ARC Review: Friend(shipped) ~ Savannah Scott

 

 Image from Goodreads. Click on the image to learn more about this book.


Format I Used: Advance Listening Copy Audiobook
Pages: 325
Running Time: 8h:58m
My Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: November 17, 2022

 

I think that my biggest issue with Friends to Lovers books is the fact that they are just full to the brim with non-communication issues. Like, it's full of  I love this person who is my bestfriend, but can't tell them because it might ruin our relationship/they keep dating other people/they def don't like me the way I like them. When it's clearly obvious to everyone that they do in fact belong together, and people keep telling them that but they keep denying it.

It drives me mad.

There were things in this book that I enjoyed. The friendship between Lex and Trevor for one. I loved their interactions. I liked that it was told from dual perspectives because it made me feel a little more invested in the story... And I also really liked the fact that there was not a big fight/misunderstanding that drove them apart.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for my ALC

Audio ARC Review: My Mechanical Romance ~ Alexene Farol Follmuth

 

 

Image from Goodreads. Click on the image to learn more about this book.

Format I Used: Audio ARC
Pages: 272
Running Time: 8h:46m
My Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: May 31, 2022

 

This was okay. Love the cover. Love the whole idea of the book. (Because who doesn't like Girls In STEM?)

I was a little annoyed at how everyone was treating Bel, but she also had a bad habit of not communicating with her teammates and just DOING things and expecting them to be happy about it.

It was nice getting to see the characters grow and learn more about themselves and what's important to them and how to learn to accept it.

Thank you to RB Media and Netgalley for the audio ARC.

 

Review: Part Of Your World ~ Abby Jimenez

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Format I Used: Combination Audiobook
Pages: 401
Running Time: 10h:5m
My Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: April 19, 2022

 

So first off, let me just tell you right now that the major TW/CW that hit me right in feels are:

Mental/emotional/physical abuse

Gaslighting

Also, I'm real mad because I had a whole review written and then something happened and it just.. POOF! Disappeared. SO now I have to rewrite it and it's not going to be as good because it's been a few hours and my big emotions have kind of cooled off. So now it will make half the sense because I'm literally just rambling.

Spoilers ahead 

I shouldn't be surprised that this yanked at several strong emotions inside me, because that's what Abby Jimenez does. She writes books that kick you in the feels. So as long as you're not going into this book expecting a fluffy rainbows and sunshine book, you'll be fine.

I almost threw this book several times, and I debated on marking it as DNF, because the AUDACITY that Neil and her father had... not to mention whatshisname from Wakan who was also the worst. I didn't though... obviously. And I'm glad, because I got to see Alexis figure out her life and learn how to do things to help herself.

I was so glad that she didn't bend under the pressure of her family and "friends" who kept trying to sway her to go back to her mentally abusive and gaslighting ex, even when she told them that he was not a nice person. I was angry at those people who didn't believe her or laughed it off. That's exactly why people get stuck in bad situations, because when they want to talk about it, they get laughed at or people say "what, that doesn't sound like *insert name of abuser* lol you must be making it up" and if they're just being emotionally/mentally abusive or gaslighting you, there's not any physical proof about what's going on. So you just don't talk about it. Trust me. I know.

At first I was a little annoyed at Alexis, because she was treating Daniel like some dirty little secret even though he was nothing but kind to her. However, she did tell him up front that she wasn't looking for anything serious, and she repeated that multiple times. And, after I thought about it for a bit, I realized that she was protecting him from her family the best she could, given the circumstances she was in. I'm glad she had Daniel, and that he was able to teach her how to do the things that she didn't know, and help her get herself in a better position.

I'm also glad that Neil got into therapy and was figuring out all the ways he messed up. I still don't care for him, but he's taking a step in the right direction. I'm also glad that he didn't go and act like a horrible person when Daniel showed up at the hospital out of the blue. I hope that he's way way better for the next person he ends up with.

Also, if you ever tell me someone is being abusive or gaslighting you, I will believe you. Simple as that. I will do what I can to help.

