michael: *sees stella* wow i am absolutely 100% in love with her
also michael: constantly fucks everything up / sel(view spoiler)[summary of this book:
michael: *sees stella* wow i am absolutely 100% in love with her
also michael: constantly fucks everything up / self-sabotages because of his self-hatred. (hide spoiler)]
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang is an adult romance about Stella Lane and Michael Phan.
I read the companion novel to TKQ, The Bride Test, about a year ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it. TBT was the first adult romance I'd ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed, so I spontaneously decided to read its predecessor in one night.
I enjoyed The Kiss Quotient even more than I did The Bride Test.
With that, let's break it down: Stella Lane has Asperger's (ownvoices), and is currently struggling to enter into a serious romantic relationship. Though Stella is satisfied and more with her career as an econometrician, her mother is actively pressuring her to settle down and provide some grandchildren while she's at it. Reflecting on her past experiences, Stella comes to the conclusion that next necessary step enter into a romantic relationship is for her to learn to be good at sex, she she hires an escort.
From the get-go, I was immediately a fan of Stella's character. Throughout the book, her character is simultaneously so damn strong, and incredibly vulnerable and anxious at the same time. Both of these opposing qualities being shown in the same light gave her character a heightened amount of emotional depth. Her journey with balancing her Asperger's within her own personal insecurities and in public situations with other people is, in my outside opinion, handled with extreme care, highlighting her insecurities in a realistic light while also not depicting her autism as a character flaw.
The specific detail that perfected Stella's character for me, though, is how her POV is written. While reading this novel, it became obvious to me how paramount a character's voice is to their own personal growth, and to the overarching quality of the story. It is challenging to express this in words, but Hoang flawlessly captures Stella's voice on every page of the story, which truly solidified her character in my eyes.
Michael, half-Vietnamese and half-white (ownvoices), has designated himself the caretaker of his chaotic, loving, and very large family. Michael's greatest fear is turning into a carbon copy of his absentee father. Because of this, Michael resigns himself to a life of self-loathing and repentance for crimes he believes he caused. After sacrificing his dreams for the well-being of his family, Michael now works in the family store by day, and as an escort by night (a job secret to all but himself and his clients).
Like with Stella, I instantly fell in love with Michael's character. Customarily, Michael's character is not one I would be so drawn to, yet the noteworthy theme of self-hatred throughout his character arc deeply resonated with me. Like Stella's voice stood out to me in regards to her character evolution, Michael's self-hatred stood out to me in regards to his.
In order to keep this review spoiler-free, there are countless layers pertaining to the very essence of Michael's character that I cannot name. What I will say is just how much I cherish the rapport between Michael's family. The seamless integration of Vietnamese culture, the mayhem of Michael's large family (4 sisters, his mother, and his grandmother), and their unadulterated devotion to and affection for one another are simply a few specifics of this familial bond that I fondly treasure.
Michael's foremost reasoning for returning home was to pay off his mother's medical bills. Despite his unmistakable distaste for this new lifestyle he has submitted himself to for the interminable future, Michael still bears no ill will to his family, the same population he sacrificed himself for.
Michael isthat character who so indisputably wholly and deeply loves everyone except himself. Unlike the innumerable other characters who fall into this character trope, though, the multifaceted nature of Michael's characters adds a degree of emotional depth that is rarely found in other characters in this same guise.
It is inarguable that Michael's fundamental being was shaped by his, already layered, family's own foundation, both the good and the bad. However, the progression of his relationship with certain family members led to decisions which paved the way for the path that ultimately led to his downfall.
The relationship between Stella and Michael is, par for the course, alsoriveting from the very first page.
As I previously alluded to, I am no connoisseur of adult romance. In fact, as far as I can recall, this is only my second adult romance.
The Kiss Quotient, though, shares next to no similarities with its companion, The Bride Test.
In all honesty, I was nowhere near prepared for what I was walking into. That said, I have nothing but adoration and appreciation for the romance between these two chaotic and stunning characters. The angst, the tenderness, the eroticism, the passion, the vulnerability, there is far too much excellence here that it is damn-near painful.
anyway it's, uh, been at least two hours i need to go. basically this is a v good book highly recommend.
content warnings: forced kissing(i interpreted it as sexual assault), character with chronic illness, graphic sex scenes, potential stalking(it could be interpreted as such)
representation: MC with asperger's (ownvoices); bircacial (half-vietnamese, half-white) MC (ownvoices)...more
This book was very cute and very gay and Millie and Flora deserve the whole entire world.
Her Royal Highness is definitely actual rating: 4.5 stars
This book was very cute and very gay and Millie and Flora deserve the whole entire world.
Her Royal Highness is definitely a light-hearted, fluffy read, but it is just so feel good and made me all warm and fuzzy inside.
I loved Millie and Flora as individual character and together. I loved their connection and the development of their romance (SAPPHIC ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS Y'ALL!!!). And I loved the side characters and the atmosphere and just AHHHH
This book is like the sun peeking through on a rainy day, and I loved it.
