Scan barcode
maxfictional's reviews
283 reviews
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
After hearing so many wonderful things about this book, I must say that I was expecting more. However, I will be continuing the series, since I have heard that it just gets better.
This was nothing too crazy. The twist nearing the end was quite shocking, and the spice was alright; definitely a little kinkier than the average spicy romance book, which I enjoyed. It was nothing too dark, though.
I wish we got to know more about Alex throughout this book, but I suppose that his mysteriousness was an essential part to the plot.
This book did not get me out of my reading slump like I had hoped it would, though, which was sort of upsetting. I wish it could have, especially since I've heard so many wonderful things. I actually think that it contributed slightly to it... :(
Overall, it was a good book, though. Give it a try!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
This was nothing too crazy. The twist nearing the end was quite shocking, and the spice was alright; definitely a little kinkier than the average spicy romance book, which I enjoyed. It was nothing too dark, though.
I wish we got to know more about Alex throughout this book, but I suppose that his mysteriousness was an essential part to the plot.
This book did not get me out of my reading slump like I had hoped it would, though, which was sort of upsetting. I wish it could have, especially since I've heard so many wonderful things. I actually think that it contributed slightly to it... :(
Overall, it was a good book, though. Give it a try!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Love at First Flight by Jannelle Drummond
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I received an Advanced Reader Copy through NetGalley and am voluntarily writing an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book. I tend to enjoy or be drawn to books that have to do with travel and airplanes.
Looking back at my time reading this book, I can honestly say that I have no idea what I even read, and I finished this book less than a week ago.
The characters are charming enough, but they act so immature for seemingly no reason, especially considering their age. Our MMC is a celebrity who faces the paparazzi thinking that he proposed to his ex-girlfriend, Delight when they're seen in public together after a one night stand. They then continue to have a fake relationship.
The whole thing just seemed very unrealistic to me, and I find it hard to believe anything that actually happened.
There are also a handful of spelling and grammar errors in this book, which takes away from the immersion into the story.
The spice started off strong enough, but it fell flat nearing the end, if I'm being completely honest.
My synesthesia also decided to pay me a visit while I was reading this. I got a strong lemon whipped cream taste in my mouth, and I can't really explain why. I'm glad it was a pleasant flavour, though!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I really wanted to love this book. I tend to enjoy or be drawn to books that have to do with travel and airplanes.
Looking back at my time reading this book, I can honestly say that I have no idea what I even read, and I finished this book less than a week ago.
The characters are charming enough, but they act so immature for seemingly no reason, especially considering their age. Our MMC is a celebrity who faces the paparazzi thinking that he proposed to his ex-girlfriend, Delight when they're seen in public together after a one night stand. They then continue to have a fake relationship.
The whole thing just seemed very unrealistic to me, and I find it hard to believe anything that actually happened.
There are also a handful of spelling and grammar errors in this book, which takes away from the immersion into the story.
The spice started off strong enough, but it fell flat nearing the end, if I'm being completely honest.
My synesthesia also decided to pay me a visit while I was reading this. I got a strong lemon whipped cream taste in my mouth, and I can't really explain why. I'm glad it was a pleasant flavour, though!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Bloom by Kevin Panetta
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
This is cute, but nothing really happened, and the romance did not really make any sense to me.
I also don't really understand the MC's goal. This is not clear, and I wish that I could identify it. At first, it looks like he wants to be a musician and he feels really sure of that, but then out of nowhere, he just isn't?
The romance was not developed in a way that I enjoyed. There didn't seem to be a build-up or anything. It kind of just came out of nowhere.
I really liked the bakery setting, and the vibes are great, but it just didn't develop in a believable way.
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I also don't really understand the MC's goal. This is not clear, and I wish that I could identify it. At first, it looks like he wants to be a musician and he feels really sure of that, but then out of nowhere, he just isn't?
The romance was not developed in a way that I enjoyed. There didn't seem to be a build-up or anything. It kind of just came out of nowhere.
I really liked the bakery setting, and the vibes are great, but it just didn't develop in a believable way.
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Hooked by Emily McIntire
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book is a dark romance, with Hook and Wendy from Peter Pan falling in love with each other and forming an interesting relationship. I fully enjoyed the dynamics between characters in this book, and the darkness is just great.
A solid, interesting read that was rather difficult to put down! Definitely recommend it.
