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readwithbee's reviews
29 reviews
Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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 review is long overdue. I was privileged to get an eArc of this book but was unable to finish it before pub day on 10/10. Life got in the way and I couldn't read much the last several weeks. But thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the chance to read this.
This book. Holy shit, this book. This is without a doubt one of my favorites of 2023. Which comes as little to no surprise since Felix, Ever after was also a big favorite.
Kacen is an incredible author and this story is just beautiful. It highlights so realistically how trauma can impact relationships. As someone who's worked in mental health for 7 years and has their own struggles, this was so amazing to read. It was amazing to not only read an in depth depiction of trauma and it's impact, but the path to healing. Some nuggets of very legitimate wisdom weaved into this too.
This book was just so incredible. I am so grateful it exists. I feel like this is what some other very big romance authors try to accomplish when using trauma in their books but have definitely not executed well.
This entire book was just a gift. It was so easy to read and to get into the characters. Both the main characters had traits that I could connect to. I wish side characters got a lil more attention but this story wasn't about them. It was so neatly wrapped up too, meaning that there's no lingering expectation for more from these characters even though I loved them so much. I am just over the moon about this.
I desperately need to buy a copy when I can afford it now for my shelves and to lend out.
Kacen definitely knocked it out of the park with this adult queer romance debut.
So, so wonderful.
This book. Holy shit, this book. This is without a doubt one of my favorites of 2023. Which comes as little to no surprise since Felix, Ever after was also a big favorite.
Kacen is an incredible author and this story is just beautiful. It highlights so realistically how trauma can impact relationships. As someone who's worked in mental health for 7 years and has their own struggles, this was so amazing to read. It was amazing to not only read an in depth depiction of trauma and it's impact, but the path to healing. Some nuggets of very legitimate wisdom weaved into this too.
This book was just so incredible. I am so grateful it exists. I feel like this is what some other very big romance authors try to accomplish when using trauma in their books but have definitely not executed well.
This entire book was just a gift. It was so easy to read and to get into the characters. Both the main characters had traits that I could connect to. I wish side characters got a lil more attention but this story wasn't about them. It was so neatly wrapped up too, meaning that there's no lingering expectation for more from these characters even though I loved them so much. I am just over the moon about this.
I desperately need to buy a copy when I can afford it now for my shelves and to lend out.
Kacen definitely knocked it out of the park with this adult queer romance debut.
So, so wonderful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Rape, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
Forever Is Now by Mariama J. Lockington
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, and Mental illness
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Always the Almost by Edward Underhill
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book was alright! It wasn't bad but it didn't stand out as a stellar book for myself personally either. I would, however, like to note that I did listen to the audiobook of this and I REALLY think that my opinion of this was influenced by the narrator. They were very flat and the tone really affected the way the characters formed in my mind and made them rather boring.
That being said, these are the things I did enjoy:
• I'm glad to read non-binary representation. * See more on this later.
• This book actually did give me some things to ponder regarding my own internalized patriarchal perspectives that I wasn't even aware I had. As a non-binary person, this was so interesting.
• I liked Ben's sister and how she and her husband Thomas were so willing to support Ben.
• There's a lot of similarities between this book and some others I read recently. (I both enjoyed and didn't enjoy this fact.)
• I am glad it has a good ending.
• It is important to tell stories that show the trauma LGBTQ folks may face. And I think it's important to note that with family trauma, sometimes there is no happy ending.
• Im glad for mental health and therapy representation.
Things I didn't enjoy as much:
• I liked a lot of the characters but feel like I barely got to understand any of them. I think they're going to be very forgetable sadly because of this.
• I kind of wish that this book would have elaborated on how non-binary is an umbrella term and there are a lot of ways one can identify within that. Ben seemed to identify as agender - or lacking any gender. That's just not the only identity non-binary can mean when someone uses that and I wish it would have spoken more on that.
• The therapist seemed a little odd to me. The approach I mean. As someone who works in mental health, it felt as though their approach was more rooted in the therapists goal than Ben's. I prefer person centered approaches and hope to see more of that in books in the future.
• I've already forgotten bits from this book and I didn't take as many notes since I was often listening when driving. But the fact it's so forgettable to me when I just finished it yesterday is a bit of a bummer.
Overall, like I said, it wasn't bad and I think some folks are definitely gonna connect with it!
Trigger warnings: transphobia, family trauma, emotional abuse, homelessness.
That being said, these are the things I did enjoy:
• I'm glad to read non-binary representation. * See more on this later.
• This book actually did give me some things to ponder regarding my own internalized patriarchal perspectives that I wasn't even aware I had. As a non-binary person, this was so interesting.
• I liked Ben's sister and how she and her husband Thomas were so willing to support Ben.
• There's a lot of similarities between this book and some others I read recently. (I both enjoyed and didn't enjoy this fact.)
