playlistbyluna's reviews
56 reviews

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

2.5

I'm scammed. I thought I was reading a paranormal book but instead I read a teen romance. There was an element of paranormal but not enough to actually advertise it as a ya paranormal book with a SIDE of romance.

I know the 2.5 ⭐is harsh and you'll probably think "oh it's because of the whole branding thing". It's in fact not because of the whole branding thing. This book is so confusing, and not in a fun way. I like confusing books that make you think, for example Bunny by Mona Awad. This went from one thing to another then forgetting about the whole plot and then back to thing one.

Also the characters are so flat and boring. Instead of having different traits they're all just there. They don't feel like real people. I couldn't connect with them.

In conclusion; I did not like or enjoy reading this book and if you think "oh this looks like a nice paranormal book, I want to read that!", don't waste your time or money because you will be disappointed.

Unwillfully Wed to My Valentine: A Sweet Enemies to Lovers Romcom by Camilla Evergreen

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

"Why are you so desperate for a wife?
Don't you have hundreds of women throwing themselves at you daily?"
His hand reaches, cups my chin, and reels me in. "I might. But not a single one of them is as precious to me as you are. And not a single one of them is bound to me via signature beside a red sauce stain."

Before I begin I want to thank the author, Camilla Evergreen, for giving me this ARC.

This was the CUTEST book and I had so much fun reading this. I really liked the characters and all the little details. One of my favorite things, beside the fact that I really loved that Liam was such a cutie, was the inside behind the process of publishing a book. I never really thought about all the work, research, and marketing when you're publishing a book.
Amber was so relatable and her thoughts were so funny That means he's grass-fed, I'm going to use that to insult people.

I recommend this to anyone and everyone looking for a feel good, cozy , lighthearted romcom for Valentine!!

༻Tropes༺
✧ reverse grumpy x sunshine
✧ marriage pact 
✧ childhood frenemies
✧ author x billionaire 
✧ forced proximity 

All the Things I Cannot Say by Sab

challenging emotional 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

"They all end with a feeling of hope. I like that, you know? You get this sense that they're going to be okay, despite all the crap they've been through."

Before I begin I want to thank the author, Sab Ay, for giving me this ARC.

This is a beautiful story and I loved every second of it. Every single detail is so well thought out and I'm in love with how everything is written. I want to read every single book that's mentioned and listen to every single song.

The best thing about this book is obviously the characters. None of them were flat or just there. No, every character had a certain amount of depth. The whole time it felt like I was in the MC's, Logan, head (what probably the intention was).I really liked how OCD is portrayed here and how realistic it feels. 

I cried at the end. There I said it. This book is just so relatetabel, even if you don't have OCD. It was sad in a way that's relatable. 

In conclusion, I really loved this book and I would definitely recommend it. 

༻Tropes༺
✧ mental health rep
✧ childhood friends to enemies to lovers 
✧ being know is being loved 
✧ forced proximity 
✧ he knows how to ball, she knows Aristotle 

Pucking Obsessed : A Darkish College Romance by London Snow

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

The outcome I want is certain. Madison Caldwell is going to become Mrs. Madison Lockwood. Not today or tomorrow, but eventually, and it'll be because she wants to be my wife.

Before I begin I want to thank the author, London Snow, for this arc. 

This was okay. It's nothing ground breaking. I was entertained but that's it. Mabey I went in with too high expectations, but I don't regret reading this. I just think it was a little bit rushed and I would've liked to see more of the character dynamics and the back stories. 

I really isn't my intention to sound harsh, I would still recommend this to someone. 
I really liked the plot and I really want to see more of Winter's story. Also I need more info about Tristans cousin, he seems a bit unhinged. In a good way. 
I definitely will be reading the next books. 

༻Tropes༺
✧ Dark College Hockey Romance
✧ He falls first
✧ Touch her/ look at/ breathe near her and literally die
✧ Unhinged/ obsessive/ possessive MMC
✧ Only soft for her
✧ Obsessed At First Sight

Bar Down by Stef C.R.

challenging emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I've fallen in and out of love with you more times than I can count

This book is a fun and lighthearted read that's perfect for if you don't want to read something super complicated and just want to relax. It's not going to change your life, but I really liked it.

