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plantbasedbride's reviews
189 reviews
The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Windsor Knot reads like a cozy classic whodunnit with the added intriguing characterization of the Queen and her personal relationships.
After a guest at Windsor castle dies in suspicious circumstances with the Queen under the same roof, MI5 takes an interest in the case. With her assistant, Rozie, doing the legwork, the Queen does some sleuthing of her own, subtly pointing investigators of a more official capacity in the right direction.
While there were undoubtedly many aspects of this story that I enjoyed, the ending was particularly poignant and Rozie was a fascinating character; I did find the solution to the puzzle slightly underwhelming.
I also must admit, some of my reticence when it comes to the enjoyment of this book is due to recent circumstances in the news with the vilifying of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry and the very recent death of Prince Philip. I suppose this is the risk you take in writing fiction featuring real, living people as protagonists.
Still, overall I enjoyed this story. I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was very well done. It was a quick listen that made me chuckle and tear up and was a lovely choice for a rainy afternoon!
Thank you to William Morrow and Harper Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
After a guest at Windsor castle dies in suspicious circumstances with the Queen under the same roof, MI5 takes an interest in the case. With her assistant, Rozie, doing the legwork, the Queen does some sleuthing of her own, subtly pointing investigators of a more official capacity in the right direction.
While there were undoubtedly many aspects of this story that I enjoyed, the ending was particularly poignant and Rozie was a fascinating character; I did find the solution to the puzzle slightly underwhelming.
I also must admit, some of my reticence when it comes to the enjoyment of this book is due to recent circumstances in the news with the vilifying of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry and the very recent death of Prince Philip. I suppose this is the risk you take in writing fiction featuring real, living people as protagonists.
Still, overall I enjoyed this story. I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was very well done. It was a quick listen that made me chuckle and tear up and was a lovely choice for a rainy afternoon!
Thank you to William Morrow and Harper Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, and Suicide
Sasha Masha by Agnes Borinsky
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Sasha Masha is a snapshot of a young person coming to terms with their identity. A story about how, without representation, education, and support, it can be difficult to find out who we truly are. A story about community and transformation. Vulnerable and honest and wholesome and lovely.
“I think we’ve each got a mystery inside of us... and as people our job is to respect that mystery... we’re all part of a whole big picture, and if we’re not doing our best to unfold the strange somethings inside of us, we’re not doing right by everybody else. If we’re not unfolding our hearts we’re holding them back, we’re flinching, and that’s how we hurt people. That’s how we make ourselves and the whole world smaller.”
This isn’t a perfect book, it’s a bit short and some of the characters are underdeveloped. There’s also the use of homophobic slurs by those within the community choosing to reclaim them which will likely be upsetting to some readers. Still, I think this book is worth the read. It’s a poignant slice-of-life own voices YA story about a teenager discovering they’re trans. And it’s the type of story we need to see more of.
Thank you to fierce reads and Libro.fm for providing an ALC of Sasha Masha.
“I think we’ve each got a mystery inside of us... and as people our job is to respect that mystery... we’re all part of a whole big picture, and if we’re not doing our best to unfold the strange somethings inside of us, we’re not doing right by everybody else. If we’re not unfolding our hearts we’re holding them back, we’re flinching, and that’s how we hurt people. That’s how we make ourselves and the whole world smaller.”
This isn’t a perfect book, it’s a bit short and some of the characters are underdeveloped. There’s also the use of homophobic slurs by those within the community choosing to reclaim them which will likely be upsetting to some readers. Still, I think this book is worth the read. It’s a poignant slice-of-life own voices YA story about a teenager discovering they’re trans. And it’s the type of story we need to see more of.
Thank you to fierce reads and Libro.fm for providing an ALC of Sasha Masha.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Homophobia
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
One of my favourite aspects of this series is how relatable I have found each Brown sister in her own way, and Eve was no different! In fact, I found myself literally sobbing more than once as her experiences with friendships and performing mirrored my own in a painful yet cathartic way.
The romance aspect here is a sweet rivals to friends to lovers story with quite a bit of steam and I enjoyed Eve’s relationship with her love interest. It was also quite lovely to get brief cameos from the elder two Brown sisters and their partners!
As always, I am deeply grateful to Hibbert for including trigger warnings at the beginning of the novel. I also appreciated the varied autistic representation and it seems own voices reviewers would agree, from what I have seen.
Overall, this was a solid finale to the series and quite enjoyable! I must admit I’m a bit sad it’s over.
Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC.
