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laurel00's reviews
319 reviews
The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
I’m so ridiculously sad, but for the first time ever, I’ve read a book by Bellefleur that I didn’t absolutely love…
It was fun at first, the premise is entertaining. I haven’t really read any marriage of convenience romance novels before, but I’ve heard a ton of people saying they love the trope, so I was excited to try it out. There are some moments in this book that I did enjoy, but I think that what was really missing for me, the thing that I always look forward to in Bellefleur’s work, is the pining. I wanted that back and forth, the "will they, won’t they", the moments of “I want her, but I can’t have her”.
And I get that maybe this was a case of wanting the characters to be smart and rational and emotionally mature enough to be able to communicate with one another. But the bottom line is that I got a little… bored. I wanted so much more from the story and the characters, but the second half of this novel didn’t make me feel much of anything really.
I also found some of the dialogue to be a little awkward, and a couple of scenes felt straight out of an “and then everybody clapped” Tumblr post, which gave me enough second-hand embarrassment that I ended up having to skim through the rest of the chapter.
Unlike the rest of Bellefleur’s work, I wouldn’t put this book on my recommendations lists, which is a shame because I was so excited to pick this up and enjoy another great sapphic romance of hers.
Source: NetGalley
It was fun at first, the premise is entertaining. I haven’t really read any marriage of convenience romance novels before, but I’ve heard a ton of people saying they love the trope, so I was excited to try it out. There are some moments in this book that I did enjoy, but I think that what was really missing for me, the thing that I always look forward to in Bellefleur’s work, is the pining. I wanted that back and forth, the "will they, won’t they", the moments of “I want her, but I can’t have her”.
And I get that maybe this was a case of wanting the characters to be smart and rational and emotionally mature enough to be able to communicate with one another. But the bottom line is that I got a little… bored. I wanted so much more from the story and the characters, but the second half of this novel didn’t make me feel much of anything really.
I also found some of the dialogue to be a little awkward, and a couple of scenes felt straight out of an “and then everybody clapped” Tumblr post, which gave me enough second-hand embarrassment that I ended up having to skim through the rest of the chapter.
Unlike the rest of Bellefleur’s work, I wouldn’t put this book on my recommendations lists, which is a shame because I was so excited to pick this up and enjoy another great sapphic romance of hers.
Source: NetGalley
The Salamander Stone by Heidi Nickerson
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
Although this book does have some technical issues that need to be worked out, I ended up enjoying myself and I had some fun with it!
My biggest problem was the writing. It definitely wasn't as smooth as it should be. There were some moments that felt very awkward, especially when it came to the exposition and world building. In general, things could've been a lot more fluid and there were definitely some moments where I felt myself being taken out of the story for an oddly-phrased sentence or a weakly-constructed piece of dialogue.
Because of that, the beginning of the book was a bit difficult to get through and I was worried that it would be a problem the entire way through. But I eventually got used to the writing style and narration voice and I actually started enjoying myself.
I think the whole concept teeters on this fun fine line between a bit disturbing and a bit funny, which I liked. So yes you have these characters who exist in a world where death is constantly at their doorstep, but also you get to listen to hundred-year old vampires discuss the frustrating bureaucracy of government and the health system, and I couldn't help but chuckle at times.
I was also pleasantly surprised at the level of gore and horror elements in this. I knew it would be a slightly horror-leaning fantasy book based on the synopsis, but I got very excited, especially closer to the end, when I saw just how far Nickerson was ready to take her characters and explore their monstrous sides. And I did love the images included in the book. They really helped solidify the character descriptions in my mind and they were beautiful to look at.
However, I don't know if there's a ton of depth to this story. There isn't a lot I can say about it when it comes to character development or any overarching messages. I did have fun with it, and after getting through the slightly rough beginning I did get a little excited whenever I realized I had some time to pick it up again and keep reading. But I don't know if there's much more to it other than that.
