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72 reviews
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
Wow. I LOVED this book.
Seeing other people's reviews, it seems like you either love the main character or ya don't. I found myself audibly laughing due to Phoebe's dry, sarcastic humor and her references to true crime. Right from the start when she says 'my dude', I was hooked. (Which is funny because if ya know, ya know.)
I found her refreshing?? Like not everything has to be rainbows and sunshine. If you stick around long enough, we definitely see MAJOR character development from how she treats the people in her life from the beginning to the end. She has a coat of armour around her heart that slowly begins to crack.
She opens herself more to her relationship with her brother Conner, her failed friendship with Allison, her romance with Sam and even her love towards the cat, Lenore. I see some people saying they don't understand why Sam would be interested in her but he sees her for who she is. Especially when she loses Lenore, and she breaks down in front of Sam, letting all her built up grief finally escape.
It's raw and real. Even though he only knew her for a small amount of time, he lists off all the things that she has done that make her loveable. Just because someone is pessimistic, or closed off doesn't mean they don't deserve love and Phoebe is the perfect example of that. Almost like the Grinch in a way.
I thought all the characters were perfectly written. They all have their quirks which makes it special. I felt like I knew the characters my whole life that's how well they are portrayed.
I didn't give this a 5 star only because I do feel like the end was rushed. There's a moment where things come to a climax, which feels quickly resolved. I wish we got to spend more time with these characters!!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.75
Disclaimer: I went into this book thinking it was going to be more thrilling/mysterious due to the title and summary, but it is actually a funny, lighthearted romance. I didn't mind it but I do think some people will pick up this book thinking it's something it's not!
Wow. I LOVED this book.
Seeing other people's reviews, it seems like you either love the main character or ya don't. I found myself audibly laughing due to Phoebe's dry, sarcastic humor and her references to true crime. Right from the start when she says 'my dude', I was hooked. (Which is funny because if ya know, ya know.)
I found her refreshing?? Like not everything has to be rainbows and sunshine. If you stick around long enough, we definitely see MAJOR character development from how she treats the people in her life from the beginning to the end. She has a coat of armour around her heart that slowly begins to crack.
It's raw and real. Even though he only knew her for a small amount of time, he lists off all the things that she has done that make her loveable. Just because someone is pessimistic, or closed off doesn't mean they don't deserve love and Phoebe is the perfect example of that. Almost like the Grinch in a way.
I thought all the characters were perfectly written. They all have their quirks which makes it special. I felt like I knew the characters my whole life that's how well they are portrayed.
I didn't give this a 5 star only because I do feel like the end was rushed. There's a moment where things come to a climax, which feels quickly resolved. I wish we got to spend more time with these characters!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying and Murder
Minor: Body shaming, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Lock the Doors by Vincent Ralph
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Crazy read, not at all what I expected at all. I do think it could've been even darker, if the author really wanted to go over that edge with the gorey details. I would say it's on the lighter scale of horror.
It was difficult for me to connect with the main character, Tom. I couldn't full invest myself into the story until the end of Part One which is when the real mystery began.
I loved the dual POV bit! I actually kinda liked Amy's chapters more interesting to read.
This book didn't disappoint!
It was difficult for me to connect with the main character, Tom. I couldn't full invest myself into the story until the end of Part One which is when the real mystery began.
I loved the dual POV bit!
This book didn't disappoint!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Grief
Moderate: Stalking
Lore Olympus: Volume Two by Rachel Smythe
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I’ve already read this on WebToon but really want all the hard copies since they’re so gorgeous. Finished in one sitting!!! Love this collection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual harassment
Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was a re read! I read this on WebToon ages ago but I saw there was hard copies and I had to get my hands on it! Love love how beautiful this book is, and the story is so interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Infidelity, Violence, and War
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
first of all, dannie having sex with a random man from the future in the first place…how you gonna end up in a random apartment, with a random man and you just have sex with him??? Wouldn’t you be thinking holy crap, where is my fiancé? Do I have amnesia??? Let me call Bella, my bestfriend who is so important to me, she’ll help me?
i guess that’s the part that really confuses me. Because yes, at the end all the questions we had about her meeting with Aaron and being in that apartment are answered and yet…it doesn’t make any sense to me.
