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sammytvo's reviews
613 reviews
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
5.0
emma “the bolder” x justin “stay stay stay”
wow this book is everything. The book started off fun and light with the funny banter/dialogue but this was definitely an emotional roller coaster
This abby jimenez universe is so entwined with all the cameos and Easter eggs ITS INSANE I love it!!
just for the summer is one of abby’s best books yet! the way I was slowly reading this one because I didn’t want the story to end.
Also I read the q&a with the author at the end of the book. I appreciate the love and care the author put into this book especially with the medical professionals she consulted to write for the characters. I also love all the metaphors in the book especially the island house!! I’m a whore for metaphors
Oh to be loved by Justin!!!! HES A GOOD MAN SAVANNAH!! an acts of service king! Like who’s gonna swim and paddle on a tiny floatie for hours for me
“you’re not asking too much, you were just asking the wrong person. ask me instead.”
Ugh I wanna give Emma a big hug!! My heart hurts for Emma so much for what she had to endure on her own. i’m so glad she has maddy and now justin! Even with all the trauma, Emma still remains so beautifully empathic
waiting room by phoebe bridgers
unsteady by x ambassadors
I love maddy and emma’s friendship !! maddy is her person
The only good thing amber has done was being Neil’s karma
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
4.0
I absolutely enjoyed the plot of this book! with enemies to lovers + marriage of convenience I WAS SEATED
lark my girl she’s such a complex character! she’s been through so much yet manages to remain so strong and loves her people so much.
lachian said it best about sloane - “you’re brave. you’re afraid you’ll lose someone? you dive headfirst into a crazy plan to marry a broody asshat you hate just to save them. you’re afraid of my crazy boss? you give him drugged muffins and make him fall at your feet, wanting to be your friend. you’re afraid of the dark elevator? you sit in it for an hour so your dog won’t be alone.”
lachian giving brutey grump that will KILL anyone who even touches him wife! Like I love how protective is of lark and the way he understands her especially when she gets all quiet
lark and lachian were cute and sxc like their tension was INSANE (esp the rooftop!!)
overall, I enjoyed this book but idk it was lowkey missing something that i can’t put my finger on hence why its not completely five stars.
i also loved that we got to see more of sloane and rowan in this one too! I’m so excited for the third book with rose and fionn especially with what happened between them in the end !!!!!
also ethel, lark’s grandma is a gem!
lark my girl she’s such a complex character! she’s been through so much yet manages to remain so strong and loves her people so much.
lachian said it best about sloane - “you’re brave. you’re afraid you’ll lose someone? you dive headfirst into a crazy plan to marry a broody asshat you hate just to save them. you’re afraid of my crazy boss? you give him drugged muffins and make him fall at your feet, wanting to be your friend. you’re afraid of the dark elevator? you sit in it for an hour so your dog won’t be alone.”
lachian giving brutey grump that will KILL anyone who even touches him wife! Like I love how protective is of lark and the way he understands her especially when she gets all quiet
lark and lachian were cute and sxc like their tension was INSANE (esp the rooftop!!)
overall, I enjoyed this book but idk it was lowkey missing something that i can’t put my finger on hence why its not completely five stars.
i also loved that we got to see more of sloane and rowan in this one too! I’m so excited for the third book with rose and fionn especially with what happened between them in the end !!!!!
also ethel, lark’s grandma is a gem!
Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
"delicate" and "ivy" by taylor swift
"i miss you, i'm sorry" by gracie abrams
julie soto has me HOOKED!! she is such a wonderful writer and i can't wait to read more of her work!
the story itself was so entertaining! it was like watching a sxc romcom in my head.
ama and elliot are the definition of the dynamic "she talks and he lovingly listens to her" !!
the format of this book was interesting where we saw the beginnings of the relationship (the past) through elliot's pov and the present day through ama's pov. i love reading about elliot falling in love with ama but i wish we got his pov during the present day.
anyways i loved this book! i wish the ending gave me MOREEEE
"i miss you, i'm sorry" by gracie abrams
julie soto has me HOOKED!! she is such a wonderful writer and i can't wait to read more of her work!
the story itself was so entertaining! it was like watching a sxc romcom in my head.
