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maxfictional's reviews
283 reviews
Mudflowers by Aley Waterman
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I received an Advanced Reader Copy through NetGalley and am voluntarily writing an honest review.
This is a story of a 27-year-old woman living in Toronto with a bunch of artists. She has a friend who she regularly has sex with, and eventually meets a woman who she is also intrigued by and forms a relationship with.
I can appreciate the complexities of relationships that is addressed here, and how feelings become muddy (haha lol pun) when you have complex feelings for multiple people at the same time, especially when these feelings are mutual between people.
The characters are sort of just pretentious hipster artists in Toronto, if I'm being honest. There's not really much depth to them, besides their parents' broken relationships.
The writing style in this book is rather strange. I enjoyed it in some aspects, but there are other points where it got rather difficult to read and keep up with. There are no quotation marks, which is a writing style, but it can be difficult to read from time to time.
I don't think that this should be advertised as an LGBTQ+ read, as it seems that the only aspect of "queerness" is the fact that the main character sleeps with people, no matter the gender.
I also do not think that polyamoury deserves a worse rep than it already has, and this book made poly relationships seem like it's people going behind each other's backs and making them unhappy.
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 is a story of a 27-year-old woman living in Toronto with a bunch of artists. She has a friend who she regularly has sex with, and eventually meets a woman who she is also intrigued by and forms a relationship with.
I can appreciate the complexities of relationships that is addressed here, and how feelings become muddy (haha lol pun) when you have complex feelings for multiple people at the same time, especially when these feelings are mutual between people.
The characters are sort of just pretentious hipster artists in Toronto, if I'm being honest. There's not really much depth to them, besides their parents' broken relationships.
The writing style in this book is rather strange. I enjoyed it in some aspects, but there are other points where it got rather difficult to read and keep up with. There are no quotation marks, which is a writing style, but it can be difficult to read from time to time.
I don't think that this should be advertised as an LGBTQ+ read, as it seems that the only aspect of "queerness" is the fact that the main character sleeps with people, no matter the gender.
I also do not think that polyamoury deserves a worse rep than it already has, and this book made poly relationships seem like it's people going behind each other's backs and making them unhappy.
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!!!
Looking for Alaska by John Green
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I really tried to like this book, but the pacing is just sooooooo sllooooowww. I actually enjoyed the "Before" portion of this book more than the "After" portion. The "Before" portion was all vibes and no plot, but the "After" portion was a whole bunch of false 'introspective' mumbo jumbo.
As stated, the beginning is all vibes, no plot. The vibes are good! But a little slice of life in a pretentious boarding school is not fun to read for 133 pages.
The twist at the beginning of the "After" portion had me shocked, but the remainder of the book was rather anticlimactic. Nothing was accomplished with this book. I don't even feel that it touched on
*****SPOILER*****
grief properly. It didn't speak on the emotions and complex feelings that come along with it at all, and became a sort of mystery novel, but there was no solution to it, so I'm left with a book with no moral lesson, no real conversation to be had, and some good-ish vibes.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
As stated, the beginning is all vibes, no plot. The vibes are good! But a little slice of life in a pretentious boarding school is not fun to read for 133 pages.
The twist at the beginning of the "After" portion had me shocked, but the remainder of the book was rather anticlimactic. Nothing was accomplished with this book. I don't even feel that it touched on
*****SPOILER*****
grief properly. It didn't speak on the emotions and complex feelings that come along with it at all, and became a sort of mystery novel, but there was no solution to it, so I'm left with a book with no moral lesson, no real conversation to be had, and some good-ish vibes.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
What's the T? The no-nonsense guide to all things trans and/or non-binary for teens by Juno Dawson
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
4.0
I have to say, I was hoping for more of a guide for trans people themselves, but this book is an excellent resource for people who are new to the topic of transgender individuals. If, however, you are educated on the topic, this book is simply a refresher.
Juno includes history, sex ed, definitions, and answers to many questions that new trans individuals, family members, friends, and many others may find useful in their research on transgender people.