Anyway Sybella and Beast are officially the only important thing in my life and that's that. I will not be taking any criticism at this time
Dark TriumAnyway Sybella and Beast are officially the only important thing in my life and that's that. I will not be taking any criticism at this time
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers is the second novel in the His Fair Assassin series, following the story of Sybella, who was introduced in the first novel as a supporting character.
While Grave Mercy was a captivating and intriguing introduction to Death's daughters, Dark Triumph blew its predecessor out of the water. LaFevers' second novel in this trilogy is so dark, and it places a truly flawed and complicated character at the forefront of the story.
Sybella is an exquisite main character, and she is easily one of my favorite female characters I've ever read about. Sybella is flawed; she is the daughter of two ruthless men, born into a cruel family and then trained as an assassin who's killed many men by the start of the novel.
Sybella's story was so, so interesting and moving - I can't even begin to tell you the amount of times I was brought to tears while reading this novel (yes i'm a wimp). Her growth throughout this novel is absolutely everything, but what I loved about her story more than anything is that she is flawed and dark and that is just who she is.
Beast is a brilliant love interest, and he deserves all the rights in the world. The first thing I love about Beast is that he is ugly. Both Sybella and Beast know he's ugly, and they fall fully in love with each other.
Beyond that, Beast is just...such a good boy. He definitely has darkness in him, but his heart is so big and he is such a bright source of light that I couldn't help but love his oafish self.
And the plot of this is so fast-paced. As this is the second novel in the series, the premise was set in the first novel, so the second novel takes off with a bang. There is not a dull moment while reading Sybella's story; so much happens in this novel that I could barely imagine it is only one book.
Dark Triumph expertly manages to weave Sybella's individual narrative with the already-established plot of the novel, and that makes this novel even more captivating than the first.
I cannot wait to finish this trilogy. And also, I love Sybella and Beast....more
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers is a YA historical fiction novel featuring assassin nuns and political intrigue. In this novel, we follow Ismae, a 17-yeGrave Mercy by Robin LaFevers is a YA historical fiction novel featuring assassin nuns and political intrigue. In this novel, we follow Ismae, a 17-year-old daughter of Death who escaped an abusive marriage by going to the convent of St. Mortain. Here, Ismae learns her true identity as the daughter of Death and she now serves as a handmaiden to Him. Ismae's next mission takes her to the court of Brittany, where she is forced to play political games that she is nowhere near prepared for.
When I first started Grave Mercy, I honestly didn't like it all that much. I thought it was an okay book, but nothing too special or interesting. Soon after, however, the story picked up and I was captivated and addicted to Ismae's story.
The premise of this story is just so incredible, and the execution is just as good. I mean...how can you NOT love assassin nuns?
LaFevers writing is so beautiful and captivating and her lyrical prose lends itself perfectly to the atmosphere of this novel. And the atmosphere of this novel was definitely one of my favorite aspects.
This novel is filled with dark themes and political intrigue and suspense and Death Himself and I just loved the picture LaFevers painted.
There were so many intricacies to the world LaFevers created, and I loved that.
I also found that every character in this novel added something unique and special to the story. No character was without purpose, and I really appreciated.
And while I did not like Ismae's romance at first, I soon grew to love her connection with Gavriel, and I ended up adoring their enemies-to-lovers story.
At times, the worldbuilding was confusing with the amount of facts we had to learn, and the novel did get off to a slow start - Ismae's character fell a bit flat for me at times, but the story soon picks up and the suspenseful plot and dark atmosphere make this an incredibly captivating and gripping read.
I cannot wait to delve into the stories of Ismae's sisters, and I'm so glad I picked this one up....more
Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan is a YA contemporary about Elouise Parker, who gets stuck as a dancing hot girl at her townactual rating: 3.5 stars
Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan is a YA contemporary about Elouise Parker, who gets stuck as a dancing hot girl at her town's local theme park, Magic Castle Playland, for the second year in a row. To make matters worse, El also discovers that her beloved theme park is closing and has to deal with her crush, Nick's, girlfriend Jessa being a real-live princess. So, El hatches a plan to save the theme park, and a plan to get Nick to date her - by fake-dating her best friend Seeley.
After reading this book, I can definitely understand why the reviews are so polarizing. El is definitely a...messy main character to say the least, and her actions can definitely be a turn-off to many readers.
I am a big proponent of messy and, to be honest, stupid main characters in YA novels, because I feel that it's very true to the experience of being a teen. That doesn't mean I think all teens are idiots, but adolescence is a confusing time and it often leads to teens making stupid mistakes, and showing that growth over the course of a novel can actually be really powerful when done right.
So, yes, Elouise did frustrate me as a main character. I was extremely frustrated with how she used Seeley to get to Nick, especially when it was obvious that Seeley was uncomfortable with the "agreement." But she was also very realistic. Her self-centered and oblivious actions made sense and I appreciated that. Elouise is not a malicious person out to hurt people, she is a teen who needs to learn and understand the consequences of her actions.
