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siijayreads's reviews
41 reviews
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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 guess I can say that I am not the same after reading this book. At the surface it seems like this story is all about the feels of having your first crush/love and experiencing a developing infatuation with someone at a young age riddled with early life as a kid and as a young teen, but beyond the surface, there are deeper underlying lessons interwoven within this story which is fitting considering how much the concept of looking more beneath the surface is one of my key takeaways while reading this.
What I love about this is that you don't have to necessarily reminisce about your first crush to relate to this, because it makes you reflect on the premise of human admiration in general and how quick we are to judge, admire, and perceive the outside as opposed to what's inside, because most of the time, there really is more to what meets the eye.
Aside from Juli's initial attraction to Bryce because of his looks, the juxtaposition of the Baker family compared to the Loski family is also one of the things that depict how easy we are to judge at a surface level. The Loski family seemed like the perfect family from the outside but even Bryce came to realize that something was up with their family dynamics, a thing that he only realized once he got to know Juli's family. Juli's family is the opposite. Despite their financial struggles and problems, they were there for each other. I felt so bad for Bryce as he was coming to this realization.
One of the highlights for me is Juli. She is undoubtedly the most genuine a person could get. She feels deeply for everyone and everything around her. She has such a beautiful way of experiencing life and it was a absolute heartwarming to see the world through her eyes. She and her sycamore tree have a soft spot in my heart. I didn't think a tree could have that much power to make me cry but it did. Bryce and Juli's alternating perspectives were very interesting to me because it shows how they perceive one another and their interactions and later on how the tables t̶u̶r̶n̶e̶d̶ flipped ;) for them. Once upon a time it wad Juli who can't get over Bryce, then all of a sudden, it was Bryce who can't stop thinking about Juli, meanwhile Juli is trying to move on from Bryce. I literally can't stop thinking abou them! They remind me how it feels like to have a crush on someone.
I echo the sentiments of most readers about the sequel. Funny thing is, I didn't give much thought to how this story will end until I was like halfway already through the book when I thought, this better have a happy ending *insert clown emoji* I watched the movie right after and I also enjoyed the movie, so much so that I cried at certain parts. Safe to say this has become one of my comfort book and movie <3
What I love about this is that you don't have to necessarily reminisce about your first crush to relate to this, because it makes you reflect on the premise of human admiration in general and how quick we are to judge, admire, and perceive the outside as opposed to what's inside, because most of the time, there really is more to what meets the eye.
Aside from Juli's initial attraction to Bryce because of his looks, the juxtaposition of the Baker family compared to the Loski family is also one of the things that depict how easy we are to judge at a surface level. The Loski family seemed like the perfect family from the outside but even Bryce came to realize that something was up with their family dynamics, a thing that he only realized once he got to know Juli's family. Juli's family is the opposite. Despite their financial struggles and problems, they were there for each other. I felt so bad for Bryce as he was coming to this realization.
One of the highlights for me is Juli. She is undoubtedly the most genuine a person could get. She feels deeply for everyone and everything around her. She has such a beautiful way of experiencing life and it was a absolute heartwarming to see the world through her eyes. She and her sycamore tree have a soft spot in my heart. I didn't think a tree could have that much power to make me cry but it did. Bryce and Juli's alternating perspectives were very interesting to me because it shows how they perceive one another and their interactions and later on how the tables t̶u̶r̶n̶e̶d̶ flipped ;) for them. Once upon a time it wad Juli who can't get over Bryce, then all of a sudden, it was Bryce who can't stop thinking about Juli, meanwhile Juli is trying to move on from Bryce. I literally can't stop thinking abou them! They remind me how it feels like to have a crush on someone.
