kristens_bookshelf's Reviews (143)


The fact that this is categorized as nonfiction cracks me up. Sure, underneath all the in jest things there are some basic fundamentals of "how to be the best you" that are always a good reminder to tell yourself from time to time. But if you take this book too seriously you are going to think the author was off her rocker writing this.
This is a great book to talk about with your besties at happy hours or sleepovers and swap relatable real life stories.

I can't remember when the last time it was that I saw a book cover wholly and truly capture the essence of the story inside...this is definitely that time!
If you want a perfect example of how to create the most sense tingling atmosphere, read this book!
If you want a perfect example of character growth, read this book!
If you want a perfect example of what YA romance should be, read this book!
If you want a perfect example of a book that will get you out of a reading slump, read this book!

This story has so much potential, I can't wait to see what happens next!!!

The book is about Kennedy, an orphan who bounced around her whole life trying to figure out where she came from. She comes home one day to find a stranger in her apartment there to take her back "home". She finds out she was born in a realm of magic!
We follow her as she is enrolled into a magic academy where she learns how to use her magic that she had never experienced before. And as she navigates her way trying to find out about who her parents are and how she ended up on Earth.

The first half of the book was a little slow for me and I couldn't really get into it. The only reason I didn't DNF was because the premise was too interesting not to stick it out and see where it was all gonna go. And I'm glad I did!
I feel like the supporting characters are written so well! I became attached to them all, probably more so than the FMC, Kennedy. Kennedy I didn't start to like til the last third of the book. I compare it to how I felt about Bella in Twilight. Alot of inner monologue and being a whiny Eeyore. When I assumed she would start to be like "OK, time to kick ass" she stayed second guessing everything and didn't really come into her own til the last third of the book.
Of course the book ends on a cliffhanger I never saw coming, right when the action starts happening! Can't wait for the next book!

ARC Review, as always thanks to Entangled Publishing for letting me in their circle of Insiders :)

This book was sent to me exactly when I needed to read it. The story covers so many diverse and relevant topics that you don't have to be fat and/or queer to be able to find something relatable. This book brings forward all kinds of insecurities and prejudices that need to be in the spotlight so we can confront them and fix them. For me it brought things to light that I hadn't thought of or considered before and it will make me a better friend to those around me who are able to relate to the topics in this story. If a fictional book can make me feel like a better person after reading it, EVERYONE needs to read this story and share their story too!

As always, thanks to Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!

This is hands down THE BEST Rom Com I've ever read!
The banter, flirting and wit was perfection. The chemistry between the characters left me swooning! This was a great fun and light read. I've never read a Portia MacIntosh book before, but I will for sure be putting many more on my TBR!

This book is an absolute gem! From the very first page, I was hooked by the vibrant characters and the sizzling chemistry between them. The plot blends humor, romance, and intrigue, making it an engaging read from start to finish. The writing is sharp and witty. The author really has a knack for creating relatable situations that had me laughing out loud. The pacing is perfect, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I couldn't put it down! If you're looking for a funny, heartwarming romance, this book is a must-read.

My mind is still RACING thinking about everything I just read!
This story mixes the history of Salvador Dali and the love story of Hades and Persephone. The pacing of the story is similar to a thriller where you just want to keep turning pages. I didn't put this book down and read it in under 6hrs. I loved how the meals served followed the journey the characters were on. The attention to detail in each dish was EVERYTHING! Do not read this book on an empty stomach and keep a snack ready at your side!
I have been fortunate enough to visit the actual Monster Garden in Italy and the description of all the statues and landmarks is impeccable and brought everything back to life in my mind from my last visit. A must see if you are ever in Rome.

As always, thanks to Entangled Teen for providing me with ARCs! I have yet to read a book published by Entangled that I haven't rated 4 or 5 stars, they know a good story!

This book has EVERYTHING you would want in a YA romantasy!
Full of action - CHECK
Unique plot - CHECK
The ONE true love - CHECK
High stakes - CHECK

The end of the book finished perfectly and yet I feel like could very much leave it open to a sequel (PUHLEASE L.E. Sterling!)
There was so much backstory they gave us also through out the book that we could even get a prequel/novella talking about the history before this book (*cough cough*, L.E. Sterling are you listening!?)
This book comes out October 21st and definitely one to add to your TBR!

Thank you Hachette Book Group and Redhook Books/Orbit for mailing me this ARC! It was a lovely surprise in my mailbox!
If Hermoine, Neville, Draco and Lavender (from HP, obvi) took on fae and an evil Ministry of Magic together...you have this book! If you are a Dark Academia person, this is the perfect book for you!
I loved every character, even the ones I probably shouldn't have. I was attached to each one of them from the start. This book did get a little slow in a couple parts but honestly it was needed for character relationships. I might have just thought it was slow because I was so eager to see what happened but I never skimmed, which was a good sign for me!
I've never heard of this author before but I will now be adding everything she has written to my TBR. Her writing style was made for me!

This book is a solid 3.5 stars for me.
While the history of King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine is widely known, this story gives us a look into that period of time within that family with an extra twist. I thought the story was great and the additional characters the author added into this historical family and around them were well developed and interesting. A few of the "scenes" I found overly dramatic, almost written like a soap opera script. The book also seemed to be sprinkled with words that I'm not sure would have been used during that time and it kinda screwed with my immersion in the story. A paraphrased example: Crimson and emerald tapestries were hung in the great hall which was starting to get crammed with people. The whole book is written as a letter from a mother to her daughter explaining their family history...would the word "crammed" have existed then? There was a word every few chapters that just seemed too modern to fit.
Any historical fiction book I will pick up and read once. Would I read this one again, probably not. I feel like books on this specific family are a dime a dozen. Would I recommend this book to friends, a specific few that I know would enjoy it, but I wouldn't yell from the rooftops that everyone has to read it.
***SPOILER, DON'T READ PAST THIS LINE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW***
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I didn't like the brother/sister that turned out to not be related at all and then they fall in love and live happily ever after. That dynamic gives me the ick in any story.