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kaisbooknook's reviews
183 reviews
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.0
This book is so unique. It combines elements of a YA murder mystery, along with magical realism that connects our main character to the memories of dead people, and I think that's one of the most interesting concepts I've read about in a long time.
Firstly, Junius Sylvester gets the father of the year award. The way he loves Sam is so beautiful and I loved every interaction they had together.
Sam's grief and trauma is also so important to read about, along with the representation of how that trauma can bleed into your everyday life. I especially loved the support that Sam's friend group gives them regarding their past.
The mystery aspect of this book hits so hard as well. I had physical bodily reactions while reading, and to me that is so impressive and indicative of a good mystery. I got goosebumps, my heart was pounding, and it did make me a little bit paranoid in the best way possible.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a YA mystery with a romance subplot, and amazing father figure, a supportive friend group, or just a badass main character.
Firstly, Junius Sylvester gets the father of the year award. The way he loves Sam is so beautiful and I loved every interaction they had together.
Sam's grief and trauma is also so important to read about, along with the representation of how that trauma can bleed into your everyday life. I especially loved the support that Sam's friend group gives them regarding their past.
The mystery aspect of this book hits so hard as well. I had physical bodily reactions while reading, and to me that is so impressive and indicative of a good mystery. I got goosebumps, my heart was pounding, and it did make me a little bit paranoid in the best way possible.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a YA mystery with a romance subplot, and amazing father figure, a supportive friend group, or just a badass main character.
Elevator Pitch by Evelyn Leigh
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
Greyson is the most book boyfriend MMC to ever book boyfriend. Yeah, I said what I said.
The many positive thoughts I have about this book have been swimming around incoherently in my brain since I read it, so this review may be all over the place. Bear with me
First of all, the TENSION!!!! Evelyn Leigh just knows how to write tension between two characters like no other. The back and forth banter and the questioning both the MC's had as to whether or not they should be together had me scarfing this book down.
Also, Selah's friend group is so adorable and supportive, I honestly wish all the characters in this book were real just so I could hug them. The friend group dynamics that were in this book were everything, and I'm so glad this book is part of an interconnected standalone series so I can read all of their stories.
I could not get enough of this book, and the spice, the acts of service, and the love were overflowing. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a book with a new book boyfriend for them to obsess over, an FMC learning to heal from past DV, or a loveable group of characters.
The many positive thoughts I have about this book have been swimming around incoherently in my brain since I read it, so this review may be all over the place. Bear with me
First of all, the TENSION!!!! Evelyn Leigh just knows how to write tension between two characters like no other. The back and forth banter and the questioning both the MC's had as to whether or not they should be together had me scarfing this book down.
Also, Selah's friend group is so adorable and supportive, I honestly wish all the characters in this book were real just so I could hug them. The friend group dynamics that were in this book were everything, and I'm so glad this book is part of an interconnected standalone series so I can read all of their stories.
I could not get enough of this book, and the spice, the acts of service, and the love were overflowing. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a book with a new book boyfriend for them to obsess over, an FMC learning to heal from past DV, or a loveable group of characters.
So Let Them Burn (Limited Edition) by Kamilah Cole
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-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
I bet this book is going to give me a book hangover. It's just THAT GOOD.
Although this fantasy does have a plot that has action that picks up and slows down throughout the book, I never got bored. The ending especially gave me goosebumps. Just spectacular.
I love the societal commentary that is woven throughout about war violence, war trauma, and colonization. It is done so well, and some of the quotes were so emotional and so perfect.
The romances in this are also chefs kiss. As a reader, you could cut the tension with a knife, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Also, including teenage characters that are chosen by the God's, and yet are so mischievous and flawed makes them so human, and that much more enjoyable to read about.
The writing style has an originality that I can't quite place, yet is so fitting for the story somehow. Every sentence felt purposeful to the story, and each chapter built off of previous tension without dragging it out. Honestly, the perfect pacing for a story as lush and dense as this.
I would say that this is a must read for any fantasy lovers. There is nothing that I didn't like about it, and as soon as I finished the first book I immediately wanted to go buy and read the second one. Perfection.
Although this fantasy does have a plot that has action that picks up and slows down throughout the book, I never got bored. The ending especially gave me goosebumps. Just spectacular.