ARC Review: One For All ~ Lillie Lainoff

 

Click on this image to learn more about this book on Goodreads

 

Format I Used: Digital Audio ARC

Pages: 400

 Running Time: 12h:23m

My Rating: 3 stars 

Publication Date: March 8, 2022

 

So I thought this genderbent 3 musketeers retelling was fun. I was hoping there would be more... action? There was a lot of build up and suspense, but to me it felt like the action kind of just teetered out. I enjoyed the friendship that the girls all had and I was so glad when there was no petty backstabbing going on. I love it when women support women. There was a hint of romance, but that definitely wasn't the main focus of the story, which actually worked out okay in my opinion.

The main character had POTS--and I don't know enough about it to talk about how well or not well it was portrayed--but I liked that Tania didn't let it ruin her life. She fought hard to become stronger and work through her struggles, and wasn't obsessed with trying to come up with a cure for herself (as someone with an autoimmune disease, I hate when I read books and that's all that the character seems to be wanting to do.. "cure" themselves. Let's have more books about people with chronic illnesses THRIVING. Because we can and do.)

And I loved how much Tania's sisters were there to support her and catch her when she was quite literally about to fall.

Thank you to Netgalley and Recorded Books Media for letting me listen to an Audio ARC!.

 

Did It Make Me Cry? No

Review: The Bone Witch ~ Rin Chupeco

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

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 432
Running Time: 12h:8m
My Rating: 2 stars
Publication Date: March  7, 2017

Spoilers so read on with caution.

I feel...I don't know, very meh about this book. I spent the entire time reading it waiting for something exciting to happen?

This book has been out for almost 5 years, and I am sure that I am not adding any kind of new information with this review but alas, here we are.

I was very intrigued by the premise (which is all I knew about the book before reading it. I don't read reviews beforehand) but there was so much build up and backstory that nothing really interesting happened until maybe the last 10 percent of the book. I also wasn't sure about the duel timeline. I was much more interested in Tea in the present day? Future? Whatever you want to call it. The part of the story where she was in self exile or whatever. I wanted more of that.

There were hints at maybe possibly a romance... No, that's not the right word. Tea talked about how much she liked a certain character, and there were brief moments of... light flirtation? But then all of a sudden at the very end, she's resurrecting Kalen and calling him my love? When they didn't really like each other throughout the whole book. (although, as soon as Kalen was introduced I was like, yeah. He's the one.) I FULLY understand that more is going to happen in the next two books (I hope) and we'll get to see Kalen and Tea's relationship bloom or what have you. I'm just trying to decide if I want to find out how things play out badly enough to pick up those sequels. 

 

Did It Make Me Cry? No

Review: How To Love Your Neighbor ~ Sophie Sullivan

 

                                                                  Click on cover to read more about the book.

 

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 352
Running Time: 10h:35m
My Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: January 18, 2022

This book follows Grace and Noah (who is Chris' brother from 10 Rules For Faking It.) As always, possible spoilers so read on with caution.

I wish that this was the direction that Love at First Spite took. (I know, I know, different books, different authors) I enjoyed this one quite a bit more.

I loved the interactions and flirtations that went on between Noah and Grace, although Noah and his Rich Boy attitude annoyed me at times...(There's nothing money can't buy, blah blah blah)

I loved the interior design aspect of the story, it gave it a Hallmark Movie kind of vibes, which is always a good thing in my opinion.

Also, I don't think I've ever disliked a character as much as I disliked Grace's mother. Ooooh, I wanted to smack her a few times. I'm glad Grace was finally able to tell her to get lost.

Can't wait to see what happens in the next book. (There's one more brother and a sister? I love standalone series!)

 

Did It Make Me Cry? No

Review: Castles In Their Bones ~ Laura Sebastian

  

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

 

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 528
Running Time: 14h:11m
My Rating: 5 stars worth of stardust
Publication Date: February 1, 2022

 

*Deeeeeep breath in*

It's okay. I'm fine. It's fine. EVERYTHING IS F I N E.

Ahem. With that being said. 

!!SPOILERS AHEAD READ ON WITH CAUTION!!

