vividaway's reviews
56 reviews

Rules for Rule Breaking by Talia Tucker

adventurous lighthearted fast-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? It's complicated

3.0

 I think the dynamic between Winter and Bobby is really cute, and the way they're rivals is a good set up for the rest of the book. I love the Korean culture, and everything i’m learning about it through this book. Bobby getting broken up with made sense, and sets the theme for the road trip. Emmy deciding not to go to college is also nice, because it shows that college just isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Bobby getting high for the first time was a funny scene, and him tripping out was such a mood. Me too, Bobby, me too. The itinerary mocking is very amusing to me, and i love how frenemies Bobby and Winter’s relationship is. I also like how every chapter starts off with a rule, and the chapters go on the show how they break them. It’s perfect. The smoking scenes were also really cute, and i love how Bobby and Winter interact with each other. Them as friends makes a lot of sense, and i love this sort of dynamic where they’re able to get alone when they let their walls down. I like the conversation Bobby has with Winter about not atoning for his families wrong doings. Him blaming himself for his parents actions is really poignant and Winter being there for him as a best friend was sweet. The flirting in New York scene was so sugary sweet and I loved it so much. They’re SO made for each other. Bobby’s confession was so sweet and the reveal that he’s been pining the entire time is so adorable. The party and kiss was so perfect and i was waiting the entire time for them to just GO FOR IT!!! Rivals To Dating!!!!!! The cops coming to break up the party that Winter and Bobby go to was really smart and i like how the lie was played out with Jaqueline pretending to be their parents. The argument between the two because of Jaqueline in also smart and i like how Winter freaks out about the change. Bobby freaking out about his culture is realistic, and his parents hiding it from him is wrong. He should be allowed a chance to connect with his culture, even if his parents dont want to themselves. Winter trying to avoid Bobby is sad. They deserve to be together and happy. The crying at the derms office was so relatable and reminded me of Never Have I Ever (Iykyk). Winter trying to distance herself from Bobby but failing massively was cute, and i like the way they finally get together with her grandma and her friends telling Winter to seize the moment and she does. The entire bingo scene was great and i loved the competitiveness that fueled their rivalry to begin with. i LOVE the ending where they finally get in trouble for all the rules they’re breaking, and their relationship in general is so cute and wholesome.  

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

hopeful tense fast-paced

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

3.0

 I like how the book starts out showing how much the family sacrifices for their moms disability. The chess tournament between Nolan and Mallory is really nice, and it displays the different capabilities of chess to people like me. Mallory getting fired (for being a good person) was shocking but also goes to show how much she relied on her father to existing in the world, and it shows how deep her loss of him goes. Mall meeting all the different chess players was really interesting, like Emile and Oz. The tournament was really engaging and I like that Mallory still won $10k even though she wasn’t THE winner. The spat between Sabrina and Mallory was very realistic towards familial relationships and I love how it played out. Nolan being asexual coded is also REALLY CUTE representation. I love how all the flirting is chess related, and very tense, and it’s so fucking adorable to me. The sick part of the book was also adorable, and i love how Mallory took care of Nolan. Just very sweet. The talk about how woman are chosen in the industry to uphold image and not progress the standards is also really interesting and important to talk about, and I’m glad it was touched on. The challengers scene was fascinating and Mallory having to resign to Cox was tense as fuck. The impact of it afterwards was sad and seeing Mallory slightly give up on chess was impactful to me. The kiss between Nolan and Mallory was cute, and i love how the Touch-Take rule was played out. The reveal that Cox was cheating was a big twist, along with the relationship divide that happens. Nolan was paying for Mallory’s fellowship, and she couldn’t handle it. This makes sense, and i sympathize with both parties. Mallory blaming herself for her fathers death is also a tough topic to introduce to the novel, but it was thoroughly needed and well done. I love that Mallory’s mother comes in and helps after her outburst, and doesn’t blame her for it. She understands that she’s grieving, and taking on a parental role. Her sisters apologizing, and her apologizing to them was sweet, and i liked how everything was resolved. This was great representation for Rheumatoid Arthritis and i really like how it was handled. The confession scene was sweet and i liked how everything happened. It was a little hard to connect because it felt like everything happened so fast, but Nolan and Mallory getting together and sorting out their problems was needed, especially after everything she accused him of. The ending of this book was so sweet and had me swinging and kicking my feet. I love their relationship so much and idc what anyone else says about this book, it is SO cute. 