I also like the tone that this book takes on; a friendly and light approach.
I personally cried at the end. "Live." killed me.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Juno includes history, sex ed, definitions, and answers to many questions that new trans individuals, family members, friends, and many others may find useful in their research on transgender people.
I also like the tone that this book takes on; a friendly and light approach.
I personally cried at the end. "Live." killed me.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
challenging
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is such a cozy book, in the best way possible. I almost feel as if it didn't have too much of a plot, yet somehow, it still had me entertained while reading. There were obviously some reveals sprinkled throughout the book, but it was nothing crazy.
It's just such a simple love story between a journalist and celebrity unfolding, told in such a simple, yet readable way. (By the way, short chapters are amazing, and that is what this book provides!)
Definitely pick this up if you're looking for an engaging romance story about a celebrity and a journalist with some complexities of addiction, this is for you!
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
It's just such a simple love story between a journalist and celebrity unfolding, told in such a simple, yet readable way. (By the way, short chapters are amazing, and that is what this book provides!)
Definitely pick this up if you're looking for an engaging romance story about a celebrity and a journalist with some complexities of addiction, this is for you!
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
First of all, I found out while reading this book what the author has done, and I hate that. Do not directly support her, please. Being transphobic towards nonbinary people and sending hoards of people to attack others is not it, chief. Sorry not sorry.
This book is gruesome, and I must say that that is the best kind of horror (in my opinion). However, it felt like it was used to draw you in, and then... it just gets boring.
The prose is also not interesting. I was watching others' reviews of this book and one person said that all the descriptions are based solely on the visuals of what's happening or how someone looks, rather than engaging all the senses, which made this one... well... less engaging.
It dragged at some parts, and I kept getting lost in the text, having to go back to reread some parts because I didn't know what was going on. It just got kind of boring, and I feel as if this book could have been shorter.
However, I can appreciate the complexity of the characters and their relationships with each other. T4T relationships, fighting with going with the majority or standing up for your beliefs even if you will be reprimanded for it, attraction, etc. I just wish that most of it wasn't done in such a way that sort of belittles people who are not further along in their transition.
While I have many negative things to say, I also enjoyed many aspects of this book (ie: the gory aspects, the depth of the characters and their experiences, etc.). I can't deny that by the end of this one, I felt like the book had an impact, and I mean... that cover. Haha.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
This book is gruesome, and I must say that that is the best kind of horror (in my opinion). However, it felt like it was used to draw you in, and then... it just gets boring.
The prose is also not interesting. I was watching others' reviews of this book and one person said that all the descriptions are based solely on the visuals of what's happening or how someone looks, rather than engaging all the senses, which made this one... well... less engaging.
It dragged at some parts, and I kept getting lost in the text, having to go back to reread some parts because I didn't know what was going on. It just got kind of boring, and I feel as if this book could have been shorter.
However, I can appreciate the complexity of the characters and their relationships with each other. T4T relationships, fighting with going with the majority or standing up for your beliefs even if you will be reprimanded for it, attraction, etc. I just wish that most of it wasn't done in such a way that sort of belittles people who are not further along in their transition.
While I have many negative things to say, I also enjoyed many aspects of this book (ie: the gory aspects, the depth of the characters and their experiences, etc.). I can't deny that by the end of this one, I felt like the book had an impact, and I mean... that cover. Haha.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Puck Shy by Teagan Hunter
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
With the average rating of this book being what it is, I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I expected an average book with basic characters and a predictable story.
No.
Harper literally makes creepy dolls for a living. Are you joking? That's fucking cool. She stops when she sees Collin walking down the road, thinking he's a ghost that's going to kill her when in reality, his car just broke down on the way back home so he can make his practice the next morning.
That already had my attention, but then I became a little bit frustrated with the two of them, and then seeing romance happen and there were actual scenes involving hockey... It just worked so well. I wanted to keep reading it each time that I put it down, but I had to pace myself because I was reading it for my book club.
