Review: So, This Is Christmas ~ Tracy Andreen

                                 

                              My photo. Click on the image to read more about this book on GoodReads

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 368
Running Time: 9h:22m
My Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: October 12, 2021

 

Clearly I need to pay more attention when I start reading books. I knew this was a Christmas romance, but I didn't know that it was set in a town called Christmas. But it's FIIIIIIINE... The title makes way more sense especially the way Arthur came to visit the little town.

I enjoyed the character development, and the fact that this felt like it was straight out of a Hallmark movie... The hijinks and the fact that the cute little town called Christmas was... very decidedly not Christmassy at all. And how there were times things worked out for Finley almost magically (the magic of Christmas, amiright?)

This was a quick, and fun holiday read (even though I read it well past the holiday season.)

 

Did It Make Me Cry? No 

Bad Luck Bridesmaid ~ Alison Rose Greenberg

 

Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 320
Running Time: 9h:50m
My Rating: 2 stars
Publication Date: January 11, 2022

Spoilers of sorts so read on with caution

Let me preface this by saying, I did not enjoy this book, H O W E V E R! Lots of people did. I'm NOT saying this is a bad book and that you shouldn't read it. You absolutely should. This storyline has elements that are relatable and will resonate with SO MANY PEOPLE.

Some people want to have kids desperately, but can't.

Some people don't want to get married. Ever. Period.

Some people DON'T want to have kids.

Moving on...

I feel very mislead.

Well, okay, it's probably my fault for not reading any of the reviews beforehand. But I NEVER read reviews before I read the actual book.

If you're going to take anything away from my review let it be this: Do NOT go into this book thinking you're going to be reading a romance. That's not what this is. Like, at all.

Since all I was going on was the synopsis that Goodreads has, I was expecting this to be a second chance romance where the MC and her "perfect" boyfriend would fall back in love with each other as they spend more time together. No.

Then enters cranky Ezra, and I'm like Okay okay. She's going to meet this cranky cinnamon roll and he will also want to be in a relationship but not want to get married, and they'll be perfect together. Also, no.

That's not my biggest issue with this book. My biggest issue is the fact that when her ex shows up with a new girl on his arm she spent so much time trying to get his attention, and then they hooked up several times. I hated the straight up cheating. It's a turnoff for me and something that is NEVER okay.

 

Did It Make Me Cry? No

ARC Review: Once Upon A K-Prom ~ Kat Cho

                                      Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

 

 Format I Used: Digital ARC
Pages: 338
My Rating: 5 gazillion stars
Publication Date: May 17, 2022

 

When I tell you I screamed when I got notified that I was approved to read an ARC of this book, I am not joking.

It is/was one of my MOST anticipated books of 2022. And let me tell you something: It did NOT disappoint. Would I have liked it a smidge better if the characters had been a little bit older? Yes. Did it check all the awww boxes? Also yes. This book brought joy to my stressed out heart.

Everyone knows that I enjoy reading a love story where it's Famous Person x Non-Famous Person. Don't know why, but it brings me great joy, so this one being that EXACT SAME TROPE but PLUS the fact that it had K-Pop Idols, and childhood friends to more? YESSSS please give me more.

I felt a little stressed out about the fact that the only reason Robbie came to see Elena in the first place was so that they could be a guinea pig for someone else? I didn't much care for that. But I liked how genuine Robbie was once Elena started calling him out on his fakeness.

I loved getting to see some of the fun side of the K-Pop. Some of the interactions that the characters had with each other. It was giving me RUN BTS vibes. Or In The Soop... Or literally any video where they're doing fun things together.

I loved the strong friendships that this book had, especially the girls supporting girls. Sooyeon was amazing, and I liked that she wasn't catty and petty and just plain mean like a lot of the girls usually are in stories like this. I loved Josie and how she was always there to support Elena.

10 out of 10 would recommend if you're looking for a fast, fun, K-Pop-y kind of read, with an absolutely G O R G E O U S cover.