He's So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott

challenging funny 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 like how the book has Annie’s journal pages as the dividers, it’s a really cute idea and it gives us insight into her mind. Ally’s dad coming back brings a lot of drama to the story that wasn’t there (yet) and we see him trying to work his way back into their life, despite Gary still dating Ally’s mother. On top of this, we see that Faith is left friendless with an abusive father, which leads her to try to get the gang back together, to no avail. Jake getting grounded bring Ally’s some release at the shore house because she’ll get to meet new people that aren’t him. Faith apologizing and trying to befriend Ally after she got dropped by her friends is unshocking but sad nonetheless. Jake is a total idiot if he can’t see why Ally doesn’t want to talk or interact with him, especially when he refuses to be the one to reach out in the first place. Him showing up in LBI was kinda insane, and he should’ve called first if he wanted a good result. Ally has moved on to Cooper, and I think (so far) they are very cute together. I like that Annie is planning an expose on the city, as well. It adds more drama to the mix. It’s hard to have empathy for Ally’s mom when she’s been setting Ally up this entire time. Rules for thee but not for me. It drives me crazy, and the museum scene was just a little karmic justice. Shannen being forced to see a therapist is a good thing in the long haul, and i believe it causes her to grow as a person. Jake finally clicking with education was such a satisfying moment, because the tutoring is FINALLY paying off! The twist of Jake and Chloe hooking up together (and getting PREGNANT!*$@3) IS SO INSANE AND I CAN’T BELIEVE KIERAN SCOTT WENT THERE???????? The ending of the novel with Ally and Jake getting together was so cute and like-- FINALLY! YES!! But that part with Hammond! Just so out of left field!! This is currently my favrotie series and i cant wait to get the last book 

Gay the Pray Away by Natalie Naudus

dark inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

 I really like how this books starts with the religious trauma, and Valerie finding a gay book at the library and stealing it. I like how the librarian does nothing and lets her take the book. It’s interesting how she’s isolated, and has to fake being conservative to pass by her parents. The introduction to Riley is really sweet and her questioning in herself is very obvious. It sounds weird but I’m really glad they show off how strict and abusive these families are about rules and literally EVERYTHING when it comes to life, religion, and just existing. The talk of being multiracial and the racism that comes with it is a really good topic, and I’m glad they talked about it. It was handled really well in a way that feels natural. The conference scenes were all so sweet, and I like how it turns into a “sickfic”. Val’s awakening of her being in a cult was so interesting, and I love how it played out as a Q and A session between Val and Riley. The picnic scene with the kiss was so sweet!! Like oh my goodness it couldn’t get any better. The purity ring was so adorable and i’m sat there kicking my feet and giggling like a little girl. Oh my goodness it’s so yummy. The admission of love and agreeing to run away together was also extremely adorable and i’m so glad that the characters have found each other. I like how we slowly watch Valerie slip into de-brainwashing herself, and falling out of love with religion. The secret meeting with Mira was really special to me and shows how queer people need to be allowed a safe space to exist without a cop (in ANY SENSE OF THE WORD)’s approval. The whole courtship with Hannah and Seth is beyond interesting because it shows how deep the grooming goes with the cult side of Christianity. David catching them kiss and Valerie getting in trouble and religiously abused was anxiety inducing and it’s the most realistic “big break” that happens in a book. The courtship between Andrew and Valerie is insane and it’s weird to think about the fact that some people actually do, and believe in this. Not to mention, her parents can’t accept that she’s gay. Valerie leaving is so cathartic. The abuse was scary but it needed to be written and talked about. Valerie’s mom slightly supporting her was sweet and it also makes sense, as some people have moments of clarity when apart of cults like this. They’re still human. Mira’s grandparents taking the girls in was really sweet and I liked the narrative spun with them. Valerie having to educate herself on the world was interesting and I loved the ending of the book. It was so sweet and the last chapter was to die for. I loved Natalie Naudus’ voice in the audiobook and this was such a sweet (and traumatic) read  

