Scan barcode
mylynn's reviews
391 reviews
Dirt Poor Islanders by Winnie Dunn
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
medium-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
2.0
Dirt Poor Islanders deftly navigates the complexities of being mixed, away from your roots, in a country that doesn’t try to understand or make space for your culture. I really enjoyed many parts of this coming of age story, but I also had some issues with it (detailed on the next 2 slides).
I really loved how you could feel the Tongan pride throughout this book and I loved learning a little about Tongan mythology and culture. I liked that so much of the Tongan language was included (in full and in Tong-lish). I liked that even though Meadow doesn’t speak Tongan fluently, she understands some and is able to parse it.
The familial relations in this book felt so real to me and Winnie Dunn does a great job at establishing everyone’s distinct personalities and roles. It’s was so interesting to see the clear generational divides between the first generation (Meadow’s grandma), the second generation (her dad and her aunties), and the third generation (Meadow and her siblings and cousins). This felt so real to me, and I can see aspects of it on the CHamoru side of my family.
Meadow and her family experience covert and overt racism, and these interactions are described in such realistic ways that I’m sure these situations must’ve been experienced outside of fiction.
My first issue with this book is the aggressive inclusion of multiple Harry Potter references (I counted at least 3).
It’s 2024, I am BEGGING authors to stop putting Harry Potter references in their books. As someone who used to be solely defined by my (now extinguished) love for HP, I know it was such a big part of a lot of people lives but it’s time to LET IT GO.
JKR has been and is still currently being incredibly harmful to the trans community. Not to mention the weird racist things that are actually in HP. (please google these things if you don’t know what I’m talking about)
By including HP references you are:
- Saying that you care more about nostalgia than trans rights
- Making people feel unwelcome reading your books
- Promoting JKR and sending a message to your reader
- Contributing to people putting more money in JKR’s pockets which she then uses to fund anti-trans legislation and organizations
My second issue is the constant usage of “Lebanese” instead of “lesbian”.
I think the author’s choice to replace “lesbian” with the word “Lebanese” multiple times is gross. Meadow does this because she is uncomfortable with the word “lesbian” and eventually she does say the correct word at the end. I get that there is a stigma around being a gay that exists differently in different cultures, but this felt gross and unnecessary to me every time it happened. This “joke” isn’t original or funny, we’ve seen it in media like Golden Girls and Glee already.
Lebanese people exist and don’t deserve to be used as “wordplay” (if we can call it that).
Lesbian is not a bad word.
If the author had only done this once for an “effect” (??) I could sort of understand it but it was done SO MANY TIMES.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Self harm, Racism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Miscarriage and Infertility
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
The Ex Vows is so good that I feel bad for any book I read after it. I have such a hard time writing reviews for books like this because it's like "What did you love?" and my answer of "EVERY SINGLE THING" doesn't really make a compelling review.
Like a lot of people, I was already a Jessica Joyce fan from reading her debut You, With the View BUT I have to admit that The Ex Vows was on another level for me. I'm not a fan of second chance romances usually, but honestly I will read anything Jessica Joyce writes because her writing is just SO GOOD. Also, I'm not usually a highlighter but there were so many clever/relatable/heart-wrenching lines that felt special and I needed to note for when my brain forgets (as it does bc it's very rude).
In general, I found all the characters so well developed that they felt like a real friend group. The inside jokes and banter within this group were so well done. I loved how they all knew each other so well, but in a believable way. The way the dynamics were different between every character felt really nuanced and authentic.
Our main characters, Georgia and Eli, were so good and human and well written and I loved them both BUT I especially loved Georgia. There were so many moments where she felt like a friend that I just wanted to hug, because even when she's not being completely rational I could totally understand and empathize with her. Both Eli and Georgia have great, realistic growth in this book and I love how their story unfolds.
