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readsbyti's reviews
132 reviews
Insert Groom Here by K.M. Jackson
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
That was a meh. Very interesting concept and was looking forward to reading it, thought it would have much more drama. A good start but for a 290 page book it felt very long, this was probably because of the amount of exposition and inner dialogue compared to plot advancement and character development.
The characters actions were often questionable, case and point? Eva & Aiden's first interaction was girly kissing him after she catches him film her breakdown and then kneeing him in the balls?... then Aiden never even sincerly apologises for it and they start being fuck buddies... Even the concept I started reading it for took a back seat I didn't feel like I was reading a reality dating show romance
The characters actions were often questionable, case and point? Eva & Aiden's first interaction was girly kissing him after she catches him film her breakdown and then kneeing him in the balls?... then Aiden never even sincerly apologises for it and they start being fuck buddies... Even the concept I started reading it for took a back seat I didn't feel like I was reading a reality dating show romance
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
funny
lighthearted
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
There is a reason Talia Hibbert is one of my favourite authors and this book is no exception. Such a cute wholesome read! I ate Bradley’s pov UP and Celine is just an absolute queen begging to end🥹 their development and friendship and little moments! ahhhh🥰
Sin Bin by Teagan Hunter
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Teagan hunter has yet to miss for me. She has put me into my hockey romance era, she has a good balance of spice and plot, her characters are loveable and her writing gets me in my feels every damn time, I also like how she sets up the characters for their next book, they don't just come out of nowhere, we see their personality develop in previous books, like I cannot wait for Millers book because Hunter has set him up so well in the previous ones and then we had more of Greer in this one too so that is planting the seeds for his book.
OK less on the series, now the book, this is my favourite in the series so far and I love all of them but this one had that yearning from Smith for Emilia, that high stakes sneaking around (more on that later), I loved their moments in their bubble and I think thats what made this my favourite, they found a place to be them without outside pressures and it felt like it was just them in the world in those moments.
I do wish it felt more forbidden, they didn't feel like they were sneaking around because Emilia was the coachs niece or for her job, that aspect kinda felt like it was an afterthought unless they said it, it didn't feel dangerous enough and I think that's in part due to us not seeing how strong Emilia and coach Martins relationship was, we know they are important to eachother but we don't see that bond, in fact he shows up like 3 times in 300 pages
OK less on the series, now the book, this is my favourite in the series so far and I love all of them but this one had that yearning from Smith for Emilia, that high stakes sneaking around (more on that later), I loved their moments in their bubble and I think thats what made this my favourite, they found a place to be them without outside pressures and it felt like it was just them in the world in those moments.
I do wish it felt more forbidden, they didn't feel like they were sneaking around because Emilia was the coachs niece or for her job, that aspect kinda felt like it was an afterthought unless they said it, it didn't feel dangerous enough and I think that's in part due to us not seeing how strong Emilia and coach Martins relationship was, we know they are important to eachother but we don't see that bond, in fact he shows up like 3 times in 300 pages
Mother Knows Best by Stella Stevenson
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed that. Will was down bad for AJ, even after 8 years, and I love that for AJ. won't lie I was ready to clock Eleanor once I understood what her part was in the break-up because who likes a judgemental bitch, mother of the MMC or not. She also didn't grovel enough for said part in break up imo.
Anyway, I loved that AJ was unapologetically herself like "Yeah I'm fat so-fucking-what? Try harder to get me down" but we also saw her vulnerable moments which would realistically still be there regardless of how comfortable someone is with their body.
Side characters(Chloe, Alex & Tandy) were fun but wish we saw more of them and AJ interacting.
Anyway, I loved that AJ was unapologetically herself like "Yeah I'm fat so-fucking-what? Try harder to get me down" but we also saw her vulnerable moments which would realistically still be there regardless of how comfortable someone is with their body.
Side characters(Chloe, Alex & Tandy) were fun but wish we saw more of them and AJ interacting.