I didn't realize that it was the beginning of a series, and while it definitely isn't a favourite fantasy novel of mine, I would be interested in picking up the sequel and I could potentially see a younger audience enjoying this.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My biggest problem was the writing. It definitely wasn't as smooth as it should be. There were some moments that felt very awkward, especially when it came to the exposition and world building. In general, things could've been a lot more fluid and there were definitely some moments where I felt myself being taken out of the story for an oddly-phrased sentence or a weakly-constructed piece of dialogue.
Because of that, the beginning of the book was a bit difficult to get through and I was worried that it would be a problem the entire way through. But I eventually got used to the writing style and narration voice and I actually started enjoying myself.
I think the whole concept teeters on this fun fine line between a bit disturbing and a bit funny, which I liked. So yes you have these characters who exist in a world where death is constantly at their doorstep, but also you get to listen to hundred-year old vampires discuss the frustrating bureaucracy of government and the health system, and I couldn't help but chuckle at times.
I was also pleasantly surprised at the level of gore and horror elements in this. I knew it would be a slightly horror-leaning fantasy book based on the synopsis, but I got very excited, especially closer to the end, when I saw just how far Nickerson was ready to take her characters and explore their monstrous sides. And I did love the images included in the book. They really helped solidify the character descriptions in my mind and they were beautiful to look at.
However, I don't know if there's a ton of depth to this story. There isn't a lot I can say about it when it comes to character development or any overarching messages. I did have fun with it, and after getting through the slightly rough beginning I did get a little excited whenever I realized I had some time to pick it up again and keep reading. But I don't know if there's much more to it other than that.
I didn't realize that it was the beginning of a series, and while it definitely isn't a favourite fantasy novel of mine, I would be interested in picking up the sequel and I could potentially see a younger audience enjoying this.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Infamous by Lex Croucher
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
There were parts of this novel that really showcased the potential it had to be a great sapphic historical romance, with depth and complex characters. But in the end, it was just a slightly unbearable read.
I understand what Croucher was trying to do with this book, and specifically with Eddie's character arc. I get that she never actually loved Nash. I get that she just loved his work and that she was heartbroken over Rose and she wanted to avoid it all. I get that Nash gave her a sense of validation and a glimpse into a life in which she could potentially feel like she belonged. I get that it was all about Rose in the end and that Nash was just there as a distraction. I get that Eddie didn't want to admit her feelings for Rose and wanted to believe that her feelings for Nash were true love and not just a sense of adulation. Trust me. I get it all. But by god I hated almost every minute of it.
The thing is I actually liked the relationship between Eddie and Rose. And if the story had be exclusively those moments between them, I think I would really loved it. I loved listening to them talk to each other, tiptoe around their feelings for one another, all of those soft scenes where the lines between their platonic and romantic love started to blur. They made a really cute couple and I would've loved to see more of it.
But there was so much focus on Nash. I understand what he represents and that Croucher used him to make a point about compulsory heterosexuality and societal expectations. But I just didn't care. It was so nauseating to listen to the scenes between them. And I think it would have all been a lot more effective had I actually understood his intrigue and charm, but there wasn't a single likeable thing about him.
And the other downside of this is that I quickly grew to hate Eddie for being so stupid to fall for him at all. I'm just so over reading about these female main characters who believe they are so above it all, so different from every other woman because they don't give into societal expectations of marriage and motherhood, but then turn around and fall madly in love with the first man who smiles at them, even though he's clearly The Worst Person Ever and a borderline sociopath. And yes I understand that Eddie never actually loved Nash and she was a victim to his "charm", but him being a terrible person just felt so obvious the whole time that I spent the entire novel getting more and more angry at her. You can tell from the very synopsis of the book that he's not someone to trust so she just came off as insufferably naïve.
And it's such a shame because I so wanted to love her character. There were some sparse moments here and there where she undergoes some really interesting self-reflection, and what I wouldn't give to have had a main character who actually embraces her masculine side for more than one chapter at the very end of the story. There were was so much more that could have been done with her storyline, but Croucher spends so much time focusing on the most unbearable part of it all (Nash) that it made the whole thing virtually unreadable.
