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readingwithtemperance's reviews
169 reviews
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book covered a wide range of topics such as: disability (hip dysplasia), bodily autonomy, and immigration. I think the author handled each of these with so much care. I actually learned so much about hip dysplasia!
There were a few things about this book that I hated. Those things being the copious amounts of ableism and slut shaming. People really need to mind their own business.
The author challenged both of these when they came up though which I thoroughly appreciated!
I thought that the Mermaid Cove aspect was so cool! I loved hearing about the performances and all of the training it takes to be a mermaid.
Verónica and her sister had such a realistic dynamic. I loved their bickering and the way they kept secrets for eachother. Strict parents create sneaky kids!
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, and Medical content
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
- 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
The Ghanaian Underworld was such a fantastic setting. Each section of it posing a new trial for our heroes. Me personally, I really loved the giant cows and of course Woo.
There was so many different layers to the villains. Each of them in the midst of their own grief. I love how the author showed how this emotion can manifest in different ways; denial, anger, and depression. It really added depth.
I was also a big fan of the deaf/ASL representation. And how ASL was used as a tool on several occasions throughout the story. Autumn is such an incredible friend and warrior!
I must say I am so thoroughly impressed with this debut. And the narrator did such a fantastic job! This book is so incredibly engaging. I was completely wrapped up in it. I'm excited to see what Craig Kofi Farmer cones up with next! But seriously, more Kwame please and thank you.
Graphic: Ableism, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Bahn Mi for Two follows Lan and Vivi. Lan is a blogger and Vivi is her biggest fan!
It was also so nice to see Vietnam from two perspectives; resident and someone there for the first time. The research for the writing contest was so much fun. I loved visiting the markets and festivals.
I thought the exploration of grief and familial duty was done Especially well. This book also talked a lot about colonization and it's aftermath. As well as the sacrifice of refugees. I learned a lot about Vietnam's history that I was unaware of!
The ending was tied up nicely. My only complaint is that it ended a bit abruptly. I would have loved an epilogue from the future! Just to see how things played out.
Fair warning this book will make you HUNGRY.
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Colonisation and Injury/Injury detail
- 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 loved getting more backstory on Dami.
Silas was such a wonderful character! I really loved him and his banter with Dami. His love/desire to protect his little sister was also so sweet.
Marisol was also so incredibly sweet and I love the friendship that blossomed between the three of them.
Now onto the bane of my existence EVE.
The ending was so sweet!
Unpopular opinion, but I think I liked this one even better than The Wicked Bargain! It was just so much fun, especially with the never ending clues/trials.
Gabe Cole Novoa is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. This is my 3rd book I've read from them and I've yet to be disappointed!
I buddy read this with my bestie @bookish.millennial and yes Brittany I loved your annotations! This was definitely such a good book for a buddy read.
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia, Miscarriage, Fire/Fire injury, and Dysphoria
Minor: Sexual content
- 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
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde put things into perspective for me. Renewing my passion and ultimately lighting a fire under me. Begging the questions of what kind of life I want to live, what mark do I want to leave on the world, and ultimately what would bring me joy.
This was one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Tia Williams balanced magical realism so perfectly. This story is so devastating and incredibly romantic.
I loved Ezra and Ricki together. I'm usually very anti insta love, but this was different! The connection between them was so real. I can't fathom
I loved how Ricki stood up to her family and paved her own way. So often we allow the approval of others especially family to keep us from our dreams. And it was wonderful watching her achieve and soar without their help.
Ms. Della has to be one of the loveliest characters I've ever met. I adored her relationship with Ricki so much. She reminded me of my own grandmother. Her bucket list was ridiculous, fun, and oh so heartwarming. I hope we're all in our 90s with pink hair and a sense of adventure.
Tia Williams' writing was utterly gorgeous. I feel like I need to reread this in print just to annotate. There were so many wonderful quotes, but my all time favorite wasTo me, love is like listening to an album. Some people skip to their favorite songs and ignore the rest. Other people listen to the entire album over and over until it's familiar and cherished and they know every note by heart. That's how Dr. Bennett and I loved each other. He was music I could listen to forever.
