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karina_dreamsinwords's reviews
1057 reviews
Again by J.L. Seegars
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This was a quick & spicy second chance romance novella. Heavy conversations on infertility so keep that in mind, but I enjoyed this story about two ex spouses finding their way back to each with the help of their (soon to be married) siblings.
What a Match by Mimi Grace
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This was a cute & quick read that had some spiiiice. I loved the pumpkin investigation scene and the laughs had while reading this one.
Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young
This book!! There’s something special about a marriage in crisis where we get to see the couple actively working to mend their relationship that just does something to my heart. I knew HBY would deliver the feels and she did NOT disappoint.
I absolutely adored Caleb & Sarah’s love story. From high school sweethearts, well into adulthood, and even some years beyond. Their journey together, watching them prevail over the trials life threw at them, and forming a stronger bond along the way was just so beautiful.
This story felt a little personal at times, which probably aided the overt emotional impact. How amazing it is to empathize with a fictional character, and heal a little bit at the same time.
I recommend reading Out on a Limb to get the history of Win & Bo’s love because as the best friends of Sarah and Caleb, they do appear in this story quite often. Plus it was just as amazing so read that and come back! You won’t regret it ❤️
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
“If you give me the space to grow, I’ll plant myself next to you. Always.”
This book!! There’s something special about a marriage in crisis where we get to see the couple actively working to mend their relationship that just does something to my heart. I knew HBY would deliver the feels and she did NOT disappoint.
I absolutely adored Caleb & Sarah’s love story. From high school sweethearts, well into adulthood, and even some years beyond. Their journey together, watching them prevail over the trials life threw at them, and forming a stronger bond along the way was just so beautiful.
This story felt a little personal at times, which probably aided the overt emotional impact. How amazing it is to empathize with a fictional character, and heal a little bit at the same time.
I recommend reading Out on a Limb to get the history of Win & Bo’s love because as the best friends of Sarah and Caleb, they do appear in this story quite often. Plus it was just as amazing so read that and come back! You won’t regret it ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Blood, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
When I Think of You by Myah Ariel
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
This story follows film students Kaliya and Danny, college friends turned to lovers in which their relationship ended much too soon. Years later, their paths cross as Danny is gearing up to bring his parent’s love story to life with the help of the film studio Kaliya works for. When presented with the opportunity to work closely on his film, Kaliya is faced with a choice that could boost her movie making dreams in the right direction, even when the person asking is her ex boyfriend. Will the pressures of Hollywood allow them to grow together, or tear their hopes of a future apart?
"𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒕. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖."
The fact that this was a debut is impressive because the storytelling that Ariel weaves together was beautifully done. The dual timelines provided a glimpse at the young love shared between Kaliya and Danny, while also showing their individual growth over the years apart. Watching them gravitate back to each other and rekindle the flame once again was ultra sweet to witness.
The authors note makes readers aware that grief plays a big part of the book, both in the fictional sense and the authors personal experience while writing. I thought that was clearly felt on the pages and played a big role in Kaliya and Danny’s story. I cried a lot while reading this for a multitude of reasons but also felt healed along the way. To evoke such emotions while reading will never fail to amaze me.
I appreciated how Ariel was to provide an inside look of inner workings of movie making, the good & bad, because that’s not something I’ll ever get to experience. She also doesn’t shy away from heavier themes such as the politics, sexism, racism and privilege within the film industry. The well rounded crafting of this book as a whole is something to admire!
Not only did this have a second chance romance to root for but also featured strong female friendships. I loved seeing Kaliya and her friends empower & uplift one another. They were so funny together and had some stand out moments of self love that I enjoyed.
If you love the emotional depth of the romance powerhouse Kennedy Ryan, then you’re going to want to pick this up!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, and Classism
Minor: Sexual harassment
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
It would absolutely be a TDJ book to be my first fresh five star read of the year! The visceral rage I felt while reading this was crazyyy. Her ability to craft such a timely tale rooted in reality is something so powerful in today’s day and age.
I didn’t know that there was a podcast element woven in which made listening to the audiobook a special treat!
