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books_i_love2000's reviews
109 reviews
Just Stab Me Now by Jill Bearup
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I had been waiting to read this book ever since I'd seen some of the Tiktoks and got hooked on them. Then I had to patiently wait for the book to be written, edited and published before I could actually read. And I am so happy for my patience because this was such a fun read.
The characters all interacting was a new and interesting take. It made for the plot lines to be more enjoyable as they were interwoven. The stylistic choices and editing for seperating the difference parts as well was a new take that I enjoyed as it made it so clear of what 'world' the writing was taking place in.
Personally, my drawback for this book is that I would have preferred a slightly longer epilogue and a few more details on some plot points, albeit, everything was nicely wrapped up, I'm just greedy for more and prefer to know every detail.
Favourite Quote - Caroline pulled her notebook over, desperate to make sense of this sudden intrusion of plot into her flirty scene.
Favourite Character - Leo
The characters all interacting was a new and interesting take. It made for the plot lines to be more enjoyable as they were interwoven. The stylistic choices and editing for seperating the difference parts as well was a new take that I enjoyed as it made it so clear of what 'world' the writing was taking place in.
Personally, my drawback for this book is that I would have preferred a slightly longer epilogue and a few more details on some plot points, albeit, everything was nicely wrapped up, I'm just greedy for more and prefer to know every detail.
Favourite Quote - Caroline pulled her notebook over, desperate to make sense of this sudden intrusion of plot into her flirty scene.
Favourite Character - Leo
Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
The main takeaway after reading this book, for me, is that nuclear weapons should never be fired. Even more I hope that they get decommissioned, retired, whatever word you want to use.
This book was engaging from the very first page. It starts as soon as the first missile was fired, the actions taken in the ensuing countdown to impact, the panic and devestation that follows, the six minute windows of time country leaders have to make critical decisions about responses to incoming threats, the fallout, the ultimate devestation wrought upon the planet.
It was interesting yet so terrifying and awful to read at the same time. I was so unaware of the majority of this information. It was interesting as well to understand from an American perspective and I would be interested to read a scenario based from the UK. However, after reading, I can hazard a guess it all ends in ultimate devestation.
It was terrifying. It was awful. I think my only positive drawback from this is if it did all happen then it would all be over in about an hour or so.
This was engaging and awful. I reccommended for anyone to read in this current political climate.
Quote - Everyone loses. Everyone.
This book was engaging from the very first page. It starts as soon as the first missile was fired, the actions taken in the ensuing countdown to impact, the panic and devestation that follows, the six minute windows of time country leaders have to make critical decisions about responses to incoming threats, the fallout, the ultimate devestation wrought upon the planet.
It was interesting yet so terrifying and awful to read at the same time. I was so unaware of the majority of this information. It was interesting as well to understand from an American perspective and I would be interested to read a scenario based from the UK. However, after reading, I can hazard a guess it all ends in ultimate devestation.
It was terrifying. It was awful. I think my only positive drawback from this is if it did all happen then it would all be over in about an hour or so.
This was engaging and awful. I reccommended for anyone to read in this current political climate.
Quote - Everyone loses. Everyone.
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.0
Okay, so let me preface this by saying I'm not really a dog person. I wouldn't have usually picked this and the only reason I did was because it was a group read. Saying that though by the end I was fully invested and my god was it devestating. I was in flood of tears come the end of this. The emotional connection creeps up on you until you're so tied to it there's no way to escape. All the emotions were felt.
Although, what I can't overlook is how entirely weird this is. I wasn't sure if he was hallucinating half the story or what was really going on with certain points. It's chaotic and most certainly very odd.
It was an okay read, I'd probably even push it up to a good but definitely not something I would have picked. If you like dogs though and chaotic plots then this is the book for you.
Favourite Quote - I will love forever. For the rest of my days and even all the days after that.
Favourite Character - Trent
Although, what I can't overlook is how entirely weird this is. I wasn't sure if he was hallucinating half the story or what was really going on with certain points. It's chaotic and most certainly very odd.
It was an okay read, I'd probably even push it up to a good but definitely not something I would have picked. If you like dogs though and chaotic plots then this is the book for you.
Favourite Quote - I will love forever. For the rest of my days and even all the days after that.
