kvangundy's reviews
1210 reviews

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was an interesting read. I wanted to love it, but it got a bit dark for me. It was an interesting take on the Nutcracker. All the characters were there, but in such a different manner. I enjoyed it, but not as much as I would have liked. 4 stars. 

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

challenging emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 I love everything Josie Silver writes. This book started off smooth and fun, but the end packed one heck of a punch. Every emotion imaginable was felt. 5 big old shining Christmas trees for this one. Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC. It was spectacular as always. 

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

4.5

I really enjoyed the story of how June dealt with the pressures of the writing world. When June is in the same room as her long-time friend/writing rival when she suddenly dies, what she does will have lasting impacts on her life, both good and bad. This story shows just how much pressure is on writers and how June can succumb to the pressures of staying in the lime-light of fame. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you for the eARC. 4.5 stars. 

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous dark emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood

4.0

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

After the death of her sister, Sage has done everything to stay away from her family and their magic. When circumstances bring her back to her hometown, she inevitably succumbs to her family's ways. When her job lands her right back into the arms of her long time highschool crush, nothing seems to go right. Will she every fess up to being his internet crush? This was a very enjoyable read. It was unique and entertaining. Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC. 4 stars. 

Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner

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? Yes

4.0

I went into this thinking it was a young adult book, but boy it is not. It is a fun story about Phoebe Matthews and her quest to be on the US Women's National soccer team. I felt like a few of the issues that were brought up didn't need to be in the story. Aside from that, I think it was a fun and definite spicy rom-com. 4 stars.

Forty Words for Love by Aisha Saeed

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

 Okay, this was a weird book. This story follows Yasmine and Rafay after a tragedy has destroyed their small town. Rafay is not from Moonlight Bay, their little town. He came there 10 years ago when his hometown was destroyed. Circumstances have led Rafay to believe that he couldn't fall in love with Yasmine, but sometimes love is stronger than circumstances. When Rafay's world starts to fall apart due to lies, he finds that maybe what he has put aside really shouldn't have been. With a bit of fantasy mixed with a teen romance, this story was very interesting. Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC. 4 stars. 

The Witch Is Back by Sophie H. Morgan

funny hopeful lighthearted 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? No

4.0

 I loved this. It was such a cute, fun, fall/Halloween read. The characters were great as was the story line. I always love a good rom-com with some magic built in. Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC. 4 stars.