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shelfcarebyken's reviews
361 reviews
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
3.0
This book has been on the top of my tbr (to be read) list for so long! After hearing all of the comparisons of this book to Every Summer After by Carly Fortune (a book I absolutely adored), I knew I had to pick this one up this year. I waited for winter because of the cozy cabin vibes on the cover, and I felt like this was a perfect romance read for all the wintery vibes.
I went into this somewhat blindly, only knowing that it was similar to Every Summer After. It has the dual pov chapters that I love and also the second chance/friends to lovers tropes.
I wish I would’ve looked up trigger warnings for this book because I was a little thrown off by the “plot twist”, but that’s my own responsibility. No spoilers here!!
Overall I really enjoyed this story, and if you’re a fan of Every Summer After like I am, then I definitely recommend this read!!
I went into this somewhat blindly, only knowing that it was similar to Every Summer After. It has the dual pov chapters that I love and also the second chance/friends to lovers tropes.
I wish I would’ve looked up trigger warnings for this book because I was a little thrown off by the “plot twist”, but that’s my own responsibility. No spoilers here!!
Overall I really enjoyed this story, and if you’re a fan of Every Summer After like I am, then I definitely recommend this read!!
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
2.0
I dnf’d this book in 2010 when it was released, so this was my first time reading it in completion, and I agree with my younger self - this book is such a disappointment in comparison to the first two.
The ending makes me want to scream in frustration. So much build up (tbh slightly boring build up) for the majority of this book for next to nothing to happen in the ending, and the love triangle has the most unsatisfying conclusion. Ugh
The ending makes me want to scream in frustration. So much build up (tbh slightly boring build up) for the majority of this book for next to nothing to happen in the ending, and the love triangle has the most unsatisfying conclusion. Ugh
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano
5.0
I became obsessed with the Finlay Donovan series after reading and loving the first book. It’s very rare for me to rate every book in a series with 5 stars, but so far this one hasn’t disappointed me in the slightest.
This genre-bending series is incredibly engaging and keeps me on toes while also making me literally laugh out loud. I don’t find myself getting bored with these books anytime soon. Bring on book number 4!!
*also bonus points to this book bc I seriously didn’t guess the ending at all, so much fun
This genre-bending series is incredibly engaging and keeps me on toes while also making me literally laugh out loud. I don’t find myself getting bored with these books anytime soon. Bring on book number 4!!
*also bonus points to this book bc I seriously didn’t guess the ending at all, so much fun
The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams
3.0
I love stories like this that are character-focused and full of drama with little plot, but I can understand how this may not be everyone's cup of tea. The foundation of this book was intriguing to me as it follows two Nigerian women's friendship and how it changes when one friend gets married and explores starting a family. As we read, we get to view a 24 hr period from all three of the character's points of view, and we get additional flashback memories as well that uncover how these relationships were formed and how they've changed over the years.
I was genuinely interested in each of the characters' points of views and loved reading about how messy their relationships were. I also really appreciated the discussions of trauma including generational trauma and familial trauma that influences each of these character's lives.
The biggest disappointment of this book was the ending. I saw another reviewer describe it as feeling like the story stopped mid-sentence, and I could not agree more. While this is a short literary fiction novel, it definitely could have benefitted from a longer ending simply to tie everything up at the end. I think the overall story had a lot of great potential, but the ending needed a lot more substance.
I was genuinely interested in each of the characters' points of views and loved reading about how messy their relationships were. I also really appreciated the discussions of trauma including generational trauma and familial trauma that influences each of these character's lives.
The biggest disappointment of this book was the ending. I saw another reviewer describe it as feeling like the story stopped mid-sentence, and I could not agree more. While this is a short literary fiction novel, it definitely could have benefitted from a longer ending simply to tie everything up at the end. I think the overall story had a lot of great potential, but the ending needed a lot more substance.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
4.0
Omg so sweet and comforting. I really enjoyed the cozy vibes of this fantasy book and was completely drawn into the atmosphere. I only wish the characters had more of a back story because they were so lovable, but I had such a fun time reading this!
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
5.0
Shoutout to my fiancé for suggesting this book to me, I’m hooked.
While it took me a bit in the beginning to get my bearings and fully immerse myself in the story, I ended up absolutely loving the characters in this world and couldn’t stop reading about their backstories while rooting for them along the way.