Beyond that, I REALLY loved both Nick and Seeley's characters.
Nick's character sounded like a generic popular kid at first, but I really enjoyed getting to know his character and seeing the depth of his character. He was genuinely nice, and a bit oblivious at times himself, but kindness just made me really happy. :')
Seeley's character was definitely my favorite of the novel. From her loyalty to her humor to her bravery, I just loved her so much. I'd honestly be happy to read a novel where she was the main character - that's how much I loved her. (and it's not just because she's a lesbian)
I also loved Elouise's dad!!! Soft dads deserve the whole entire whole and that's the exact energy she radiated.
I very strongly shipped Elouise and Seeley. Reading this novel, I realized I haven't read many books where best friends get together, but that connection is so beautiful because they already love AND like each other! So I just...really loved that they were a romantic pairing.
My main issue with the novel goes back to the start of my review - the consequences, or lack thereof. While I actually did want El's character to get a happy ending, I didn't want her to get that ending without facing consequences for her actions.
Slight Spoilers It felt like as soon as Seeley and Elouise were able to be in love with each other, all of the crappy stuff El put Seeley through was just...water under the bridge. I would have rather Seeley held El accountable, and then they got together after there was proper forgiveness. Spoilers Over
Overall, I really liked the atmosphere of Hot Dog Girl. It was definitely a fun summer contemporary read, with a little bit of angst thrown in just for fun. It had compelling characters and strong relationships, as well as a really fun and unique setting. I just wish there had been more follow-through with the growth of Elouse's character. Outside of that, I really enjoyed the novel....more
“How did you change your life when you were trapped like this? Her history didn't define her. Her origins didn't define her. At least, they sh
“How did you change your life when you were trapped like this? Her history didn't define her. Her origins didn't define her. At least, they shouldn't. She could be more, if she had a chance.”
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang is an adult contemporary romance about Esme Tran and Khai Diep. This novel is a sequel/companion to The Kiss Quotient, following two characters who were in TKQ. Now I have not read The Kiss Quotient, and I have actually never read an adult romance prior to The Bride Test, but I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
Khai Diep is a Vietnamese, autistic accountant who, after his "lack" of reaction to his best friend's death, has grown to believe he is incapable of experiencing emotions. Because of this, Khai has essentially isolated himself from the world, which leads his mother to find him the perfect mail-order bride.
That brings us to Esme Tran a biracial (Vietnamese-American) maid who travels from Vietnam to America to try and win Khai's heart, though that task just may be harder than it looks.
I firmly that Khai has one whole braincell and I love him with my whole entire heart.
The most interesting part of this novel, in my opinion, was the power imbalance between the main characters. I feel like Hoang handled that sensitive topic very well, and it helped make this novel very extremely real, while still incorporating the dreaminess of a romance novel.
I couldn't help but root for both main characters of this novel, because even though they didn't each other's full stories, I, as the reader, did. I just felt that both of their motivations made total sense and were completely understandable, while still also understanding their frustration with each other.
From the immersive Vietnamese culture to the angsty romance to the immensely well-developed main characters, I adored this novel.
And as a side note: I absolutely loved Khai's brother and Esme's daughter. They deserve the world.
This novel has definitely inspired me to look more into adult romance, as I thoroughly enjoyed it....more
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book as part of my participation in Caffeine Book Tours book tour to promote this novel. This in no way impacDisclaimer: I received an ARC of this book as part of my participation in Caffeine Book Tours book tour to promote this novel. This in no way impacted my opinion."
"Strength isn't measured by the ability to cause harm."
Iron Heart by Nina Varela is the stunning sequel to Crier's War. This duology takes place in a world where two different species exist - humans and Automae. The Automae rule the land, resigning humans to a life of servitude and violence. The reader follows the journey of one Automae and one human, Crier and Ayla, respectively.
Let's start with obvious: As nearly everyone knows by now, Crier's War is my favorite book (~technically~ by second favorite book of all-time, but there's no need to get ~technical~). Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I was...basically...in love with Iron Heart even before I'd read it.
I did, in fact, read this beginning to end in one day, and I did, as well, experience more emotions than I will ever be able to vocalize in that one day.
Characters:
The first aspect of Iron Heart that jumped out at me is how all of the characters feel older in this novel - not in a bad way, but in a way that reflects the suffering they've endured, the realities they've confronted, the actions they have had to take.
If someone asked me for advice on writing character growth (though I do not suggest anyone do), I would simply hand them a copy of Iron Heart.
Individually and together, the characters of this novel are the core of the overarching story, and they do not take their roles lightly.
Crier is the daughter of the Sovereign of Rabu, or, the man who controls almost all the land, and who has and continues to carry massacres against human villages, among other cruelties. Crier's War is the tale of Crier waking up, of Crier recognizing the true impact, or, more accurately, the true danger of her people, and of her own potential.
In Iron Heart, though, Crier renounces her past naivety and complicity in her people's--her father's--cruelty. Crier is now ready to defy her father, and her entire government, to forgo her past life as a noble.
