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jennifer_bush_73's reviews
730 reviews
You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love this book. It makes me feel hope. It has replenished my dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. It gives me hope. I am going to pretend that Eddie and Mark are real people who exist in 2024.
We Could Be Heroes by Philip Ellis
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
"We Could Be Heroes" by Philip Ellis isn’t for me. I may not be the right audience for this story. I couldn’t connect with the story of the characters. The book has a promising premise but I was disappointed in the actual story because I found the characters to be boring and self-involved. Some of the supporting characters were narcissistic and unlikable. The characters lack depth, and the attempt to interweave the Kismet comic books into the story feels forced and distracting. At the 40% point, I gave up. Life is too short to force myself to read something that puts me to sleep.
Moonshot by Alessandra Torre
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
"Moonshot" by Alessandra Torre attempts to blend baseball romance with a mystery featuring a serial killer, but unfortunately falls short. The story revolves around Ty Rollins, a virginal, baseball-obsessed teenager, and Chase Stern, the epitome of a love 'em and leave 'em bad boy. The predictable on-again, off-again romance between Ty and Chase quickly becomes cringeworthy, with Chase's toxic masculinity and possessiveness overshadowing any genuine connection between the characters. As the plot unfolds, the inclusion of a serial killer subplot feels forced and fails to add any significant depth or intrigue to the narrative. The unmemorable ending further diminishes the overall impact of the story. "Moonshot" is disappointing with its lackluster execution, earning a mere two out of five stars.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
"The Women" by Kristen Hannah delves into the complex journey of Frankie McGrath, a recent nursing school graduate who finds herself thrust into the chaos of the Vietnam War as a surgical nurse. Despite her parents' objections, Frankie's determination to serve leads her to join the Army, only to face the harsh realities of war and the toll it takes on her psyche.
Hannah skillfully portrays Frankie's struggles with PTSD and alcoholism, offering a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by veterans returning from combat zones. Through Frankie's experiences, the novel highlights the often overlooked sacrifices and emotional turmoil endured by those who serve their country.
The character of Frankie McGrath is compelling and deeply human. Readers are drawn into her world, rooting for her as she navigates the difficult path toward healing and acceptance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, and Classism
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree delivers a refreshing blend of fantasy and entrepreneurship, crafting a compelling narrative around Viv, an orc who trades her sword for her dream of opening a coffee shop. Baldree masterfully weaves together elements of adventure, humor, and heart, as Viv navigates the challenges of running her shop amidst threats from the Madrigal, and Fennus’ theft of the Scalvert’s Stone. With vibrant characters like Tandri, a succubus, Cal, a hob, and Thimble, the baking rattkin, readers are treated to a rich tapestry of personalities that add depth and charm to the story. Viv’s resilience and determination makes “Legends & Lattes” a fun, charming read. Four out of five stars for this enchanting tale that leaves you craving both adventure and a good cup of coffee.
The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Entertaining and enjoyable. I will be first in line to read the 2nd novel in this series.
Mistletoe and Mishigas by M.A. Wardell
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Cute, funny, happily ever after. Theo Berenson’s parents, who travel from Florida to Maine to celebrate Hanukkah are delightful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Abandonment
Moderate: War
The Last Russian Doll by Kristen Loesch
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
The story is a great premise. After the death of her mother, a young woman returns to Moscow to find out who murdered her father and sister and why. Soon after her arrival, the Soviet Union dissolves. The story of her family history begins with the Russian Revolution and stretches to the fall of the Soviet Union. However, the ending is unsatisfying. It’s not clear why her sister and father were murdered. The story doesn’t feel finished.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Violence, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, War, and Classism
Never Stay Gone by Tal Bauer
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Fast paced, entertaining, easily readable. The discovery of several bodies in the Texas desert brings together two men who had a relationship years ago in high school. As the men come closer to figuring out who the murder is, they become the next murder’s next targets.