, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Vengeance by Megan Miranda
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
Leigh Makes Three by Grace Pearce
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.75
▫️1st person POV▫️
Wesley and Leigh have an undeniable attraction that they can't act on, which creates a lot of sexual tension between them whenever they're around each other. There's a lot of mixed signals between these two. Even when they do talk to each other about it, it seems like they jump to conclusions (Leigh especially), and say things they don't actually mean.
There were some cute moments, but there was SO much miscommunication, and it felt like there was something missing? I don't really know how to describe it. The book just felt like it could have given more but it didn't.
Brother's best friend trope, forced proximity, and workplace romance (and some spice as well!).
Wesley and Leigh have an undeniable attraction that they can't act on, which creates a lot of sexual tension between them whenever they're around each other. There's a lot of mixed signals between these two. Even when they do talk to each other about it, it seems like they jump to conclusions (Leigh especially), and say things they don't actually mean.
There were some cute moments, but there was SO much miscommunication, and it felt like there was something missing? I don't really know how to describe it. The book just felt like it could have given more but it didn't.
Brother's best friend trope, forced proximity, and workplace romance (and some spice as well!).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Ex List by Grace Pearce
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
▫️1st person POV▫️
This book got me hooked instantly. The characters were fun to read about, and you could just FEEL the drama and tension between Ryan and Grey. Grey was the most loveable, frustratingly wonderful cinnamon roll I've read about in a long time. And Ryan using humor to avoid talking about her feelings was way too relatable.
I loved the progression of the list, and how Ryan chose to allow herself to vent her feelings privately.When she showed the list to Grey? My heart could barely take it. The friends are supportive and wonderful, and I'd honestly love to read their own story if they ever get one!
It was kinda sad to read about Grey having such a long relationship with someone when he was still in love with Ryan. Felt like he was just using someone for 3 years instead of admitting how he really felt and looking for Ryan after she was done with school, but I guess he was in denial that entire time?
I liked that the book felt different from other second-chance romance books. Their interactions/emotions were made clear to everyone around them, and there wasn't really a huge miscommunication trope (which I personally hate with a passion). You get a front row seat to all the reasons why they didn't work out in the past.
I was worried my heart would break if I kept reading with all the pining and heartbreak, but it was SO worth it! This is a second-chance romance with some spice, forced proximity, and a HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book got me hooked instantly. The characters were fun to read about, and you could just FEEL the drama and tension between Ryan and Grey. Grey was the most loveable, frustratingly wonderful cinnamon roll I've read about in a long time. And Ryan using humor to avoid talking about her feelings was way too relatable.
I loved the progression of the list, and how Ryan chose to allow herself to vent her feelings privately.
I liked that the book felt different from other second-chance romance books. Their interactions/emotions were made clear to everyone around them, and there wasn't really a huge miscommunication trope (which I personally hate with a passion). You get a front row seat to all the reasons why they didn't work out in the past.
I was worried my heart would break if I kept reading with all the pining and heartbreak, but it was SO worth it! This is a second-chance romance with some spice, forced proximity, and a HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Vomit and Alcohol
The Frost Soldier and the Gilded Duty by Maham Fatemi
This is the second book in The Heartless and the Wicked series.
I wanted to love this book. I think I went into it expecting it would be just as exciting and intense as the first one, so I had high expectations for the second book in the series.
A huge chunk of the book is Kolfinna feeling insecure and lonely. She's trying her best to fit in as a Royal Guard but still feels ostracized from the humans around her. The few friends that she does have aren't really there for her the way friends would be normally, mostly because she doesn't allow them to be.I don't really understand why neither of her friends helped her train with a sword if they both knew she wasn't getting the proper training? Like they saw her being constantly made to fight but never bothered to offer to help her train with a sword.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
▫️3rd person POV▫️
This is the second book in The Heartless and the Wicked series.
I wanted to love this book. I think I went into it expecting it would be just as exciting and intense as the first one, so I had high expectations for the second book in the series.
A huge chunk of the book is Kolfinna feeling insecure and lonely. She's trying her best to fit in as a Royal Guard but still feels ostracized from the humans around her. The few friends that she does have aren't really there for her the way friends would be normally, mostly because she doesn't allow them to be.
Most of the conversations/interactions between Blár and Kolfinna were so awkward, to the point where it made me uncomfortable to keep reading. It didn't feel natural, or normal for their age range to be speaking the way they did, especially Blár (some of the things he'd say were just embarrassing, and didn't feel like things his character would say). They did have some advancement in their closeness, and some of their interactions were great, so I hope it becomes more natural in the next book.
She recognized the look marring Blár's beautiful face.
The scene this quote is from is perfectly frustrating and heartbreaking all at once, and definitely one of my favorite little moments between them!
A large part of the first half of the book felt like it dragged a little, and then the last couple of chapters completely knock you off your feet with the way the plot advances so quickly.
Don't get me wrong though, I loved the action and the secrets revealed toward the end. It's setting up the plot for the third book in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading it when it comes out!
That last chapter though? Felt like she was repeating the same mistake in jumping into things too quickly without putting any thought into it. It's the second time (that I can remember) where Blár says he'll help her but she just goes and completely forgets this and throws her trust onto someone who's basically a stranger. Had me so frustrated. I can't get past Kolfinna complaining and pushing her friends away while signging her life away to someone she's wary of. I know it's to advance the plot, but it still makes little sense.
There's also the diary that she read, and the soldier she criticized for complaining too much, all while she herself complains about her life and the hardships she goes through. Of course she has the right to complain when all she's faced are hardships, but this book was FULL of her insecurities and complaints. And when she was presented with help from her friends and Blár, she would decline or make up excuses why it wouldn't work. She was sabotaging herself and still complaining about it. Like come on girl, complain all you want but do something about it!
I'm definitely rambling at this point. Even though this book wasn't as entertaining/gripping as the first one, I still enjoyed parts of it, and I'll definitely be reading the third one once it comes out.
A large part of the first half of the book felt like it dragged a little, and then the last couple of chapters completely knock you off your feet with the way the plot advances so quickly.
Don't get me wrong though, I loved the action and the secrets revealed toward the end. It's setting up the plot for the third book in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading it when it comes out!
I'm definitely rambling at this point. Even though this book wasn't as entertaining/gripping as the first one, I still enjoyed parts of it, and I'll definitely be reading the third one once it comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Torture, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Animal death, and Kidnapping
Minor: Body shaming