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meg_'s reviews
504 reviews
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a super enjoyable, fast paced read. I'm sure many people would and will enjoy it. I struggled a little bit to get through it, solely because I have always struggled with the mystery/thriller genre, and that is what this book is. I knew a general idea of the plot of the story so I thought I might enjoy this more than a typical mystery, but I think the genre as a whole still made it less enjoyable for me. I do think the characters were super likeable and fun to read and I found the story itself to be super engaging and interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual violence, and Murder
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Good lord, this book was so unnecessarily longggg. I genuinely feel like there was no clear plot and the whole story was just meandering along with literally no purpose or overarching storyline. This probably could have been cut in half and still gotten the same point across (whatever that point was supposed to be?). I didn't hate our main characters but just genuinely did not like the book as a whole because nothing seemed to have purpose. Also, this is just a personal preference and I should have read more information on the content of the book before reading but there was just soooo much explicit sex that I just had no interest in reading and regularly just had to skip over to get back to the regular story. I can handle spice in books but again, this just felt like too much for my personal tolerance level.
Overall, this was just way too boring and way too long for me to care in a meaningful way about these characters or this story. I will say I did love the ending/epilogue. Definitely had to suspend my disbelief because there's just no way that everyone's dreams come true and it all turns out truly perfect, but I still found it cute and a good way to end everything.
Overall, this was just way too boring and way too long for me to care in a meaningful way about these characters or this story. I will say I did love the ending/epilogue. Definitely had to suspend my disbelief because there's just no way that everyone's dreams come true and it all turns out truly perfect, but I still found it cute and a good way to end everything.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexual assault
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a cute and easy read. It turns out that I really love romances that include single parents and this little companion duo of books has made me realize that. I absolutely loved how sweet the relationship between River and Juno was in this book. River as a character was such an attentive and caring man and it made it so easy to fall for his character. I also love Jess. I found it refreshing to read a romance where the characters backstories felt so real and Jess' backstory in particular and relationship with her family members was just so well done and made this such a well rounded romance. I also found the ending to be basically the cutest thing ever and I loved it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
This was a beautifully written and engaging read. I didn't love it as much as I was expecting to, but I think that has to do with the timing I read it and also consuming it via audiobook. I likely would have enjoyed it more if I got to physically read and sit with the lyrical writing a bit more.
As far as the plot goes, I did find the magical/fantastical elements of the book to be somewhat hard to follow, especially when it came to the smaller pieces of magic we see throughout the book. Obviously the overall fantastical elements of a war between the gods made sense and was easy to follow, but for me the finer details were harder to track.
The romance was by far the most lovely and shining element of this book. I loved the tension between our main characters when they were rivals because there was always this undercurrent of connection as their romance started to blossom. I truly found the romance to be beautiful and heartwarming and it gave soulmate vibes the whole way through. I also loved that we got to see these two actually get married in the story. I just love the uncomplicated devotion to one another .
I would definitely recommend this read to others, especially those who love more flowery/lyrical writing and soulmate stories (which I certainly do).
As far as the plot goes, I did find the magical/fantastical elements of the book to be somewhat hard to follow, especially when it came to the smaller pieces of magic we see throughout the book. Obviously the overall fantastical elements of a war between the gods made sense and was easy to follow, but for me the finer details were harder to track.
The romance was by far the most lovely and shining element of this book. I loved the tension between our main characters when they were rivals because there was always this undercurrent of connection as their romance started to blossom. I truly found the romance to be beautiful and heartwarming and it gave soulmate vibes the whole way through.
I would definitely recommend this read to others, especially those who love more flowery/lyrical writing and soulmate stories (which I certainly do).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I found this book to be pretty mid but I can't tell if that's because it was actually mid or just because I read it at not the best time to fully enjoy or process it. I found it to be super slow in pace and had to be really intentional about continuing to read it. Thats really my only review was that while I feel the plot could have been interesting, I was quite bored reading it and wasn't invested in any of the characters or storylines.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
I loved this book SO much and am debating whether I should just give it 5 stars or not. Almost everything about it was so wonderful and I absolutely loved the romance between these characters. Jacob's internal thoughts regarding his anxiety and how it impacts him on a daily basis and most prominently in social situations was spot on accurate to me and the way that Brianna and him fit so well together based on their different personalities was so lovely and perfect.
The relationship between these two felt so effortless and so safe and as an anxious person, that is exactly the type of romance I want to read about. Two people who fit so well together and are cognizant of one another's differences and needs in a way that helps them to fit better together....just ahhhh. I loved so much. Such a safe & cozy romance that made me feel so genuinely happy. Writing this review and remembering this book is making me want to read it again. Highly recommend.
