readingwithtemperance's reviews
173 reviews

emotional reflective 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

5.0

This book fully encapsulated the high school experience. There was so much nostalgia and drama throughout. I love how real these teenagers are.

I definitely felt for our MC. Friends/relationships and all of the social confusion that comes along with them can be hard to navigate, let alone on top of trying to keep your grades up AND your family happy.

It made me happy that Jessie found her people in the end though.

I absolutely saw my younger self in her. And this book really helped heal my inner teen a bit.

Content Warnings

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious 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

4.5

This was the first book I've ever read from Ali Hazelwood. Definitely something different than her typical books and I really hope she continues to explore paranormal romance because honestly I was so impressed.

I didn't expect to love Bride as much as I did. But the Underworld vibes were off the charts with nostalgia and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The whole alpha dynamic has been so poorly done by so many other authors, but I think Ali nailed it! Lowe is a true alpha to his people; protective AND loving.

I especially loved his relationship with his sister. There were so many tender moments between them. My favorite being when he

made a poster of Sparkles as godzilla for her.

These two love birds gave me utter bi panic and heart palpitations. THE CHEMISTRY MY GOODNESS.

The blood/marking scenes had me F E R A L oh my godddd.

If there isnt a sequel about

Misery's best friend and her OBVIOUS mate

I'll riot.

Also I' so glad that

Misery's dad got his just desserts because he was AWFUL. This man made my blood absolutely boil.

Bride was a reminder that I truly am just a grown up version of my 12 year old self. I think I need more vampire and werewolf books in my life.

Content Warnings

Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.

Too much fat phobia for me 🙃

Content Warnings

Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted 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

4.0

Such a good sequel! I loved the chemistry between Benjamin and Bobbi.

The food had my mouth WATERING. And I loved all of the wedding planning details.

The mystery was also so great! I loved the aunties role in unvieling who was sabatoging.

My only complaint is that I wish we got to see Prem and Kareena be married/hear the speaches and see the sweet moments. It made me a little sad that we didn't get to.

Content Warnings

Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious tense 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

Excuse you B.B. Alston but August is REALLY far away and I need this book right now please and thank you.

Okay but seriously WHAT A SEQUEL! I love Amari and this works so so much. I'm so happy that there will be more to come.

The ending perfectly set up for book three. And by the way LETS TALK ABOUT THAT ENDING.

When Dillon had his evil memories taken away and he looked at Amari with so much love and clarity only for it to be RIPPED AWAY. I might never recover.

And mind you I was CRYING MY ASS OFF AT

QUINTON. Oh my goodness am I happy that Anari has her big brother back. I'm so excited to see more from him in book three.

Content Warnings

The Companion by E.E. Ottoman

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

This was delightful! My little polyamorous heart was SO happy reading this book.

I absolutely adored how much all of the characters cared for one another. And how different each relationship dynamic was.

It really made me want to just live out on a farm with my partner and friends even more. So relaxing.

Content Warnings

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective 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

5.0

I want to give Moon the world's biggest hug. She absolutely did not deserve the way her Mother, sister, peers, etc treated her. This book had me FUMING.

I found myself crying out of anger so many times. Everyone was just so cruel to Moon. The abuse and bullying was overwhelming at times.

It always pisses me off when purity culture is forced onto girls. Telling them they are dirty and impure and should be ashamed of themselves/their bodies. The way it absolutely uprooted Moon's self esteem was heart breaking.

Her mother is probably one of the worst characters I have ever read about.

I'd like to take a knife to HER and see how SHE likes it. Also I'd of cheated on her too. She makes everyone around her miserable so i can't fathom being her partner.

Moon and Star both deserved better.

The wrong parent died imo.

Moon's journey to self acceptance was beautiful to watch. It was so nice seeing her self esteem raise and having some time to actually heal.

Her Tia is an absolute blessing. I'm so happy she and Star are with her now.

I really hope that Star does better in the future. Personally I'd love to see a sequel where she's the MC redeeming and accepting herself.

