saratonin_stories's reviews
323 reviews

The Long Run by James Acker
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.

I didn’t like the tone that much or the homophobia (or at least wasn’t feeling the vibe of that right now). 

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

2.0

Wish You Weren't Here by Erin Baldwin

3.0

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A fun spicy hockey rom com. 

Gay the Pray Away by Natalie Naudus

3.75

The pacing felt a bit off at times, but I think it could truly be a product of the environment the main character was in. It’s possible that people go at different paces for deconstructing and it could be very true to this character. I also think there is a lot that can feel
overwhelming to folks that have experienced religious trauma. Overall I enjoyed it, but I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. 

How the Pill Changes Everything: Your Brain on Birth Control by Sarah E. Hill

informative medium-paced

4.0

Informative and requires an understanding of how research works. Ie. It takes a lot of time to get very conclusive information (and even then it’s not always entirely conclusive). 
It was really interesting to understand more about hormones and potential impacts that we have not considered when it comes to birth control impact on hormones. 
I do feel that the way they talked about birth control was very gendered in a way it didn’t have to be (at least not entirely). 

Funny Story by Emily Henry

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad 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

Emily Henry has a hold on me that I simply cannot shake. She writes dialogue and banter between characters so well that it reminds me of my friends and family joking back and forth. This particular story was one of my favorites due to the focus of other relationships and connections throughout the book. The family and friends that made the characters lives so vibrant, and made up full lives that were not just hyper fixated on a romance. Those other relationships were also brought to life, the fullness of the life that Daphne builds for herself without even realizing it was beautiful. 

That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey

funny hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This made me want to go to a Queer Adult Summer Camp, or maybe just an Adult Summer camp that isn’t all white. The setting was incredible and I loved the message of found family throughout the book. There were parts that felt really slow and some choppy parts where I just felt myself a little disengaged with the story personally, and that’s why I gave it the rating I did. Still incredibly enjoyable and a lovely story. 

Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris

emotional funny informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I am a sucker for jumping back and forth between multiple timelines connected through the exploration of the past in present day. This reminded me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but more coming of Age and sprinkle in a cross country scavenger hunt and a mysterious Pop Star. It was fun and exciting, and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. 

I especially appreciate a fresh take on the exploration of young love, and how sometimes growth and change can mean it’s not always that everyone ends up together forever, but together for a season can be harmonious and lovely.

If Only You by Chloe Liese

lighthearted 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

2.75

I don’t know there were aspects that I enjoyed, but there was something flat about the characters. Meanwhile the  only comment I can think of writing this review right not is that “ it was fine”, which is unfortunate. It may be other people’s cup of tea, but it wasn’t mine.