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litwithlesia's reviews
189 reviews
Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
A wistful, witchy story filled with secrets, betrayal, and family duty! It was fast paced and hooked me pretty quickly, and I loved Tana’s deep love and connection to the ocean and the way Wolfe saw her for who she truly is and wants to be. A sweet, fantasy standalone, and the audiobook was wonderfully narrated.
When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advance copy of this book!
I loved this so so much 🥹 in this book we follow Benny, a blacksmith living in Staten Island who is commissioned to build a large tank for a mysterious client. He soon discovers that this client runs a menagerie of oddities over on Coney Island, and after an injury that prevents him from working for the smithy, he ends up with the menagerie. We then learn that the tank he built is meant to hold a merman, and Benny gets roped into helping capture the wild merman. The story that follows is one of love, trust, and family, and is just so beautiful.
Through reading this book, I realized that I really love a circus/carnival/menagerie setting in books! There is always such an amazing element of found family, and this book was no exception. Following Benny as he learned to open up to others and trust them to have his back was so beautiful, and I loved the way Rio really saw Benny for who he is and not what others typically projected onto him.
In addition to the incredible love story, there was such an amazing use of languages and art throughout the book! I wish I had known there was a glossary at the end, as this would’ve helped my comprehension of a lot of things, but I still didn’t mind figuring it out as I went. The art sprinkled in throughout the pages was so beautiful, and was a powerful addition to the story.
Overall I just cannot say enough good things about this book! If you enjoyed Water For Elephants but wish it was more diverse and queer focused, then I’d absolutely recommend this one.
I loved this so so much 🥹 in this book we follow Benny, a blacksmith living in Staten Island who is commissioned to build a large tank for a mysterious client. He soon discovers that this client runs a menagerie of oddities over on Coney Island, and after an injury that prevents him from working for the smithy, he ends up with the menagerie. We then learn that the tank he built is meant to hold a merman, and Benny gets roped into helping capture the wild merman. The story that follows is one of love, trust, and family, and is just so beautiful.
Through reading this book, I realized that I really love a circus/carnival/menagerie setting in books! There is always such an amazing element of found family, and this book was no exception. Following Benny as he learned to open up to others and trust them to have his back was so beautiful, and I loved the way Rio really saw Benny for who he is and not what others typically projected onto him.
In addition to the incredible love story, there was such an amazing use of languages and art throughout the book! I wish I had known there was a glossary at the end, as this would’ve helped my comprehension of a lot of things, but I still didn’t mind figuring it out as I went. The art sprinkled in throughout the pages was so beautiful, and was a powerful addition to the story.
Overall I just cannot say enough good things about this book! If you enjoyed Water For Elephants but wish it was more diverse and queer focused, then I’d absolutely recommend this one.
You're the Problem, It's You by Emma R. Alban
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
4.0
Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy of this ebook!
If you loved Andrew Garfield’s Chicken Shop Date then do I have a rec for you..
I loved EVERY SECOND of this book!!!! Eva was sharp and witty and strong, but so soft on the inside, and I just loved seeing Rylie bring out that softness in her. The banter is incredible, and I loved the way that Rylie took everything in stride and refused to back down from Eva’s barbs. I saw so much of myself in both characters, and was invested in their story right from the start.
Mazey has such a unique writing style that brings so much humor and lightness alongside heavier and more emotional topics like grief without ever feeling like the seriousness is minimized. I found myself laughing through tears at multiple points throughout the book!
If you loved Andrew Garfield’s Chicken Shop Date then do I have a rec for you..
I loved EVERY SECOND of this book!!!! Eva was sharp and witty and strong, but so soft on the inside, and I just loved seeing Rylie bring out that softness in her. The banter is incredible, and I loved the way that Rylie took everything in stride and refused to back down from Eva’s barbs. I saw so much of myself in both characters, and was invested in their story right from the start.