I echo the sentiments of most readers about the sequel. Funny thing is, I didn't give much thought to how this story will end until I was like halfway already through the book when I thought, this better have a happy ending *insert clown emoji* I watched the movie right after and I also enjoyed the movie, so much so that I cried at certain parts. Safe to say this has become one of my comfort book and movie <3
Chasing Her Fire by Claire Kingsley
I was hunting for some unexpected pregnancy trope books so I searched for some recs on Tiktok and came across this one. I didn't even realized until I started reading this one that this was part of a series and that it is book 5 xD But nevertheless, I was craving for some unexpected pregnancy trope and this one DELIVERED 👏👏👏 I really loved how the pregnancy was handled in this one. I also didn't expect that I would grow to love the protagonists, especially Cara. She did not have the best childhood and she still carries the effects of that into her adulthood, but seeing her become more open and trusting with Logan, despite her fears and insecurities was such a refreshing and insightful journey. The dynamics between the family was so strong granted I haven't read all the other books but I can already feel how they have each other's backs. Logan was such a supportive father and husband, I love how he cares so much for Cara even though they initially disliked each other. Their relationship going from dislike to love is such a romantic, swoony, and heartwarming read. I had so many moments that made me say "me and who when" XD I really did enjoyed reading this and I think I would've enjoyed this even more if I'd read the previous books before jumping to this one. Loved this!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
“People should know not to mess with the ones I love.”
“No shit.”
“And I love you the most.”
I was hunting for some unexpected pregnancy trope books so I searched for some recs on Tiktok and came across this one. I didn't even realized until I started reading this one that this was part of a series and that it is book 5 xD But nevertheless, I was craving for some unexpected pregnancy trope and this one DELIVERED 👏👏👏 I really loved how the pregnancy was handled in this one. I also didn't expect that I would grow to love the protagonists, especially Cara. She did not have the best childhood and she still carries the effects of that into her adulthood, but seeing her become more open and trusting with Logan, despite her fears and insecurities was such a refreshing and insightful journey. The dynamics between the family was so strong granted I haven't read all the other books but I can already feel how they have each other's backs. Logan was such a supportive father and husband, I love how he cares so much for Cara even though they initially disliked each other. Their relationship going from dislike to love is such a romantic, swoony, and heartwarming read. I had so many moments that made me say "me and who when" XD I really did enjoyed reading this and I think I would've enjoyed this even more if I'd read the previous books before jumping to this one. Loved this!
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
This book has been sitting on my shelf for months now and I regret not starting it sooner!! As I was nearing the end I immediately knew that I was SO not ready to say good bye just yet. And yes, in fact, I let out a curse when I turned the page and the acknowledgements greeted me because I so badly want another chapter with them!!
I cannot even begin to describe how much this booked has affected me. Love and Other Words is a beautiful, touching, tragic, and emotional story that perfecly narrates a story of love that begun in adolescence and bloomed and transcendent into adulthood. The use of words is such a substantial thing to this story which beautifully mirrors the book's title. This is told in a past and present perspective and I love how cohesively it is done that naturally progresses the story. The writing is eloquent and beatiful in its way of conveying the developing love between Macy and Elliot and it does the story justice! Their story felt so real that, if this wasn't advertised as fiction, I would wonder if their love story was borrowed from a real life couple. Reading this one allowed me to feel a plethora of emotions. I was SO invested and was SO hooked! I cannot put the book down and I finished it TWO days which is such a rare thing for me 😭 The writing is so good that I was able to connect with the characters thus allowing me to feel what they feel.
From the moment Macy and Elliot met, I was already in love with them. They have engraved a space in my heart and have truly redefined for me what loving someone entails. It defies time, hurt, space, grief, and it comes back stronger. The fact that they have been so much together since they were teens made everything that they've been through together more meaningful. Their shared love for books (which I adore so much) is one of my favorite aspect of their relationship 💕 Their sweet moments and milesstones they shared together was so wholesome and sweet I love reading and connecting their past as much I love reading their present selves. I love how this story touched on love in its many forms. Love shared between family, friends, and lovers. A love that was lost and then found, the grief that comes with love, and how love, as much as it can give us everything, can also have the power to destroy us once its gone. At one point, the scene was so intense that I physically reacted to it, my heart was pounding, my hand was cold and numb, and my mind was like a livewire anxiously predicting what would happen.