I actually did like Rose's character, but there isn't really much to her other than the fact that she loves Eddie. I would've loved to know more about how she came to terms with her own queerness, seen more of her own personal journey, understood more of the decisions she wanted to make for herself and her future. But I never really got any of that. Actually, if I had to choose, I'd say my favourite character was Simon and he had maybe 5 lines of dialogue throughout the entire novel.
I hated every minute of the first 40% of this novel. Then the next 40%-80% of the story had moments that were actually quite enjoyable, interrupted by a few scenes that made me genuinely sick to my stomach. Then the final 80%-100% of the book I found a little boring, saved only by the relatively entertaining and happy ending.
I really wish it would've lived up to its true potential and that Croucher had taken their characters down any number of other possible storylines. I wanted to love it, and when I was enjoying myself I could really see Croucher's true talent coming through. But sadly, it wasn't enough to redeem the overall experience for me.
I do want to read some more of their work, as long as it centers itself a lot less around insufferable men who win no matter what, because I cannot handle these types of stories anymore. So I don't think this specifically is a book I would recommend to people, but I do have hope that I could enjoy some of their other novels.
Source: NetGalley
I hated every minute of the first 40% of this novel. Then the next 40%-80% of the story had moments that were actually quite enjoyable, interrupted by a few scenes that made me genuinely sick to my stomach. Then the final 80%-100% of the book I found a little boring, saved only by the relatively entertaining and happy ending.
I really wish it would've lived up to its true potential and that Croucher had taken their characters down any number of other possible storylines. I wanted to love it, and when I was enjoying myself I could really see Croucher's true talent coming through. But sadly, it wasn't enough to redeem the overall experience for me.
I do want to read some more of their work, as long as it centers itself a lot less around insufferable men who win no matter what, because I cannot handle these types of stories anymore. So I don't think this specifically is a book I would recommend to people, but I do have hope that I could enjoy some of their other novels.
Source: NetGalley
City of Vicious Night by Claire Winn
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
I have to admit... I'm disappointed.
I wouldn't say that the first novel in this duology was the most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing thing I'd ever come across. But I had fun reading it, and I enjoyed myself enough to be excited for the sequel. So I hate to admit this, because I so wanted to love it, but there really is no other way for me to describe this book other than "boring".
There were some entertaining moments at the beginning and I kept hoping that it was just a slow middle. But finishing this story was slightly tedious, and the problem is that I was so uninterested in what was happening that I couldn't find the motivation to pay attention to the details of the plot. Sure it has some politics in it and a certain amount of world building that you have to wrap your head around, but it's not nearly as complicated as some other SFF novels I've read. And yet I don't know if I could accurately explain to someone the specifics of this story. It was this vicious circle of "I'm bored so I'm not paying attention to what I'm reading so I get confused so I get more bored so I pay even less attention to what I'm reading" and I really wanted it to get better, but it never did.
It also made the emotional climaxes very underwhelming. I love sapphic content and I'm sometimes more lenient with books that feature a sapphic couple just because I generally enjoy the novels more when I can pine with the MC(s). But all the sapphic content in this sequel could not save my reading experience. I would be enjoying myself for a paragraph or two and then immediately I would be sucked back into an action scene or some exposition that I could not get myself to care about.
I wanted so much more from it, and I feel like there were specific moments in the book that could have been very effective and poignant had I been interested in the rest of the story. Once again, I'm really sad to say this, but I'm disappointed in how it turned out...
Source: NetGalley
I wouldn't say that the first novel in this duology was the most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing thing I'd ever come across. But I had fun reading it, and I enjoyed myself enough to be excited for the sequel. So I hate to admit this, because I so wanted to love it, but there really is no other way for me to describe this book other than "boring".
There were some entertaining moments at the beginning and I kept hoping that it was just a slow middle. But finishing this story was slightly tedious, and the problem is that I was so uninterested in what was happening that I couldn't find the motivation to pay attention to the details of the plot. Sure it has some politics in it and a certain amount of world building that you have to wrap your head around, but it's not nearly as complicated as some other SFF novels I've read. And yet I don't know if I could accurately explain to someone the specifics of this story. It was this vicious circle of "I'm bored so I'm not paying attention to what I'm reading so I get confused so I get more bored so I pay even less attention to what I'm reading" and I really wanted it to get better, but it never did.
It also made the emotional climaxes very underwhelming. I love sapphic content and I'm sometimes more lenient with books that feature a sapphic couple just because I generally enjoy the novels more when I can pine with the MC(s). But all the sapphic content in this sequel could not save my reading experience. I would be enjoying myself for a paragraph or two and then immediately I would be sucked back into an action scene or some exposition that I could not get myself to care about.
I wanted so much more from it, and I feel like there were specific moments in the book that could have been very effective and poignant had I been interested in the rest of the story. Once again, I'm really sad to say this, but I'm disappointed in how it turned out...
Source: NetGalley
Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I knew this was going to break my soul, so I don't know why I'm surprised at how much I'm crying right now.
I can't believe that I finished this in one night, I honestly did not see the time go by as I was reading it. It's an ungodly late hour and I need to wake up early for work soon, but I don't even care. This book was amazing and there was absolutely no chance that I was going to put it down, even for a second.
I relate so much to Stevie. I mean I've never been in a serious accident that gave me long-term amnesia. But I felt all her pain and anger towards discovering your queerness and knowing that the people around you, the ones that should love you the most, betray you every single day by making you feel wrong for the way you are. It was heartbreaking to read, but also quite cathartic.
And of course, the love between Stevie and Nora... what I wouldn't give for a love like that. To be so cherished and adored, for someone to sacrifice so much for you and put themselves through so much pain for your sake. It was so devastatingly beautiful.
I wholeheartedly recommend this, with a fair warning that it will make you cry, but that it will undoubtedly be worth every single tear.
Thank you so much Simon & Schuster for an advance reader copy of this novel! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can't believe that I finished this in one night, I honestly did not see the time go by as I was reading it. It's an ungodly late hour and I need to wake up early for work soon, but I don't even care. This book was amazing and there was absolutely no chance that I was going to put it down, even for a second.
I relate so much to Stevie. I mean I've never been in a serious accident that gave me long-term amnesia. But I felt all her pain and anger towards discovering your queerness and knowing that the people around you, the ones that should love you the most, betray you every single day by making you feel wrong for the way you are. It was heartbreaking to read, but also quite cathartic.
And of course, the love between Stevie and Nora... what I wouldn't give for a love like that. To be so cherished and adored, for someone to sacrifice so much for you and put themselves through so much pain for your sake. It was so devastatingly beautiful.
I wholeheartedly recommend this, with a fair warning that it will make you cry, but that it will undoubtedly be worth every single tear.
Thank you so much Simon & Schuster for an advance reader copy of this novel! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bound in Flesh: An Anthology of Trans Body Horror by Lor Gislason
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
This. This is why I love the horror genre. This is why I never shut up about it. This is what the craft is all about.
I'm so ridiculously obsessed with this anthology. I don't ever reread books really, because I always have a million more things to pick up instead. But I know for a fact that as soon as I receive my physical copy, I'm getting right back into it.
There is so much depth to every single one of these stories. Specific passages or scenes or general ideas that relate so beautifully and horrifyingly to the trans and queer experience: my mind was racing the entire time trying to pick up on every single metaphor, all the allegories and the symbolism. There is so much that I could say about every story in this collection and I know that every time I reread them I will have even more to gush about.
