techie_scrapper's reviews
143 reviews

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.5

My Review: 

 

“Because the world had decided that to be soft was to be weak, even though in Joan’s experience being soft and flexible was always more durable than being hard and brittle. Admitting you were afraid always took more gut than pretending you weren’t. Being willing to make a mistake got you further than never trying. The world had decided that to be fallible was weak. But we are all fallible. The strong ones are the ones who accept it.” Quote by TJR 

 

As a young child, I was always fascinated by Space and NASA. When NASA decided to open its program to minorities, it was a momentous day for me as a Black female. I used to watch the launches at school because they were always such a huge deal and cool to watch. I say all of this because this is why I chose to read this newest book by TJR. 

 

The book begins in the present, with some of our primary and supporting characters on their first space mission. Then the book flashes back to the past. It’s the past flashbacks that allow you to get a better understanding of what is happening in the present. TJR draws you in and twists you all up in knots (in the best way possible). Her writing completely immerses you in the world. You ended up being so invested. Even her supporting characters are given enough teeth to have you in their world as well. TJR writing has you falling in love, and an unexpected twist leaves you heartbroken. I laughed and cried. I am still thinking about this story to the point that I watched the National Geographic documentary on Sally Ride called “Sally.”  This book was set during that same time. This book is also a work of historical fiction. The characters are fictional, but the story incorporates historical events. The book focused on females being selected into the NASA astronaut program. 

 

The character of Joan wasn’t the only carefully crafted character. Each character had such detail that their motivations and actions always felt true to who they were. TJR’s character development is also what made the love story so incredible. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it wrecked me in the best way possible, and I would read a ten-part series just following their most mundane days. Heck, “Daisy Jones and the Six” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” still live rent-free in my mind. These were the first books I read when I started reading again. 

 

Mainly, this story is about love…forbidden love between Joan and Vanessa. TJR reminds us that the courage it takes to ignore societal pressure is just as brave as literally risking your life to go into space. Especially in a world that forces LGBTQ+ relationships to hide to preserve their careers, and women must prove themselves repeatedly just to get the opportunities men are handed, those still ring true, even 40 years after the book is set. This book goes far beyond the NASA Space program or being an astronaut; I think it served as the perfect backdrop for this story, which mirrored some truths during that time. The way TJR manages to make something as vast as space feel so accessible and even relatable is unbelievable. 

 

Final Thoughts: 

“I hope, even more, that Joan Goodwin can convince you to go outside tonight, after the stars have come out, and look up. I hope, with all my heart, Joan can convince you to be open to wonder.” Quote by TJR. 

 

At the end of this story, I felt enlightened, sad, and hopeful. Love is Love. The right LOVE can heal and strengthen. I highly recommend this book; once again, Taylor Jenkins Reid books never disappoint. This book is still sitting with me. This book also includes Joan’s family. The dynamics between Joan and her baby sister Barbara. At times, you feel as if Joan is the mom and not the older sister. Then there is the relation between Joan and her niece Frances. If you did not know better, you would assume that Joan is Francis’s mom instead of Aunt. The way Joan cares for Francis and drops everything for Francis when she is either left or neglected by her mom, Barbara. Brought me to tears their relationship. She did all this while being an astronaut at NASA. Again this book left me in my mood and I’m still there. Again a MUST read. 

The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings

challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

 “He’s everything I should fear. But I’ve never felt safer than when he’s near.” 

 

Book Started: 2 June 2025 / Book Completed: 9 June 2025 

Total pages read: 6089 / Total Listening Time: 20 hours:42 minutes 

Overall Star Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 / Format: Libby and I own the physical book 

 

Goodreads Book Synopsis: In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn't much a girl wouldn't do for a glass of water.  Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about her strange powers, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen's reservoirs for as long as she can remember.  But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.  When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, legend, and nightmares... but it turns out they're real, and Saeris has landed herself in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.  The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior with secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist's magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him . . . or her.  Death has a name. It is the Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he's the only way Saeris is going to make it home. 

 

If you are a dark romance lover and if you’ve been craving a story that wraps danger in desire, blends raw chemistry with revenge-fueled secrets, and serves up an antihero who will ruin your standards forever, Quicksilver by Callie Hart is a must-add to your TBR.  From page one, this slow-burn, morally gray SPICY romance sinks its claws in. Here’s my deep dive into the chaos, passion, and gritty brilliance that is Quicksilver. 

 

“Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.” 

 

Content Warning: The source material and this guide feature “madness” in a literary context, genocide, forced sterilization, discrimination against sex workers, fantasy violence, sexual violence, genocide, and suicide. 

