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sophee_568's reviews
461 reviews
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Super creepy
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Just a Touch Away by Jae
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
The whole book revolves around two women - Winter and Hannah, who become roommates in a very unlikely scenario. Julian, Winter's father, left her half a building in his will, but there's a catch. The other half belongs to Hannah Martin. They are to be landlords of that building if they manage to live and sleep under the same roof for 92 days. If they fail to do so, the ownership of the building automatically goes to Brooke, Winter's half-sister.
I loved everything about this. It's a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. The characters are well-written and realistic. The main characters are middle-aged women. Hannah is in her thirties, and Winter is in her forties. They read a bit younger, but maybe that's my perception. They are super cute. I was giggling throughout most of the book. The banter is great.
I loved how this book was both a cute, cozy romance and a heartfelt story about learning trust, creating healthy boundaries, and letting go of your past. Hannah is a massage therapist turned professional cuddler. She adores her job. Most people think it's a silly unimportant job, but she constantly highlights the importance of physical touch in a person's life, and, also, learning to trust your own body and to trust others not to harm you. Hannah is careful and mindful with all her clients, especially ones who have gone through some trauma. The story becomes more interesting when Brooke dares Winter to book a cuddle session with Hannah. That wouldn't be a problem if WInter wasn't almost touch-averse. Winter, just like her name suggests, is an ice queen. She's a digital marketing manager, very goal-oriented, and ambitious, but also the least romantic person ever. She has never had a girlfriend, never hugged, let alone cuddled anyone. So, being dared to go through a one-hour cuddle session sounds like a nightmare to her. Refusing to let her half-sister 'win' at this little game, she books the session. And it goes downhill from there.
Despite all their previous animosity and the horrific first cuddle session, Winter and Hanna start to warm up to each other. That journey is a slow one. Slow-burn romances are my favorite, especially when one of the main characters is seemingly cold and distant. The more time passes, and the more the two main characters get to know each other, their facade starts to crumble. There's nothing more satisfying than someone putting in effort to know all your quirks, and then falling head over heels for you. Hannah is a wonderful character. She is so open, vulnerable, and willing to compromise and give the benefit of the doubt without becoming a doormat. Despite Winter's obvious weaknesses, she recognizes Hannah's good intentions and she stubbornly wants to prove she can be a good girlfriend.
When I read romance novels I base my judgment and enjoyment on whether I am rooting for the couple to stay together and whether they are suitable for each other. In the case of Just a Touch Away, both are a yes.
I loved everything about this. It's a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. The characters are well-written and realistic. The main characters are middle-aged women. Hannah is in her thirties, and Winter is in her forties. They read a bit younger, but maybe that's my perception. They are super cute. I was giggling throughout most of the book. The banter is great.
I loved how this book was both a cute, cozy romance and a heartfelt story about learning trust, creating healthy boundaries, and letting go of your past. Hannah is a massage therapist turned professional cuddler. She adores her job. Most people think it's a silly unimportant job, but she constantly highlights the importance of physical touch in a person's life, and, also, learning to trust your own body and to trust others not to harm you. Hannah is careful and mindful with all her clients, especially ones who have gone through some trauma. The story becomes more interesting when Brooke dares Winter to book a cuddle session with Hannah. That wouldn't be a problem if WInter wasn't almost touch-averse. Winter, just like her name suggests, is an ice queen. She's a digital marketing manager, very goal-oriented, and ambitious, but also the least romantic person ever. She has never had a girlfriend, never hugged, let alone cuddled anyone. So, being dared to go through a one-hour cuddle session sounds like a nightmare to her. Refusing to let her half-sister 'win' at this little game, she books the session. And it goes downhill from there.
Despite all their previous animosity and the horrific first cuddle session, Winter and Hanna start to warm up to each other. That journey is a slow one. Slow-burn romances are my favorite, especially when one of the main characters is seemingly cold and distant. The more time passes, and the more the two main characters get to know each other, their facade starts to crumble. There's nothing more satisfying than someone putting in effort to know all your quirks, and then falling head over heels for you. Hannah is a wonderful character. She is so open, vulnerable, and willing to compromise and give the benefit of the doubt without becoming a doormat. Despite Winter's obvious weaknesses, she recognizes Hannah's good intentions and she stubbornly wants to prove she can be a good girlfriend.
When I read romance novels I base my judgment and enjoyment on whether I am rooting for the couple to stay together and whether they are suitable for each other. In the case of Just a Touch Away, both are a yes.
Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I don't usually read YA books, but I saw this in the library and decided to give it a chance. I wasn't sure if I would love this because the beginning was boring. Fortunately, the plot got a lot more interesting quite soon. I think the whole backstory is a little far-fetched, but it doesn't matter. I enjoyed this book for the fun slasher it was. I loved the characters! There was a surprise gay couple in the end, which was nice. I think I might continue the series. I'm genuinely interested in what could happen in the sequel.
This is Where We Talk Things Out by Caitlin Marceau
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book really embodies the phrase 'Go girl give us nothing'. What a messy book. Summary of my thoughts:
Bad writing. Repeating phrases.
Well-written gory scenes
Terrible plain dialogue.
Underdeveloped characters.
Boring plot.
Unspecifed antagonist. We never get answers if it's ghosts, or a cursed land, or both, or maybe evil plants/mushrooms. Could it be something else, or all of the above?
I'm giving it 2 stars because it's a debut novel. Otherwise it would be zero.
Bad writing. Repeating phrases.
Well-written gory scenes
Terrible plain dialogue.
Underdeveloped characters.
Boring plot.
Unspecifed antagonist. We never get answers if it's ghosts, or a cursed land, or both, or maybe evil plants/mushrooms. Could it be something else, or all of the above?
I'm giving it 2 stars because it's a debut novel. Otherwise it would be zero.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Animal death