The romance aspect here is a sweet rivals to friends to lovers story with quite a bit of steam and I enjoyed Eve’s relationship with her love interest. It was also quite lovely to get brief cameos from the elder two Brown sisters and their partners!
As always, I am deeply grateful to Hibbert for including trigger warnings at the beginning of the novel. I also appreciated the varied autistic representation and it seems own voices reviewers would agree, from what I have seen.
Overall, this was a solid finale to the series and quite enjoyable! I must admit I’m a bit sad it’s over.
Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Ableism, and Car accident
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The Wife Upstairs was a simple and predictable thriller full of unlikeable characters without clear motivations. Unfortunately, the lack of a creepy atmosphere and a very convenient wrap-up left me unmoved.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Child abuse, Infidelity, Confinement, Violence, and Alcoholism
Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars: A Dangerous Trans Girl's Confabulous Memoir by Kai Cheng Thom
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-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? Yes
5.0
What an entrancing memoir, unlike anything I’ve ever read. Dark, imaginative, fast paced, thoughtful, and, in equal measure, harrowing and joyful, Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars explores the experience of a young Asian trans girl stepping into womanhood through a fantastical lens of colourful metaphor. A story of sisterhood and transformation.
Kai Cheng Thom has found a unique literary voice through which to share her lived experience, and I am endlessly grateful that she has chosen to share it with the world. Thom’s work is poetic yet blunt, dreamlike yet firmly rooted in reality.
“Little cocoon apartment, I love how you rattle and shake in the wind. You are mine like nothing has ever been before. Someday you'll tear open, and I'll fly out with the wings I have grown inside you. Still shimmering. Still wet.”
I highly recommend!
Kai Cheng Thom has found a unique literary voice through which to share her lived experience, and I am endlessly grateful that she has chosen to share it with the world. Thom’s work is poetic yet blunt, dreamlike yet firmly rooted in reality.
“Little cocoon apartment, I love how you rattle and shake in the wind. You are mine like nothing has ever been before. Someday you'll tear open, and I'll fly out with the wings I have grown inside you. Still shimmering. Still wet.”
I highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual assault, Death, and Medical content
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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
The Downstairs Girl absolutely blew me away with its heart, boldness, and defiance.
Set in 1890s Atlanta, The Downstairs Girl shines a light on the life of Jo Kuan, a 17-year-old Chinese American girl trying to find her way in a world that is doing its best to box her in. Working as a lady's maid to a vicious mistress in a grand house, Jo finds solace in evenings at home where she and Old Gin, the kind man who took her in as an infant, live like stowaways in the basement under a print house. While listening in on a conversation in the rooms above and learning that the newspaper that is printed there is at risk of folding, Jo hatches a brilliant plan to anonymously pen a rousing advice column under the pen name "Miss Sweetie" in an attempt to save both the paper and her home.
In a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, betrayal, and the true meaning of family, Stacey Lee weaves the tale of the incomparable Jo into the fabric of a society on the brink of a seismic shift. The suffragette movement and their exclusion of women of colour take centre stage as Miss Sweetie tears down misconceptions of race and gender one witty and neoteric column at a time.
I adored Jo and that the focus of this story was on her goals and love of found family over a romantic relationship. Even the secondary characters were well-developed and vibrant, and the pacing felt just right. I couldn't put this one down and finished it in a single afternoon, crossing the finish line with tears in my eyes and my heartstrings thoroughly pulled.
I couldn't recommend this novel more. Please read it!
Set in 1890s Atlanta, The Downstairs Girl shines a light on the life of Jo Kuan, a 17-year-old Chinese American girl trying to find her way in a world that is doing its best to box her in. Working as a lady's maid to a vicious mistress in a grand house, Jo finds solace in evenings at home where she and Old Gin, the kind man who took her in as an infant, live like stowaways in the basement under a print house. While listening in on a conversation in the rooms above and learning that the newspaper that is printed there is at risk of folding, Jo hatches a brilliant plan to anonymously pen a rousing advice column under the pen name "Miss Sweetie" in an attempt to save both the paper and her home.
In a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, betrayal, and the true meaning of family, Stacey Lee weaves the tale of the incomparable Jo into the fabric of a society on the brink of a seismic shift. The suffragette movement and their exclusion of women of colour take centre stage as Miss Sweetie tears down misconceptions of race and gender one witty and neoteric column at a time.
I adored Jo and that the focus of this story was on her goals and love of found family over a romantic relationship. Even the secondary characters were well-developed and vibrant, and the pacing felt just right. I couldn't put this one down and finished it in a single afternoon, crossing the finish line with tears in my eyes and my heartstrings thoroughly pulled.
