rebeccasreadingrambles's reviews
2954 reviews

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

5.0

This was thrilling fun and so much personality from this murderbot. I felt so much for him and his past and love how he wanted to change himself so nothing bad happened to humans if he could help him. He's also completely terrifying but just wants to watch his shows. Adorable. Love this!

The Beasts We Bury by D. L. Taylor

5.0

Aaaamazing. Obbbbsessed. I was hooked on this book from the very first chapter. The writing, the emotions, the drama, the MC - boom done. And it only got better and better. I love this magical world - so interesting, so much more can unfold, and incredibly easy to follow.  Picturing the vicious and kind MC with all her animals was captivating. Silver and his crew, seeing his motivations and glimpses of his past, you can just feel for these kids. I could not stop reading, I was completely obsessed and totally shocked by each twist and where the story went. This was a non-stop heart pounding, action filled book. I LOVED the ending, and I cannot wait for more! This is going to be SUCH a fun series!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic!

Thanks to the publisher for a free digital review copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti

5.0

This was so much fun and so steamy. I loved the mistaken identity, force proximity to fake marriage romance SO MUCH! And the intrigue, spy and revolutionary plot that brings the MCs closer together was intriguing, but not too intense. I love love love the Duke and Lydia together, and seeing the Duke's softer side and how smart and savvy Lydia is. I need to read more by this author!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and adored it!

Thanks to the publisher for the free copy and free audiobook; my reviews and thoughts are my own.

Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Love love loved this.  I was hooked from almost the first chapter. What a fascinating, and surprisingly emotional and heavy magical gift for someone to have; especially a teenager. Sariyah is savvy, caring, and so strong to deal with this "gift" while trying to navigate school, her home life and helping take care of her younger brother, just normal teen stuff. And that's on top of the trauma of her best friend having done missing in her past.  

Now MORE drama is heaped on her, and I absolutely admire her determination to "do the right thing" and use everything she can to help find another friend that goes missing, while also dealing with guilt about the unexpected and long term consequences of her magical ability.  

This book was raw, emotional, gutting, but also funny and sweet at times. The feelings of loss, inequity in the treatment of Black teens, especially Black girls going missing, dealing with issues like depression in such an open way, I really love how this was written for teens - I think this is going to mean a lot.  The writing itself was so easy to read and relate to. I love the YA romance and how it's slowly developing with a real connection.  

I was SHOOK by the twists, it did NOT go anywhere I was expecting.

The cliffhanger had me SCREAMING OUT LOUD. I am going to need another book ASAP please please please!

I both read and listened to this one and I enjoyed both versions!

Thanks to the publisher for an free copy and audiobook copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

A Time of Love and Tartan by Alexander McCall Smith

4.0

Such a cozy delight to be back with these characters.  Second hand embarrassment but also lots of laughs abound. So much emotion especially poured into this one. Loved the satirical look at gender in the workplace - I related SO MUCH to that.

Note: these audiobooks are the MOST soothing!

As You Wish by Nashae Jones

5.0

I adore this book. This author's writing style is just so fun and perfect for this Middle Grade experience. I instantly connect with so many of the characters even though it's been so long since I was a MG myself. The drama, the hopes, the dreams, the banter, all just spot on and so easy and delightful to read. I was completely captivated by this story and all the twist.  I was smiling the entire time and love love love Birdie (and Deve of course) and all the magic interwoven in this story.

note: I listened to the audiobook and it was fabulous!

Thanks to the publisher for a free audiobook copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer J. Chow

4.0

Another really fun book in this series.  This is a wedding mystery, which always makes me feel so bad for these poor characters, but also makes for an extra dramatic story.  I loved all the twists and was completely stumped then entire time. Also, I love seeing Felicity and Kelvin's friendship through the lens of the sleuthing. I still can't decide how I feel about their relationship because I don't see much romantic sparking, and kind of hope they stay sleuthing friends! I was shocked by some personal reveals in Felicity's life and think she handles them so well.

My favorite part of this book and series is the baking magic. Though we do see a tiny bit less than the first book (which makes sense because that one set the scene) I did enjoy the use of the fortunes and seeing Felicity really come into her own with the baking magic. 

Thanks to the publishers for a free copy; my thoughts and reviews are my own.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

5.0

No spoilers but WOW. I loved it.  The best book of the series. I am broken. The way this author brought out so many emotions in me, with visceral reactions, is amazing.  It has quests (literally my favorite part)! I loved the friendships and the relationships and all of the characters that shone. I loved getting to know characters better that we haven't really focused on before.  The secrets, drama, romance, puzzles, action were non-stop. THE DRAGONS.

Just remember this is romantasy. If you're in it straight for the fantasy vibes, this might not be for you because the romance is definitely a big driver. It has romantic ANGST and drama and back and forth and obstacles and yes it might drive you crazy, but that's kinda the point since it's only book 3!

Amazing. All the stars.

Misfire: A Mafia Romance by Rachel Robinson, Rachel Robinson

3.0

I can see why so many people love this book, but it’s just not for me. I could not connect with any of the characters and it just seemed to jump in and around so quickly. I could not understand why they were so obsessed with Drew immediately and let her into all their secrets and safe spaces without even basically taking to her. They give her a company and a building and all this unfettered access, but don’t know anything about her at all. I did love the care they put into teacher her to read, but then they give her all this power, but actually tell her nothing at all… like she got bits and pieces of info from some of her new coworkers. They explain nothing and she is constantly confused. And the way the brothers use her as a tool to get back at each and she gets yelled at and blamed for things she doesn’t even know what’s going on .

This one just was too jumpy and overly “mysterious” for me, especially because I just didn’t connect with the characters so I was missing that emotional connection to keep my interested.

Bayou Book Thief by Ellen Byron

5.0

Oh how I adored this book. The idea of Ricky’s shop full of vintage cookbooks and cookware is somewhere I would immediately visit and the whole New Orleans setting was incredibly cozy and welcoming. I really want to visit Bon Vee - these are the type of fun historical places that I love to visit. It seems like my NOLA trip might be coming sooner than I anticipated.

The mystery, the characters and the twists were fantastically plotted. There were so many different things going on, but it was easy to follow along all the drama. I am proud of Ricky for not only trying to succeed with her new business, but also to look out for neighbors and put in effort to deal with less charitable colleagues. She is level headed, smart, savy, and someone I can't wait to follow for more sleuthing. I need to know more about Ricky's past. I already cannot wait to return to Bon Vee!