thequirkykate's reviews
231 reviews

Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance by Jesse Wente

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As a Canadian, I found this memoir incredibly impactful. As a white Canadian, I was moved by the harsh truths that Jesse discussed around the mistreatment of indigenous peoples within Canada.

Jesse’s voice helps bring awareness to just how bad it was and still is for those within indigenous communities.

This is an incredibly insightful novel that I wholeheartedly recommend reading. I recommend listening to the audio so can really listen to the conviction behind Jesse’s voice.

Thank you @themaritimebookworm for suggesting this one for my 12 Challenge. I’m so glad I finally had the opportunity to read it.


Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

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

5.0

HOLY COW. This book is fan-freaking-tastic.

If you’re a fan of Zodiac Academy, Divergent, or just Romantasy in general— you’re going to love this one.

This book serves dragons, sexual tension with forbidden romance sprinkled in, and excellent action scenes all while being set at a war college.

Listen, I feel like everyone on Bookstagram has read this book already so there’s not much that hasn’t already been said.

I loved this book. I preordered the second book before I even finished this one. I brought it with me and read it during my 30 hour labour and told EVERY nurse that cared for me about it. If you haven’t read it yet— let that be your sign.
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

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funny hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

As a big fan of The Soulmate Equation, I was SO excited to jump back into this world and see more of Fizzy in action. The concept of doing a reality dating show where the lead is a romance author and the potential matches are all love interest tropes was so clever! As a romance fan, all the nods to each trope was hilarious and like a little inside joke to all of the CLo fans who have read nearly every trope mentioned in one of their books.

As a fan of both CLo and reality dating shows, this book hit the mark wonderfully. I love Fizzy-- she's quirky in an un-ironic way, sex positive, and incredible intelligent. Mix that with swooney British producer, Connor, (who also loves animals and the environment) and you have a delightful pairing for all your romcom needs.

The will-they-won't-they sexual tension was DELICIOUS. Seriously-- I didn't want to stop reading because every time I finished a chapter I needed to find out if they were going to give in to the tension or not. The ending was beautiful, and the perfect HEA for Fizzy.

A fantastic addition to The Soulmate Equation, The True Love Experiment did not disappoint!

Thank you to Christina Lauren, Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review
Happy Place by Emily Henry

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

"In every universe, it's you for me. Even if it's not me for you."

Excuse me while I swoooon over Wyn Connor.

I’ve always had a sweet spot for Emily Henry. Reading Beach Read is what first introduced me to the Bookstagram community, so I tend to go into each of her books with very high expectations.

I completely adored this book.

I’m not usually one to go for second chance romances, but for some reason, it worked for me in Happy Place.

The writing was beautiful, and the setting transported me to summer on the east coast.

This book brought out all the feelings that my happy places bring me, and I think that’s really magical.

If you are a fan of Emily’s and you haven’t picked this one up yet, do yourself a favour and read it. Preferably out in the sun with a cold bevvie in hand.
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

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emotional funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.5

I feel about a thousand times less lonely with you.

🥹🥹🥹🥹

I know so many of you have already read this one, and I’m super behind on the bandwagon but oh my gosh— this book.

It’s been nearly three weeks since I finished this book and I’m still thinking about it.

I love love loved Elliot and Macy’s story. The time jumps to see the development of the deep connection shared between the two of them throughout their lives were so incredibly heartwarming and emotional.

Speaking of emotional— the last third of the book wrecked me— CLo, I’ll be sending you the bill to the Costco size box of Kleenex I went through reading the last 100 pages.

If you haven’t read this book, this is me telling you to hurry up and read this second chance romance that gets a solid 4.5 ⭐️s from yours truly.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted 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

I cannot put into words just how beautiful this story is. 

Carley has a way of writing to an audience that just pulls us in and makes us shout “yes!! Me too!”  This type of writing is my favourite because it connects the reader to more than just the story itself— it puts them in it. 

Will and Fern’s love story was such a journey to witness. Finding someone that just “clicks” into place is so rare, and their story is a 10/10 example of just how special that feeling is. 

The Toronto/Muskoka references were the cherry on top for this girl, having lived and vacationed in both those areas. Trips to Webers was and still is a staple for summer road trips. 

But the most poignant and moving part of this novel is the story of a mother and a daughter. Wow. Fern learning to navigate grief, while taking on a huge responsibility she didn’t think she’d ever want was an incredible character arch that I didn’t expect to be so emotional over. But right up until the very last page I felt connected to Fern’s story and I wasn’t ready for it to end. 

Easily the best book I’ve read so far this year. Carley, you are a master with words. Never stop. 
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

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adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring 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

4.5

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was part of my 12 Challenge and I’m SO glad I took @pagesintheprairies advice and read this. It was so enjoyable!

Read this is you love:

🧌 Low stakes fantasy
☕️ Coffee (duh)
🐀 Adorable friendships
💘 Slow burn will they/won’t they
🛀 Relaxing with a good book