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bookish_afrolatina's reviews
368 reviews
The Five-Day Reunion by Mona Shroff
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
3.75
Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Body and Soul Food had an interesting set up with long lost twins coming together to start a business. The story was cute and engaging but I was a bit surprised that Keaton wasn’t very good at piecing together clues. She’s the former librarian and supposed fan of Agatha Christie, so it seemed like she should have had a better idea of how to be observant. I also found Kobe and Keaton’s views on social media to be odd. They’re supposed to be youngish adults opening a business so this and a few other details in the book made me feel like they were much older people. Regardless, I had a good time listening to this audiobook! If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with bookish vibes and comfort food, this one might be a good fit.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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
I've read this book twice this year and would not be surprised if I reread it again any time soon. An Island Princess Starts a Scandal is a tantalizing yet tender book about a couple of Latinas trying to bloom in a patriarchal garden (super relatable, huh?). Book two of the Las Leonas series follows Manuela del Carmen Caceres Galvan, a talented artist and vivacious woman who inherited an incredible piece of land from her grandmother. After reluctantly accepting a man's proposal, Manuela seeks to experience a summer of debauchery and bliss with her friends in Paris before committing to this duty.
Cora Kempf Bristol, Duchess of Sundridge, is a known hardass who believes she only needs a few things in life: to be have the same (or more) power in business as her male peers and to protect her family and friends. That is, until she meets the bewildering and beautiful Manuela. The same woman who happens to stand between Cora and her pursuit of a strategic parcel of land. The "princess" promises to hand it over for a price: proper monetary compensation and a series of thrilling sapphic adventures while she's in Paris.
This story is full of lusty longing and tender devotion. These two have an immediate infatuation that is playful but also intense! I loved Manuela's constant curiosity and sense of style. Being the "fun" friend does often come with an assumption of foolishness and, while Manuela can sometimes be foolish, I'm glad she got a chance to push those around her to take her seriously. She has pain she hides behind her mischievous smiles. I also liked that Cora had to confront how she was playing into the patriarchy by trying so hard to "measure up" or outdo her male counterparts in business. It can be hard to straddle the line between fighting back against a sexist society and seeking to be as powerful as men.
Once again, Adriana Herrera created an addictive story with nuance, passion, and beautiful dialogue.
Cora Kempf Bristol, Duchess of Sundridge, is a known hardass who believes she only needs a few things in life: to be have the same (or more) power in business as her male peers and to protect her family and friends. That is, until she meets the bewildering and beautiful Manuela. The same woman who happens to stand between Cora and her pursuit of a strategic parcel of land. The "princess" promises to hand it over for a price: proper monetary compensation and a series of thrilling sapphic adventures while she's in Paris.
This story is full of lusty longing and tender devotion. These two have an immediate infatuation that is playful but also intense! I loved Manuela's constant curiosity and sense of style. Being the "fun" friend does often come with an assumption of foolishness and, while Manuela can sometimes be foolish, I'm glad she got a chance to push those around her to take her seriously. She has pain she hides behind her mischievous smiles. I also liked that Cora had to confront how she was playing into the patriarchy by trying so hard to "measure up" or outdo her male counterparts in business. It can be hard to straddle the line between fighting back against a sexist society and seeking to be as powerful as men.
Once again, Adriana Herrera created an addictive story with nuance, passion, and beautiful dialogue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Grief, and Lesbophobia
Verity and the Forbidden Suitor by J.J. McAvoy
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The Name-Bearer by Natalia Hernandez
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Bayron brought back the vibes of older slasher flicks in You’re Not Supposed To Die Tonight and it was just as entertaining.
Charity runs the show at Camp Mirror Lake, a gory horror simulation where she and her crew are tasked with scaring the living daylight out of guests each night. It’s a typical summer of fright until some of her staff mysteriously don’t show up for shifts. Oh well! This “final girl” leads her team in another game with her girlfriend and bestie subbing in. Little do they know, it’s about to get real.
This book accomplishes what every teen slasher should, which is keep you on your toes! However, I could have done with a little more substance on Charity‘s situation with her mom and literally anything about Beni’s family. The characters had fun lines here and there but they mostly felt one-dimensional.
It was a cool premise, but the pacing sped wayyyy up at the end and the epilogue left me feeling like, “okay…I guess that’s nice.” Felt like there was a whole in how that wrapped up.
If you’re looking for some books for your Spooky Season TBR, this would be a good addition.
Charity runs the show at Camp Mirror Lake, a gory horror simulation where she and her crew are tasked with scaring the living daylight out of guests each night. It’s a typical summer of fright until some of her staff mysteriously don’t show up for shifts. Oh well! This “final girl” leads her team in another game with her girlfriend and bestie subbing in. Little do they know, it’s about to get real.
This book accomplishes what every teen slasher should, which is keep you on your toes! However, I could have done with a little more substance on Charity‘s situation with her mom and literally anything about Beni’s family. The characters had fun lines here and there but they mostly felt one-dimensional.
It was a cool premise, but the pacing sped wayyyy up at the end and the epilogue left me feeling like, “okay…I guess that’s nice.” Felt like there was a whole in how that wrapped up.
If you’re looking for some books for your Spooky Season TBR, this would be a good addition.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Gun violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Sexual content, Stalking, and Abandonment
(Trust) Falling For You by Charish Reid
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up by Charish Reid
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? No
4.5
Obsessed with this love story! While I had moments of being like, “oh my gawd, don’t!” I feel like I said it more like 🤭oh my gawd, don’t!😏
Taboo, for sure, but we’ll done. Made me feel warm, cozy, and a adequately spicy 😝🥵
Taboo, for sure, but we’ll done. Made me feel warm, cozy, and a adequately spicy 😝🥵
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer and Death
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This prequel to Legends and Lattes is so freaking cute! As a librarian and obvious book fiend, I loved the fact that Viv was discovering the magic of reading through the bookshop and new friends. Just the cozy fantasy I was craving 💜
Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Solid fun romance mixed with the Hangover type storyline and a generous serving of parental abuse. So if you want a good mix of emotions, this is good for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence