samantita's reviews
223 reviews

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Well slap my ass and call me Emmy, Lyla Sage has done it again. I love that this series focuses on a different character in the Ryder family for each book. They're quick, easy reads, and I appreciate that Sage brings real issues to each story. From Emmy's struggles with ADHD to Wes's challenges with depression, it adds another layer to this predominantly romance storyline. Excited to read about Gus and Teddy's love story next--I called this in the first novel!

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I'm not a fantasy girlie but this was recommended on one of my favorite podcasts, so I figured I'd give it a go. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed. Granted, it still hasn't converted me into someone that will go for more fantasy, but it was a pleasant read. I enjoyed the plot and the murder mystery element to it. If it weren't for that, I probably would have DNF'd. I liked the different abilities everyone had (like engraving), and Investigator Dolabra was probably my favorite character. I love a quirky female character who usually ends up being right and saving the day.

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

This is the cowboy romance that would've been made for Hallmark if it weren't for the dash of smut, that you didn't know you needed. If you're up for the enemies-to-lovers, semi-forced proximity, and falling-for-your-brother's-bff vibes, this one is for you. I didn't get into this right away but once I was in, I was hooked. I'm a sucker for a guy in a backward baseball cap. Put him on a ranch in Wyoming with a sob story? I was sold. 

Can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

challenging dark emotional sad tense

4.5

Reading this book filled me with hot feminist rage, especially knowing that Hendrix was inspired by true events. If it weren't enough that actual parents shipped their pregnant teenage daughters off to homes for unwed mothers, expected them to have their babies and come home and act like nothing happened, the way these girls were treated by people at the home like THEY were the problem is more than enough to put you over the top.

I appreciated that they attempted to take matters into their own hands and take control in a situation where they very much had none. I wanted more double double toil and trouble. More silly spells that put frogs into Diane's soup or turned Mrs. Deckle's air conditioned office into the the sauna they were all forced to endure. From the reviews, I expected more of it so that was a bit disappointing.

However, this kept me reading until the very end and for that, I can't give it anything less than 4.5 stars.

Serena Singh Flips the Script by Sonya Lalli

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

4.25

An easy read that was fun being that I'm in marketing. I liked traveling around D.C. with Serena as she navigated her job, family issues, and her desire to never get married or have children. 

Though we saw her let her guard down a bit when it came to kids,

I'm glad the book didn't end with her completely changing into the other end of the spectrum, i.e. something of a stepford wife. I appreciated her perspective on not wanting to take the traditional path and thought the change she experienced at the end was within reason.

 

The Verifiers by Jane Pek

adventurous funny tense medium-paced

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

4.0

This is one of those books where the MC has such a strong voice, and it brings me so much joy. Claudia is super quick-witted, humorous, shrewd, and driven in her own way. I did get lost a bit in the tech stuff. If it wasn't for Claudia's humor and voice, it would've been just another murder mystery book. I'd love to read more Jane Pek!

True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between by Gretchen Whitmer

funny hopeful inspiring reflective

4.0

This was a quick read that I finished in two days, and it gave me an idea into the type of person and leader Gretchen Whitmer is. The only thing I knew about her going into this book was the plot to kidnap and assassinate her. Reading about how she handled that--and even wants to have a conversation with one of the people involved in the plot--is incredibly empowering.

The advice she gave is not anything that I haven't already heard, but I'm okay with that because it's what has worked for her, both professionally and personally. I look up to her for her ability to see the lighter side of things and bring humor to any situation. 

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

challenging emotional sad

5.0

I needed time to process this read before posting a full review. "Heavy" is an understatement.

I've not gone through what Chanel has gone through. But I'm grateful that she shared her experience in her words because I know that this has helped so many women who understand what she went through. Her words were incredibly poignant and unfiltered, showing me how this experience impacted her life. 

I haven't read her impact statement yet because the book itself was a tough read. I hope there comes a day where I can read one of her children's books to my future children. 

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

challenging dark sad tense slow-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

I'm not typically a historical fiction reader, but I was interested in seeing how this plot played out based on the summary of the book. I will say that it didn't have as much tension as the summary made it out to be, but it had been a while since I read the summary before going into the book so I was okay with that.

Martha's reactions to what went on around her is what kept me moving through the book. She was placed in situations where she had to make difficult decisions, and it was interesting to see how she reacted. 

The way that justice was served (as much as it could possibly be in a situation like this) in a neat little "package" was the perfect way to end this book and for that, I upped my rating by a quarter of a star.

I didn't know that Martha Ballard was a real person. I appreciate the author taking the time to explain a bit about her process at the end of the book.

The Introvert's Edge to Networking: Work the Room. Leverage Social Media. Develop Powerful Connections by Matthew Pollard

informative

3.75

There is certainly some good advice in this book for introverts on how to network. Some of it is hard to wrap my head around and feels a bit awkward, especially as an introvert. Nevertheless, I've made some highlights and will take away a few new tips from this book.