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13rebecca13's reviews
500 reviews
Honey: A Novel by Isabel Banta
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Honey tells the story of Amber Young in the nineties and early 2000s. Singing is the only thing she is good at. She enters a show called Star Search when she is young but loses to a boy called Wes who can't believe his luck, as he thinks Amber is a fantastic singer.
At the age of seventeen, Amber is put into a girl group called Cloud9. There, she becomes good friends with bandmate Gwen, and the Cloud9 girls open for boyband ETA, Wes's band.
The novel follows Amber leaving the band and making it as a solo artist. The vibe feels nostalgic and it focuses on the industry, tabloids, the sexualisation of female artists. She is competing against other female solo singers (including her best friend Gwen), her relationships are highly publicised, people online say things about her.
There are some aspects of mixed media in there too and whilst I love that, I would have enjoyed an extra chapter on Amber now in her forties with her husband and child and how that came to be, rather than it being akin to a Wikipedia article.
I really enjoyed this book and it is a great, easy to read debut.
At the age of seventeen, Amber is put into a girl group called Cloud9. There, she becomes good friends with bandmate Gwen, and the Cloud9 girls open for boyband ETA, Wes's band.
The novel follows Amber leaving the band and making it as a solo artist. The vibe feels nostalgic and it focuses on the industry, tabloids, the sexualisation of female artists. She is competing against other female solo singers (including her best friend Gwen), her relationships are highly publicised, people online say things about her.
There are some aspects of mixed media in there too and whilst I love that, I would have enjoyed an extra chapter on Amber now in her forties with her husband and child and how that came to be, rather than it being akin to a Wikipedia article.
I really enjoyed this book and it is a great, easy to read debut.
Rush by Saskia Roy
dark
fast-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
1.0
I understood what this book was trying to do but I think it missed the mark.
Lena Aden is almost thirty, living in LA trying to make it as a screenwriter. When she attends a party with her model roommate Johanna, she bumps into Nico Laurent, current F1 champion. This is not a romance and from their first meeting, you get that. It is very much about control.
I have read plenty of dark romances where the male main characters are morally grey but this felt like a cheap imitation. Not only were the things that Nico did horrendous but I felt as though a lot of it was written for shock factor. It felt disjointed and although we got a little glimpse of a backstory, it wasn't enough.
I felt as though there was a lack of conclusion at the end also. Not one for me.
Lena Aden is almost thirty, living in LA trying to make it as a screenwriter. When she attends a party with her model roommate Johanna, she bumps into Nico Laurent, current F1 champion. This is not a romance and from their first meeting, you get that. It is very much about control.
I have read plenty of dark romances where the male main characters are morally grey but this felt like a cheap imitation. Not only were the things that Nico did horrendous but I felt as though a lot of it was written for shock factor. It felt disjointed and although we got a little glimpse of a backstory, it wasn't enough.
I felt as though there was a lack of conclusion at the end also. Not one for me.
False Confidence by Sophie Snow
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
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
When I read Legally Binding, the first in the Spicy in Seattle series, I loved Maggie and Cal so much that I thought they would be hard to top. We met Jazz, Maggie's best friend, and Liam, Cal's son, in that book but I didn't expect to fall in love with them as much as I did. I would definitely advise reading Legally Binding before False Confidence.
The spice hits right from the prologue when the two have a one night stand following Cal and Maggie's wedding. Fast forward and Liam has been invited to his ex-girlfriend's wedding (to his ex-best friend who she cheated with) and in order to save face, Maggie recommends that he brings Jazz as his date, unaware of their night together. Jazz and Liam then enter into a mini fake dating scenario that turns into a spicy pact. Sophie Snow writes serious topics that pack and punch and the development of feelings very well. Jazz has her struggles but how she overcomes them with the help of Liam, her best friend Maggie and on her own is beautifully done.
There is a realistic friendship between Maggie and Jazz. Their arguments and Jazz's worries about Maggie's new married life and where she fits in feels very real. I enjoyed her personal development throughout the entirety of the novel. I loved hearing about Maggie's dynamic with her family in book one so I was pleased to have similar for Jazz.
Now for Liam. Can someone conjure him up in real life please? Sophie Snow is character queen and I thought Cal was swoonworthy? It's in the Michaelson genes I guess. I said it for The Rule Of Three and Legally Binding and I will say it for False Confidence - those spicy scenes are top notch.
10/10. Perfection with a little bow on top. Bring on the next one!
