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thewizardofbooks's reviews
1259 reviews
Love and Other Scams by Philip Ellis
Beyond the general romantic plotline, Love and Other Scams is full of wit, chemistry and some slight law breaking. It doesn’t really have any spice, so if that’s what you’re looking for in a romance this might not be the book for you. But, it does have some great shenanigans, banter, and feel good family moments.
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was the perfect morally grey romance where two con artists decide to join forces and swap a priceless engagement ring for a fake. Full of some of my favorite tropes (Only one bed, Fake Dating), this book tugged at my heart strings and made me root for Cat and Jake until the very end.
Of course, in these types of books there is always a communication problem. One where if the characters just talked to each other, the main “conflict” wouldn’t be as big. Cat and Jake both have their own issues and reasons why they need money and that certainly adds to their miscommunication.
Beyond the general romantic plotline, Love and Other Scams is full of wit, chemistry and some slight law breaking. It doesn’t really have any spice, so if that’s what you’re looking for in a romance this might not be the book for you. But, it does have some great shenanigans, banter, and feel good family moments.
Occulted by Ryan Estrada, Amy Rose
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Occulted is first and foremost about abuse. It's a horrifying account of belittlement and how people can so easily fall prey to a corrupt power structure. I sped through this graphic novel, shedding a few tears at the portrayal of Amy's childhood and more than a few times wanting to reach through the pages to protect her.
The art style complimented the story in a really wonderful way, with the simplicity of the characters and finer details where it counted most.
Over all I really enjoyed this graphic memoir, though I would have preferred a bit more length with a more rounded ending.
The art style complimented the story in a really wonderful way, with the simplicity of the characters and finer details where it counted most.
Over all I really enjoyed this graphic memoir, though I would have preferred a bit more length with a more rounded ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Kill Joy by Holly Jackson
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
3.25
I love a good murder mystery party. Pretending to be someone else for a while, some who may or may not be murderous, sounds fun. Reading about one, is slightly less exciting, but Jackson's writing and twists of suspense make for a good read nonetheless.
This is the type of book that you read because you like the characters and want to know more about them, not the type of book you read randomly. Without knowing the characters, it’s not that thrilling of a story. Especially if you’re wanting a true murder mystery.
Don’t get me wrong, I still quite enjoyed it, but I wouldn’t reread it like I would the others.
Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
A sweet and hopeful queer romance, full of second chances and family. Sorry, Bro follows Nar, an Armenian-American whose non-Armenian boyfriend just proposed to in a crowded bar full of drunk men. Realizing she needs to rethink her life, Nar agrees to meet a list of approved (Armenian) men her mother has put together. But, at the very first event she goes to, she meets Erebuni, a beautiful and politically strong woman who makes Nar swoon. It’s only then that she truly begins to embrace her Armenian identity and herself. There’s only one problem, Nar never told her family she’s bisexual and she’s not exactly sure her mom will take it well. As she navigates her secretive relationship and family expectations she begins to learn what it means to fight for what you want.
Sorry, Bro is an ode to Armenian culture and an emotional journey of love and acceptance that is sure to make readers fly through the pages.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
Playing with Fire by April Henry
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death