themanicuredreader's reviews
335 reviews

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

Loved this one so much, may be my favorite of the year. Natalie & Rob are not only great romantic leads, but great depictions of the millennial plight. Their journeys make you feel less alone. This is one I’ll go back to & reread for sure. Also, at times I saw a bit too much of myself in Natalie & her situations, ha! 

Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff

funny hopeful fast-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? No

5.0

A perfect romcom with characters who had fully formed lives & careers. Easy to read on two plane rides! 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

dark reflective medium-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

Gripping and unputdownable while unraveling the mysteries of two missing children through an entire cast of characters’ eyes. Will definitely be reading more Liz Moore. 

Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London

dark emotional reflective 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? No

5.0

My most anticipated read of the year! I absolutely love Kate’s writing style & storytelling. This story’s message is all about being your own hero. Tess & Joni’s friendship ended up being my favorite part! And of course I loved the Yoos. The action scenes were a surprise but a very welcome one! I could not put it down. As the self-proclaimed leader of the One to Watch fan club, I adored the Easter eggs!!

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

emotional reflective fast-paced

5.0

Absolutely phenomenal story — I didn’t know all of these details about Kelly’s past! I love her love for animals, her firm decision to be childfree, her incredible career, her drive to not take no for an answer, & her love for her family & friends. Kelly is a national treasure. 

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

emotional reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

Absolutely adored this one. After not loving Every Summer After a few years back, I didn’t know what I’d think of this one, but the author’s Bad on Paper interview convinced me to read it. I’m so glad I did. I loved Lucy & Felix’s romance & chemistry. Lucy’s friendship with Bridget and relationship with her aunt was so special. And most importantly, I was touched by Lucy’s relationship with her career vs. her passion. Lucy is dedicated to her job but has bigger dreams & is unsure where to start & how to make that break. It was so real, & I felt seen. I made so many highlights on Kindle! And I adored the PEI setting! 

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

emotional funny reflective fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

Could not put this one down! It was such a unique premise. While I don’t always love baby-content, Margo and Bhodi worked so well for this story. I loved the shifting tenses between first and third person. Every relationship — from Margo and Jinx down to Margo and each of her roommates — was so thought out and well written. One of the best of the year for sure! 

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

adventurous medium-paced

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

3.0

Really interesting premise & I rooted for the group to find the prize the entire time. I didn’t know how they’d manage to get out of a lot of situations. The writing wasn’t always the best. But I’m still left wanting to know what happens next. 

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny 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? No

4.0

Abby Jimenez does it again! I love the characters, the storylines, the humor. Emma and Justin brought a lot of joy. 

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

emotional reflective fast-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? No

4.0

Fast read & unique premise. I loved the LA setting.