I was supposed to give this one 5 starts, in fact, halfway towards the book I was already dead set on giving this one five stars. However, the ending kind of felt rushed. I thought there was still a lot to unpack in terms of what really happened that ultimately led to their many years of distance from each other. Without giving too much away, I wished the authors expanded more on *that* certain event and didn't labeled it that way to explicitly clear a misunderstanding between the characters and also to give light to such a serious issue. I was so happy to know though that there's a bonus epilogue released with the SE ver of this book and I'm glad it touched on that. Aside from that, this book has become dear to me and I can't believe a book can simultaneously give me life and destroy me all at once.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've been waiting for you to come home for eleven years. I'll go anywhere you go.
This book has been sitting on my shelf for months now and I regret not starting it sooner!! As I was nearing the end I immediately knew that I was SO not ready to say good bye just yet. And yes, in fact, I let out a curse when I turned the page and the acknowledgements greeted me because I so badly want another chapter with them!!
I cannot even begin to describe how much this booked has affected me. Love and Other Words is a beautiful, touching, tragic, and emotional story that perfecly narrates a story of love that begun in adolescence and bloomed and transcendent into adulthood. The use of words is such a substantial thing to this story which beautifully mirrors the book's title. This is told in a past and present perspective and I love how cohesively it is done that naturally progresses the story. The writing is eloquent and beatiful in its way of conveying the developing love between Macy and Elliot and it does the story justice! Their story felt so real that, if this wasn't advertised as fiction, I would wonder if their love story was borrowed from a real life couple. Reading this one allowed me to feel a plethora of emotions. I was SO invested and was SO hooked! I cannot put the book down and I finished it TWO days which is such a rare thing for me 😭 The writing is so good that I was able to connect with the characters thus allowing me to feel what they feel.
From the moment Macy and Elliot met, I was already in love with them. They have engraved a space in my heart and have truly redefined for me what loving someone entails. It defies time, hurt, space, grief, and it comes back stronger. The fact that they have been so much together since they were teens made everything that they've been through together more meaningful. Their shared love for books (which I adore so much) is one of my favorite aspect of their relationship 💕 Their sweet moments and milesstones they shared together was so wholesome and sweet I love reading and connecting their past as much I love reading their present selves. I love how this story touched on love in its many forms. Love shared between family, friends, and lovers. A love that was lost and then found, the grief that comes with love, and how love, as much as it can give us everything, can also have the power to destroy us once its gone. At one point, the scene was so intense that I physically reacted to it, my heart was pounding, my hand was cold and numb, and my mind was like a livewire anxiously predicting what would happen.
I was supposed to give this one 5 starts, in fact, halfway towards the book I was already dead set on giving this one five stars. However, the ending kind of felt rushed. I thought there was still a lot to unpack in terms of what really happened that ultimately led to their many years of distance from each other. Without giving too much away, I wished the authors expanded more on *that* certain event and didn't labeled it that way to explicitly clear a misunderstanding between the characters and also to give light to such a serious issue. I was so happy to know though that there's a bonus epilogue released with the SE ver of this book and I'm glad it touched on that. Aside from that, this book has become dear to me and I can't believe a book can simultaneously give me life and destroy me all at once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Sexual assault and Death of parent
Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
5.0
You know that feeling of not knowing what to do with your life anymore because you just finished a book so good that it leaves you speechless and wondering that now you have to find your next great read and expect it to be as great as the book you just finished? That feeling is exactly what I felt after reading this one. Out on a Limb is a touching, heartwarming, funny, romantic, and fantastic read!
I have not read that much book that have limb difference rep that's why I'm so glad that this book exists. There are certain parts that speak of the personal struggles of each characters that just tugged at my heart and I feel honored and grateful because reading this book has truly expanded my perspective and helped me realize how important it is to have empathy. Bo and Win's struggles may not be my own, but I was touched and inspired by the way they carried on in life and was deeply moved by how they were their for each other.
