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xandriaisreading's reviews
147 reviews
The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
The P*ssy Next Door by Amy Award
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Oh I loved these two! So sweet, sincere, and geeky! 🥰🤓 I think they may be my favorite Kingsman couple!
The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Silvia Moreno-Garcia does it again! Her writing transports you into 1950s Hollywood and even further into biblical times to tell the story of Salome. Two actresses want to do the story justice but have their own views on how Salome should be portrayed. When the newbie is picked over the struggling actress, tensions rise and come with their consequences...
I really enjoyed following the stories of the three women, Salome, Vera, and Nancy. At first they all seem so different, but as the story goes on and they denied what they want and pushed to their limits, they're more alike.
I listened to the audiobook and loved that it had a full cast. It really brought the book and the characters to life. It really dialed up the drama and built up the suspense and momentum at climax and made for a satisfying ending.
I really enjoyed following the stories of the three women, Salome, Vera, and Nancy. At first they all seem so different, but as the story goes on and they denied what they want and pushed to their limits, they're more alike.
I listened to the audiobook and loved that it had a full cast. It really brought the book and the characters to life. It really dialed up the drama and built up the suspense and momentum at climax and made for a satisfying ending.
Will They or Won't They by Ava Wilder
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25
I'm really digging Hollywood romances! They provide just enough escapism from the day to day while still being grounded in some kind of reality.
This one in particular was pretty angsty with the history between the FCM and the MMC. True to the title, you'll be asking yourself, "will they or won't they???" the entire time. Then eventually you'll find yourself yelling at the book, "JUST DO IT ALREADY!"
Their history spans nearly a decade and is full of wanting, lust, unrequited love, and anxiety. This has a dual timeline so you get to see them when their careers and relationship just started out and where they're at in the present. Now that they're in their 30s, and forced to go to couples therapy, they begin to work through their past and their present feelings. They have actual grown up conversations that propell their relationship forward! So refreshing!
Ava Wilder is doing romance right and I can't wait to see what she puts out next.
This one in particular was pretty angsty with the history between the FCM and the MMC. True to the title, you'll be asking yourself, "will they or won't they???" the entire time. Then eventually you'll find yourself yelling at the book, "JUST DO IT ALREADY!"
Their history spans nearly a decade and is full of wanting, lust, unrequited love, and anxiety. This has a dual timeline so you get to see them when their careers and relationship just started out and where they're at in the present. Now that they're in their 30s, and forced to go to couples therapy, they begin to work through their past and their present feelings. They have actual grown up conversations that propell their relationship forward! So refreshing!
Ava Wilder is doing romance right and I can't wait to see what she puts out next.
Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh wow. This book was so good and such a unique and enveloping story!
The author wasn't kidding when she said this has a true enemies to lovers trope. Both Kidan and Susenyos are terrible people with blood on their hands. At first it's hard to root for either of them but as the story unfolds, I found my hard-and-fast judgments start to giveway. I ended up going on the same journey as Kidan did in her Dranacti course; my sentiments were just towards the main characters.
The world building was well done and pretty easy to follow. Every time I picked up this book I was so dialed in that I would read for hours at a time. I'm looking forward to correcting this 2 - 3 am bedtime habit I accidentally picked up while reading this book...
The book gets pretty intense and violent. There's a "win at all costs" attitude with the FMC that definitely stirs some shit. The reveals and twists got me. I couldn't predict much far in advance and that's automatic star when I read.
Overall, loved this book and it's a great read to get lost in. I can't wait for the rest of the series!
The author wasn't kidding when she said this has a true enemies to lovers trope. Both Kidan and Susenyos are terrible people with blood on their hands. At first it's hard to root for either of them but as the story unfolds, I found my hard-and-fast judgments start to giveway. I ended up going on the same journey as Kidan did in her Dranacti course; my sentiments were just towards the main characters.
The world building was well done and pretty easy to follow. Every time I picked up this book I was so dialed in that I would read for hours at a time. I'm looking forward to correcting this 2 - 3 am bedtime habit I accidentally picked up while reading this book...
The book gets pretty intense and violent. There's a "win at all costs" attitude with the FMC that definitely stirs some shit. The reveals and twists got me. I couldn't predict much far in advance and that's automatic star when I read.
Overall, loved this book and it's a great read to get lost in. I can't wait for the rest of the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Car accident, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent
How to Fake it in Hollywood by Ava Wilder
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The Wiener Across the Way by Amy Award
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A light fluffy romance with amazing body positivity rep!
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
4.25
A story that's equally about love and grief. It made me reach out to my brother and tell him I love him.
The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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 loved this book! The characters felt true and like the friend group you wish you had in college. I liked that the story was told from each to their perspectives. The pace was great and the banter and dialogue made this a fun read.
A story of a found family that promises to be there for each other after experiencing unimaginable grief in college.
10 years later they put this promise to the test. While the circumstances are unfortunate, this provides the friends the opportunity to take stock of their individual lives and find what they need to get back on track.
Settle in because each character goes on an emotion journey. The themes in this book are serious and quite heavy. From suicide and grief to alcoholism, cheating to coming out, and a brief mention of sexual assault, these characters are out through the wringer. The themes were handled with care and it felt like you got real insight into how people navigate these issues. From their messy missteps, unhealthy coping habits, to acceptance.
Thank you Random House Publishing for providing me with a copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
A story of a found family that promises to be there for each other after experiencing unimaginable grief in college.
10 years later they put this promise to the test. While the circumstances are unfortunate, this provides the friends the opportunity to take stock of their individual lives and find what they need to get back on track.
Settle in because each character goes on an emotion journey. The themes in this book are serious and quite heavy. From suicide and grief to alcoholism, cheating to coming out, and a brief mention of sexual assault, these characters are out through the wringer. The themes were handled with care and it felt like you got real insight into how people navigate these issues. From their messy missteps, unhealthy coping habits, to acceptance.
Thank you Random House Publishing for providing me with a copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Sexual assault and Religious bigotry