paigesonpages's reviews
163 reviews
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mass/school shootings, Death, Grief, and Gun violence
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
adventurous
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
When it’s time to branch out from the Bridgerton series, KJ Charles’s new book is the one to open! The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen includes everything amazing about regency romances. There’s a son who inherits his less than loving father’s money, a scandal, smugglers, and of course some spice! While the novel’s plot was slow at the beginning, the growing chemistry between forbidden lovers Gareth and Joss is worth the wait. Fans of the hit show Our Flag Means Death may be reminded of Steve Bonnet and Blackbeard, as these opposites fiercely attract! Whether you’re brand new to historical romances, or your shelves are overflowing, be sure to pick up a copy of this new series on March 7th! Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Through You by Ariana Godoy
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicide attempt, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
No Place for Fairy Tales by Edd Tello
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Transphobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Violence
Back in the Burbs by Tracy Wolff, Avery Flynn
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
The Sprite and the Gardener by Joe Whitt, Rii Abrego
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Reunion by Kayla Olson
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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? No
5.0
Is it possible to have already read the best release of 2023 barely three weeks into the year? If so, Kayla Olson’s newest novel, The Reunion, might be the one!
Liv Latimer grew up starring in the hit television series Girl on the Verge, but so much has changed in the past twenty years since the show’s premiere. Liv has dealt with grief, rediscovering her passion, and having to part ways with her former best friend and costar, Ransom Joel. Fourteen years after the series finale and deciding to take a step back from their close friendship, the show is planning a big reunion special and a potential reboot, which means going all the way back to the beginning. Liv is having the time of her life seeing old collaborators and reconnecting with Ransom, but old spats and crushes keep bubbling back up from the surface! Is going back to basics the best decision for her, or is it time to walk away for good and pursue new connections?
This book is IMPOSSIBLE to put down, and it’s clear how well the new Celebrity Romance trope shines! This is the novel for anyone who watched all of the teen dramas in the mid 2000s and was living their best life when Netflix decided to reboot everything under the sun. The main shift in Liv and Ransom’s attraction for one another was sudden at first, but since the reader is rooting for them from page one, it’s extremely forgivable.
My personal favorite segments were the tabloids in between the chapters! They were a fun reminder of how their relationships and work drama was perceived by their fans.
This is a romance I’ll be recommending all year long! Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Liv Latimer grew up starring in the hit television series Girl on the Verge, but so much has changed in the past twenty years since the show’s premiere. Liv has dealt with grief, rediscovering her passion, and having to part ways with her former best friend and costar, Ransom Joel. Fourteen years after the series finale and deciding to take a step back from their close friendship, the show is planning a big reunion special and a potential reboot, which means going all the way back to the beginning. Liv is having the time of her life seeing old collaborators and reconnecting with Ransom, but old spats and crushes keep bubbling back up from the surface! Is going back to basics the best decision for her, or is it time to walk away for good and pursue new connections?
This book is IMPOSSIBLE to put down, and it’s clear how well the new Celebrity Romance trope shines! This is the novel for anyone who watched all of the teen dramas in the mid 2000s and was living their best life when Netflix decided to reboot everything under the sun. The main shift in Liv and Ransom’s attraction for one another was sudden at first, but since the reader is rooting for them from page one, it’s extremely forgivable.
My personal favorite segments were the tabloids in between the chapters! They were a fun reminder of how their relationships and work drama was perceived by their fans.
This is a romance I’ll be recommending all year long! Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.75
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5