I've always liked Viola and am not surprised to say how much I 'enjoyed' learning her story, painful and dark as it may be. She has a wonderful way ofI've always liked Viola and am not surprised to say how much I 'enjoyed' learning her story, painful and dark as it may be. She has a wonderful way of showing a story and I appreciate, acknowledge and inernalise her blunt honesty....more
Weirdly enough and in many ways, Evelyn Hugo's story is the story of all (queer) women. At the same time, Evelyn Hugo's story is also.ine of a kind anWeirdly enough and in many ways, Evelyn Hugo's story is the story of all (queer) women. At the same time, Evelyn Hugo's story is also.ine of a kind and entirely fictional; in the sense that Evelyn Hugo was created by Evelyn Carrera. The ways we women have to reinvent ourselves to get what we want is frightening and madenning...more
⤐ ... you loved Circe ⤐ ... you consider yourself an enthusiast of Greek Mythology or would like to become
4.5 STARS ★★★★✬
This book is for you if…
⤐ ... you loved Circe ⤐ ... you consider yourself an enthusiast of Greek Mythology or would like to become one ⤐ ... harbour a fascination for the untold parts/neglected viewpoints of (ancient) history ⤐ ... get giddy at the idea of a book that has both a well-fleshed plot as well as beautiful, not overly prose-like language to offer
⤐ Additionally. This book will definitely always be remembered. For one, it's a fantastic book. Also, I actually finished this the day I thought it was a brilliant idea to reach into the immersion blender while it was still connected to the grid. Guess who hat to pay the local ER a visit because she accidentally pressed 'go' with her other hand? :) It's been over a month ago and my finger still looks nasty, but it's 90% functional, and - most importantly - still attached to my hand. I will save this adventure in the well-visited category 'disappointed but not surprised'.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘But this is a women's war, just as much as it is the men's, and the poet will look upon their pain - the pain of the women who have always been relegated to the edges of the story, victims of men, survivors of men, slaves of men - and he will tell it, or he will tell nothing at all. They have waited long enough for their turn.’
spoiler alert: They say history is written by those who conquered it but not even that is true. Many who contributed greatly to success (or whatever it was their side did *cough* colonization *cough* war *cough* genocide *cough cough*) but not even that is true. Many victories have been ripped away from those who achieved them, or the victory isn't what it seems at all. Time, to bring up the voices that really matter. _____________________ 5 STARS. Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath.
4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
This book is for you if… you're confident the formula Riley's been using for his books will rock your boat every single ti
3.5 final STARS ★★★✬✩
This book is for you if… you're confident the formula Riley's been using for his books will rock your boat every single time.
⤐ Overall. Although I liked this story a lot better than Lock Every Door, the thrill wasn't quite the same in this one. I'm slowly getting the feeling I'm trapped in an American Horror Story sort of situation. Sure, Riley's books are still better than this show, but it does feel like the same folxs are dressing up as different characters and speak slightly different lines every time I meet them.
The difference in this book lies in the fact that the supernatural is never an option even once during the book. While both Lock Every Door as well as Home Before Dark made me belief ghosts are the answer to the mystery, with Final Girls Riley takes up more of a psychological thriller approach. Of course halfway through I thought I had it all figured out...
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...which of course I hadn't. Riley fooled me right up until the end. I could have thought of the solution but of course, was blinded by what seemed less obvious in my mind.
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That alone should earn Riley some credit which is why I'm letting my review stand at a solid 3.5 stars.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘You can’t change what’s happened. The only thing you can control is how you deal with it.’
spoiler alert: You also can't change when the ghosts of your past decide to catch up to you. _____________________ 4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary.
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional. ...more
⤐ Overall. I think for the first time ever I am not not rating something out of respect for either t
This book is for you if… loved Jane The Virgin.