Speaking of Eli and Georgia...THE TENSION IN THIS BOOK omg. As we know, I am an absolute slut for tension and banter and this book delivered both in spades. I see people complain about books that are not dual POV, but I feel like this book is a winning argument for why single POV can work so well. The not knowing what the other person is thinking feels SO real, and the way that Jessica Joyce built this relationship and the tension??? MASTERFUL.
Also excuse me?? My heart?? How dare you??? This book hurt me in the best ways. I was basically on the verge of tears this whole book. I was on a plane reading it, and I actually had to stop myself because the sniffling from fighting off tears was getting ridiculous.
Pacing was great in this book, it felt like there was no filler and every line felt important. This book goes in the small list of "wish this was longer", but let's be real I would probably say that no matter the length tbh.
If you couldn't tell: I absolutely loved this, I'm definitely going to reread, and I have already been raving and screaming about it to my friends.
Thank you Berkley Romance for this ARC!!!
Like a lot of people, I was already a Jessica Joyce fan from reading her debut You, With the View BUT I have to admit that The Ex Vows was on another level for me. I'm not a fan of second chance romances usually, but honestly I will read anything Jessica Joyce writes because her writing is just SO GOOD. Also, I'm not usually a highlighter but there were so many clever/relatable/heart-wrenching lines that felt special and I needed to note for when my brain forgets (as it does bc it's very rude).
In general, I found all the characters so well developed that they felt like a real friend group. The inside jokes and banter within this group were so well done. I loved how they all knew each other so well, but in a believable way. The way the dynamics were different between every character felt really nuanced and authentic.
Our main characters, Georgia and Eli, were so good and human and well written and I loved them both BUT I especially loved Georgia. There were so many moments where she felt like a friend that I just wanted to hug, because even when she's not being completely rational I could totally understand and empathize with her. Both Eli and Georgia have great, realistic growth in this book and I love how their story unfolds.
Speaking of Eli and Georgia...THE TENSION IN THIS BOOK omg. As we know, I am an absolute slut for tension and banter and this book delivered both in spades. I see people complain about books that are not dual POV, but I feel like this book is a winning argument for why single POV can work so well. The not knowing what the other person is thinking feels SO real, and the way that Jessica Joyce built this relationship and the tension??? MASTERFUL.
Also excuse me?? My heart?? How dare you??? This book hurt me in the best ways. I was basically on the verge of tears this whole book. I was on a plane reading it, and I actually had to stop myself because the sniffling from fighting off tears was getting ridiculous.
Pacing was great in this book, it felt like there was no filler and every line felt important. This book goes in the small list of "wish this was longer", but let's be real I would probably say that no matter the length tbh.
If you couldn't tell: I absolutely loved this, I'm definitely going to reread, and I have already been raving and screaming about it to my friends.
Thank you Berkley Romance for this ARC!!!
How to Read Now by Elaine Castillo
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Death of parent and Hate crime
Minor: Sexual violence, Infertility, and Miscarriage
Court of Wanderers by Rin Chupeco
Did not finish book. Stopped at 68%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 68%.
DNF’d at 68%, there are 5 hrs left in the audiobook and I cannot find it in me to care anymore. This book feels so different from book 1 to me.
Happy Medium by Sarah Adler
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I loved Mrs. Nash's Ashes, so I've been chomping at the bit to get to this one!! And this cover???? gah it's gorgeous!!!
There's something about Sarah Adler's writing that makes me feel so safe and invested within the first few pages of her books. She does such a great job at establishing her characters and the setting/vibe of the book. She masterfully weaves humorous moments with heartfelt ones, and does a really good job at getting the reader attached to the main character.
I loved the premise of this book: con artist medium actually sees a ghost (for real) and has to convince hot goat farmer to not only believe her, but to not sell his farm. Like PLEASE! this is the perfect romcom setting and it could have gone so ridiculously wrong BUT it's done so well with little details that seem consistent with what living on a goat farm entails (but what do I know lol).