The spice hits right from the prologue when the two have a one night stand following Cal and Maggie's wedding. Fast forward and Liam has been invited to his ex-girlfriend's wedding (to his ex-best friend who she cheated with) and in order to save face, Maggie recommends that he brings Jazz as his date, unaware of their night together. Jazz and Liam then enter into a mini fake dating scenario that turns into a spicy pact. Sophie Snow writes serious topics that pack and punch and the development of feelings very well. Jazz has her struggles but how she overcomes them with the help of Liam, her best friend Maggie and on her own is beautifully done.
There is a realistic friendship between Maggie and Jazz. Their arguments and Jazz's worries about Maggie's new married life and where she fits in feels very real. I enjoyed her personal development throughout the entirety of the novel. I loved hearing about Maggie's dynamic with her family in book one so I was pleased to have similar for Jazz.
Now for Liam. Can someone conjure him up in real life please? Sophie Snow is character queen and I thought Cal was swoonworthy? It's in the Michaelson genes I guess. I said it for The Rule Of Three and Legally Binding and I will say it for False Confidence - those spicy scenes are top notch.
10/10. Perfection with a little bow on top. Bring on the next one!
Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk by Kathleen Hanna
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I have always been a fan of Kathleen Hanna's (I think Deceptacon by Le Tigre was my most played song when I was fourteen years old) so I was excited to hear she had released a memoir.
If you aren't familiar with Kathleen Hanna, she is the frontwoman of Bikini Kill, Le Tigre and The Julie Ruin. She is known for being a pioneer of the feminist punk Riot Grrrl movement. I listened to this book on audio, narrated by Hanna herself, as it is always my favourite way to read memoirs.
Hanna writes about her childhood with her father, sister and mother, right through to forming and performing with her bands, falling in love with husband Adam (Horowitz, of Beastie Boys) and her diagnosis of Lyme disease.
I knew about Kathleen Hanna's life on surface level but in this books she delves deep into her life and shares some raw things. She writes about rape, violence against women, miscarriage, troubles she faced from male concert-goers due to how she performed and standing up for what she believed in.
You can tell that she went through a lot of self-reflection whilst writing this book. It is very honest. A great memoir.
If you aren't familiar with Kathleen Hanna, she is the frontwoman of Bikini Kill, Le Tigre and The Julie Ruin. She is known for being a pioneer of the feminist punk Riot Grrrl movement. I listened to this book on audio, narrated by Hanna herself, as it is always my favourite way to read memoirs.
Hanna writes about her childhood with her father, sister and mother, right through to forming and performing with her bands, falling in love with husband Adam (Horowitz, of Beastie Boys) and her diagnosis of Lyme disease.
I knew about Kathleen Hanna's life on surface level but in this books she delves deep into her life and shares some raw things. She writes about rape, violence against women, miscarriage, troubles she faced from male concert-goers due to how she performed and standing up for what she believed in.
You can tell that she went through a lot of self-reflection whilst writing this book. It is very honest. A great memoir.
For the Fans by Nyla K.
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
I didn't really know what I was letting myself in for when I started For The Fans. Obviously I was intrigued by the synopsis, I thought it would be entertaining but it was so much more than that.
Avi and Kyran meet as 16 year olds when Avi's mum starts a relationship with Kyran's dad. The two are like chalk and cheese. Avi is a stoner emo artist kid and Kyran dreams of being a quarterback in the NFL. They hate each other.
Fast forward a few years and they are attending the same college. Their parents get into financial difficulties and can no longer afford their tuition. Frankie, Avi's friend, has a little OF side hustle going and lets Avi in on it as a quick way to earn a lot of money. Eventually, Kyran is thrown into the mix and a relationship blossoms between Avi and Kyran.
There is so much to unpack with For The Fans. I think a lot of people will go in for the MM, spicy forbidden romance but will be met with a gorgeous story.
There is a lot of self acceptance and growth from Kyran following some trauma that he carries with him from his childhood. You can really feel his turmoil throughout the pages but he and Avi's characters are just gorgeous. I really fell in love with them. I can't wait to read more from Nyla K.
Avi and Kyran meet as 16 year olds when Avi's mum starts a relationship with Kyran's dad. The two are like chalk and cheese. Avi is a stoner emo artist kid and Kyran dreams of being a quarterback in the NFL. They hate each other.
Fast forward a few years and they are attending the same college. Their parents get into financial difficulties and can no longer afford their tuition. Frankie, Avi's friend, has a little OF side hustle going and lets Avi in on it as a quick way to earn a lot of money. Eventually, Kyran is thrown into the mix and a relationship blossoms between Avi and Kyran.