The Short And Sweet Of It:
It was a little slow going at first, but definitely picks up speed. I loved so many of the characters, but I also hated a bunch too. 10 out of 10 give this a read if you're looking for something with lots of betrayal, twists, and turns. A little bit of romance, friendship, and plenty of magical stardust makes for a book that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. 

The Long Ranting One:
I was unsure of this book for a long while. I started listening to it when the Snowpocaplyse 2022 was under way and I was shoveling my driveway for what would be the first of many times... I don't do too well with multiple POVs especially if they're not from people with drastically different "voices" (yes, each sister has a different personality, but to me, it took a minute to differentiate.) I would have liked it better if there had been a narrator for each sister. So I did struggle with that.

And I struggled with thinking that it was just going to be deception deception deception, even though the kingdoms and princes that they were set to deceive didn't deserve any of what was going to happen. But there was actually a LOT of character growth in this story, and it delighted me. And once things started progressing at a slightly faster pace, it managed to suck me in and keep my attention.

There was SO many twists and turns and surprises that made me gasp for air. I'm trying to think of another book to compare it to, but the title has decided to make itself scarce.

The other thing I loved about this book was that there was no big blow up/misunderstanding between the girls and their princes (note how I didn't say love interest, because welllllllllllll) Daphne never actually TOLD Bairre who she was and what her real objective was, but maybe she didn't need to, because, you know, his mom and everything.

Daphne
I didn't much care for Daphne (maybe because as a middle child myself I expected her to fall into that same middle child category and care for her sisters and not just brush them off and scold them the way that she did... I didn't imagine her saying she was the middle did I? She seems more the oldest to me,) she had her change of heart far too late to be of any help (or maybe not? I don't know. Mommy Dearest seemed to be several steps ahead and around the corner at any given moment. Even when the girls thought they did something unexpected)

Bairre
I wanted to know more about Bairre. There wasn't too much time spent getting to know much about him, and then in the last little bit you find out he's been working with The Resistance? Please tell me more.

Beatriz
I liked getting to know more about Beatriz and watch her story arc progress. For some reason to me, she felt like the middle child to me. She listened to her sister when she was asked for help, and pretty much went on to help her without thinking too hard on it.

Pasquale
I loved his character, and how sweet and understanding he was. But also how resolved he was to do the right thing, even if that landed him in a lot of hot water. He listened to Beatriz when she told him about her sister and what they needed to do to try and stop the impending war. He listened to Beatriz reveal her truth and then DIDN'T blow up in her face about it. I think that Pasquale and Beatriz are honestly true soulmates in the most platonic way ever, and I adore their friendship.

“No matter what happens, Triz, I’ll do whatever I can to protect you.” Beatriz holds his gaze and smiles, a small, tight-lipped smile. “And I’ll protect you,” she tells him. “No matter what.”

She expects him to be angry, to feel betrayed, to hate her for it, but instead he looks at her with tired eyes. “We’re all our parents’ puppets, Beatriz,” he says. “You aren’t angry?” she asks him, blinking. He’s quiet for a moment. “Not at you,” he says finally. “I’d be a hypocrite, wouldn’t I? To berate you for not going against your mother, when I’ve never once gone against my father.”

Sophie
Oh my gosh. SOPHIE. She was my favorite. She was the most softhearted of the three and that was a good thing and a bad thing. I liked seeing her learn more about her strengths and how to trust her gut and learn that maybe Mommy Dearest doesn't have the best intentions.

Leopold
I was completely unsure of him for a long time. I felt rather MEH about him in general. But the more I learned about him. But the more I got to see that he wasn't a cold hearted person--just a very naive and clueless one--and that he actually cared and tried his hardest once he saw the error of his ways.

“I tried so hard to keep my heart closed to you. In the beginning, you even made it easy,” she says. “There were so many lies, Leo. I know that, and I am so sorry for them. But when it came down to it, I chose Temarin. I chose you. I love you. That’s the truth.”

Nico 

Hmmmm, this boy... I am going to withhold my opinion of him at least until the second book comes out.