I loved Gretchen!! Truly a con-artist with a heart of gold. Her growth throughout the book was so touching, and her inner monologue was often really amusing. Charlie is such a skeptic-grump, and his dynamic with Gretchen is so fun to read. The banter and animosity between these two was palpable and I really enjoyed it!! There are some steamy scenes, and I liked most of them-- but there was one that was a little cringey for me.
Everett was so annoying, but in a lovable way. I love how as I watched Gretchen's friendship with Everett bloom, he was also growing on me as a character. While I did appreciate Everett's part in the story, I feel like his presence often overshadowed Charlie. I know this is probably a hard thing to balance, but I personally wish we would've gotten less Everett and more Charlie.
The third act conflict felt a little flat to me, I actually wanted a little MORE conflict? Idk. Maybe I am damaged haha, but I felt a little unsatisfied by it.
Overall, I really liked this book and I will definitely continue to be excited for anything Sarah Hadler writes!
Thank you to Berkley for this ARC!
There's something about Sarah Adler's writing that makes me feel so safe and invested within the first few pages of her books. She does such a great job at establishing her characters and the setting/vibe of the book. She masterfully weaves humorous moments with heartfelt ones, and does a really good job at getting the reader attached to the main character.
I loved the premise of this book: con artist medium actually sees a ghost (for real) and has to convince hot goat farmer to not only believe her, but to not sell his farm. Like PLEASE! this is the perfect romcom setting and it could have gone so ridiculously wrong BUT it's done so well with little details that seem consistent with what living on a goat farm entails (but what do I know lol).
I loved Gretchen!! Truly a con-artist with a heart of gold. Her growth throughout the book was so touching, and her inner monologue was often really amusing. Charlie is such a skeptic-grump, and his dynamic with Gretchen is so fun to read. The banter and animosity between these two was palpable and I really enjoyed it!! There are some steamy scenes, and I liked most of them-- but there was one that was a little cringey for me.
Everett was so annoying, but in a lovable way. I love how as I watched Gretchen's friendship with Everett bloom, he was also growing on me as a character. While I did appreciate Everett's part in the story, I feel like his presence often overshadowed Charlie. I know this is probably a hard thing to balance, but I personally wish we would've gotten less Everett and more Charlie.
The third act conflict felt a little flat to me, I actually wanted a little MORE conflict? Idk. Maybe I am damaged haha, but I felt a little unsatisfied by it.
Overall, I really liked this book and I will definitely continue to be excited for anything Sarah Hadler writes!
Thank you to Berkley for this ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Dementia, and Sexual content
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
You know those rare books where you're sad while you're reading it because you know it's going to be over soon and you're already missing it??? This book gave me that feeling within the first few pages, and it did not let up. Every time I saw my percentage read going higher, I was lowkey sad but also... I COULDN'T STOP READING (even if I wanted to...which I didn't.). I never say that I wish a book was longer, but I WISH THIS BOOK WERE LONGER.
If you couldn't tell-- I loved it. This book was so good and gave me everything I didn't even know I wanted??? The tension, the banter, the FUCKING JOKES???? THE COTTON-EYED JOE REFERENCE??? PLEASE??? Gwen and Xander are both such great and complex characters and I loved them apart and together. I loved the Xander POVs (even though we got so few of them-- which maybe that made them more special??? idk I loved them), which was actually less a POV and more like Xander narrating some of the history that had formed him into the person he is when he meets Gwen.
But on top of being an amazing contemporary romance, all the side characters and parental-esque relationships were SO GOOD too. Julie Soto is so good at establishing these complicated relationships and really making the reader feel all the heartache and love that exist in these intricate bonds. And all the friends??? MORE PLEASE.
This will definitely be a book I reread and get on audiobook to experience it in that way. I have hopes that this audiobook will by like All the Right Notes by Dominic Lim, where it'll have music interwoven with the story. ALSO: I would love we got more stories from wide cast of characters (MEI? JACOB? ...DIANE????).
