litwithlesia's reviews
197 reviews

Anywhere You Go by Bridget Morrissey

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

Thank you so much for Berkley for the advanced copy of this book!

I absolutely ate this UP and loved every second! It was so reminiscent of The Holiday in so many ways, but with lots of queerness and without the Christmas vibes. Tatum and June were so sweet together, and I loved seeing Tatum really embrace  the opportunity to open herself up to new experiences and a way of being. The confidence she gained throughout the book was so beautiful, and despite the dreaded third act breakup, it worked in a very realistic and powerful way for Tatum’s story.

On the flip side, Eleanor and Carson were electric together and had me screaming my and kicking my feet in joy. I loved their cool confidence together, while also learning to be vulnerable at the same time. The acceptance of Eleanor into the Ward family so quickly was just so cute, and it had be rooting for all of them! 

And Dawn.. oh I just love that woman! She was such a great addition to the story, connecting everyone together and helping our gals realize their true feelings (and also giving them the kick in the butt they needed to act on em!). 

There was just so much love, vulnerability, and support woven all throughout this story, and I can absolutely see this book becoming a go-to comfort read for me. 

Children of Fallen Gods by Carissa Broadbent

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense 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? No

5.0

Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic (Deluxe Edition) by J. Penner

lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thank you to Raincoast Books for an advanced copy of this rerelease!

This is such a sweet, cozy lil story! As someone who loves baking, I really appreciated the beautiful connection Arleta had with baking, and the lovely descriptors of the pastries themselves! The found family aspect was also so sweet, and I’m excited to read the next books in the series to follow Doli and Jez’s stories! 

Though I did find the plot quite predictable, that’s also kind of nice in a cozy, low-stakes fantasy! I’d recommend this if you’re a fan of Legends and Lattes type books! 

A Letter from the Lonesome Shore by Sylvie Cathrall

adventurous inspiring mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the advanced copy of this book!

This was a beautiful conclusion to the Sunken Archives duology! I really loved being back in the cozy, whimsical world of E and Henerey, and seeing them thrive together in a new environment. They are just such a sweet match, and I loved getting to see the way Henerey is so kind and support of E’s mental health struggles.

We are given some additional perspectives in this book, and while I did find the constantly changing POV to be a bit overwhelming and confusing at times, I did appreciate the unique viewpoints and the context gained depending on the narrator. I wish there was clearer tonal shifts between different characters’ letters, but I still enjoyed the reading experience overall! 

Highly recommend this duology if you enjoy the Emily Wilde series and cozy, whimsical fantasy worlds!

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Human by Kimberly Lemming

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Another hilarious addition to the Mead Mishaps! I loved the aspect of Dante calling his pals for help with his human, and getting a glimpse of what the other couples were up to! Cherry’s obsession with magical beings was so wholesome and I love that Dante was willing to do whatever to make her happy! 

Go Luck Yourself by Sara Raasch

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Sara Raasch has done it again 🥹 I may have loved this even more than the first! Kris and Loch were so hilariously perfect together, and I loved seeing them support each other while navigating lots of familial trauma and abuse. I laughed, I cried, and I literally could not put it down!!! I need more asap (hopefully Iris gets her time in the spotlight!)

Daydream by Hannah Grace

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

Oh my god this book had me giggling and smiling the whole way through, I loved it so much!! I related to both Halle and Henry SO MUCH and loved the way they were so kind, thoughtful, and communicative with one another. It was so beautiful to see them grow throughout the book, and help each other become their best selves 🥹 the AuDHD rep was so well done and I loved the focus on accommodation and support rather than shame, and Halle’s eldest daughter vibes were on POINT!

The Afterdark by E. Latimer

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.25

Thank you to Penguin Teen for the review copy of this book! 

A queer boarding school horror that had me hooked! While horror isn’t my usual genre, this was so enjoyable and will definitely have me reaching for similar books. The Vancouver Island, forest rot vibes paired with an elite boarding school and secret societies was such an interesting premise, and felt eerily atmospheric. There were big themes of obsession and the various ways it can manifest, and I loved the way certain threads ended up connecting as Evie and Holland searched for the truth behind The Afterdark.

Overall a really enjoyable read and I’d consider it a great intro into horror if you’re new to the genre!