maryashlyn's reviews
263 reviews

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body shaming, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcohol

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious 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

I'll try to update this with a proper review later. But for now I'll just say that this book was everything I wanted in a ghostly rom-com, plus so much more. I'm on an ongoing journey to find hopeful fiction that helps me to process grief, and this book skyrocketed to the top of my list. ❤️

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent

Moderate: Bullying and Toxic relationship

Minor: Murder

Flawless by Elsie Silver

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Medical content and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Infidelity and Death of parent

Never Fall for Your Fiancée by Virginia Heath

funny hopeful lighthearted 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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment, and Alcohol

Moderate: Alcoholism and Grief

Persuasion by Jane Austen

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

How to Fake it in Hollywood by Ava Wilder

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Alcohol

Moderate: Drug abuse

Content warning:

Sensitive photos are taken and released of the main characters without their knowledge or consent.

Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid

emotional funny 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Fatphobia

Minor: Addiction

The Beast by Katee Robert

dark

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Infidelity

My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book is *peak* Tessa Bailey in the best way! It's steamy, hilarious, and full of heart - and it has an ideal plot ratio of romance to murder-mystery. If you're a fan of the grumpy-sunshine trope, this is a must-read!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Stalking

Moderate: Murder

Minor: Blood

Priest by Sierra Simone

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide, and Grief