bookishvicky's reviews
173 reviews

Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced digital copy of PERFECT GIRL in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

I really liked the concept of this book, but I had too many problems with it to really get into it. First, it all feels very “how do you do, fellow teens?” In terms of dialogue, characterization, etc. And at the same time, Jessa was such a stereotypical protagonist I feel like her strong moment at the end wasn’t deserved. I knew nothing about her, I didn’t care about her struggles because they were barely mentioned, and she doesn’t really DO anything too wild like I thought she would based on the cover and description. 

Also, the twist wasn’t twisting. There was hardly a lead up to it, and it all felt super rushed. I wasn’t scared once, and I didn’t care enough about any of the characters (except maybe Tiny?). I also feel like a lot was mentioned that just got brushed off, like Alexis being bi, Ryan being what I assume the only black kid in a predominantly white neighborhood, etc. I wanted to learn more, but with so many characters and action sequences, we got the barest bones. 

There were some good lines and moments, and the pacing was done really well with so much going on. I also thought the setup was just cheesy enough for me to be excited to see how the slumber party derailed. Also- finally, a realistic sister-brother dynamic! Josh and Jessa hated/ cared for each other the perfect amount, and some of their scenes were funny. 

This book had such potential, but just didn’t hit the mark for me. 

SUCH slow pacing, shallow characters, the main character annoyed me, and I already could tell the romance would be boring. Only redeeming quality is that it takes place in Canada. 

The language of this book was beautiful. Sophie’s narration made everything around her feel scary and foreign, like sex was a devious, violent thing, like everything around her was something to be feared. I loved seeing her transformation as the horrors went on, even if it did hurt to read. 

This book reminds me a lot of HELL FOLLOWED WITH US by AJ White, and the sort of hope through the hopelessness, learning that “sin is made up and stupid.” I think Sophie and Benji would be besties. 

This is one of those books that got me anxious and sick, and there’s not much I can say except give it a read, but be warned you’ll feel like you’re sitting at the bottom of a gross swimming pool. As always, Leede is the master at making me both terrified and depressed 🖤

ALL THE CONTENT WARNINGS

I did enjoy Love at First Book and all its beautiful atmospheres, witty dialogue, and spicy stolen kisses– but I feel like it could have been something more. The book was slow at the start, and I devoured the ending and its feelgood resolution, but there were too many subplots that kinda went nowhere, like Em’s hypchonrida, her mother, her friendship with Sam– I just found it hard to focus on the romance among these and the Siobhan plot (which, I did like the Siobhan plot, and think this should have been mainly that with a romance with Kier).

There are some amazing lines in the book, but I couldn’t get into the romance. I did like the characters, but they didn’t have chemistry, I felt like. Again, if this book had focused mainly on Em helping Siobhan with a side of romance, I’d be happy– but the premise was romance! And I feel like Kier did a complete 180 in terms of how he spoke to and treated Em.

Despite these critiques, I liked this book a lot. It inspired me to get back to writing and makes me definitely want to travel to Ireland to explore the beautifully described settings. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a quick and cozy read with some higher than usual stakes for a contemporary romance. 

Huge thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of Don’t Let the Forest In!

“But the October boy didn’t flee. He climbed the tree and kissed the lonesome monster until it devoured him whole.”

You know a book is good when its climax is hard to read because you can’t see through the tears in your eyes. 

It was so hard to pick a standout quote from this book. Don’t Let the Forest In has some of the most beautifully devastating language I’ve read in a while. It's vivid, imaginative, and downright heartbreaking. Andrew’s inner thoughts are told with experimental formats that just added to his unreliability as a narrator. I’m still not sure what’s real and not real, but I think not knowing is the best part. 

“‘Everything inside me is in ruins…for you.’”

The YEARNING in this narrative. Hoo boy. I adore romances where the couple just crashes into each other all blood and teeth and longing. This is a vicious sort of love I could get lost in. Especially with two complex characters in such a cruel setting. It was kind of giving If We Were Villains at times.  

If I had to come up with a critique, it would be that a little too much was withheld– I liked the mysteries, and the climax was brilliant, but I did find myself annoyed at some points with just how left in the dark the reader was, to the point I was more confused than intrigued. But again, it wasn’t a major issue. I did finish this in three days after all. 

Also– the Oreo scene killed me. I need a fanart of it ASAP. 

If you’re looking for a queer dark academia book rife with angst and forest horror, Don’t Let the Forest In is the book for you. 

What a weird little story that made no sense and almost made me vomit. Lovely! 

I wanted to like this :( but there wasn’t enough werewolf content— also it was kind of hard to follow? The pacing was everywhere, I feel like I barely know the characters, and the high school bully plot was. Kinda silly. 

I did like Seth, he was goofy and fun, but like. Despite the supernatural aspect being fun and kind of interesting in how Cassie makes potions, it felt wayyy too unhinged and fanfic-y for my taste. 

The spice was good but god the final third of the book was just shameless smut. And I don’t mind it but I feel like this was marketed as cozy so I was kinda disappointed. 

Also the fat rep wasn’t my fave. I feel like it was a lot of sexualization/ “men want something to hold” and it was just… a little icky to me. As a fat girl.