samjowerts's reviews
143 reviews

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective 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

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

This was such a fun read. A balance of political intrigue, savvy regency social interactions, romance, and the power of clever women. I love Selina as a character and how she was so authentically herself in a time not built to support strong women. It is refreshing to see women of the regency era portrayed as real, intelligent, well-rounded individuals and the strength of the political movements and social standings of the time. 

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. 

Here For It (the Good, the Bad, and the Queso): The How-To Guide for Deepening Your Friendships and Doing Life Together by Amy Weatherly, Jess Johnston

funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

This book felt like a fun conversation with friends over a margarita. It was lighthearted while also balancing tough conversations about friendship and how to find (and keep) your people. I enjoyed the mix of writing styles between both authors and the humor and “realness” mixed in to each chapter. 

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC of this book.

Kiss Me, Mi Amor by Alana Quintana Albertson

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow by Jamie Erickson

informative lighthearted reflective slow-paced

3.5

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

To the Wild Horizon by Imogen Martin

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

5.0

This is a book that I already know I’ll be thinking about for a long time. It is the perfect blend of adventure, romance, and a woman’s strength. I fell in love with Grace and her compassionate heart. She is a character that you root for at every turn, especially when the odds are stacked against her. The enemies to lovers through line perfectly balanced the story of survival and grit. I couldn’t put this down. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for  this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

A Wild and Heavenly Place by Robin Oliveira

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

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

4.5