rjermann's reviews
623 reviews

Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller

challenging hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

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

4.5

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! 

4.5 stars! Loved the description, and the book did not disappoint. If you are ok with book banning....maybe don't read this book, you'll probably be offended (but then that means you should read it....). The book switches focus to different characters throughout, making it an engaging read and covering multiple different viewpoints without losing the reader. Enjoyed the diverse cast of characters (and the cast of books in the little library).  

This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.

Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for the ARC in turn for an honest review. 

I wanted to love this book. The vampires, LGBTQ+, the social commentary...what a great concept! Buttttt I made it 60% of the way in before giving up. Layla: great character. Elise: great character. Writing: pretty juvenile. Plot: dragged. I felt like the book tried to tackle too much at once, and was left lacking. Either way, I know someone will click with this book, and it just wasn't me....and after a month sitting on my "Currently Reading" list I had to finally call it quits. 

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

adventurous dark medium-paced

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

5.0

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers

dark 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

3.75

Thanks to NetGalley & William Morrow for this ARC!

Suspenseful Gothic mystery--is it a curse, a haunted house, or just the soon-to-be husband? Or the not-quite dead second wife? Not really a romance, but an enjoyable read that I read quickly. Wuthering Heights vibes. Did not love the main character, but the rest made up for it. Would recommend, particularly for people who enjoyed Mexican Gothic.

The Secret of the Brighton House by Cathy Hayward

challenging dark informative medium-paced

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

3.0

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I enjoyed the dual viewpoint and glimpse into the history of giving birth in the 1970s, but overall found the plot somewhat lacking. I think I was waiting for this to be a mystery/thriller, but it wasn't--but it did get fairly dark. Not sure if I would recommend as a go-to, but I wouldn't stop someone from reading it!

The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis

adventurous informative 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

4.0

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

adventurous inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Bad River by Marc Cameron

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

3.0

Thanks to Kensington Books for the ARC!

Definitely recommend if you want an accurate representation of Alaska and are a fan of Robin Barefield! Felt like there were some plot points that didn’t get finished, but then again, this is a series. Out in stores July 23.