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bookphenomena_micky's reviews
4614 reviews
Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Headlines:
Perceptions
Family expectations
Being neurodiverse
This whole audio was a delight, I couldn't turn it off, needing to see what was going to happen with Jasper and needing some comeuppance for her family and they way they were. This whole story was a beautiful exploration of life through Jasper's neurodiverse eyes and equally how she was perceived.
This family was tough to read, they controlled and did not accept Jasper's differences beyond the label. She had been trained and conditioned to do what was expected of her and this story started as she returned home from a break from university with plans to step outside of their expectations. The story unravelled from there. I couldn't stand her sister despite some later redeeming features and as for the mother and weak-willed father, they were equally awful.
One person truly saw Jasper and that was Arthur. He was a wonderful character, charming and yet a bit of a grump. His long term crush was endearing. These two grew a friendship that was most lovely and unintentional. This part of the storyline was joy.
There's nothing preachy about this book but we all need some insight into the neurodiverse experience, whether we have that experience personally or live with someone who does, it's great to see this representation woven so well into a super-engaging story.
Ultimately, this book felt uplifting but real. The difficulties Jasper experienced weren't diluted but her warm and kind personality rubbed off across the book, making it hopeful.
I listened on audio and the narration pulled out the characterisation so well.
Thank you to First Ink for the audio review copy.
Perceptions
Family expectations
Being neurodiverse
This whole audio was a delight, I couldn't turn it off, needing to see what was going to happen with Jasper and needing some comeuppance for her family and they way they were. This whole story was a beautiful exploration of life through Jasper's neurodiverse eyes and equally how she was perceived.
This family was tough to read, they controlled and did not accept Jasper's differences beyond the label. She had been trained and conditioned to do what was expected of her and this story started as she returned home from a break from university with plans to step outside of their expectations. The story unravelled from there. I couldn't stand her sister despite some later redeeming features and as for the mother and weak-willed father, they were equally awful.
One person truly saw Jasper and that was Arthur. He was a wonderful character, charming and yet a bit of a grump. His long term crush was endearing. These two grew a friendship that was most lovely and unintentional. This part of the storyline was joy.
There's nothing preachy about this book but we all need some insight into the neurodiverse experience, whether we have that experience personally or live with someone who does, it's great to see this representation woven so well into a super-engaging story.
Ultimately, this book felt uplifting but real. The difficulties Jasper experienced weren't diluted but her warm and kind personality rubbed off across the book, making it hopeful.
I listened on audio and the narration pulled out the characterisation so well.
Thank you to First Ink for the audio review copy.
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Some catnip tropes for me with this one...marriage of convenience (not a spoiler) and forced proximity. I loved the reconnection in this story, how neither character were as they seemed. The FMC's total lack of togetherness was hilarious, especially paired with the MMC.
Great narration
Great narration
Beacon by Claire Kent
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Headlines:
Second chances
Building trust
All in
What a finale Kent gave us with Mack and Anna's long-awaited story. Nothing about this disappointed; it was warm, building and such a character-driven story but still strong on plot.
I did not expect Mack's characterisation to be what it was when Anna sought him out. He was cold, harsh and beyond reluctant. What was even more surprising was seeing Anna certain of herself and her feelings. This second chance post-apocalyptic romance had all the feels and fire. It felt hard fought without unnecessary angst.
We got time with side characters in this installment without any detraction from Anna and Mack. Six books in and these various communities of Kindled are so important across the couples we've seen along the way.
I'm so sorry to see this series come to an end but comforted by the fact we're getting an inconnected community in this world soon. I'm excited to read more from this wider world Claire Kent is crafting.
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
Second chances
Building trust
All in
What a finale Kent gave us with Mack and Anna's long-awaited story. Nothing about this disappointed; it was warm, building and such a character-driven story but still strong on plot.
I did not expect Mack's characterisation to be what it was when Anna sought him out. He was cold, harsh and beyond reluctant. What was even more surprising was seeing Anna certain of herself and her feelings. This second chance post-apocalyptic romance had all the feels and fire. It felt hard fought without unnecessary angst.
We got time with side characters in this installment without any detraction from Anna and Mack. Six books in and these various communities of Kindled are so important across the couples we've seen along the way.
I'm so sorry to see this series come to an end but comforted by the fact we're getting an inconnected community in this world soon. I'm excited to read more from this wider world Claire Kent is crafting.
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
Children of Dune by Frank Herbert
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
This really wasn't my bag for the following reasons:
*abrupt writing style (hold up...you left me in the last chapter)
*the characterisation felt very unpolished
*the multiple love interests felt shallow apart from one
*all titliation and lacking in chemistry
*much suggestion and minimal follow through
*not even that cliffhanger can entice me to continue the series.