⤐ Overall. I think for the first time ever I am not not rating something out of respect for either the work or the author but because I am conflicted about the rating itself. See, as a fan of Jane the Virgin, this was a fantastic, wonderful, exciting and adorable book. Discovering all the parallels between this book and the show was just delightful. It's like walking through the woods and finding your favourite sweets perfectly reserved and nicely wrapped all along your way. I could have spent all day there [image]
But, see, if you detach yourself a bit from those many small joys, the book becomes ... well. Not a joy. The plot is flat and lacks the necessary fleshed-outness that makes a book great. Or passable, even. I would have thrown a tantrum the size of ROGELIO DE LA VEGA had I chosen this without having watched the show first. People who know know why I wrote that in all caps. [image]
⤐ What’s happening. When Jane Gloriana Villenueva met Michael Cordero for the first time -
Oh. Wait. HA WRONG TEXT. Well, guys. You know the drill. [image]...more
⤐ ... you've had enough of toxic relationships and are here for decent men acting deliciously cringy but nev
4 STARS ★★★★✩
This book is for you if…
⤐ ... you've had enough of toxic relationships and are here for decent men acting deliciously cringy but never with venom ⤐ ... can accept the arranged-marriage-trope, knowing that there's going to be so much love, respect and feelings ⤐ ... space operas and science fiction are something you feel at home with ⤐ ... are willing to do a part of the world-building yourself ⤐ ... are not a homophobic '!*"$"?
⤐ Additionally. Beautiful edition, the feelz™ and soft Bois, what more do you want, I ask? My heart still hurts from the fluffy softness that is Jainan and Kiem. I absolutely adore their relationship and how beautiful it was, despite the shadow of arranged marriages.
Additionally, despite my critical few towards young and new adult, I do thrive in the angsty environment that only young love and a sprinkle of miscommunication can produce.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘If he couldn't cope with you, then he couldn't have coped with anything [...]. Nobody could want more than who you are.’
spoiler alert: Hence, there will be alot of [image]
and
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and
[image] _____________________ 4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
This book is for you even if… you're wary of historical fiction. A scepticist of WWII literature mysef, this was one of the first books I found tho
This book is for you even if… you're wary of historical fiction. A scepticist of WWII literature mysef, this was one of the first books I found thoroughly worthwhile, despite its potential to break my heart.
⤐ Overall. When I say I don't like WWII historical fiction, I mean stuff such as The Book Thief. Many authors come up with a useless plot and then make it happen in WWII times 'to make it interesting' - or that what it feels like reading such books.
The Nightingale, however, is deeply meaningful, educating and heartbreaking in ways I did not expect. I loved that Kristin tells us a story not set at the front of war but alongside those people who are left behind and live in occupied zones. The stories my grandparents tell/told of the war rarely include bomb shrapnel, gunshot wounds and gunfire. Instead, they tell me how my great-grandmother, pregnant with her oldest child, was walled-in with rations every time her family feared the soldiers were coming too close. How it felt lining up for meagre rations of your own food day in day out. Having to share your home with the enemy, often cruel and violent men.
I cannot count the number of times I had goosebumps crawling up my arms and legs while reading The Nightingale. It's an incredible book I can recommend wholeheartedly.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘Men tell stories. Women get on with it. For us it was a shadow war. There were no parades for us when it was over, no medals or mentions in history books. We did what we had to during the war, and when it was over, we picked up the pieces and started our lives over.’
spoiler alert: This book is full of both female and male power and tells the tragic stories of the many beautiful people who had to live through war as soldiers who were left behind: the women, the old, the 'weak'. _____________________ 4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
This book is… is not something I’d recommend at the moment. That might be owed to me overdosing on Romance in general, though. TW: cheating, diseas
This book is… is not something I’d recommend at the moment. That might be owed to me overdosing on Romance in general, though. TW: cheating, disease, death of a parent.
⤐ Overall. You know you've overdosed on Romance novels when not even world's sexiest narrator Sebastian York can make a book interesting to you. When I heard him narrate for the first time, my heart (and libido) went a little something like this: [image]
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If you know, you know. He da bestest <3.
Despite this huge bonus, Hate Notes did not get past an average reading experience for me. Although both the story and the setting are a good idea in general, I just can't read another millionaire romance. I can't. I don't have it in me, especially when it's combined with ye good ol' office feud/romance. Besides, there was barely any spark between the two MCs, which really made me wonder what it is that made them feel attracted towards each other beyond the obvious.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘And, sweetheart, we live in New York City. There are two things we don’t have to chase after: trains and men. Because there’ll always be another one ready to pick us up right behind the first.’
spoiler alert: There'll be a whole lot of chasing nonetheless. _____________________ 3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional. ...more
This book is for you if… you’re sick of 40 year old millionaire dudes with a terrible temper finding a 20-something chick and would l
⫸3.5 STARS
This book is for you if… you’re sick of 40 year old millionaire dudes with a terrible temper finding a 20-something chick and would like to see the turns tabled (hehehe). Hawt sex included. TW: death of parents, divorce.