There is so much to unpack with For The Fans. I think a lot of people will go in for the MM, spicy forbidden romance but will be met with a gorgeous story.
There is a lot of self acceptance and growth from Kyran following some trauma that he carries with him from his childhood. You can really feel his turmoil throughout the pages but he and Avi's characters are just gorgeous. I really fell in love with them. I can't wait to read more from Nyla K.
Hot Pursuit by Cassie Connor
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really loved Love Under Contract by Cassie Connor so I was very excited to read Hot Pursuit. Connor writes an enthralling story, filled with emotion and just the right amount of spice.
Lydia works in insurance and whilst on an assessment trip abroad she is joined by a new colleague, Tom. The two of them act like they don't know each other but really they spent the best weekend together almost a year ago.
When they arrive back home, they realise that they have both applied for a reality TV show (think Channel 4's Hunted) and of course the two of them end up being accidentally paired together.
I absolutely devoured this book and really enjoyed the characters. Their childhood and family background are both so different but still complex in their own ways. There were some really funny scenes too and I loved their banter.
I really liked the setting for this book and it all pieces together nicely. Definitely one for romance lovers.
Lydia works in insurance and whilst on an assessment trip abroad she is joined by a new colleague, Tom. The two of them act like they don't know each other but really they spent the best weekend together almost a year ago.
When they arrive back home, they realise that they have both applied for a reality TV show (think Channel 4's Hunted) and of course the two of them end up being accidentally paired together.
I absolutely devoured this book and really enjoyed the characters. Their childhood and family background are both so different but still complex in their own ways. There were some really funny scenes too and I loved their banter.
I really liked the setting for this book and it all pieces together nicely. Definitely one for romance lovers.
The Echoes of Us by Emma Steele
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is absolutely stunning.
Robbie and Jenn have recently reconciled after a while apart. Whilst in a car journey, a truck hurtling towards them forces Robbie to visit some of Jenn's memories. Understandably he is very confused at the beginning as he can't understand why he sees Jenn as a child with her parents on a beach then moves through other timelines such as the night they meet, Jenn in school, their first fight, and so on. He wasnt a part of all of these memories but they must mean something when put together. He soon realises that Jenn has a secret and he needs to find out what it is.
This story is beautiful. Robbie and Jenn's characters are wonderfully developed and it is a fantastic take on the fragility of love and also self-reflection and realisation. Robbie and Jenn are human, they have made mistakes, they have flaws and the story feels so real.
The trials and tribulations they experience are emotional and I couldn't help but feel for both of them at separate times in the book. If you are looking for a novel with depth that will move you, this is for you. I usually am quite a fast reader but I really had to take my time with The Echoes Of Us and savour it. Beautiful.
Robbie and Jenn have recently reconciled after a while apart. Whilst in a car journey, a truck hurtling towards them forces Robbie to visit some of Jenn's memories. Understandably he is very confused at the beginning as he can't understand why he sees Jenn as a child with her parents on a beach then moves through other timelines such as the night they meet, Jenn in school, their first fight, and so on. He wasnt a part of all of these memories but they must mean something when put together. He soon realises that Jenn has a secret and he needs to find out what it is.
This story is beautiful. Robbie and Jenn's characters are wonderfully developed and it is a fantastic take on the fragility of love and also self-reflection and realisation. Robbie and Jenn are human, they have made mistakes, they have flaws and the story feels so real.
The trials and tribulations they experience are emotional and I couldn't help but feel for both of them at separate times in the book. If you are looking for a novel with depth that will move you, this is for you. I usually am quite a fast reader but I really had to take my time with The Echoes Of Us and savour it. Beautiful.
Hard Copy by Fien Veldman
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I wanted to make an effort to read more translated fiction in 2024 because I always find the concepts to be super interesting. This is definitely the case with Hard Copy and I was taken in by the plot.
Hard Copy follows an office worker who develops a relationship of sorts with her printer. She chats to it and becomes quite attached. The story itself is split into four parts; Performance, On Leave, Peer Review and Reintegration.
This book really showed the effects of a monotonous 9-5 job and how your brain can run away with you. When our main character is asked to go on leave for her mental health, you can feel her descent as she becomes uneasy about leaving her printer. It is definitely less "woman makes friends with printer" and more about being a cog in the workplace.