And. Yeah. I love Crier's growth. Even within the first novel, I was so impressed with how Varela established Crier. But in Iron Heart, I was downright floored.
Ayla is a revolutionary. After losing her family to Hesod's, Crier's father's, cruelty, Ayla transformed into a raging fire. In Crier's War, we see-no, we feel Ayla's fury. We see her power. We see the revolutionary, the rebel.
In Iron Heart, we feel Ayla's grief. We see her strength, her endurance. We see Ayla the human.
I. Love. Angry. Women. Give me angry women any day. But to truly understandjustified anger, one must also understand all of the emotions buried underneath her anger - her shield. One must know the woman behind the fire.
Iron Heart gave us that opportunity.
Queen Junn, also known as the Bone Eater, as the Mad Queen, is a character we truly delve into for the first time in this novel.
Junn is a fascinating character; I don't know that anyone - character or reader alike - will ever be able to fully understand her. But that's what makes her so compelling.
I constantly forgot her age - around 18 - if it hadn't been recently mentioned, because of...well...her.
Junn is a character I can neither like nor dislike; she is a character I can respect.
Benjy, Ayla's best friend and a fellow revolutionary, went on a path I...did not expect. At all.
Nina herself said she thought readers may be surprised by the path Benjy goes on in this book...yeah I was.
When it comes to that theme of growing up, Benjy is it. He grows up like no other character does.
And it's exactly what he needs.
I still cannot wrap my head around his journey as I did not see it coming, but I can see that this is the path he needed - the right path for him.
Outside of our four person ~ squad ~, we also spend time with a few others - Storme, Ayla's twin brother and Junn's human advisor (and ~ boyfriend ~) ; Faye, a servant at the Palace thought to have been driven insane by Kinok's cruelty ; Hook and co., a new ~ squad ~ that I love So. Much. (seriously. I love Hook So. Much. Where is the spin-off Ms. Varela.) ; and a few other new faces.
I could write entire essays on each of these characters, but I'll spare both you and I from that fate. I will say, though, that these character are just as, if not more, impactful as/than Crier and Ayla. Their being 'supporting characters' does not lessen their contribution to the story in the slightest.
Relationships:
If I thought Crier's War did a phenomenal job with relationships...Iron Heart laughed in my face before surpassing it, reaching a level I didn't even know existed.
Every relationship, whether positive, negative, or neutral, was so layered, so well-constructed.
The development of Crier's relationship with her father was heartbreaking and necessary. I knew it was coming, and so did she, but it's never fun to have a parent who has no love for you.
The exploration of Storme and Ayla's relationship was...it also hurt at times, but it didn't at others. Within their relationship, all I could see is that no matter the pain they put each other through, their love will always be the brightest star in the sky. I see the full, unadulterated power sibling bonds possess.
As for Benjy and Ayla...their relationship is so special. I'm a sucker for having that One Person. It's my jam, and that's exactly this dynamic. Their bond isn't the same this time-around - it's evolved, for better or for worse, but it cannot be broken.
Crier as a character, though, sees for the first time what friendship truly means. She gets to start forming relationships in the first place. And it is beautiful.
As for The Girls, Crier and Ayla,~ Crayla ~, Varela invented the word yearning. This novel is literally just a bunch of badass rebels destroying a colonialist system...and two Lesbians Without Braincells trying to figure out how to ~ gay ~ together.
In all honesty, though, Varela truly does a fucking fantastic job with their relationship. Writing a relationship - a romance, no less - between the daughter of The Oppressor and a servant whose life was destroyed by Him is...more than a little challenging.
Varela intentionally has these two girls grow individually and together before allowing anything to exist between them. She simultaneously handles a tricky subject with such care, while also writing The ~ Tension ~.
i mean...slow-burn / enemies-to-lovers lesbians...who could resist???
"You want her. Or love her. Or at least something else. Something just as intense as your hatred."
Other:
While I could, and partially want to, include sections about other aspects such as the incredible world and Varela's breath-taking writing, this review is also so long, so I'll just provide a few brief notes.
The theme of revolution and rebellion within fantasy is one I adore, when done right.
Varela most certainly does it right. This entire book is basically just fuck colonialism. But, really, Varela truly manages to so seamlessly incorporate the fantasy elements of the Automae and the fairy-tale feel of Crier's story in a world that is founded on the same horrors as our own world. She straddles the line between reality and escapism so effortlessly.
She executes the theme of revolution, creating a story where the revolution goes beyond one specific person - it is the effort of many, and includes disagreements among them as well. It is not One. Large. War. It is everyday battles, constant efforts to make lasting change. It is real.
As for Varela's writing, what I will say is this: From the very first sentence to the very last, you will be enamored by her words.
With that. I. really love this book. This Duology. There is so much more to say, but once I start, I won't be able to stop.
so: thank you, crier and ayla, for letting me be a part of your journeys, the good and the bad. it made a difference.
[slightly paraphrased]
"We won't give up. We never give up."
"Because...because there are things worth dying for."