Favourite Character - Trent
The Four by Ellie Keel
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
3.0
What on earth do I say about this book. It was definitely a journey. It took a while to get into it with so many different characters to get to know and to try and remember all the details of. But after that first little stumble into it does it really get going. There's so much tension constantly, who's telling the truth? Who's telling the whole truth? Is it only the truth to them? Every page left me anxious on what was going to happen next.
I enjoyed how they founded a formidable friendship that was so strong against all adversaries. It was tense, there was always drama and trauma and more things that you would have thought possible going on but it truly did highlight the dramas of 17-year-olds and how fast paced life at that age can feel.
The ending was a nice wrap up in most aspects though I wished so desperately it had been different after the hope I had.
Overall, a great story but the dark academia vibe that was featured for this kind of fizzled out once it got going other than in the setting.
Favourite Quote - I believed my best lies myself.
Favourite Character - Rose
I enjoyed how they founded a formidable friendship that was so strong against all adversaries. It was tense, there was always drama and trauma and more things that you would have thought possible going on but it truly did highlight the dramas of 17-year-olds and how fast paced life at that age can feel.
The ending was a nice wrap up in most aspects though I wished so desperately it had been different after the hope I had.
Overall, a great story but the dark academia vibe that was featured for this kind of fizzled out once it got going other than in the setting.
Favourite Quote - I believed my best lies myself.
Favourite Character - Rose
Their Inconvenient Yuletide Wedding by Joanna Johnson
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
2.5
So, Julia and Samuel. I can see the connection between them and though the plot is *very* predictable I still enjoyed the ensuing drama I knew would be happening. That being said I do wish this was longer and more fleshed out. I liked the story, but I would have loved for their to have been more in general of both their times in Italy, them building a relationship, the ensuing drama, maybe even more of the drama between Julia and her mum. I just wished there had been *more*.
Overall though it was a decent read, a nice romance to get you feeling all cosy inside. Though for it being Yuletide themed I would have also thought there'd be more of the theme involved.
Favourite Quote - Even the smallest token would have been kept close to my heart if it was from you.
Favourite Character - Nelson
Overall though it was a decent read, a nice romance to get you feeling all cosy inside. Though for it being Yuletide themed I would have also thought there'd be more of the theme involved.
Favourite Quote - Even the smallest token would have been kept close to my heart if it was from you.
Favourite Character - Nelson
Dracula by Bram Stoker
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? No
2.5
For a book as well know and read as Dracula this is actually the first time I've ever read it. I had a vague knowledge of some of the goings on but honestly I was shocked when it came to some of what happened.
And the characters, there's so many of them. I had expected only a couple and it turns out there's a good 6+. That being said I did enjoy the change in characters diaries and journals as each had their own distinct 'voice' in which they wrote, so it was good to keep the pace going. And I enjoyed the actual story allowing them all to develop relationships between themselves when at the start most were all strangers to once another.
However, even as it may have been a good read, it is very much a book of its times. It repeatedly made me cringe at how the women were described and treated and how outdated the language and terminology was.
I also didn't expect it to be as gory as it was. I knew it was a horror but I suppose I had assumed it was an older book and so less graphic.
Overall, it was a decent read, definitely one for if you're trying to get through all the classics. Although the older English and outdated terms do make it a trial to get through at times, definitely a book to read with plenty of breaks.
Favourite Quote - Despair has it's own calms
Favourite Character - Mina
And the characters, there's so many of them. I had expected only a couple and it turns out there's a good 6+. That being said I did enjoy the change in characters diaries and journals as each had their own distinct 'voice' in which they wrote, so it was good to keep the pace going. And I enjoyed the actual story allowing them all to develop relationships between themselves when at the start most were all strangers to once another.
However, even as it may have been a good read, it is very much a book of its times. It repeatedly made me cringe at how the women were described and treated and how outdated the language and terminology was.
I also didn't expect it to be as gory as it was. I knew it was a horror but I suppose I had assumed it was an older book and so less graphic.
Overall, it was a decent read, definitely one for if you're trying to get through all the classics. Although the older English and outdated terms do make it a trial to get through at times, definitely a book to read with plenty of breaks.
Favourite Quote - Despair has it's own calms
Favourite Character - Mina
Miss Rose and the Vexing Viscount by Catherine Tinley
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
This period romance was everything you want. A mystery, pining and forbidden romance. There was so much going on that by the end I was fully invested in this relationship.
