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mari98's reviews
140 reviews
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
I need more books like this in the world. The kind that rips your heart into pieces and leaves you bleeding for days before patching it up and comforting me with a hug at the end. No book can ACTUALLY do that, but Ashley Poston's books are quite capable of giving you that feeling at least.
When I first read the blurb, I felt like it was up my alley but I was predicting a bittersweet end that would neither mean a happily ever after, nor be something that'll be utterly devastating. A ghostwriter, falling in love with her ghost editor. It's bringing back memories of the Mediator series by Meg Cabot but in adult form, so I wasn't expecting much, to be honest. BUT TELL ME WHY THIS BOOK HAD ME CLUTCHING MY HEART AND SOBBING AT 2AM IN THE MORNING?
This book had a lot of layers to grief felt by Florence, our FMC. She had to deal with the pain of a broken relationship, the grief that comes with losing a parent, the frustration of not being able to finish her last project and the loss of her identity having to return to the small town she was almost chased away from. Poston's writing is beautiful and low-key cathartic to anyone who has had to deal with the loss of a loved one and having to distract themselves with things to not be reminded of them every waking moment.
The small town setting was incredible. The funeral home felt so real and spooky. I didn't particularly enjoy the pop culture references and the way Florence handled the situation at the hospital at the end, but all in all, it was a great read.
When I first read the blurb, I felt like it was up my alley but I was predicting a bittersweet end that would neither mean a happily ever after, nor be something that'll be utterly devastating. A ghostwriter, falling in love with her ghost editor. It's bringing back memories of the Mediator series by Meg Cabot but in adult form, so I wasn't expecting much, to be honest. BUT TELL ME WHY THIS BOOK HAD ME CLUTCHING MY HEART AND SOBBING AT 2AM IN THE MORNING?
This book had a lot of layers to grief felt by Florence, our FMC. She had to deal with the pain of a broken relationship, the grief that comes with losing a parent, the frustration of not being able to finish her last project and the loss of her identity having to return to the small town she was almost chased away from. Poston's writing is beautiful and low-key cathartic to anyone who has had to deal with the loss of a loved one and having to distract themselves with things to not be reminded of them every waking moment.
The small town setting was incredible. The funeral home felt so real and spooky. I didn't particularly enjoy the pop culture references and the way Florence handled the situation at the hospital at the end, but all in all, it was a great read.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
emotional
reflective
sad
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
5.0
What if you meet the right one for you but at the wrong time? What if he's stuck in the past and you bump into the present version of him, and he seems different? Is there no concept of time between two soulmates?
It's amazing how Ashley Poston weaves this incredible second chance romance between Clementine, an overworked book publicist and Iwan, an aspiring chef (don't tell him, he just wants to be a dishwasher first!). You fall in love with the characters, with the setting and the charming way she presents the m gical apartment. The message about grief and the heart warming tale of Analea and Vera had me sobbing into my pillow, while the flirty conversations between Clementine and Iwan had me giggling like a giddy schoolgirl.
I've also seen a few Taylor Swift references in the book and I'm guessing the author is a fan!
It's amazing how Ashley Poston weaves this incredible second chance romance between Clementine, an overworked book publicist and Iwan, an aspiring chef (don't tell him, he just wants to be a dishwasher first!). You fall in love with the characters, with the setting and the charming way she presents the m gical apartment. The message about grief and the heart warming tale of Analea and Vera had me sobbing into my pillow, while the flirty conversations between Clementine and Iwan had me giggling like a giddy schoolgirl.
I've also seen a few Taylor Swift references in the book and I'm guessing the author is a fan!
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
relaxing
slow-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
4.0
Still prefer the Netflix series but I'm reading them all in order to prepare myself for Polin's season
Maya's Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
If you could believe I cried in public transport (okay, in a tuk tuk) while reading this book, then you've got to believe that I loved this book.
28 year old Maya Mirza is gearing up for her big I-Dos but her mind is all over the place. She's trying to convince herself that this is what will make everyone happy, but she is caught thinking of her idea of love and soulmates. While taking her flight to attend her wedding, she comes across an insufferable (according to her, at least) man who she becomes unlikely friends with when their flight takes a detour. In an unknown land for the first time, away from her family's protection, this brown Muslim girl needs to make bold choices to get back home safely.