(apologies for this unhinged review) (but also you're welcome) (PLEASE ADD TO TBR/REQUEST FROM LIBRARY/PREORDER)
A MILLION THANK YOUS TO FOREVER FOR THIS ARC!!!
If you couldn't tell-- I loved it. This book was so good and gave me everything I didn't even know I wanted??? The tension, the banter, the FUCKING JOKES???? THE COTTON-EYED JOE REFERENCE??? PLEASE??? Gwen and Xander are both such great and complex characters and I loved them apart and together. I loved the Xander POVs (even though we got so few of them-- which maybe that made them more special??? idk I loved them), which was actually less a POV and more like Xander narrating some of the history that had formed him into the person he is when he meets Gwen.
But on top of being an amazing contemporary romance, all the side characters and parental-esque relationships were SO GOOD too. Julie Soto is so good at establishing these complicated relationships and really making the reader feel all the heartache and love that exist in these intricate bonds. And all the friends??? MORE PLEASE.
This will definitely be a book I reread and get on audiobook to experience it in that way. I have hopes that this audiobook will by like All the Right Notes by Dominic Lim, where it'll have music interwoven with the story. ALSO: I would love we got more stories from wide cast of characters (MEI? JACOB? ...DIANE????).
(apologies for this unhinged review) (but also you're welcome) (PLEASE ADD TO TBR/REQUEST FROM LIBRARY/PREORDER)
A MILLION THANK YOUS TO FOREVER FOR THIS ARC!!!
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-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
4.5
first off- this title????? ugh so good. I went into this book knowing next to nothing (which is not unusual for me), and this reading experience was so far from anything that I could imagine (in a great way).
I went back and forth between audiobook and eyeball reading (which is something I really like to do when I’m really enjoying a book) and I really loved reading the writing, but the audiobook was great too! I love when a narrator has distinct voices and intonations for each character, and Bahni Turpin definitely did that!!!
this book was so messy, and I loved it (-insert ‘I love mess’ gif-). Feyi was such a great main character, because even as things got messier and messier we see that she is super self-aware but simply cannot help but go down this chaos path. Feyi’s journey with grief felt so raw and authentic-- the way that small things or moments will trigger an old memory and have you deep in grief quickly.
All the characters felt so real to me. Feyi’s relationship with Joy was one of my favorite parts of this book. Their banter was so good, and I wish we got more of it!!
I found the romance surprisingly tender, but also...MESSY.
I really liked how this book dealt with the fallout of the choices of Feyi and Alim. It felt so complicated (as it should lol) and not easy and I think gave a lot of weight to what they were feeling about each other. I do wish we got more of what happened after everything went down.
ALSO I’m so glad Nasir was not endgame in this book, he made me uncomfortable from the get and when he reacted at the end I was not surprised. I’m not saying that he didn’t have a right to be furious, but I feel like he was really “nice-guy”-ing it from the beginning and I just did not have good vibes from him.
The last interaction between Nasir and Feyi was almost too real for me. As someone who has been on the receiving end of a man feeling entitled to me, this scene sent me straight back to those moments. Back then I could not put into words or even fully grasp the fact that someone actually felt like they owned me, so Feyi’s response was healing to read (quote below):
“You have no ‘right’ to me, we weren’t together, we weren’t even exclusive. You’re not entitled to fuck me just because you were a decent human being and went along when I wasn’t ready to be intimate with you, or be mad because I ended up fucking someone else. You don’t get points for waiting for me. I didn’t use you, I didn’t lead you on. I went as far as I felt comfortable, and I stopped there.”
ALSO I’m so glad Nasir was not endgame in this book, he made me uncomfortable from the get and when he reacted at the end I was not surprised. I’m not saying that he didn’t have a right to be furious, but I feel like he was really “nice-guy”-ing it from the beginning and I just did not have good vibes from him.