The relationship between these two felt so effortless and so safe and as an anxious person, that is exactly the type of romance I want to read about. Two people who fit so well together and are cognizant of one another's differences and needs in a way that helps them to fit better together....just ahhhh. I loved so much. Such a safe & cozy romance that made me feel so genuinely happy. Writing this review and remembering this book is making me want to read it again. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Mental illness and Sexual content
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I felt that this was pretty overhyped. I enjoyed the overall plot of the story but it truly was just very predictable and felt like a true copy and paste of divergent plus dragons. Literally down to specific plot points of trying to be murdered in the middle of the night because you are succeeding/doing better than expected. The story was engaging and fast paced for sure but I think it ultimately fell flat the longer the story went on.
For me, the romance was also really subpar. I was really looking forward to the enemies to lovers dynamic that I'd been promised, and I feel like the set up for them being enemies was so realistic and made so much sense for there to be genuine hate between the two of them. However, the enemies part was not really all the way there. I truly never got the sense that either of our main characters truly disliked or hated the other. There was barely any enemy or even nemesis vibes and almost entirely love/lust vibes. Also I feel like these two literally fell into bed and then 5 seconds later were professing their undying love for one another and it was all just a bit too much. I felt that there was a rush toward them being in love and it didn't feel genuine to me how quickly they were head over heels for one another.
The fantasy piece was interesting and I did enjoy the dragons and some of the details of that world building, but I also found the overall dynamics of the political system to not be well fleshed out and somewhat unbelievable at times.
I have read many dragon based fantasy books and there are absolutely better options out there for people. At the same time, I do feel like this book is a great first step into the fantasy realm that will (hopefully) lead a lot of people to discovering some of the amazing worlds that exist within fantasy books. I don't actively dislike this by any means, I just was underwhelmed by it.
For me, the romance was also really subpar. I was really looking forward to the enemies to lovers dynamic that I'd been promised, and I feel like the set up for them being enemies was so realistic and made so much sense for there to be genuine hate between the two of them. However, the enemies part was not really all the way there. I truly never got the sense that either of our main characters truly disliked or hated the other. There was barely any enemy or even nemesis vibes and almost entirely love/lust vibes. Also I feel like these two literally fell into bed and then 5 seconds later were professing their undying love for one another and it was all just a bit too much. I felt that there was a rush toward them being in love and it didn't feel genuine to me how quickly they were head over heels for one another.
The fantasy piece was interesting and I did enjoy the dragons and some of the details of that world building, but I also found the overall dynamics of the political system to not be well fleshed out and somewhat unbelievable at times.
I have read many dragon based fantasy books and there are absolutely better options out there for people. At the same time, I do feel like this book is a great first step into the fantasy realm that will (hopefully) lead a lot of people to discovering some of the amazing worlds that exist within fantasy books. I don't actively dislike this by any means, I just was underwhelmed by it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death of parent
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.5
This was so genuinely cute and I loved so much of it! I found Fizzy as a main character to be so refreshing and fun. She's very obviously outgoing but is so confident in herself and nearly everything that she does that it's not overdone or annoying. Also who wouldn't love a tall, broody, British male love interest who also happens to be a DILF. The plot itself was fun and so engaging I felt like I could not stop reading. The book did have it's flaw but I feel like the dynamic of the show production plus the loving and adorable private moments made it so interesting and enjoyable to read. I feel like I will definitely be reading this again when I need a pick me up or swoony/smiley read.
Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
funny
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? Yes
3.0
I have complicated feelings about this one. First things first, I do love Tessa Bailey and her writing. I have fun with most of her books and with this one, I definitely enjoyed it more than the first one in this companion pair of books. I thought the book was fun, lighthearted, and enjoyable. However, I think the main conflict of this book was so painfully dumb that I almost found it unbelievable. I'm sure that there is some truth to people not taking you seriously if you're known for sleeping around and having been almost molded into that type of person based on your family/history/and looks. Despite all of this, I still found the book to be doing too much with this particular conflict. It had me rolling my eyes and wishing the two main characters would just communicate and get over it at multiple points.
Even though the conflict was frustrating, I do feel these two characters fit so well together as love interests and I thought the epilogue of this story was so stinking cute. Overall, it was a good time and I will obviously be reading more Tessa Bailey in the future.
Even though the conflict was frustrating, I do feel these two characters fit so well together as love interests and I thought the epilogue of this story was so stinking cute. Overall, it was a good time and I will obviously be reading more Tessa Bailey in the future.
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
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? No
3.0
This was the first book in the series so far that I genuinely enjoyed reading for the majority of the book. The first two books had lengthly portions where I was bored and had to push myself to keep reading but this one was interesting and engaging throughout. I still really dislike Chaol as a character (and can't quite put my finger on all the reasons why) so I always struggle a bit to power through portions of the book in his POV but this book made me start to really like Caelaena/Aelin as a character. Her backstory was super valuable to me in understanding her character arc and I felt much more connected to her after learning about her history and her connections to her family and her people. I'm actually feeling pretty excited to continue on in the series.