"Nah...because there are things worth living for."
content warnings: war, death, violence/descriptions of blood, drug use/addiction, body horror
representation: queer characters, MCs of color (implied but not explicit), lesbian MCs, f/f romance...more
I somehow accidentally spent the last day reading this novel. I had a weird in-between day before I had to start the next book on my October TBR, so II somehow accidentally spent the last day reading this novel. I had a weird in-between day before I had to start the next book on my October TBR, so I decided to start this one, and I was immediately hooked.
Steel Tide by Natalie C. Parker is the follow-up to Seafire, and it is a stunning sequel.
Just like in the first novel, Caledonia is an exquisite narrator. Her character development is just so well-done - she is such a well-rounded character who exudes such power, but who also deals with severe insecurity. The reader can't help but root for her.
And in this novel, we get to meet some new supporting characters. I immediately fell in love with all of them. Pine and Sledge left a lasting impact on my heart, and I would truly love to read a spin-off novel about Pine.
We also got to see Caledonia's crew again, and I fell more in love with them this time. The bond between this girls is so undeniably powerful and I would die for the found family trope. Their dedication to each other, their loyalty, their honesty, it is just all so perfect.
Though I didn't fully realize this while reading the first novel, Aric Athair is truly an exquisite villain. The way he made my blood boil...he is such a brilliant villain, as are his Bullets.
Also, there were two gay romances in this novel and I would die for them. :')
This review is barely a review and it is a mess, but I'm having a lot of feelings and at the end of the day I have been so pleasantly surprised with this series and I only regret that I didn't read it sooner.
Seafire by Natalie C. Parker is stunning young-adult fantasy novel about an all-female pirate
"Never underestimate the girls of this world.
Seafire by Natalie C. Parker is stunning young-adult fantasy novel about an all-female pirate crew led by Caledonia Styx. Both Caledonia and her best friend Pisces' families were murdered by the men who work for Aric Athair. Aric Athair roams the seas with his army of Bullets and destroys lives. Now, Caledonia leads her crew across the sea where they have one goal: survive and take down Aric and his army. But things might get a little when a Bullet saves her best friend's life.
I loved this novel so much.
Caledonia is a fantastic narrator. She, and the entirety of their crew, have been through absolute hell and they have grown and developed into badass and powerful women. Caledonia goes through so much growth in this novel; she deals with immense pressure as the captain of an entire ship and it allows for such a compelling narrative.
Along with Caledonia, the rest of her crew help make this novel so powerful. There's Pisces, Caledonia's best friend and right hand. Behind her, there's Amina, Hime, Lace, Redtooth, and Nettle. I enjoyed all of these characters so much. They added so much depth to the story, and each had their own arena in which they excelled which just added to female-power of this novel. My personal favorite of the supporting crew was Amina, but I really enjoyed all of them.
But while I really loved the cast of characters, the highlight of this novel in my opinion is the world. It is so obvious that the author dedicated so much time to building this world and it really shows in the final product. The world is just so immersive and I could easily get lost in it for hours (and I did at times).
This novel is also filled with so many incredible plot twists that it really ~ spices things up. ~
My one issue with this novel was the romance. I felt it was completely and entirely unnecessary and it made no sense with Caledonia's character.
I honestly really did love Oran as a character and I felt he was crucial to the story, but I would have much preferred a well-developed friendship between Caledonia and Oran, rather than a forced and subpar romance.
All in all, this novel was great. I love the badass women, the immersive world, and the addictive plot. I wasn't originally planning to continue the series, but I think I might actually read the second one when I have a chance!...more
The Summer of Jordi Perez is not a book I was planning on reading, but I was scrolling through the audiobook selections at my library and stumbled upoThe Summer of Jordi Perez is not a book I was planning on reading, but I was scrolling through the audiobook selections at my library and stumbled upon this one, and I decided I might as well give it a shot.
The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding is a YA contemporary lesbian rom-com about two teens, Abby Ives and Jordi Perez, who fall in love while interning at a local fashion store over the summer.
The main character, Abby Ives, is a fat, lesbian fashion-lover with a blog dedicated to uplifting fat girls all over the world and dreams of becoming a known name in the fashion industry. Abby sees herself as a sidekick in people's lives - as the best friend to the heroine's story, but when Jordi makes her way into Abby's life, that may just change.
Jordi Perez, on the other hand, is a lesbian Latinx calm and cool-headed badass with a love for all different types of art, but particularly photography.
Along with Jordi's new presence in her life, Abby is also dragged into a project with another new friend, Jax, to find the best burger in Los Angeles. As Abby's best friend, Malia, is now smitten with Jax's best friend, Trevor, the two are left feeling a little lonely and form a friendship across their burger journey.
At its core, this book is an adorable rom-com between two teens that contains awkward flirting and first love and hilarious friends as side characters.
I really did enjoy the romance between Abby and Jordi and how well-crafted both of these characters were, both together and separately. Abby's love of fashion was definitely something I could relate to, and I really loved that both Abby and Jordi had something they were so passionate about.
I also loved the fat positivity in this novel. While that is more of a sub-plot of this novel, I really enjoyed how that arc portrayed itself.
But mostly, I really loved Jax's character. I would've loved to see the side characters get more development, because while they are all very present for the majority of this novel, I felt that they didn't really have any arcs of their own.
But mostly what fell flat to me with this novel was the pacing. The ending was wrapped up so quickly that I felt unsatisfied, and Jordi and Abby's jump from co-workers to girlfriends was so instantaneous. There were little things like that throughout the novel that I felt could have been better paced, and because of that this novel just fell a little flat in my opinion.
Overall, though, The Summer of Jordi Perez is an adorable f/f rom-com that could, in my opinion, use a tad more substance.
Note: Some reviewers have pointed out the erasure of MGA idenities (bisexuality, pansexuality, etc.) in this novel and the very "gay or straight" mentality of it.
"...as Black folks we are limitless. That, maybe, our blackness holds ancient cosmic memory. What if our wisdom comes from our dreams, not jus
"...as Black folks we are limitless. That, maybe, our blackness holds ancient cosmic memory. What if our wisdom comes from our dreams, not just churches and Bibles?"
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read. This moving contemporary follows Mabel and Audre, two sapphic Black MCs who fall in love with each other over the course of this novel. Audre is kicked out of her house and forced to move from Trinidad to America after her mother discovers her romantic interest in girls, and once she arrives in America, Mabel takes Audre under her wing. Little do they know, however, that Mabel's life will soon be turned upside down, and the two come together to navigate their complicated realities.
Quite frankly, this novel is not what I expected.
In fact, it is so much better.
Reading this novel...almost felt like a spiritual experience? TSATBBT deals with so many larger-than-life themes that it truly does feel spiritual and inspirational at times.
This novel is simultaneously so raw and real, while also being out-of-this-world.
TSATBBT is one of the most beautifully-written novels I have ever read. The novel is intermittently dispersed with beautiful poetry relating to each astrological sign, and these poems are so captivating. Then, Audre and Mabel's chapters are written so authentically. I loved that they were written in AAVE because it just felt so authentic and grounded.
I also feel like this is a novel about love. Yes, it is about romantic love, but it is also about familial love and platonic love and it is just about love.
This novel is about community, and it is about love, and it is about living life to the fullest.
This novel is exquisite and I absolutely loved it with my whole entire heart....more
"I am not a muse. I am the somebody. End of fucking story."
Not to be dramatic but this is truly one of the best books I have ever read, to
"I am not a muse. I am the somebody. End of fucking story."
Not to be dramatic but this is truly one of the best books I have ever read, told in an interesting format with a stellar cast of characters.
I truly believe the right way to read this book is via audiobook, and doing so totally enhanced my experience.
Daisy Jones & The Six is a novel set in the 70s telling the story of the rise and fall of a band in an interview format that gives insight into what the band members' personal lives looked like.
This novel is 100%, without a doubt character-driven there is honestly no accurate way to describe it. On a surface level, it can be described as "sex, drugs, and rock & roll," but it is so much more than that in how it delves into the relationships between these characters and their individual growth from the formation of their band to their present-day-selves.
In all honesty, this novel does get off to a slow start and I can definitely understand why I've known so many people who've DNFed it. That being said, if stick with it for a bit, the story does pick and I found the ending absolutely phenomenal.
Daisy's arc over the course of this novel is just...everything. She truly is an enigma, and her power extends past the novel into the reader's actual life.
And ever woman character in this novel was honestly a badass in their own way. I have to say Daisy, Camila, and Karen were my favorite characters by far - each highlighted a different powerful aspect of being a woman, and I just thought Reid so heavily included the theme of 'girl power' in this novel.
Honestly, though, none of the characters in this novel were truly likable. All of them, including the three women mentioned above, are so deeply flawed and I love stories about messed up people because, in a sense, that's really what life is.
I kept thinking about how I didn't really like Billy or Graham, or how Eddie irked me at times, but I think that was the point, in a way. Reid is exceptional at writing morally complex characters, as seen in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and she writes characters (especially strong female characters) that are flawed, often because of their circumstances in society, and don't apologize for it, which I just adore.
All in all, like its predecessor, Daisy Jones & The Six is a novel that will stay with me for ages to come, and I truly consider myself a Taylor Jenkins Reid fan at this point.
content warnings: this novel includes strong themes of drug use/addiction and alcoholism...more
When the Stars Lead to You by Ronni Davis is a solid debut YA novel about Devon, an 18-year-old with dreams of being an astrophysicist. These dreams aWhen the Stars Lead to You by Ronni Davis is a solid debut YA novel about Devon, an 18-year-old with dreams of being an astrophysicist. These dreams are changed, however, when Devon meets Ashton, a fellow 18-year-old who Devon falls deeply in love with, but Ashton's high-end lifestyle and life-threatening depression may just make things too difficult for the star-crossed lovers.
There were so many great things about this novel, and Ronni Davis is definitely an author to keep an eye on going forward.