I don't think I've ever cried so much during an epilogue.
Thus is a story I won't soon forget. And I'll be bullying all of my friends to read it.
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Suicide
Moderate: Cancer, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Miscarriage, and Fire/Fire injury
- 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
Celestial Monsters wasn't what I was expecting, it was more. Aiden hit it out of the park with this sequel. Nothing lack luster about it whatsoever. It was just as incredible as The Sunbearer Trials in my opinion.
The transition from the first to second book was SO smooth. I really appreciated that no time passed and we also got caught right back up. I feel like a re-read of The Sunbearer Trials isn't as necessary because of this.
There is such a sense of urgency throughout this book. The determination and simultaneous fear was so prevalent. Our young semidioses are truly awe inspiring heroes. And they each grew so much,
I really enjoyed the dual POV with Teo and Xio. I think had he not included Xio's perspective the book just simply wouldn't have worked as well as it did. And it was reassuring being able to check in on everyone held captive!
One thing about Aiden is that he can write one hell of a villain. The Obsidians were SO cruel, and utterly terrifying.
How
One of my favorite moments while they were held captive was when
I also loved that when
Something I didn't expect was the backstory of Xio.
I didn't expect
The lesson of how tradition doesn't always mean just was a very powerful one.
The romance was so subtle, but incredibly sweet. I loved how much
The love that Stella and Relio have for eachother both warmed and broke my heart.
Everything wrapped up beautifully. I have no complaints other than the fact that this is only a duology. My expectations were exceeded and I could not be happier.
Now I just need September to hurry on up because I want to scream about this with my friends!
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Ableism, Torture, Kidnapping, and Fire/Fire injury
- 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
The adventure in this was so much fun! It was almost like Cherry had her own Pokédex with the Book of Beasts.
I think one of my favorite parts was when
Also
I loved the return of the talking sword!
The reunion with the family was also so sweet and had me absolutely sobbing. I love love loved that ending.
Also not to be feral butttt
I need a new Mead Mishaps book ASAP. Tbh I kind of want Cumin to end up with Dante's sister. Or for both of them to at least get their own story or novella!
In conclusion I love Kimberly Lemming.
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Drug use, Gore, and Slavery
Minor: Death, Blood, and Grief
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved how opposite these two were. And how they balanced eachother out while simultaneously getting the other to be able to be vulnerable and trust.
I'm not usually a sports romance person, but Nik definitely changed that. This man is just far too beautiful and sincere. An absolute himbo, and I love him for it.
Aria is so smart and gorgeous and TALENTED. I want a tattoo from her! It made me so happy that she
She and I also have a couple things in common, trust issues and ptsd. I understand how hard it is to allow yourself to love after such a big tragedy. And I was so incredibly proud of her for allowing herself to love and be loved and to trust again.
I think my favorite aspect of this book was the decades later epilogue.
I had so much fun while reading this. Even if at times the futbol guys were a bit much. Like omg did it feel like a frat house in Spain 😂.
Graphic: Sexual content, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
Moderate: Biphobia, Gun violence, and Violence
Minor: Drug use, Fatphobia, and Stalking
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I think the highlight if the story for me was Oliver's father and how supportive he was of his transness. Typically in trans books the parents aren't supportive so it was very refreshing to see especially from a father!
I also loved that when
Darcy had just the perfect amount of angst and I loved that this story led him to self acceptance and PRIDE.
I also lived when
The author's note was also quite beautiful! I loved learning a bit more about queer history.
Graphic: Deadnaming, Transphobia, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexism, and Outing
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, and Classism
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Listen those extra limbs come in handy and it's pretty cool that he comes with his own rope. His bite being an aphrodisiac is also a nice touch. He's gorgeous AND ferally protective.
I love a man that's all about touch her and you die. I don't care that he
He's such a goober at times like when he
And at the end when
The spice was soooo good omg. I'll def be combing through this author's backlist. She did insta love SO well.
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Blood, Stalking, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cannibalism
Minor: Eating disorder and Misogyny