I couldn't recommend this novel more. Please read it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, Violence, Infidelity, and Sexism
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
“The thing about mental health was, you couldn’t take a course of antibiotics and be magically healed. Some people’s brains just thought too much or felt too much or hurt too much, and you had to stay on top of that.”
Take a Hint, Dani Brown is the second contemporary romance novel in the Brown Sisters trilogy by Talia Hibbert... and I loved it!
This sequel focuses on Danika Brown, a Black bisexual Wiccan working on her PhD, and Zafir Ansari, an agnostic Muslim former professional rugby player turned security guard with anxiety and trauma stemming from the tragic loss of his father and brother in a fatal car accident. What begins as a fake dating agreement for the benefit of Zaf’s passion project, a non-profit that focuses on combatting toxic masculinity among boys through Rugby, quickly turns into a steamy friends with benefits situationship. (And when I say steamy, I mean VERY steamy.)
In an absolutely shocking twist of fate which will likely surprise no one, feelings develop on both sides, a misunderstanding occurs, and a happily ever after is guaranteed.
As formulaic as this book is, it has wonderful character development, complex representation, and a whole lot of heart. I adored that Zaf fell in love with Dani’s brain as much as her beauty, and both of their realizations that they are not only capable of love but wholly worthy of it.
I was also ecstatic to see content warnings at the beginning of the novel. Publishers take note!
If you haven’t dipped your toe in this trilogy yet, what are you waiting for?
Take a Hint, Dani Brown is the second contemporary romance novel in the Brown Sisters trilogy by Talia Hibbert... and I loved it!
This sequel focuses on Danika Brown, a Black bisexual Wiccan working on her PhD, and Zafir Ansari, an agnostic Muslim former professional rugby player turned security guard with anxiety and trauma stemming from the tragic loss of his father and brother in a fatal car accident. What begins as a fake dating agreement for the benefit of Zaf’s passion project, a non-profit that focuses on combatting toxic masculinity among boys through Rugby, quickly turns into a steamy friends with benefits situationship. (And when I say steamy, I mean VERY steamy.)
In an absolutely shocking twist of fate which will likely surprise no one, feelings develop on both sides, a misunderstanding occurs, and a happily ever after is guaranteed.
As formulaic as this book is, it has wonderful character development, complex representation, and a whole lot of heart. I adored that Zaf fell in love with Dani’s brain as much as her beauty, and both of their realizations that they are not only capable of love but wholly worthy of it.
I was also ecstatic to see content warnings at the beginning of the novel. Publishers take note!
If you haven’t dipped your toe in this trilogy yet, what are you waiting for?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Panic attacks/disorders
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Evelina Maxwell's Winter's Orbit absolutely blew me away with its intricate world-building, complex political structure, layered characters, and twists and turns. I adore Sci-Fi as a genre, and this story slots right in with some of my all-time favourites!
Winter's Orbit begins with the revelation that our protagonist, Prince Kiem, has been promised to widower Jainan in an arranged political marriage to maintain relations between worlds in the grand Iskat Empire. Kiem, an unlikely choice for a diplomatic position due to his frivolous lifestyle, struggles to come to terms with the drastic shift in his circumstances and to connect with his closed-off new husband. But when it becomes clear that Jainan's late partner, Prince Taam, was the victim of a murder of which Jainan himself is suspected, Kiem and Jainan must find a way to trust each other and to protect the security of their respective worlds and the entire Iskat Empire.
I loved the inclusion of various gender identities in this novel and the clever ways gender was identified between cultures. The gender inclusivity of this story, as well as the central relationship between two men, created a solid foundation of much-needed LGBTQIA+ representation in the Sci-Fi genre.
Maxwell put a lot of thought into how the various worlds in the Empire function and relate to each other, and that detail added so much nuance to this story. Traditional dress was referenced throughout and painted a vivid picture of this vast and culturally diverse empire of planets.
While there was much to love about this story, not the least of which being the auditor's disquieting presence as he holds the empire's future in his fist and an intriguing murder mystery, my favourite element, without a doubt, was the slow-burn romance between Kiem and Jainan. Jainan, a reserved man and abuse survivor, is slow to trust, and Kiem, a former playboy, struggles to find the sensitivity and vulnerability required to build a bridge. The gradual development of a deep connection between them was an absolute joy to read and left my heart so full.
