leahgon's reviews
173 reviews

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

5.0

This book is truly a masterpiece. Justin is the picturesque MMC, and I have never fawned over an MMC like I did him. I mean are you kidding, THE INVITATIONS TO DATES?! I swooned. While the backdrop and setting and romantic plot are so perfect, I appreciated the tougher subplots. Mental health and trauma are a huge part of this book. Those discussions are a necessity to be had. 

I found myself laughing out loud at so many points of this one. Abby Jimenez's writing is truly so relatable and I feel like she wrote this book with my humor in mind. Obviously, she didn't, but I am trying to say that I found this book hilarious. The quick, witty banter made this book so fun.  

I will be going back to read this series. 

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.5

thoroughly enjoyed this one. I rarely read fantasy but I was in a romance rut, and I became so invested. I didn’t know who to trust and the slow burn was chefs kiss. I found it to have super easy world building for someone who hasn’t read much fantasy before. 
the perfect witchy vibes! and I LOVED Gideon as a character. he is well versed and multi layered. the setting was also so majical. I couldn’t recommend it more. all plot points were so good and the side characters were awesome 

I can’t wait for book two.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

emotional hopeful medium-paced

3.75

I love the writing of this author! It’s so absorbable and beautifully descriptive. I found the FMC is kinda unlikable which is a review I’ve heard often. This one gives the perfect summer vibes, and I love the small town atmosphere. I LOVE SAM! He was a heartthrob.

Very minsicule The Summer I Turned Pretty Vibes, but very loose. 

Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis

challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated

3.5

This was a whirlwind of emotions for me. I have never read a book like this one. It is the most accurate representation of a girl's mind, and I cannot stress enough how relatable the plot and writing is. It felt like Derogatis dug into my brain and put my thoughts onto a paper. Situationships are hard, but this novel conveys them perfectly. This is not your typical romance story, but I think that is the beauty of it. This is an ode to finding yourself and knowing your worth.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

a perfectly escable piece of writing for every woman at whatver stage of life they are in right now. something will speak to you no matter what! aldertons dissertation on love, life, friendships and more is hilariously funny and will make you cry, question everything you know, then put you back together with a newfound sense of inspiration and motivation. 

This Could be Us by Kennedy Ryan

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

a beautiful story of self-love, being there for yourself when no one is, womanhood, motherhood, and more 

Kennedy Ryan is a magician with her words. The way she completely encapsulates you and makes you smile while ugly crying all while providing you with the most raw and heartfelt story should be studied in a lab. 

I need to read every book of hers. 

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

3.75

One of the most profound, information, and beautifully heartbreaking books I’ve ever read. 

This was an exploration of the struggle of the AIDS epidemic, but it was so much more. The writing is so descriptive and detailed. The conjoining point of views created  unbelievable storytelling. And while this was a work of fiction, I learned so much. The setting, Chicago, is so beautifully describes and does not miss the aesthetic of the city. 

Fiona, Yale, and all of the characters in between will be with me forever. 

Picking Peaches by Ansley B Calloway

lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

if you’re looking for a super fun, heartwarming VERY FAST read, this is perfect! a lot of heart warming quotes. I loved the setting! 

Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws

funny reflective medium-paced

3.75

This is a such a fun read! Wyatt is the king of acts of service. The setting is really cozy and endearing. The found family made me cry. & on top of it all, they are so many swifty references! I would suggest this for a fun, easy read that you’ll be attached to. 

I think maybe some things were left unsaid; I would have liked to see how Trisha’s animal farm was doing and the success she had there. But this isn’t a bad thing! I was just so invested in the characters that I wanted more. 

Almond by Won-pyung Sohn

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.0

This was, by far, one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. It is a beautiful symphony of words complied into a short novel. It entails such a profund book exploration of human emotion, and I loved every second of it. Even if you may not personally relate to the desperation of the book, it taught me so much about how others perceive emotion and the importance of connectivity.  It’s quickness made all of the twists and turns so absorbable. I really felt for the main character.