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jamies_shelves's reviews
529 reviews
The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
dark
emotional
informative
sad
5.0
Powerful. Horrifying. Educational. Necessary.
Vilest Things by Chloe Gong
4.0
A great sequel!
I missed the game/competition aspect, but I still liked where this one went.
I think all of the characters are super compelling, and I love all of the relationships and how twisty it is.
The ending was PHENOMENAL! I feel like it should have been obvious maybe? But I was totally surprised.
Also the sexy scene towards the end HOT DAMN.
I can't wait to see where it goes!
I missed the game/competition aspect, but I still liked where this one went.
I think all of the characters are super compelling, and I love all of the relationships and how twisty it is.
The ending was PHENOMENAL! I feel like it should have been obvious maybe? But I was totally surprised.
Also the sexy scene towards the end HOT DAMN.
I can't wait to see where it goes!
Just Bromantically Invested by Saxon James
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This series is so incredibly special. I love the Bertha Boys so much and what they all mean to each other. Their found family is everything to me.
It'll always make me sad that Gabe seems to be left out a lot now, and he was here too, but he was also included a decent amount of the time too which made me happy.
I really like Madden as a character. He's very kind, loyal, and such a good person and friend. I love that even though he loved Penn, he was willing to set him up and find him love with someone else. How he went about it had me cracking up! I love that he is so confident in being himself.
I really liked Penn as a character and I thought it was super relatable to feel like someone isn't really your friend, and then find out nah they totally are and you're overthinking.
I like that the characters were such good friends and it naturally developed into something more. I also love that they both could acknowledge their faults in the relationship and were truly working on themselves to be better.
I also like how everything ended up resolving their business and all of that.
I love that Peach Acres is becoming a thing and Madden will have that, but I have to be honest, someone of the times in the book when he was talking about judgmental people and how hard it is for nudists.... I think I'm definitely one of the judgmental ones. Learning from this book that it's legal for people to just walk around anywhere in Seattle without clothes on is weird to me. The fact that kids could see that, is weird to me. But idk maybe I'm just judgmental and should work on that.
Seven and Molly's book is still my favorite so far (I know Xander's will take the prize from them), but this one was amazing and so cute and fun!
NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT XANDER.
Even though this wasn't his book, God damn did he steal the spotlight.
Him and Seven getting into it. Wow. And the scene with Derek. Holy shit.
My heart breaks for him and I can't wait to see him finally get his happy ending (with Derek because it BETTER BE) and also finally accept help and go to therapy.
This series is so incredibly special. I love the Bertha Boys so much and what they all mean to each other. Their found family is everything to me.
It'll always make me sad that Gabe seems to be left out a lot now, and he was here too, but he was also included a decent amount of the time too which made me happy.
I really like Madden as a character. He's very kind, loyal, and such a good person and friend. I love that even though he loved Penn, he was willing to set him up and find him love with someone else. How he went about it had me cracking up! I love that he is so confident in being himself.
I really liked Penn as a character and I thought it was super relatable to feel like someone isn't really your friend, and then find out nah they totally are and you're overthinking.
I like that the characters were such good friends and it naturally developed into something more. I also love that they both could acknowledge their faults in the relationship and were truly working on themselves to be better.
I also like how everything ended up resolving their business and all of that.
I love that Peach Acres is becoming a thing and Madden will have that, but I have to be honest, someone of the times in the book when he was talking about judgmental people and how hard it is for nudists.... I think I'm definitely one of the judgmental ones. Learning from this book that it's legal for people to just walk around anywhere in Seattle without clothes on is weird to me. The fact that kids could see that, is weird to me. But idk maybe I'm just judgmental and should work on that.
Seven and Molly's book is still my favorite so far (I know Xander's will take the prize from them), but this one was amazing and so cute and fun!
NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT XANDER.
Even though this wasn't his book, God damn did he steal the spotlight.
Him and Seven getting into it. Wow. And the scene with Derek. Holy shit.
My heart breaks for him and I can't wait to see him finally get his happy ending (with Derek because it BETTER BE) and also finally accept help and go to therapy.