This book had me so hungry! I don't know why I've never thought to put honey on pizza, but I'll be doing that ASAP.

Content Warnings

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

Go to review page

adventurous 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? Yes

5.0

This book gave me the same feelings I had reading my childhood favorites growing up. I was so swept up and captivated by Amari and the world she was thrust into. The magic, the adventure, the FRIENDSHIP. Ugh it fueled my heart so good.

The world itself was so incredible. I loved getting insight on all of the different departments. And I'm so excited to see more in book two! Personally I would want to work in the department of good fortune and bad omens.

The love Amari feels for her big brother had me over come with emotion so many times. Especially when

she was speaking to him in his coma. "Hey Chicken Little" TEARS EVERY WHERE.

And every time she doubted herself he was lifting her right back up internally. The bond they share is so beautiful. Quinton truly is a beacon.

Amari is so so brave and constantly proving others wrong. People doubt her because of where she comes from, for being black, and for being a magician. Whether it's the mundane or supernatural world people are always forming opinions about her before she even opens her mouth or acts. Her existence is a "threat" no matter where she is.

She's always being told she doesn't belong or doesn't deserve her spot. First in private school and then again at summer camp. Amari is bullied so fiercely by her peers. And the adults the grand majority of the time are just complicent in that and it was utterly disgusting to watch.

Ffs she was

demoted simply because Van Helsing had a personal vendetta against her. It ended up working in her favor but that was SUCH a low blow and entirely unfair. SHE EARNED THAT FUCKING BADGE. That's okay though because the call was coming from inside the house wasn't it?

At the end of the day she's Amari Amazing and there's nothing they can do about it.

Especially now that they need HER help. Funny how that works.

Elsie is such an incredible friend. I love how much she and Amari balance eachother while simultaneously getting eachother out of their comfort zones. She is definitely my 2nd favorite character (Amari is number 1 obviously). I hope we get to see more science magic and maybe a transformation in book 2.

Now onto some major spoiler territory because this guy REALLY pissed me off and I just need to get it out. You have been warned. Do not pass go if you haven't read this book, okay? Okay.

WHAT THE FUCK DYLAN ARE YOU SERIOUS!? I LOVED AND TRUSTED YOU. AMARI LOVED AND TRUSTED YOU. AND YOU JUST HAD TO BE AN EVIL COCKROACH!? FUCK ALL THE WAY OFF. I had suspicios for like 5 seconds with your dark magic bullshit, but I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt because kids are curious. Jokes on me you're actually just a 12 year old henchman to the bad guy.

Anyways

Read this book. Read THIS book. READ THIS BOOK. REEEEEEAD THIS BOOOOOK.

If you don't I'm coming for your knee caps (jk, unless?)

Content Warnings

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Go to review page

funny hopeful 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

I originally DNFd this book because it was right book wrong time. And I am SO happy I finally picked it up again because I absolutely adored it.

This book was a breath of fresh air. And just what I needed. I was so relaxed and cozy reading about Viv and her coffee shop.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing the menu changes. It filled me with pride every time it updated.

Something else I loved was that the romance was subtle and not so much at the forefront of the story. And it didn't feel forced either. Things were just so natural.

I really wish this was a real place. I want Thimble to bake me a giant cinnamon roll and just love on Amity.

I was absolutely craving coffee and baked goods the entire time I was reading. I swear I could smell them too.

I LOVED this so much. And I can't wait to read the sequel.

The real treasure was the found family we found along the way 💕.

Content Warnings

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Go to review page

reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

This book was unputtdownable. I read it in just a few hours. Keiko's inner monolog was just so interesting. I found her work very relaxing and comforting.

This book really sheds a light on how demanding society can be. And how we put ourselves and others under so much pressure.

Shiraha on the other hand was SO annoying. And I really could have gone my whole life without meeting him.

Content Warnings

More...

readingwithtemperance's reviews 173 reviews

readingwithtemperance's reviews
173 reviews