I cannot recommend Winter's Orbit enough to my fellow lovers of the Sci-Fi genre. I can't wait to read what Evelina Maxwell writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley for proving an eARC for review. All opinions are my own!
Winter's Orbit begins with the revelation that our protagonist, Prince Kiem, has been promised to widower Jainan in an arranged political marriage to maintain relations between worlds in the grand Iskat Empire. Kiem, an unlikely choice for a diplomatic position due to his frivolous lifestyle, struggles to come to terms with the drastic shift in his circumstances and to connect with his closed-off new husband. But when it becomes clear that Jainan's late partner, Prince Taam, was the victim of a murder of which Jainan himself is suspected, Kiem and Jainan must find a way to trust each other and to protect the security of their respective worlds and the entire Iskat Empire.
I loved the inclusion of various gender identities in this novel and the clever ways gender was identified between cultures. The gender inclusivity of this story, as well as the central relationship between two men, created a solid foundation of much-needed LGBTQIA+ representation in the Sci-Fi genre.
Maxwell put a lot of thought into how the various worlds in the Empire function and relate to each other, and that detail added so much nuance to this story. Traditional dress was referenced throughout and painted a vivid picture of this vast and culturally diverse empire of planets.
While there was much to love about this story, not the least of which being the auditor's disquieting presence as he holds the empire's future in his fist and an intriguing murder mystery, my favourite element, without a doubt, was the slow-burn romance between Kiem and Jainan. Jainan, a reserved man and abuse survivor, is slow to trust, and Kiem, a former playboy, struggles to find the sensitivity and vulnerability required to build a bridge. The gradual development of a deep connection between them was an absolute joy to read and left my heart so full.
I cannot recommend Winter's Orbit enough to my fellow lovers of the Sci-Fi genre. I can't wait to read what Evelina Maxwell writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley for proving an eARC for review. All opinions are my own!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Death and Torture
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Good Sister is an exciting page-turner with an eerie vibe. While a bit predictable, the novel is well written with excellent character development - especially when it comes to our protagonist, Fern, who lives with a sensory processing disorder and works as a librarian. Fern is one of the most complex, engaging, and loveable protagonists I've read about in recent years, and I loved spending this book with her.
I don't want to share too much and risk spoiling this twisty, stay-up-all-night-frantically-turning-pages thriller, so I'll end by saying, simply, pick this one up if you're in the mood for a dark mystery that is also, somehow, incredibly endearing!
I don't want to share too much and risk spoiling this twisty, stay-up-all-night-frantically-turning-pages thriller, so I'll end by saying, simply, pick this one up if you're in the mood for a dark mystery that is also, somehow, incredibly endearing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Fatphobia, Emotional abuse, Death, and Sexual assault
Home by Nnedi Okorafor
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The second installment of the Binti series brought some exciting ideas to the table but ultimately left me wanting more.
Binti is returning home to her small, insular community on Earth after the explosive events of the first book. She is dealing with PTSD from the traumatic events she witnessed, and I appreciated the way Okorafor represented therapy in a positive light as well as allowing a protagonist to suffer mental trauma in ways that fictional characters often don’t (while real human beings certainly would if placed in many of these fictional circumstances). Binti is shown to be experiencing panic attacks as well as having developed coping mechanisms with the guidance of her therapist, which was representation I very much appreciated as someone who suffers from panic attacks myself.
Home is quite slow for the first two-thirds or so, and I found it difficult to get into. The plot of the second book simply wasn’t as engaging as the first, though some of the character development and dynamics had potential. I was particularly drawn to Binti’s family’s dynamics, as well as the Zinariya and their culture.
The final third of the novella was by far the most intriguing, and I can only hope the next book in the series will continue in that vein!
Binti is returning home to her small, insular community on Earth after the explosive events of the first book. She is dealing with PTSD from the traumatic events she witnessed, and I appreciated the way Okorafor represented therapy in a positive light as well as allowing a protagonist to suffer mental trauma in ways that fictional characters often don’t (while real human beings certainly would if placed in many of these fictional circumstances). Binti is shown to be experiencing panic attacks as well as having developed coping mechanisms with the guidance of her therapist, which was representation I very much appreciated as someone who suffers from panic attacks myself.
Home is quite slow for the first two-thirds or so, and I found it difficult to get into. The plot of the second book simply wasn’t as engaging as the first, though some of the character development and dynamics had potential. I was particularly drawn to Binti’s family’s dynamics, as well as the Zinariya and their culture.
The final third of the novella was by far the most intriguing, and I can only hope the next book in the series will continue in that vein!