 

Spoiler-Free Summary 

Saeris Fane is the reluctant heroine in this story.  She is the main female protagonist, a thief, later discovering that she is an alchemist.  She is fiercely independent, resourceful, and emotionally guarded.  Saeris begins as a survivalist thief in a brutal desert society, shaped by trauma and secrecy. Her journey is self-discovery as she learns about her true heritage and powers as an alchemist. She evolves from a lone wolf into a reluctant leader, learning to trust others and embrace her destiny.  She has many strengths.  She is quick-thinking, brave, and morally complex.  She is also flawed, distrustful, impulsive, and emotionally repressed.  Through this story, you get to read how Saeris goes through this transformation, both literal (alchemy) and emotional. Her control over Quicksilver mirrors her struggle to master her identity and emotions. 

 

Kingfisher is the fae warrior with secrets.  He is the main male character who will be Saeris’s love interest.  He is also a fae warrior and guardian of Yvelia.  He is extremely stoic, enigmatic, and fiercely loyal.  Kingfisher is initially cold and distant, bound by duty and haunted by past failures. His relationship with Saeris forces him to confront vulnerability and rediscover hope. He’s a classic “wounded protector” archetype with a slow-burn emotional thaw.  He has so many strengths, mainly his strategicness, power, and emotional intelligence.  Like Saeris, he is also flawed.  He is overly secretive, emotionally withdrawn, and burdened by guilt.  Kingfisher embodies the theme of death and rebirth—his icy realm and demeanor contrast with the warmth Saeris brings into his life. 

 

Spice Level: 4/5 

The sexual tension is slow and loaded with restraint, but once it hits? FIREWORKS. The scenes are passionate, raw, and emotionally charged. 

 

Final Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 

If you like your romance intense, complex, and edged in shadows, Quicksilver delivers everything and more. It’s a haunting, seductive story about grief, vengeance, healing, and trust — told through two broken souls finding salvation in each other.  I cannot wait for book two to come out this November (18 November 2025 – “Brimestone”) 

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

lighthearted slow-paced

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

3.5

Fallen by Lauren Kate

3.5

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous dark emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

Damn….I cried..I screamed…and now I am pissed.  That ending was INSANE and now I have to wait…it’s SO CUTE unfair.  The best series so far up there with The Ember in the Ashes series and ACOTAR.

Mile High by Liz Tomforde

emotional funny inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

Mile High is a multifaceted sports romance.  It’s a story of black love.  It’s a story of how men see past typical body images.  Stevie was not a size zero.  She was an everyday woman.  Whoever, like me, lives in a world that constantly reminds you that you will never fit in if you are not small and perky.  I love how Zander saw Stevie as a real woman.  Liz's words were spoken through Zander about how he reveled in Stevie’s body and treasured it.  Stevie dealt with the same issues of being body shamed and not feeling comfortable in your skin.  His love opened her door of confidence and radiated through her persona.  I was invested in this story.  Longing for my bit of love.  Stevie also helped Zander by showing up and loving the real him.  The one who is mom abandoned her family for greener pastures by walking out on her family.  There is a line in a song by Kelly Clarkson, “Piece by Piece.” 

And all of your words fall flat
I made something of myself, and now you wanna come back.
But your love isn't free; it has to be earned.
Back then, I didn't have anything you needed, so I was worthless
But piece by piece, he collected me
Up off the ground where you abandoned things
Piece by piece, he filled the holes
That you burned in me at six years old
And you know, he never walks away
He never asks for money
He takes care of me
'Cause he loves me

Just because someone provided a sperm or egg does not make a parent.  It took Zander a long time to get up the courage to let his mom entirely “go”.  Sometimes getting rid of that weighted pain allows sun and love to enter truly.  Looking at Stevie’s relationship with her mom and how generational hurt continues until you stand too close to that door.  Also, having strong men in your life who stand with you and support you.  When someone truly loves you, it gives you that strength and power to stand up for yourself and just accept anything but accept and accept what you truly deserve.  It's knowing your worth and not the worth others see in you.  Please read this book.  There is some serious spiciness, but it does not overshadow the love story.

Filthy Rich Fae by Geneva Lee

dark medium-paced

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

4.0

I love the story. It started slowly but picked up fast towards the last three chapters. I'm excited to read the next book in the series. Cate and Lach's story slowly burned. The spicy came about 50 to 60% through the book (roughly).  I am intrigued by the possibility of Ciara and Roark and how his brother Shaw also fits in.  I am also very curious about the ring that Cate wears.  We got a glimpse of its purpose, but not the whole story.  Maybe in book 2, we will get to know more.  I knew I would enjoy this series since I loved the "Filthy Rich Vampire" series.  I recommend both series as a must-read.

The Assassin in 5F by Nana Malone

dark slow-paced

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

3.5