First of all, I really loved the journey of Devon and Ashton's romance. I really liked that it was over-dramatic at times because that's what young love is. Falling in love in high school is always an over-the-top experience, and Davis nailed the execution of that perfectly.
Another great aspect of this novel is the balance between the dreamy high school romance and the intense themes that Davis incorporates into their story.
I loved way Devon's biracial identity was handled. While it wasn't the central focus of the novel, the way Davis tackled microaggressive racist behavior was exquisite in my opinion. Similarly, I really liked how the plotline of Ashton's family being rich and Devon being a scholarship student was handled. It was perfectly balanced with the lighter themes of this novel.
That being said, though, my favorite part of this novel is how Ashton's depression was handled. The author's note at the end of the novel shows just how personal that arc was to the author, and she manages to expertly portray this terrifying illness in a realistic and moving way. I found his arc so relatable and so well-done, and it is truly one of the best mental illness representations to exist in YA literature to-date.
The ending of this novel is also one of my favorite novel endings of all-time.
While I loved so many aspects of the novel, it always felt like there was something lacking to me. It took me a while to figure it out, but I finally realized that what I think would have perfected this novel in my opinion would be to make it a dual perspective between Devon and Ashton. There were so many points in the novel where I would have loved to hear Ashton's inner thoughts, and I think that addition would have solidified this as a 5-star read in my mind.
Ultimately, though, When the Stars Lead to You is a dreamy, well-written debut that packs a solid emotional punch, and I would definitely recommend it to most any YA reader!
content warnings: this book deals heavily with themes of depression + suicide and slight themes of racism...more
i just :') want jem :') and will :') and tessa :') and charlotte :') are-reading to prepare for chain of gold
this book :') stresses me out so much :')
i just :') want jem :') and will :') and tessa :') and charlotte :') and henry :') and sophie :') and gideon :') and gabriel :') and all my children to be happy :')
i love them :')
[Re-read]
Somehow, each re-read of Clare's work manages to make me fall even more in love with her world, which I didn't even think is possible.
Listen, The Infernal Devices is one of the greatest trilogies of all-time (it IS the greatest trilogy of all-time in my humble opinion) and Clockwork Prince is the best second book I've ever read.
Clockwork Prince is essentially a very character-based book. Clockwork Angel is far more focused on world-building, and Clockwork Princess is very action and plot-heavy. And if you know me, you know I am a sucker for character-based books.
And the characters of the London Institute are my favorite cast of characters in existence.
Even reading it for the ten millionth time, I still feel the same emotions - I cry, I laugh out loud, I rage - in reaction to these characters' lives.
This book is just so much good and this re-read just made me fall in even more in love.
P.S. Chapter 19 - Until I Die, best chapter of ever...more
"'Anger is a gift. Remember that.' She stood. 'You gotta grasp on to it, hold it tight and use it as ammunition. You use that anger to things
"'Anger is a gift. Remember that.' She stood. 'You gotta grasp on to it, hold it tight and use it as ammunition. You use that anger to things done instead of just stewing in it.'"
This is one of the best books I have ever read.
Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro is a debut YA contemporary novel about Moss Jeffries, a gay, Black teen from West Oakland, who lost his father to police brutality and now deals with major anxiety and panic attacks, but he is still trying to make the best of his teen years. All of his hopes of a fun and enjoyable school year with his new beau, Javier, are crushed by the his school's partnership with the Oakland Police Department that leads to students being treated even more like criminals than before.
There is no word in the dictionary that can capture just how incredible and moving this book is. But I'm still going to try to express that in my review.
Anger is a Gift is not an easy book to read. It is filled with multiple instances of police brutality inflicted upon children - there were times when I was reading this book where I felt like throwing up because of the violence.
But I think that's the point. The point of this novel is to force readers to understand the realities kids like Moss are forced to deal with because of the color of their skin, the neighborhood they've grown up in - factors they can't control.
I am from the Bay Area where this book takes place. There is this mentality that the Bay Area is one of the most liberal places in the country and it is safe to live here. While it is true that the Bay Area is relatively liberal, Moss' story shows that no matter where you live, you can't escape the power-hungry nature of racist police.
Along with how emotionally powerful this novel is because of how it confronts police brutality, it is also powerful is how seamlessly diverse it is. Aside from Moss, there are countless Black and latinx and other brown kids, gay and trans and asexual and lesbian and biromantic and non-binary side characters, a disabled side character, an adopted side character, a hijabi Muslim side character, and immigrant side characters. But on top of that, none of these characters fit just one label, they fit multiple and their stories show the realities they have to grow through living in the intersections of these identities.
There is this beautiful willingness to learn among these characters with different backgrounds and I think that is a lesson far too many people in real life need as well.
And on top of all of that emotional impact, I also loved Moss' character arc specifically. The representation of anxiety was so relatable it was actually scary. Moss deals with panic attacks, nervousness, and self-hatred - all of which I have dealt with due to my own anxiety and other factors. Oshiro writes this extremely crucial part of Moss' identity so, so well and the casual incorporation of a therapist and meds is so powerful.
