kimberlys_reads's reviews
76 reviews

10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston

emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Ashley Elston is one of my favorite authors, and just like her other works, this book was truly a hit! "10 Truths and a Dare" is a very quick read, written in a smooth and engaging style. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the humor had me laughing out loud. 

The plot is well-paced with just the right amount of twists and turns. The relationships between the characters, whether it’s friendship or romance, are beautifully captured, making you care about each one. The witty and natural dialogue adds to the overall enjoyment. 

Overall, "10 Truths and a Dare" is a delightful read that I highly recommend. With its engaging writing, fun characters, and humorous moments, it’s a perfect book for anyone looking for an entertaining story. Ashley Elston has done it again!

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

adventurous challenging emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

"Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston is a fast-paced novel with very long chapters. Despite their length, the story moves quickly, making it an engaging read. One of the highlights of this book is its fun and lively characters. The conversations between them are incredibly funny, bringing a lot of humor to the story. The emails exchanged between the protagonists are a delightful addition, giving a personal touch to their relationship. It's heartwarming to see how the characters keep fighting for each other, and their relationship is absolutely adorable. 

However, one drawback of the book is that it's written in the third person, which can sometimes make it difficult to follow the story. There are moments when it’s hard to maintain attention, which might be a bit challenging for some readers. Overall, "Red, White & Royal Blue" is an enjoyable read with its charming characters and humorous dialogue. While the writing style might present some challenges, the story's heart and warmth make it worth the read.

Things We Hide From The Light by Lucy Score

challenging emotional funny inspiring 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

4.0

I might have fallen in love with Knockemout too. I don't know what it is about that town, but I want to live there. This was a very good book, but it had quite a slow start for me, and because of that, it took me a while to really get into it. Hence the four star rating, because expect that i have no remarks about this book.

Puppy Love by Elle Sprinkle

emotional funny inspiring 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

I had the pleasure of reading Puppy Love as an ARC, and I am super grateful for the opportunity! As someone who is deeply passionate about dogs—I’m a certified dog groomer and currently studying animal behavior with a focus on dogs and horses—I found this book amazing right from the start. It's rare to find books that dive into these topics, making this one a real gem. 

Beyond the fascinating subject matter, the book is wonderfully written. There are quite a few spicy scenes, which I appreciated. The characters are incredibly lovable and diverse. I could really see myself in some of them, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable. 

Since this is a queer romance, it's the perfect read for Pride Month. There are plenty of LGBTQI+ characters, adding to the richness and inclusivity of the story. I highly recommend Puppy Love to anyone looking for a heartfelt and engaging read.

Wildfire by Hannah Grace

emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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? N/A

5.0

To begin with, I liked this book much more than "Icebreaker." The story was easier to follow. 
 I also found that the book reads more smoothly, probably because I developed a bit of a crush on Russ. 

I really liked how the author dealt with current issues like absent parents, anxiety, and addiction. 
 I could relate to some of these things.
 The summer camp setting was a great addition to the story. As someone who went to camp every year as a kid, this book brought back wonderful memories for me. 

Now, i can't wait to finally read Henry's story. I'm really curious about it!

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

"Breaking Dawn" brings back the nostalgic feels of the Twilight saga. The storytelling is engaging and the book reads smoothly, making it hard to put down. While the plot could have had more action, it still manages to captivate. The extra star is for the wave of nostalgia it evoked in me.

De ballade van slangen en zangvogels by Suzanne Collins

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

In Suzanne Collins' "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," readers are offered a compelling glimpse into the formative years of President Snow, shedding light on his journey from youth to the formidable leader depicted in "The Hunger Games" trilogy. 

Collins' narrative prowess shines through, weaving a tale that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Certain characters are exceptionally well-crafted, evoking genuine emotional resonance and enriching the story with their complexities. 

However, the novel suffers from an overcrowded cast and occasional pacing issues, which may prove daunting for some readers. 
Despite these shortcomings, fans of the series will appreciate the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Panem, while newcomers may find it a less seamless entry point.

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

emotional hopeful sad 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

3.0

"The First to Die at the End" has a lot in common with "They Both Die at the End." This made it a fun and enjoyable read initially, but about halfway through, my interest began to wane, and I found myself pushing through the rest of the book.

Orion and Valentino are both lovable characters, but their storyline felt a bit predictable. The side characters, on the other hand, were a pleasant addition, and it was great to get to know their personal stories as well. This added depth to the narrative and made the book more engaging.


To be honest, I was somewhat relieved when I finished it.Silvera's writing style, however, is something I really appreciate. The book has a good flow, which is a significant plus.

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-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

Wow, what a book. I think I experienced every possible emotion while reading this story, from laughter to tears.

The tension in this book was also incredibly strong. There were so many moments (especially as the book neared its ending) when I was literally on the edge of my seat.

This book was such a page-turner; I just couldn't stop reading!

Although I'm a bit sad that the series has come to an end, I'm curious to see what the future holds and what other series and books Holly Black will create! I look forward to reading them!

The Wicked King by Holly Black

adventurous dark mysterious tense 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

"The Queen of Nothing" by Holly Black is a riveting continuation of the story of Jude and Cardan. The word 'intense' perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere of this novel. Black delves deeper into the complex and often tumultuous relationship between these two characters, providing a compelling narrative that hooks readers from start to finish.

The growing tension is palpable throughout the book, with moments that leave you on the edge of your seat, unable to stop turning the pages. As the story unfolds, you're drawn into the harsh and unforgiving world of Elfhame, where betrayal and intrigue are the norms.

Holly Black's vivid storytelling brings the characters to life, making you feel their struggles, ambitions, and conflicting emotions. It's a journey through a world where nothing is as it seems, and alliances can shift in an instant.

If you're a fan of dark fantasy and complex character dynamics, "The Queen of Nothing" is a must-read. The book's intensity and depth will keep you captivated until the very last page.