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bookphenomena_micky's reviews
4651 reviews
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
This audio release might have hit me a bit better through ebook or physical. I didn't feel overly invested in the characters initially and the setting up was a little dull. Once they all got away on retreat and even more, once the two MCs started connecting, I was all ears. Hazelwood can write chemistry and the intimacy so well, that my investment notched up hugely.
I ended on a high with this one. I appreciated there wasn't a lot of communication or third act break up.
Great narration.
I ended on a high with this one. I appreciated there wasn't a lot of communication or third act break up.
Great narration.
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
3.5 stars
This story gave me serious Romeo & Juliet vibes without some of the tragedy. It felt upper YA in tone and plot. Sera and Ransom were pitched on different sides of magic ability and so an enemies to more theme emerged. It gave me some angst because of the investment I felt in this couple.
The magic system was really interesting. It rolled out to be quite a complex plot that had a few pacey moments but overall romped along well. It was quite a long read and I would encourage readers to bear with the slower start. The City of Fantome turned out to be darkish and bustling setting.
A lot happened in the final few chapters so there's plenty to feel excited about in the next book. Overall, a promising series starter.
Thank you Simon YA and Nina Douglas for the review copy.
This story gave me serious Romeo & Juliet vibes without some of the tragedy. It felt upper YA in tone and plot. Sera and Ransom were pitched on different sides of magic ability and so an enemies to more theme emerged. It gave me some angst because of the investment I felt in this couple.
The magic system was really interesting. It rolled out to be quite a complex plot that had a few pacey moments but overall romped along well. It was quite a long read and I would encourage readers to bear with the slower start. The City of Fantome turned out to be darkish and bustling setting.
A lot happened in the final few chapters so there's plenty to feel excited about in the next book. Overall, a promising series starter.
Thank you Simon YA and Nina Douglas for the review copy.
The Love Interest by Helen Comerford
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
Headlines:
Patriarchal, patronising society
Superhero males
Young female power
This story was a contrast in context. On the one hand it was a enemies-to-romance story, YA style. On the other hand there were rich themes about this patriarchal society where men with powers (not women) saved the day.
Jenna Ray was saved from a burning building by Blaze, a new superhero. Immediately, the media typecast her as 'the love interest'. Understandably, she didn't want to be seen this way and Blaze came across as somewhat egotistical in relation to all this. Was he oblivious or brain-washed? I wasn't entirely sure until later on. The feminist themes of the story were my favourite aspect but the romance didn't really bite me.
The plot was a little rambling at times and I found it to be a pacey read. I did appreciate the twists in the plot regarding powers in men and women. I found the villians and the heroes both irritating. Equally Jenna Ray and Blaze had their moments of frustration.
The story wrapped up well and overall, this was a likeable read. Thank you to Bloomsbury for the review copy.
Patriarchal, patronising society
Superhero males
Young female power
This story was a contrast in context. On the one hand it was a enemies-to-romance story, YA style. On the other hand there were rich themes about this patriarchal society where men with powers (not women) saved the day.
Jenna Ray was saved from a burning building by Blaze, a new superhero. Immediately, the media typecast her as 'the love interest'. Understandably, she didn't want to be seen this way and Blaze came across as somewhat egotistical in relation to all this. Was he oblivious or brain-washed? I wasn't entirely sure until later on. The feminist themes of the story were my favourite aspect but the romance didn't really bite me.
The plot was a little rambling at times and I found it to be a pacey read. I did appreciate the twists in the plot regarding powers in men and women. I found the villians and the heroes both irritating. Equally Jenna Ray and Blaze had their moments of frustration.
The story wrapped up well and overall, this was a likeable read. Thank you to Bloomsbury for the review copy.
The Bell Witches by Lindsey Kelk
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
An interesting premise and world but this was rather young YA.
Some books translate YA to older readers as well as young adults but The Bell Witches was not one of them. I know that if I was a teen reading this, I would have gobbled this up but older me could not gel with the immaturity of the main characters and all the instalove. There were so many "I love yous" and after no time at all. All this detracted from the plot which was pretty solid.
I can't see myself reading on because of this.
Audio wise, the narration was single POV with good narration and characterisation.
Thank you to Magpie for the audio review copy.
Some books translate YA to older readers as well as young adults but The Bell Witches was not one of them. I know that if I was a teen reading this, I would have gobbled this up but older me could not gel with the immaturity of the main characters and all the instalove. There were so many "I love yous" and after no time at all. All this detracted from the plot which was pretty solid.
I can't see myself reading on because of this.
Audio wise, the narration was single POV with good narration and characterisation.
Thank you to Magpie for the audio review copy.
My Rules by TL Swan
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
A disappointment after liking book one in this series. For me, this read like one of her older books which are not really to my taste. It is no exaggeration to say this MMC was a hideous character who didn't redeem that much. The FMC was a little insipid and also annoying.