Sweeten the Deal by Katie Shepard

emotional lighthearted sad 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

4.0

  The concept of Adrien becoming a sugar baby is SO INTERESTING because you usually only hear about it from the women's perspective. Swapping the gender roles here is beautifully done and I adore it. Obviously I haven’t gotten too far in the book yet, but I feel like Caroline is so Autistic Coded like that girl is ME. I don’t care if it’s not canon, this is an autistic girlie pop. I think Tom and Adrien’s friendship is cute, and the way they look out for each other is nice. I love how Caroline is clueless, and honestly is just really good autistic representation in my (autistic) opinion. Like, the sushi scene specifically was such a cute example of autism that doesn’t include meltdowns, and I loved how they talked about all the different colors and textures of the sushi were described, and the way she’s physically unable to finish the sushi. I like that Adrien keeps trying to get Caroline to go out and interact more in the world with people that aren’t just him and Tom. Caroline and Adrien together are such a cute and hot duo, i genuinely can’t get enough of them. The hatred that her family brings is an interesting dynamic, because not a lot of people talk about the resentment and ableist thrown around so carelessly. The spice in this book is so well played out and I’ve never liked it more. And in chapter 12, Tom mentions that he believes that Caroline is neurodivergent. GIRL ME TOO!!! I THINK THAT SHIT TOO!! THATS MY AUTISTIC QUEEN!! and my LORD was the representation FANTASTIC!! Sometimes, the best part of coding a character as autistic instead of writing them as autistic is that you arent confined to certail social pressures that are expected when writing an autistic character. You’re able to write them more realistic as a result of coding them, and i think its perfect here. Adrien’s friends being piece of shit assholes actually makes sense when you consider the fact that Adrien himself used to be a snob. They’re also upset over the break up, which doesn’t justify anything but makes it make sense. Their first kiss was so passionate and it make my stomach do little flips like hello!!! The declaration of love was also so sweet. He supports her during the ‘othering’ of the people which was a realistic thing to talk about. Again, the spice and smut in this book is so well done, and i loved every moment. It was so sensual and sweet and delicious. I think it’s even better knowing Caroline is meant to be a neurodivergent person, because it shows that even we can have sex lives and be active. The drama that happens in this book is also so good, and as someone who just enjoys drama, it was also perfect. The conversation with Caroline’s family was tense as fuck and hard to listen to when they’re sitting there verbally harassing her for her money. Adrien trying to sell his portraits as a struggling artist is interesting to hear, with Adriens love of Caroline being intertwined with it. The “big bad” of Adrien viewing their relationship as a bad thing was another realistic plot point, and i generally adore their relationship.   The choice of moving in together is very sweet and it’s amazing.  They deserve each other and it’s been awhile since I’ve felt this way about a book. I think it was perfect and i recommend it to everyone, and i think it’s perfect representation without even outwardly saying it. This was a really really good book. 

The Darkest Hour by Erin Hunter

emotional inspiring 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

5.0

 The reveal that Mistyfoot and Stonefur are Bluestar’s kits was well needed and took long enough, though I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t believe it. That’s just be as an adult reader of Warriors, lol! Fireheart becoming Firestar was a cool process. It’s like the ghosts of Christmas past, but the lives of eight cats. Firestar finally admitting that his dreams are prophetic was cathartic. Like yesss bitch get it. I think it’s VERY very fucking ironic that they address the “how did ‘Rusty’ s family feel when he left isn’t addressed until the last book in the series, when that was the reason I couldn’t read the first book to begin with. Just very very silly all around for me. I should’ve said this a lot sooner but i love the way they speak about cars as if theyre other animals, because it goes to show how cats and other animals of the sort may view our every day activities and lifestyles. The situation with the death berries and SorrelKit was unsuspecting, and I didn’t.. expect it. I say this a lot but i mean it every single time. It’s kinda crazy how Tigerstar is basically trump except this happened nearly a decade before Trump even became a politician which is like... wow politics really just always was like this wasn’t it? Tigerstar’s decision to combine forces is crazy and i can’t believe it’s finally happening after being offered multiple times throughout the series. The Fighting between Stonefur and everyone was insane. I can’t believe that Tigerstar has resorted to senseless fighting in this manner. Ravenpaw joining then was sweet, and I’ve missed him. The rescue mission was exciting, and i like the way it happened. Everyone getting together, and having another mission like old times. Mistyfoot joining Thunderclan was exciting, and Windclan joining with Thunderclan was smart. Tigerstar’s death was also shocking and I never expected this to happen. It was so quick and by such a new clan-- Bloodclan. Having to fight them is insane. Tawnypaw leaving to join Tigerclan was also crazy. The reveal that Barley was apart of Bloodclan is also smart as hell, because he’s not just a random loner anymore. The loner’s joining Thunderclan is also really cool, because i like Barley and Ravenpaw. The fight between Bloodclan and Lionclan was really entertaining and action packed. Darkstripe attacking Firestar shows how different the dynamic is between the start of the series and now. Bringing call the moves from the beginning of the series was also really interesting because you forget it exists! They win, and I’m happy with the ending of the first series!! Mistyfoot becomes deputy and Firestar is leader and there’s a whole new set of adventures set up in the next series!! I loved this so much. 