It was disgusting, it was terrifying, it was heartbreaking, it was beautiful. The reason it took me 2 weeks to finish this book was that every time I would finish a story, I would have to set it down and just stare into the void, mouth agape, trying to process what I had just read. I mean, it is truly a bone chilling and nausea inducing collection and I loved it with every inch of my being.
I really cannot recommend this enough. I admit that it might be a bit much for someone who has never read horror or isn't a big fan of the genre. Even I needed 3-4 business days between some of these stories just to absorb what had happened. But if you're a horror buff like me, then you 10000% need to pick this up, it is so incredibly worth it.
This. This is why I love the horror genre. This is why I never shut up about it. This is what the craft is all about.
I'm so ridiculously obsessed with this anthology. I don't ever reread books really, because I always have a million more things to pick up instead. But I know for a fact that as soon as I receive my physical copy, I'm getting right back into it.
There is so much depth to every single one of these stories. Specific passages or scenes or general ideas that relate so beautifully and horrifyingly to the trans and queer experience: my mind was racing the entire time trying to pick up on every single metaphor, all the allegories and the symbolism. There is so much that I could say about every story in this collection and I know that every time I reread them I will have even more to gush about.
It was disgusting, it was terrifying, it was heartbreaking, it was beautiful. The reason it took me 2 weeks to finish this book was that every time I would finish a story, I would have to set it down and just stare into the void, mouth agape, trying to process what I had just read. I mean, it is truly a bone chilling and nausea inducing collection and I loved it with every inch of my being.
I really cannot recommend this enough. I admit that it might be a bit much for someone who has never read horror or isn't a big fan of the genre. Even I needed 3-4 business days between some of these stories just to absorb what had happened. But if you're a horror buff like me, then you 10000% need to pick this up, it is so incredibly worth it.
If I Can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Oh my god, this made me so emotional!
I will admit that at first, I wasn't sure where this was going. It felt like there wasn't any specific plot to follow, so it took me a moment to really get into it, but once I did, I could not stop crying. Although I, myself, am not trans and have never had to deal with the same family issues that Gael has, he was so incredibly relatable. There were so many small moments and passages that really spoke to me, and it was quite therapeutic to address some of my own problems through Gael's story.
Of course, the found family trope will always have my heart, especially when the cast of characters is extra queer and diverse. I loved the relationships that Gael develops with all the side characters, and, obviously, him and Declan are ridiculously adorable. It was beautiful to see an MC who has felt so lonely for so long finally be surrounded by love and support. The book made me wish that I had joined a LGBTQ+ support group when I was younger; it seems like such a heartwarming experience.
I also think that Bulla did a great job of writing Gael's mom's struggle with depression, and not only her own experience with suicide but also and mostly the way it affected Gael. At times, it was heavy and quite difficult to get through, but absolutely worth it.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you're looking for something that will make you sob, but leave you with a general sense of hope and love.
Thank you HarperCollins for an advance reader copy of this novel. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will admit that at first, I wasn't sure where this was going. It felt like there wasn't any specific plot to follow, so it took me a moment to really get into it, but once I did, I could not stop crying. Although I, myself, am not trans and have never had to deal with the same family issues that Gael has, he was so incredibly relatable. There were so many small moments and passages that really spoke to me, and it was quite therapeutic to address some of my own problems through Gael's story.
Of course, the found family trope will always have my heart, especially when the cast of characters is extra queer and diverse. I loved the relationships that Gael develops with all the side characters, and, obviously, him and Declan are ridiculously adorable. It was beautiful to see an MC who has felt so lonely for so long finally be surrounded by love and support. The book made me wish that I had joined a LGBTQ+ support group when I was younger; it seems like such a heartwarming experience.
I also think that Bulla did a great job of writing Gael's mom's struggle with depression, and not only her own experience with suicide but also and mostly the way it affected Gael. At times, it was heavy and quite difficult to get through, but absolutely worth it.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you're looking for something that will make you sob, but leave you with a general sense of hope and love.
