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scoops_stories's reviews
4 reviews
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I’ve been wanting to read this book for years. I bought my paperback copy in the US when I visited in 2018! I now have time to catch up on my old TBR as I take maternity leave and I’m so glad I picked this up first.
Helen Hoang allows you to fall in love with these characters instantly. Stella’s POV was my favourite, not only because of her perspective as a woman on the autism spectrum, but because of how obsessed she is with Michael. Who can blame her? He’s absolutely gorgeous.
I was pulling my hair out towards the end, hoping we were avoiding one of those ‘misunderstanding’ breakups. They always feel a little contrived. Plus Philip James reads like Gaston, but you always need an antagonist I guess.
Luckily the drama doesn’t last long and the HEA comes quickly. Plus the sex is peppered throughout the book in equal measure which I always appreciate. I can’t stand having to wait until I’m 50% in for the spice to flow.
This was a pleasure to read and I’m definitely picking up Helen’s other books.
Helen Hoang allows you to fall in love with these characters instantly. Stella’s POV was my favourite, not only because of her perspective as a woman on the autism spectrum, but because of how obsessed she is with Michael. Who can blame her? He’s absolutely gorgeous.
I was pulling my hair out towards the end, hoping we were avoiding one of those ‘misunderstanding’ breakups. They always feel a little contrived. Plus Philip James reads like Gaston, but you always need an antagonist I guess.
Luckily the drama doesn’t last long and the HEA comes quickly. Plus the sex is peppered throughout the book in equal measure which I always appreciate. I can’t stand having to wait until I’m 50% in for the spice to flow.
This was a pleasure to read and I’m definitely picking up Helen’s other books.
Credence by Penelope Douglas
challenging
dark
slow-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
1.25
😬😬😬
Okay so I did know what this was before I read it. I knew about the storyline and all the triggers. I’ve even read Penelope Douglas before.
What I didn’t know was how boring this would be.
This book reminded me why I enjoy PWP in fan fiction. You get all of this smut without the ridiculous story to justify it. It seriously took 50% of filler to get to any 🌶.
Then to end it all the heroine ends up with HIM?!
This gets 2 stars purely for chapter 23.
Okay so I did know what this was before I read it. I knew about the storyline and all the triggers. I’ve even read Penelope Douglas before.
What I didn’t know was how boring this would be.
This book reminded me why I enjoy PWP in fan fiction. You get all of this smut without the ridiculous story to justify it. It seriously took 50% of filler to get to any 🌶.
Then to end it all the heroine ends up with HIM?!
This gets 2 stars purely for chapter 23.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Animal death, Incest, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Bullying, Child abuse, Rape, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual assault
Honor by Thrity Umrigar
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Not my typical read but I wanted to commit to a book club pick this year. I’m glad I persevered because Book 3 onwards really got me turning the pages. Definitely a confronting read but by the end I was really rooting for Smita and Mohan.
I’m glad I took a chance on this book.
Read for Reese’s Book Club.
I’m glad I took a chance on this book.
Read for Reese’s Book Club.
Love Stories by Trent Dalton
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
‘And now I know what love is: Love is exposing all the pieces.’
If you cringe away from the saccharine or are embarrassed by earnestness then this isn’t the book for you. No room for cynicism here. You have to be ready to commit to Trent’s vision and embrace the honest conversations around them.
This book is a balm we all need after the last few years. After my mum passed away last year, I now read with her in mind. Would I recommend this book to her? Would I pull out passages and share them with her? This is a book she would adore. I loved it too.
If you cringe away from the saccharine or are embarrassed by earnestness then this isn’t the book for you. No room for cynicism here. You have to be ready to commit to Trent’s vision and embrace the honest conversations around them.
This book is a balm we all need after the last few years. After my mum passed away last year, I now read with her in mind. Would I recommend this book to her? Would I pull out passages and share them with her? This is a book she would adore. I loved it too.
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