riella_reads's reviews
639 reviews

French Kissing: Season One by Harper Bliss

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 This was a flirty fun time! Felt like I was reading The L Word and Emily in Paris mashup. I was worried with so many characters being involved it wouldn't get too in depth with their emotions, but it did a pretty good job! I'll be reading Season 2 when I want another easy read. 

The Maid by Nita Prose

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 This was a cute read! It took a minute to get used to the main character, as it was like Amelia Bedelia but in adult form, but I loved those books as a kid so it's not a complaint as im sure this was intentional. 

Survive the Night by Riley Sager

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

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

3.75

Mile High by Liz Tomforde

emotional funny lighthearted 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

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

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

I feel weird giving this a rating based on the premise of the book. But this was interesting and powerful. I think getting the different perspectives of this unorthodox and taboo romance added a layer I wasn't expecting. The ending is also not something I saw coming.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Sexual content, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Drug use, Antisemitism, Pedophilia, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Car accident, and Child abuse

Blue Flag, Vol. 3 by Kaito

3.0

Twisted Games by Ana Huang

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I was really enjoying this at first but this was super long and kind of dragged in the middle. I also didn't get the appeal of Rhys personally. 

I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman

adventurous emotional funny 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

Twisted Love by Ana Huang

challenging dark 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

4.0

 This was a wild ride that's what I will say. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun violence, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Kidnapping, Murder, Blood, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Stalking, Sexual content, and Gaslighting