Bo and Win's journey as soon to be parents was such a ride and I was seated at every turns, ups, and downs that they've encountered as they navigated not only being soon to be parents but also figuring out their relationship with one another. I have loved every moment of their journey from their funny banters, serious talks, emotional vulnerable conversations, to becoming a team and slowly intertwining their lives together. It was truly a wholesome, wonderful, and sweet read 🫶.
Bo is sweet, funny, cute handsome hot nerd (🤭🔥) who has a big heart for those he cares about and I just want to hug Win and tell her that everything is going to be fine 🥹. Her fears are so valid and I just know that she's going to be such a good mom 💛 (Bo would agree with me here). I love how the author described Win's thoughts and how it made me really feel and understand where she's coming from and how strong she was. I love seeing Bo from her perspective and despite the lack of his POV, I can understand and empathize with Bo as well. Bo and Win made a FANTASTIC team together and I love how much they love each other i just want what they have 🥺🫶
I absolutely did not want it to end. This book just carved itself inside my heart and it's gonna stay there for a while and I'm absolutely okay with it. I have genuinely enjoyed every single moment of reading this. How I wish I can read it for the first time again. That epilogue made my heart burst 😩. I love seeing them thrive with their family! I cried after flipping the last page screaming "I WANT MOREE!!" Fortunately there's a new bonus chapter in the republished ver and I cannot wait to get my hands on it and read Bo's perspective 😭🥺🫶
The author truly did a beautiful job with this book. I now know from reading the author's note that this is a deeply personal book and I understand why a lot of people are in love with this book, well consider me one of them now ;) I can tell that there is vulnerability in how she wrote this and I'm very grateful for her courage in sharing her gift and experience with us readers 🥺
I have not read that much book that have limb difference rep that's why I'm so glad that this book exists. There are certain parts that speak of the personal struggles of each characters that just tugged at my heart and I feel honored and grateful because reading this book has truly expanded my perspective and helped me realize how important it is to have empathy. Bo and Win's struggles may not be my own, but I was touched and inspired by the way they carried on in life and was deeply moved by how they were their for each other.
Bo and Win's journey as soon to be parents was such a ride and I was seated at every turns, ups, and downs that they've encountered as they navigated not only being soon to be parents but also figuring out their relationship with one another. I have loved every moment of their journey from their funny banters, serious talks, emotional vulnerable conversations, to becoming a team and slowly intertwining their lives together. It was truly a wholesome, wonderful, and sweet read 🫶.
Bo is sweet, funny, cute handsome hot nerd (🤭🔥) who has a big heart for those he cares about and I just want to hug Win and tell her that everything is going to be fine 🥹. Her fears are so valid and I just know that she's going to be such a good mom 💛 (Bo would agree with me here). I love how the author described Win's thoughts and how it made me really feel and understand where she's coming from and how strong she was. I love seeing Bo from her perspective and despite the lack of his POV, I can understand and empathize with Bo as well. Bo and Win made a FANTASTIC team together and I love how much they love each other i just want what they have 🥺🫶
I absolutely did not want it to end. This book just carved itself inside my heart and it's gonna stay there for a while and I'm absolutely okay with it. I have genuinely enjoyed every single moment of reading this. How I wish I can read it for the first time again. That epilogue made my heart burst 😩. I love seeing them thrive with their family! I cried after flipping the last page screaming "I WANT MOREE!!" Fortunately there's a new bonus chapter in the republished ver and I cannot wait to get my hands on it and read Bo's perspective 😭🥺🫶
The author truly did a beautiful job with this book. I now know from reading the author's note that this is a deeply personal book and I understand why a lot of people are in love with this book, well consider me one of them now ;) I can tell that there is vulnerability in how she wrote this and I'm very grateful for her courage in sharing her gift and experience with us readers 🥺
Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
I loved the first book and I'm so glad that I share the same sentinments for this second book! This book dives into Kate's story, Bea and Jules' little sister. She's a photographer who travels a lot and one thing I like about her character is her passion for fighting and speaking out against injustices which she does through her photography. I admire that so much about her. There's also ADHD representation as well as chronic migraine representation which I think the author handled with so much care and authenticity through these characters that really made me see the world through their lenses. I relate so much to some of Kate's struggles so much so that I felt like the author looked through my life and wrote a portion of it somewhere in this book. I am not ashamed that I got teary eyed because of it for it truly hit close to home.