The Whistler by John Grisham
3.0
I really like John Grisham movies, but this was my first book.
It was... fine.
Not very thrilling lmfao.
I found it predictable. I kept waiting for a twist that didn't happen.
I did think the plot was pretty interesting, even if it was very predictable and straight forward.
Honestly, I feel like I'd like it better as a movie lmfao.
It was... fine.
Not very thrilling lmfao.
I found it predictable. I kept waiting for a twist that didn't happen.
I did think the plot was pretty interesting, even if it was very predictable and straight forward.
Honestly, I feel like I'd like it better as a movie lmfao.
Forbidden Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
5.0
I don't care what anyone says. I don't care if they can be repetitive (this was the first book where I did kind of feel that) or anything else. I will eat it up EVERY TIME. And read as many as they give me.
Are Easton and Knox my favorite couple? No. Honestly, they're probably the only couple where I could see them potentially not lasting. The only other couple I'm meh about is Quinn and Vance, I honestly don't know which one I like more.
BUT I do really love Easton as a character. He's such a sweetie. And I like Knox too.
The reason why I loved this book so much though, more than I liked book 5 (Quinn and Vance's book) is because we got SOOOO much of the rest of the collective guys!
We got to see the charity game and I loved it so freaking much. We got all of the collective guys INCLUDING Soren, Ollie, and West!
WE GOT COHEN!!!!!
And the camp the charity is for being Becks and Jacobs!!
AND DAMON! A Maddox mention! And Damon saying how much everyone owes to Soren and Ollie! MY GOD MY EMOTIONS.
I also feel like we got the most Foster in this book that we ever had (which makes sense because of the brother's best friend thing) and this made me happy because I feel like he's barely talked about which makes me sad.
The other thing that really made me love this book so much? Connor.
This man! I don't know how he took over my heart so much, but God damn he did! I love him.
I love the dynamic of the three Kiki brothers so much, and honestly? I might like it more than the Dalton brothers.
AND I KNEW THE NEXT BOOK WAS GOING TO BE HIS AND PARKERS AND I'M SO HAPPY I'M RIGHT.
HOLY SHIT IT'S GOING TO BE EPIC AND AMAZING!
I can't wait.
Are Easton and Knox my favorite couple? No. Honestly, they're probably the only couple where I could see them potentially not lasting. The only other couple I'm meh about is Quinn and Vance, I honestly don't know which one I like more.
BUT I do really love Easton as a character. He's such a sweetie. And I like Knox too.
The reason why I loved this book so much though, more than I liked book 5 (Quinn and Vance's book) is because we got SOOOO much of the rest of the collective guys!
We got to see the charity game and I loved it so freaking much. We got all of the collective guys INCLUDING Soren, Ollie, and West!
WE GOT COHEN!!!!!
And the camp the charity is for being Becks and Jacobs!!
AND DAMON! A Maddox mention! And Damon saying how much everyone owes to Soren and Ollie! MY GOD MY EMOTIONS.
I also feel like we got the most Foster in this book that we ever had (which makes sense because of the brother's best friend thing) and this made me happy because I feel like he's barely talked about which makes me sad.
The other thing that really made me love this book so much? Connor.
This man! I don't know how he took over my heart so much, but God damn he did! I love him.
I love the dynamic of the three Kiki brothers so much, and honestly? I might like it more than the Dalton brothers.
AND I KNEW THE NEXT BOOK WAS GOING TO BE HIS AND PARKERS AND I'M SO HAPPY I'M RIGHT.
HOLY SHIT IT'S GOING TO BE EPIC AND AMAZING!
I can't wait.
Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny by Holly Madison
3.5
Let me start by saying that these reviews from 2015 saying she's a whining prostitute who used Hef are fucking EMBARRASSING.
I listened to the audiobook and I love that she narrated!
I'm sorry that Holly and any of the girls had to go through what they did.