I feel as if there's not much that I can say about it besides what it is and that it was done well.
The twist at the end was crazy, too. Loved that.
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
A solid, interesting read that was rather difficult to put down! Definitely recommend it.
I feel as if there's not much that I can say about it besides what it is and that it was done well.
The twist at the end was crazy, too. Loved that.
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I hate to say it, but I don't really get the hype behind this book. It felt pretty average, but maybe I've just outgrown the dystopian era. It felt like any other young adult dystopian fantasy story.
I also have to mention that when the book was initially popular about 10 years ago, I did not read it, so I am reading it for the first time as an adult, with no sense of nostalgia for the series. It probably doesn't help that I already know that there's a love triangle due to how popular the series was, so it ruins some of the anticipation, I suppose.
There's nothing wrong with the book, however. It's just an average little YA dystopian, and there's nothing wrong with that if that's what you're looking for.
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I also have to mention that when the book was initially popular about 10 years ago, I did not read it, so I am reading it for the first time as an adult, with no sense of nostalgia for the series. It probably doesn't help that I already know that there's a love triangle due to how popular the series was, so it ruins some of the anticipation, I suppose.
There's nothing wrong with the book, however. It's just an average little YA dystopian, and there's nothing wrong with that if that's what you're looking for.
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
For me, Ali Hazelhood does no wrong. I love her and her books, despite the galaxy print leggings. I love NASA and the STEM representation in romance, compared to the typical main characters in romance books.
I loved the enemies to lovers trope that was incorporated into this book and the tension was fantastic.
Levi is just *chef's kiss*. Love a big, brooding man, and Bee is adorably herself, and we LOVE TO SEE A STRONG FEMALE MAIN CHARACTER WHO'S AUTHENTICALLY HERSELF.
I don't really have much to say about it because I enjoyed it so much, so I'll just leave it at that!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I loved the enemies to lovers trope that was incorporated into this book and the tension was fantastic.
Levi is just *chef's kiss*. Love a big, brooding man, and Bee is adorably herself, and we LOVE TO SEE A STRONG FEMALE MAIN CHARACTER WHO'S AUTHENTICALLY HERSELF.
I don't really have much to say about it because I enjoyed it so much, so I'll just leave it at that!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I expected this one to be as good as The Fine Print given people's reviews on the series, but it honestly wasn't! I enjoyed The Fine Print more.
I love a good marriage of convenience, and I love the boss/assistant dynamic. I just couldn't get on board with how they developed feelings for each other. Like, where???
Also, nothing ever happened with Dreamland Tokyo and the father??? It was a huge plot point and just died out of nowhere. I'm hoping that that will be touched on more in the next book, but I doubt it, since that one will be following the next brother in the family.
I did, however, enjoy the spice and tension in this book. I also really like Declan's hobbies and such. He really had some moments where he TRIED, and I love some effort.
Overall, it was cute, but nothing to write home about, in my opinion!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I love a good marriage of convenience, and I love the boss/assistant dynamic. I just couldn't get on board with how they developed feelings for each other. Like, where???
Also, nothing ever happened with Dreamland Tokyo and the father??? It was a huge plot point and just died out of nowhere. I'm hoping that that will be touched on more in the next book, but I doubt it, since that one will be following the next brother in the family.
I did, however, enjoy the spice and tension in this book. I also really like Declan's hobbies and such. He really had some moments where he TRIED, and I love some effort.
Overall, it was cute, but nothing to write home about, in my opinion!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Mile High by Liz Tomforde
slow-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
2.75
Read this book for the Hockey Romance Book Club. If you'd like to join, feel free to click this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590730285927337/
I don't fully understand the hype behind this book. It was just an alright read for me.
It felt very long, when it didn't really need to be. I really liked the main characters and how they interact with each other. Zanders encouraging and loving Stevie as she is and Stevie protecting herself, but the both of them inevitably ending up together was really cute to read.
I also really enjoyed the addition of the dog rescue. Such an adorable little touch for the story and adding more dimension to the characters.
Unfortunately, I feel as if this book should not be considered a hockey romance. There is hardly any hockey content in this book! It's really just a romance. Sure, the MMC is a hockey player, but that doesn't make it a hockey romance.
Overall, it was okay. I wouldn't read it again, though. :(
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I don't fully understand the hype behind this book. It was just an alright read for me.
