vividaway's reviews
56 reviews

Wildfire by Hannah Grace

adventurous lighthearted fast-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? Yes

4.0

 It’s cute to see the gang from ‘Icebreaker’ come back and make an appearance in chapter one. The party scene was so good, and i liked the risque nature of the friend group. The reveal that Aurora is having issues with her dad is a really good one, and we see that she’s snooping on her dad’s girlfriend, which only hurts her in the long run. in turn, this makes it so that Aurora is closed off in her romantic endeavors. Aurora having issues with her mom’s overbearingness is also an interesting dynamic. Both mommy AND daddy issues! We also get to see the issue’s Russ has with this father’s gambling, and the way it affects his relationship with his dad. Both Russ and Aurora getting sent to summer camp is such a cute idea and I like the thought that they’re not allowed to fraternize with each other, setting up a forbidden romance. Russ’ dad getting hit by a drunk driver allows Russ a chance to vent out his emotions both to his mom and his dad, and it provides a fix in the story. I also really like the trauma dump session between Aurora and Russ. It was very therapeutic and very cute. Russ and Aurora finally getting together was so good, and i honestly liked the smut in this book a lot better than i did Icebreaker ( I will forever be comparing her books to each other!!! ) Them getting walked in on by Xander is genuinely so funny to me and i adore it a lot. Xander in general is just a good guy and i like his character a lot. I love all the forbidden aspects of the relationship, and i think Hannah wrote the scenes very well in this section of the book. The way Russ feels guilt instead of glee about sneaking around is relatable. The entire birthday celebration was really sweet, and i like the way Aurora goes out of her way to provide for Russ. His friends showing up was amazing and i loved their interactions. Jenna walking in on Russ and Aurora was SO TENSE for me because i wasn’t expecting it, and i truly expected both of them to be fired. I like how it was handled and think it was so accurate. Russ’ father trying to change is something I didn’t expect, and it’s a welcomed surprise. I hope he does change, for everyone's sake. The part where all the kids have to leave is so bittersweet but adorable at the same time, and i generally just like how Hannah Grace writes children to be honest with you. Aurora finding out that Russ’ father is an addict is a big twist that I wasn’t expecting this late into the novel, but it makes perfect sense that she’d figure it out eventually. Aurora skipping her dads wedding was so cathartic and i’m so glad she stood up to him. The two getting to live out their amazing love story is so beautiful, and this book was like a sexy sitcom for me. I adored it. The epilogue is so interesting and the time jump being nine years actually took me aback. I think the reveal that Aurora and Russ get married is so cute, and they open a bookstore together in Meadow Springs (which is funny because its a maple hills novel!) It’s just so perfectly fitting for the two of them, and i love it so much. 

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

emotional lighthearted medium-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

