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marybsimp's reviews
137 reviews
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Medical trauma, and Pregnancy
The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
So Not Meant To Be by Meghan Quinn
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Dr. Stanton by TL Swan
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
SPOILER
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You know, I haven’t read many secret child romances, but this did so well. I loved it. There was so much left at the end that I was confused. I was like, “Okay, the couple is happy and together but there’s still 2 hours left?” And when there wasn’t a last minute break up, I was so happy! I loved it all. I want to see more of them. I need more of them. My ovaries are crying. Please.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Medical content, and Pregnancy
All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox
emotional
funny
fast-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
3.5
This book was a roller coaster. They were together. Then they weren’t. Then they were. Then they weren’t. So many people get upset about a third act break up, but this had a breakup in every act. I just wish it was more consistent. It felt like the characters were in high school and every little thing was based on assumptions and no one was mature enough to say anything. One of those books that you finish and know the characters would in no way last. 3.5 stars and that’s being generous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I am trying to get through all of Christina Lauren’s books. I am not as impressed with this one as some others. I loved the concept of it, but I felt like it wasn’t quite right. Like it was missing something. I will say that the suspicion on why he did it all throughout the book was so potent. I was trying so hard to figure out who told and why. I was thinking it wasn’t him and then trying to figure out why etc. So, I will say that was great. Then at the very end, I felt disappointed at the dad. I wish there was more trying to fix between Sam and Tate. It was like he called and she immediately just moved on. I felt like there could’ve been more there of both of them coming to terms with the betrayal.
Content Warnings
Minor: Terminal illness
Bait by Jade West
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I don’t know what to say about this book. Was I expecting something amazing? No. Was I still expecting better? Yes. I got this because it was on sale, and I’m not sure I should’ve paid even what I did for it. It would’ve been so much better if it were more drawn out. It felt like the author got bored of the story and just wanted to finish it towards the end. The end was so rushed. Like she tried to tie up all the loose ends quickly. Their relationship was so slow and steady throughout then in last hour and it’s super fast. Wish it was drawn out and it’d be so much better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
I was putting this book off for a good minute. One of my friends recommended it to me after I read/listened to ACOTAR and Crescent City. First things first: I am NOT a fantasy girl. I do however love to read what’s popular. I love to read things other people read so I can have discussions etc. This book was phenomenal. Some things I struggled with in books like ACOTAR and CC is trying to keep the lore and story straight. There is so much world building, so many characters introduced as well as lore and culture building, and if not done well, it can lead to confusion. Throughout ACOTAR, I found myself grasping the main storyline but side parts about side characters would get lost in the midst. I’d forget who or what certain things are, but with FBAA, I was able to understand and grasp most of it! I loved that. Also great representation with Poppy. She is not a skinny blonde girl with a perfect body. She has scars. Stretch marks. She is not perfect, and I LOVE that in a FMC. And the ending with the plot twist is *CHEFS KISS*. The very last line?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Great. Five stars. I can’t wait to start the next one. Not to mention supporting a fellow West Virginian? Love it all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent