Take a photo of a barcode or cover
mariakureads's reviews
1037 reviews
Sakamoto Days, Vol. 15 by Yuto Suzuki
adventurous
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
4.0
What a volume!!!
Action packed way to start this one, picking up right after the last one with the fight between Hyo, Heisuke and Kumanomi.
That entire moment was amazing and I'm still a bit in a daze about that fight's outcome.
The volume moves on to the others as Sakamoto and gang confront Slur at the abandoned warehouse or it is Slur? Lots more twists and turns at the end of this one so I need to put a hold at the library for the next volume.
Action packed way to start this one, picking up right after the last one with the fight between Hyo, Heisuke and Kumanomi.
That entire moment was amazing and I'm still a bit in a daze about that fight's outcome.
The volume moves on to the others as Sakamoto and gang confront Slur at the abandoned warehouse or it is Slur? Lots more twists and turns at the end of this one so I need to put a hold at the library for the next volume.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Considering how long I had this book on my digital shelf, I feel meh about it.
It was ok.
I'm not emotionally attached to any of the characters or the story itself which is told between flashbacks and present tense to describe Mia as she's stuck between life and death.
Admitting it's ok is a hard thing to say considering how the book starts which has a very emotional and hard scene to read which can be triggering to some as it involves a tragic car accident but it feels like the rest of the book is at odds and anticlimactic not to mention has more flashbacks then present tense moments so it can feel abrupt at different times.of the book.
It was ok.
I'm not emotionally attached to any of the characters or the story itself which is told between flashbacks and present tense to describe Mia as she's stuck between life and death.
Admitting it's ok is a hard thing to say considering how the book starts which has a very emotional and hard scene to read which can be triggering to some as it involves a tragic car accident but it feels like the rest of the book is at odds and anticlimactic not to mention has more flashbacks then present tense moments so it can feel abrupt at different times.of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma
Moderate: Child death, Death, Car accident, Death of parent
It Happened One Season by Jacquie D'Alessandro, Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Candice Hern
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It's been some time since I read an anthology and this was on my TBR for so long that it sounded like a fun read and it was just that.
The premise to use a single trope, in this case of the older brother and heir in a pickle because their wives can no longer have kids and they're left with daughters that can't inherit so they turn to their younger brothers to force them to marry and beget children ASAP, was interesting because same basic trope and each author had a different way of making it happen and I was here for that!
Story 1: The Seduction of Sebastian Tranton by Stephanie Laurens was the opener and not a bad way to start but I felt like it just dragged in some parts unnecessarily but I loved that the MMC never treated the FMC in a way that could be problematic considering how often she charges into everything whereas he's more of a "big picture" thinker before acting. A solid 3 for me.
Story 2: Only Love by Mary Balogh was interesting as it felt like in the middle of something and I'm thinking with a bit more pages, it could be really fleshed out to add some extra to both MC's with a touch of the will-they-or-won't-they trope since Cleo, having had a previous cold and emotionally abusive first marriage has some hesitance to Jack and his beget children ask. A 3.5 stars for me.
Story 3: Hope Springs Eternal by Jacquie D'Alessandro was my fave of the four stories. Absolutely adore when a MMC is 100% into the FMC. Like the man can't think, eat, sleep because he wants her so much and not just sexually, although yes that too, but he just wants to be around her, to talk, to share stuff, to grow old with, like OMG yes!! There is some definite cheesy dialogue but also I'll excuse it because it oddly enough fit them. I wanted to shake Alec for holding on to the guilt that had nothing to do with him, but it worked out eventually. A four star read for me.
Story 4: Fate Strikes a Bargain by Candice Hern was probably the one that I wish had more pages to really help out some of the odd pacing as it felt a bit clunky in different parts but this was my second favorite of the four. I loved that Philippa while not disabled has a clear limp that she can't hide, doesn't let that get in her way or make her a simpering women - she's smart, witty, and has a "can do but they won't let me" attitude bout her that was perfect to Nat's personality of brash, true, and serious attitude that plays well as both have been dealing with their own battles and can help the other out, aside from the marry and beget children thing. Nat's brother is an ass and he totally deserved to get punched. I wish he had been punched more tbh, but I'll take what I can get. A 3.75 stars for me.
The premise to use a single trope, in this case of the older brother and heir in a pickle because their wives can no longer have kids and they're left with daughters that can't inherit so they turn to their younger brothers to force them to marry and beget children ASAP, was interesting because same basic trope and each author had a different way of making it happen and I was here for that!
Story 1: The Seduction of Sebastian Tranton by Stephanie Laurens was the opener and not a bad way to start but I felt like it just dragged in some parts unnecessarily but I loved that the MMC never treated the FMC in a way that could be problematic considering how often she charges into everything whereas he's more of a "big picture" thinker before acting. A solid 3 for me.
Story 2: Only Love by Mary Balogh was interesting as it felt like in the middle of something and I'm thinking with a bit more pages, it could be really fleshed out to add some extra to both MC's with a touch of the will-they-or-won't-they trope since Cleo, having had a previous cold and emotionally abusive first marriage has some hesitance to Jack and his beget children ask. A 3.5 stars for me.
Story 3: Hope Springs Eternal by Jacquie D'Alessandro was my fave of the four stories. Absolutely adore when a MMC is 100% into the FMC. Like the man can't think, eat, sleep because he wants her so much and not just sexually, although yes that too, but he just wants to be around her, to talk, to share stuff, to grow old with, like OMG yes!! There is some definite cheesy dialogue but also I'll excuse it because it oddly enough fit them. I wanted to shake Alec for holding on to the guilt that had nothing to do with him, but it worked out eventually. A four star read for me.
Story 4: Fate Strikes a Bargain by Candice Hern was probably the one that I wish had more pages to really help out some of the odd pacing as it felt a bit clunky in different parts but this was my second favorite of the four. I loved that Philippa while not disabled has a clear limp that she can't hide, doesn't let that get in her way or make her a simpering women - she's smart, witty, and has a "can do but they won't let me" attitude bout her that was perfect to Nat's personality of brash, true, and serious attitude that plays well as both have been dealing with their own battles and can help the other out, aside from the marry and beget children thing. Nat's brother is an ass and he totally deserved to get punched. I wish he had been punched more tbh, but I'll take what I can get. A 3.75 stars for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Medical content
Minor: War
Unromance by Erin Connor
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was fun for me.
Right from the meet cute at the elevator and the dialogue between the two MC's, I was smitten.
I had placed a hold for this at the end of last year on a whim and it didn't disappoint which is a nice change compared to some other newer reads I've read of late.
I enjoyed the premise of a romance writer suffering writer's block while a romantic upcoming actor who's dealing with another breakup under the media/public eye keeps running into each other after their "one night stand" and decide to help each other out. He helps her writer's block by reigniting romance for her and she in turn will ruin romance for him, one trope at a time.
I enjoyed how Conner incorporated the tropes within her premise. It was a smart way to do it, even if I knew the outcome, the journey was fun especially since both MC's, I feel, were given equal moments in the book that gave them backstories, a life and personality away from each other which made them feel more grounded and personable and lead for some great moments throughout the book. I laughed out loud at different moments, fell in love at others, and wanted to slap the characters while also just putting them into a room together.
All in all, a fun read.
Right from the meet cute at the elevator and the dialogue between the two MC's, I was smitten.
I had placed a hold for this at the end of last year on a whim and it didn't disappoint which is a nice change compared to some other newer reads I've read of late.
I enjoyed the premise of a romance writer suffering writer's block while a romantic upcoming actor who's dealing with another breakup under the media/public eye keeps running into each other after their "one night stand" and decide to help each other out. He helps her writer's block by reigniting romance for her and she in turn will ruin romance for him, one trope at a time.
I enjoyed how Conner incorporated the tropes within her premise. It was a smart way to do it, even if I knew the outcome, the journey was fun especially since both MC's, I feel, were given equal moments in the book that gave them backstories, a life and personality away from each other which made them feel more grounded and personable and lead for some great moments throughout the book. I laughed out loud at different moments, fell in love at others, and wanted to slap the characters while also just putting them into a room together.
All in all, a fun read.
The Ripple Kingdom by Gigi D.G.
adventurous
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? Yes
3.0
I absolutely am in love with Splashmaster, I know.. I know, he's the villain for this one but he's also so freaking adorbs but then again there's also the Nightmare Knight, who got me intrigued due to his one action so I came away liking the villains in this book a lot more than any of the other characters.
I was not a fan of Princess Nautilus in general. Something about her just irks me but let's see if my opinion changes into the next volume.
Personally I want to see more of the Nightmare Knight 😂
I was not a fan of Princess Nautilus in general. Something about her just irks me but let's see if my opinion changes into the next volume.
Personally I want to see more of the Nightmare Knight 😂
Love and Other Flight Delays by Denise Williams
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Overall this was very cute and a lighthearted read that I just enjoyed.
The three stories interconnect nicely by either character relationships or the setting as all stories are in and around an airport setting.
I think of the three stories, 'The Missed Connection' was my all time favorite. There's a great back n forth flirting and witty dialogue between the two MC's, Gia and Felix that is just so much to read from the minute they met and throughout their arc. Plus I'm a fan of a man who knows how to challenge and bring out the best in their partner and themselves without being a jerk. These two have a grumpy x sunshine trope thing going but they also felt the most well rounded of all the characters.
'The Sweetest Connection' was adorable, a bit of the will they or won't they mixed in with friends to lovers trope or my absolute fave, the other doesn't know that they're crushing on them so that was also a fun read and probably the fastest of the three.
'The Love Connection' was the opening story and it was also a good read, lots of fun dialogue, great side characters and lovable characters but they didn't stay with me like Gia and Felix.
The three stories interconnect nicely by either character relationships or the setting as all stories are in and around an airport setting.
I think of the three stories, 'The Missed Connection' was my all time favorite. There's a great back n forth flirting and witty dialogue between the two MC's, Gia and Felix that is just so much to read from the minute they met and throughout their arc. Plus I'm a fan of a man who knows how to challenge and bring out the best in their partner and themselves without being a jerk. These two have a grumpy x sunshine trope thing going but they also felt the most well rounded of all the characters.
'The Sweetest Connection' was adorable, a bit of the will they or won't they mixed in with friends to lovers trope or my absolute fave, the other doesn't know that they're crushing on them so that was also a fun read and probably the fastest of the three.
'The Love Connection' was the opening story and it was also a good read, lots of fun dialogue, great side characters and lovable characters but they didn't stay with me like Gia and Felix.
Jim Henson's Labyrinth: The Novelization by Brian Froud, A.C.H. Smith
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I've had this on my TBR for a really long time so I'm glad to finally have read it!
I always liked the movie but felt like there was something missing from it and so I was hoping that the book would give me something more but oddly enough the book read even choppier, if you can believe it.
Dialogue felt stilted at different moments, scenes were awkward in a way that weren't in the film but in other moments, we got some extra information or more from the character's POV so certain moments made sense to me, like the old lady and the junk, as well as the uncertainty in Sarah during the overall movie thanks to the book. Even Jareth had some POV and it helped explain his character a bit more for me too.
And yet, I still feel like something is missing. Maybe it's the whimsy and fantastical sense of magic from the film but while the book gave me a bit more, it was a fairly good adaptation of the movie sans music.
I always liked the movie but felt like there was something missing from it and so I was hoping that the book would give me something more but oddly enough the book read even choppier, if you can believe it.
Dialogue felt stilted at different moments, scenes were awkward in a way that weren't in the film but in other moments, we got some extra information or more from the character's POV so certain moments made sense to me, like the old lady and the junk, as well as the uncertainty in Sarah during the overall movie thanks to the book. Even Jareth had some POV and it helped explain his character a bit more for me too.
And yet, I still feel like something is missing. Maybe it's the whimsy and fantastical sense of magic from the film but while the book gave me a bit more, it was a fairly good adaptation of the movie sans music.
The Doughnut Kingdom by Gigi D.G.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I absolutely enjoyed this!
I'm so much older than the inspired ages for this but it was a fun read especially as this book veers away from the usual hero arc and makes light of other fantasy tropes in a way that lets a younger sister take the lead and be a hero as her older brother just wants to go to magic school.
Hooray for younger sisters wanting be a hero!
Also the illustrations are fantastic. There's some great panels where the characters are making faces and I laughed out loud at different parts especially when the Oracle had her face up against the glass peeking in or when the bear yells out "Hey, Laaady!" To get the Oracle's attention 😂
And with that cliffhanger, I need to know what happens to our brother and sister team now!
I'm so much older than the inspired ages for this but it was a fun read especially as this book veers away from the usual hero arc and makes light of other fantasy tropes in a way that lets a younger sister take the lead and be a hero as her older brother just wants to go to magic school.
Hooray for younger sisters wanting be a hero!
Also the illustrations are fantastic. There's some great panels where the characters are making faces and I laughed out loud at different parts especially when the Oracle had her face up against the glass peeking in or when the bear yells out "Hey, Laaady!" To get the Oracle's attention 😂
And with that cliffhanger, I need to know what happens to our brother and sister team now!
You, Again by Kate Goldbeck
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I knew this was Reylo coded early on.
Everything to me was reading as them just in a modern AU setting and I couldn't not stop seeing them or the rest of the book cast as various Star Wars characters just to find out that this did indeed did start off as SW fanfiction, so I feel validated 😄😂
Both MCs start on the wrong foot and are sort of unlikeable from the beginning which I enjoyed as it's a different set of pace but Ari comes off as a bisexual commitment-phobe yet oversexualized brat that is trying to adult while Josh is a rose colored glasses guy wanting easy love and not understanding why he's just not getting it with his surly and dramatic attitude.
I definitely enjoyed the side characters, how they all managed to stay friends with Ari is questionable to me because of how she read on page.
I think if I had read this as the original SW fanfiction, a lot of Ari and Josh would make a lot more sense because those back stories are already established and describe a lot about them but in this case, the author didn't go into depth to create it early on but rather over various time jumps redirected me, the reader, to gloss it over and see them at those given moments of time which can create the allusion of a character's growth or fallback.
That being said, whoever keeps promoting this as a gender bent 'When Harry Met Sally' needs to stop because it's not. The dialogue can be smart, ther 's a few good moments, and it's a nice homage but definitely not Ephron from what I read, that's my opinion.
Everything to me was reading as them just in a modern AU setting and I couldn't not stop seeing them or the rest of the book cast as various Star Wars characters just to find out that this did indeed did start off as SW fanfiction, so I feel validated 😄😂
Both MCs start on the wrong foot and are sort of unlikeable from the beginning which I enjoyed as it's a different set of pace but Ari comes off as a bisexual commitment-phobe yet oversexualized brat that is trying to adult while Josh is a rose colored glasses guy wanting easy love and not understanding why he's just not getting it with his surly and dramatic attitude.
I definitely enjoyed the side characters, how they all managed to stay friends with Ari is questionable to me because of how she read on page.
I think if I had read this as the original SW fanfiction, a lot of Ari and Josh would make a lot more sense because those back stories are already established and describe a lot about them but in this case, the author didn't go into depth to create it early on but rather over various time jumps redirected me, the reader, to gloss it over and see them at those given moments of time which can create the allusion of a character's growth or fallback.
That being said, whoever keeps promoting this as a gender bent 'When Harry Met Sally' needs to stop because it's not. The dialogue can be smart, ther 's a few good moments, and it's a nice homage but definitely not Ephron from what I read, that's my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content
Married to the Mountain Man by Mia Brody
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Bought this from a social teaser and I'm not going to lie based off of it, I was really excited to read it.
At 100 pages, the book was too short for all the tropes it tried to fit in and make work, creating a rushed and plot whole filled read. There's potential for so much more here and I'm a bit saddened by the idea of the potential because it's pretty much right there.
The characters have some backstory and traits but we, the readers, don't get too much of any of them before the plot forces its way in so not much opportunity for the two MC's to bond outside of instalove and stay there.
All in all, I was looking for what the teaser teased me with so I might not continue the series myself.
At 100 pages, the book was too short for all the tropes it tried to fit in and make work, creating a rushed and plot whole filled read. There's potential for so much more here and I'm a bit saddened by the idea of the potential because it's pretty much right there.
The characters have some backstory and traits but we, the readers, don't get too much of any of them before the plot forces its way in so not much opportunity for the two MC's to bond outside of instalove and stay there.
All in all, I was looking for what the teaser teased me with so I might not continue the series myself.