Everything that happened with Bella was just sad. Made me tear up a lil. I liked her character a lot.
But if we’re being real, David was right for being mad at Dannie!!! Everything we’ve learned about her is that she had a plan and sticks to the rules. So David should’ve known something was off by like year 2 of the wedding being postponed.
the cover is super cute though.
sad
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? It's complicated
3.0
let me start off by saying, i think the summary completely misrepresents the book. it’s a solid story with a great message about love but I wish the summary was more lending to what the story is actually about.
also, a lot of it doesn’t quite add up and seems extremely unrealistic after getting to know these characters.Honestly, I didn’t really enjoy the way the ending wrapped up. I agree with some reviews on here with people saying that nothing really even happens in this book.
Major spoilers ahead:
Major spoilers ahead:
first of all, dannie having sex with a random man from the future in the first place…how you gonna end up in a random apartment, with a random man and you just have sex with him??? Wouldn’t you be thinking holy crap, where is my fiancé? Do I have amnesia??? Let me call Bella, my bestfriend who is so important to me, she’ll help me?
i guess that’s the part that really confuses me. Because yes, at the end all the questions we had about her meeting with Aaron and being in that apartment are answered and yet…it doesn’t make any sense to me.
Everything that happened with Bella was just sad. Made me tear up a lil. I liked her character a lot.
But if we’re being real, David was right for being mad at Dannie!!! Everything we’ve learned about her is that she had a plan and sticks to the rules. So David should’ve known something was off by like year 2 of the wedding being postponed.
the cover is super cute though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
Some moments made me smile don't get me wrong, I got through the book quick...and this may sound really harsh but this book basically a poorly written fan fiction.
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Straight from my notes, 14% into this book I wrote: "So far it’s giving tumblr fan fiction..."
Upon finishing this, it solidified that thought. The writing was very much 'she said, he said, I laughed, he smiled'. No depth. No emotion. I could not feel anything for these characters.
The thing that irks me the most, is that the main character keeps alluding to a weekend with this 'hunk' of a movie star Gabe Parker, the weekend that everything changed...I mean it's legitimately what the whole book is about and yet when we finally find out what happens between them, it's boring and quite honestly, not juicy or suspenseful at all. Nothing like what I expected. Nothing that would actually be memorable.
Spoilers ahead for those who want specific examples that made me cringe:
Okay buckle up.
This is when I knew this book wasn't going to be my fave.
Chapter 3, Page 47:
When they're on the first interview and their food arrives. Chani puts her fries on her burger....and Gabe is somehow ASTONISHED by this? You mean to tell me, this country Montana man...never put fries on his burger? It's not even that concept, it's the way he responds. "I've never seen someone do that...God this is so good wow!" He even asks her "Like this?!" when he copies her putting his fries on his burger, almost like a child?
The author gives Gabe no credit or emotional depth, he's just a piece of meat to be gawked over. Even Chani does it herself throughout the entire book, mentioning his looks and yet nothing of his personality. Mentions his muscles, beard, gut vs. abs, and that's about it.
Mind you, these people do not know each other at all. They did one interview that sorta left them with some tension...but nothing makes me believe that TEN WHOLE YEARS later they would be interested in each other anymore, let alone in love. They have nothing in common besides slightly being in the same industry. Let's also remember that in most of their encounters, Chani and/or Gabe is drunk or drinking.
Also, what would make Gabe and Ollie trust this reporter right away? ESPECIALLY with something like a famous movie star's sexuality. It doesn't matter that Gabe feels like he 'knows' Chani just because he has read her blog/books. That means nothing. She owes these men nothing, and for Ollie to share such an intimate part of his life with a Hollywood reporter, he knew for maybe 5 hours before he came out to her is ridiculous.
So much of the novel is wasted. I wish we could've seen an actual relationship form before our eyes. It's all a surface level crush between two people that's disguised as a 'love story'. The summary is more interesting unfortunately.
