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ricareviews's reviews
82 reviews
Do You Follow? by J.C. Bidonde
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
1.0
this book was not a good experience for me. the alternating between the two POVs was confusing, especially in the first few chapters. i listened to the audiobook and, at some points, i couldn't figure out who was talking. the story was not what i expected (i don't mean that as a compliment) and it was hard to follow. i didn't feel any thrill while reading so i wouldn't call this a 'thriller'. there is an element of mystery, yes, but nothing thrilling happens in this 300-pages novel. furthermore, i didn't feel any connection to these characters and i blame that on the writing. these characters aren't given any justice, especially alexa. the final plot twist was not good, it made me dislike the book even more. read this if you want to start screaming about plot holes and non-existent characterization. otherwise, i suggest skipping it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Cursing, Child death, Suicide, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Minor: Abandonment, Sexual content, and Stalking
Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
6.86 on CAWPILE | three stars.
Wow! I didn't expect this to be as hard-hitting as it was. I've never read a book about the IVF process people go through to have a baby, and I'm glad I stumbled upon this one. This is a sweet and emotional ride about Gemma and her journey to self-acceptance, personal growth, and motherhood. No matter how hard life's challenges were for Gemma and Josh, I liked that they never gave up. They kept going and realized there was more to see and experience. An enjoyable and thought-provoking read, although the conclusion felt a bit rushed and the body shaming language was not of my liking.
Wow! I didn't expect this to be as hard-hitting as it was. I've never read a book about the IVF process people go through to have a baby, and I'm glad I stumbled upon this one. This is a sweet and emotional ride about Gemma and her journey to self-acceptance, personal growth, and motherhood. No matter how hard life's challenges were for Gemma and Josh, I liked that they never gave up. They kept going and realized there was more to see and experience. An enjoyable and thought-provoking read, although the conclusion felt a bit rushed and the body shaming language was not of my liking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Minor: Vomit, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Blood
How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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? Yes
4.0
This is a love story, but also a story about trauma and domestic abuse. That's something a potential reader needs to be aware of before starting reading this. Additionally, there are some steamy elements sparkled in, which some of you might not enjoy. Overall, this is a lot darker and spicier than the premise and the cover may suggest. Now that that's out of the way, here's what I thought about the book itself.
The book was simply wonderful! I connected with all the characters, especially our main character, Naya. The writing was gorgeous and the story kept me constantly on my tiptoes, excited for what was going to happen next. I seldom find a contemporary romance that I like this much - I'm happy to say that I completely loved this! Everything here worked for me: from the plot itself to the characters and their quirky humor, to the angst and the steamy elements. This feels like a really strong debut from an author I hope to hear more from in the future. I can't wait for what Denise Williams has in store for all of us!
If you're looking for a contemporary romance that has the perfect amount of romance and tension look no further.
The book was simply wonderful! I connected with all the characters, especially our main character, Naya. The writing was gorgeous and the story kept me constantly on my tiptoes, excited for what was going to happen next. I seldom find a contemporary romance that I like this much - I'm happy to say that I completely loved this! Everything here worked for me: from the plot itself to the characters and their quirky humor, to the angst and the steamy elements. This feels like a really strong debut from an author I hope to hear more from in the future. I can't wait for what Denise Williams has in store for all of us!
If you're looking for a contemporary romance that has the perfect amount of romance and tension look no further.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
Minor: Alcoholism, Vomit, and Racism
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This book exists for no reason at all. It's clear from the start that the two main characters are in love with each other, but there's no yearning or angst. The enemies-to-lovers trope presented here isn't believable at all. And the stale writing doesn't help. The dialogues don't work, and most interactions these characters had were uncomfortable and confusing. I found the writing to be very repetitive and bland. Bottom line, I just couldn't get into the story. I felt like there was no reason to root for these characters. I usually love romance books, therefore I'm a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy reading this, especially after seeing how well-loved it is by the book community. I was expecting a light and fun read but, instead, I got an unconvincing romance and a boring plot. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
I'm not giving this a one-star rating because I've read much worse, but I was tempted. This book wasn't good by any means.