Overall, such a solid read, and I really want to go pick up Blind Pass immediately.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
No.
Harper literally makes creepy dolls for a living. Are you joking? That's fucking cool. She stops when she sees Collin walking down the road, thinking he's a ghost that's going to kill her when in reality, his car just broke down on the way back home so he can make his practice the next morning.
That already had my attention, but then I became a little bit frustrated with the two of them, and then seeing romance happen and there were actual scenes involving hockey... It just worked so well. I wanted to keep reading it each time that I put it down, but I had to pace myself because I was reading it for my book club.
Overall, such a solid read, and I really want to go pick up Blind Pass immediately.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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? No
4.0
My second read for the Trans Rights Readathon!
This book actually almost brought me to tears. I've honestly had some identity issues in my short lifetime so far, and seeing the utter acceptance that Ray receives is so refreshing to read.
I enjoyed seeing how these two brought out the best in each other, with Ray bringing out Simone's loving and outgoing side, while Simone brought out a sensitive side in Ray.
Near the end, seeing how Simone took care of Ray in a way, was so sweet. This is the part that almost made me cry, and I just... ugh. Loved it.
I wish that we could've gotten to know the side characters a bit more, though. I feel as if this would've brought the world building to a new level.
Overall, this book is a slooooooow burn, but I loved every second of it, and I'd do it again. So wholesome, so cute, so... comforting in a way that I quite quite describe. Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for some sure cute nonbinary representation in a romance.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
This book actually almost brought me to tears. I've honestly had some identity issues in my short lifetime so far, and seeing the utter acceptance that Ray receives is so refreshing to read.
I enjoyed seeing how these two brought out the best in each other, with Ray bringing out Simone's loving and outgoing side, while Simone brought out a sensitive side in Ray.
Near the end, seeing how Simone took care of Ray in a way, was so sweet. This is the part that almost made me cry, and I just... ugh. Loved it.
I wish that we could've gotten to know the side characters a bit more, though. I feel as if this would've brought the world building to a new level.
Overall, this book is a slooooooow burn, but I loved every second of it, and I'd do it again. So wholesome, so cute, so... comforting in a way that I quite quite describe. Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for some sure cute nonbinary representation in a romance.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley
funny
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
2.75
This book was cute, but that's about it! A fluffy, cute romance read without much substance, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers aspect of the book, even though it didn't last long. However, the way they seemed to just fall for each other out of nowhere was hard to believe. Nevertheless, once they acknowledged their feelings for each other, the romance was very cute.
I also enjoyed the bakery aspect of the book and the details of the cupcakes, the setting, etc. throughout the book.
I find it somewhat hard to believe that Jada had to work at a cupcake shop, of all things, especially with what her grandmother offers her near the end of the book, but of course, we need that convenience for the plot. Basically, the believability of this book was somewhat low, but because it was so cute and fluffy, it was still enjoyable.
Like I said, if you're looking for a solid, cute romance read that has some baking involved, with cute baking-related moments between a couple, this is for you. Keep in mind that this IS an adult romance novel, so be warned that there are a couple mildly spicy scenes. Nothing crazy, 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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers aspect of the book, even though it didn't last long. However, the way they seemed to just fall for each other out of nowhere was hard to believe. Nevertheless, once they acknowledged their feelings for each other, the romance was very cute.
I also enjoyed the bakery aspect of the book and the details of the cupcakes, the setting, etc. throughout the book.
I find it somewhat hard to believe that Jada had to work at a cupcake shop, of all things, especially with what her grandmother offers her near the end of the book, but of course, we need that convenience for the plot. Basically, the believability of this book was somewhat low, but because it was so cute and fluffy, it was still enjoyable.
Like I said, if you're looking for a solid, cute romance read that has some baking involved, with cute baking-related moments between a couple, this is for you. Keep in mind that this IS an adult romance novel, so be warned that there are a couple mildly spicy scenes. Nothing crazy, 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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Future Feeling by Joss Lake
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
3.5
3.5 stars
I honestly don't really know what I just read... What a bizarre but... somehow accurate read? Trans-ness being seen as more normal according to governmental standards (although still not accepted by many in society, it seems) was somewhat refreshing to read, and having a group that protects and aids the trans community during their transition was interesting.
