marybsimp's reviews
132 reviews

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

SPOILER

You know, I haven’t read many secret child romances, but this did so well. I loved it. There was so much left at the end that I was confused. I was like, “Okay, the couple is happy and together but there’s still 2 hours left?” And when there wasn’t a last minute break up, I was so happy! I loved it all. I want to see more of them. I need more of them. My ovaries are crying. Please.

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All I Want for Christmas, by Maggie Knox

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emotional funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book was a roller coaster. They were together. Then they weren’t. Then they were. Then they weren’t. So many people get upset about a third act break up, but this had a breakup in every act. I just wish it was more consistent. It felt like the characters were in high school and every little thing was based on assumptions and no one was mature enough to say anything. One of those books that you finish and know the characters would in no way last. 3.5 stars and that’s being generous.

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Twice in a Blue Moon, by Christina Lauren

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funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I am trying to get through all of Christina Lauren’s books. I am not as impressed with this one as some others. I loved the concept of it, but I felt like it wasn’t quite right. Like it was missing something. I will say that the suspicion on why he did it all throughout the book was so potent. I was trying so hard to figure out who told and why. I was thinking it wasn’t him and then trying to figure out why etc. So, I will say that was great. Then at the very end, I felt disappointed at the dad. I wish there was more trying to fix between Sam and Tate. It was like he called and she immediately just moved on. I felt like there could’ve been more there of both of them coming to terms with the betrayal.

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Bait, by Jade West

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dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

I don’t know what to say about this book. Was I expecting something amazing? No. Was I still expecting better? Yes. I got this because it was on sale, and I’m not sure I should’ve paid even what I did for it. It would’ve been so much better if it were more drawn out. It felt like the author got bored of the story and just wanted to finish it towards the end. The end was so rushed. Like she tried to tie up all the loose ends quickly. Their relationship was so slow and steady throughout then in last hour and it’s super fast. Wish it was drawn out and it’d be so much better.

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From Blood and Ash, by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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adventurous funny mysterious tense 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? No

5.0

I was putting this book off for a good minute. One of my friends recommended it to me after I read/listened to ACOTAR and Crescent City. First things first: I am NOT a fantasy girl. I do however love to read what’s popular. I love to read things other people read so I can have discussions etc. This book was phenomenal. Some things I struggled with in books like ACOTAR and CC is trying to keep the lore and story straight. There is so much world building, so many characters introduced as well as lore and culture building, and if not done well, it can lead to confusion. Throughout ACOTAR, I found myself grasping the main storyline but side parts about side characters would get lost in the midst. I’d forget who or what certain things are, but with FBAA, I was able to understand and grasp most of it! I loved that. Also great representation with Poppy. She is not a skinny blonde girl with a perfect body. She has scars. Stretch marks. She is not perfect, and I LOVE that in a FMC. And the ending with the plot twist is *CHEFS KISS*. The very last line?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Great. Five stars. I can’t wait to start the next one. Not to mention supporting a fellow West Virginian? Love it all.

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Spoiler Alert, by Olivia Dade

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted fast-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? It's complicated

4.0

I don’t know what I expected from this book. I know it’s somewhat popular, but I never saw it on my FYP/Tiktok or anything. I honestly got it because it’s a cartoon cover and was on sale on Audible. But I was blown away! I loved it. I have not seen a plus size FMC represented like this. So many times, the FMC loses weight or hates herself. While body image is a primary factor in this story, it’s done so well. I don’t know if Olivia Dade is plus size herself, but either way, it is portrayed so well. Everything is discussed great. Additionally, I love that there is representation of dyslexia and it isn’t treated like something is wrong or the person is sick. It’s just part of who they are. Some people in the book look down on this person, but I am so glad that the author intentionally avoids and insists that this is not a diminishing factor of a person but just part of who they are. Plus I love the fanfiction of it all! I love that there are small snippets of fanfiction that reflect the current happenings of the scene/part of the book as well. It is third person which took a minute of getting used to, but I still loved it all in all. I think I would’ve given 5 whole stars if it was first person, but that’s pretty much the only flaw I saw.

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Forever, Interrupted, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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challenging emotional funny sad fast-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? No

5.0

This book was the last book I had to read of Taylor Jenkins Reid, and it did not disappoint at all. All of her books are so great at personifying her characters. To any aspiring writer, She is a great example of detailed and realistic characters, and that is a large reason she is so successful. She not only portrays the best in these characters and how impressive they are like Evelyn Hugo or Carrie Soto, but also their weaknesses and worst times. We see their darkest moments, and it gives them so much more depth. I also love the layout of this book, similar to Maybe in Another Life, in that it switches back and forth in time without being confusing at all, and the closer you get to the end, the more the pieces fall into place and begin to be understood. This book really hit home the severity of loss of a spouse or child and what coping through those experiences can look like. In fact, I have been writing or trying to write a story that deals with loss of loved ones and this helped me tremendously to put together pieces to make it better. I recommend this book so much, and the audio version was fantastic as well. Taylor Jenkins Reid never misses.

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