takara_reads's reviews
111 reviews

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

"The Seven Year Slip" by Ashley Poston is a poignant tale of love, loss, and second chances. The meaningful quotes about life and loss add depth to the narrative, while the unique concept of the apartment traveling back in time provides an intriguing backdrop. The romance between the protagonists is beautifully portrayed, and the true, harrowing portrayal of grief is both raw and honest. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that will stay with you.

Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke

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

4.0

“Nothing But It All" by Adriana Locke is a captivating romance novel that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and second chances. The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their emotional journey from the very first page. The author's prose is both eloquent and evocative, painting vivid scenes that linger in the mind long after the final chapter. With its poignant themes and engaging narrative, "Nothing But It All" is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Locke skilfully navigates the highs and lows of relationships, ultimately delivering a deeply satisfying and memorable read.

Insel der Gefühle: Wird Jana jemals wieder lieben können? by Ina von Juhn

fast-paced

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

3.75

Das war eine wirklich nette und schnelle Lektüre, die mir geholfen hat, mein Deutsch auf dem neuesten Stand zu halten!

Misses, Hearts, & Us by Willa Drew

fast-paced

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

4.0

Captivating and suspenseful, “Misses, Hearts & Us” keeps readers hooked with its intense romance and nail-biting suspense. The chemistry between the two lovers is electric, but obstacles constantly keep them apart, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment to see if they'll finally find their way to each other.

Finding Friends At The Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful 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

5.0

"Finding Friends At The Cornish Country Hospital" by Jo Bartlett offers a captivating narrative that extends beyond Esther's journey, delving into her mother's story as well. I appreciated the seamless integration of familiar characters like Danni, Charlie, and Connie, adding depth to the narrative. Bartlett's exploration of the hospital theme is both immersive and authentic, with spot-on medical stories that kept me engaged from start to finish. Overall, a compelling read that beautifully intertwines personal and professional lives within the Cornish Country Hospital setting.

Kisses, Lies, & Us by Willa Drew

fast-paced

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

3.75

"Kisses, Lies, & Us" by Willa Drew is a thrilling ride from start to finish. I loved the short, punchy chapters and the cliffhanger ending that left me eager for the next book in the series. Drew's storytelling is addictive, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next.

Desserts for Stressed People by Letizia Lorini

medium-paced

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

5.0

Letizia' Lorini’s “Desserts for Stressed People” is a heartwarming exploration of sweet indulgence, centred around a charming bakery theme. The endearing relationship between the couple, bonded over desserts, adds a lovely touch, while the theme of friendship among work colleagues adds depth to the narrative. It's a delightful read that celebrates the simple joys of good food and companionship. 

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous challenging dark hopeful 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

Rebecca Yarros' “The Last Letter” delivers an emotional rollercoaster that leaves readers with a heart wrenching ache. The story's twists add layers of complexity, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Despite the utter sadness that permeates the narrative, the love between the protagonists blossoms beautifully, offering moments of warmth amidst the pain. Yarros masterfully crafts a tale that not only breaks hearts but also leaves a lasting impact on readers.

The Quit List by Katie Bailey

adventurous medium-paced

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

4.0

“The Quit List" by Katie Bailey is a heartwarming journey of self-discovery wrapped in a tale of love and missed opportunities. The protagonist's quest to find love when it's right in front of her resonates deeply with readers, highlighting the universal struggle of recognizing what truly matters. Bailey masterfully weaves a narrative of taking risks and embracing the unknown, reminding us all to seize the moments that could lead to happiness. With relatable characters and poignant moments, "The Quit List" is a captivating read that will leave you rooting for love in unexpected places.

In a Jam by Kate Canterbary

challenging dark emotional funny 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

5.0

In a Jam" by Kate Canterbary is a delightful blend of romance, humour, and culinary delights. Set in the charming town of Friendship, it follows the story of Shay and her unexpected encounter with her old high school friend Noah. Canterbary's writing is witty and engaging, with well-developed characters and a storyline that keeps you hooked until the very end. The chemistry between Shay and Noah sizzles off the pages, making this a perfect read for fans of sweet and spicy romance. With its mouthwatering descriptions of homemade jams and baked goods, "In a Jam" is a treat for the senses that will leave you craving more.