ama and elliot are the definition of the dynamic "she talks and he lovingly listens to her" !!
the format of this book was interesting where we saw the beginnings of the relationship (the past) through elliot's pov and the present day through ama's pov. i love reading about elliot falling in love with ama but i wish we got his pov during the present day.
anyways i loved this book! i wish the ending gave me MOREEEE
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
this book was written for the people who find solace in books and people who found their best friends through books
imagine you’re actually in the world of your favorite book where you get to meet and interact with your favorite characters ! well this is what happens to elsy. elsy has been down on her luck and she was hoping time in a cabin with the comfort of books will help her funk. however, on her way to the cabin, she ends up in a new town which feels all too familiar, as if she read about it before
“not all love happens at first glance—sometimes, it takes a reread at the exact right (or wrong) time in your life.”
i thought this story was quite cozy and comforting with a few unexpected moments/revolutions. however, it did felt like the story was dragging at times.
as for the romance, i wish there was more which is ironic since this book is basically an ode to romance readers. SLIGHT SPOILERS INCOMING “the third act breakup” wasn’t my favorite. It was realistic in a sense but I did not read for realism. It just took me out of the romance. even when, the love interest returned for elsy, it felt very obligatory as a love interest instead of love. yes there was the love confession but it felt typical and quick fast. also felt like elsy was a second choice. glad that elsy got her happy ending tho
“labyrinth by taylor swift
Funny Story by Emily Henry
5.0
I haven't finished a book this fast in so long!!
what a feeling by one direction
so long london by taylor swift
ugh emily henry you did it again! idk how she manages to write lovable characters that make me feel so seen. funny story just felt like a warm hug
reverse sunshine x grumpy, black cat x golden retriever! i literally ate this up
daphne my girl. introvert that has trouble forming friendships or even making small talk - she's so real like her daddy issues are so real. abandonment issues REAL the trauma from waiting for your parent to pick you up REAL daphne's dream is a home with her own found family - a place to belong to - and seeing daphne yearn and work so hard for this dream made my heartache for her. ugh she deserves everything good
miles!! i was initially wasn't expecting much from miles because i've heard many thoughts (and tiktoks) of him giving people the ick but once i met him I LOVE HIM! like i should've known better than to trust booktok like miles is golden retriever extrovert. WITH A TATTOOS! how can you not love him!! he's a good man savannah!! i wish we got to see his pov in this one! anyways i love him and i'm so glad we also got to see him in an older brother role with julia. i also love his relationship with julia and i wish we got see more of that as well.
daphnemiiles !! the way they just love each other as friends to lovers was everything. reading about them felt like a balm. i wish we got more of them together
what a feeling by one direction
so long london by taylor swift
ugh emily henry you did it again! idk how she manages to write lovable characters that make me feel so seen. funny story just felt like a warm hug
reverse sunshine x grumpy, black cat x golden retriever! i literally ate this up
daphne my girl. introvert that has trouble forming friendships or even making small talk - she's so real like her daddy issues are so real. abandonment issues REAL the trauma from waiting for your parent to pick you up REAL daphne's dream is a home with her own found family - a place to belong to - and seeing daphne yearn and work so hard for this dream made my heartache for her. ugh she deserves everything good
miles!! i was initially wasn't expecting much from miles because i've heard many thoughts (and tiktoks) of him giving people the ick but once i met him I LOVE HIM! like i should've known better than to trust booktok like miles is golden retriever extrovert. WITH A TATTOOS! how can you not love him!! he's a good man savannah!! i wish we got to see his pov in this one! anyways i love him and i'm so glad we also got to see him in an older brother role with julia. i also love his relationship with julia and i wish we got see more of that as well.
daphnemiiles !! the way they just love each other as friends to lovers was everything. reading about them felt like a balm. i wish we got more of them together
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Okay the title is a lie! literally in the first chapter of the eli’s pov when he sets eyes on rue, he’s already in love. Ali Hazelwood never fails in writing DOWN BAD men and science drama
I wasn’t expecting this book to be (very very loosely) giving Romeo and Juliet vibes but make it lab-office setting. The forbidden aspect is definitely there where I can feel the angsty tension between rue and eli even through the pages - their tension was PALPABLE
Even though rue and eli’s relationship was more physical based, their relationship was still EVERYTHING! I love how the couple are able to admit their vulnerabilities and flaws to each other without feeling judged. Also the way eli loves rue has me screaming!!