I love the societal commentary that is woven throughout about war violence, war trauma, and colonization. It is done so well, and some of the quotes were so emotional and so perfect.
The romances in this are also chefs kiss. As a reader, you could cut the tension with a knife, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Also, including teenage characters that are chosen by the God's, and yet are so mischievous and flawed makes them so human, and that much more enjoyable to read about.
The writing style has an originality that I can't quite place, yet is so fitting for the story somehow. Every sentence felt purposeful to the story, and each chapter built off of previous tension without dragging it out. Honestly, the perfect pacing for a story as lush and dense as this.
I would say that this is a must read for any fantasy lovers. There is nothing that I didn't like about it, and as soon as I finished the first book I immediately wanted to go buy and read the second one. Perfection.
A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
I just have to start off this review by saying: Logan O'Hare, the man that you are ðŸ¤
This book had me blushing, giggling and kicking my feet. The single parent trope in romance never gets old, and although these tropes usually include a younger child, I appreciate Kosoko Jackson including an angsty teen instead, who slowly learns to trust her dad's crush. I just love that dynamic, and the way she opens up to Xavier is so well done. I'm in love with their little trio.
Also, Logan is so hot. Cue the debby ryan hair tuck. The way he flirts with Xavier had me putting the book down just to gain my breath back. The way he puts his trust in him even when they're not dating is just so cute.
And Xavier going right back to square one in his adulthood, and opening up to Logan about how he feels like it's that much harder being a Black man in business was the perfect segueway into their relationship growing. The way they put emotional trust in each other is beautiful.
My only gripe is that I didn't see the beginning of their relationship enough! I would have loved to see their interactions with each other going into their relationship, rather than reading a time skip. I honestly don't even care that that would make the book longer since I love these characters so much.
All in all, I would recommend this to readers who want to read a romance with a relationship with a huge emotional bond, and two main characters who learn more about themselves with each other.
This book had me blushing, giggling and kicking my feet. The single parent trope in romance never gets old, and although these tropes usually include a younger child, I appreciate Kosoko Jackson including an angsty teen instead, who slowly learns to trust her dad's crush. I just love that dynamic, and the way she opens up to Xavier is so well done. I'm in love with their little trio.
Also, Logan is so hot. Cue the debby ryan hair tuck. The way he flirts with Xavier had me putting the book down just to gain my breath back. The way he puts his trust in him even when they're not dating is just so cute.
And Xavier going right back to square one in his adulthood, and opening up to Logan about how he feels like it's that much harder being a Black man in business was the perfect segueway into their relationship growing. The way they put emotional trust in each other is beautiful.
My only gripe is that I didn't see the beginning of their relationship enough! I would have loved to see their interactions with each other going into their relationship, rather than reading a time skip. I honestly don't even care that that would make the book longer since I love these characters so much.
All in all, I would recommend this to readers who want to read a romance with a relationship with a huge emotional bond, and two main characters who learn more about themselves with each other.
Green Fuse Burning by Tiffany Morris
dark
emotional
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
This book is incredibly lyrical, and feels like a fever dream or a hallucination the entire way through, but in the best way possible.
I loved Rita's character, and the way she made sense of the hauntings going on around her, as well as the way her PTSD is portrayed as melodious and poetic. The way she experienced her grief was so raw and honest, and felt so realistic to the devastation of when it happens to us in real life. I love that we as readers got to read about her art, and her artistic process as a way that she processed not only the paranormal activity, but also her grief and regrets.
I have no critiques, except for wishing that this was longer. I would have loved to see the paranormal activity play out a bit longer through the story, and have that fear thoroughly explored, as the lyrical writing style would have made this exploration that much more enjoyable.
This is such a great short horror story, and I would recommend it to readers who want a lyrical horror with a focus on how grief and regret eat away at us.
I loved Rita's character, and the way she made sense of the hauntings going on around her, as well as the way her PTSD is portrayed as melodious and poetic. The way she experienced her grief was so raw and honest, and felt so realistic to the devastation of when it happens to us in real life. I love that we as readers got to read about her art, and her artistic process as a way that she processed not only the paranormal activity, but also her grief and regrets.
I have no critiques, except for wishing that this was longer. I would have loved to see the paranormal activity play out a bit longer through the story, and have that fear thoroughly explored, as the lyrical writing style would have made this exploration that much more enjoyable.