It felt very long, when it didn't really need to be. I really liked the main characters and how they interact with each other. Zanders encouraging and loving Stevie as she is and Stevie protecting herself, but the both of them inevitably ending up together was really cute to read.
I also really enjoyed the addition of the dog rescue. Such an adorable little touch for the story and adding more dimension to the characters.
Unfortunately, I feel as if this book should not be considered a hockey romance. There is hardly any hockey content in this book! It's really just a romance. Sure, the MMC is a hockey player, but that doesn't make it a hockey romance.
Overall, it was okay. I wouldn't read it again, though. :(
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? N/A
4.75
I'm DEFINITELY starting to get the hype behind Heartstopper. The first book was swell and dandy and cute, but this one ramped up the drama, the reality of being gay, the romance, and the tension! I love it!
I love Nick and Charlie together, and I love seeing a positive depictions of gay relationships in media. There's already so much hatred and negativity towards gay people, and oftentimes, if there IS a "positive" portrayal of a character they're always this super hardened character, but Nick and Charlie are so SOFT for each other and it's fucking adorable.
I love seeing Charlie get defensive. I love seeing Charlie learn about sexuality. I love seeing Nick get the love that he deserves. I love seeing Nick in an environment where he's accepted. I love seeing Charlie's dynamics with his family and friends after learning about his attraction to Nick. I love seeing Nick so excited to be in love.
Heartstopper is just AHHHHHHH!!!!!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I love Nick and Charlie together, and I love seeing a positive depictions of gay relationships in media. There's already so much hatred and negativity towards gay people, and oftentimes, if there IS a "positive" portrayal of a character they're always this super hardened character, but Nick and Charlie are so SOFT for each other and it's fucking adorable.
I love seeing Charlie get defensive. I love seeing Charlie learn about sexuality. I love seeing Nick get the love that he deserves. I love seeing Nick in an environment where he's accepted. I love seeing Charlie's dynamics with his family and friends after learning about his attraction to Nick. I love seeing Nick so excited to be in love.
Heartstopper is just AHHHHHHH!!!!!
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Little Lies by H. Hunting, Helena Hunting
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Something about this book made me want to savour it. I loved seeing old characters from Hunting's other series, Pucked and A Lie for a Lie. I've yet to read the latter but I'm a couple books into the Pucked series. I actually feel as if Alex and Lavender were written very realistically as parents based on how they were in the original series.
This book was simply a delight to read, and I loved the incorporation of mental health and the complexities of trauma and dependency. It's not often that I see these issues handled with grace and without judgment within writing. Helena Hunting has approached it with respect, while still addressing the negative aspects of it.
There isn't much hockey content in this book, which I would have liked more of, like in the first Pucked book, so I'm not quite sure if it qualifies as a hockey romance. Nevertheless, it was still very enjoyable.
The only reason that I did not give it 5 stars is because I feel as if the side characters could have been more fleshed out. I would've loved to learn more about them, especially Josiah.
That little plot twist with River actually made my jaw drop, by the way. I was not expecting that AT ALL.
Definitely give this book a try if you're into the friends to enemies to lovers trope. Also, a FMC who tends to be the dominant one in the relationship. This book is a lot different from most romances, so definitely give it a shot.
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
This book was simply a delight to read, and I loved the incorporation of mental health and the complexities of trauma and dependency. It's not often that I see these issues handled with grace and without judgment within writing. Helena Hunting has approached it with respect, while still addressing the negative aspects of it.
There isn't much hockey content in this book, which I would have liked more of, like in the first Pucked book, so I'm not quite sure if it qualifies as a hockey romance. Nevertheless, it was still very enjoyable.
The only reason that I did not give it 5 stars is because I feel as if the side characters could have been more fleshed out. I would've loved to learn more about them, especially Josiah.
That little plot twist with River actually made my jaw drop, by the way. I was not expecting that AT ALL.
Definitely give this book a try if you're into the friends to enemies to lovers trope. Also, a FMC who tends to be the dominant one in the relationship. This book is a lot different from most romances, so definitely give it a shot.
Guide to my ratings:
5 stars: flawless, hard to put down
4 stars: it was really good and memorable
3 stars: it was good/okay
2 stars: none or not many redeeming qualities and somewhat forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!