stephanieam's reviews
75 reviews

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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

4.5

I am not into sports and took a total chance on this book. So glad I did because I loved it and could not put it down! Even though there was a lot going on with Vanessa and Aidan both individually and together, I thought the author did a great job with tackling the issues and making everything significant  (rather than just including issues to make the story feel deeper). I was very much in the same place as Vanessa at the beginning of the book, not liking or trusting Aidan that much. It was enjoyable to grow with her as her opinion and relationship with Aidan began to change. The slowburn *chef's kiss* was absolutely perfect. No notes. With that said, I think the only area in which this story fell short for me was the ending. The book focused so much on Vanessa and Aidan coming together, but I would have liked things to be a little more fleshed out and explained instead of implied when it finally happened. I appreciated the last few pages giving insight into their future. It was very heartwarming for sure. It just would have been nice to see more in the immediate aftermath. Maybe it would have been better to have some moments happen sooner. I am not sure, but I was a little dissatisfied. This is definitely a story that would be so much fun to read from Aidan's perspective!

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

This was a definite improvement from the first Tessa Bailey book I read. The story, cast of characters, and relationship development were all enjoyable. I appreciated the nod to Schitt's Creek, especially because Alexis Rose is my favorite character, and I wanted more for her. Piper's growth felt realistic and genuine and not at all a reach given where she started. The bond between her and Hannah really added depth to her character and was a story highlight. With that said, the spice was not for me. I was onboard with all the build up to Piper and Brendan getting closer to each other, but when things started to get spicy between them, it felt awkward and made me uncomfortable. Dirty talk is not for me. Also, the way Tessa Bailey writes kind of annoys me on some level. I cannot quite identify where the issue lies. Her writing just feels very forced, like it is trying too hard to be fun and funny and current. Typically, I devour a good rom-com. That was not the case here. I was able to put the book down and did not think much about it when I was not reading it. Overall, I liked the story enough that I want to read the sequel to find out what happens with Hannah. I disliked it enough that this series will be the last I read from Tessa Bailey.

Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

I stumbled across this book during a trip to the bookstore. I was immediately hooked when I read the description and then learned it was written by a local author. What a hidden gem. This book made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion, like genuinely laugh. All while telling a meaningful and moving story about a challenging topic. I loved the relationship development between Sally and Billy, and it was interesting to see how real local influences shaped some of the fictional events. The only thing that gave me pause initially was the point of view. The book is told from Sally's perspective, but she is telling the story and explaining things to another character. When I first started reading, I remember being skeptical and thinking, "Oh no, is the whole book like this?" I do not recall ever reading a book with a similar narrative structure, and it felt weird for a little while. I eventually got used to it and liked and appreciated it by the end. Looking forward to future works by this author! 

My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

4.5

I have purchased numerous books by Christina Lauren over the years because the story descriptions always sounded so good. Having never gotten around to reading any of them, I thought it was time to discover if I actually liked Christina Lauren or not. This book ended up being a wonderful introduction to their work (to my immense relief)! The story was so much fun, filled with a lovable cast, lots of laughs, and strong relationship chemistry. I think the only thing that could have been better and a little more believable for me was when Reid was finally on the same page as the characters and reader. It felt like there was so much build up to that moment, and instead of him really connecting all the pieces that were laid out over the course of the story, he just sort of had this sudden understanding. It was kind of anticlimactic. Other than that, a quick and enjoyable read that I could not put down! 

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.5

I wanted to love this book. The story pulled me in and was written so beautifully, and I had such high hopes at the beginning. Unfortunately, the coherence and meaning of the plot got lost in all of the world building. The mystery of the Starless Sea and what was happening became way too intricate and weird. It was a challenge to keep track of all the stories and their significance, and there were some loose threads by the conclusion. The characters themselves were likable. However, I would have enjoyed more development between Zachary and Dorian. I understand having an instant connection with someone and being drawn to them, but it just played out in a way that was awkward and not believable. I found it difficult to make the leap from all the deception and withholding of information to a deep, meant to be together love. The ending did not feel earned and held none of the magic found earlier in the book.

Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade

lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.0

Ugh! I hated this book. It took forever to read, and I blame it for putting me in a reading slump. Maria and Peter were insufferable from start to finish. They deserved each other. The irony is that I do not think they will last in the long run because of their insane communication issues and neediness. I did not buy their complete transformations at the end. The humor and banter was painful and trying too hard. I noticed this with the previous two books, but it was more apparent and annoying in this one. Why this story needed to span as much time as it did and be 400 pages is beyond me.

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad slow-paced

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

3.5

I wanted to like this book more than I did. It started off strong, with a gripping premise and beautiful
writing style. I liked that the narrative was broken into pieces and focused on the lives of each of the
Gold siblings. However, some of the individual stories were more interesting than others. It started off
strong with Simon, and it went sort of downhill after that. There was some ambiguity surrounding the
fate of a few of them. In addition, I was left underwhelmed by the end of a few sections, particularly
those for Klara and Daniel. I was invested enough that I wanted to keep reading to find out what
happens, but the ending was a letdown unfortunately. It lacked the closure I would have wanted for this
story. I get it and appreciate the hopefulness of it, but it was just really unsatisfying.

Chase Me by Tessa Bailey

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

2.5

This was my first Tessa Bailey book, and I have to say I am really disappointed. The plot had such promise, but ultimately, the writing and banter did not work for me at all. It tries way too hard to be funny. I like a relationship to be built on more than just lust. The characters were unlikeable to the point where I have no interest in reading the other books in this series. 

The Wild Hunt by Emma Seckel

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense 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? Yes

4.0

This was a pleasant surprise. I randomly picked up this book, and I am so glad because I enjoyed it a lot. The plot had a lot of layers, and the overall mystery was different but gripping. I would have liked a little more explanation of things and resolution though. Wonderful relationship development between Leigh and Iain. An eerie and perfect read for October!

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

2.0

I have often heard the comment that S.J. Maas books read like fan fiction. I never agreed with that assessment until this book. Even though it was significantly shorter than its three predecessors, it was painful to get through and felt like it took way longer to read. I do not understand why this could not have been included at the end of the third book in the series. This was such a cash grab. Wanting to set up Nesta's story in the next book is fine, but the story here was incredibly forgettable and ineffective. I am writing this review way after reading it, and I cannot even remember what happens. Just that I hated it.