I don’t have the adequate words to express how masterful TDJ’s storytelling is. Told in multiple POV, it was interesting to see the character motivations for certain things within this story and it all came together brilliantly. I especially loved the ending and the character development for a certain someone that I lost hope in along the way.
Just read it. Listen to the audiobook to fully immerse yourself. You’re welcome!
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Genius. Grueling. Emotional. This book demands to be read!
“People need to want to see the truth. Comprehension is key, and that hasn’t exactly been mastered by the citizens of this country.”
It would absolutely be a TDJ book to be my first fresh five star read of the year! The visceral rage I felt while reading this was crazyyy. Her ability to craft such a timely tale rooted in reality is something so powerful in today’s day and age.
I didn’t know that there was a podcast element woven in which made listening to the audiobook a special treat!
I don’t have the adequate words to express how masterful TDJ’s storytelling is. Told in multiple POV, it was interesting to see the character motivations for certain things within this story and it all came together brilliantly. I especially loved the ending and the character development for a certain someone that I lost hope in along the way.
Just read it. Listen to the audiobook to fully immerse yourself. You’re welcome!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Gore and Police brutality
Behind the Scenes by Christina C. Jones, Christina C. Jones
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This was a tough one to rate because something happened that isn’t my favorite and didn’t completely feel necessary to the plot, but I can also argue that it aided to the growth of our MMC.
Logan and Pierre hook up after she leaves her boyfriend only to find out the next day that she was hired as his project’s concierge and will be working with him closely for the next 6 months! Something about that plot line does it for me. The chemistry & angst between them while trying to keep a strictly professional relationship was so juicy! Not to mention the “fck it” moment actually coming from our heroine and made the spicy scene even more delicious 🤭
I truly loved this story and how CCJ was able to weave in some scenes of the show that Pierre was creating, One Day Sober. Watching him craft something so personal as he was on his own sobriety journey seemed like a cathartic experience. It was beautiful to see Pierre bettering his life after witnessing the horrifying consequences of substance abuse. The legacy that Pierre’s parents left behind was a heavy thing to carry but seeing him rise to the challenge in carrying the torch with his sister was heartwarming.
Logan was a complete baddie and had the courage to carve her own path instead of following in her family’s footsteps of becoming yet another lawyer. Watching her familial strife because of it was hard but I was happy to see those relationships mend.
BEHIND THE SCENES is a multilayered story about overcoming societal expectations, healing, and embracing the ebb and flow of life & love. I highly recommend picking this up!
Logan and Pierre hook up after she leaves her boyfriend only to find out the next day that she was hired as his project’s concierge and will be working with him closely for the next 6 months! Something about that plot line does it for me. The chemistry & angst between them while trying to keep a strictly professional relationship was so juicy! Not to mention the “fck it” moment actually coming from our heroine and made the spicy scene even more delicious 🤭
I truly loved this story and how CCJ was able to weave in some scenes of the show that Pierre was creating, One Day Sober. Watching him craft something so personal as he was on his own sobriety journey seemed like a cathartic experience. It was beautiful to see Pierre bettering his life after witnessing the horrifying consequences of substance abuse. The legacy that Pierre’s parents left behind was a heavy thing to carry but seeing him rise to the challenge in carrying the torch with his sister was heartwarming.
Logan was a complete baddie and had the courage to carve her own path instead of following in her family’s footsteps of becoming yet another lawyer. Watching her familial strife because of it was hard but I was happy to see those relationships mend.
BEHIND THE SCENES is a multilayered story about overcoming societal expectations, healing, and embracing the ebb and flow of life & love. I highly recommend picking this up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Grief and Pregnancy
Minor: Drug use
My Choice Is You by Mel Dau
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This was a sweet romance, very much insta love, but this being a novella that is to be expected.
In this story we are following Covina (Covie), the daughter of the famously retired MLB star Sheldon Hurley, as she searches for a roommate in her new home while living independently for the first time. After a few failed interviews, she clicks with April right away and soon offers her the lease. April doesn’t come to the interview alone, but accompanied by her brother, Jasper. Jasper and Covie have an immediate attraction and we see them fall in love while facing trials along the way.
