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_rutaceae's reviews
107 reviews
Slippery Creatures by KJ Charles
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Having been a huge ancient egypt nerd since I was a kid, this has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year. It certainly did not disappoint!!
Despite being young and (at times) rather naive, Inez was such a strong MC. She was determined and resourceful, often getting what she wanted in a time when women had little to no power of their own. And Whit was the perfect opposite for Inez's character to play off of. His British charm, making everyone fall at his feet.
The plot, however, is what truly drew me in. The location of Cleopatra's final resting place has been one of the biggest mysteries for centuries, making the hunt for her tomb the perfect centre to this story. The layers of culture, mystery, and betrayal really kept me on the edge of my seat.
I so badly wanted this to be a 5 star read, but there were a few things that bugged me, that prevented me from giving it that final star.
First, there was the little looks at Whit's POV. Usually a dual POV like this would bug me, and while I loved how it was done here, I wished there was more of it.
Second, I found that the first half of the book moved a little slow. I expected to be a lot further along in Inez's journey than I was, when I reached 40-50% progress.
Lastly, I wished we'd learnt more about the magic system in this world. I loved how subtle it was, but I feel like it was never truly explained.
Despite being young and (at times) rather naive, Inez was such a strong MC. She was determined and resourceful, often getting what she wanted in a time when women had little to no power of their own. And Whit was the perfect opposite for Inez's character to play off of. His British charm, making everyone fall at his feet.
The plot, however, is what truly drew me in. The location of Cleopatra's final resting place has been one of the biggest mysteries for centuries, making the hunt for her tomb the perfect centre to this story. The layers of culture, mystery, and betrayal really kept me on the edge of my seat.
I so badly wanted this to be a 5 star read, but there were a few things that bugged me, that prevented me from giving it that final star.
First, there was the little looks at Whit's POV. Usually a dual POV like this would bug me, and while I loved how it was done here, I wished there was more of it.
Second, I found that the first half of the book moved a little slow. I expected to be a lot further along in Inez's journey than I was, when I reached 40-50% progress.
Lastly, I wished we'd learnt more about the magic system in this world. I loved how subtle it was, but I feel like it was never truly explained.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well, I think I found a new favorite!!
This is one that I've not gone anywhere near for the longest time, because despite liking the sound of the story, I'm a cover snob and this kind of cover is not one I'm normally a fan of. As with every other book that I've read recently that also falls into this category, I was very much proved wrong.
This was such an easy read, and I was hooked from the first chapter.
I wouldn't quite class this as enemies to lovers - more rivals to lovers - and for me, this trope ended far too soon. However, the secret relationship Alex and Henry form quickly saved me from disappointment. Secret relationship is one of my all time favorite tropes, and it simultaneously broke and melted my heart to watch these boys struggle through everything life threw at them.
The emails and texts, were such a fun way to break up the long chapters, and get a look into their lives we wouldn't have otherwise gotten. I absolutely LOVED them signing off the emails with the quotes from history.
Part of me wishes I'd been able to sit down and read this in one sitting, but a bigger part of me is glad I wasn't able to. I've been able to drag it out and make it last. I've been able to draw out every last piece of joy and love this book and their relationship could give to me. It took me a while to get through the last 20-30 pages this evening, but that's because I just simply did not want it to end.
It's safe to say I will have the film on repeat once it's out.
This is one that I've not gone anywhere near for the longest time, because despite liking the sound of the story, I'm a cover snob and this kind of cover is not one I'm normally a fan of. As with every other book that I've read recently that also falls into this category, I was very much proved wrong.
This was such an easy read, and I was hooked from the first chapter.
I wouldn't quite class this as enemies to lovers - more rivals to lovers - and for me, this trope ended far too soon. However, the secret relationship Alex and Henry form quickly saved me from disappointment. Secret relationship is one of my all time favorite tropes, and it simultaneously broke and melted my heart to watch these boys struggle through everything life threw at them.
The emails and texts, were such a fun way to break up the long chapters, and get a look into their lives we wouldn't have otherwise gotten. I absolutely LOVED them signing off the emails with the quotes from history.
Part of me wishes I'd been able to sit down and read this in one sitting, but a bigger part of me is glad I wasn't able to. I've been able to drag it out and make it last. I've been able to draw out every last piece of joy and love this book and their relationship could give to me. It took me a while to get through the last 20-30 pages this evening, but that's because I just simply did not want it to end.
It's safe to say I will have the film on repeat once it's out.
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I struggle with historical fiction sometimes - it's not my favorite to read, and it's never my first choice - but this is one of my best friend's favorite books, so it was no question I would pick this up while I was on a roll with reading Alexis Hall.
While the language of the narration was fairly modern, the language of the dialogue was exactly as it should be to fit the times. It was the perfect mix of both, which is where I feel some historical fiction falls flat. Hall gets the mix just right, while others I find are either too modern, or too period based.