A Dangerous Path by Erin Hunter

challenging lighthearted 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

3.0

 The drama with Tigerclaw becoming Tigerstar is extremely cool and I like the way the narrative is going. The reveal that Snowykit is deaf was such a shock to me, and I just didn’t see it coming. I love the representation, and i think it was a really good idea to include this, despite the absolute heartbreak that happens to her. Being stolen by a hawk is SO INSANE and it’s made even worse by the color of her fur making her stand out, and the brambles and weeds around the camp being burnt away. It’s so sad! The dogs in the forest is also really smart and I like the tension that it brings throughout the story. I think Cloudpaw being “agnostic” so to speak is a really interesting thing to write about, and it’s pulled off very tactfully. This isn’t just religion to them, it’s their code they live by and who they honor and receive messages and visions from. Bluestar going mad at the gathering was extremely interesting and I’m shocked at how everyone received the news that she wants a war with Starclan. The drama between Bramblekit and Fireheart, with him being distrustful of him because Tigerstar is his father. On top of this, he’s also distrustful of Darkstripe because his loyalty, and I like how it’s played out. The coup against Bluestar was shocking but amazing. The conversation betwen Windclan and Bluestar was based in logic, but she’s just too far gone to see anything for the way that it is. She’s delusional. Outright delusional. The fight between Shadowclan and Thunderclan was very intense and fierce, and the reveal to Bluestar’s kits that she’s their mother was very shocking. Graystripe having to choose between the two, and choosing Fireheart was cute but sad. The naming ceremony was another great addition to Bluestar slowly losing her shit over the course of a couple of novels. She’s reaching the end of her tether. Swiftpaw being killed by the dogs was something I didn’t see coming. The dynamic changing of the “hunter” being the “hunted” is insane. Bluestar giving now-called-LostFace warrior status was honestly the nicest thing Erin Hunter could’ve written. The love between Fireheart and Sandstorm is cute after Spottedleafs death, as Fireheart was obviously heavily in love with her. The plan with the dogs to attack the base was a good twist, and Tigerstar catching Fireheart is very dramatic. And finally, as bluestar dies, she says THE THING!!!!!!!!!! FIREHEART IS THE FIRE!!!! and he is THE LEADER~!!! GENUINELY SO EXCITED. 

Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

 

Wow! My first audiobook! I actually found it hard to connect at first because I thought it’d be like watching something in the background, but I really have to focus when listening. So far I really like the book. The dynamic between Sumner and Britta is different from other books i’ve read, and I like how it stands out. The drama between Sumner’s work visa expiring and not being around the Britta anymore is interesting, and adds drama to the story. The proposition of Britta and Sumner getting married for his visa is so interesting, and i love a good fake marriage trope. I love that the family trauma is brought out. The spice of this book is brought out from the second chapter (very lightly) and it literally had me going “woooahhh okay” because I just wasn’t expecting it. Britta is so funny. I love the conversation she has with Sumner about marriage. You can tell she’s very afraid to open up, but she’s willing to do so for the green card. she HAS to in order to not get charged with fraud-- she has to get to know this man. The smut in this book is a little bit constant with Sumner, and I’m not really into it, i’m not gonna lie. I have no motivation with them yet, so it all feels very preempted. It’s in my face and I don’t know why because I barely know these characters. The time skips are a bit much for me (like the distance in the passage of time) but it makes sense why Tessa did this. Britta realizing she’s crushing on Sumner is really cute and I think their relationship dynamic is adorable. They’re there for each other, even when they don’t want to be necessarily. The conversation about Sumner’s grandparents was really heartfelt and sad, and it makes sense why both Britta and Sumner don’t have family in the seats. Britta because she’s scared to BE his family, and Sumner because of his grandmother’s death. I love how overprotective Sumner is over Britta, and it’s honestly done in a way that isn’t controlling or aggressive for once! Very very nice. The conversation at the concert is sooooo smutty and I’m finally starting to like it, like I finally understand why the characters should be together. The concert scene is sooo yummy and well written. I love how Sumner offers to commit to Britta in a different way, which gives her comfort in the relationship. It makes the sex between them make more sense in the end. I’ve gotta say.... listening to smut in audiobooks is very awkward! They are out here moaning on these tapes!! The writing is very good however, though i could do with a little more perspective from Britta. I’m genuinely glad that there’s no miscommunication trope at play here, and everyone properly talks to each other to work through the tough emotions. The talk of Britta’s trauma with relationships and meeting the family was actually really nice. There’s a little bit too much smut in my opinion, but I can see how somebody who likes spice would love a book like this. I’m just asexual! Sumner getting signed brought a lot of drama that i enjoyed, with Britta having to question where she stands in the relationship with her commitment issues. Britta going to the game where her father was showed how far she’s changed from the first chapters, when she was avoiding relationships and anything that reminded her of her dad. The last chapter is very cute, its a “couple month later” style epilogue where you get all the updates of their life, and we see how Britta has fully adapted to the relationship and is happy to be committed to Sumner. It’s a very sweet transition from the old Britta, and I just generally think that this was a VERY very cute story, i could just do without the spice levels it had. 

