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karenmsecrest's reviews
278 reviews
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History by Sharon McMahon
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
Inspiring stories of Americans, (some known, some unknown) who did the next needed thing to improve their communities and the country.
Told in an engaging voice, with humor, wit, and a focus on the people who are often overlooked in history books.
Told in an engaging voice, with humor, wit, and a focus on the people who are often overlooked in history books.
A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
First in a series and my first time reading a “romantasy” about dragons. Magical elements! Twist! Spice!
The First Time at Firelight Falls by Julie Anne Long
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
School principal has the boys for a single mom/florist. 10 year old kid is the best character in the whole story. The second best character is the whiteboard. (Seriously, stop talking about your dang whiteboard!) Some spice. Overall it’s … okay.
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Christina Lauren can do no wrong. Contemporary romance with multi-dimensional characters, heat, and humor.
Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
West Ravenel can get it! This is a classic Kleypas: A redemption arc! A little bit of mystery! A second chance at love! Competence! Banter! A hot hero with broad shoulders and unruly hair! As an added bonus, the heroine is a widow with 2 young sons.
I love it all!
I love it all!
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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 didn’t want to read yet another contemporary grumpy/sunshine romance about a “messy” heroine… but this is so much more than that!
These characters have layers! Georgie thinks she’s a mess, but she’s actually a great friend and super competent at solving problems and taking care of other people. Levi is a brooding hero, but he’s so much more than a strong and silent grump. And he has a dog!
The dual POV works here, because you get to know the characters and understand why they do the things they do. This might be the best contemporary I’ve ever read.
These characters have layers! Georgie thinks she’s a mess, but she’s actually a great friend and super competent at solving problems and taking care of other people. Levi is a brooding hero, but he’s so much more than a strong and silent grump. And he has a dog!
The dual POV works here, because you get to know the characters and understand why they do the things they do. This might be the best contemporary I’ve ever read.
Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This audiobook has everything! Competent main characters, a lady doctor, a secret agent, a sick bed, cantankerous farm animals, a Mary Jane Wells narration… so good!
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Loved the concept, small town setting, LGBTQ+ representation, and romance author shout outs.
But… the writing is inconsistent and this has strong “first book” vibes. How did a ghost ring a doorbell when he couldn’t touch or move things in other scenes? How did a ghost from NYC end up in a small North (South?) Carolina town? Why does Florence pretend to talk on the phone so people don’t think she’s talking to a ghost in one scene while in other scenes she has animated Aaron Sorkin style walk-and-talk conversations with a ghost in public? Why does the cemetery wall have to be climbed over in one scene, but is crumbled enough to just hop through in the next? PICK ONE and stick to it!
Plus, much of the conflict was caused by Florence interrupting or walking away from a conversation. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!
But… the writing is inconsistent and this has strong “first book” vibes. How did a ghost ring a doorbell when he couldn’t touch or move things in other scenes? How did a ghost from NYC end up in a small North (South?) Carolina town? Why does Florence pretend to talk on the phone so people don’t think she’s talking to a ghost in one scene while in other scenes she has animated Aaron Sorkin style walk-and-talk conversations with a ghost in public? Why does the cemetery wall have to be climbed over in one scene, but is crumbled enough to just hop through in the next? PICK ONE and stick to it!
Plus, much of the conflict was caused by Florence interrupting or walking away from a conversation. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Fascinating details about horse riding and 19th century women's fashions, but ultimately quit reading because there was so much discussion of classism, colonialism, racism, sexism ... and not enough kissing.
The cover does this book a disservice. Should be a historical fiction cover instead of a Rom-Com illustration style.
The cover does this book a disservice. Should be a historical fiction cover instead of a Rom-Com illustration style.
Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez
I'm conflicted because this book is not my favorite (I don't like stories with so much emotion), but it was well written. So... 4 stars as a book, 3 stars for my preferences.
emotional
fast-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
The perfect book for people who think they don't like romance, but actually enjoy a story with emotional character journeys.
Classic Abby Jimenez contemporary romance about characters who have baggage from past trauma, are successful in spite of the chaos, bring out the best in each other ,and live happily ever after. In other words... this is the kind of story Colleen Hoover wishes she could write.
I loved:
Classic Abby Jimenez contemporary romance about characters who have baggage from past trauma, are successful in spite of the chaos, bring out the best in each other ,and live happily ever after. In other words... this is the kind of story Colleen Hoover wishes she could write.
I loved:
- Main characters with messy/traumatic families who maintain relationships with their families without letting the mess define who they are individually.
- Two successful professional main characters rather than the more common trope of one successful person and one mess.
I'm conflicted because this book is not my favorite (I don't like stories with so much emotion), but it was well written. So... 4 stars as a book, 3 stars for my preferences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction and Terminal illness