Thank you HarperCollins for an advance reader copy of this novel. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We Don't Swim Here by Vincent Tirado
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This proves, once again, that I can always trust Tirado to hand deliver a great, anxiety-inducing YA horror novel with a side of heart palpitations and nausea.
I started this about a week ago and realized I wasn't in the right mood for it, so I set it aside for later. Yesterday I picked it up again and I haven't been able to put it back down. I only allow myself to read horror novels at night so that I'm in the perfect, eerie mood. I stayed up until about 3am last night getting through the first half of this book—it was impossible for me to tear my eyes away—, and then I impatiently waited all day today for darkness to settle in so I could get back to it. There were some truly bone-chilling passages in this and even more nauseating moments that I will not be forgetting anytime soon.
I loved both the main characters in this, but I think Anais is my favourite. I can never get enough of a sapphic Final Girl who feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders and struggles to ask for help.
I also adore a good haunting / doppelgänger trope, and I think it fit really well in this story. Following Bronwyn as she lost control of herself was exactly the kind of thing I love to read in a horror novel, and whereas I sometimes think it can confuse the reader or get in the way of the plot, it was really well-executed in this case.
I did however have a couple of issues. I'm noticing a bit of a pattern in Tirado's work: I feel like we never truly get enough from the characters. I want to know more about them, about their relationships, about the way that they view the world and themselves. This book is actually quite short and, I don't say this often, but I think it would have benefitted from being a bit longer. Just 50 pages or so, to give the reader a stronger sense of who the main characters are and get even more emotionally attached to them and their stories.
I also feel that, unlike the lore in Tirado's debut novel Burn Down, Rise Up, things were a lot less clear in this story. It does make sense at first, since the characters themselves don't seem to really understand what's going on. But I was hoping for things to be a lot more clear by the end of the novel. There are still some aspects of the story that I wouldn't be able to fully and accurately explain, even after finishing the book.
That being said, although I did prefer Tirado's first story, I loved this book, and I would absolutely recommend it to people looking for something that'll keep them up all night and on the edge of their seat.
Source: NetGalley
I started this about a week ago and realized I wasn't in the right mood for it, so I set it aside for later. Yesterday I picked it up again and I haven't been able to put it back down. I only allow myself to read horror novels at night so that I'm in the perfect, eerie mood. I stayed up until about 3am last night getting through the first half of this book—it was impossible for me to tear my eyes away—, and then I impatiently waited all day today for darkness to settle in so I could get back to it. There were some truly bone-chilling passages in this and even more nauseating moments that I will not be forgetting anytime soon.
I loved both the main characters in this, but I think Anais is my favourite. I can never get enough of a sapphic Final Girl who feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders and struggles to ask for help.
I did however have a couple of issues. I'm noticing a bit of a pattern in Tirado's work: I feel like we never truly get enough from the characters. I want to know more about them, about their relationships, about the way that they view the world and themselves. This book is actually quite short and, I don't say this often, but I think it would have benefitted from being a bit longer. Just 50 pages or so, to give the reader a stronger sense of who the main characters are and get even more emotionally attached to them and their stories.
I also feel that, unlike the lore in Tirado's debut novel Burn Down, Rise Up, things were a lot less clear in this story. It does make sense at first, since the characters themselves don't seem to really understand what's going on. But I was hoping for things to be a lot more clear by the end of the novel. There are still some aspects of the story that I wouldn't be able to fully and accurately explain, even after finishing the book.
That being said, although I did prefer Tirado's first story, I loved this book, and I would absolutely recommend it to people looking for something that'll keep them up all night and on the edge of their seat.
Source: NetGalley
Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris
fast-paced
3.0
Had this book been advertised as a purely historical fiction novel, I may have appreciated it more. But considering that I was expecting a thriller, it was a bit disappointing.
The characters and the storyline themselves are interesting, and yes I could say that I was a little tense while reading the book, but that was mostly from putting myself in the shoes of a Black woman in America in the 1960s. There was a significant lack of thriller elements in the novel, and while the beginning started off strong, there was a big chunk of the story where it felt like nothing was happening. I kept waiting to find myself on the edge of my seat, but I never really got there.