3.0

The book starting out with the Doctor Death talk is interesting, because it paints the scene for distrust between Briana and Jacob. I think its also really cool that Jacob has representation for anxiety disorders. It’s written very well, and the interaction between Jacob and his brother and ex partner is fascinating. He wants to try to accept them, but internally he never will. why would he? Briana misunderstanding Jacobs reason for being there is so aggravating but i understand why they used this plotline, as it's very dramatic. The reveal that Briana’s brother is on dialysis and dealing with chronic depression was heartfelt and It changes his sickness/illness for me, because its much bigger than just being hospitalized. Jacob having a miscommunication with Briana was played out well (and not annoying unlike other miscommunication tropes) where she comes to realize that she’s the asshole in the situation, but she too wasn’t meaning too. It was just a bad week for her. Her brother is sick, and it makes sense that she would be a bit triggered by the things he’d said out of context. I think the letter writing is SO CUTE and it such a smart way to counteract the miscommunication trope because it instantly fixes it, and its true that writing is easier to express your thoughts because you have time to think and respond instead of being put on the spot. I think Briana saying the thing about “yours truly” was so cute and its like!!!! you said the thing!!! The phone call between the two was so cute and i love how fast they bond together. The closet lunch scene was a great way to describe symptoms of overthinking with anxiety, and i like the way it all plays out. Jacob donating a kidney is insanely kind, and goes to show what kind of person he truly is. Briana finding out he’s the donor was a slightly tense moment but its quickly resolved The fake dating plot was very nice and i like how involved the two get with each other. Amy accusing Jacob of going too fast with Briana was interesting because you never usually see that in Fake Dating tropes. Briana mishearing the argument and refusing to date Jacob is a little annoying. no elaboration needed, i just hate the miscommunication trope. It doesn’t get resolved for quite awhile, and it was sad to me. I like how Jacob and Briana interact with each other, and i hate that a lot of the book is spent pushing them apart, even if it makes sense. It just seems like there’s such an easy fix and they aren’t doing it. Briana choosing to move in with Jacob for a few months is interesting and they slowly patch up their relationship to what it used to be before Jacob confessed his feelings for her. Briana’s mom is very annoying for me, but i understand where she’s coming from. She has none of the information we do about the relationship. Brianna assuming that everything bad happening with Jacob is related to his anxiety is also a little annoying because its just another miscommunication that they could work through if they just talked. Jacob finding out that Amy is pregnant and having a panic attack was such good representation of GAD and I really did love the entire scene. Her admission of love was a good conclusion to the miscommunication. The spice in this book is extremely poetic (in my humble opinion) and is played out nicely. The next conflict of Briana not wanting to be with him and coming out of a Post-Nut-Clarity was interesting and smart. The talk between the grandpa and Brianna was SO SWEET!! I cant explain it but her giving in and giving him a cigarette is just so cute, and he took all the precautions!! The reveal between Amy and Brianna was cool and shows that she wasn’t a villain in this story, just a person who makes mistakes. I also like that they finally communicate with each other!! finally!! Seeing Nick again was such a shock i wasn’t expecting. And him and his WIFE are pregnant? insane! It triggering her own trauma with miscarriages and men is realistic, and i’ve seen some people say it came out of no where, but i believe the foreshadowing was there. The reveal that Briana is pregnant was SHOCKING. I genuinely wasn’t expecting that when it happened, but it explains the breakdown 10x more. The two having to work through their own issues alone before the transplant was cool for me, because its realy the first time they’ve been apart since the start of the novel. Briana reading Jacob’s diary was a sweet scene, and her trusting him was nice. I liked the ending and the wedding and i think the two are a cute couple together. This was a really tricky novel for me because i liked some parts, but really hated other parts. And on top of this, the parts i do hate are pieces that other people love and adore!! obviously this is alright, but it just makes me feel like the odd man out. 

Eight Dates and Nights by Betsy Aldredge

funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

The book starting out with Hannah being good with kids is so cute to me. I love how she interacts with little Emma, and i just think, in general, it’s sweet that she likes to be around children in an educational manner. Hannah and her Grandma are cute together, and i actually like how they clash at the start. Hannah just want to watch Stranger Things and read (girl same) while her grandma wants her to help on the farm. Hannah struggling with seeing christmas everywhere was an interesting addition to the novel that you never think about as a Christian. Hannah having to stay in Texas for Hanukkah is an interesting twist to the novel where usually in Hallmark movies it’s people escaping to the farm life. Noah promising to give Hannah a special Hanakkuh was such a cute way to fix the fact that she’s stuck in Texas for the holidays, along with the facetime calls. Just very sweet all around. I think its so cool that i get to peek in on what Hanukkuh is like through this novel, and that they show us all the jewish culture. It’s really beautiful, genuinely. I also think its VERY smart that Hannah uses social media to promote the Deli, and in turn, a lot of people show up to support it! The kiss between the two was so cute and sweet, and i love the short pining that happened. The dreidel truth or date scene was so cute and i loved how they got to know each other and break down the walls with each other through the game. The admission on the ice is sad but understandable. Nobody takes it out on the other, and there's clear communication. Hannah having to stay in Texas (AGAIN!!) and run the Deli herself was interesting, and we got to see how hard Noah has to work on a daily basis to run the deli himself. Hannah’s family coming to visit was amazing and i loved that Noah got her friends there too, before apologizing and realizing he wants to take a gap year. The entirety of the ending of the book was really sweet and I like that it’s a HEA situation. I wasn’t expecting one, to be honest, but i’m glad it was there despite the way the ending was leading towards them going long distance. I thought this was a cute read, and worth it for the length. 