I nearly gave up a third in but was able to continue better on audio and I just about rounded this up to 3 stars. Please let the next book be less a$$hole.
I nearly gave up a third in but was able to continue better on audio and I just about rounded this up to 3 stars. Please let the next book be less a$$hole.
Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah
emotional
reflective
sad
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
3.5
This was a rich introspection on the relationship and life journey of a married couple but damn, it was sad. Early on, I started to catch the vibes that things were going to get rocky and so they did. The themes of womens' choice about motherhood were strong and very welcome but the direction the storyline took was hard to read. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion.
Efe was misunderstood by Sam and her family from about half way and I was so frustrated with people's attitudes and for not seeing what was under her nose. (view spoiler) Sam seemed initially a supportive partner but that partnership was so inadequate.
The way this ended broke my heart but also hardened it at the same time. I can't say I enjoyed this read but I valued it.
Efe was misunderstood by Sam and her family from about half way and I was so frustrated with people's attitudes and for not seeing what was under her nose. (view spoiler) Sam seemed initially a supportive partner but that partnership was so inadequate.
The way this ended broke my heart but also hardened it at the same time. I can't say I enjoyed this read but I valued it.
Keep Me by Sara Cate
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Headlines:
From like
To Love
To Wow (just my reactions)
Keep Me was a read that snuck in with interest, built to obsessive page turning and then sucker-punched me in the gut with a wave of feels so that I'm thinking of it now the pages are closed. The plot was strong but it was the two characters of Sylvie and Killian that reeled me in tight.
Sylvie was the entitled, brattish (I thought) Manhatten woman with famous parents and Killian was a brooding, mooding Scottish laird with a manor. Both were misunderstood and I encourage you to read this, as peeling back the layers of their characters and past was the best element of this book.
The story had chemistry that smacked you in the face and it had some sprinkings of spice but when it sprinkled, it was intense. The sex seemed inevitable, the connection was uncertain.
I don't want to explain too much about this story but it's my first from this author and I am feeling a sense of longing for these characters again. I don't know what is in store with this series but I will be rolling up for book two.
Thank you to Sourcebooks for the review copy.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience
From like
To Love
To Wow (just my reactions)
Keep Me was a read that snuck in with interest, built to obsessive page turning and then sucker-punched me in the gut with a wave of feels so that I'm thinking of it now the pages are closed. The plot was strong but it was the two characters of Sylvie and Killian that reeled me in tight.
Sylvie was the entitled, brattish (I thought) Manhatten woman with famous parents and Killian was a brooding, mooding Scottish laird with a manor. Both were misunderstood and I encourage you to read this, as peeling back the layers of their characters and past was the best element of this book.
The story had chemistry that smacked you in the face and it had some sprinkings of spice but when it sprinkled, it was intense. The sex seemed inevitable, the connection was uncertain.
I don't want to explain too much about this story but it's my first from this author and I am feeling a sense of longing for these characters again. I don't know what is in store with this series but I will be rolling up for book two.
Thank you to Sourcebooks for the review copy.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience
Kindling by Bonnie Woods
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:
Did you say Scots good guy?
And Scottish village?
And Northerner (English) FMC
T'was a recipe just for me
It was never uncertain that I'd enjoy this book but I am so glad I went with the audio format because the goodness of that dual POV and dual (spot-on) accents were a dream. Another bonus was the autumnal time of year.
These characters just became like friends. Harper was a previous high-flying marketer looking for a quiet few months to try writing a book after her job went south. Fraser was the local carpenter that found himself in a bit of a rescue situation. There was a reluctance to both their investment in their friendship and connection, but it really was written so beautifully. Harper was a strong, bisexual woman and Fraser was a feminist. I was giving them laser eyes to induce their connection.
The town was full of colourful characters that notched up the endearment. But all good things come to an end, right? The third act break up was well written and I enjoyed the journey to the end.
This book gave me all the feels for autumn and then winter, friendships, love is love and putting your heart out there. Highly rec.
Did you say Scots good guy?
And Scottish village?
And Northerner (English) FMC
T'was a recipe just for me
It was never uncertain that I'd enjoy this book but I am so glad I went with the audio format because the goodness of that dual POV and dual (spot-on) accents were a dream. Another bonus was the autumnal time of year.
These characters just became like friends. Harper was a previous high-flying marketer looking for a quiet few months to try writing a book after her job went south. Fraser was the local carpenter that found himself in a bit of a rescue situation. There was a reluctance to both their investment in their friendship and connection, but it really was written so beautifully. Harper was a strong, bisexual woman and Fraser was a feminist. I was giving them laser eyes to induce their connection.
The town was full of colourful characters that notched up the endearment. But all good things come to an end, right? The third act break up was well written and I enjoyed the journey to the end.
This book gave me all the feels for autumn and then winter, friendships, love is love and putting your heart out there. Highly rec.
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