⤐ Overall. Damn mama, this sure as heck was one steamy read. I actually blushed at one point. [image]
Let's be real though: Nothing happened in this book except some hot sex. Surprise ...more
This book is for you if… love to find new things to rave about every couple pages. Also, homophobes better stay away from this. TW: t
⫸1.5 STARS
This book is for you if… love to find new things to rave about every couple pages. Also, homophobes better stay away from this. TW: toxic friendships, toxic relationship, stalking, homphobia.
⤐ Preface. If your bar for being visually overloaded is very low, I'm sorry for the gazillion gifs that are coming up.
⤐ Overall. Me, preparing mentally and physically to get into that review:
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ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Important announcement: Please repeat exercises as instructed or head to a warm-up routine of your choice in order to execute the bends you'll need to follow this ridiculous book.
Now that we're all well stretched and warmed-up, let's get into it. *deep inhale - slow exhale*
I need two fingers to name the things I liked about this book. One, the male love interest is a man who identifies as pansexual and is not afraid of doing so publicly. Although people around him - including the woman he, for whatever wild unimaginable reason, is in love with - keep giving him shit for it and act despicably towards his sexual orientation, he stays strong in reiterating that 'love is love' and he is just himself. Go, Nathan, you tell 'em! Don't let that homophobic shit get to you. [image]
Second, le sexy times are incredibly hawt. They literally made my body heat rise up. And there were plenty of those. If I were one of those people who could neglect all sense of morality and logic I would have probably loved this book. But... The truth is that... well
BOY DID THIS BOOK MAKE ME MAAAAAAAD [image]
Let's start with a couple of minor things that irritated me, shall we:
- While they were friends before they develop feelings for each other - absolutely out of nowhere - they were sleeping in the same bed for two years straight, cuddling mandatory if sleep is on the wish list for the night. ?????? Did - did I have a sad upbringing? What sort of friendships am I leading? I'm not even considering that I'm being judgy, this is WEIRD. [image] [image]
- my book buddy Dora mentioned this in her review and I'll have to agree with her: Eliza tries to act tough and self-assured but TL never quite convinced me of that. Neither when she's arguing with Nathan nor when her terrible friends act despicably towards her and Nathan.
- It was suspiciously convenient that they started finding each other sexually attractive at the EXACT. SAME. TIME.
- Eliza keeps turning a blind eye at her bosses' sexual advances. Those already started DURING the interview, isn't that lovely? Her biggest talent by far is making herself believe that Henry is simply like that and they're actually 'just friends'. Spoiler alert: OF COURSE HE WANTS TO BANG YOU, YOU IGNORANT SACK OF POTATOE SKIN. Also, he has a girlfriend. [image]
- Eliza exclusively refers to her vagina as 'sex'. Never anything else. Does TL have a problem with that? Because she sure as heck is generous when it comes to intimately describing anal play, use of buttplugs and anal sex. That just doesn't make sense to me. [image]
And now on to the stuff that really triggered me:
- Nathan reads Eliza's diary while she's in the shower. Without her consent. Obviously. *smiles in psychopathic seriel killer* [image]
- Eliza also can't - and I'm quoting here - 'sleep without his hands on her behind'. Yeah, I've gotta side with Simon, that's a NO from me [image]
- Eliza keeps making excuses for Nathan's toxic behaviour. Not that she's any better but Nathan is an asshole to others. Plain and simple. Controlling, stalkerish, mentally triggering. A whole package that is labelled 'HECK NO'. Nathan might as well wear a garbage bag to symbolise his lovely character [image]
- Nathan is a real man-baby: During over 500 pages of relationship drama, he was not able to lead one meaningful conversation without storming off crying like a child. His approach to solving problems consist of screaming, threats and being whiny about stuff. A real treat, this one... [image]
- Eliza is the most paranoid and mistrusting person I've ever met in any book. She's never witnessed Nathan to be unfaithful in his past relationships and yet the minute they start their thing she suddenly expects him to jump humans left and right. As if his sexual orientation somehow makes him prone to cheating? which leads me to my next point;...
