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libbyslibrary's reviews
340 reviews
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Still fighting off tears I write this. This was a beautiful story about friendship, persevering and forgiveness. I highly recommend the audiobook, I felt like I was sitting next to Young-sook while she told me about her life. This story will stick with me forever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Colonisation, War
Lessons with the Mothman by Kathryn Moon
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
If Kathryn Moon writes it, I’m absolutely going to read it. This was a fun little romp, it’s been a while since I’ve read a monster romance so it was fun to dip my toes back into the pond. I didn’t fully connect with the characters but I loved their dynamics and as always, the representation was top tier. Can’t wait for the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity, Toxic relationship
Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Oh boy. I’ll start by saying Chloe’s books always feel like a warm hug and the world would be a better place if all the men were written by Chloe Liese. That said, I did not like this at all and trust me, no one is more disappointed than me. I was feral for this series and I am so bummed. 😭
From the jump, the premise just did not make sense and it prevented me from investing in the story. I think the stakes were a little silly in the previous books too but the characters and their chemistry made up for it enough that I could ignore it. That was not the case here. I understand why Jules didn’t trust herself and why Will felt like he wasn’t relationship material but their chemistry was so obvious and immediate, they didn’t need to “practice romance” because it was already happening naturally. (Speaking of, could we have gotten a synonym of romance at least once?! It was said 110 times!)
On top of my issue with the set-up, I could not connect with either character at all. They were too perfect to be believable. I need a character flaw to relate to, something that makes them human and not cheesy, Hallmark movie robots. The reasons why they kept telling themselves a relationship wouldn’t work just felt so flimsy and forced. (And Will’s reason for wanting to get married honestly almost made me DNF. Just hire a business partner William!) If there’s not much going on plot wise, then I need a little more angst from the characters. Something to sink my teeth into so the payoff at the end is worth it. This was just too fluffy and sweet with nothing else going on.
All that said, Chloe’s disability rep and inclusion are always top tier. I will always cherish that about her books. I know this will be someone’s 5-star read, it was incredibly sweet (and the spice was spicing like always) but this was just not for me. I am so bummed I had to end a beloved series this way.
From the jump, the premise just did not make sense and it prevented me from investing in the story. I think the stakes were a little silly in the previous books too but the characters and their chemistry made up for it enough that I could ignore it. That was not the case here. I understand why Jules didn’t trust herself and why Will felt like he wasn’t relationship material but their chemistry was so obvious and immediate, they didn’t need to “practice romance” because it was already happening naturally. (Speaking of, could we have gotten a synonym of romance at least once?! It was said 110 times!)
On top of my issue with the set-up, I could not connect with either character at all. They were too perfect to be believable. I need a character flaw to relate to, something that makes them human and not cheesy, Hallmark movie robots. The reasons why they kept telling themselves a relationship wouldn’t work just felt so flimsy and forced. (And Will’s reason for wanting to get married honestly almost made me DNF. Just hire a business partner William!) If there’s not much going on plot wise, then I need a little more angst from the characters. Something to sink my teeth into so the payoff at the end is worth it. This was just too fluffy and sweet with nothing else going on.
All that said, Chloe’s disability rep and inclusion are always top tier. I will always cherish that about her books. I know this will be someone’s 5-star read, it was incredibly sweet (and the spice was spicing like always) but this was just not for me. I am so bummed I had to end a beloved series this way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Definitely Better Now by Ava Robinson
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a beautifully messy story that made me laugh and sob. Definitely recommend the audiobook, the narrator was amazing.
I have seen some reviews of people going into this thinking it’s a romance and being disappointed. While there is romance and we do get an HEA, it’s definitely a subplot of the story.
I have seen some reviews of people going into this thinking it’s a romance and being disappointed. While there is romance and we do get an HEA, it’s definitely a subplot of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Misogyny, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship
Wolf.e by Paisley Hope
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I only have myself to blame. I should’ve dnfed 🤦🏼♀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Rape
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Another solid angsty and magical mystery from Adrienne! I love her storytelling, I can picture everything so clearly I feel like I’m standing in the story. That said, I I wish we got a few more flashbacks to flush out each character a little more. Other than that, I have no complaints.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Grief, Murder
Pick-Up by Nora Dahlia
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I enjoyed this so much but I can see people not liking this if they go into it expecting it to be like all the other romances out there. This is about finding yourself after marriage, kids and careers. It was messy and frustrating at times but so real and so sweet.
The banter and just overall humor in this book was so good. Honestly, my only complaint is how hot and cold Sasha could be on a single page but I mean, she had her reasons and I couldn’t blame her.
Such a unique read that I will be thinking about for a long time!
The 3rd POV threw me for a bit but I put it all together right before Sasha got to the island. At the beginning, I wasn’t sure I liked it but it was a unique perspective that we don’t get to see in romances so I enjoyed it!
The banter and just overall humor in this book was so good. Honestly, my only complaint is how hot and cold Sasha could be on a single page but I mean, she had her reasons and I couldn’t blame her.
Such a unique read that I will be thinking about for a long time!
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual content, Antisemitism
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I don’t know why I’m surprised Abby was able to pack so much heart into a 61 page book but here we are. That was an absolute delight and it made me cry which is my favorite combo.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief
Rare Blend by Michelle Naomi Mosley
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This had the makings for a solid romance but the execution fell flat for me. My main complaint was that this felt like both a slow-burn and insta-love.
Ethan decided 20% in that he didn’t hate her anymore and is actually, obsessed with her but nothing happens until almost the 70% mark. After Ethan decides to stop being a dick, we get one scene of them at a bar together and then it feels the rest of their friendship building happens off page. We need more tension, more yearning if the payoff is going to be worth it.
The whole job thing felt forced too. He doesn’t get an award for “letting her go to Seattle” if he can’t even last a week. I would’ve respected her just as much if she was honest with herself that she wanted to stay in town.
Aside from all of that, I was so annoyed we only see Marissa have a heart to heart with her mom. IMO, her dad was the one that really needed the reckoning. The author almost makes him sound cruel with how hard he was on her with school and then he just abandons her for a new family. They barely speak but he randomly buys a small town newspaper for her? He’s the one that should’ve been on his knees groveling and yet they barely interact for the entire book.
Also, can all romance authors please, for the love of god, stop with the “losing my feminism card” jokes? Feminism isn’t about hating men, that’s misandry. You can be a feminist and have sex with men. I promise we won’t kick you out.
Ethan decided 20% in that he didn’t hate her anymore and is actually, obsessed with her but nothing happens until almost the 70% mark. After Ethan decides to stop being a dick, we get one scene of them at a bar together and then it feels the rest of their friendship building happens off page. We need more tension, more yearning if the payoff is going to be worth it.
The whole job thing felt forced too. He doesn’t get an award for “letting her go to Seattle” if he can’t even last a week. I would’ve respected her just as much if she was honest with herself that she wanted to stay in town.
Aside from all of that, I was so annoyed we only see Marissa have a heart to heart with her mom. IMO, her dad was the one that really needed the reckoning. The author almost makes him sound cruel with how hard he was on her with school and then he just abandons her for a new family. They barely speak but he randomly buys a small town newspaper for her? He’s the one that should’ve been on his knees groveling and yet they barely interact for the entire book.
Also, can all romance authors please, for the love of god, stop with the “losing my feminism card” jokes? Feminism isn’t about hating men, that’s misandry. You can be a feminist and have sex with men. I promise we won’t kick you out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity
Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings
informative
slow-paced
5.0
Incredibly insightful and vital information.