I will be S P R I N T I N G to the store to get this book when it drops on May 17th, 2022 to add it to my physical collection (and considering I pretty much only do digital e-books and audiobooks anymore, that's saying something)

Thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC! 

Did It Make Me Cry? Not outright, no. But I did get teary once or twice.

Review: Defy The Night ~ Brigid Kemmerer

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                                     Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 448
Running Time: 13h:58m
My Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: September 14, 2021

 

Wait, how old is Quint? Did they ever say, or was he just described as "young for his role as Palace Master" and that's it?? Hmmmmmmmmm Hold on, Imma go look again.

*Plays Jeopardy waiting music*

Okay I'm back. He's in his early twenties.

But, like, he's the real MVP of the story. Why? Uh, because he IS... OKAY

Anywhoodles

This book was pretty good. It's based loosely on Robin Hood and we all know how much Kaitlynne loves a good fairytale retelling. The romance in it was rather slow burn (which I also love) but maybe too slow burn? Is that a thing? Like, on a scale of 1-10, the romance level was at a 2 or 2.5. It focused mostly on the corona virus... oh... uhh...I mean the mysterious illness, and all the other things.

I'm curious and also nervous to see what's going to happen in the next book

 Did It Make Me Cry? No 

 

ARC Review: Slaying Monsters For The Feeble ~ Annette Marie

Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

Format I Used: Digital Kindle ARC
Pages: 358
Running Time: 8h:27m
My Rating: 5 stars
Publication Date: November 1, 2019

*This was posted as an ARC review on Goodreads*

Y'all. I just. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I need more of my smol bean, okay?

I love how Tori and Robin's worlds crossover and I can make connections when things are mentioned. It is the BEST. I am dying to see what is going to happen in the next book, that doesn't come out until APRIL *SOBS* was whatshisface talking about about my Zak-y poo when he mentioned that he was looking for a Druid?

I love the relationship with Robin and Zylas, how it has grown and it is evolving, although I am dying to see how everything is going to work out. My mind is spinning a mile a minute and it is killing me that the next book is going to be the last one for Robin and Zylas. *Edited to add* Thank you Annette for correcting me and letting me know I get TWO more books in this wonderful series!! *HEART EYES*

*Deep breath in*

I better stop now before I start going on a spoiler rant.

10 out 0f 10 would recommend for the snark and the tension and the cute baby kitty.

Thank you so much to Annette Marie and Dark Owl Fantasy Inc. for allowing me to read an ARC of this beautiful book

 

Did It Make Me Cry?  No

 

Review: Realm Breaker ~ Victoria Aveyard

                                     Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 576
Running Time: 16h:34m
My Rating: 2 stars
Publication Date: May 4, 2021

 

I mean... It's fine?

Overall, for me, this was a very much an... average read.

I had real high hopes for this one. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of The Red Queen Series, so it shouldn't have surprised me that I felt rather meh about this.

I just felt like there were too many narrators and it was hard to keep track of everything, and at the same time it all just moved so slow. I struggled to care for the characters. And honestly, I could probably only tell you the most minuscule details about what happened in the book

The cover is amazing, and the cliffhanger of an ending has me slightly intrigued, so I will probably pick up the sequel just to see what happens.

This one was not right for me right now, but give it a try and decide for yourself. You may love it!

Did It Make Me Cry? No 

Review: Coffee Girl ~ Sophie Sinclair

 

                                     Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 356
Running Time: 8h:22m
My Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: November 12, 2019

Possible spoilers. Read on with caution

I'm on a mission to work on my TBR (I did a massive weed of books that have been on my list forever, and now I'm hoping to read or book the rest of them)

I am always a sucker for the famous x not famous person romance story. Don't know why, I just am. So this story was right up my alley. I thought the plot was pretty interesting, and I enjoyed Kiki's relationship with TJ and her new workmates. And, for the most part, her relationship with Tatum.
There was a point where I just wanted to smack Tatum upside the head 

******SPOILER******

When he had a wardrobe malfunction and was embarrassed because he had to wear whatever shirt it was tat Kiki had for him. Then instead of trying to talk to her about it, just started yelling at her, accusing her of doing it on purpose... Then in the middle of this whole tirade starts trying grope and make out with her.  Uhhhhh, yeah, no thank you.