 

Margeaux

While I appreciate a Girl Boss, I cannot stand how she uses her daughters like they are nothing but disposable tools...And who are not really hers? but wishes come to life? and the revelation that we're given at the very end. Woooo Boy. 

Okay, now that we're at the end, I can scream again, because HOW DARE I BE CAUSED SO MUCH EMOTIONAL DAMAGE BY THE ENDING OF THE BOOK...  But also, I've watched too much Supernatural to believe that a character is actually going to stay dead.

LALALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU, I'M TOO BUSY MANIFESTING THIS CHARACTER BACK TO LIFE.

 

Did It Make Me Cry?  Surprisingly, 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

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 

 

Review: Duke, Actually ~ Jenny Holiday

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

Format I used: Audiobook
Pages: 348
Running Time: 10h:29m
My Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: November 16, 2021 

I really enjoyed this one. I thought it was super funny and gave off Hallmark Movie vibes (but a little more PG-13 because there were some spicy moments) 

My favorite part about this book was the relationship that Dani and Max had. I absolutely adored the relationship/conversations between Max and Dani, because they were absolutely hilarious together. I also adored Sebastien.

I went into reading this one, not realizing that it was book 2 in the series... Really I went into this book knowing pretty much nothing about this book other than I liked the cover... I do think they can be read as a standalone, I don't feel like I was too lost on anything that happened, but now I want to get my hands on the first book to see how Max and Dani got their introduction. Because I'm sure it's just as hilarious as this story was.

Did it make me cry? No

Review: The Amazing {Audio} Book Is Not On Fire

My Rating: 5 Stars

Date Listened To: November 2015
Listening Length: 4 hours and 25 minutes


Summary From Goodreads:

If you found The Amazing Book is Not on Fire at least mildly interesting, or even if you didn't read it at all, then you will LOVE our audiobook! Not only do you get us sensually narrating the whole thing in your ears, but there are over three hours of exclusive behind-the-scenes commentary on the book, and irrelevant Dan and Phil banter straight from our mouths to your ears! Who doesn't want that? Okay, that came out kind of weird, but trust us you'll like it. I guess we have to rephrase the blurb..?

In this AUDIObook is a world. An AUDIOworld created by two awkward guys who share their lives on the internet! We are Dan and Phil and we invite you on a journey inside our minds THROUGH YOUR EARS! From reading the stories of our actual births, to verbally exploring Phil's teenage diary and pontificating about all the reasons why Dan's a fail. Learn how to draw the perfect cat whiskers, get aural advice on how to make YouTube videos and How Will This Quiz Work discover which of our dining chairs represents you emotionally. With everything from what we text each other, to the time we met One Direction and what really happened in Vegas... This is The Amazing AUDIO Book Is Not On Fire!

This is The Amazing Book Is Not On Fire!


My Review:

Right, so, I know I already reviewed the actual book... But I listened to it as well, so, yeah...

I know you're probably asking yourself "why would she listen to the book if she's already read it?? That's just crazy!" Yeah, well, you're probably right. But I listened to the trailer for their audio book, and holy guacamole, I was hooked. Wait, what? You haven't heard the trailer?? Well, I can fix that for you.... There, I've added the video below... Make sure you have headphones and you keep your eyes closed. I'll wait right here for you *Cue Waiting Music*





 

SEE? wasn't that asdffghjkl amazing?! Anyways, that's what convinced me that I needed this audio book straightaway, and I regret nothing.

I am usually not a big fan of audio books because I can read much faster than the person narrating, or I just don't like the way it sounds.. In fact, I think {besides this one} I've only listened to one audio book all the way through. But this one was great because it was Dan and Phil doing the narrating, and it felt like I was "watching" one of their videos. I could imagine all the gestures they were making, while they were talking. It was actually pretty fantastic.

Even though all the content was basically the same, I really enjoyed all the sound effects and music as well as all the extra bantering that went on while they were narrating. It wan fun to hear their reactions while the other person was talking.. and all the different voices and accents they used.

Have you read/listened to this book yet? If yes, what did you think of it? If your answer is no, then I really think you need to! Either way, let me know down in the comments.