Until I Met You by Amber Rose Gill
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Oh my good giddy god! that was such an amazing fun wholesome read!!
In until i met you we follow Samantha Roberts who is of to Tobago for her childhood best friends wedding, the only problem? she just broken up with her boyfriend and who wants to go to a wedding alone?
I loved this book from start to finish and everything in between! Roman is flirty with Sam from the get go and Sam is like no bit then warms up to it and their interactions are the cutest ever! the friendship group too was such s heartwarming thing to read as we didn’t just follow Sam and Roman but had a glimpse at all the friends and their partnerships/problems and how the friend group helped and advises eachother. perfecttt!!🫶🏾
In until i met you we follow Samantha Roberts who is of to Tobago for her childhood best friends wedding, the only problem? she just broken up with her boyfriend and who wants to go to a wedding alone?
I loved this book from start to finish and everything in between! Roman is flirty with Sam from the get go and Sam is like no bit then warms up to it and their interactions are the cutest ever! the friendship group too was such s heartwarming thing to read as we didn’t just follow Sam and Roman but had a glimpse at all the friends and their partnerships/problems and how the friend group helped and advises eachother. perfecttt!!🫶🏾
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
six crimson cranes follows shiori’anma, the princess of kiata, after she is banished and curses from her kingdom by her stepmother. to break this curse she must seek out her brothers who have been turned into cranes by the same curse and find a way home.
I think the intro chapters to this was great and had me hooked but as the story went on that slowly dipped. elizabeth did well on the world building and not making it too complicated to understand the lore for those who don’t typically read high fantasy.
i think, however, i’ll need to revisit this again at some point as i was not in the headspace for a fantasy (I thought I was) and definitely missed aspects and did not retain them for late (this is no fault of the author thats all me) but other than the world building the characters lacked a liiiitttle bit as shiori was barely interesting in my eyes despite us being with her this whole ride. i liked the little peak of romance withtakkan though very sweet and heartfelt.
i think, however, i’ll need to revisit this again at some point as i was not in the headspace for a fantasy (I thought I was) and definitely missed aspects and did not retain them for late (this is no fault of the author thats all me) but other than the world building the characters lacked a liiiitttle bit as shiori was barely interesting in my eyes despite us being with her this whole ride. i liked the little peak of romance with
The Darkest Corner of the Heart by Lisina Coney
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
In the darkest corner of the heart we follow little Maddie Stevens who is all grown up. Maddie now pursues her dream of becoming a ballerina but an injury puts a hault to these plans. In steps in Dr James SImmons who helps her heal from her injury and of course they fall in love on the way.
I was so excited for this book as I really enjoyed The Brightest Light of Sunshine (book 1) but I found Maddie gradually became unlikable with how she kept everyone in her life at arms length, Cal and Grace included, which was a 180 from the Maddie in book 1, granted some people deserved to be kept at arms length and she was 4 in book 1 but Cal and Grace? I also felt I couldn't click with James as a character which is weird because I LOVE grumpy book boyfriends or with their relationship as a whole (and it wasn't because of the age gap because I love an age gap). I didn't feel the butterflies, the conflict was just meh and the pacing was off, also, pretty sure Maddie doesn't develop as a character until the last 20% followingher dad's funeral
Overall I liked some parts but Maddie's character and the lack of plot/character development left much to be desired. I know book 3 has been announced and it will feature Lila (Cal & Grace's daughter) so fingers crossed for that one.
I was so excited for this book as I really enjoyed The Brightest Light of Sunshine (book 1) but I found Maddie gradually became unlikable with how she kept everyone in her life at arms length, Cal and Grace included, which was a 180 from the Maddie in book 1, granted some people deserved to be kept at arms length and she was 4 in book 1 but Cal and Grace? I also felt I couldn't click with James as a character which is weird because I LOVE grumpy book boyfriends or with their relationship as a whole (and it wasn't because of the age gap because I love an age gap). I didn't feel the butterflies, the conflict was just meh and the pacing was off, also, pretty sure Maddie doesn't develop as a character until the last 20% following
Overall I liked some parts but Maddie's character and the lack of plot/character development left much to be desired. I know book 3 has been announced and it will feature Lila (Cal & Grace's daughter) so fingers crossed for that one.
