ojudge's reviews
24 reviews

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book. I was tentative to read based on some things I had heard through the grape vine about the quality of the book, story, writing, etc. I’m glad that I tend to block out the opinions of others and read based on what I want to read - because otherwise I would have missed out on this incredible and riveting story. Colleen Hoover beautifully captures the heartbreak and tragedy that exists within the cycle of abuse. She also gives such life to the characters that you find yourself understanding Lily
and her desire to want to forgive Ryle for the harm he inflicts upon her.
Hoover realistically depicts the idea of loving your abuser and the internal struggle of doing what you know you should do for your own wellbeing and safety, versus what you want to be able to do for the love you feel for another person. The way that Hoover intertwined present day with Lily’s past helped to change the trajectory of the story and gave layers to the experience of the read. Amazing book and one that should be read by all who are able. It should definitely be kept in mind that individuals should practice self care before, during, and after reading. 

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World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks

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challenging dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.25

The Playlist by Morgan Elizabeth

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I enjoyed this book! I wasn’t prepared for the level of spice! While it was fun to tag along on Zander and Zoe’s roadtrip - I felt like I was reading much of the same over and over again. When Zander and Zoe had conversations about Zoe’s life and where she was headed…felt like a lot of repetition. I truly loved all of the Swiftie Easter eggs!! 

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Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective tense 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

5.0

I loved this book! It quickly and easily became my favorite of the Bridgerton books I have read so far. Colin and Penelope’s story is beautiful - and relatable to those who find themselves feeling discarded and on the outskirts of love like Penelope Featherington. I could easily read an entire series of books solely about Colin and Penelope. 

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An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective tense 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

4.75

This has been my favorite Bridgerton book so far! It truly felt like reading a fairytale…as Benedict and Sophie’s story has a strong similarity to one of my favorite princesses - Cinderella! I so enjoyed this story. There were times when Benedict’s behavior was less than admirable, which is why I’ve chosen to give only 4.75 stars. While book two began to dive into other characters within the Bridgerton universe, this book truly solidified the feeling of the books being a series and not just standalone books existing in the same universe. Scenes throughout the book helped to introduce what could be expected from other books down the line, while still having the love story between Benedict and Sophie be the MAIN focus of the book. I enjoyed getting some of the side stories as well though, while still feeling fully immersed in the main story. The story was truly beautiful and I enjoyed it so! 

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The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense 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

4.5

I truly enjoyed this book - as I do most enemies to lovers reads. I enjoyed this Bridgerton book much more than I did the first. I believe this must be where the author truly found her footing and I am excited to continue my journey through the series. The book seemed to start out a bit slow, but at some point (and I didn’t even recognize at what point exactly) the plot and the characters took off and I found myself unable to put the book down! 

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The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I enjoyed this book and think it’s a great start to the Bridgerton series. I was inspired to read after watching the first couple seasons of the Netflix show inspired by the books. There are some clear differences between the two but I enjoyed getting to see such an in depth look at what drives the characters to be who they are and act the ways they do. I felt as though the stutter storyline that plagued Simon was very interesting and gave his character lots of depth. 

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Wildfire by Hannah Grace

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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 everything about this book! At first when I began reading, I didn’t realize that it takes place in the same world as Icebreaker, and was pleasantly surprised when I began reading familiar names and scenes full of the characters I had already come to love from reading that story. Differently from Icebreaker, Wildfire’s summer camp plot left me yearning for the days of summer, swimming, bonfires, and a love story like Aurora and Russ. While I enjoyed Anastasia and Nate’s story from Icebreaker, something about this book left me feeling differently. There wasn’t a time when I felt like the spice and physical connection between the main characters was overshadowing their actual romance. The balance between the small and subtle contributions to their falling in love and their physical connection to once another was balanced beautifully. I would have given 5 stars - but I had to take off something for the cringeworthy term of endearment “sweetheart.” I don’t know what it was, but each time I read that I had to cringe - I just felt like using that term didn’t fit the characters well. Other than that, perfect story, writing, characters, and book overall! 

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Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed the fact that this book all took place over the course of ONE DAY! But even still, this book was phenomenal. I never once felt bored reading this book, and found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for the enemies to become lovers (IYKYK). I loved this book!

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Float by Kate Marchant

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

I adored this book. I could not put it down. Blake Hamilton had me literally giggling & kicking my feet. The vibe of the book is so light hearted and fun, it’s the perfect summer read. The story is so fun, but had its serious moments. It’s a good mix and gives you ALL the feels.