"...this deliciously irresistible novel will have you hanging on until the last word." is written in the summary and yet Chani and Gabe hook up basically twice in the span of 10 years and both times are lackluster.
Upon finishing this, it solidified that thought. The writing was very much 'she said, he said, I laughed, he smiled'. No depth. No emotion. I could not feel anything for these characters.
The thing that irks me the most, is that the main character keeps alluding to a weekend with this 'hunk' of a movie star Gabe Parker, the weekend that everything changed...I mean it's legitimately what the whole book is about and yet when we finally find out what happens between them, it's boring and quite honestly, not juicy or suspenseful at all. Nothing like what I expected. Nothing that would actually be memorable.
Spoilers ahead for those who want specific examples that made me cringe:
This is when I knew this book wasn't going to be my fave.
Chapter 3, Page 47:
When they're on the first interview and their food arrives. Chani puts her fries on her burger....and Gabe is somehow ASTONISHED by this? You mean to tell me, this country Montana man...never put fries on his burger? It's not even that concept, it's the way he responds. "I've never seen someone do that...God this is so good wow!" He even asks her "Like this?!" when he copies her putting his fries on his burger, almost like a child?
The author gives Gabe no credit or emotional depth, he's just a piece of meat to be gawked over. Even Chani does it herself throughout the entire book, mentioning his looks and yet nothing of his personality. Mentions his muscles, beard, gut vs. abs, and that's about it.
Mind you, these people do not know each other at all. They did one interview that sorta left them with some tension...but nothing makes me believe that TEN WHOLE YEARS later they would be interested in each other anymore, let alone in love. They have nothing in common besides slightly being in the same industry. Let's also remember that in most of their encounters, Chani and/or Gabe is drunk or drinking.
Also, what would make Gabe and Ollie trust this reporter right away? ESPECIALLY with something like a famous movie star's sexuality. It doesn't matter that Gabe feels like he 'knows' Chani just because he has read her blog/books. That means nothing. She owes these men nothing, and for Ollie to share such an intimate part of his life with a Hollywood reporter, he knew for maybe 5 hours before he came out to her is ridiculous.
So much of the novel is wasted. I wish we could've seen an actual relationship form before our eyes. It's all a surface level crush between two people that's disguised as a 'love story'. The summary is more interesting unfortunately.
"...this deliciously irresistible novel will have you hanging on until the last word." is written in the summary and yet Chani and Gabe hook up basically twice in the span of 10 years and both times are lackluster.
Some moments made me smile don't get me wrong, I got through the book quick...and this may sound really harsh but this book basically a poorly written fan fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Drug use and Car accident
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Very interesting read, not entirely what I expected. Dark, mysterious and keeps you guessing. It was one of those reads where you immediately want to google explanations on everything - which I highly recommend by the way. Lots of different theories on why Merricat and Constance are the way they are, and what might of happened to them to end up this way.
Major spoiler ahead:
I had a feeling early on Mary Katherine killed her family, especially when she would wish death on the villagers and Charles. When she finally says she did it….chills!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“The way you did before?” “Yes. The way I did before.”
Very interesting read, not entirely what I expected. Dark, mysterious and keeps you guessing. It was one of those reads where you immediately want to google explanations on everything - which I highly recommend by the way. Lots of different theories on why Merricat and Constance are the way they are, and what might of happened to them to end up this way.
Major spoiler ahead:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
The Husbands by Chandler Baker
The amount of red flags Nora ignored from this group of women was ASTOUNDING. Just blissfully ignorant while it’s all right there in front of her! Mama you are a lawyer!!!
I also feel like it dragged on the “accident” situation that happened to Liv. I don’t believe it really added anything to the narrative.
It was crazy to slowly uncover what was happening as a reader. When they were at therapy, and Cornelia kept clicking her pen: Click, Click, Click i was immediately like Didn’t Richard claim he was hearing clicking??? Are they brainwashing them?? AND I WAS RIGHT
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
this book actually made me wanna scream and fling it across the ROOOOOOOM!!!!!! That ending?!?!?