The Prince's Bride: Beginning Forever by J.J. McAvoy
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Odette and Gale, Gale and Odette. They will forever hold a place in my heart. i loved this series so much and I cannot wait to get to McAvoy’s other books🥰
What I really liked in this book was seeing the first year of Odette and Gale’s marriage, the ups & downs they faces and how they overcame/managed them together. Usually I am content with just the epilogue and being in blind bliss that my couples stay happy forever without any problems so this was a welcome change, I cried and laughed and screamed and enjoyed every bit of it. I also appreciate that it’s multiple pov’s and they felt well weaved into the story and not a distracting addition.
my only thing was it felt like there was too many scandals coming at them that I couldn’t fully enjoy their blissful moments but I wasn’t necessarily mad at that.
What I really liked in this book was seeing the first year of Odette and Gale’s marriage, the ups & downs they faces and how they overcame/managed them together. Usually I am content with just the epilogue and being in blind bliss that my couples stay happy forever without any problems so this was a welcome change, I cried and laughed and screamed and enjoyed every bit of it. I also appreciate that it’s multiple pov’s and they felt well weaved into the story and not a distracting addition.
my only thing was it felt like there was too many scandals coming at them that I couldn’t fully enjoy their blissful moments but I wasn’t necessarily mad at that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Car accident, Drug use, and Death of parent
Collided by Lauren Asher
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
Considering I really liked book 1 I had higher hopes as from memory this was a friends to lovers which I love but GOD were Sophie & Liam both incredibly unlikable.
Sophie very much gave “i’m not like other girls” energy and it was an annoying level of it making it difficult to connect with her and Liam overall pissed me off because of his attitude, his brother’s wife (also Liam's best friend) dies and Liam essentially abandons him and his nieces instead of cherishing the last beautiful thing she left behind? felt like he thought he should grieve more than idk the man who married Johanna, idk it felt weird.
Also every man in this just felt icky or rubbed me the wrong way.
I’ll still continue the series as i’m curious for Jax & Elena’s story but wow this disappointed me☹️
Sophie very much gave “i’m not like other girls” energy and it was an annoying level of it making it difficult to connect with her and Liam overall pissed me off because of his attitude, his brother’s wife (also Liam's best friend) dies and Liam essentially abandons him and his nieces instead of cherishing the last beautiful thing she left behind? felt like he thought he should grieve more than idk the man who married Johanna, idk it felt weird.
Also every man in this just felt icky or rubbed me the wrong way.
I’ll still continue the series as i’m curious for Jax & Elena’s story but wow this disappointed me☹️
All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Ahh this book was amazing! Rhodes is so great and seeing him care for not only Aurora but for Amo’s too had me smiling so much, a great ol’ grumpy man who loves his angel and kid. Mariana Zapata writes so beautifully and in a way that keeps you wanting more and, despite the length, you never get bored.
My most favourite thing was Aurora and Amo’s relationship, I’m so used to the single parent trope with the kid being like under 10 so the are automatically adorable so for Amos to be a teenager and have this adorable and funny relationship/moments with Aurora was so heartwarming to see especially as Aurora genuinely cared for Amo’s before realising her feelings for Rhodes.
My most favourite thing was Aurora and Amo’s relationship, I’m so used to the single parent trope with the kid being like under 10 so the are automatically adorable so for Amos to be a teenager and have this adorable and funny relationship/moments with Aurora was so heartwarming to see especially as Aurora genuinely cared for Amo’s before realising her feelings for Rhodes.