stephanieam's reviews
75 reviews

The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

adventurous 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 cute and cozy book to read around the holiday season! The story had a likable cast of characters. I appreciated how Charlie and Cass grew as individuals, professionals, and sisters. I think the only thing that was missing for me was more relationship development between the two main couples. I understand having more fluff rather than spice here, but the progression from friends to lovers in both instances just left me wanting a little more.   

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

This book was super hyped up, and unfortunately, I thought it did not live up to it. April was really annoying and self-centered, and Marcus was so vanilla. I thought their attraction and relationship development happened too quickly, and their problems both inside and outside of the relationship fell flat for me. I appreciated the representation and the commentary on Game of Thrones, but there were a lot of issues in a story that was just okay.

All the Feels by Olivia Dade

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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 over the first book in the series. Lauren was a little frustrating at times but likable overall. I was hoping to see further growth with her though, especially when it came to her various problematic family members. I loved Alex. He has my whole heart. Alex has the best sense of humor, and I enjoyed his banter with Lauren. It made me actually laugh out loud on more than one occasion. I could have done without the particular brand of fan fiction and kink, but their relationship development was a lot of fun. Compared with that of April and Marcus, this story felt more meaningful.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted tense 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

What a fun story! I came for the whole Carry On Simon Snow aspect, and I stayed for Cath. I could relate to Cath on so many levels, and I enjoyed watching her development as a person and with others. The fan fiction parts were engaging, but I actually found myself wanting to fast forward through them because I cared more about what was happening with Cath (and Cath and Levi). Speaking of Levi, yes. Absolutely loved him with my entire being. I really liked Cath's dad and Reagan too. Wren, on the other hand, got on my nerves. By the end, I was sad it was over and was left wanting more to read. The sign of a good book. 

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

This book was interesting until it was not. I liked the premise of a woman going to a small rural Scottish community and reintroducing wolves into the wild and then there is a murder that could be as a result of this. However, the book veers off the murder mystery track about a third of the way through and becomes about something completely different. More drama based and too much crammed into a short amount of pages. It seemed like close to all the characters were broken people, and that is just not realistic or enjoyable. Also, I am not a twin, and I know I will never understand the depth of that kind of bond. With that said, the dynamic between Inti and her sister was unsettling. They were way too close for comfort in certain areas, particularly their interchangeable nature in a past relationship. Overall, this was not the book I was expecting to read, and while sometimes that can be a good thing, that was not the case here.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

adventurous dark funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This book was fantastic! I loved every single second of it and could not put it down. Pip was an awesome protagonist, and I appreciated her constant wit and courage. While mystery was at the center of everything, comedy and romance were embedded into the story in such an organic way. I laughed out loud every other page, and the relationship development between Pip and Ravi was just... *chef's kiss* I was so engaged in the overarching case to be solved, and I was left guessing until the end. I liked how the resolution was layered, and I am so excited to read the next installment of the series. 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

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? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I went into this with such high expectations given the upward trajectory of the first two books. Even though I had a decent time reading it and was happy to see the major conflict to its end, I was disappointed overall. The story kind of dragged and was repetitive. Some parts were more interesting than others, and I often had to force myself to pick up this book and continue reading. I was also not a huge fan of the direction taken with some of the characters, particularly the whole thing with Mor and Azriel. When there is so much buildup to something, I best be rewarded for my patience. I wanted to be supportive of Mor, but I was more annoyed than anything because I felt tricked. I dislike Mor at this point too for being such a terrible friend. Her rationale for her actions was ridiculous and incredibly selfish. I feel bad for her struggle, but DO NOT mess with my favorite character who deserves the world. When I look at this book on my bookshelf, that whole situation and what a letdown are what immediately come to mind. The highlights were often overshadowed, and the "twists" fell flat for me. Although I did appreciate the hopefulness of the conclusion, I wish things had been tied up neater instead of needlessly extended into a short fourth book. This was unfortunately nowhere near the excellence of its predecessors.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-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

I have gone back and forth, and I think this is probably my second favorite book from Jane Austen. I enjoyed how there are two heroines as opposed to one. Both Elinor and Marianne are strong and just fantastic in their own ways. I love the contrast between their personalities, communication styles, and dynamics with their respective romantic interests. Speaking of Colonel Brandon, *SWOON*. This man. This underrated man. I cannot sing his praises enough. Kind, respectful, patient, and observant among other things. It was wonderful watching his relationship with Marianne transform over time, and I also appreciated his deep friendship with Elinor. Edward was nice too. In all honesty though, he sort of underwhelmed me at first, but he did eventually grow on me. Great story, characters, development, and conflict. The length and pacing (for the most part) were appropriate. The ending felt somewhat rushed, but it managed to wrap up everything happily!

Much Ado About You by Samantha Young

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.0

I was looking for something fun and light after some intense reads, and this book served that purpose. The story and characters were solid, and I laughed here and there. I definitely could relate to Evie on personal and professional levels, and I was envious of her experiences (from moving to a small village in England to running a cozy bookstore). Roane was nice, and the slow burn relationship development between him and Evie was well done. I suppose my biggest issue with this book was the pacing. Most of the story took its time, but then, the first kiss happened at the same time as the first spicy scene. Big no for me. I like them separated. Once things got going, it really seemed to move way too fast. It was hard to be happy with Evie and enjoy some of the bigger moments between her and Roane because it was clear something shady was happening. The ultimate conflict between them was weird, and I am not sure if I completely agree with how it was solved and where the blame landed. Also, there was a lot going on in general (issues of racism, homophobia, religion, loss, trauma, abuse, and addiction to name a few) and it worked to an extent given the size of the cast of characters and the setting. Part of me wonders though if some issues had not been included if others could have shined more. The book might not have seemed so rushed trying to cram it all in. Oh, and I HATED Greer. She was fine at first, but then, it was all about her. She would be reactive to situations, and  after taking a moment to think about her inappropriate responses, she would try to back pedal. Too late. Damage was done. She was a fake supportive friend. I could have done without her, and the connection between Evie and her mom would have been enough to make her question leaving the States. I think this story is worth reading and an enjoyable romantic comedy as a whole, but it had a stronger beginning and middle. The end was just okay and felt like a whirlwind resolution.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Books by Ruta Sepetys are treasures. Whenever I get a new one from her, I wait to read it for as long as I possibly can because I know it takes time in between her releases. I held off reading this book for years for this reason. Now that I have finally read it, I am sad to be done but also honored to have engaged with such a story. There were so many layers, and the blending between fiction and real historical events was seamless. The characters were wonderful. I loved how varied they were in their personalities and life experiences and how each chapter or so was told by a different one. The shifting perspectives helped to flesh out and give a better sense of what it was like to live in Spain at the time. I was captivated regardless of the viewpoint or plot line. I feel a little more educated about another part of the world now. Both during and after reading, I conducted research to learn additional information about the period along with the specific people and places discussed. Another thorough and beautifully written book!