I really enjoyed that fact that there were no names were used, even for our main character, and that people were reduced to their job title. My favourite parts were probably our main characters inner thoughts as she spoke to the printer but also the printer's POV section.
An unusual one!
Hard Copy follows an office worker who develops a relationship of sorts with her printer. She chats to it and becomes quite attached. The story itself is split into four parts; Performance, On Leave, Peer Review and Reintegration.
This book really showed the effects of a monotonous 9-5 job and how your brain can run away with you. When our main character is asked to go on leave for her mental health, you can feel her descent as she becomes uneasy about leaving her printer. It is definitely less "woman makes friends with printer" and more about being a cog in the workplace.
I really enjoyed that fact that there were no names were used, even for our main character, and that people were reduced to their job title. My favourite parts were probably our main characters inner thoughts as she spoke to the printer but also the printer's POV section.
An unusual one!
The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
This is a really gorgeous queer retelling of Pretty Woman.
Teddy Hughes, known as Plant Daddy, is divorced and his horticultural business is closing due to this. Although he lives with his best friend Kit, he knows he must leave New York and go back home to Louisiana.
Cole Vivien, French entrepreneur and founder of VERSTL a gay sex work company, has his own struggles despite being widely successful and from a rich family.
The two meet accidentally, when they both really needed someone. Cole has a few functions to attend and Teddy needs money so the two come up with a fake dating business agreement. But they end up finding themselves in too deep.
This book is beautiful. It's spicy, it's emotional and everything I want from a romance novel. We do have a little bit of a third act break-up/miscommunication trope that I usually dislike but it really added to the turmoil that Cole and Teddy both feel.
There is so much queer representation in this novel so this book is perfect for those who struggle to find LGBTQIA+ romances in a sea of straight ones!
Teddy Hughes, known as Plant Daddy, is divorced and his horticultural business is closing due to this. Although he lives with his best friend Kit, he knows he must leave New York and go back home to Louisiana.
Cole Vivien, French entrepreneur and founder of VERSTL a gay sex work company, has his own struggles despite being widely successful and from a rich family.
The two meet accidentally, when they both really needed someone. Cole has a few functions to attend and Teddy needs money so the two come up with a fake dating business agreement. But they end up finding themselves in too deep.
This book is beautiful. It's spicy, it's emotional and everything I want from a romance novel. We do have a little bit of a third act break-up/miscommunication trope that I usually dislike but it really added to the turmoil that Cole and Teddy both feel.
There is so much queer representation in this novel so this book is perfect for those who struggle to find LGBTQIA+ romances in a sea of straight ones!
Face Off by Chelsea Curto
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book is everything. If you are looking for a spicy ice hockey romance where she is an athlete too, this is for you.
Thirty-year-old Emerson Hartwell is transferring to DC Stars and she will be the first female player on the team. Team Captain Maverick Miller, also thirty, spends his evenings with a different woman every night so is far too busy to check out videos of the Stars' latest signing. Imagine his surprise when he flirts with Emerson outside of their meeting not realising that new winger Emerson Hartwell is in fact, not a man.
Emerson knows of Maverick and her guard is already up being a female in a male-dominated industry. She tells Maverick under no uncertain terms that she is going to kick his ass on the ice.
I absolutely adored this book and literally could not put it down. The backstories to every character made me fall in the love with them and I am so excited to hear that there will be more in DC Stars series. One thing that I find a lot of romance novels get wrong is not letting me feel the emotions build but Face Off does it perfectly. Maverick Miller - wow.
This novel is so gorgeous with so much depth and I would highly recommend if hockey romance, enemies to lovers and forced proximity are your thing!
Thirty-year-old Emerson Hartwell is transferring to DC Stars and she will be the first female player on the team. Team Captain Maverick Miller, also thirty, spends his evenings with a different woman every night so is far too busy to check out videos of the Stars' latest signing. Imagine his surprise when he flirts with Emerson outside of their meeting not realising that new winger Emerson Hartwell is in fact, not a man.
Emerson knows of Maverick and her guard is already up being a female in a male-dominated industry. She tells Maverick under no uncertain terms that she is going to kick his ass on the ice.
I absolutely adored this book and literally could not put it down. The backstories to every character made me fall in the love with them and I am so excited to hear that there will be more in DC Stars series. One thing that I find a lot of romance novels get wrong is not letting me feel the emotions build but Face Off does it perfectly. Maverick Miller - wow.
This novel is so gorgeous with so much depth and I would highly recommend if hockey romance, enemies to lovers and forced proximity are your thing!