In addition to this being wildly entertaining, I found all of the side characters to be incredibly endearing (ily, Rock) and I can’t wait to read the second book after that crazy ending
While it took me a bit in the beginning to get my bearings and fully immerse myself in the story, I ended up absolutely loving the characters in this world and couldn’t stop reading about their backstories while rooting for them along the way.
In addition to this being wildly entertaining, I found all of the side characters to be incredibly endearing (ily, Rock) and I can’t wait to read the second book after that crazy ending
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
4.0
Absolutely incredible and so much fun! As someone who loves SNL and female comedians, I was ecstatic to read a romance about a female comic writer essentially working for an SNL-esque production. I also loved reading a romance about two middle aged people discussing topics such as divorce, deserving love, societal standards, and so much more.
While it heavily discusses Covid, I thought it was really well done (+ the entire second part is epistolary which I loved!!)
Thank you NetGalley + Random House for an early copy of this digital ebook!!
While it heavily discusses Covid, I thought it was really well done (+ the entire second part is epistolary which I loved!!)
Thank you NetGalley + Random House for an early copy of this digital ebook!!
Moorewood Family Rules by HelenKay Dimon
4.0
What an incredibly fun read! I love fun reads like this with wild plots and characters, and this one definitely takes you on a crazy ride. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down until the very end - truly addicting!
I wish we got a closer look at some of the characters’ backgrounds because I couldn’t get enough of all the family drama that led the Moorewood’s to this sticky situation. By the time I got to the end, I was hoping it would end in a cliffhanger to ensure a sequel novel.
That being said, I don’t know if I objectively would say this is a perfect book, but the vibes of this book are perfect for a summer lake read (which is exactly where I read it, lol)
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook!
I wish we got a closer look at some of the characters’ backgrounds because I couldn’t get enough of all the family drama that led the Moorewood’s to this sticky situation. By the time I got to the end, I was hoping it would end in a cliffhanger to ensure a sequel novel.
That being said, I don’t know if I objectively would say this is a perfect book, but the vibes of this book are perfect for a summer lake read (which is exactly where I read it, lol)
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook!
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
5.0
Omg hi new favorite romance book + new favorite book boyfriend?!! (Fine, tied with Zaf from Dani Brown bc ♥️)
This book took me entirely by surprise in the best way possible. I was expecting to enjoy this one because I sooo enjoyed Part of Your World by Jimenez, but I was not expected to have picked up my newest favorite romance story among a few other dear reads. From the moment I started reading about Jacob and his journey with anxiety, I knew I would absolutely adore this one.
The mental health representation here combined with the hospital/Grey’s Anatomy setting makes for a perfect book for me. You absolutely have to put down whatever you’re reading and pick this up - I’m already excited for a reread!
Thank you to NetGalley + Forever Publishing for an early copy of the ebook and a finished copy of the paperback!! Forever, you’re the best
This book took me entirely by surprise in the best way possible. I was expecting to enjoy this one because I sooo enjoyed Part of Your World by Jimenez, but I was not expected to have picked up my newest favorite romance story among a few other dear reads. From the moment I started reading about Jacob and his journey with anxiety, I knew I would absolutely adore this one.
The mental health representation here combined with the hospital/Grey’s Anatomy setting makes for a perfect book for me. You absolutely have to put down whatever you’re reading and pick this up - I’m already excited for a reread!
Thank you to NetGalley + Forever Publishing for an early copy of the ebook and a finished copy of the paperback!! Forever, you’re the best
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
5.0
An incredible follow up after Firekeeper’s Daughter (one of my favorite reads), this kept me on my toes the entire time with Angeline Boulley’s incredible writing.
This is a book that is so difficult to put down because you are rooting for the characters as they fight for justice for their culture and their people while trying to figure out the horrific mystery underneath it all.
As long as Boulley keeps writing, I will keep reading. Her books are so powerful while simultaneously being intriguing and binge worthy. This is a new fantastic read I’ll recommend to everyone!
This is a book that is so difficult to put down because you are rooting for the characters as they fight for justice for their culture and their people while trying to figure out the horrific mystery underneath it all.
As long as Boulley keeps writing, I will keep reading. Her books are so powerful while simultaneously being intriguing and binge worthy. This is a new fantastic read I’ll recommend to everyone!