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

emotional funny lighthearted medium-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? No

4.0

The concept that the family has a popular Burger Resturant and runs a twitter account based off of it is actually really cool! I also like the idea of the anonymous texting app that reveals your identity the more you get to know the other person. That’s a cool way to get rivals invested in each other. Jack not liking the rich kids is a dynamic i’m interested in because of the power imbalance at play. Jack runs Weasel and it getting banned is the big start of the book.  The burger resturant stealing the grilled cheese idea is a good plot point to add onto weasel getting shut down, as well. It creates a lot of drama, which I love. Pepper having to deal with the shit storm of the social media fallout is tense and you can tell she doesn’t want to be involved, like, at all. I think its so funny that Barbz are mentioned in the book, and its so accurate to stan twitter. I like all the beef thats started with the company, and it’s sad that Pepper is the one who has to handle it. Pepper finding out who Bunny was was a really cool scene, and the backstory of how they originally met was cute. Their rivalry is so realistic and i like how it’s played out to where Pepper thinks she’s a bad person, when in reality she’s just human. Jack finding out that Pepper runs the BLB account was SUCH good drama coming to a climax. Jack not getting that Pepper IS BEING forced to tweet is such an annoying thing, because he just... doesnt get it!! but i do!! The relationship breaking between Pepper’s sister and her mom is the reason why she feels forced. Jack and Pepper quickly coming to a solution was SO NICE!! i LOVE how it’s not drawn out, and they easily decide to keep the feud going for business matters. It’s very smart, and it’s good manufactured fun. Jack stealing Peppers phone and locking her out of the account was such a bad action for such a good line of drama, but i feel this is a bit too far, even for me. I love the dynamic between Pooja and Pepper, and i think they compliment each other well. I think the solution was fixed a little too soon, and the characters come off just a little younger than they’re written as. Ethan and Jack having a sibling rivalry was something I wasn’t expecting, and i think it’s a really interesting thing to touch on when it comes to twins. Jack believes Ethan is better than him, and resents him for it. The So Sorry Blondies being on the baking page that Pepper send through weasel is SO INSANE!!! LIKE I CANT BELIEVE IT MADE A COMEBACK. i SO wasn’t expecting chekovs blondies. The reveal that Pepper’s rivalry with Pooja was one sided was cute and i think it’s a sweet way to bond their relationship. I think Pepper and Jack are so cute with their friendship and offer so much to the book that i dont get from other stories. theres something so authentic about those two. The fans running into Pepper and Jack and thinking theyre dating was so adorable and i generally just love this section of the book. The kiss between each other while talking about ship names is so fucking cute like im kicking and swinging my feet SO HARD!!!! I AM A PEPPERJACK SHIPPER. Pepper’s mom almost catching them kissing (but catching them together) was another shock i wasn’t expecting. Social media turning on Pepper and the photo of her throwing up getting posted is so mean. I can’t believe this is something ethan would do. Pepper find out that Jack is Wolf and blaming him for the photo is also realistic. She thinks he’s disappointed but he isn’t, and she doesn’t realize that. Pepper blurting out that he made it was so stupid. Jack talking honestly with his dad about what he wants to do with his life was sweet and i actually really liked that scene a lot. Veronica admitting she stole the recipe was very releasing for me. like yes girl!! finally! It was a sweet conversation between parent and child, and i love how it concludes with them going to Philly to talk to her sister. The ending being them all reading an article about an update on their love life was such a sweet idea for a “one year later” style chapter, and i generally just thought this was a really really cute book. I loved all the talks of social media, and i loved all the character dynamics. 