Wow Eli definitely served obsessed boy loserism !!!!!!! MALEWIFEEE ENERGY !! BRING REAL MEN LIKE HIM BACK Ali Hazelwood just knows how to write YEARNING MEN. i feel like the hottest part about him was how respected rue's boundaries, and limits. also eli just reminds me of the song “seven” by jungkook, latto
Rue was such a complex introvert yet relatable character with her social anxiety and awkward social skills - she’s so real! Even though rue’s character seemed closed off and stand offish at first, you learn more about her and her layers. Also learning about her childhood makes you want to give her a big hug! I love her so much she’s so pookie
also love the check and mate mention with nolan and mallory !!!
Overall, Ali Hazelwood wrote another amazing romance about women in stem and their loser men that pines for them!
Okay the title is a lie! literally in the first chapter of the eli’s pov when he sets eyes on rue, he’s already in love. Ali Hazelwood never fails in writing DOWN BAD men and science drama
I wasn’t expecting this book to be (very very loosely) giving Romeo and Juliet vibes but make it lab-office setting. The forbidden aspect is definitely there where I can feel the angsty tension between rue and eli even through the pages - their tension was PALPABLE
Even though rue and eli’s relationship was more physical based, their relationship was still EVERYTHING! I love how the couple are able to admit their vulnerabilities and flaws to each other without feeling judged. Also the way eli loves rue has me screaming!!
Wow Eli definitely served obsessed boy loserism !!!!!!! MALEWIFEEE ENERGY !! BRING REAL MEN LIKE HIM BACK Ali Hazelwood just knows how to write YEARNING MEN. i feel like the hottest part about him was how respected rue's boundaries, and limits. also eli just reminds me of the song “seven” by jungkook, latto
Rue was such a complex introvert yet relatable character with her social anxiety and awkward social skills - she’s so real! Even though rue’s character seemed closed off and stand offish at first, you learn more about her and her layers. Also learning about her childhood makes you want to give her a big hug! I love her so much she’s so pookie
also love the check and mate mention with nolan and mallory !!!
Overall, Ali Hazelwood wrote another amazing romance about women in stem and their loser men that pines for them!
Icon and Inferno by Marie Lu
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“two people from two opposite worlds. he’s in the spotlight and she’s in the secret world”
Oh this is an exciting sequel that will take you for a ride with higher stakes with unexpected twists! We get to see some new and familiar faces (if you’ve read the war cross series). such an enjoyable read!
also when I said we get to see new faces, well SPOILERS INCOMING they are the exes of winter and sydney SURPRISE - Ugh the trope where the ex comes back but its two exes this time THAT DRAMMAAA
even with a whole mission and both their exes in the way, Sydney and winter are still going strong! Their chemistry is just like back in book one where its so evident in their banter and their povs like they way they just understand each other!!
overall, this was a good conclusion!! I wish we got more in the ending tho especially for winter and sydney
“two people from two opposite worlds. he’s in the spotlight and she’s in the secret world”
Oh this is an exciting sequel that will take you for a ride with higher stakes with unexpected twists! We get to see some new and familiar faces (if you’ve read the war cross series). such an enjoyable read!
also when I said we get to see new faces, well SPOILERS INCOMING they are the exes of winter and sydney SURPRISE - Ugh the trope where the ex comes back but its two exes this time THAT DRAMMAAA
even with a whole mission and both their exes in the way, Sydney and winter are still going strong! Their chemistry is just like back in book one where its so evident in their banter and their povs like they way they just understand each other!!
overall, this was a good conclusion!! I wish we got more in the ending tho especially for winter and sydney
Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire by Jehad Abusalim, Jennifer Bing, Mike Merryman-Lotze
5.0
it’s absolutely devastating how the people of palestine has been fighting for not just for their own freedom but basic human rights for CENTURIES and its a losing battle even to this day. everyone needs to read this and hear their stories and voices
as an american, i’ve never heard any news about palestine (until recently) but since this conflict has been happen since before i was born and i haven’t heard anything about it in the media/news, i recognize my privilege and the bubble i am in! i’m glad i am more educated on this and will continue to learn more! This book was eye opening
People are dying and the LEAST we can do we acknowledge that and educate ourselves.
as an american, i’ve never heard any news about palestine (until recently) but since this conflict has been happen since before i was born and i haven’t heard anything about it in the media/news, i recognize my privilege and the bubble i am in! i’m glad i am more educated on this and will continue to learn more! This book was eye opening
People are dying and the LEAST we can do we acknowledge that and educate ourselves.
