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alysereadsbooks's reviews
364 reviews
A Love Catastrophe by Helena Hunting
funny
lighthearted
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
3.25
Listened to the audiobook and it was super cute! Very mindless and sweet. For anyone familiar with Jenny Lawson, Kitty reminded me of her. I did love all the cat discussion as a cat mom. Their romance was sweet, but looking back on it, I don't really know what the conflict was. Still, I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
The Christmas Catch by Clare Lydon
emotional
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? Yes
3.0
This was a cute, wlw rom com. It was alright. I do wish it had more depth and was a bit bored at times, but generally enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Not Another Christmas Rom Com by A.J. Pine
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
I checked this book out because it was included with my Audible subscription and I wanted to listen to a festive rom-com. I hated it. I wish I could say there was something redeeming but I barely got through it because it was so cheesy (and IMO, not in a charming way). I also didn't love the male narrator - creeped me out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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
I picked this book up on a whim at the library and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It was laugh out loud funny and so honest at times, it made me cringe. I loved Margo's character development. Really fun, silly, and surprisingly gut-wrenching at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Drug use, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Saw this recommendation all over Booktok. I'm really into the time travel trope, but I did find this one kind of slow. However, the ending was pretty good and that made it more worthwhile for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Death
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
Listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it! This book has been on my TBR for a long time - and I think it deserves the hype. The main character is legitimately unlikable at first, but really grows over time. It gave me up vibes. Overall, a wholesome read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Self harm, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Cancer, Miscarriage, and Car accident
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
3.5
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great! I found it difficult to keep track of the multiple subplots and side characters, but it may have been me processing the format over everything else. I wish there was more explanation of the mechanics of the magic. I did enjoy the love story, but it felt unsatisfying to me at times.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
4.5
This was one of my favorite books I've read this year! I love the time travel trope and occasionally it can feel repetitive, but this book had such an unique plot. The ending was perfect and I can't wait to read it again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Grief, and Death of parent
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
3.75
I'm becoming a huge fan of Abby Jimenez. She reminds me a lot of a more mature Sarah Dessen with complex characters with believable flaws and elements of romance. I found their relationship sweet - overall it was a cute book. Can't wait to read her next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death
Minor: Mental illness and Sexual content
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.25
I listened to the audiobook - the voice acting was amazing! Sutanto's books are always heartwarming and funny. I also love the cozy elements. The book has depth and humor without being overly heavy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Domestic abuse