Double Play: A Thriller by Robert B. Parker

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

The first couple of chapters are an interesting introduction into the book. I’m not quite sure how to explain it, but i kind of like it, kind of don’t. The writing style is different than what I’m used to. The racism in this book is CRAAAAAZY like im so close to DNF’ing. There’s a whole racist rant explicitly using the N-word multiple times as an example. I know “times were different” but it’s just wild. Lauren and Burke getting together provides and interesting dynamic because he’s her bodyguard and is looking out for her in a mob sort of way. Him killing people leads into him being a morally grey character. I do think the growth of Burkes racism-to-not-racist pipeline is portrayed a bit inaccurate, and doesn’t describe why he changed. One thing i do like is the box score’s being included, and I just think its a little memento that’s cool to add in. It is interesting that Burke has to protect a black man after going through his racist rant at the start of the book, all to point out how “different” and “colorblind” he is. Obviously this isn’t how that works in reality. Racism is racism, protecting black people or not. But, as i’ve said previously-- set in 1940s. things were different. The concept that Burke cant be seen in black only locations IS an interesting part to the story, because Burke himself ~doesnt~ care where he’s seen. He’s just there to protect Robinson and himself. Lauren and Louis getting together, and his father having a talk with Burke was an interesting scene and i’d like to see where it goes in the future. I like the drama that happens and co-exists. The break in scene was so shocking and i wasn’t expecting to see how Burke handles an intruder like that, and is just, in general, a morally gray character. He has a job to do, and he’s going to do it. The hit against Robinson being paused for the time being is also interesting to me because i don’t see how this is going to play out. I can’t predict the ending. Louis threatening to kill robinson is a twist i wasn’t expecting but it totally makes sense. The reveal that this is a set up between multiple people to try to kill Burke and Robinson, but Cash doesn’t want to, is honestly a big one. I like Cash’s morality in this, and how he plays by his own rules. The ending was a bit anticlimactic but I can see how this works in the mob sense. Louis wants to stay alive so he listens to his father. Lauren and Burke being end game was interesting because i wasn’t expecting a relationship to form! The ending was nice, and I’m glad that Jackie Robinson and Burke stay “Friends” afterwards. 

Just as Long as We're Together by Judy Blume

funny informative lighthearted 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? No

4.0

This book being about middle schoolers is sweet, because I didn’t read when I was a teen. It’s like a little insight into the world of what could have been. The lingering plot line of the talking dog is one that is sweet. They’re all young, and they’re gullible (except for one of the girls) and they still have their youthful whimsy.  Bruce having nightmares about nuclear war is interesting and provides depth to his character. Them writing letters to the president was bittersweet, and its nice that his family helps out. The girls finding out that Stephanie’s mom is famous was another interesting scene because you see how the girls are so shocked by it, but to Stephanie, it’s just normal. There’s nothing extravagant about it for her. Alyson revealing that she lied to be friends with Stephanie and Rachel was adorable and it shows that-- they’re just kids. Kids having fun and navigating life. Rachel getting transferred to advanced math makes Stephanie feel like they’re drifting apart even though they’re still together. The reveal that Stephanie’s parents are splitting up was shocking and I wasn’t expecting that. Peter sharing his shampoo with Stephanie was adorable, and i think its a nice way to show interest between the two. The girls obsession with periods reminds me of my own friendships i had growing up with girls, where we all sit there talking about our future and what we want to develop. The mentions of weight are interesting but i’m unsure how productive they are. A lot of the times, when weight is mentioned in a book, it’s a bad thing. Stephanie doesn’t take it as a bad thing, and instead, uses it against her father. Stephanie lashing out at Iris is realistic to how children may react to new relationships in the family, especially this early into the separation. Steph still has hope for her parents, no matter how wrong she is about it. Bruce winning his position for the peace project was a smart way to write a solution to the nightmares that have been happening about nuclear war. Bruce wants peace, it’s as simple as that! Rachel and Stephanie growing apart is sad but makes sense, because sometimes you just grow apart as people. That’s life. The blowout between the two was a really good scene and i liked the way it played out if im being honest. Rachel pents up her anger until it comes spilling out of her. Stephanie getting her period on her birthday was a cute moment where she finally feels grown up. Them getting their first kiss the same night was also so sweet, and she really did grow up! Alison finding out her mom was pregnant was also a big twist that i wasn’t expecting! Her wanting to keep it secret makes sense, especially when Stephanie’s mom is friends with Alison’s mom. She’s worried that she wont be good enough as a daughter if her mom has a biological child, since she’s adopted. Rachel and Stephanie making up with each other was a bit rushed but it was a cute scene. It recreated the things they did as kids and its a nice call back. The cliffhanger was nice and didn’t cause enough tension, and you wouldnt NEED a sequel to exist (thought it’s set up for one). 

Flip the Script by Lyla Lee

adventurous challenging emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.5

 I like the concept that Brian has an American name compared to Hana who has a more Korean name. The idea that Brian is an Idol and has been groomed for the industry is cool (and daunting when you think about the real world implications) and I like how many different paths this could go. Hana being new to the set is interesting because Brian has a dedicated fanbase, meanwhile, Hana doesn’t. Hana’s parents sacrificing everything to move back to Korean for her was a good plot point to include because it talks about the difficulties of a culture changing when you’re not there to see it happening. I really like the theme park scenes, and the way Brian and Hana interact with each other in a platonic sense. They’re genuinely so cute, and I can see how their relationship grew from where they started. The social media aspect of this book is the most interesting part to me, because writing an accurate portrayal of the way fans act will forever be changing, and it depends on what era it’s taking place in. Modern day social media is CRAZY AGGRESSIVE and this books captures that PERFECTLY. The mentions of sexism and misogyny is perfect and I’m so glad that it was talked about. The reveal that Minjee auditioned for the show around the same time that the fake dating plot plays out (And she gets the role) is a shock i wasn’t expecting. The rivalry that forms between them is interesting, and i love the drama of it all. The talk about paparazzi chasing Hana is really cool and i like the ways that the media is used in this book. The foreshadowing of Hana falling in love with Minjee is kind of obvious but only if you’re aware of what happens before you read. The talks of the homophobes in Korea was a well needed topic, and i love how they reveal Brian’s sexuality. It was smooth and done in a way to protect both of them, and i find it very sweet. Minjee dropping Hana is confusing because it’s not smoothed out that well (she just randomly drops her and stops being friends, though i can see how this is realistic for certain people. just not me!) and it’s revealed that she does this because she has feelings for her. The connection between the two is so cute, and their kissing scenes are amazing. I love the direction this book is going, and how dangerous it is for then to be together, professionally. I love the fake break up and i think the way Brian looks out for Hana is so adorable. They’re such good friends and i’m glad nobody was upset in the end. The reveal that both the girls were killed off in the show was a twist that got me because why would you write an ending THAT bad... one girl? sure. but both options? wild! they said no girlfriends for you, sir! The executives deciding to cancel the show because of Hana and Minjee’s relationship is so insane, and i can’t believe that things like this happen everyday in other countries, and even worse. The coming out scene was heartwarming and i loved Hana’s parents reactions. They expected it, but didn’t want to push her out of her boundary zone. Minjee’s parents not taking the news well is sad, and its also sad that she has to compartmentalize that, “at least she wasn’t kicked out” is just tragic. I wish it wasn’t like this for her. I love that the director gets fired, and Mr. Choy and Director Cha change the ending of the show. Brian taking the lead and using his privilege to his advantage to help the girls was honestly VERY sweet, and the way it played out in general was just really good. Everyone getting together to watch the end of the show was a nice way to recap everything that we missed in the last episode, while also drawing to close the story. Brian bringing his (future) boyfriend who is french was such a nice twist because he always goes after the non-koreans!! not that Hana is not korean, instead my point is that she doesnt FEEL korean. Such a silly boy.The ending reveal that queer fans are using the beach as a queer location is so fucking cute and i just ADORE THIS BOOK!!! its 100% in my top 10 list and i can’t get enough of it. It’s such a deliciously good book with great representation.  