A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur 허주은
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow those last few chapters were a rollercoaster of emotions lowkey giving kdrama forreal
This korean historical fiction set during Joseon-era is about iseul in search for her sister who was taken by the king. This story is told with an treacherous political backdrop of a dictatorial king along with a little mystery and romance involved. The author was able to combine all these components together to create such a dynamic historical fiction story with accurate historical events that shockingly happened.
the author depicts the horror that is the rule of the dictatorship where i felt the intense energy as a reader. the author revealed that all of the brutal acts done by the king all happened in history as well as some of the characters were also actual historical figures. she also mentioned that she didn’t censor/blur any horrific atrocities of the king to truly capture the hellhole of this era. learning about this part of korean history was not just shocking but also eye opening. with the author’s message in mind “confront disturbing historical events are crucial. it is imperative to confront history because it repeats itself when ignored.” - stories like this are important to read about and to bear witness to
in a desolate environment ruled by a heinous king, there’s bit of romance which i absolutely loved!
Even though, the romance was more subplot, I still adore iseul and daehyun my pookie bears!! slowburn dislike to friends to lovers - the first time they met was very knife-to-neck tension heavy. However, a friendship develops between the two when their alliance take down the king forms. the heavy tension turned into wholesome affection for each other. The way they that solely understand each other’s traumas as well as loneliness GOT ME. they found security in each other in a hostile environment - found love in a hopeless place fr
even tho we don’t see much of iseul and her sister’s relationship, iseul’s love for her sister is evident in her constant perseverance to search and save her sister. iseul’s character development was also evident throughout this book. from spoiled daughter to resilient sister
even though we don’t see much of issuel’s sister suyeon,, her journal entries were impactful where she voices her feelings of the burden of being the eldest daughter.
overall, i wasn't expecting this book to be so impactful and grateful to have the opportunity to experience this story.
Wow those last few chapters were a rollercoaster of emotions lowkey giving kdrama forreal
This korean historical fiction set during Joseon-era is about iseul in search for her sister who was taken by the king. This story is told with an treacherous political backdrop of a dictatorial king along with a little mystery and romance involved. The author was able to combine all these components together to create such a dynamic historical fiction story with accurate historical events that shockingly happened.
the author depicts the horror that is the rule of the dictatorship where i felt the intense energy as a reader. the author revealed that all of the brutal acts done by the king all happened in history as well as some of the characters were also actual historical figures. she also mentioned that she didn’t censor/blur any horrific atrocities of the king to truly capture the hellhole of this era. learning about this part of korean history was not just shocking but also eye opening. with the author’s message in mind “confront disturbing historical events are crucial. it is imperative to confront history because it repeats itself when ignored.” - stories like this are important to read about and to bear witness to
in a desolate environment ruled by a heinous king, there’s bit of romance which i absolutely loved!
Even though, the romance was more subplot, I still adore iseul and daehyun my pookie bears!! slowburn dislike to friends to lovers - the first time they met was very knife-to-neck tension heavy. However, a friendship develops between the two when their alliance take down the king forms. the heavy tension turned into wholesome affection for each other. The way they that solely understand each other’s traumas as well as loneliness GOT ME. they found security in each other in a hostile environment - found love in a hopeless place fr
even tho we don’t see much of iseul and her sister’s relationship, iseul’s love for her sister is evident in her constant perseverance to search and save her sister. iseul’s character development was also evident throughout this book. from spoiled daughter to resilient sister
even though we don’t see much of issuel’s sister suyeon,, her journal entries were impactful where she voices her feelings of the burden of being the eldest daughter.
overall, i wasn't expecting this book to be so impactful and grateful to have the opportunity to experience this story.