Special Delivery by Danielle Steel

challenging tense slow-paced

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

2.0

 The first chapter explaining Jack's life is very cool, and I like how you can tell that he's a somewhat morally gray person. He's instantly set up with his adult-children being upset with him over forgetting a funeral, and i think it goes to show where Jack's priorities lie, aka, in the company. The trauma Jack has over losing Dori is very evident throughout the start of the book, and explains why he hooks up with so many women. Jan's infertility story is very interesting, and i love how it starts out so casually. This is an older book, so technology has advanced a lot (and science as well) so it really puts everything into perspective. The talk of depression and grieving are well done and i think it goes to show how some people cope differently with death. I think Amanda and Jack's connection of losing someone is really sweet, and its a realistic thing to draw two people together, while pushing them apart at the same time. Amanda is too wounded to accept a relationship, especially with a man who is, lets put it honestly, a fuckboy. or, a fuckman in this case, because he's 59. She still loves her husband Matt, and she doesn't want to give herself up to anybody but him. The trauma that comes with moving on from a spouse is a really interesting topic, and i'm glad that Jack is accepting and understanding, or i might go insane. Jan signature quip of everything being "disgusting" does get old, fast, because she's meant to be an adult. She just can't fathom that her 50 year old mother might move on after a year, and its quite annoying. Amanda mistaking the pregnancy for menopause was SO SMART personally! I saw a couple reviews saying they thought it was dumb that she had kids already and didn't know she was pregnant, but it happens. The fact that Jack is unaccepting of the baby and his responsibility is accurate to his character. He eventually comes to accept it however, and this is when Amanda decides to give her baby up to her daughter, Jan. This is a sweet gesture, or at least, it would've been had Jan not gotten pregnant on her own! I think the wedding is sweet, and it shows how much Jack has changed from the first paragraph. The recalling of the lamaze c-section scene in the birth scene was really smart, and good story telling. Obviously i don't need to give danielle steel credit where its due because she's danielle steel!! But I believe this is def not my favorite story and thats A-Okay! It's just saying a lot when pregnancy is my special interest and its not doing the whole special interest thing over your book. 

She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott

adventurous funny tense 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

4.0

 Another library book! This one i’ve been putting off because something about it just...doesn’t draw me in. I can’t explain it. Something about the cover and the writing together just throws me off. It’s not the style of writing I usually like, but don’t get me wrong, it’s truly not bad. Just different, and something I had to get used to. As i’m getting into the book, i realize that i really like the plot. It sets up a lot of drama and tension between all the characters and Ally, the main character. Faith is such a bitch, and they do good to portray her as one. It got my anxiety spiked just reading chapter one. After getting further into the book, you learn that its really reminiscent to mean girls in a way. Poor girl groups up with the outcasts to take down the rich kids and gets the guy in the end. I’m starting to like it a lot. The reveal that Ally did something with Hammond is a good reveal, and its done so gradually that it makes sense. I kind of like how clueless and idiotic Jake is, because i think it’s very realistic to a lot of the men i’ve interacted with IRL. I love the dynamic between David and Ally, and David and Annie. He’s such a cute character, and him getting together with Ally was such a cute decision, even if it’s not end game. I think him helping her with her family is amazing and a great addition to this book. I think the cruelty of the cresties makes the book so interesting and dramatic, and adds a tone i wans’t expecting when I picked it up originally. I like how Jake finds out about the Hammond secret, and it becomes a problem for him. The detention sequences are really nice and paint a picture of who Jake is as a person. The secret about Charlie is also deliciously dramatic, and i love how it all plays out  The break up is written perfectly, and make’s sense. Of course your boyfriend would notice you obsessing over some guy, and the talk of the macy’s perfume was such a memorable thing, like it actually happened to someone in her rea life. I like the filler parts in between the chapters of the messages being shown out, and how it shows how rumors spread fast. It’s really good. I also like how Quinn and Ally are set up as step-siblings, and how Ally is freaked out by it. It’s also very realistic. The part’s with Ally’s father are hard hitting and it’s drawn out enough where you get questions answered and the drama of the situations comes to a head in such a dramatic way that you just don’t see coming!. The birthday scene is so sweet and i love how Jake remembered their conversation, but it was never meant to be, was it? I think i actually love that nobody was end game in this book, and i WILL be buying the rest of the series!