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readers_sea's reviews
375 reviews
Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
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? Yes
4.0
This was such a fun concept! This was also my first book from the author, so that was exciting.
I really enjoyed the banter between Max & Sophie! The whole premise of being objectors was also so different and added a lot of lightheartedness to the book. I liked how different their personalities were. While neither wanted a relationship, you could see how easy it was between them and that their chemistry was definitely there.
For a second, I thought that this book wasn't going to have a third-act breakup, and it was set up so nicely to not have one!! But of course - it did and I did not like it at all... I felt like it was just a cop-out to force the characters to speak about their feelings. I also felt like the third-act conflict made the ending seem rushed because there wasn't a whole lot left in the book, so the resolution came so quickly that the conflict seemed pointless to me.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and am interested in reading more from the author!
I really enjoyed the banter between Max & Sophie! The whole premise of being objectors was also so different and added a lot of lightheartedness to the book. I liked how different their personalities were. While neither wanted a relationship, you could see how easy it was between them and that their chemistry was definitely there.
For a second, I thought that this book wasn't going to have a third-act breakup, and it was set up so nicely to not have one!! But of course - it did and I did not like it at all... I felt like it was just a cop-out to force the characters to speak about their feelings. I also felt like the third-act conflict made the ending seem rushed because there wasn't a whole lot left in the book, so the resolution came so quickly that the conflict seemed pointless to me.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and am interested in reading more from the author!
Eleven Eleven by Micalea Smeltzer
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
AHHH LOVE REID AND VIA!!!
First thing, Reid is definitely not a 21-year-old boy. No way do they exist like that, but I guess that's why fictional men are always better. Second, I had a lot of mixed feelings on a lot of things and felt that the book could've been a bit shorter but I still really enjoyed it.
Okay, so this book follows Via after she gets divorced and moves across the country to a small town in Maine (i think it's Maine). She completely changes her life and career, but she is hopeful that she is where she was always meant to be. On her first week there, her sister convinces her to get dressed up and go out now that she is single, and although she is hesitant she does it anyway. Via doesn't expect anything to come out of this night until she locks eyes with Reid in a bar full of people as he is there celebrating his 21st birthday. One thing leads to another which leads to a one-night stand, where both characters did enjoy themselves but also never thought they would see each other ever again... even if deep down, they both wanted to.
Eventually, they do run into each other again and this time Reid doesn't let Via get away from him that easily. Time and time again he proves to her how much he wants to truly get to know her, that he is serious about her and wants more than a one-night stand.
I understood where Via was coming from. With their 11-year age gap and being recently divorced, Via is hesitant to pursue anything. She wants to focus on finding herself, but also can't deny the draw she has towards Reid. They start by getting to know each other and eventually can't help their feelings for each other.
Reid was basically perfect and wonderful. No faults from him and I miss him already.
The only reason this wasn't a 5-star for me was because of personal preferences. I don't like when books give into the stigma of "missing out" when you get married young - coming from someone who did get married young, so this is definitely biased. I also thought some parts were unnecessary and made the book longer than it needed to be but I will not specify to avoid spoilers. Lastly, I felt the promo of this book focused on things that weren't super relevant to the actual book so I was left waiting for some things that I felt were just brushed over when I expected for it to play a bigger part in the book.
Overall, I did love this book! It was so easy to read, even though it was on the longer side, I still found myself flying through it. I loved the characters and their growth throughout the book. Reid is perfect. I was rooting for them the whole time and I am also excited for the next book based on the little peek we already got.
First thing, Reid is definitely not a 21-year-old boy. No way do they exist like that, but I guess that's why fictional men are always better. Second, I had a lot of mixed feelings on a lot of things and felt that the book could've been a bit shorter but I still really enjoyed it.
Okay, so this book follows Via after she gets divorced and moves across the country to a small town in Maine (i think it's Maine). She completely changes her life and career, but she is hopeful that she is where she was always meant to be. On her first week there, her sister convinces her to get dressed up and go out now that she is single, and although she is hesitant she does it anyway. Via doesn't expect anything to come out of this night until she locks eyes with Reid in a bar full of people as he is there celebrating his 21st birthday. One thing leads to another which leads to a one-night stand, where both characters did enjoy themselves but also never thought they would see each other ever again... even if deep down, they both wanted to.
Eventually, they do run into each other again and this time Reid doesn't let Via get away from him that easily. Time and time again he proves to her how much he wants to truly get to know her, that he is serious about her and wants more than a one-night stand.
I understood where Via was coming from. With their 11-year age gap and being recently divorced, Via is hesitant to pursue anything. She wants to focus on finding herself, but also can't deny the draw she has towards Reid. They start by getting to know each other and eventually can't help their feelings for each other.
Reid was basically perfect and wonderful. No faults from him and I miss him already.
The only reason this wasn't a 5-star for me was because of personal preferences. I don't like when books give into the stigma of "missing out" when you get married young - coming from someone who did get married young, so this is definitely biased. I also thought some parts were unnecessary and made the book longer than it needed to be but I will not specify to avoid spoilers. Lastly, I felt the promo of this book focused on things that weren't super relevant to the actual book so I was left waiting for some things that I felt were just brushed over when I expected for it to play a bigger part in the book.
Overall, I did love this book! It was so easy to read, even though it was on the longer side, I still found myself flying through it. I loved the characters and their growth throughout the book. Reid is perfect. I was rooting for them the whole time and I am also excited for the next book based on the little peek we already got.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility and Sexual content
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Infidelity and Death of parent
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Exactly what I wanted... my entire heart and soul ripped from my body :)
This book... man, THIS BOOK!!!!
Where do I even start? What can I say?! Nothing will do this book justice. First off, I recommend going in absolute blind!!!! I did, and I felt like everything just hit harder because I had not a single clue about ANYTHING that was going to happen. Secondly, I think I may have just found a new favorite of all time book... I don't know how to move on from this. It hurt so much, but I want to read it all over again.
This book was everything. It had the romance to root for, the relationships you loved to watch grow, the pain of reality because life isn't perfect or easy, the sweet and heartwarming moments, the gut-wrenching sadness, and the addictiveness that made you want to keep reading it all day.
These characters will live in my heart forever and this book will officially live in my head rent-free. I loved every single thing about it. Every single page. That is all I can say because I don't want to say too much. Honestly, just please read it if you enjoy pain.
This book... man, THIS BOOK!!!!
Where do I even start? What can I say?! Nothing will do this book justice. First off, I recommend going in absolute blind!!!! I did, and I felt like everything just hit harder because I had not a single clue about ANYTHING that was going to happen. Secondly, I think I may have just found a new favorite of all time book... I don't know how to move on from this. It hurt so much, but I want to read it all over again.
This book was everything. It had the romance to root for, the relationships you loved to watch grow, the pain of reality because life isn't perfect or easy, the sweet and heartwarming moments, the gut-wrenching sadness, and the addictiveness that made you want to keep reading it all day.
These characters will live in my heart forever and this book will officially live in my head rent-free. I loved every single thing about it. Every single page. That is all I can say because I don't want to say too much. Honestly, just please read it if you enjoy pain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Cancer, and Child death
Moderate: Abandonment, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Work It Out by Eva Siedler
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I honestly couldn't say a lot about what didn't work for me... The characters were fine and the plot was okay but I found myself dragging myself through this book. Overall, it just felt a bit flat to me. I wish there was more to root for, but the circumstances just weren't super interesting to me.
I felt like the pacing was off and a bit all over the place. Sometimes the POVs were hard to follow, but it did have potential. There were a lot of funny moments and heartwarming interactions, but as a whole, I felt it was lacking.
I felt like the pacing was off and a bit all over the place. Sometimes the POVs were hard to follow, but it did have potential. There were a lot of funny moments and heartwarming interactions, but as a whole, I felt it was lacking.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
I fell in love with this book so quickly!
This book had everything! Mystery, a bit of romance, and adventure. When I first started it, I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I loved every minute of it.