*abrupt writing style (hold up...you left me in the last chapter)
*the characterisation felt very unpolished
*the multiple love interests felt shallow apart from one
*all titliation and lacking in chemistry
*much suggestion and minimal follow through
*not even that cliffhanger can entice me to continue the series.
Escape to Pumpkin Cottage: A Feel-Good Read about Romance and Rivalry by ANNA. BURNS BURNS (JACQUI.), Jacqui Burns
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Headlines:
Cosy, easy reading, small village
I devoured this book in 24 hours, sucked into this small picturesque village in the UK. Autumn was afoot and rivalry between two bed and breakfast establishments brewed.
Pippa was the arrival to the village, renovating a quirky property ready for visitors. Jenny, an established host across the river was unimpressed and something of a saboteur. There was a light romance that added into the mix.
There were two back stories that really caught my interest. One was the dementia storyline that resonated very much with my family experience of this and I appreciated the realness this brought to the story. The other back story was Pippa's parentage which had me intrigued.
This was a cosy autumn read that was just perfect for the start of this season. Thank you to Allison & Busby for the review copy.
Cosy, easy reading, small village
I devoured this book in 24 hours, sucked into this small picturesque village in the UK. Autumn was afoot and rivalry between two bed and breakfast establishments brewed.
Pippa was the arrival to the village, renovating a quirky property ready for visitors. Jenny, an established host across the river was unimpressed and something of a saboteur. There was a light romance that added into the mix.
There were two back stories that really caught my interest. One was the dementia storyline that resonated very much with my family experience of this and I appreciated the realness this brought to the story. The other back story was Pippa's parentage which had me intrigued.
This was a cosy autumn read that was just perfect for the start of this season. Thank you to Allison & Busby for the review copy.
Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This eclectic mixture of stories from Naomi Novik was engaging. We got some familiar worlds, some novel settings and some absolutel favourites in this collection. Did I live for the Scholomance story? Yes, I did; I could read stories set inside that school for ever. Here's a little round up of my favourites but all the stories are worth your time.
After Hours was a bunch of new students in the Scholomance, making enemies, alliances and meeting the maleficaria. We got a quick flash of a main character from the original trilogy also. I loved every minute of this one.
Buried Deep was an Ariadne and the minotaur retelling that had sufficient length and depth to do this myth justice and more. I enjoyed how Novik envisaged their childhood into adulthood. This one left me wanting more.
Spinning Silver I'm a big fan of the full story we've already had, but this earlier, shorter version with a different tale and outcome was equally great. It's made me want to re-read the full book again. It's such a wonderful, chilly and magical world.
Commonplaces
This was such an interesting tale about Sherlock Holmes in Paris and a woman who seeks him out. This wasn't about sleuthing as such but it had an air of mystery that had me following the trail avidly.
Seven
This story was a world unknown to me but it caught me in its net. A world of clay, sculpture, widows and women trying to survive. It was a strange and rather compelling tale.
I hope you see some things in my review that catch your interest. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these short stories.
Thank you Del Rey for the review copy.
After Hours was a bunch of new students in the Scholomance, making enemies, alliances and meeting the maleficaria. We got a quick flash of a main character from the original trilogy also. I loved every minute of this one.
Buried Deep was an Ariadne and the minotaur retelling that had sufficient length and depth to do this myth justice and more. I enjoyed how Novik envisaged their childhood into adulthood. This one left me wanting more.
Spinning Silver I'm a big fan of the full story we've already had, but this earlier, shorter version with a different tale and outcome was equally great. It's made me want to re-read the full book again. It's such a wonderful, chilly and magical world.
Commonplaces
This was such an interesting tale about Sherlock Holmes in Paris and a woman who seeks him out. This wasn't about sleuthing as such but it had an air of mystery that had me following the trail avidly.
Seven
This story was a world unknown to me but it caught me in its net. A world of clay, sculpture, widows and women trying to survive. It was a strange and rather compelling tale.
I hope you see some things in my review that catch your interest. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these short stories.
Thank you Del Rey for the review copy.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Headlines:
Metaphorical
Endearing
Poignant
It was an anticipated delight to be back with the Cerulean characters, each of them. There was an addition to the family at hand and he fit in with the eclectic bunch so well. Much of this story was about battles, striving for equality, acceptance and normalacy (whatever that is).
Arthur spearheaded this story, a fierce dad with magic burning so brightly with righteous anger. Arthur expanded as a character so much in my mind, from gentle man to vocal advocate and activist, even though all he wanted was a quiet and fair life for his family.
The whole premise of this story is metaphorical. These magical beings symbolise so much in today's society and that meaning punches the gut over and again. When I read the acknowledgements, I cried but not empty tears, tears with feeling and some anger.
Thank you TJ for this story and it's heart.
Much gratitude to Pan Macmillan for the early copy.