What intrigued me was the premise of arranged marriage to finding her true match. As a brown Muslim girl myself, I can sympathise with Maya about the sheer frustration that comes along with finding a good rishta and the whole arranged marriage shenanigan. We all crave for endings like Maya's one (without the cheating, that was a little difficult to read) and this stuck with me:
"Well, while I don’t want to be alone, I also don’t want to be defined by my relation to someone else. But sometimes it feels like people don’t know the difference.”
It took a lot of soul searching to realize we've been trained to get married young thanks to society, but even though we sometimes grow up wanting that companionship with someone, we now do not want that to define who we are. It's not about people who complete you, but compliment you.
Before I go off on my tangent, I'd just like to say that I really took Maya's words to heart. I love her character arc (I really didn't want that HEA ending, but I ain't complaining) even if Maya didn't end up with anyone at the end, I'd be happy. But hey, romance sells and I'm all for it!
Lovers of all things romcom and fans of classic Bollywood movies like DDLJ would eat this up!
28 year old Maya Mirza is gearing up for her big I-Dos but her mind is all over the place. She's trying to convince herself that this is what will make everyone happy, but she is caught thinking of her idea of love and soulmates. While taking her flight to attend her wedding, she comes across an insufferable (according to her, at least) man who she becomes unlikely friends with when their flight takes a detour. In an unknown land for the first time, away from her family's protection, this brown Muslim girl needs to make bold choices to get back home safely.
What intrigued me was the premise of arranged marriage to finding her true match. As a brown Muslim girl myself, I can sympathise with Maya about the sheer frustration that comes along with finding a good rishta and the whole arranged marriage shenanigan. We all crave for endings like Maya's one (without the cheating, that was a little difficult to read) and this stuck with me:
"Well, while I don’t want to be alone, I also don’t want to be defined by my relation to someone else. But sometimes it feels like people don’t know the difference.”
It took a lot of soul searching to realize we've been trained to get married young thanks to society, but even though we sometimes grow up wanting that companionship with someone, we now do not want that to define who we are. It's not about people who complete you, but compliment you.
Before I go off on my tangent, I'd just like to say that I really took Maya's words to heart. I love her character arc (I really didn't want that HEA ending, but I ain't complaining) even if Maya didn't end up with anyone at the end, I'd be happy. But hey, romance sells and I'm all for it!
Lovers of all things romcom and fans of classic Bollywood movies like DDLJ would eat this up!
Didn't See That Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
17 year old Kiki is undoubtedly bursting with rage when her parents make her switch schools from the liberal Minyang to the more discipline minded Xingfa. What keeps her grounded is her anonymous gaming sessions with her online friend, Sourdawg. The new school doesn't seem to accept Kiki for who she is and in no time she learns that the whole school calls her 'Crazy Kiki' for standing up to the school's golden boy and to make matters worse, her online friend turns out to be from her school and she's worried he'll hate her like everyone else.
No one does comedy better than Jesse Q Sutanto! Her books always have me in stitches and flipping pages excitedly because of her brilliant comic timing and her relatable writing. Within this light-hearted YA novel, she packs a great deal of issues like bullying, sexism and misogyny in schools and in Asian communities. There were times when I immediately wanted to rush to her aid when no one took her seriously and it hurt my heart to read how she silently endures the bullying (can we all just throw Jonas off of his precious yacht?)
The romance factor was very very cute. I loved Sourdawg's gentle giant type reactions and watching Kiki and him interact with each other in school had me kicking my feet and giggling. The innocence of their conversations makes me long for gentle himbo energy and gaming together all night long (I'm not even a gamer)
Definitely enjoyed the book even though it was meant for teenagers. At this point, I'd read anything Jesse Q Sutanto writes!!
No one does comedy better than Jesse Q Sutanto! Her books always have me in stitches and flipping pages excitedly because of her brilliant comic timing and her relatable writing. Within this light-hearted YA novel, she packs a great deal of issues like bullying, sexism and misogyny in schools and in Asian communities. There were times when I immediately wanted to rush to her aid when no one took her seriously and it hurt my heart to read how she silently endures the bullying (can we all just throw Jonas off of his precious yacht?)
The romance factor was very very cute. I loved Sourdawg's gentle giant type reactions and watching Kiki and him interact with each other in school had me kicking my feet and giggling. The innocence of their conversations makes me long for gentle himbo energy and gaming together all night long (I'm not even a gamer)
Definitely enjoyed the book even though it was meant for teenagers. At this point, I'd read anything Jesse Q Sutanto writes!!
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
dark
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Fans of cosy dark academia mysteries and Mean Girls would devour this book!
When you finish the book and need a minute to reflect on the deep issues that the last third of the book speaks of, you know you'll have this book in mind for a very long time.
Similar to Ace of Spades, you're once again pulled in to the writer's surface mystery plot. Sade Hussein is ready to start her formal school education after being homeschooled her whole life. But when her roommate goes missing, Sade becomes entangled with the aftermath, unraveling a web of secrets and danger.
However the way in which she builds her world and paces the story to reveal real issues that students face, keeps you hooked as the mystery unravels. Despite the slow start, the characters are well fleshed out and the pace quickens towards the end, accelerating the momentum and leading to a riveting climax.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Knew that I will always love her work after I put down her first book, and I'm still a fan!
When you finish the book and need a minute to reflect on the deep issues that the last third of the book speaks of, you know you'll have this book in mind for a very long time.
Similar to Ace of Spades, you're once again pulled in to the writer's surface mystery plot. Sade Hussein is ready to start her formal school education after being homeschooled her whole life. But when her roommate goes missing, Sade becomes entangled with the aftermath, unraveling a web of secrets and danger.
However the way in which she builds her world and paces the story to reveal real issues that students face, keeps you hooked as the mystery unravels. Despite the slow start, the characters are well fleshed out and the pace quickens towards the end, accelerating the momentum and leading to a riveting climax.
Can't wait to read more from this author. Knew that I will always love her work after I put down her first book, and I'm still a fan!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Moderate: Drug abuse, Death of parent, Drug use, and Suicide
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
funny
hopeful
relaxing
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
4.5
Although it took me a while to finish this, I was hooked by the second half and I am amazed that I loved this more than The Love Hypothesis.
I loved loved loved (Jonathan)Jack Smith-Turner, whatever his name was. He was the right level of brooding, reassuring, comfort character I've searched in books for a long time. I would reread this book a million times just to 'listen' to what he has to say. But I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that Elsie was so CLUELESS to Jack's advances. Even when he was showing her just how much he cared about her, we could always see her inner monologue doubting everything. Which threw me off completely, but I was willing to read on because I love Ali Hazelwood's writing.
The story is simple and sweet and takes you into the world of academia and the 'physics politics' was really interesting to read. The author's note gave insight to a lot of the issues raised in the book and I'm glad deep hidden issues are brought to light in a light-hearted romance book.
I loved loved loved (Jonathan)Jack Smith-Turner, whatever his name was. He was the right level of brooding, reassuring, comfort character I've searched in books for a long time. I would reread this book a million times just to 'listen' to what he has to say. But I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that Elsie was so CLUELESS to Jack's advances. Even when he was showing her just how much he cared about her, we could always see her inner monologue doubting everything. Which threw me off completely, but I was willing to read on because I love Ali Hazelwood's writing.
The story is simple and sweet and takes you into the world of academia and the 'physics politics' was really interesting to read. The author's note gave insight to a lot of the issues raised in the book and I'm glad deep hidden issues are brought to light in a light-hearted romance book.
Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
dark
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Wow. Closing this book with my chest weighing heavier than when I started this book was not how I wanted to spend my Sunday evening, but here we are.
Claudia and Monday are soul sisters who are returning after their summer break into eighth grade. However, Monday is nowhere to be found and everyone seems to be avoiding Claudia's questions about her friend's disappearance. Claudia is relentless in her pursuit of finding out what happened to her friend, even though her parents believe that it's best for her to find something else to indulge in. What are they hiding? Why hasn't Monday contacted Claudia during the break?
I had my own theories when I started this out, but I'm glad I was proven wrong. Although a YA book, this book masterfully handled discussions about infertility and race in a backdrop of coming of age issues like first relationships and fitting in. The conclusion hit me like a punch in the gut and it forces the reader to come to terms with the fact that this may not all be fictional and there are problems in this book that need to be addressed. I hope this book turns out to be a vehicle that aids in discussions about abuse and neglect and gives children the opportunity to speak up if they notice something that isn't right.