Anatomy of a Misfit by Andrea Portes

adventurous emotional tense fast-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

4.0

 The start of the book was very interesting, and sets the tone of Anika thinking she’s part something (vampire potentially?), which makes her feel like an odd one out. Her dosing her bosses food/drink with valium is crazy and im shocked this was included. Anika thinking that Becky is pregnant is an interesting plot point because they are still so young. She wants to defend Becky, but she’s scared. The homophobia and racism in this book was played out well and wasn’t too offensive. It was realistic and I like how it was done. The kiss between Anika and Logan was sweet, it being her first kiss was adorable and her freaking out is realistic asf. Anika’s boss being racist is really hard to listen to, but unlike other books i’ve read, this was done in a tasteful manner that depicts real life scenarios. I love the ties this has to mean girls, and i think it’s very good in those regards. I see the similarities but i also see how this stands alone as it’s own novel. The relationship between Becky and Anika is interesting to me because they both use each other. Becky is extremely racist and prejudiced and Anika fears what could happen if she gets exposed by her. The dynamic of Anika and her dad is also interesting, because he’s very strict and wants her to have a good education, so he presses grades very hard for both Anika and her bother. The racism between Anika’s stepdad was shocking and i wasn’t expecting that. The dinner scene was also a twist, and it was weird to see Tiffany’s mom so upset. Logan and Anika hanging out more is sweet and i like their relationship. The necklace he gets her is adorable. Logans dad being abusive was another twist that i thing was important to include, because alcoholism runs deep in the family. Tiffany stealing is an interesting side plot to the story because it shows that stereotypes need to be broken by the people holding them. She didnt steal because shes black (OBVIOSLY) its because she’s poor. Logan attacking the security guard is a big WTF moment and i still don’t know how to process that, just like Anika. I can’t highlight or annotate this book because its a library book so ill just directly add the quote that hit me HARD ASFFFFFFFF:   "I did it. Not exactly the way I had planned but... I did it. I made him feel important. And walking back to the locker room with Shelli by my side, I can't help but wonder... If it's such a big deal for a middle-aged white guy to feel important... What happens when he doesn't?" like WOW. The dynamic between Jared and Anika’s parents is really cute, and i think it’ll work out better than it would with Logan, though the drama is there, seeing as Logan thinks theyre together, kind of. Anika giving Tiffany all the money she stole was really sweet and i liked that scene. The actual twist in the book is so reminiscent to “If he had been with me” and i genuinely wasn’t expecting it. Logan dying to protect his family was tear jerking, and i can’t believe this all happened. The sign were all there, but i didn’t expect it, just like real life. The ending scene was heartfelt, before it turned into a real mean girls retribution moment. It was deserved, and needed, and its a valid way to show grief if we’re being honest! The ending about the sky was so beautiful, and this book made me tear up multiple times reading it. This was such a good much of multiple things i’ve read and watched, while being nothing like them at the same time. Perfect as a stand alone book. I loved it, a lot. 