I'm not giving this a one-star rating because I've read much worse, but I was tempted. This book wasn't good by any means.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Cursing, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Vomit and Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcoholism
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
I finally finished it! It took me a whole month, but I somehow did it. I wanted this book to be campy, exciting, and entertaining. It was everything but that. I got a mixture of everything I despise in a book: one-dimensional characters, weird pacing, boring plot, and prose that is too descriptive. A lot of scenes just made my heart boil. There was no reason to include them because they served no purpose to the story - at least that's how I see it. The book's aim to be disgusting and vomit-inducing was accomplished, but at what cost? I could have lived without having read this and I wouldn't have regretted it one bit. Perhaps the greatest sin this book committed was that of being forgettable and ultimately really dull.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Grief, Misogyny, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Infidelity, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Animal death, Car accident, Dementia, Excrement, Medical content, and Vomit
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It was good. Perhaps as good as everyone has been saying. Daisy Jones & The Six was my second Taylor Jenkins Reid, and all I have to say is wow. It's a story you'll begin to love and care for from the first few chapters. It has complex dynamics and great character development. I highly recommend reading this if you, for some reason, haven't already. You will devour in two days tops, I assure you (unless you're exam season like I am right now).
As you've probably guessed by reading some of the reviews of this book, Daisy Jones & The Six's structure is peculiar and not for everyone. This choice of narration may be perceived by some as cold, emotionless, and detached; for others, like me, this style was perhaps the best way to present this type of story. I felt like it added many layers to the events and the characters. It's not all telling, no showing; on the contrary, I would argue that one of this book's merits lies in allowing its readers to find the "truth" by themselves, in seeing what's hidden between the lines and the stolen glances. There's a lot to love here, but only if you're willing to give this writing style a fair shot and if you're intrigued by the premise. If you find yourself bored after the first chapter, it's better to put it back on the shelf.
As you've probably guessed by reading some of the reviews of this book, Daisy Jones & The Six's structure is peculiar and not for everyone. This choice of narration may be perceived by some as cold, emotionless, and detached; for others, like me, this style was perhaps the best way to present this type of story. I felt like it added many layers to the events and the characters. It's not all telling, no showing; on the contrary, I would argue that one of this book's merits lies in allowing its readers to find the "truth" by themselves, in seeing what's hidden between the lines and the stolen glances. There's a lot to love here, but only if you're willing to give this writing style a fair shot and if you're intrigued by the premise. If you find yourself bored after the first chapter, it's better to put it back on the shelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Drug abuse, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Death, Child abuse, Blood, Sexism, and Physical abuse
Minor: Vomit, Rape, Sexual content, Eating disorder, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
To Be Honest by Michael Leviton
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
I appreciate what this book tried to do in about three-hundred pages. Michael's relationship with telling lies was well-portrayed. This book essentially allows its readers to ask themselves what being truthful really means. It brings to light many questions, that's probably one of its most solid points. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author. The pleasant listening experience made the book funnier than the topics it decided to tackle. It even felt lighthearted at times, all thanks to Michael's wonderful narration. Still, I kept spacing out from the story and feeling like I didn't want to keep going. After reaching the halfway mark, I just felt dissatisfied with the direction the book had taken. I expected a more engaging story than the one I had gotten. I wanted to connect on a deeper level with Michael's character and the countless struggles he encountered, but it just didn't happen for me, no matter how many more chapters I read. To me, this was just another story that had a lot of potentials but sadly decided to settle on a more stale approach. While the first half of the book was captivating and kept me hooked, the latter half was too slow-paced for my liking, and I felt myself growing tired with the whole story. I wish I could have loved this more. Nevertheless, I did enjoy it, for the most part. Therefore, I would recommend reading this if you feel intrigued after reading the premise, and if you enjoy memoirs in general, even when they do not reach their full potential.
Arc kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Arc kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, and Racism
Minor: Drug use and Vomit