The relationship between Viola and Gracewood was so beautifully handled. Viola being trans is something that you would have thought would have been the thing they struggled with the most. It's something that is not widely accepted in the current day and age, and something that would probably have gotten you killed in the early 1800s. So the fact that their difference in social class, the fear of ruining their friendship, and the fear that the other may not feel the same were the biggest worries in their relationship was so perfect.
This book deals with some difficult topics - from Gracewood's difficulties after the war, to Viola being trans - and Alexis Hall handled them all perfectly.
Feeling how I do about historical fiction, I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did.
While the language of the narration was fairly modern, the language of the dialogue was exactly as it should be to fit the times. It was the perfect mix of both, which is where I feel some historical fiction falls flat. Hall gets the mix just right, while others I find are either too modern, or too period based.
The relationship between Viola and Gracewood was so beautifully handled. Viola being trans is something that you would have thought would have been the thing they struggled with the most. It's something that is not widely accepted in the current day and age, and something that would probably have gotten you killed in the early 1800s. So the fact that their difference in social class, the fear of ruining their friendship, and the fear that the other may not feel the same were the biggest worries in their relationship was so perfect.
This book deals with some difficult topics - from Gracewood's difficulties after the war, to Viola being trans - and Alexis Hall handled them all perfectly.
Feeling how I do about historical fiction, I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did.
10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have a love/hate relationship with amnesia plots - they're like marmite to me - and while this wasn't my favorite version of this kind of plot, it is up there.
10 Things That Never Happened is filled with Hall's trademark witty banter, OTT situations, and that layer of toxicity consistent with the 90s and 00s rom-coms that inspire these books and make them irresistible to all of us.
This was a romance story, that didn't feel like a romance story. It's there, but it's not in your face. You have to look for it in the little moments. And while I know that can turn some people off when they're reading a romance, I loved it.
One thing I have to mention though, is the audiobook narration. There was a moment when I thought I wouldn't be able to sit through this one, which was quite the disappointment after loving the narration of Boyfriend Material and Husband Material so much. The Liverpool accent given to Sam, was very strong and it's an accent I really do not enjoy listening to. I pushed through however, and I soon adjusted to it
10 Things That Never Happened is filled with Hall's trademark witty banter, OTT situations, and that layer of toxicity consistent with the 90s and 00s rom-coms that inspire these books and make them irresistible to all of us.
This was a romance story, that didn't feel like a romance story. It's there, but it's not in your face. You have to look for it in the little moments. And while I know that can turn some people off when they're reading a romance, I loved it.
One thing I have to mention though, is the audiobook narration. There was a moment when I thought I wouldn't be able to sit through this one, which was quite the disappointment after loving the narration of Boyfriend Material and Husband Material so much. The Liverpool accent given to Sam, was very strong and it's an accent I really do not enjoy listening to. I pushed through however, and I soon adjusted to it
Husband Material by Alexis Hall
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It was no question that I would jump straight into this after finishing Boyfriend Material, but I wasn't quite prepared for the way this would come straight for my throat and make question everything.
Before I get into that, I have to say that while I love Luc and Oliver, and I adore their story and their relationship, I felt like this was rather repetitive. They went from one wedding to another, and it seemed like we all went in circles for a while. However, I do love where Luc and Oliver end up, and I do agree thatnot getting married in the end was the right decision for them to make .
I related to Oliver in this installment, far more than I felt comfortable with. It was a wild ride, reading this and realising that - like Oliver - although I identify as a lesbian, I don't resonate with everything that stereotypically comes to mind when you think about lesbian or gay stereotypes. And that's okay.
Before I get into that, I have to say that while I love Luc and Oliver, and I adore their story and their relationship, I felt like this was rather repetitive. They went from one wedding to another, and it seemed like we all went in circles for a while. However, I do love where Luc and Oliver end up, and I do agree that
I related to Oliver in this installment, far more than I felt comfortable with. It was a wild ride, reading this and realising that - like Oliver - although I identify as a lesbian, I don't resonate with everything that stereotypically comes to mind when you think about lesbian or gay stereotypes. And that's okay.
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This has been on my radar for some time now, and while I've been on a roll with MLM romance books, I figured now was the perfect time to read it.
Luc isn't the perfect man - he's not boyfriend material - and that's what I love most about him. He messes up time and time again, but every time he does, he seems to worm his way further and further into your heart. And while Oliver seems like he's boyfriend material, he's just as messed up and imperfect as Luc is. Only it turns out he was always in your heart; sitting silently, waiting for you to notice he's there.
While the plot as a whole is somewhat predictable, Alexis Hall has a way with words that just draws you in and make you question everything. They have a way of leaving everything to the last minute that drives me crazy, but I also can't get enough of.
Luc isn't the perfect man - he's not boyfriend material - and that's what I love most about him. He messes up time and time again, but every time he does, he seems to worm his way further and further into your heart. And while Oliver seems like he's boyfriend material, he's just as messed up and imperfect as Luc is. Only it turns out he was always in your heart; sitting silently, waiting for you to notice he's there.
While the plot as a whole is somewhat predictable, Alexis Hall has a way with words that just draws you in and make you question everything. They have a way of leaving everything to the last minute that drives me crazy, but I also can't get enough of.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0