Eli and Ash are like the best characters. They're full of angst, self doubt, and conflicting emotions but they're also very loving, selfless, and adoring. Also whe love a man that goes to therapy. 

If you're a fan of:
MM hockey romance, 
Friends with benefits, 
Best friends to lovers, 
Second chance, 
Forced proximity, 
Only one bed.

Curses of Lavender by Isabella Stofka, Isabella Stofka

adventurous challenging medium-paced

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

4.0

Before I begin this review I want to thank the incredible author, Isabella Stofka, for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

For all the girls who may not feel like confident badasses all the time...
You can still be the hero of your own story.

This is a "fairy tale" inspired story that follows the fmc, Thicket, a girl who has been struggling with vivid dreams, anxiety,  loneliness, and feels like an outsider in her life. I'm really curious how her journey will continue. 

I really enjoyed the way the characters were written in this book. They felt so real and relatable, like people I could actually know. I especially liked Thicket and

Alouette

With Ticket it was because I really could relate with her feelings around loneliness, anxiety, and feeling like an outsider. 

But what really blew me away was the world-building. Stofka creates a rich and detailed world that feels completely believable. Her world, with its unique culture and traditions, is a fascinating place to explore. And the magic system, with its intricate rules and limitations, is both fascinating as it's different from anything I've seen before. 

I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to you if you like fairy tale retellings and books about powerful mc. 

ps. I'm 100% team Marcel!!!! 

ps. 2 if you read this and want to read something similar read long live evil by sarah rees brennan. It gives me similar vibes. 

The muse of missing pieces by Thea Hawthorne

inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-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? Yes

4.5

"perhaps, but there's a layer of facades, isn't there? You aren't telling your own story if you've been getting distracted telling someone else's"

This was a short, cute read and I'm carving for more. I normally don't really read novella's but I really enjoyed this one. The world building, description, and the plot were definitely the star of the book.
And I'll definitely be on the look out for more from this author.

ps. The acknowledgement!!!!!! The piece she wrote to her partner was absolutely heart melting.

I hope your tea is always the perfect temperature, and you never lose a biscuit when you dip it

Falling: A Fake Dating College Hockey Romance by Janisha Boswell

challenging funny inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

" I've never been in love, but the more time I spend with you, the more time I spend getting to know you, the more I feel like you're going to be my first and only love"

Falling is a heartwarming and engaging romance novel. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot will keep you hooked from beginning to end. The writing is beautiful and keeps you engaged, she has a real talent for creating realistic and believable relationships.

"She feels like this special secret that has been hiding in plain sight this whole time."

Wren, oh my God I love her. She's amazing, talented, smart, determined and even though she has moments where she doesn't really feel like much she keeps trying. I admire her strength and resilience. But sometimes I just want to wrap her up in a fluffy blanket and tell her it's all going to be alright.

"He loves a lot, and he loves hard. He always has, and he always will. Sometimes, he can't let go of things and he latches on. It consumes him"

MILESSSSS. This man got me giggling qnd kicking my feet in the air, rolling in my bed, squealing and blushing. He's obsessed and he KNOWS it. He had a terrible time and was mourning his best friend but he still saw the good in life. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels. It is a perfect read for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han.
If you're looking for a feel-good read that will stay with you long after you finish it, then Falling is the perfect book for you.

Bunny by Mona Awad

3.75

"I guess sometimes you can just go too far. And you know, when you go too far, not even your friends can bring you back."

Personally, I loved this book. I loved how pretentious it was, I loved how much it reminded me of heathers, and I liked how confusing it could be.

I do however expected more of it because of the 'hype' there was around it. 

I basically was like" wtf bunny 🐰" the whole time I was reading this. This book feels like a fever dream. 

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

4.0

I'm not looking for a prince charming. I'm looking for someone who can handle my crazy family and make me laugh until my sides hurt.

10 Blind Dates is a fun and lighthearted read with a heartwarming message about family and finding your own happiness. Although the dates are often awkward and hilarious, Sophie learns a lot about herself and what she wants in life.

Sophie's family sets her up for disaster with these blind dates, but it's hilarious watching her navigate all the awkwardness. There are some seriously cringeworthy moments, but also some really sweet ones. It's got that perfect feel-good ending that you want in a rom-com.