Scan barcode
missdevo's reviews
266 reviews
Two Women Walk into a Bar by Cheryl Strayed
reflective
sad
4.0
The complicated feelings of love and grief dominate this short memoir by Cheryl Strayed. Having also read "Wild" did help bring some background to this story, but I don't think it's necessary to still get the full impact. I found this essay extremely relatable as someone who is also dealing with fresh grief. The complicated nature of family relationships is something we can all empathize with, and Strayed manages to pack an emotional wallop in this short work. I really appreciate that she doesn't shy away from admitting that her relationship with her mother-in-law wasn't always great, but that they both came around to loving each other. I would highly recommend this quick read.
Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
The spice is *chef’s kiss* in this novella. It’s a complete story and I’m not left feeling robbed of important information, or emotion. It was well paced, and only required some minor willful suspension of disbelief to get the plot going. I was sucked in quickly, and the vibes are immaculate. Britta and Sumner are so cute together, but when they're alone, the spice goes to 11. The dialogue in this book is *whew* so hot. The spice was just to my taste and really added to the story without pulling me out. I would definitely recommend this book for a fun quick read/palette cleanser. Tropes are Marriage of Convenience, forced proximity, he falls first, found family.
The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0
I know it was short, but it was sooo good. The pacing was perfect! I felt the tension in the plot and still had a real satisfaction at the payoff. I also appreciate how realistic the whole story played out. I never felt pulled out of things by something wildly unreasonable. The characters were well developed and their actions made sense in context. A great short read.
Rosie and The Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
To get me emotionally invested in the characters of a book this short? It's that well done. I listened to the audio, and they did a great job with it. The banter is *chef's kiss* and the story is so cute. Rosie is the sister who feels like she never measures up, and Leo the too handsome for his own good firefighter who struggle to be taken seriously. Throw in a faulty sensory deprivation tank and a prophecy from Rosie's Grandma, and you have a recipe for delight. This is one of the best novellas in the collection.
With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This novella is told in flashbacks back and forth from the bachelor/bachelorette parties (night before) to the wedding (present day). We have a Man of Honor and Best Woman with some history trying to find a missing groom in time for the wedding. It's a little bit farce, a little bit angsty, and a whole lot of fun. I really enjoyed the characters, and the twist ending.
When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
I really wanted to love this book. It’s got an adorable cover, it includes one of my favorite tropes (grumpy/sunshine), the MMC is inspired by Roy Kent, and the FMC is a plus sized ghostwriter by trade. It’s alternately an emotional exploration of two damaged people, and startlingly filthy(in a good way!). Somehow though, the pieces just didn’t come together as well as I’d hoped. The dirty talk is top tier, and the pining was sooo good. Overall though, I found the pacing a bit uneven, and the miscommunication trope really started to wear thin for me by the end. I still found it an enjoyable read, but I can’t help wishing for more.