There were slurs thrown at Covie from April’s toxic ex-friend which was pretty jarring, but it was nice to see the besties and new man not stand for the disrespect!
There was spice & some humorous moments that alleviated some of the high intensity scenes. My issue was with the pacing & the play on random time jumps and flashbacks that didn’t quite work for me, but overall I really liked the story and characters at the forefront.
In this story we are following Covina (Covie), the daughter of the famously retired MLB star Sheldon Hurley, as she searches for a roommate in her new home while living independently for the first time. After a few failed interviews, she clicks with April right away and soon offers her the lease. April doesn’t come to the interview alone, but accompanied by her brother, Jasper. Jasper and Covie have an immediate attraction and we see them fall in love while facing trials along the way.
There were slurs thrown at Covie from April’s toxic ex-friend which was pretty jarring, but it was nice to see the besties and new man not stand for the disrespect!
There was spice & some humorous moments that alleviated some of the high intensity scenes. My issue was with the pacing & the play on random time jumps and flashbacks that didn’t quite work for me, but overall I really liked the story and characters at the forefront.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
That exact quote is what had me intrigued to pick this book up in the first place and I’m so happy that I did!
This story follows Grady Green as he grapples with grief after the disappearance of his wife when a year later, his literary agent offers him the chance to write his next novel in peace on a remote Scottish island. Strange happenings start to occur and he slowly uncovers the mystery behind the disappearance of his wife and the island he has escaped to.
The final pages of this one really helped my rating go up because— wow! Alice Feeney managed to tie in the theme of Green’s romantic unraveling so brilliantly. Not to mention the mixed media elements woven in to really bring it all together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and may have to do a reread because the fact that I found the island’s map when I was 95% into the story did me no favors 😅
I highly recommend Feeney’s newest release for anyone interested in a remote island setting with a twisty plot!
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
“Wives think their husbands will change but they don’t.
Husbands think their wives won’t change but they do.”
That exact quote is what had me intrigued to pick this book up in the first place and I’m so happy that I did!
This story follows Grady Green as he grapples with grief after the disappearance of his wife when a year later, his literary agent offers him the chance to write his next novel in peace on a remote Scottish island. Strange happenings start to occur and he slowly uncovers the mystery behind the disappearance of his wife and the island he has escaped to.
The final pages of this one really helped my rating go up because— wow! Alice Feeney managed to tie in the theme of Green’s romantic unraveling so brilliantly. Not to mention the mixed media elements woven in to really bring it all together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and may have to do a reread because the fact that I found the island’s map when I was 95% into the story did me no favors 😅
I highly recommend Feeney’s newest release for anyone interested in a remote island setting with a twisty plot!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child death and Suicide
Minor: Child abuse and Pedophilia
The Weight of the Stars by K. Ancrum
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This is a quietly tender character driven story about found family, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
I liked the overall themes explored within this book. I can appreciate how this was geared to a young adult audience yet still was able to close the book with hope in my heart. The ending was what really brought it together and left me feeling giddy all while rooting for Ryann & Alex to find their way back together 🥹
I liked the overall themes explored within this book. I can appreciate how this was geared to a young adult audience yet still was able to close the book with hope in my heart. The ending was what really brought it together and left me feeling giddy all while rooting for Ryann & Alex to find their way back together 🥹
& Then There Was You 2 by Tay Mo'Nae
dark
emotional
fast-paced
4.0
After the ending of book 1, I jumped into this immediately and I’m so happy that I did! We are thrown into the scene the previous book left us on and we are right back in it. This was less messy with an added element of suspense which I thought was a nice change of pace.
I enjoyed the multi POV format much like the first book where we got to know and understand each individual’s thoughts and actions. I really loved seeing the growth in here for many of the characters and it was so nice seeing how their stories played out with getting their HEA’s.
I definitely plan on reading more from this author because I was hooked from the start & couldn’t stop reading!
I enjoyed the multi POV format much like the first book where we got to know and understand each individual’s thoughts and actions. I really loved seeing the growth in here for many of the characters and it was so nice seeing how their stories played out with getting their HEA’s.
I definitely plan on reading more from this author because I was hooked from the start & couldn’t stop reading!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Violence, and Pregnancy