- ... Eliza's bubble of cishet straightness is SO homophobic she actually believes Nathan turned straight again for her. I just. I can't blink any faster else I'll lose my eyelids [image]
- At one time they're about to engage in sexual intercourse and Nathan kicks it off with the words "once we start there is no stopping midway"... Well, that's some rape-y ass shit right there. If a person asks you to stop doing sexual things to you, you stop. [image]
Phew. Okay. I think that's it. I'll probably come back to rant some more every time I remember something. [image] _____________________ 2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth finishing for a variety of reasons.
1 STAR. Hate - hate - double hate [in Gringe mode]. Completely detested this due to problematic, offensive or just deeply unenjoyable content and would risk physical harm to keep others from making the same mistake. ...more
This book is for you if… you enjoy watching idjits digging their own grave out of sheer self pity. TW: death of a parent, cheating,
⫸ 3.5 STARS
This book is for you if… you enjoy watching idjits digging their own grave out of sheer self pity. TW: death of a parent, cheating, triggering partner/friends.
⤐ Overall. Edit: It's so cold in Germany at the moment that I'm literally almost in the mood to read winter-y books. Lol. Please send warmth, thanks.
In All About Us, Tom manages to illustrate a beautiful relationship. Daphne and Ben are a couple that could be described as OTP if they'd both put in the effort. Trouble is, while Daphne is successful and selfless, Ben has a harder time leaving behind the shadow of his ignorant and self-righteous father. The contrast between the two certainly makes for an interesting conflict, especially since Tom gives the reader the possibility to see their relationship develop over the years they've known each other in a A Christmas Carol like scenario.
Admittedly, Ben's habit of rushing headfirst into disaster willingly gets a bit annoying after a while. He has a hard time reading people and understanding their true intentions which means us readers have to tag along for a rerun of all his biggest mistakes, one eye closed in fear, the other wide open in unabashed fascination.
In the end, I was just attached enough to want to finish the book but more often than not I was very impatient with both Tom and Ben, but that's men humans for you.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘I guess none of us turned out how we thought we would at nineteen. We all made mistakes and concessions and wrong turnings.’
spoiler alert: Fat chance it's never too late to change your ways. But sometimes that takes a rerun of old mistakes. Lucky Ben. _____________________ 4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary.
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional. ...more
⤐ ... you enjoy powerful, imaginative and extremely entertaining narratives ⤐ ... you are a witchy gal ⤐ ... y
4 STARS ★★★★✩
This book is for you if…
⤐ ... you enjoy powerful, imaginative and extremely entertaining narratives ⤐ ... you are a witchy gal ⤐ ... you love yourself some queer witches ⤐ ... like to see misogynistic assholes kneel where they belong ⤐ ... have a thing for angsty romances ⤐ ... love yourself some feisty teenage girls that can rock the world
⤐ Additionally. This book gave me incredibly witchy vibes. I loved the way Alix depicted witchcraft in this amazing book. It was deeply etheral, earthy and magical. This is my first Alix E. Harrow book so I didn't really know what to expect, but the way she approached the themes of feminism, family and femme fatale was just lovely. I'm so glad I got the Illumicrate edition through my subscription.
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⤐ What’s happening.
‘One witch you can laugh at. Three you can burn. But what do you do with a hundred?’
_____________________ 4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
This book is for you if… you choose to ignore my warning to read other Christmas books instead of this one.
My first thought after finishing The Tw
This book is for you if… you choose to ignore my warning to read other Christmas books instead of this one.
My first thought after finishing The Twelve Dates of Christmas: At least it didn't suck entirely. Had it bin marginally worse, I would have discontinued it. For once, it was crystal clear from the beginning that Matt was the actual love interest. Kate merely used the Twelve Dates of Christmas as a way to distract herself from the fact that the person she's always loved and will forever love is not available for her.
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I also felt there was no real arc pushing the excitement upwards. The Twelve Dates of Christmas is just date after date with some small-town flory, backing sessions and toxic arguments with a supposed best (male) friend.
I suppose what kept me going is that Jenny figured out just the right balance between Romance and Christmas content. Somehow, the whole small-town atmosphere with the Christmas fairs and the snow and the lights kindled some sort of fire in me - but it sure as heck didn't burn for Kate. I found her annoying, mostly, especially since Matt is being toxic on one than more occasion and she seems to ignore it.
I've read about 7 or 8 Christmas books this year and am slowly coming to the conclusion that they are not a particular temptation for me. Or maybe I've just read the wrong books. Whatever. _____________________ 3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional. ...more
This book is for you if… authors have an easy job getting you into the holiday spirit with romances. In that case, this is total
3.5 STARS ★★★✬✩
This book is for you if… authors have an easy job getting you into the holiday spirit with romances. In that case, this is totally your read. If you have high standards, you should likely skip this.
⤐ Overall. I was trying to keep my expectations chained for In a Holidaze but still managed to be just a tad disappointed. For one, the synopsis advertises this as a Groundhog Day narrative, but there was definitely not enough time-loop going on in my personal opinion. I really would have wanted Mae to jump back one or two more times in situations where it got really juicy. It would have definitely given the book an edge it is missing this way.
In general it seems like there's little going on in In a Holidaze but I really appreciated the simple winter atmosphere and the heart-warming friendship and family dynamics. Since my personal Christmas experiences have always been mediocre at best - stemming from a life-long trauma of semi-toxic relatives and draining table topics - the loving and fun tone of the book really is the highlight for me.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘I ask the universe, simply: Can you show me what will make me happy?’
Via a groundhog-day-esque One simple wish grants Mae the opportunity to finally set things straight with the love of her life AND the pillar of her family and friend's anual Christmas meetings. _____________________ 4 STARS.Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary.
3 STARS.Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional. ...more
This book is for you if… shmoozy love-at-first-sight slow-burn romances are the one gift missing to get you into the Christmas m
4.5 STARS ★★★★✬
This book is for you if… shmoozy love-at-first-sight slow-burn romances are the one gift missing to get you into the Christmas mood once and for all. Tough weapons have to be drawn this wild year, prepare to be smittened by the cutest Christmas romance thus far.
⤐ Overall. Before reading One Day in December I didn't really believe in the power of books to channel the Winter Vibes™. I've never been a fan of this season as it is, my "Christmas" spirits exclusively relate to Lebkuchen, Cookies, Glühwein and movies. But sometimes, a good book can do wonders!
One Day in December is a heartfelt, deeply touching story about two people who fall in love at first sight but are not allowed to pursue that love because fate is a cruel sister. The struggle between their feelings for each other and the happiness they have outside of that is illustrated beautifully with so many little moments. I wish more Christmas-themed books would take away their focus from the deeply unrealistic "power of Christmas" kind of stuff and just make the most magical things of a relationship happen surrounded by snow, cookies and lights. [image] [image]
⤐ What’s happening.
‘Despite the fairy-tale snowstorm out there, this isn’t Narnia. This is London, real life, where hearts get kicked and bruised and broken, but somehow they still keep beating.’
On a busy pre-Christmas day in December, Laurie sees him, slightly blurry but nonetheless magnificent, through the window of her bus. Laurie and Jack connect eyes for less than a minute, but are seared into each others brains for the rest of their lives. And fate is just about graceful enough to make them meet again, but under the worst circumstances: bus boy Jack is now Laurie's best friend Sarah's boyfriend. And they are happy together. So Jack and Laurie decide to not tell Sarah they've pretty much fell in love at first sight. I mean, how bad can it be, they didn't even talk before, right? _____________________ 5 STARS.Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath.
4 STARS.Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
This book is for you if… you simpley need to read yet another romance.
⤐ Overall. I do not remember most of the plot of Happily Lett ★★✬✩✩ STARS
This book is for you if… you simpley need to read yet another romance.
⤐ Overall. I do not remember most of the plot of Happily Letter After two months after finishing it, only that somebody dies from some sort of terminal illness and that I really did not enjoy most of the book. In fact, a whole lot of eye-rolling was involved. The romance was flat but also stereotypical. I recall I kept thinking to myself 'Is romance yet another genre I ruined by over-consuming?'
And honestly, I've actually tried to take a break from this contemporary romance thing. I hope it works because I will return eventually. I simply don't want to miss out on the smut. Heh. [image]
Either way, If the other 367 romance books you've read haven't managed to make you tired, this won't either. I'd say give it a try!
⤐ What’s happening.
‘He's single. And is about to have clean socks. That's better than half the men you've gone out with lately already’
Ahh, yes. *sniffs air*. The smell of a bullshit argument as to why a woman should date a man, if I've ever heard one. Just because the ones before didn't work out, a woman will not settle for the next best dude who actually deals with his laundry as any able-bodied human being should. _____________________ 3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth finishing for a variety of reasons. ...more
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