thatotheramber's reviews
571 reviews

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

emotional slow-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

3.5

I'm a sucker for a good fake dating storyline, and this book definitely delivered on that front. The compatibility between Han and Kenny was realistic and believable, though it seemed to take forever for them to actually get over their hesitation and admit their feelings. Jackie was over the top as a villain and was more annoying than anything. She felt more like a plot device than a character. The story moved a bit slowly, using the same plot twists over and over to cause drama (Jackie being a b****, their manager being a d***, The characters' circling insecurities, etc.), and then a lot of action and new twists were all packed into the last few pages. Everything went form chaos to suddenly okay and it felt a little rushed.

Overall, I did enjoy the book, and I will probably add a physical copy to my collection when it comes out.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy.

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

adventurous 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

4.0

Chasing The Light by Alexis Hall

emotional hopeful 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

4.0

For Real by Alexis Hall

emotional slow-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

4.25

I really liked the dynamic between Toby and Laurie. Despite being so much younger, Toby made a believable and realistic dom. I really enjoyed the story, but felt it dragged a bit and wished it had been a touch shorter. It just felt a little stretched out at times.

Mismatched by Anne Camlin, Isadora Zeferino

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

This was cute and fun, but it almost seemed like it needed some more parts and skipped ahead a little fast a times.

Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall

emotional funny hopeful 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

4.5

I absolutely adore Edwin. 

Glitterland by Alexis Hall

emotional hopeful 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

4.25

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

hopeful 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

3.25

Eh. I liked some bits of this book, but honestly, I felt like it dragged, dancing around the twist for far too long. I got bored waiting for the big reveals, which in the end didn't really feel worth the wait. 

Once Upon You and Me: A Spicy Gay Age-Gap Romance by Timothy Janovsky

emotional funny hopeful 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

4.75

Timothy Janovsky has done it again and further secured his place as one of my instant-buy authors. 

This book was was absolutely a joy to read. I liked that it had a definite age-gap relationship where both of the characters are true adults. Ethan and Taylor were just different enough that their relationship had variety in it, but they worked well together and had great chemistry. Their romance was well-balanced between spicy and sweet and I relished every moment the two has together.

I loved that both characters were beautifully flawed and realistic. I'm always a fan of good adult ADHD rep, and I found Ethan's struggles with his ADHD 100% relatable. I also appreciated the body positivity throughout the book.

I can't wait until this book comes out so I add a physical copy to my shelf of favorites. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.25

This was an emotional journey filled with captivating captivating characters told in the most boring way possible.

Now, let me say after having finished the book I can see *why* it was told the way it was. However, while I was reading, the rambling stream of consciousness was exhausting. I listened to this on audiobook and there were several times I increased the speed because I honestly just wanted the book to be over. I very nearly DNFed the book, but I powered through because I genuinely loved the characters and wanted to see where the journey ended up. 

This makes rating the book tricky. On one hand, I was emotionally invested at points and I appreciated the book as a whole. On the other hand, I didn't really enjoy the experience a good 75% of the time. Rating the book 3.25 stars seems equal parts generous and yet almost not enough.