• I am glad it has a good ending.
• It is important to tell stories that show the trauma LGBTQ folks may face. And I think it's important to note that with family trauma, sometimes there is no happy ending.
• Im glad for mental health and therapy representation.
Things I didn't enjoy as much:
• I liked a lot of the characters but feel like I barely got to understand any of them. I think they're going to be very forgetable sadly because of this.
• I kind of wish that this book would have elaborated on how non-binary is an umbrella term and there are a lot of ways one can identify within that. Ben seemed to identify as agender - or lacking any gender. That's just not the only identity non-binary can mean when someone uses that and I wish it would have spoken more on that.
• The therapist seemed a little odd to me. The approach I mean. As someone who works in mental health, it felt as though their approach was more rooted in the therapists goal than Ben's. I prefer person centered approaches and hope to see more of that in books in the future.
• I've already forgotten bits from this book and I didn't take as many notes since I was often listening when driving. But the fact it's so forgettable to me when I just finished it yesterday is a bit of a bummer.
Overall, like I said, it wasn't bad and I think some folks are definitely gonna connect with it!
Trigger warnings: transphobia, family trauma, emotional abuse, homelessness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Deadnaming, Gaslighting, Transphobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you Berkley for this digital ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I have to admit, I may not have requested this book if I had realized prior that it was an instant-love story. (I didn't read other reviews first.)
That being said, there were things I enjoyed, such as:
- I loved that there was some diversity in gender/sexual orientations.
- The witty banter was very amusing and consistent through the entire book.
- I like reading books in 1st person POV.
- The concept of an adult summer camp (which I didn't realize was a real thing!) is so appealing! That feels like such an inner child healing experience!
- I enjoyed the quirkiness of all the characters and how they each had something likeable (to me).
- At first, I wasn't loving the way this story portrayed a "gay awakening"- it felt unrealistic because it seemed too uncomplicated. Then I realized that, that is the goal, isn't it? To someday not have to endure so much suffering and stigma for coming out. So, it was nice to see this normalized and get a story where it didn't have to be so hard.
-I liked the 'found family' - but again, it just seemed so dang fast.
The things I didn't enjoy:
- Instant-love, it felt way too unrealistic, but I did enjoy the Uhaul lesbian joke which seemed to recognize this.
- The characters weren't very relatable for me, personally. Likeable, sure, but not exactly relatable.
- The storyline itself didn't grip me and leave me wanting more each page turn - it was very predictable but that's not necessarily bad. It just wasn't what I expected.
-I felt like I was wanting more from the characters - maybe fewer side characters and going deeper into their stories.
Overall, this wasn't a bad read. It's got some great things going for it and I think it'll find the right audience!
Spice: Low
TW: mentions of divorce and infidelity
I have to admit, I may not have requested this book if I had realized prior that it was an instant-love story. (I didn't read other reviews first.)
That being said, there were things I enjoyed, such as:
- I loved that there was some diversity in gender/sexual orientations.
- The witty banter was very amusing and consistent through the entire book.
- I like reading books in 1st person POV.
- The concept of an adult summer camp (which I didn't realize was a real thing!) is so appealing! That feels like such an inner child healing experience!
- I enjoyed the quirkiness of all the characters and how they each had something likeable (to me).
- At first, I wasn't loving the way this story portrayed a "gay awakening"- it felt unrealistic because it seemed too uncomplicated. Then I realized that, that is the goal, isn't it? To someday not have to endure so much suffering and stigma for coming out. So, it was nice to see this normalized and get a story where it didn't have to be so hard.
-I liked the 'found family' - but again, it just seemed so dang fast.
The things I didn't enjoy:
- Instant-love, it felt way too unrealistic, but I did enjoy the Uhaul lesbian joke which seemed to recognize this.
- The characters weren't very relatable for me, personally. Likeable, sure, but not exactly relatable.
- The storyline itself didn't grip me and leave me wanting more each page turn - it was very predictable but that's not necessarily bad. It just wasn't what I expected.
-I felt like I was wanting more from the characters - maybe fewer side characters and going deeper into their stories.
Overall, this wasn't a bad read. It's got some great things going for it and I think it'll find the right audience!
Spice: Low
TW: mentions of divorce and infidelity
Luminiferos: The Omen of Light by Yana Metro
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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
4.0
🙏🏼Thank you to the author and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I definitely requested this book based on the beautiful cover, but also the tag line that included fantasy, romance, and philosophy!
📚The things I enjoyed:
✨• The biggest thing I loved was the philosophical/ spiritual undertones. The whole time, I was taking little notes and just thinking about the things that tied to my personal spirituality. I thought a lot about Eckhart Tolle's teachings with some of what was portrayed in this book.