I definitely felt something for the characters. Morris did a good job of portraying their sense powerlessness and their (very real) impression that they could never be truly free or that the world was constantly working against them. That being said, it felt like there was a lot of just following them back and forth and I never really got the opportunity to become truly emotionally attached to them. I wanted to feel more for them, I wanted to cry with them, I wanted the ending to be a lot more poignant... but it didn't quite do it for me.
Once again, had this been angled more as a purely historical fiction novel I think it would have had a better execution. I do think the characters are interesting, I do think Morris is talented, I do think there was a lot of potential here. But it focused too much on the thriller aspect without ever actually being thrilling. I expected more, but I don't think it's necessarily a bad book per se.
Thank you HarperCollins for an advance reader copy of this novel. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters and the storyline themselves are interesting, and yes I could say that I was a little tense while reading the book, but that was mostly from putting myself in the shoes of a Black woman in America in the 1960s. There was a significant lack of thriller elements in the novel, and while the beginning started off strong, there was a big chunk of the story where it felt like nothing was happening. I kept waiting to find myself on the edge of my seat, but I never really got there.
I definitely felt something for the characters. Morris did a good job of portraying their sense powerlessness and their (very real) impression that they could never be truly free or that the world was constantly working against them. That being said, it felt like there was a lot of just following them back and forth and I never really got the opportunity to become truly emotionally attached to them. I wanted to feel more for them, I wanted to cry with them, I wanted the ending to be a lot more poignant... but it didn't quite do it for me.
Once again, had this been angled more as a purely historical fiction novel I think it would have had a better execution. I do think the characters are interesting, I do think Morris is talented, I do think there was a lot of potential here. But it focused too much on the thriller aspect without ever actually being thrilling. I expected more, but I don't think it's necessarily a bad book per se.
Thank you HarperCollins for an advance reader copy of this novel. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For Her Consideration by Amy Spalding
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
I think this was a cute romance novel! Maybe not the most life altering book I've ever read, but it made me smile and laugh, and there were some really nice moments that I enjoyed. That being said, I also had some issues with it, so overall a good book, but maybe not amazing.
I liked the flirting between the main character and the love interest. I think that they had a really fun and sexy dynamic, and I definitely fell for Ari a bit too. I also really loved Nina's relationship with her group of friends, and especially the connection that she had to Lorna. The moments in the story that made me the most emotional were definitely the ones that showcased these particular character relationships, and I think they were well developed throughout the story.
I loved that all the characters were very queer and also very different. It showcased people not only living but thriving at different stages in their lives which is always refreshing to see, especially when it comes to queer characters. I also appreciated that Nina being a plus-size woman wasn't something that was quickly brushed over; it came up on multiple occasions, and while Nina always had a grounded and nuanced understanding of the way her body existed in society (especially in LA), I loved seeing a fat woman love and appreciate her body, and have her body be loved and appreciated by others.
In general, I would say that there were definitely a lot of moments in the book where I was really enjoying myself, but there were also quite a few moments where I was... bored. Or even annoyed. I read the audiobook and sometimes I was so engrossed in the story that I picked up my physical copy to follow along, but other times I was really uninterested in what was happening, and couldn't find any desire to rewind and refocus.
I also found the third act breakup ridiculous. I mean I understand that Nina's past breakup had messed with her head and given her all these insecurities and misconceptions about herself. But nothing could've justified that moment. Talk about immaturity, especially for someone in her early 30s. In that moment, it was extremely hard to feel any real empathy or understanding towards her.
I have one last issue which I consider to be much more of a personal preference; my rating is a 3.5 regardless of this particular detail. But I'm a big fan of clear character descriptions and specific labels, especially in LGBTQ+ contemporary novels. And while I do appreciate the word "lesbian" being used in the book, it did throw me off that Nina never actually used it to describe herself—even though she clearly is a lesbian. She mostly referred to herself as "queer", but it was never clear to me if that's actually the label she preferred or if she was using it in the same way lesbians often use "gay" as just a general descriptor.
