Scan barcode
paigesonpages's reviews
261 reviews
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
It took me way too long to read this one, and Iβm so glad I finally picked it up. Maiaβs story is both inspirational and down-to-earth. Stories like this need to be shared with the world, not banned by closed-minded people. Recommending this memoir to everyone I know!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
It took me way too long to read this one, and Iβm so glad I finally picked it up. Maiaβs story is both inspirational and down-to-earth. Stories like this need to be shared with the world, not banned by closed-minded people. Recommending this memoir to everyone I know!
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
4.0
The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the complimentary physical and audio copies of ππ‘π πππ°ππ₯ π¨π ππ‘π ππ¬π₯π!
Do you ever have a book that sits on your shelves for weeks, and when you finally pick it up, you think, βwhat took me so long?!β ππ‘π πππ°ππ₯ π¨π ππ‘π ππ¬π₯π by Kerry Rea is truly a diamond in the rough, because it was one of those books for me!
Read if you π:
β’π Opposites Attract
β’ π Indiana Jones-style antics
β’ π§ββοΈ Characters pushed out of their comfort zone
β’ β΄οΈ Himbos who would jump a pier for you
Iβll admit, Iβm not one to usually collect βbook boyfriendsβ, but if I did, Ryder Fleet would easily be in my top three. Heβs a complete himbo, and despite barely knowing Emily, heβs ready to drop everything for her! Itβs definitely a βHe Falls Firstβ moment, which Iβm all about.
Another favorite aspect of this novel for me was the banter! Itβs like βIndiana Jonesβ meets βNew Girlβ, with dramatic moments that are followed by lines so funny I had to pause the audiobook to get my giggles out. The narrators, Andrew Eiden and Emily Lawrence, deserve major credit for this as they bring every character to life and nail both the humor and the heavier moments, like when Emily and Ryder share about their recently deceased family members.
The only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars is that the spicier scenes felt a bit out of place at times. It was almost as if another author wrote them, because the phrasing didnβt feel cohesive with the rest of the book. Thereβs not too many of these moments, though, so I found them very easy to get through in order to move on to the real fun!
If youβre looking for an action-packed romance with tons of laughter and heart, be sure to grab a copy of ππ‘π πππ°ππ₯ π¨π ππ‘π ππ¬π₯π at your favorite local bookstore or wherever audiobooks are sold.
Do you ever have a book that sits on your shelves for weeks, and when you finally pick it up, you think, βwhat took me so long?!β ππ‘π πππ°ππ₯ π¨π ππ‘π ππ¬π₯π by Kerry Rea is truly a diamond in the rough, because it was one of those books for me!
Read if you π:
β’π Opposites Attract
β’ π Indiana Jones-style antics
β’ π§ββοΈ Characters pushed out of their comfort zone
β’ β΄οΈ Himbos who would jump a pier for you
Iβll admit, Iβm not one to usually collect βbook boyfriendsβ, but if I did, Ryder Fleet would easily be in my top three. Heβs a complete himbo, and despite barely knowing Emily, heβs ready to drop everything for her! Itβs definitely a βHe Falls Firstβ moment, which Iβm all about.
Another favorite aspect of this novel for me was the banter! Itβs like βIndiana Jonesβ meets βNew Girlβ, with dramatic moments that are followed by lines so funny I had to pause the audiobook to get my giggles out. The narrators, Andrew Eiden and Emily Lawrence, deserve major credit for this as they bring every character to life and nail both the humor and the heavier moments, like when Emily and Ryder share about their recently deceased family members.
The only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars is that the spicier scenes felt a bit out of place at times. It was almost as if another author wrote them, because the phrasing didnβt feel cohesive with the rest of the book. Thereβs not too many of these moments, though, so I found them very easy to get through in order to move on to the real fun!
If youβre looking for an action-packed romance with tons of laughter and heart, be sure to grab a copy of ππ‘π πππ°ππ₯ π¨π ππ‘π ππ¬π₯π at your favorite local bookstore or wherever audiobooks are sold.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Grief
Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is my first Sally Thorne read and I loved it! Thereβs so much mystery and humor packed into this short romance. I was rooting for them both the whole time! Donβt read this if youβre claustrophobic though.
The Wind on Her Tongue: A Novel by Anita Kopacz
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Happy Release Day to The Wind on Her Tongue by Anita Kopacz! Thank you to Atria Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
The long-awaited companion to Shallow Waters is a reimagining of the Yoruban deity Oya. While this book looks like a quick read, it does focus on heavier themes such as racial violence and miscarriage. While I was expecting the first one, I was surprised by the second as it does not mention it in the book summary. Readers who are aware of the folklore behind the book may be aware in advance, but those who are jumping in with little to no background may be caught off-guard. Despite the content, I was fully engrossed in the story and people Oya meets throughout her journey and didn't even notice when I was on the last page.
If you enjoy diverse stories about persevering through lifeβs darkest storms, be sure to add this one to your TBR!