The last interaction between Nasir and Feyi was almost too real for me. As someone who has been on the receiving end of a man feeling entitled to me, this scene sent me straight back to those moments. Back then I could not put into words or even fully grasp the fact that someone actually felt like they owned me, so Feyi’s response was healing to read (quote below):
“You have no ‘right’ to me, we weren’t together, we weren’t even exclusive. You’re not entitled to fuck me just because you were a decent human being and went along when I wasn’t ready to be intimate with you, or be mad because I ended up fucking someone else. You don’t get points for waiting for me. I didn’t use you, I didn’t lead you on. I went as far as I felt comfortable, and I stopped there.”
The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book has such a good premise: astronaut and event planner + fake dating + grumpy/sunshine vibes. Cute, right???
I really liked Amerie as our main character, but I think my issue comes with we don't know enough about Vincent or what he's thinking. I really felt the distance that Vincent put between him and Amerie due to his past, but I never felt that he grew from that. We don't get enough meaningful interaction or tension or banter between these two, so when the romance finally happens it didn't feel believable. It somehow almost feels very insta-love, even though it comes so late in the book?
I did love Amerie and Gina's dynamic and would love a story about her and Mack! And I also loved the dynamics in Vincent's family between him and his sisters!
I liked the writing in general, I just think that I was missing something to really hook me with this book (like banter! tension! anything!) and I think pacing was also a little off. Overall an enjoyable read though, just didn't give me all of what I wanted! A promising debut, and I'd definitely try another book by this author.
3.5 for me!
I really liked Amerie as our main character, but I think my issue comes with we don't know enough about Vincent or what he's thinking. I really felt the distance that Vincent put between him and Amerie due to his past, but I never felt that he grew from that. We don't get enough meaningful interaction or tension or banter between these two, so when the romance finally happens it didn't feel believable. It somehow almost feels very insta-love, even though it comes so late in the book?
I did love Amerie and Gina's dynamic and would love a story about her and Mack! And I also loved the dynamics in Vincent's family between him and his sisters!
I liked the writing in general, I just think that I was missing something to really hook me with this book (like banter! tension! anything!) and I think pacing was also a little off. Overall an enjoyable read though, just didn't give me all of what I wanted! A promising debut, and I'd definitely try another book by this author.
3.5 for me!
Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander
funny
informative
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
4.0
*mild spoilers ahead*
First of all, I LOVE FOOD. So this book was such a fun read in that aspect. I am a casual baker, and I definitely have gone down a Bon Appétit rabbit hole once or twice (or more...) times, so this book felt like a really cool, behind-the-scenes look at what *could* be going on in a test kitchen.
I found our main character, Simone, really annoying, but also really relatable. I really liked the way that TJ Alexander showed how even if you’re heart is in the “right place” and you’re trying to be a good ally- you can still be causing harm. There is also a conversation about emotional labor, and how exhausting it can be to be expected to educate people on your existence over and over. I think both of these topics are super important, and are things that cis people take for granted in our heteronormative world.
The romance bit of this was so sweet, and I love a slowburn/pining/grumpy x sunshine/idiots-to-lovers arc. I honestly just wanted more after this ended, and I wish we got more Ray/Simone banter!!!
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley has been on my TBR forrrrrever, and I’m so glad to finally have gotten to it! I loved this book, and it made me feel so many things, my most vivid emotions were: rage, heartbreak, and hope. Daunis’ love and respect for her Ojibwe heritage is entrenched in every page of this book, and I loved reading about their traditions and community. I loved how she was intent on keeping traditions and carrying on her elders' knowledge with her. I thought this book did a great job of delving into serious issues, like violence against Indigenous women and how not everyone is able to get justice in the current legal system. I did enjoy the mystery bit of this book, and watching Daunis get closer and closer to the truth had me holding my breath at some points.
Also! The narrator was so good!!! I loved listening to this book, and I highly recommend this as an audiobook.