Business Casual by B.K. Borison

lighthearted medium-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

4.0

 I think the start of this book has such beautiful imagery, and I can’t get over the dialogue between the sisters. It’s so carefree and to die for. The talk of sex culture, and in turn, hook up culture was interesting, and i like the way it’s played out in this book. The scenes between Nova and Charlie are so spicy in the best way, and i think its perfect. I think the sexual tension between the two is just really good, and the fact that Charlie and Nova DON’T end up sleeping together is really smart. I wasn’t expecting it, to be honest. I think its cute that Charlie’s sister was put up for adoption, and later in life they reconnected. It’s cool representation I wasn’t expecting! Charlie giving his sister tickets to Italy was also so sweet, and goes to show who he is as a character. The general attitude that Nova and Charlie have together is so firey for me, and i really love them together already. Something about it just hits all the right buttons for me. The way Charlie’s dad acts is a perfect odd man out in the way everyone else is acting. He’s insane and emotionally abusive. The spice is so sweet and I love how the dirty talk is written. It so realistic and not too soft. It’s perfect. I love how sensual the entire thing is and its honestly very sweet, and spicy. The moments where they try talking THROUGH THE PLEASURE is so fucking juicy and good and unique imo. I like how life just goes back to normal for the two, and Charlie has to go back to running the business with Nova’s brother, and in turn, Nova has to deal with Jeremy. The argument between Charlie and Nova over their standing is understandable and makes sense in reality, and compared to other miscommunication tropes, i actually like this one. The way it’s cleared up was really quick and after that, the spice was really good again. I like how domestic and real this book feels. It’s not overdone and it hits all the right spots. Nova’s brother almost walking in on them and eventually making up with each other was sweet. They’re just siblings and they want to care for each other. Nova working through the issues that Charlie has while tattooing him is so sweet. Him addressing his jealousy was a nice moment and i like the way they show everything off. It’s just really nice and played out properly and it’s very cute. I love ALL the tattoo scenes, and how we see Nova’s artistry. The talks of Charlie having to leave back to New York is dramatic when long distance dating is a very real thing. they just believe it wont work for them. Stella and Charlie talking about the phone tree (social media) and talking about his true feeling for Nova is so sweet, and i think it’s cute how Charlie tries to hard. He’s just a good man deep down. He wants the best for people, and for his relationships. The texts between Nova and Charlie are sweet but it shows why the two don’t work in a long distance relationship. Nova breaking down at family dinner was such a dramatic scene in the best ways, and i like the way it was played out. She couldn’t hold it in anymore, and she just went insane. The reveal that everyone knew and literally doesn’t care is so cute. They also just want the best for Nova. Charlie teling off his dad to his face was so satisfying and well deserved, and like he said, it wont change the hurt and suffering, nor will it change his fathers actions in the future-- but its just well deserved calling out of his behavior. And I loved it. The reveal that Nova goes to New York to see Charlie in person is also an amazing idea and the way it played out was so nice. The business proposal that gets Charlie to move back home with Nova and Stella to keep running the business is so sweet and it gets Charlie away from his dad and the business back in NYC. It’s genuinely so sweet and i adore it a lot. The reveal that Charlie is getting a tattoo engagement ring is so cool way to propose as a tattoo artist. I’ve heard of tattoo wedding rings for those who work in hard labor or with machinery that makes it so that your ring is a hazard. but THIS is just sentimental because of her job! This book was really sweet and i think the smut was honestly really good and i could see myself coming back to it as different periods. It’s such a cute read and so worth it. 

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West

challenging funny 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

3.0

 I've said this in the past, but i think its SO CUTE when books have little quirks or unique features. This book features "rules" at the start of each chapter! i love it. I love how nerdy Asher and Wren are, and the way they converse with each other is just so sweet. The fake identity thing is REALLY interesting and i can't wait to see how that plays out. It's interesting to see how Wren has to deal with Karen's at the animal shelter, and the dynamics of different people is so cool. The concept of Wren reverse-catfishing Asher is genuinely very cool to me and i think it's very interesting the way that it's all played out. Asher slowly falls in love with her, and Wren breaks all her rules. On top of this all, she's lying to him, and hiding the truth. The reveal that Wren creates these rules to protect herself from her mother is heartbreaking, and it makes sense psychologically. The drama between Wren and her mom is such a smart way to draw a divide between the sisters, and Wren wants to make up for it by going on a trip with her sister to her moms. Involving social media in the efforts to get Bean adopted was such a smart and cute thing. I love all the different events, and how people come out of their comfort zone to make it all happen. The reveal that Asher knew the entire time is breath releasing like oh my god yesssss i love this trope. Wren's mom ditching them again is a good way for the author to get Wren's sister to realize that she's a deadbeat parent, without having to manufacture too much drama to create it. Dale and Asher posting the videos about the catfish to go viral literally has anxiety spiked in my chest, like I can't believe he would do that. I don't think this is redeemable imo because Wren is such a shy and reserved person who doesn't like to be on social media and this just betrays her trust despite what she may say. It's a great wrench thrown into a dynamic where she started out the bad guy, and Dale is trying to paint her slightly that way (unintentionally) by doing so. I had to skip some parts because its a hard cringe read when Wren finds out that he's used her to go viral. Bean getting adopted before Wren could say goodbye was so heartbreaking and it literally makes me want to CRYYYY THAT WAS HER BABBYYYYY!!!! Her eventually getting to see him again is so sweet, and im just so glad that no dogs die in this book. it's so amazing. Asher making his brother delete the video and the two of them getting shamed by their mom for posting it was satisfying. It made it alright that Wren and Asher got back together in the end. This is the first time i would've been okay if Wren got together with Chad.... just saying! In general, this was a nice book that i'd recommend to other YA readers but outside of that niche, I'm not sure if others would like it as much. It was an alright book for me.