Christopher and Kate's chemistry is off the freaking charts!! Their years of dislike for each other didn't extinguish what truly lies within their feelings for each other. I loved that they have learned to communicate and be mature about how they would handle their insecurities and doubts with one another which I think is the reason why they have built such a strong foundation for their love filled with passion and immense understanding for one another! I enjoyed this one and I was so hookedt I couldn't put it down and read until 5am xD It so sick that I have to wait until Jan 2025 for the next book but also not ready to say goodbye to the Wilmot sisters and their stories 🥺🥺☹️.
Christopher and Kate's chemistry is off the freaking charts!! Their years of dislike for each other didn't extinguish what truly lies within their feelings for each other. I loved that they have learned to communicate and be mature about how they would handle their insecurities and doubts with one another which I think is the reason why they have built such a strong foundation for their love filled with passion and immense understanding for one another! I enjoyed this one and I was so hookedt I couldn't put it down and read until 5am xD It so sick that I have to wait until Jan 2025 for the next book but also not ready to say goodbye to the Wilmot sisters and their stories 🥺🥺☹️.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Violence
Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese
This is my first Chloe Liese book and you know a book is good when you immediately want to read Book 2 right after finishing Book 1. This is such a refreshing, swoony, relatable, insightful, similar-to-a-warm-hug read!! I I absolutely enjoyed reading this!
This has one of the most insightful and authentic representations of neurodivergence and mental health. I adore Bea and Jamie so much. Bea is so artistic, so creative, and I relate so much to her in so many ways. Jamie is such a major green flag. Their opposites but at the same time their understanding and oppeness to accept one another makes them the most compatible couple. I love the way they love each other 🥹 No judgements, open communication, unconditional support and care for one another ugh it's the most perfect way to love someone I am swooning so hard at their lovey dovey moments 😭🫶
Their love is like a soft warm home you go back to after a tiring day. The sun that shines after a crazy storm. The coffee in the morning. Birds chirping in the trees creating the most beautiful soundtrack in the morning. I love their love and their unconditional acceptance and understanding of one another. They love each other not despite of their differences, they love each other because of their differences and I just- AJSSJHSKA who wouldn't want to have someone like that? 🥺 I sure do one day. Also a book with cats obviously earns major points from me and I love Jamie's geriatic cats and Bea's iconic Cornelius the hedgedog they're so cute i cannott 😩🥹!!
5 stars for this absolute swoony, touching, funny, and romantic book! Cannot wait to read Book 2! 🧚♀️
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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 don't see you differently. I see you better."
This is my first Chloe Liese book and you know a book is good when you immediately want to read Book 2 right after finishing Book 1. This is such a refreshing, swoony, relatable, insightful, similar-to-a-warm-hug read!! I I absolutely enjoyed reading this!
This has one of the most insightful and authentic representations of neurodivergence and mental health. I adore Bea and Jamie so much. Bea is so artistic, so creative, and I relate so much to her in so many ways. Jamie is such a major green flag. Their opposites but at the same time their understanding and oppeness to accept one another makes them the most compatible couple. I love the way they love each other 🥹 No judgements, open communication, unconditional support and care for one another ugh it's the most perfect way to love someone I am swooning so hard at their lovey dovey moments 😭🫶
Their love is like a soft warm home you go back to after a tiring day. The sun that shines after a crazy storm. The coffee in the morning. Birds chirping in the trees creating the most beautiful soundtrack in the morning. I love their love and their unconditional acceptance and understanding of one another. They love each other not despite of their differences, they love each other because of their differences and I just- AJSSJHSKA who wouldn't want to have someone like that? 🥺 I sure do one day. Also a book with cats obviously earns major points from me and I love Jamie's geriatic cats and Bea's iconic Cornelius the hedgedog they're so cute i cannott 😩🥹!!