The long-awaited companion to Shallow Waters is a reimagining of the Yoruban deity Oya. While this book looks like a quick read, it does focus on heavier themes such as racial violence and miscarriage. While I was expecting the first one, I was surprised by the second as it does not mention it in the book summary. Readers who are aware of the folklore behind the book may be aware in advance, but those who are jumping in with little to no background may be caught off-guard. Despite the content, I was fully engrossed in the story and people Oya meets throughout her journey and didn't even notice when I was on the last page.
If you enjoy diverse stories about persevering through lifeβs darkest storms, be sure to add this one to your TBR!
Diary of a Fairy Godmother by EsmΓ© Raji Codell, Drazen Kozjan
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
dark
emotional
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
3.0
This had a lot of things I like in a book, but the author broke one of my biggest rules: donβt kill the dog- or in this case- donβt make me think the dog is dead for 100 PAGES. Ruined the whole rest of the book for me.
Also, I loved the Jewish representation, but I do think Chani needs better taste in men.
Also, I loved the Jewish representation, but I do think Chani needs better taste in men.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Minor: Animal death
The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
π πππ₯πππ¬π ππππ€ πππ―π’ππ° π
A big thank you to Avon Books for sending an early copy of ππ‘π ππ§-ππππ°πππ§ ππ¨π¨π€π¬ππ¨π«π, by Edward Underhill!
Iβm so excited to celebrate the release week of Underhillβs newest book! His writing always tugs at my heartstrings, and ππ‘π ππ§-ππππ°πππ§ ππ¨π¨π€π¬ππ¨π«π is no exception.
Read if you π©·:
β’β¨ Magical Realism
β’π€ Second-Chance Friendships
β’π LGBTQIA+ Representation
β’πΆ Family Dogs with Outrageous Names
I found myself really relating to Darby throughout this whole book! It could be the similarities as former New Yorkers, share the experience of growing up to hate our hometowns a little bit less, or because we both realized after high school that weβre βa little differentβ. Ultimately, though, itβs thanks to Underhillβs mastery of first-person narratives. He never lets you forget that while these stories are fiction, the emotions and experiences are all too real. Whether youβre Transgender or not, we all face similar journeys.
Okayβ¦ maybe not the βgoing back in time to talk to your past self and repair your close friendshipβ part. But honestly, if I had the chance, I would probably do the same thing!
I hope this book finds its way to those who need the reminder that no matter where or how you choose to live your life, your true community will always be there for you. π
ππ‘π ππ§-ππππ°πππ§ ππ¨π¨π€π¬ππ¨π«π comes out tomorrow, January 14th! Be sure to grab a copy at your favorite local bookstore.
A big thank you to Avon Books for sending an early copy of ππ‘π ππ§-ππππ°πππ§ ππ¨π¨π€π¬ππ¨π«π, by Edward Underhill!
Iβm so excited to celebrate the release week of Underhillβs newest book! His writing always tugs at my heartstrings, and ππ‘π ππ§-ππππ°πππ§ ππ¨π¨π€π¬ππ¨π«π is no exception.
Read if you π©·:
β’β¨ Magical Realism
β’π€ Second-Chance Friendships
β’π LGBTQIA+ Representation
β’πΆ Family Dogs with Outrageous Names
I found myself really relating to Darby throughout this whole book! It could be the similarities as former New Yorkers, share the experience of growing up to hate our hometowns a little bit less, or because we both realized after high school that weβre βa little differentβ. Ultimately, though, itβs thanks to Underhillβs mastery of first-person narratives. He never lets you forget that while these stories are fiction, the emotions and experiences are all too real. Whether youβre Transgender or not, we all face similar journeys.
Okayβ¦ maybe not the βgoing back in time to talk to your past self and repair your close friendshipβ part. But honestly, if I had the chance, I would probably do the same thing!
I hope this book finds its way to those who need the reminder that no matter where or how you choose to live your life, your true community will always be there for you. π
ππ‘π ππ§-ππππ°πππ§ ππ¨π¨π€π¬ππ¨π«π comes out tomorrow, January 14th! Be sure to grab a copy at your favorite local bookstore.
The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thank you to Berkley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The classic βtrading placesβ trope never fails to amuse me, and βThe Wrong Lady Meets Lord Rightβ is no exception. Suzanne Allain is a master at creating lovable Regency characters. She also ensures her work is well-researched, incorporating authentic activities and locations from the era.
While I wish there had been fewer flowery musings and more focus on developing the relationship between Lord Brooke and Bella, as well as two of the supporting characters, the story itself is such a delight that I donβt mind sitting through two pages of narration without dialogue. However, be aware that this does make a seemingly short read feel slightly longer.
The classic βtrading placesβ trope never fails to amuse me, and βThe Wrong Lady Meets Lord Rightβ is no exception. Suzanne Allain is a master at creating lovable Regency characters. She also ensures her work is well-researched, incorporating authentic activities and locations from the era.
While I wish there had been fewer flowery musings and more focus on developing the relationship between Lord Brooke and Bella, as well as two of the supporting characters, the story itself is such a delight that I donβt mind sitting through two pages of narration without dialogue. However, be aware that this does make a seemingly short read feel slightly longer.