I definitely see this book as a take on the white transgender man's experience in America, which is acknowledged throughout the book, while also having psychedelics as an aid in the transition process. Like I said, this one is bizarre.
I also enjoyed this book's focus on parasocial relationships and such, with Aiden being famous, and Pen resenting him in some way or another for his picture perfect life in LA as a trans man.
Some may find it a tad bit disturbing that there are such explicit scenes in this book, but as stated, sexuality is oftentimes a large part in one figuring out their gender identity when they are questioning, and even used as a way to justify one's own identity for many who don't identify as their assigned gender at birth.
Overall, a very interesting take on the trans experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I honestly don't really know what I just read... What a bizarre but... somehow accurate read? Trans-ness being seen as more normal according to governmental standards (although still not accepted by many in society, it seems) was somewhat refreshing to read, and having a group that protects and aids the trans community during their transition was interesting.
I definitely see this book as a take on the white transgender man's experience in America, which is acknowledged throughout the book, while also having psychedelics as an aid in the transition process. Like I said, this one is bizarre.
I also enjoyed this book's focus on parasocial relationships and such, with Aiden being famous, and Pen resenting him in some way or another for his picture perfect life in LA as a trans man.
Some may find it a tad bit disturbing that there are such explicit scenes in this book, but as stated, sexuality is oftentimes a large part in one figuring out their gender identity when they are questioning, and even used as a way to justify one's own identity for many who don't identify as their assigned gender at birth.
Overall, a very interesting take on the trans experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
Flock by Kate Stewart
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
🌶️🌶️/5
I’m honestly not sure why I enjoyed this as much as I did… This one is basically all vibes and no plot until near the end, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit.
I really like Dominic, and I wish I didn’t because he kind of seems like an ass, but for some reason, that’s just always the male character I find interest in, and I just don’t know why.
Sean is alright but I sort of figured out his character from the get-go. Also, I don’t like how he answers Cecilia’s questions. I would be frustrated as hell if I was her, and I wouldn’t put up with it, but maybe that’s just me.
Cecilia is cool, I guess. I feel as if there’s not much to her character, but I always appreciate a little coming of age trope and finally letting loose.
Be warned that there is a MFM relationship in this book, and there are sex scenes with this dynamic, so if that’s not your thing this isn’t for you. I, however really enjoyed it.
As stated, this book is largely just vibes, but just know that the entire book, my little synesthesia had the smell of cedar and pine all up in my nose while reading this and all I could think of was forest green, so if that’s the vibe you’re looking for, you very well might enjoy this book.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the plot that picked up nearing the end of the book is carried over into the next one in the series.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!
I’m honestly not sure why I enjoyed this as much as I did… This one is basically all vibes and no plot until near the end, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit.
I really like Dominic, and I wish I didn’t because he kind of seems like an ass, but for some reason, that’s just always the male character I find interest in, and I just don’t know why.
Sean is alright but I sort of figured out his character from the get-go. Also, I don’t like how he answers Cecilia’s questions. I would be frustrated as hell if I was her, and I wouldn’t put up with it, but maybe that’s just me.
Cecilia is cool, I guess. I feel as if there’s not much to her character, but I always appreciate a little coming of age trope and finally letting loose.
Be warned that there is a MFM relationship in this book, and there are sex scenes with this dynamic, so if that’s not your thing this isn’t for you. I, however really enjoyed it.
As stated, this book is largely just vibes, but just know that the entire book, my little synesthesia had the smell of cedar and pine all up in my nose while reading this and all I could think of was forest green, so if that’s the vibe you’re looking for, you very well might enjoy this book.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the plot that picked up nearing the end of the book is carried over into the next one in the series.
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: no redeeming qualities and forgettable
1 star: horrible, had no idea what was going on, boring!!!