This is such a great short horror story, and I would recommend it to readers who want a lyrical horror with a focus on how grief and regret eat away at us.
What Is Wrong with You?: A Novel by Paul Rudnick
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
I sadly ended up DNF'ing this. While I did enjoy the unique and witty writing style, I felt that all the characters were extremely unlikeable and just not enjoyable to read about. Although I do think that was intentional, many of the characters did get on my nerves while reading. I honestly just felt that I wasn't going to end up enjoying this book, so I stopped reading at 30%. I just didn't see the story going anywhere I thought would be interesting enough to keep me engaged, and the story felt subpar, to hold a spotlight more on the writing, which wasn't enough for me to keep reading.
Thank you to Paul Rudnick, Atria Books, and Netgalley for an early digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Paul Rudnick, Atria Books, and Netgalley for an early digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters by Miriam Zoila Pérez
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
While I went into this book thinking it was a YA romance, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that it follows a teen navigating toxic relationships and dating in high school, with a focus on her life, not her romances.
Firstly, I really enjoyed following the life of the main character Camila. I thought she was very enjoyable to read about, and being in her mind felt like a perfect encapsulation of what it's like to be a teen with crushes. I also loved her best friend Cindy, and I thought she was an amazing supporting character.
However, I felt that considering the length of the book, it doesn't follow that many major plot points, and I would have loved to see a bit more intrigue regarding that. The ending also fell a bit flat for me, and felt a bit underwhelming. Thankfully though, the enjoyable characters did make up for the somewhat lack of major plot.
While this book was enjoyable, I wouldn't say I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone, just because I personally found it a little bit boring. Although, if you're specifically looking for a YA contemporary that focuses on the mundanity on teenage life, then I would recommend this more.
A huge thank you to Page Street Publishing and Miriam Zoila Perez for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Firstly, I really enjoyed following the life of the main character Camila. I thought she was very enjoyable to read about, and being in her mind felt like a perfect encapsulation of what it's like to be a teen with crushes. I also loved her best friend Cindy, and I thought she was an amazing supporting character.
However, I felt that considering the length of the book, it doesn't follow that many major plot points, and I would have loved to see a bit more intrigue regarding that. The ending also fell a bit flat for me, and felt a bit underwhelming. Thankfully though, the enjoyable characters did make up for the somewhat lack of major plot.
While this book was enjoyable, I wouldn't say I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone, just because I personally found it a little bit boring. Although, if you're specifically looking for a YA contemporary that focuses on the mundanity on teenage life, then I would recommend this more.
A huge thank you to Page Street Publishing and Miriam Zoila Perez for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Single Player by Tara Tai
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
This book was such a joy to read. It was so cute and nerdy in the best way. This book is the perfect mix of a romance plot and a contemporary plot following two characters who develop video games for a living.
The enemies to lovers was EATING! The tension between the two main leads was everything, and the way they inconspicuously showed care for one another was so adorable.
I also loved Andie as a character in general. The way the author portrayed their trauma and backstory, and how it still affected them in the present was very realistic, as it wasn't romanticized, and properly showed the damage it did to her person, as well as the relationships in her life.
I would say however, that some dialogue in this book is a bit cringe worthy. I didn't mind it that much, as it did fit the setting and characters, but just a small warning for any readers.
Overall, this is an adorable geeky romance, and I would recommend it to any reader who wants to read a romance with tons of gamer pop culture references, and lovable characters.
The enemies to lovers was EATING! The tension between the two main leads was everything, and the way they inconspicuously showed care for one another was so adorable.
I also loved Andie as a character in general. The way the author portrayed their trauma and backstory, and how it still affected them in the present was very realistic, as it wasn't romanticized, and properly showed the damage it did to her person, as well as the relationships in her life.
I would say however, that some dialogue in this book is a bit cringe worthy. I didn't mind it that much, as it did fit the setting and characters, but just a small warning for any readers.
Overall, this is an adorable geeky romance, and I would recommend it to any reader who wants to read a romance with tons of gamer pop culture references, and lovable characters.
A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
This book is so much more than a romance. It's a love letter to a diverse, bustling city, and the scars, healing and love that live within it.
I cried multiple times while reading this. I still cannot believe that these characters are fictional. Their stories and feelings feel so real and the love and care and loss that fills the pages is heart wrenching.