******END SPOILER******

I was more excited to see her land on her own two feet and get herself situated at the end. I was glad to see that she was able to start her own business with people that she knew and trusted.

Also, her sister is a piece of work. Like, really. YIKES.

Did It Make Me Cry? No

ARC Review: The Long Forgotten Winter King ~ Annette Marie

 

                                     Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

 

Format I Used: Digital Arc
Pages: 647
My Rating: 5 stars
Publication Date: January 14, 2022

 

Possible spoilers so read on with caution.......

I literally don't even know what to do with myself right now. I'm so hyped up on this book, and I just........eeeeepppppppp.

I love getting to learn more about Saber, and Zak, and Rikr, and so many of the other characters. It feels like there's a lot more... There were so many twists and turns in this series. And I'm kind of enjoying how Saber and Zak aren't as... straitlaced as previous characters. They're... morally grey, and I think that they're absolutely fascinating to read about.

I will say, that I thought this one moved a smidge slower when it first started, but OH BOY! When it hit its groove I was sad because I finished it so fast.

As always, I loved the intermixing of all the characters from other Guild Codex books. And I totally called the twist where

 

 

******SPOILER******

Kit got the Crow and Hammer to be Saber's... uh... parole guild. All those interactions are going to be INTERESTING... Especially if my darling Zak-y poo is going to make more appearances, and you know he's going to

******END SPOILER****** 

This book had me on the edge of my seat, and I CANNOT wait to see what is going to happen next.

Thank you SO! MUCH! to Annette Marie and Dark Owl Fantasy for giving me a chance to read this book! 

 

Did It Make Me Cry? I got misty eyed a time or two, especially when they done tried to kill RIKR off multiple times... seriously, my heart can't handle that kind of stresssss

Review: It All Comes Back To You ~ Farah Naz Rishi

                                     Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

Format I Used: Audiobook & E-book
Pages: 432
Running Time: 11h:7m
My Rating: 2 stars
Publication Date: September 14, 2021

I mean... It was okay. I didn't appreciate all the lying and the underhanded sneakiness that went on. I know Kiran was trying to protect her sister from getting hurt, but she went about it in all the wrong ways.

There were a lot of things going on in this book, and it was sometimes hard to keep track of it, AND because there were so many things happening, not everything had the chance to be fully explored and fleshed out.

Also, this is marked as a romance, and it kind of is... But it kind of isn't either. The ending of this book had me feeling kind of meh.

This book wasn't my favorite, but I'm not saying it's a bad book. Give it a read and decide for yourself. You may love it!

Did It Make Me Cry? No

 

Review: The Girl Least Likely ~ Katy Loutzenhiser

                                  Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 352
Running Time: 10h:3m
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Publication Date: June 29, 2021

 

 So for a YA book, this was surprisingly good. (I only say that because I've read a string of... annoying ones...)

I've not read any fiction books about comedians, so the whole idea was a breath of fresh air. And I could kind of relate to Gretchen. Going to places where there are a lot of people give me anxiety, and sometimes I do think it would be nice to be able to... Not be myself for a while? I mean, she got busted... surprise, surprise. And things kind of blew up dramatically. But it was actually good for her, because it forced her to confront some issues that she had. 

------SPOILER------

I am thrilled that she ended up with the person that ended up with. Some reviews I've seen since actually finished this book are like: whaaat? why him? There's no build up or anything!

But.... Ummmm... Excuse me? He was a better friend to her than her supposed best fried was. AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON JEREMY. I don't know what it was, but he was not my favorite person from the beginning...I was rooting for Ethan from the get go.

------END SPOILER------

It was nice watching Gretchen grow and learn more about herself, and actually finally talk to her family about how she was feeling. And her parents were actually pretty supportive of her once the communication channels were finally open and flowing.