🌀• I really loved the psychological/philosophical blend of wisdom weaved through out. Powerful lessons about awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness, ego, life and death, etc. There was some very thought provoking moments since these are things I'm already familiar with and are core parts of my beliefs and interests.
📖•The first few pages had me hooked in this story and I love when books can do that!
🫂• There are relatable elements in some characters.
🌍• The world building wasn't too overpowering. It seemed to dance well with the characters and storyline.
🫥Some things I didn't enjoy:
❤️• The romance in this book was timed too weird. I think the intention was an enemies to lovers trope but the pacing of the story and then the romance left out so much of that emotional journey that it didn't feel like an organic progression of a relationship. And I say this about the romantic relationship and the found family relationship.
⏰• The pacing of the book was very odd at times. It felt rushed in several ways.
🗣️• The dialogue was also written confusing in some parts and left me having to reread passages a couple times to figure out who was saying what.
Overall I enjoyed it because of the spiritual/philosophical elements. The romance and pacing overall was uncomfy but I would still read the second book. ❤️
This title will be published on April 4th, 2023!
I definitely requested this book based on the beautiful cover, but also the tag line that included fantasy, romance, and philosophy!
📚The things I enjoyed:
✨• The biggest thing I loved was the philosophical/ spiritual undertones. The whole time, I was taking little notes and just thinking about the things that tied to my personal spirituality. I thought a lot about Eckhart Tolle's teachings with some of what was portrayed in this book.
🌀• I really loved the psychological/philosophical blend of wisdom weaved through out. Powerful lessons about awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness, ego, life and death, etc. There was some very thought provoking moments since these are things I'm already familiar with and are core parts of my beliefs and interests.
📖•The first few pages had me hooked in this story and I love when books can do that!
🫂• There are relatable elements in some characters.
🌍• The world building wasn't too overpowering. It seemed to dance well with the characters and storyline.
🫥Some things I didn't enjoy:
❤️• The romance in this book was timed too weird. I think the intention was an enemies to lovers trope but the pacing of the story and then the romance left out so much of that emotional journey that it didn't feel like an organic progression of a relationship. And I say this about the romantic relationship and the found family relationship.
⏰• The pacing of the book was very odd at times. It felt rushed in several ways.
🗣️• The dialogue was also written confusing in some parts and left me having to reread passages a couple times to figure out who was saying what.
Overall I enjoyed it because of the spiritual/philosophical elements. The romance and pacing overall was uncomfy but I would still read the second book. ❤️
This title will be published on April 4th, 2023!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Violence
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
📚Likes:
• I can admit I am bias because I just love this series so I definitely like this book.
• I love Nesta, even though I wanted to throttle her at points, and I'm so glad to have gotten more of her story.
• I love Cassian and lemme tell you 🥵🥵🥵🥵 I need to get my bed a better headboard. 🤣
• I appreciate the way Cassian was so supportive of Nesta and saw her beyond her trauma and pain.
• I actually did like the 3rd person perspective.
• I love still hearing bits of Feyre and Rhys.
• I love how powerful everyone continues to become.
• I love the new characters! And their eagerness to finally transform their pain. I also just love their bond with nesta.
📚Dislikes:
• I think there were times it felt slow to read because the story itself wasn't super exciting.
• I didn't really like the whole story with Feyres birth. Meaning the part where she was gonna die because of the wings -- I feel like that was such a stretch. I really think homie could have shape shifted her body or something. But I appreciate the need for that so Nesta could have her moment.
• There were a handful of repeated phrases that I didn't love but that's not a super big deal.
• so many loose ends that I don't wanna wait for
• it also felt a bit like the end was just such a quick ending to the ongoing threat of the entire book. If that makes sense.
• I can admit I am bias because I just love this series so I definitely like this book.
• I love Nesta, even though I wanted to throttle her at points, and I'm so glad to have gotten more of her story.
• I love Cassian and lemme tell you 🥵🥵🥵🥵 I need to get my bed a better headboard. 🤣
• I appreciate the way Cassian was so supportive of Nesta and saw her beyond her trauma and pain.
• I actually did like the 3rd person perspective.
• I love still hearing bits of Feyre and Rhys.
• I love how powerful everyone continues to become.
• I love the new characters! And their eagerness to finally transform their pain. I also just love their bond with nesta.
📚Dislikes:
• I think there were times it felt slow to read because the story itself wasn't super exciting.
• I didn't really like the whole story with Feyres birth. Meaning the part where she was gonna die because of the wings -- I feel like that was such a stretch. I really think homie could have shape shifted her body or something. But I appreciate the need for that so Nesta could have her moment.
• There were a handful of repeated phrases that I didn't love but that's not a super big deal.
• so many loose ends that I don't wanna wait for
• it also felt a bit like the end was just such a quick ending to the ongoing threat of the entire book. If that makes sense.