lauren_miller's reviews
701 reviews

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

it was so fun and fascinating to start this series having read Heirs of Chicagoland first, knowing who and what Merit, Ethan, Mallory, and Catcher will become... There was a lot I did not expect, especially regarding Mr. Tall, Blond, and Handsome; it's actually incredible how different he is as a father figure, so I really can't wait to see how he grows as a character, espec. emotionally.

This wasn't a bad start and I know it'll only get better from here, so ~3.5 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky by Avery Davis

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was very much drawn to this book because of the art and it delivered. Was it a little messier than expected? Yes, but many of the images still packed a punch. In the end, it was the text that somewhat let me down. The rhyme scheme didn't always make sense, some instances of inconsistent punctuation and spelling stuck out to me, and ultimately, I came away wondering if there was actually a point to the book. Maybe for kids it's obvious how dreams are a wonderland to cherish and explore, but from an adult's POV, the ending felt lackluster, like there should've been a more direct, poignant message about creativity or the fleeting nature of imagination?? Something more concrete to share between parents/guardians and the children they're reading with. 

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

adventurous emotional informative reflective medium-paced

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

3.25

I liked the bar/flat combo as a setting and really loved the neurodivergent rep and the fact that things weren't neatly tied up and "healed" by the end of the book, but... I found Raine incredibly irritating as a protagonist (partially due to the narrator, mostly due to the author's flagrant use and attachment to the word "mess"), the setup so far beyond the usual suspension of disbelief that contemporary romance entails, the lack of lovable side characters disappointing (Nina and Clara's appearances were so meager they barely count), and frankly, minimal character growth. Jack definitely made some progress in the end (hello Tokyo), but Raine felt kind of the same. I enjoyed listening to this through to ~40%, then I just found myself struggling to hold my annoyance at bay and maintain my focus. I'm not sure I'll attempt the other books in this series... 

3.25 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Content Warnings

explicit descriptions of OCD, ADHD, intrusive thoughts and triggers, implied panic attack

Wild Scottish Knight by Tricia O'Malley

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.25

this had so many elements that should've hit for me: Scotland, rugged hotties, intelligent gay best friends, freaking unicorns. I wanted it to work so badly, but it simultaneously felt like a lot and nothing happened at the same time, the sex scenes were not my taste, and the third act conflict was kind of annoying. I also found myself so irritated by the absurdly pragmatic FMC; give me a fantasy book where the main lead actually WANTS to embrace her powers for a change... anyway, I won't be continuing on. time to dive into some real fantasy instead of this contemporary magical hodgepodge.

Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.

unfortunately, the vibes were not for me

Chi's Sweet Home Vol. 1 by Konami Kanata

this is the first time I've been tempted to DNF a manga, not because it's bad, but because it's really geared towards children and has little literary value to anyone over the age of like, 6. It would be a fun way to introduce kids to both manga and potty training, but that's about it lol.

The Skull by Jon Klassen

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

I enjoyed the art, but in reading the author's note at the end, I almost wish this book had stayed true to the original tale. I liked this ending, but I really love the idea of original ending. I'll have to see if I can find it somehow and read it myself.

Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.25

bh, while my review for it was positive, i didn't love the original Howl's Moving Castle book, so I was nervous to pick up another Ghibli-adapted original. however, this one really fulfilled all my expectations—it was whimsical, lighthearted, playful, and overall so like the adaption! a very sweet start to my reading year 🐈‍⬛ ❤️

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.25

remote Scotland, curses, speaker wars, daddy issues, sex rituals, and fated love. hell yes, this book was so. much. fun.

the chemistry between Riley and Clark was electric from the get-go, the setting was intriguing, their careers being at odds was such a good premise, the family histories setting the stage for emotional growth was so beautiful, and yah know what? the sex scenes were pretty decent, too! that last one was a bit blasphemous for me as a book lover and academic, but the "realization" part was so damn cute I guess I can forgive... overall, I listened to this in a day and had a ball.

solid ~4.25 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Flora's Wish by Fiona Halliday

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

this story is so precious I could cry. 

the illustrations are gorgeous and the messages about loss, grief, and renewal were sweet and beautiful, a great introduction to children about such emotional topics.