Not for the faint of heart and the ones chasing happily ever afters, but I urge everyone to read this at least once in their life because the story might stick with you for a long time.
Claudia and Monday are soul sisters who are returning after their summer break into eighth grade. However, Monday is nowhere to be found and everyone seems to be avoiding Claudia's questions about her friend's disappearance. Claudia is relentless in her pursuit of finding out what happened to her friend, even though her parents believe that it's best for her to find something else to indulge in. What are they hiding? Why hasn't Monday contacted Claudia during the break?
I had my own theories when I started this out, but I'm glad I was proven wrong. Although a YA book, this book masterfully handled discussions about infertility and race in a backdrop of coming of age issues like first relationships and fitting in. The conclusion hit me like a punch in the gut and it forces the reader to come to terms with the fact that this may not all be fictional and there are problems in this book that need to be addressed. I hope this book turns out to be a vehicle that aids in discussions about abuse and neglect and gives children the opportunity to speak up if they notice something that isn't right.
Not for the faint of heart and the ones chasing happily ever afters, but I urge everyone to read this at least once in their life because the story might stick with you for a long time.
Twisted Hate by Ana Huang
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
I definitely think Jules and Josh are the superior couple here in the Twisted series, but I felt like their story dragged on for a lot longer than anticipated.
I think I speak for everyone when I say those spicy scenes gave everyone butterflies in a good way, but beyond that...the story took on multiple subplots, but failed to capture it wholly. When Jules's mom died, I expected her girls to rally around her, but that didn't happen. When Max first blackmailed Jules, it suddenly panned to Jules having an... entertaining week, and by the time Max shows up again, I forgot he existed.
I'd personally love to ask Ana what she was on while writing some of these scenes, because girl... we've come a long way since Alex and Ava. Talk about heated passion. Oof. I approve.
I think I speak for everyone when I say those spicy scenes gave everyone butterflies in a good way, but beyond that...the story took on multiple subplots, but failed to capture it wholly. When Jules's mom died, I expected her girls to rally around her, but that didn't happen. When Max first blackmailed Jules, it suddenly panned to Jules having an... entertaining week, and by the time Max shows up again, I forgot he existed.
I'd personally love to ask Ana what she was on while writing some of these scenes, because girl... we've come a long way since Alex and Ava. Talk about heated passion. Oof. I approve.
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
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
Rebecca Ross's writing transports you. I wrote that in my Divine Rivals review as well, but after putting Ruthless Vows down, I also believe her words transport you back into a time when you were younger and so engrossed in the world your mind has created thanks to the book. This felt like a hug to 14 year old me, who always loved to spend her time in a fantasy world surrounded by things she only read in books. This fell right into that same category of books.
The world building was more detailed here with Roman exploring the Underling realm and the mythology behind Enva and Dacre unfolds itself more. I suppose the ending for Enva frustrated me a bit, but I can overlook that for a while because I was more hooked on Iris and Roman.
I loved the parallels between DR and RV, how she is the one writing anonymous letters to him and how she pines for him secretly. The letters always drive me to tears and yet hopeful that I will find a love like this someday. I love how the secondary characters got a voice in the book just before the war began to give the book a multifaceted outlook on war. To show that it's more than the story of two war correspondents. It honestly is one of my favourite sections in the book!
I hate that it's a duology because I truly enjoyed reading this and I hope to read more of her books next year. Think I may have found my new favourite author:)
The world building was more detailed here with Roman exploring the Underling realm and the mythology behind Enva and Dacre unfolds itself more. I suppose the ending for Enva frustrated me a bit, but I can overlook that for a while because I was more hooked on Iris and Roman.
I loved the parallels between DR and RV, how she is the one writing anonymous letters to him and how she pines for him secretly. The letters always drive me to tears and yet hopeful that I will find a love like this someday. I love how the secondary characters got a voice in the book just before the war began to give the book a multifaceted outlook on war. To show that it's more than the story of two war correspondents. It honestly is one of my favourite sections in the book!
I hate that it's a duology because I truly enjoyed reading this and I hope to read more of her books next year. Think I may have found my new favourite author:)