Metaphorical
Endearing
Poignant
It was an anticipated delight to be back with the Cerulean characters, each of them. There was an addition to the family at hand and he fit in with the eclectic bunch so well. Much of this story was about battles, striving for equality, acceptance and normalacy (whatever that is).
Arthur spearheaded this story, a fierce dad with magic burning so brightly with righteous anger. Arthur expanded as a character so much in my mind, from gentle man to vocal advocate and activist, even though all he wanted was a quiet and fair life for his family.
The whole premise of this story is metaphorical. These magical beings symbolise so much in today's society and that meaning punches the gut over and again. When I read the acknowledgements, I cried but not empty tears, tears with feeling and some anger.
Thank you TJ for this story and it's heart.
Much gratitude to Pan Macmillan for the early copy.
Marriage and Masti by Nisha Sharma
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Headlines:
Estranged friends
Pretence to more
Family business
Veera was a strong, determined woman who lost confidence when it came to her estranged friendship with Deepak. She was unsure quite how she'd lost her confidente and her heart. How these two became reacquainted was serendipitous but the escalation from there was anything but.
I love a convenient arrangement between a couple. I'm not sure these two really needed to catch feelings, as there was so much depth to their connection previously. They just needed to admit it to themselves.
The sense of family on both sides was strong with Veera having some awful parentage and a slightly dodgy sibling relationship. I got all warm and fuzzy over Deepak's family and how they were with Veera. She needed and deserved that goodness and nurture.
The plot on the business side was good but the connection and chemistry dominated the pages, with plenty of sparks. It wasn't difficult to care for this couple and cheer them on.
Thank you to Avon books and instabooktours for the review copy.
Estranged friends
Pretence to more
Family business
Veera was a strong, determined woman who lost confidence when it came to her estranged friendship with Deepak. She was unsure quite how she'd lost her confidente and her heart. How these two became reacquainted was serendipitous but the escalation from there was anything but.
I love a convenient arrangement between a couple. I'm not sure these two really needed to catch feelings, as there was so much depth to their connection previously. They just needed to admit it to themselves.
The sense of family on both sides was strong with Veera having some awful parentage and a slightly dodgy sibling relationship. I got all warm and fuzzy over Deepak's family and how they were with Veera. She needed and deserved that goodness and nurture.
The plot on the business side was good but the connection and chemistry dominated the pages, with plenty of sparks. It wasn't difficult to care for this couple and cheer them on.
Thank you to Avon books and instabooktours for the review copy.
READING PROGRESS
The Summer I First Saw You: The Perfect Angsty, Age Gap, Forbidden Romance! by Elizabeth O'Roark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Headlines:
Shallow to depth
Love language
Age gap
Wow, this book took me from an initial sense of 'why are these two like this' to a sucker of punch of feels by the end. Daisy came across as super fun but possibly shallow but the story peeled back layers and depth and boy, was I wrong. Harrison just seemed wrapped up in himself and his libido but this man was hiding his loss of self from everyone.
This was a very two-character centric story and I loved that focus on getting to know these two through alternate POV chapters. Daisy's longing for Harrison was sweet, then fire, then just lovely. She was holding all sorts of secrets and I did not see that big reveal coming.
Harrison, middle name denial, was somewhat hilarious. I enjoyed seeing him find a love for life again with Daisy's encouragement. Their joint love of surfing made me feel like I was there on the beach watching. When everything came to a crescendo with these two, it was explosive.
There was a serious story to unearth in this book and it lead to a most beautiful final section of the book. I had all the feels and I felt like I'd had such a journey with these two.
"There are a hundred people in the world who could detail my failures. It's hard to care when Harrison, the best of them, likes me regardless."
The Summer series is one I'd read any season of the year and I have loved these couples.
Thank you to Piatkus for the review copy.
Shallow to depth
Love language
Age gap
Wow, this book took me from an initial sense of 'why are these two like this' to a sucker of punch of feels by the end. Daisy came across as super fun but possibly shallow but the story peeled back layers and depth and boy, was I wrong. Harrison just seemed wrapped up in himself and his libido but this man was hiding his loss of self from everyone.
This was a very two-character centric story and I loved that focus on getting to know these two through alternate POV chapters. Daisy's longing for Harrison was sweet, then fire, then just lovely. She was holding all sorts of secrets and I did not see that big reveal coming.
Harrison, middle name denial, was somewhat hilarious. I enjoyed seeing him find a love for life again with Daisy's encouragement. Their joint love of surfing made me feel like I was there on the beach watching. When everything came to a crescendo with these two, it was explosive.
There was a serious story to unearth in this book and it lead to a most beautiful final section of the book. I had all the feels and I felt like I'd had such a journey with these two.
"There are a hundred people in the world who could detail my failures. It's hard to care when Harrison, the best of them, likes me regardless."
The Summer series is one I'd read any season of the year and I have loved these couples.
Thank you to Piatkus for the review copy.