Get Out vibes for SUUUURE. The whole time I was thinking NORA GIRL COME ON YOU ARE SMART GET OUUUUUT OF THIS
the book didn’t really pick up until halfway through and i thought we could’ve gotten to the resolution a bit sooner so we could see the aftermath.
The last line HAUNTED ME.
Get Out vibes for SUUUURE. The whole time I was thinking NORA GIRL COME ON YOU ARE SMART GET OUUUUUT OF THIS
the book didn’t really pick up until halfway through and i thought we could’ve gotten to the resolution a bit sooner so we could see the aftermath.
The last line HAUNTED ME.
I also feel like it dragged on the “accident” situation that happened to Liv. I don’t believe it really added anything to the narrative.
It was crazy to slowly uncover what was happening as a reader. When they were at therapy, and Cornelia kept clicking her pen: Click, Click, Click i was immediately like Didn’t Richard claim he was hearing clicking??? Are they brainwashing them?? AND I WAS RIGHT
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Torture, Trafficking, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Body horror and Blood
Fangs by Sarah Andersen
Everything about this book is perfect. The outside with the red cover and black rim pages, it looks amazing on my bookshelf.
Always love classic vampire-werewolf jokes. Illustrations are beautiful.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I want yourloveblood.
Everything about this book is perfect. The outside with the red cover and black rim pages, it looks amazing on my bookshelf.
Always love classic vampire-werewolf jokes. Illustrations are beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
After You by Jojo Moyes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
3.25
I haven’t read Me Before You in YEARS, although I do watch the movie constantly. One of my favorite films, and in my head Lou will forever be Emilia Clarke to me.
I have had this book with me for quite a while. It has lived on my shelf for years, been with me throughout 3 different moves…possibly because I did not think this could be better than the first. I recall rushing to read the first book then passing it onto my mom before the movie dropped. And as Will would say, their story has been scored on my heart.
It was difficult for me to imagine what happens after. I feel like most of us would agree that Me Before You is a hard story to top.
That being said. I did enjoy this. It was very sad, seeing Lou go through the aftermath of Will’s passing. I did feel like it was all over the place, kinda like Louisa was. I’m not sure still how I feel about it. But, I am intrigued to see what happens next with Lou in Still Me and all the new people in her life.
I just don’t know how I feel about Lily. Like of course he has this mysterious daughter he never knew.
And the whole photos situation and the older creep…it felt very out of place and rushed???
Sam is alright but again, rushed to me. I don’t know how hopeful I am for their relationship in the next one. That was crazy though realizing she wasn’t good enough for Will to stay alive and fight but Sam believes she is. I don’t think that’s anything against Will though, mans was set on his decision before Lou was even a thought.
Oh and Lou’s father is sooooo annoying, I don’t remember him being this bad in the first book??
Because the movie is my fave, I do only picture the actors as the characters in my head, it’s cute though. Definitely want to re-read Me Before You eventually.
I have had this book with me for quite a while. It has lived on my shelf for years, been with me throughout 3 different moves…possibly because I did not think this could be better than the first. I recall rushing to read the first book then passing it onto my mom before the movie dropped. And as Will would say, their story has been scored on my heart.
It was difficult for me to imagine what happens after. I feel like most of us would agree that Me Before You is a hard story to top.
That being said. I did enjoy this. It was very sad, seeing Lou go through the aftermath of Will’s passing. I did feel like it was all over the place, kinda like Louisa was. I’m not sure still how I feel about it. But, I am intrigued to see what happens next with Lou in Still Me and all the new people in her life.
I just don’t know how I feel about Lily. Like of course he has this mysterious daughter he never knew.
And the whole photos situation and the older creep…it felt very out of place and rushed???
Sam is alright but again, rushed to me. I don’t know how hopeful I am for their relationship in the next one. That was crazy though realizing she wasn’t good enough for Will to stay alive and fight but Sam believes she is. I don’t think that’s anything against Will though, mans was set on his decision before Lou was even a thought.
Oh and Lou’s father is sooooo annoying, I don’t remember him being this bad in the first book??
Because the movie is my fave, I do only picture the actors as the characters in my head, it’s cute though. Definitely want to re-read Me Before You eventually.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Gun violence and Injury/Injury detail