5 stars for this absolute swoony, touching, funny, and romantic book! Cannot wait to read Book 2! 🧚♀️
The Plot Twist by Victoria Walters
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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
5.0
As a self proclaimed hopeless romantic who also loves spending her free time devouring romance books, this book is every bit of what a romance book lover could ask for! From the second chance romance, to the swoon worthy moments, to the lovable and amazing FMC and a romance book reader MMC *MAJOR SWOOON*, I absolutely enjoyed reading this!! Such a swoony, funny, and light read! I also love how the chapters weren't that long. I loved that it highlighted how some people look down romance books as a whole and how it's important to just let other people enjoy what genre they love to read!
Ever since I've finished The Love Interest also by Victoria Walters, I've been looking forward for Stevie's story and I'm so glad I enjoyed it! Stevie is such a QUEEN and a rockstar I just love her passion and dedication especially when defending romance as a genre! Stevie's dream of working in a publishing company is finally happening but the catch is, her new boss is her ex who left her five years ago. I was so invested on how things will turn out and I'm telling you I love how it was a journey filled with forgiveness, reflection from the past, and of course my favorite - swoon moments! Noah has a way with his words and I think every romance book lover deserves someone who can support your love for romance book (like going as far as reading your favorite books 🤩) the way Noah supports Stevie. I just love these two together! 🫶 This book is a warm hug for every romance book lovers out there!
Thank you so much Netgalley, Niamh Wallace, and the Victoria Walters for selecting me as one of the lucky readers to read this limited-approved ARC in exchange for my honest review! I am humbled and grateful 💛
Ever since I've finished The Love Interest also by Victoria Walters, I've been looking forward for Stevie's story and I'm so glad I enjoyed it! Stevie is such a QUEEN and a rockstar I just love her passion and dedication especially when defending romance as a genre! Stevie's dream of working in a publishing company is finally happening but the catch is, her new boss is her ex who left her five years ago. I was so invested on how things will turn out and I'm telling you I love how it was a journey filled with forgiveness, reflection from the past, and of course my favorite - swoon moments! Noah has a way with his words and I think every romance book lover deserves someone who can support your love for romance book (like going as far as reading your favorite books 🤩) the way Noah supports Stevie. I just love these two together! 🫶 This book is a warm hug for every romance book lovers out there!
Thank you so much Netgalley, Niamh Wallace, and the Victoria Walters for selecting me as one of the lucky readers to read this limited-approved ARC in exchange for my honest review! I am humbled and grateful 💛
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Close Call by Ki Stephens
Hayes and Emmy were so cute and sweet! Their banters was fun and I love how they offered support for each other in their most challenging times. What I admire from this book is that while I loved seeing Hayes and Emmy together, I also love them separately as a character. I admire their courage and dedication for their respective passions and how they overcome such challenging hurdles in their lives.
Hayes is such a big flirt and a fun presence in this story! Behind his persona is a guy who is so down bad for his dream girl a.k.a Emmy and it's so sweet seeing him making so much effort to showing how much he cares for Emmy. The love he has for his brother is unmatched. I also loved that it emphasized that no matter how much you want to help someone, you can only do so much if that person isn't helping themselves. I'm really glad with the way things turned out for them at the end. I relate so much to Emmy in so many ways that me feel seen and connected with her. Her making cute little paper stars is so freaking adorable I just want to hug her! I love how she chose her health first considering how hard it was for her to go with that decision.
As always, I love how Ki Stephens incorporates representations in her books that makes you empathize with the characters and I like how the chronic fatigue syndrome was depicted in this story as it shows how it has affected Emmy. I would recommend this one to every romance book lovers out there!
I am looking forward for what's next in the Ki Stephens universe!
Thank you Ki Stephens for the ARC copy of Close Call! ♡
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
4.0
I’ll still have Emmy by my side. She’s my brightest spot—my starlit girl—and she’s more than enough for me.