The book covers also bother me a little. And I don't want this to reflect necessarily on the author herself, because I know authors don't always make the decisions when it comes to their book covers. But I could not wrap my head around Ari's description. I think, based on context clues and specific passages in the novel, that she's probably a soft butch. But she looks like two completely different people on the UK cover and the US cover. The reason why this bothers me so much is that if I were to recommend this book to people, I don't know if I could or should advertise it as having a butch love interest. Maybe masc-leaning, but even that feels like a stretch based on the UK cover. I just would've liked more clarity on that front.
Regardless, as I mentioned, that's more of a personal detail. The book itself is a fun and easy read, but I wouldn't consider it to be one of my favourite sapphic romance novels. You would like this if you're someone who regularly enjoys lighthearted, easygoing romcoms, but I wouldn't recommend it to someone if I'm trying to convince them to get into the genre.
Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for advance reader copies of this novel. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the flirting between the main character and the love interest. I think that they had a really fun and sexy dynamic, and I definitely fell for Ari a bit too. I also really loved Nina's relationship with her group of friends, and especially the connection that she had to Lorna. The moments in the story that made me the most emotional were definitely the ones that showcased these particular character relationships, and I think they were well developed throughout the story.
I loved that all the characters were very queer and also very different. It showcased people not only living but thriving at different stages in their lives which is always refreshing to see, especially when it comes to queer characters. I also appreciated that Nina being a plus-size woman wasn't something that was quickly brushed over; it came up on multiple occasions, and while Nina always had a grounded and nuanced understanding of the way her body existed in society (especially in LA), I loved seeing a fat woman love and appreciate her body, and have her body be loved and appreciated by others.
In general, I would say that there were definitely a lot of moments in the book where I was really enjoying myself, but there were also quite a few moments where I was... bored. Or even annoyed. I read the audiobook and sometimes I was so engrossed in the story that I picked up my physical copy to follow along, but other times I was really uninterested in what was happening, and couldn't find any desire to rewind and refocus.
I also found the third act breakup ridiculous. I mean I understand that Nina's past breakup had messed with her head and given her all these insecurities and misconceptions about herself. But nothing could've justified that moment. Talk about immaturity, especially for someone in her early 30s. In that moment, it was extremely hard to feel any real empathy or understanding towards her.
I have one last issue which I consider to be much more of a personal preference; my rating is a 3.5 regardless of this particular detail. But I'm a big fan of clear character descriptions and specific labels, especially in LGBTQ+ contemporary novels. And while I do appreciate the word "lesbian" being used in the book, it did throw me off that Nina never actually used it to describe herself—even though she clearly is a lesbian. She mostly referred to herself as "queer", but it was never clear to me if that's actually the label she preferred or if she was using it in the same way lesbians often use "gay" as just a general descriptor.
The book covers also bother me a little. And I don't want this to reflect necessarily on the author herself, because I know authors don't always make the decisions when it comes to their book covers. But I could not wrap my head around Ari's description. I think, based on context clues and specific passages in the novel, that she's probably a soft butch. But she looks like two completely different people on the UK cover and the US cover. The reason why this bothers me so much is that if I were to recommend this book to people, I don't know if I could or should advertise it as having a butch love interest. Maybe masc-leaning, but even that feels like a stretch based on the UK cover. I just would've liked more clarity on that front.
Regardless, as I mentioned, that's more of a personal detail. The book itself is a fun and easy read, but I wouldn't consider it to be one of my favourite sapphic romance novels. You would like this if you're someone who regularly enjoys lighthearted, easygoing romcoms, but I wouldn't recommend it to someone if I'm trying to convince them to get into the genre.
Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for advance reader copies of this novel. I am leaving this review voluntarily.