Bryce was such an amazing lead and I loved getting to know Hunt as well. The side characters also added so much to the book! I felt like the pacing of the book was actually so well done. I was never bored or waiting for something. I think the balance between the mystery and romance/character plot was perfect. Both Bryce and Hunt had so much in their lives that they needed to work through, and I loved seeing them begin to trust each other. Neither of them had a whole lot to live for, but together they found a reason!
I loved it all and I am happy with the ending. I feel like we could end it there if we wanted to, but I am still really excited to see where the rest of the series takes us. I fell in love with these characters and the storyline was so exciting. There were a lot of twists and turns throughout the whole book, and when I got towards the end I seriously couldn't put the book down! So well done, loved it!
This book had everything! Mystery, a bit of romance, and adventure. When I first started it, I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I loved every minute of it.
Bryce was such an amazing lead and I loved getting to know Hunt as well. The side characters also added so much to the book! I felt like the pacing of the book was actually so well done. I was never bored or waiting for something. I think the balance between the mystery and romance/character plot was perfect. Both Bryce and Hunt had so much in their lives that they needed to work through, and I loved seeing them begin to trust each other. Neither of them had a whole lot to live for, but together they found a reason!
I loved it all and I am happy with the ending. I feel like we could end it there if we wanted to, but I am still really excited to see where the rest of the series takes us. I fell in love with these characters and the storyline was so exciting. There were a lot of twists and turns throughout the whole book, and when I got towards the end I seriously couldn't put the book down! So well done, loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Grief, Suicidal thoughts, and Drug use
Minor: Abandonment
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin
dark
emotional
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Finn and Autumn's story wasn't what I expected it to be, but I did enjoy it.
This book follows Finn and Autumn, they were born best friends since their moms have always been best friends. They grew up together and were always neighbors. This book follows them as they make their way through high school - they are still discovering who they are as people and eventually seem to drift apart. It wasn't a huge friendship break up and they still saw each other often because of their moms, but it was just a little different now.
Neither of them knew how to admit their feelings for the other person, so they thought it would be easier to ignore them altogether. They were civil, but it was never the same. As time goes on, family hardships come about, and just the normal life stuff occurs, they find themselves in situations where they miss each other and the easy relationship they had and slowly begin to reconnect.
I really enjoyed watching Finn and Autumn discover who they were. The ending wasn't surprising and I kind of wish that first chapter just wasn't there. It was so realistic how their friendship developed and changed as they did, but you still couldn't help but root for them.
This book surprisingly touched on a lot of harder topics, but I felt like it just added to the realness of the characters and their lives. In the end, I felt like the beginning and/or ending could've been done differently, but I am curious to see how Finn's book and his pov would change things.
This book follows Finn and Autumn, they were born best friends since their moms have always been best friends. They grew up together and were always neighbors. This book follows them as they make their way through high school - they are still discovering who they are as people and eventually seem to drift apart. It wasn't a huge friendship break up and they still saw each other often because of their moms, but it was just a little different now.
Neither of them knew how to admit their feelings for the other person, so they thought it would be easier to ignore them altogether. They were civil, but it was never the same. As time goes on, family hardships come about, and just the normal life stuff occurs, they find themselves in situations where they miss each other and the easy relationship they had and slowly begin to reconnect.
I really enjoyed watching Finn and Autumn discover who they were. The ending wasn't surprising and I kind of wish that first chapter just wasn't there. It was so realistic how their friendship developed and changed as they did, but you still couldn't help but root for them.
This book surprisingly touched on a lot of harder topics, but I felt like it just added to the realness of the characters and their lives. In the end, I felt like the beginning and/or ending could've been done differently, but I am curious to see how Finn's book and his pov would change things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Pregnancy
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
I loved Macy and Elliot's story so much.
Macy and Elliot meet when Macy and her father buy a "vacation home" in the small town where Elliot lives. They're still young, but immediately hit it off and become inseparable. Since Elliot lives there full time and Macy doesn't, their time together is sporadic and unpredictable sometimes, but they always make the most of it when they are together. Growing up together, they saw each other grow a lot, and of course that led to first loves and other firsts.