Hayes and Emmy were so cute and sweet! Their banters was fun and I love how they offered support for each other in their most challenging times. What I admire from this book is that while I loved seeing Hayes and Emmy together, I also love them separately as a character. I admire their courage and dedication for their respective passions and how they overcome such challenging hurdles in their lives.
Hayes is such a big flirt and a fun presence in this story! Behind his persona is a guy who is so down bad for his dream girl a.k.a Emmy and it's so sweet seeing him making so much effort to showing how much he cares for Emmy. The love he has for his brother is unmatched. I also loved that it emphasized that no matter how much you want to help someone, you can only do so much if that person isn't helping themselves. I'm really glad with the way things turned out for them at the end. I relate so much to Emmy in so many ways that me feel seen and connected with her. Her making cute little paper stars is so freaking adorable I just want to hug her! I love how she chose her health first considering how hard it was for her to go with that decision.
As always, I love how Ki Stephens incorporates representations in her books that makes you empathize with the characters and I like how the chronic fatigue syndrome was depicted in this story as it shows how it has affected Emmy. I would recommend this one to every romance book lovers out there!
I am looking forward for what's next in the Ki Stephens universe!
Thank you Ki Stephens for the ARC copy of Close Call! ♡
The Trade by Ki Stephens
I was instantly hooked the moment I read the first chapter. There's just something so captivating with Ki Stephen's books that just immediately draws you into the characters and the story and this one is no different! The Trade follows Jade Jennings who is a student journalist who is so damn good at what she does and who also has big dreams in being a journalist. Aside from journalism, she's also very passionate about sports, especially football. Enter Theo "West" Westman-Cooke, a cocky football player who has big dreams of being drafted into the NFL. Their first meeting didn't go that well but that's what makes the evolution of their relationship even better. I love how they slowly realized they're attracted to one another and the whole time I was just grinning and kicking my feet xD Normally I wouldn't like it if one of the characters was already attracted to another person but I liked how in this story, it emphasized that the past was really just that- an attraction, and what Theo felt for Jade is so much more 💕Theo and Jade were so cute and wholesome together! I love how they're so supportive of one and another 🫶 Theo showering Kade with compliments *heart explodes* words of affirmation gurlies rise 🙌😫 Also, there's a certain passage that shows how Theo respects Jade's boundaries and idk why but that was so attractive. Jade is my girl! I love her and her lucky sweatshirt 🩵 I LIVED for their banters and sweet cute moments. I enjoyed reading this and as always Ki Stephens absolutely SLAYS and I HIGHLY recommend romance book lovers to start reading her books now 🫵🫶
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
"I'd rather have you break my heart a hundred times over than spend another week without you."
I was instantly hooked the moment I read the first chapter. There's just something so captivating with Ki Stephen's books that just immediately draws you into the characters and the story and this one is no different! The Trade follows Jade Jennings who is a student journalist who is so damn good at what she does and who also has big dreams in being a journalist. Aside from journalism, she's also very passionate about sports, especially football. Enter Theo "West" Westman-Cooke, a cocky football player who has big dreams of being drafted into the NFL. Their first meeting didn't go that well but that's what makes the evolution of their relationship even better. I love how they slowly realized they're attracted to one another and the whole time I was just grinning and kicking my feet xD Normally I wouldn't like it if one of the characters was already attracted to another person but I liked how in this story, it emphasized that the past was really just that- an attraction, and what Theo felt for Jade is so much more 💕Theo and Jade were so cute and wholesome together! I love how they're so supportive of one and another 🫶 Theo showering Kade with compliments *heart explodes* words of affirmation gurlies rise 🙌😫 Also, there's a certain passage that shows how Theo respects Jade's boundaries and idk why but that was so attractive. Jade is my girl! I love her and her lucky sweatshirt 🩵 I LIVED for their banters and sweet cute moments. I enjoyed reading this and as always Ki Stephens absolutely SLAYS and I HIGHLY recommend romance book lovers to start reading her books now 🫵🫶