Mazey has such a unique writing style that brings so much humor and lightness alongside heavier and more emotional topics like grief without ever feeling like the seriousness is minimized. I found myself laughing through tears at multiple points throughout the book!
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Did I finish this book or did it finish me?
Hands down my favorite of the Empyrean series so far! The character development between Iron Flame and this one is astronomical. I love badass, confident Violet, Xaden “Sorrengail with two R’s” Riorson, fucking RIDOC in this book! I really felt like I got to know the characters on a deeper level, and it was really cool to watch everyone play their vital role in the story.
I simply just had the best time (even when I was sobbing) and can’t wait for the next instalment!
Hands down my favorite of the Empyrean series so far! The character development between Iron Flame and this one is astronomical. I love badass, confident Violet, Xaden “Sorrengail with two R’s” Riorson, fucking RIDOC in this book! I really felt like I got to know the characters on a deeper level, and it was really cool to watch everyone play their vital role in the story.
I simply just had the best time (even when I was sobbing) and can’t wait for the next instalment!
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.25
I enjoyed this one a lot! It has a much more serious undertone than my typical romance read, but I loved slowly unraveling who Rue and Eli were. Also Eli was such a simp and I love that for him.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
While this definitely wasn’t as cozy and feel-good as the first, it was still so beautiful for so many other reasons. With a very clear parallel to real-world politics, this one hit close to home in a very powerful (and sometimes uncomfortable) way.
I loved seeing Arthur and Linus in love - they are so kind and tender with one another, while not being afraid to challenge the other. Their love and admiration for their children is so clear, and I love the safe and exploratory environment they create for their family!
The addition of David was so wonderful, and it was so incredible to see the children band together to uplift one another and make David feel welcome. I can’t believe I put off reading this book for as long as I did, it was just so wonderful!
I loved seeing Arthur and Linus in love - they are so kind and tender with one another, while not being afraid to challenge the other. Their love and admiration for their children is so clear, and I love the safe and exploratory environment they create for their family!
The addition of David was so wonderful, and it was so incredible to see the children band together to uplift one another and make David feel welcome. I can’t believe I put off reading this book for as long as I did, it was just so wonderful!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Re-read via audiobook: I honestly enjoyed this so much more the second time around! Yes, Violet was frustrating at points and the miscommunication was a lil much, but I was able to focus on more small details and get the full impact of a lot of things that I missed in my first read!
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I had so much fun with this! It was my first full Ali Hazelwood novel, and I understand the love for her writing! It was engaging and funny and I loved the element of secret pen pal vibes!
Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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 to NetGalley and the Penguin Teen Canada for the advance copy of this book!
This book simultaneously broke and healed my heart and I loved every minute of it! While it starts out very lighthearted, it quickly goes much deeper and there are so many beautiful moments. I really really loved the complex way these characters were written, and the way that Riley realizes there is so much more to everyone than what she sees on the surface. The focus on female friendship and solidarity is SO amazing and well written.
There are heavy themes of catholic guilt and the way it can hold on for far longer than you expect, while also showing a more positive side of religion as well. It felt like a very raw portrayal of what being a queer teenager in a strict religious community can be.
This book was sweet and tender, real and raw, and I absolutely could not put it down! It sucked me in from the first chapter title and it is one that I will think about often. I only wish my teenage self could read it!
This book simultaneously broke and healed my heart and I loved every minute of it! While it starts out very lighthearted, it quickly goes much deeper and there are so many beautiful moments. I really really loved the complex way these characters were written, and the way that Riley realizes there is so much more to everyone than what she sees on the surface. The focus on female friendship and solidarity is SO amazing and well written.
There are heavy themes of catholic guilt and the way it can hold on for far longer than you expect, while also showing a more positive side of religion as well. It felt like a very raw portrayal of what being a queer teenager in a strict religious community can be.
This book was sweet and tender, real and raw, and I absolutely could not put it down! It sucked me in from the first chapter title and it is one that I will think about often. I only wish my teenage self could read it!