This book is told in dual timelines. One timeline is the past when Macy and Elliot were younger and still getting to know each other. Throughout the book, we get to see them slowly grow up throughout this timeline. In the other timeline, we are in the present. The present starts a decade after Macy and Elliot last talked/saw each other. Their departure was abrupt and left a lot of questions for some characters. As the story unfolds we are leading up to the night ten years ago when they stop talking. We get to see what happened and what led them to where they are today.
This story was so well done and layered. I loved how it was told in dual timelines because I felt like both stories were unfolding perfectly. I was rooting for them in both timelines, but also so curious as to what led them to not talk for a decade after seeing how they were growing up together. This story had a lot going on, and I loved watching it all unfold. There were a lot of themes and subjects that were brought up that I wasn't expecting, but overall I really enjoyed it and these characters.
Macy and Elliot meet when Macy and her father buy a "vacation home" in the small town where Elliot lives. They're still young, but immediately hit it off and become inseparable. Since Elliot lives there full time and Macy doesn't, their time together is sporadic and unpredictable sometimes, but they always make the most of it when they are together. Growing up together, they saw each other grow a lot, and of course that led to first loves and other firsts.
This book is told in dual timelines. One timeline is the past when Macy and Elliot were younger and still getting to know each other. Throughout the book, we get to see them slowly grow up throughout this timeline. In the other timeline, we are in the present. The present starts a decade after Macy and Elliot last talked/saw each other. Their departure was abrupt and left a lot of questions for some characters. As the story unfolds we are leading up to the night ten years ago when they stop talking. We get to see what happened and what led them to where they are today.
This story was so well done and layered. I loved how it was told in dual timelines because I felt like both stories were unfolding perfectly. I was rooting for them in both timelines, but also so curious as to what led them to not talk for a decade after seeing how they were growing up together. This story had a lot going on, and I loved watching it all unfold. There were a lot of themes and subjects that were brought up that I wasn't expecting, but overall I really enjoyed it and these characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Car accident, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief, Infidelity, Alcohol, and Sexual assault
Butter My Biscuit by Lyra Parish
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I LOVE HARRISON VALENTINE!!!
Harrison and Grace were seriously so perfect. There is nothing that compares to a friend-to-lovers story for me! Harrison and Grace have been besties since birth and grew up together. While they had acknowledged their feelings for each other in the past, they ultimately decided to prioritize their friendship and not do anything about it. They remained friends as both of them moved on with their lives and other people. But of course, in their hearts, they could never truly move on.
They were always good about keeping the boundaries until one night there is a kiss from then on Harrison knows that he needs to give it a real shot with Grace, but Grace still doesn't want to risk their friendship so they end up being in limbo on what to do next.
Harrison was the best! I totally understood his actions, even in the third act break up. I think he had a picture for his life, and he knew he needed to make it happen one way or another. While he preferred his life to be with Grace, she wouldn't risk that, so he needed to accept that from her and figure out what to do next for himself.
Grace was definitely a stubborn one! Although I understood her reasonings for wanting to keep the boundaries, I was shaking my book hoping that they would both open their eyes to what everyone around them was seeing between them!! I loved seeing all of Harrison's siblings give him grief about their situation, the sibling relationship is something that I always look forward to in these books, and it didn't let me down.
The angst, the banter, the chemistry, the whirlwind of a romance!! LOVED LOVED LOVED THEM SO MUCH!!! Cannot waittt to see the Valentine siblings again.
Harrison and Grace were seriously so perfect. There is nothing that compares to a friend-to-lovers story for me! Harrison and Grace have been besties since birth and grew up together. While they had acknowledged their feelings for each other in the past, they ultimately decided to prioritize their friendship and not do anything about it. They remained friends as both of them moved on with their lives and other people. But of course, in their hearts, they could never truly move on.
They were always good about keeping the boundaries until one night there is a kiss from then on Harrison knows that he needs to give it a real shot with Grace, but Grace still doesn't want to risk their friendship so they end up being in limbo on what to do next.
Harrison was the best! I totally understood his actions, even in the third act break up. I think he had a picture for his life, and he knew he needed to make it happen one way or another. While he preferred his life to be with Grace, she wouldn't risk that, so he needed to accept that from her and figure out what to do next for himself.