I read this because I was watching the secrets of playboy documentary series and she was on it and mentioned her book. It didn't get as much into all of the disgusting things that happened in the mansion, but I think this makes sense as Hef was still alive when this published (I think) and a lot of the next level revolting shit happened when Hef was still young enough to be a mentally aware father/grandfather.
I listened to the audiobook and I love that she narrated!
I'm sorry that Holly and any of the girls had to go through what they did.
I read this because I was watching the secrets of playboy documentary series and she was on it and mentioned her book. It didn't get as much into all of the disgusting things that happened in the mansion, but I think this makes sense as Hef was still alive when this published (I think) and a lot of the next level revolting shit happened when Hef was still young enough to be a mentally aware father/grandfather.
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
DNF'd after chapter 2 (7% in).
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I normally don't rate books I DNF, but normally when I DNF it's because I'm just not in the mood for a book at that moment, or it's just not for me.
But that's not the case here.
I just found the writing to be so juvenile and cringey. And not in a overly cute way, but in a trying too hard to seem like a 20 year old girl way, and it was unbearable.
"I'm a heartless monster with a strong character and stronger eyeliner game, and I intend to get away with my crimes. What about it?" Direct quote. I can't. But if you like that style of writing, then I'm sure you'll like it.
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I normally don't rate books I DNF, but normally when I DNF it's because I'm just not in the mood for a book at that moment, or it's just not for me.
But that's not the case here.
I just found the writing to be so juvenile and cringey. And not in a overly cute way, but in a trying too hard to seem like a 20 year old girl way, and it was unbearable.
"I'm a heartless monster with a strong character and stronger eyeliner game, and I intend to get away with my crimes. What about it?" Direct quote. I can't. But if you like that style of writing, then I'm sure you'll like it.
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Thank you orbit and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
I loved this book way more than I was expecting!
This was my first cozy fantasy book (outside of fanfic where I already know and love the characters/relationship) and I definitely want more of this genre. It was so fun!
We follow Aila who is a socially awkward, shy, Phoenix keeper at a zoo in her attempt to breed phoenix's at her zoo to keep this species alive. I loved her passion and how much she truly loved her birds. She could be a little annoying at times, but it was very realistic, and never made me dislike her.
I liked all the characters and the relationships, both the friendships and romantic relationships.
I thought the ending and the big thing that happened was extremely predictable, but that didn't bother me. It's a cozy fantasy, not a mystery/thriller.
This book had me wanting to learn more about magical creatures, as well as learning how I can help endangered species in the real world. And looking up tickets to the zoo.
Overall I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it as a fun, chill, read.
I loved this book way more than I was expecting!
This was my first cozy fantasy book (outside of fanfic where I already know and love the characters/relationship) and I definitely want more of this genre. It was so fun!
We follow Aila who is a socially awkward, shy, Phoenix keeper at a zoo in her attempt to breed phoenix's at her zoo to keep this species alive. I loved her passion and how much she truly loved her birds. She could be a little annoying at times, but it was very realistic, and never made me dislike her.
I liked all the characters and the relationships, both the friendships and romantic relationships.
I thought the ending and the big thing that happened was extremely predictable, but that didn't bother me. It's a cozy fantasy, not a mystery/thriller.
This book had me wanting to learn more about magical creatures, as well as learning how I can help endangered species in the real world. And looking up tickets to the zoo.
Overall I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it as a fun, chill, read.
Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Thank you Orbit and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a really fun and intriguing story. Definitely unique.
I was sold because I saw vampires, and while I think technically there are vampire aspects, and I think it's setting up for what we think of as vampires in the next book, it's not true vampires. At least, not the main characters.
They are blood workers. Imagine blood bending from Avatar, but if they needed to consume someone's blood in order to use blood bending on them. (Which in the author's note I learned he has a cat named Zuko so this makes sense lol!) But they can also consume their own blood to give themselves more strength, speed, allow them to heal, etc. which I thought was super cool.
We get two POVs in this story: Shan and Samuel. I genuinely enjoyed both of them.