10 out of 10 recommend.

 

 

Review: The Spanish Love Deception ~ Elena Armas

                                     Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

 Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 437
Running Time: 14h:32m
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Publication Date: February 23, 2021

 

So this one started out a little bit slow for me. It took me quite a while before I was actually invested in the story, but it ended up being surprisingly funny. In fact, I probably looked like a fool because I was walking my dog at the park while listening to this, and would just randomly smile like a crazy person.

It was Grumpy x Sunshine, it was enemies (ish) to lovers, it was THE ONE BED TROPE. And I was delighted. Though I will say that I thought it was a little bit drawn out. There was a lot of random filler stuff in here, and it could have been cut out and not have made a difference overall. And it was a fun slow burn romance... until it wasn't slow burn anymore! So just be prepared for it to take off lol 

Overall, I enjoyed the story, and the relationship that Catalina and Aaron had.

Did It Make Me Cry? No

Review: Girls With Sharp Sticks ~ Suzanne Young

My picture. You will eventually be able to see it on my Instagram. Click on the picture to read more about this book on GoodReads

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 416
Running Time: 10h:35m
My Rating: 3 Stars

Publication Date: March 19, 2019

 

I have F E E L I N G S about this book. 

I read this book for the yearly reading challenge that goes on at my work. The prompt was: Read a book that you saw on Tik-Tok. This also was a book that was recommended based on my Myers Briggs Personality Type (INFP-T) and I thought it would be fun, because usually the books recommended to me are Magical Realism books, and I really don't care for Magical Realism books... So yeah. There's that.

Anyway, back on track.

I was SO angry reading this book. Like, basically the whole way through I was one big shaking ball of rage. This is pretty much Stepford Wives, except with teenage girls, and that makes it even worse. The way the girls were all treated and told not to question or upset the men that were "there to take care of them" ooooh boy. That was really triggering for me. I was never rooting so hard for the girls to "wake up" and start learning to fight back and how to take care of themselves, and that the way they're being treated is not right, it's not okay.

I loved the girls and their relationships with each other. I was waiting nervously throughout the whole book for one of them to betray their little group, but they didn't. Even when things were getting extra serious and they weren't exactly sure what was going on, they all had each others backs...  I'm also curious to see what happens with Mena and Jackson, if anything. And what will happen with Quentin. This book was full of twists and turns, and I was never quite sure what was going to happen next, or who we could trust.

Is this book for everyone? No. Absolutely not. It's full of abuse and trigger warnings, so just make sure you do all your research BEFORE giving it a go. Was it worth it for me? Yes. I was enraged for the majority of it, but I also liked seeing the girls wake up and start to fight back. And I think I'm curious enough to read at least book 2 to see what's going to happen to the Academy girls next.

Did It Make Me Cry? No, but it sure did make me angry a time or two.

Review: The Singles Table ~ Sara Desai

                                   Picture from Goodreads. Click on the cover to read more about this book.

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 336
Running Time: 10h:44m
My Rating:5 Stars
Publication Date: November 16, 2021

  I read this book after a long string of books that I either ended up marking as DNF or ones that I didn't particularly enjoy. So this one was a breath of fresh air and I absolutely enjoyed it. Definitely recommend this book for someone who's looking for an LOL read.

I loved how hilarious and ridiculous Zara is. But at the same time she's an amazing lawyer and knows way more than people give her credit for. My one dislike of her is the fact that she was SO freaking stubborn and set in the mindset of "no serious relationship"

I really enjoyed Jay, and the fact that he didn't automatically assume the worst about Zara when THE BIG BAD THING happened. I thought his gruff personality was somewhat charming. But with that being said, I also thought some of the things he did were a little too out of character.

Also, I already added this to my reading status update.... but if the person I date doesn't help me act a fool and embarrass myself in front of everyone in order to meet my favorite famous person, then no thank you I DON'T WANT IT. That was probably my favorite part about this book.