The way the two main characters love each other is so moving. The way they both heal each other and help each other find love in their lives when they both feel stuck is touching. The way they help each other towards their goals just makes them fall for each other even more. There is nothing these characters could do that could make me hate them.
The grief and hurt that all the characters in this book experience in their own way is rewarding to read about. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough, to anyone who wants to read a romance that goes deeper than surface level feelings, or those who want to about characters trying their very best to make everyone proud of them.
I cried multiple times while reading this. I still cannot believe that these characters are fictional. Their stories and feelings feel so real and the love and care and loss that fills the pages is heart wrenching.
The way the two main characters love each other is so moving. The way they both heal each other and help each other find love in their lives when they both feel stuck is touching. The way they help each other towards their goals just makes them fall for each other even more. There is nothing these characters could do that could make me hate them.
The grief and hurt that all the characters in this book experience in their own way is rewarding to read about. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough, to anyone who wants to read a romance that goes deeper than surface level feelings, or those who want to about characters trying their very best to make everyone proud of them.
The Many Mistakes of Amy Love by RA Hunter
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
It hurts me to say this, since I wanted to love this book so badly, but it pained me to read it.
Firstly, I personally felt like the main characters didn't have a lot of chemistry with each other, and whenever I felt that they did, they were having sex. Amy felt so guilty for what she did, and claimed she never wanted to hurt Lauren, but she did just that. She hurt her repeatedly, and barely even apologized for it. Instead of apologies, she would tell Lauren about parts of the reasons why she hurt her in the first place. She didn't even take accountability whatsoever. Amy honestly just pissed me off. She kept on hurting Lauren with what felt like no remorse, and she just continued not communicating. I get that she has a troubled past, but that means she shouldn't be having one night stands with people if she can't communicate.
Secondly, the writing style was very confusing, because it went from being in the third person to being in the first person and then changing character perspectives all in one chapter without notice. I was just left to try and figure out what was happening. The main thing I found the author doing was telling the audience the main characters were in love, instead of showing us with actions that they loved each other.
The writing style also felt very immature, which is weird considering this book is very smutty and also has all adult characters.
The majority of this book is just smut, which I wouldn't have a problem with normally, but in this case it just felt a little cringe at times, and felt unnecessary when the two main characters could have done things that were romantic instead of sexual. They went on 3 dates and had sex many more times than that. It just felt like the author was focused on the wrong thing to me.
And the ending just pissed me off. There was no reason anything needed to happen in that way, and it was over dramatized when I would much rather have the two main characters talk about their feelings like adults.
Overall, I wouldn't really recommend this book. I found there were a lot of conceptual issues with it, but I hope other readers enjoy this more than me
Thank you to RA Hunter for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Firstly, I personally felt like the main characters didn't have a lot of chemistry with each other, and whenever I felt that they did, they were having sex. Amy felt so guilty for what she did, and claimed she never wanted to hurt Lauren, but she did just that. She hurt her repeatedly, and barely even apologized for it. Instead of apologies, she would tell Lauren about parts of the reasons why she hurt her in the first place. She didn't even take accountability whatsoever. Amy honestly just pissed me off. She kept on hurting Lauren with what felt like no remorse, and she just continued not communicating. I get that she has a troubled past, but that means she shouldn't be having one night stands with people if she can't communicate.
Secondly, the writing style was very confusing, because it went from being in the third person to being in the first person and then changing character perspectives all in one chapter without notice. I was just left to try and figure out what was happening. The main thing I found the author doing was telling the audience the main characters were in love, instead of showing us with actions that they loved each other.
The writing style also felt very immature, which is weird considering this book is very smutty and also has all adult characters.
The majority of this book is just smut, which I wouldn't have a problem with normally, but in this case it just felt a little cringe at times, and felt unnecessary when the two main characters could have done things that were romantic instead of sexual. They went on 3 dates and had sex many more times than that. It just felt like the author was focused on the wrong thing to me.
And the ending just pissed me off. There was no reason anything needed to happen in that way, and it was over dramatized when I would much rather have the two main characters talk about their feelings like adults.
Overall, I wouldn't really recommend this book. I found there were a lot of conceptual issues with it, but I hope other readers enjoy this more than me
Thank you to RA Hunter for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!