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whenshanreads's reviews
80 reviews
Homecoming Chaos by D.W. Brooks, D.W. Brooks
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really wanted to love this book especially with how it began. But unfortunately, there was something about it that just didn’t give cohesiveness. You had so many moving pieces, a lot of descriptive, exhaustive narration that was pointless and redundant and introduction of new characters (who were one-offs) all throughout the book. I think the thing that really threw me off was the main action happened in the last 80% of the book. It went so fast that it didn’t really make sense. I thought we were headed left then all of a sudden we took a sharp right down a dark alley thru a tunnel in a jungle on a boat. There were definitely areas that could have been reduced and areas that could have been expounded.
I can say my favorite character in the book is Jillian. It was something about her that just seemed like she accepted the hand she was dealt, or at least the hand she had a part in being dealt, and is making the best of it. She still has her dreams and goals which is inspiring to see.
The romance between Jamie and Nick was so cute to me. I loved the back and forth banter and cautiousness they both exuded when it came to approaching one other. It seemed that they both were aware of healthy boundaries and were mature in their display of affection and intentions towards one another. I liked that a lot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and to the publisher. Best wishes!
I can say my favorite character in the book is Jillian. It was something about her that just seemed like she accepted the hand she was dealt, or at least the hand she had a part in being dealt, and is making the best of it. She still has her dreams and goals which is inspiring to see.
The romance between Jamie and Nick was so cute to me. I loved the back and forth banter and cautiousness they both exuded when it came to approaching one other. It seemed that they both were aware of healthy boundaries and were mature in their display of affection and intentions towards one another. I liked that a lot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and to the publisher. Best wishes!
Glory Unbound by Deborah L. King
emotional
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Aaaaaahhhhh!! I am sooo happy I got a chance to read Glory Unbound. After reading the first book, Glory, I fell in love with the author, Glory and her story. This book was definitely a roller coaster ride. It tugged on all of my heart strings and emotions, from sadness to anger to joy.
The story picked up right where the first book left off. I appreciated Glory’s loyalty, determination and humbleness even if it was not in her best interests. I think a lot of women can relate to her story of abuse, childhood trauma and manipulation and even better, her story of overcoming.
Though I have never experienced abuse to the degree Glory did, reading the book, I felt like I was right in the midst of the storm. Almost like I was experiencing it from her pov. That is how Ms King awesomely wrote this book!
There has to be a part 3. The way the book ended it opened up a fresh can of worms and I will be here to catch them all!
My personal attachment to the book is me being a Mississippi native. Hearing towns and schools familiar to me made the story even better! #theeilove I appreciated the representation!
I would recommend this book.
Thank you to Book Sirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story picked up right where the first book left off. I appreciated Glory’s loyalty, determination and humbleness even if it was not in her best interests. I think a lot of women can relate to her story of abuse, childhood trauma and manipulation and even better, her story of overcoming.
Though I have never experienced abuse to the degree Glory did, reading the book, I felt like I was right in the midst of the storm. Almost like I was experiencing it from her pov. That is how Ms King awesomely wrote this book!
There has to be a part 3. The way the book ended it opened up a fresh can of worms and I will be here to catch them all!
My personal attachment to the book is me being a Mississippi native. Hearing towns and schools familiar to me made the story even better! #theeilove I appreciated the representation!
I would recommend this book.
Thank you to Book Sirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
The Three Mrs. Greys by Shelly Ellis
adventurous
emotional
tense
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? Yes
5.0
It was the deceitfulness for me!
Author Shelly Ellis blew me away with this one. The Three Mrs. Greys follow the story of three women who, unknowingly, share a common interest. From the beginning, I was hooked. I am a sticker for multiple pov's so I was in heaven reading thru the book. The twist and turns, the "who done its", coupled with everyone thinking they have the smoking gun kept me captivated the entire way. Even though you are kind of clued in on who the "villian" is a little ways before the ending, the storyline once it's revealed carries on a life of its own. I don't particularly like books with cliffhangers but because I enjoyed this one so much, I didn't mind. This book is easily one of my favorite books so far this year. Very suspenseful, engaging and dramatic. I absolutely enjoyed it and would recommend it! This won't be the last Shelly Ellis book I read.
Thanks so much to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Author Shelly Ellis blew me away with this one. The Three Mrs. Greys follow the story of three women who, unknowingly, share a common interest. From the beginning, I was hooked. I am a sticker for multiple pov's so I was in heaven reading thru the book. The twist and turns, the "who done its", coupled with everyone thinking they have the smoking gun kept me captivated the entire way. Even though you are kind of clued in on who the "villian" is a little ways before the ending, the storyline once it's revealed carries on a life of its own. I don't particularly like books with cliffhangers but because I enjoyed this one so much, I didn't mind. This book is easily one of my favorite books so far this year. Very suspenseful, engaging and dramatic. I absolutely enjoyed it and would recommend it! This won't be the last Shelly Ellis book I read.
Thanks so much to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.5
A Spy in the Struggle by Aya de León
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I enjoyed this book. I have never read this type of plot but it was interesting and enjoyable. It involved a romance aspect between the main character and another character which at first I did not see the point. As the story progressed it became cute to see their interactions alongside the main plot of the story. Now, to be honest, once I reached about halfway I was wondering if the story was going to get better or if this was all the story was going to be about but as I kept reading, I started scooting to the edge of my seat with anticipation and excitement. I hate most of the action happened at the end of the book and the story wrapped up so suddenly though. Even though this was the case, the ending did bring to a close all of the things that were left open. I would give this book a solid 4 stars.