Did It Make Me Cry? No

 

ARC Review: The One And Only Crystal Druid ~ Annette Marie

 

My picture. Click on it to see my Insta feed

Format I Used: Digital ARC
Pages: 330
Running Time: 8h:12m
My Rating: 5 stars
Publication Date: September 24, 2021

*This was posted as an ARC review on Goodreads before the book came out*

Holy plot twists Batman!

I'll admit, I was slightly skeptical of this when I started it (please forgive me for doubting you Annette) BUT! IT. WAS.

A
M
A
Z
I
N
G

Zak is my favorite, and I was worried that his book couldn't hold up to his awesomeness (And I was kind of set on Zak and Tori together even though, you know -----SPOILER Ezra and Tori *heart eyes* END SPOILER-----

This series is slightly grittier (in my opinion) than the other books set in this world, but it's nothing too overwhelming. I am SO excited to learn more about all the new characters (ESPECIALLY the one that is introduced at the very end and is the cover star of book 2), and my beloved Cinnamon Bun Druid. There were several plot twists that took me completely by surprise, and left me begging for more. I can't wait to see how things progress, especially with the kind of cliffhangery ending.

This is one you definitely don't want to miss!

Thank you to Annette Marie and Dark Owl Fantasy for giving me a chance to read this book!

Did It Make Me Cry? Not yet, but it's only book one so I'm sure it will happen.

ARC Review: When You Get The Chance ~ Emma Lord

 

Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book. 

Format I Used: E-Arc Audiobook
Pages: 320
Running Time: 10h:18m
My Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: January 4, 2022

This was a quick fun read, that I thought was a cross between Mamma Mia (which it for sure is) and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (which is vibes that I got from it, but haven't heard anyone else say. I loved the found family aspect of this story, and I appreciate how Emma Lord always writes books with families that have such different backgrounds/issues.

I also reallllllly liked Millie and Teddy's friendship. I also enjoyed watching Millie's relationship with Oliver grow. It was so sweet. Millie is a lot sometimes, and I was frustrated with her... But she's a teenager so I guess that's just how it is lol

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook.

 

Did It Make Me Cry? No

 

Kait's Least Favorite Books of 2021

Started off with the good, now you get to see the books that I, personally, wasn't fond of, and a short reason why.

To be clear, I'm not saying these books are bad and that you shouldn't read them, they just weren't my personal favorites for some reason or another. Lots of other people adore these books and that's great! So you should at least give them a try and come to your own conclusion.

 

I didn't like how scarily dependent Dylan & Addie were on each. There were so many toxic relationships happening, and always walking on eggshells...Yikes.

 

 

I felt like this book was a series of one bad decision after another. Please don't even get me started. Go read my review about it instead.

I went into this one expecting way too much and hoping for things that were never promised. So me not liking it, is probably mostly my fault more than anything else. The Main Character was very wishy washy with her feelings, and even though it was the last book in the series, there were things left undone.

This one had a twist that I didn't see coming, and it felt like a betrayal. I probably should have broken my "don't read reviews before I read the book" rule. BUT HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW.  And it left me upset that I invested so much time into it. I won't say anything else to spoilery (I know, that's a shock) but I was cranky when I finished it.

This had a lot of sad and heavy topics all thrown together (that's NOT why I didn't like it, just a warning) It was a little overwhelming to be honest. The part I didn't like though, was the fact that even though her Love Interest seemed like an okay person overall, some of the things that he did and said were pretty Gaslighter-y.

Kait's Top Ten Books Of 2021

I almost made the first post my least favorite books of 2021, but decided to start things out on a positive note instead. As always, you can click on the cover of the title to read more about the books over on Goodreads. You'll also get to see my thoughts on the books on Goodreads too until I finish playing catch up with uploading more reviews here since I've been neglecting this blog for so long.

Without further ado, and in no particular order....

Here are Kait's favorite reads of 2021!

