noisydeadlines's reviews
665 reviews

Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas

emotional inspiring fast-paced

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

5.0

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.

I was reading it for a bookclub (Vida Organizada) but I lost interest in it. I want to read other books at the moment.

Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness by Pooja Lakshmin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

I can never stick to audio books. But also this one wasn't bringing me new information, most of the topics discussed was not relevant to me right now.

Five Minds by Guy Morpuss

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

It's a bizarre and surreal concept: 5 minds sharing one body. Because of Earth's overpopulation, everybody at 17 years old have to choose between 5 options: play hard and die at 42, work all your life and drop down dead at some point, have your mind transported to an android body and die at 80, or become par of a commune, 5 minds sharing one body, each mind being awake for 4 hours a day.  I don't think we get a good explanation of how the world got to that point with this options being applied to everybody. In order to gain more years to live, the characters go to a Death Park, where they can play virtual reality games with other participants.
So the premise is intriguing, and there is a murder mystery that happens inside the Death Park. I thought the plot was interesting up until 40% of the book, but I missed more depth to the characters. The resolution of the murder mystery was underwhelming. The author is very obvious pointing us to a suspect along the way, while leaving the real killer somewhat hidden. We don't really get any clues of the killer's character and intentions while the plot develops, so it was a weak final plot twist. I didn't like the ending as well.

A Thief in the Nude by Olivia Waite

4.0

This was a short read with an interesting premise. Miss Hecuba Jones is trying to recover lost paintings (painted by her mother) by breaking into an earl's house. In the midst of her burglary she meets John Rushmore (the earl's brother) who is a disillusioned artist (painter). Of course they start an affair with conditions related to said lost paintings, and nudes. Mysteries are uncovered. I learned that Hecuba blue is a colour, and there are lovely dialogues about art and painting in this book.

The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne

adventurous emotional mysterious

5.0

It's hard to talk about this book without spoilers. It involves orphans, friendship, life hardships. love. It starts with a story of a girl and a boy building up a deep connection. Then we meet Farah, a widow who works for Scotland Yard (the only woman in the office) and Dorian, a powerful criminal who is never caught but has a good heart. There is a lot going on in this book, and I really enjoyed it! It's mysterious and emotional. Sometimes dark but sweet. The characters are strong and survived lots of challenges. Dorian is a traumatized adult, and we see him struggle with his traumas. The romance is slow burn and I was totally invested in it. Both of the main characters have secrets, and it's all revealed in the most interesting way. I want to read more into this series.

Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal

hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

This was an enjoyable read. It presents a more positive and healthy approach to productivity which I appreciated. Some scientific research results are presented in a light way, not going too deep, but delivering the concepts behind the strategies suggested by the author. I liked his ideas on how to add more fun elements to our work and mundane activities.

How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Such beautiful writing and fun banter. Phoebe is a teacher and she has a cat. She is a very independent woman with the dream to leave England and go to Africa on a mission. The Marquess Dryden is the most popular guy in the ton, dark and charming, and he sets fashion and trends. He's all the talk on the tabloids. I loved that the writing jumps between the two points of view seamlessly. There is a whole chapter building up to describe a single kiss that is so lovely! There are class differences conflicts and a slow burn romance. 

Shadowbound by Bec McMaster

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This book reminded of the Dresden Files but with more romance (and steam) and a female protagonist. It definitely scratched my itch for a sorcerer themed book. Ianthe and Rathbourne are both powerful magic users, they've met in the past and they have secrets and hidden lives. In the best enemies-to-lovers trope, they have to unite to fight against the demons and uncontrollable power threatening to destroy London. It's a good series starter and I was intrigued to see what happens in the next books.

Ravished by Amanda Quick
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.

I thought the romance was rushed and not convincing.  Something about the way the MC was throwing himself towards the heroine felt off. I think the book tries to portray consent, but I was not fully on board with it. It felt forced.