mk_loisirs's reviews
351 reviews
Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review*
When I saw another book by Elissa Sussman was coming out, I immediately went to request it. I really enjoyed Funny You Should Ask. So I just knew this one would be good as well. I usually do not go for music/music theater related stories but I really enjoyed how Sussman portrayed the performances and how the characters felt about performing. The alternating timelines were so well done. I think that is one of Sussman's strengths. The past help set the stage for perfectly for the "now" while also maintaining their own unique tension and drama. The tension and connection between Cal & Kathleen throughout the entirety of the novel was *chefs kiss." You definitely knew they were meant for each other before they did. This book is full of self reflection, redemption, strong female friendships and one hell of a slow-burn. It is a memorable second-chance romance to say the least!
When I saw another book by Elissa Sussman was coming out, I immediately went to request it. I really enjoyed Funny You Should Ask. So I just knew this one would be good as well. I usually do not go for music/music theater related stories but I really enjoyed how Sussman portrayed the performances and how the characters felt about performing. The alternating timelines were so well done. I think that is one of Sussman's strengths. The past help set the stage for perfectly for the "now" while also maintaining their own unique tension and drama. The tension and connection between Cal & Kathleen throughout the entirety of the novel was *chefs kiss." You definitely knew they were meant for each other before they did. This book is full of self reflection, redemption, strong female friendships and one hell of a slow-burn. It is a memorable second-chance romance to say the least!
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Did not finish book. Stopped at 62%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 62%.
The library check out expired and I honestly wasn’t as committed to the story as I had hope.
I might finish it later.
I might finish it later.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
4.5
Listen, I literally have no negative comments about this book. Talia Hibbert’s writing is romantic magic. The banter, the emotional reckonings, the it-actually-makes-sense-and-isn’t-stupid third act “break up”…it was perfection. The chemistry was palpable with Zaf & Dan. Loved. It.
Everyone was right to recommend Talia Hibbert’s books. I know the rest of them are in my future.
Everyone was right to recommend Talia Hibbert’s books. I know the rest of them are in my future.
The Insatiable Volt Sisters by Rachel Eve Moulton
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*Thank you to NetGalley & MCD x FSG Originals for the e-Arc in exchange for my honest review*
I went into this book completely blind. I requested it based off a recommendation of a friend on Insta who was reading the arc.
"Our femaleness a reason we needed saving, the only reason he needed to keep his miserable inheritance all to himself."
I am completely flabbergasted by what I read. This was such an upsettingly brilliant book. It is a gothic mystery horror show. Henri & B.B were so incredibly unlikeable. I greatly disliked both sister but I loved them all the same. I was drawn to this story much like the Volt sisters are drawn to their island. I was completely surprised by the fantastical elements to the story that moved it past simply dark and mysterious. I was anticipating the "big bad" to be more abstract and internal but it was fantastical and brillant. I know there is a feminist commentary entrenched in this story but I need to dig for the right words to the describe. The ending was so good - the final line is *perfection."
I've read in other reviews that people were confused by the POV & time changes. I didn't find that confusing at all. I felt they were well constructed and paced appropriately. I didn't feel pulled too soon from from POV or time at any point. I was interested in it all.
I went into this book completely blind. I requested it based off a recommendation of a friend on Insta who was reading the arc.
"Our femaleness a reason we needed saving, the only reason he needed to keep his miserable inheritance all to himself."
I am completely flabbergasted by what I read. This was such an upsettingly brilliant book. It is a gothic mystery horror show. Henri & B.B were so incredibly unlikeable. I greatly disliked both sister but I loved them all the same. I was drawn to this story much like the Volt sisters are drawn to their island. I was completely surprised by the fantastical elements to the story that moved it past simply dark and mysterious. I was anticipating the "big bad" to be more abstract and internal but it was fantastical and brillant. I know there is a feminist commentary entrenched in this story but I need to dig for the right words to the describe. The ending was so good - the final line is *perfection."
I've read in other reviews that people were confused by the POV & time changes. I didn't find that confusing at all. I felt they were well constructed and paced appropriately. I didn't feel pulled too soon from from POV or time at any point. I was interested in it all.
Spoiler
The beast form of the sisters harkens to sirens calling sailors to their deaths but instead of that they are two women who have been sold a lie and tricked into helping call at risk/forgotten women to their deaths. The women of the story were essentially tasked with cleaning up after the mistakes of man and I am HERE for how it ended - destroying the monster as sisters, and the man eating-monster mom FTW.
Bad Cree by Jessica Johns
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Violence
Moderate: Death