No, I don't think you understand, I am OBSESSED with this series. I read books one and two by themselves earlier this year, bought and binged books 3-5, and then re-read the ENTIRE series so far in one night. Beautiful artwork PLUS the amazing storyline makes Kait one very happy girl. If only there were a release date for book 6 releasing in English...

 

 

Mmmmm I love Annette Marie's books. Anyone who's listened to me talk about books knows that... And this one JUUUUSSSST so happens to be about my favorite Morally Grey, Cinnamon Roll Crystal Druid, and I am HERE for it. Book two is getting ready to release on 01/14 and I cannot wait. 

 
 

 Also something that shouldn't be a surprise to most people. I LOVE fairytales retold, and I love Tangled/Rapunzel/FLYNN so this retelling was right up my alley. I love the fact I could still see the story that I already adored, but it was completely its own thing. Especially with her hair hurting people instead of saving them? Yessssss.

 

 I almost stopped reading this one a few times, because I don't like being sad when I read (but Kaitlynne, you've literally said that you usually mark books that make you cry as favorites... HUSHHHH, that's true, but not for the reason you think. That's a whole 'nother blog post) But I kept reading it, and I was so glad that I did. This is the third book in the Friend Zone series, but they can all be read as standalones. This one is definitely worth a read. 

 

This book literally made me laugh so many times. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other, and they were all so relatable. This was one of the first books of 2021 that I reeeealllly really enjoyed. 

 

I read this book after reading several that I either DNF or Did Not Enjoy, so this was a breath of fresh air. It was so funny and I enjoyed (for the most part) all the characters.

 

 

Book Two in this series left me in a Rage Filled emotional state for a very long time. This one... kind of? Made up for it though. I did cry several times. And yes, these were tears of sadness, but also kind of happiness and wistfulness? Is that even a thing? Ehhh. 

 

This book had me all up in My Feels. I enjoyed this so much, which is a good thing because I waffled back and forth about wanting to read it, because I had high hopes for it and didn't want to be squashed with disappointment.

 

I've been very much into All Things K-Pop lately (and by that, I really mean mostly BTS with a smattering of other songs/groups thrown in occasionally) And I'm always looking for more. This was a fast fun read for me, and I'd like to have more like this ASAP please and thank you.

This book is Princess Diaries meets Crazy Rich Asians, but set in Tokyo. Loved it so much, AND the cover is SO pretty.

What were some of your favorites for 2021? Let me know!
 

ARC Review: Taming Demons For Beginners ~ Annette Marie

 

My picture from Insta. If you click on the picture, you'll be able to see all the rest of the pretty pictures there.

 

Format I Used: Digital ARC
Pages: 315
Running Time: 7h:52m
My Rating: 5 zillion stars
Publication Date: September 11, 2019

 

*This was posted as an ARC Review on Goodreads, so I'm sticking with that header*

  Oh my holy guacamole.

This book

This author

I am in

L

O

V

E

Annette Marie is one of my absolute favorite, auto buy authors. I've yet to read a book of hers that I dislike. Also, I need to confess that I have been/am in somewhat of a reading slump. I can't seem to stay focused when reading a book. The last several books I've finished have been audio books. But let me tell you what! I absolutely DEVOURED this book. It was an amazing feeling.

I wished that Robin had been a little more... tough? and stood up for herself more, but I can tell that she's only going to grow and be more awesome as the series progresses. I loved that she loves to bake, and the fact that she stood up to scary old Zylas instead of running away scared (go figure)

And Zylas. Oh boy, ZYLAS.

He reminded me a bit of Inuyasha, which if you know me, is a HUGE plus. I can't wait to see more of his character development, because I know that's going to be AMAZING.

I also enjoyed the crossover scenes with the characters from the Guild Codex series, it made me SO happy.

Although I will admit that I am a little worried about something. But I will refrain from mentioning what exactly until later on in the series, because I don't want to maybe spoil anything.

Thank you thank you T H A N K Y O U to Annette Marie and Dark Owl Fantasy Inc. For allowing me to read an ARC of this title

Did It Make Me Cry: It did!