Shan is morally grey, which we learn from the first page, and she is always scheming. She will do whatever she can to keep her brother safe and to get what she wants. She was intelligent, cunning, badass, but also kind, and I really liked her as a character.
Samuel is an unblooded (someone born without the power of blood working), but he has another power he is trying to hide. He gets thrust into their world, but still cares deeply for the unblooded and hates the cruelty they face. It was interesting to see him navigate this new world and find his place in it. I do wish we got to see a bit more of it, and more of him really developing his powers.
Isaac is also a main character (I think) though he's not one of the POVs we switch back and forth between. He has a past with Shan, one that I hope we get to see more of and really understand what happened between them. Isaac is a trans man and this is addressed multiple times, but never a main focus of his story or seen as a negative thing by the other characters. I liked his character and want to know more about him.
Anton is Shan's brother and his partner is Bart. I'm really intrigued by both of them and hope they play a bigger part in the next book.
Shan, Samuel, and Isaac have a fun dynamic where all three of them are clearly infatuated and into each other. I'm interested to see how this plays out in future books..
I think the plot could be a little slow at points, so I almost gave it a 3.5, but I went 4 because overall I really liked it.
I'm hoping book two focuses more on the politics and tensions between blood workers and unblooded.
This was a really fun and intriguing story. Definitely unique.
I was sold because I saw vampires, and while I think technically there are vampire aspects, and I think it's setting up for what we think of as vampires in the next book, it's not true vampires. At least, not the main characters.
They are blood workers. Imagine blood bending from Avatar, but if they needed to consume someone's blood in order to use blood bending on them. (Which in the author's note I learned he has a cat named Zuko so this makes sense lol!) But they can also consume their own blood to give themselves more strength, speed, allow them to heal, etc. which I thought was super cool.
We get two POVs in this story: Shan and Samuel. I genuinely enjoyed both of them.
Shan is morally grey, which we learn from the first page, and she is always scheming. She will do whatever she can to keep her brother safe and to get what she wants. She was intelligent, cunning, badass, but also kind, and I really liked her as a character.
Samuel is an unblooded (someone born without the power of blood working), but he has another power he is trying to hide. He gets thrust into their world, but still cares deeply for the unblooded and hates the cruelty they face. It was interesting to see him navigate this new world and find his place in it. I do wish we got to see a bit more of it, and more of him really developing his powers.
Isaac is also a main character (I think) though he's not one of the POVs we switch back and forth between. He has a past with Shan, one that I hope we get to see more of and really understand what happened between them. Isaac is a trans man and this is addressed multiple times, but never a main focus of his story or seen as a negative thing by the other characters. I liked his character and want to know more about him.
Anton is Shan's brother and his partner is Bart. I'm really intrigued by both of them and hope they play a bigger part in the next book.
Shan, Samuel, and Isaac have a fun dynamic where all three of them are clearly infatuated and into each other. I'm interested to see how this plays out in future books..
I think the plot could be a little slow at points, so I almost gave it a 3.5, but I went 4 because overall I really liked it.
I'm hoping book two focuses more on the politics and tensions between blood workers and unblooded.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, and Classism
Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
I thought this was a strong first book in a series.
Good world building and a really fascinating world. I definitely want to learn more.
This is the first time I've ever read a fantasy book and just been so taken aback by some of the names being so hard to pronounce that it took me right out of it. Dom's full name is fucking ridiculous. I stopped even trying/making something up in my head and just skipped over it every time, which definitely affected the flow of reading.
I like all of the POVs and I'm interested to see where each character goes.
Definitely love the relationships, both platonic and romantic, that they're hinting at.
Love the villain power couple.
Good world building and a really fascinating world. I definitely want to learn more.
This is the first time I've ever read a fantasy book and just been so taken aback by some of the names being so hard to pronounce that it took me right out of it. Dom's full name is fucking ridiculous. I stopped even trying/making something up in my head and just skipped over it every time, which definitely affected the flow of reading.
I like all of the POVs and I'm interested to see where each character goes.
Definitely love the relationships, both platonic and romantic, that they're hinting at.
Love the villain power couple.