Grace was definitely a stubborn one! Although I understood her reasonings for wanting to keep the boundaries, I was shaking my book hoping that they would both open their eyes to what everyone around them was seeing between them!! I loved seeing all of Harrison's siblings give him grief about their situation, the sibling relationship is something that I always look forward to in these books, and it didn't let me down.
The angst, the banter, the chemistry, the whirlwind of a romance!! LOVED LOVED LOVED THEM SO MUCH!!! Cannot waittt to see the Valentine siblings again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Fighting the Forbidden by Autumn Jones Lake
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I DIDN'T KNOW THIS WASN'T A STANDALONE AND NOW BOOK 2 IS OUT IN APRIL?!? PAAAAIN!!!
(yes i saw the series name but idk why I assumed it would be companion books/series)
I'm in pain i can't wait :(
This book follows Griff and Molly. Griff is Molly's older brother's best friend whom she has always had a crush on, but never did anything about it because she assumed that Griff just saw her as a little sister as well... Griff did not. Griff has slowly been working on himself to be worthy of Molly despite all the hardships that he has endured. We follow them along as they discover these feelings for each other and the adventure that it brings along.
I really loved Griff and Molly!!
Watching Griff want to be the best man he could be for Molly was so heartwarming. I really enjoyed watching Molly get the love she deserved. The way that Griff was so protective of Molly was amazing!! I loved them together. And then the ending came!!!
I cannot wait for book 2 because what was that ending?! I have no clue what to believe, but I cannot wait to see how their story continues.
(yes i saw the series name but idk why I assumed it would be companion books/series)
I'm in pain i can't wait :(
This book follows Griff and Molly. Griff is Molly's older brother's best friend whom she has always had a crush on, but never did anything about it because she assumed that Griff just saw her as a little sister as well... Griff did not. Griff has slowly been working on himself to be worthy of Molly despite all the hardships that he has endured. We follow them along as they discover these feelings for each other and the adventure that it brings along.
I really loved Griff and Molly!!
Watching Griff want to be the best man he could be for Molly was so heartwarming. I really enjoyed watching Molly get the love she deserved. The way that Griff was so protective of Molly was amazing!! I loved them together. And then the ending came!!!
I cannot wait for book 2 because what was that ending?! I have no clue what to believe, but I cannot wait to see how their story continues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity
Dreams of 18 by Saffron A. Kent
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
Violet and Graham's story was so much fun to follow!
Graham aka Mr.Edwards moves across the street on Violet's 16th birthday. From the first time she sees him, she is instantly intrigued but does nothing and avoids him as much as she can because he is the father of her best (and possibly only) friend.
On Violet's 18th birthday, she gets a little tipsy and goes over to Mr. Edwards' house. He isn't supposed to be home, so she goes just to look in his garden in the backyard. But, Mr.Edwards comes home unexpectedly early and catches her. Violet isn't thinking straight and this leads to her kissing him... and this does not end well for them as it gets witnessed and put all over social media and the papers. Mr.Edwards moves away and Violet spirals and the story takes off from there.
I feel like this story was very layered. I actually did enjoy both of our characters and their development. It was interesting to watch these characters let their guards down after being so hurt and learning more about each other. The progress of their relationship was so well done! I thought the pacing was good and I was so invested in their story.
Graham aka Mr.Edwards moves across the street on Violet's 16th birthday. From the first time she sees him, she is instantly intrigued but does nothing and avoids him as much as she can because he is the father of her best (and possibly only) friend.
On Violet's 18th birthday, she gets a little tipsy and goes over to Mr. Edwards' house. He isn't supposed to be home, so she goes just to look in his garden in the backyard. But, Mr.Edwards comes home unexpectedly early and catches her. Violet isn't thinking straight and this leads to her kissing him... and this does not end well for them as it gets witnessed and put all over social media and the papers. Mr.Edwards moves away and Violet spirals and the story takes off from there.
I feel like this story was very layered. I actually did enjoy both of our characters and their development. It was interesting to watch these characters let their guards down after being so hurt and learning more about each other. The progress of their relationship was so well done! I thought the pacing was good and I was so invested in their story.