Along with that, Moss' relationship with his mom, Wanda, was the first thing that drew me into the story. Often, parents aren't really present in YA novels or they aren't very good parents (which is important representation as well and I am not denying that), but it was really nice to see a mother-son relationship that is so healthy. I would argue that the core of this novel and Moss' identity is his relationship with his mom, and that was such a beautiful light among the many darknesses this novel shows.
This novel expertly weaves together a blend of light and dark, happiness and grief, joy and anger - and that is what life is.
Anger is a Gift is one of the most powerful novels I have ever read, and I cannot believe it took me so long to read it.
i love jem carstairs!!! and i love herongraystairs!!! and i love charlotte branwell!!! and sophie collins!!! anre-reading to prepare for chain of gold
i love jem carstairs!!! and i love herongraystairs!!! and i love charlotte branwell!!! and sophie collins!!! and i love the setting of this novel!!! and the plot!!! and this trilogy is so good!!! and atmospheric!!! and james carstairs is the ONLY good man!!! :')
[Re-read]
Listen, everyone and their mother knows that The Infernal Devices is my favorite trilogy of all-time, and also my favorite damn thing in existence. But I didn't realize how much I needed to re-read it. I have read The Mortal Instruments, especially the first three books of TMI, way more times than I should admit, and whereas TID is my favorite damn thing in our trashfire world, I don't re-read it as often. But god, was this re-read everything I needed.
Having been in the Shadow World for the past almost six [!!!] years, it was so nice to re-discover it through a very relatable main character's eyes. Though I have been reading Cassie's newest works (obviously), when we start The Dark Artifices, we already know the Shadow World - which I love for that series. But it was so nice to get this kind of throwback and re-discover the Shadow World, especially in a totally different time period when social norms were so different.
I mean honestly, if there's any reason to pick this trilogy up, the Victorian London setting is killer!!! And seeing how Cassie tackles gender roles in that time period is always my favorite (moment of silence to praise our one and only queen Charlotte Branwell). But literally just the setting - the time period/historical aspect as well as the London location is everything I never knew I wanted until 12-year old me read that.
But like also, we all know how trash I am for the characters in this trilogy.
Tessa Gray??? what an icon.
Sophie Collins??? AN UNDERRATED FAVE!!!
Henry Branwell??? the only man I acknowledge.
Jessamine Lovelace??? just you wait my children, just you wait.
Charlotte Branwell??? T H E feminist before feminism was even a thing.
Thomas?? Agatha?? the purest?
William Herondale. again, just you wait.
And now, for the grand character finale, Jem Carstairs, my favorite literary character of all-time, truly the only man I acknowledge. we do not deserve him, my son, my child.
Also like, the plot will be your will take over your soul and you will not be able to live life the same way again, so good luck with that.
Anyway, summary of this review: - I love Cassie Clare - I love TID - I love James Carstairs - thanks for coming to my ted talk...more
I think this is one of the few times where I enjoyed the movie more than the book.
I read A Wrinkle in Time first when I was around eight, and[Re-read]
I think this is one of the few times where I enjoyed the movie more than the book.
I read A Wrinkle in Time first when I was around eight, and now again when I'm sixteen. I think there are a lot of beautiful aspects of this novel and the ambiance of it is beautiful, but the execution is not done is so well.
The story of Meg is one that is empowering and she is an empowering young woman. The themes of family and love and hope and the balance of fantasy and reality is beautiful.
But the plot is not executed so well. This novel tries to do so much, that it tries to do too much. Especially considering this is a children's novel, it could essentially go way over kids' heads because there is too much it tries to accomplish. I wish it had been more succinct and focused more on the ambiance and the themes because those were the real strengths of this story.
This can be a really powerful story for young people, but be aware that there's a lot happening....more
This wasn't a novel I had planned on reading, but hearing about the ownvoices OCD rep compelled me to pick it up. After finishing it, I have mixed opiThis wasn't a novel I had planned on reading, but hearing about the ownvoices OCD rep compelled me to pick it up. After finishing it, I have mixed opinions.
I'm going to start out by saying I do not have OCD, but I do have anxiety. From my experience and from what I've heard, the OCD rep in this novel was phenomenal. I do want to point out that it has the potential to be extremely triggering because it is described in express detail, but it is handled so well. All in all, the OCD rep is absolutely phenomenal.
Furthermore, I enjoyed the characters in this novel. They were all developed really well and I really enjoyed Aza's character.
Unfortunately, that's where my enjoyment with the novel ended.
Aza's best friend Daisy was an asshole. Not a fan. If you can't be understanding of your best friend's mental illness, you don't deserve to have them as your best friend.
Furthermore, the plot was...non-existent. They had the "missing billionaire" plotline, but it was paced so badly and was not interesting in the slightest.
Finally, the romance was very...meh. I thought the entire idea of a romance was unnecessary and the entire novel would have been better without it....more
kav (xreadingsolacex)
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