However, starting off I felt the pacing was a bit slow as I got to know the characters plus the characteristics of the three siblings were mentioned a fair few times which I probably could have lived without.
That being said, they did truly develop as the story went on and delved in deeper. The plot felt more engaging and paced well after the first third of the book.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect as well as the romance and I'm definitely going to be reading the further installments about her sisters.
Overall, a great period romance with a dash of mystery thrown in for fun.
Favourite Quote - She burned for him. She thought of him constantly. She dreamed of him while asleep and daydreamed of him while awake. Impossible daydreams.
Favourite Character - James
However, starting off I felt the pacing was a bit slow as I got to know the characters plus the characteristics of the three siblings were mentioned a fair few times which I probably could have lived without.
That being said, they did truly develop as the story went on and delved in deeper. The plot felt more engaging and paced well after the first third of the book.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect as well as the romance and I'm definitely going to be reading the further installments about her sisters.
Overall, a great period romance with a dash of mystery thrown in for fun.
Favourite Quote - She burned for him. She thought of him constantly. She dreamed of him while asleep and daydreamed of him while awake. Impossible daydreams.
Favourite Character - James
Throttled by Lauren Asher
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
This was fun. I love F1 and I love reading so what better a way to spend my time than by reading an F1 romance.
Maya and Noah's chemistry was right from the outset but it took a hell of a long time to really get into it. Which for a change wasn't a bad thing. The tension was there but it meant that a lot more of the ground work could be laid and helped me to know more about side characters who would usually be nothing more than a name on a page.
The dates they did eventually go on were cute and fun but I wish they too were a bit longer and more expanded upon. The same with race days.
But, in general this a cute romance and I am definitely going to be reading the rest of the series.
Favourite Quote - Basically, Noah is a heartache disguised in pretty packaging.
Favourite Character - Maya
Maya and Noah's chemistry was right from the outset but it took a hell of a long time to really get into it. Which for a change wasn't a bad thing. The tension was there but it meant that a lot more of the ground work could be laid and helped me to know more about side characters who would usually be nothing more than a name on a page.
The dates they did eventually go on were cute and fun but I wish they too were a bit longer and more expanded upon. The same with race days.
But, in general this a cute romance and I am definitely going to be reading the rest of the series.
Favourite Quote - Basically, Noah is a heartache disguised in pretty packaging.
Favourite Character - Maya
Bishop by Eden Summers
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
3.0
This book is a stand alone in the Hunting Her series. I've read the previous duo that introduced these characters and I was really excited to read the main event.
This was fun and fast-paced with lots of drama. So many secrets intertwined, I'd half guessed at the twist by the time it came but it was still fun to read and the development was great.
Learning about the motivations behind characters actions was really interesting as well, especially when it all came together to paint a completely different picture than to what I was thinking.
The pacing felt good for what it was although some scenes did feel more drawn out than others.
Overall, definitely one of the good mafia romances I've read. A good plot and decent length.
Favourite Quote - Sarai la mia morte belladonna. Ma morirò volentieri.
(You will be my death belladonna. But I will die willingly.)
Favourite Character - Bishop
This was fun and fast-paced with lots of drama. So many secrets intertwined, I'd half guessed at the twist by the time it came but it was still fun to read and the development was great.
Learning about the motivations behind characters actions was really interesting as well, especially when it all came together to paint a completely different picture than to what I was thinking.
The pacing felt good for what it was although some scenes did feel more drawn out than others.
Overall, definitely one of the good mafia romances I've read. A good plot and decent length.
Favourite Quote - Sarai la mia morte belladonna. Ma morirò volentieri.
(You will be my death belladonna. But I will die willingly.)
Favourite Character - Bishop
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.0
We Were Liars by e Lockhart
Something happened to Cadence summer 15 on the family island. Something happened and she can't remember and nobody will tell her. But it's summer 17 now and she is going to find out. She is going to find out the truth even if she is a liar.
---
This was a reread because I loved the book when I first read it and now after reading the twist I wanted to see how differently I would interpret it.
So this is a warning that there will be SPOILERS discussed.
.
.
.
So, the fire. How did I not see it coming? All the foreshadowing taking place, so many hidden details and references to it and yet it all just went straight over my head the first time I read it.
And about the liars. It was all there from the start, how Cadence spoke of how they were all the same and it only seemed as if she was the one who changed. How all the rooms were untouched and it was only her visiting them. How nobody else ever interacted with them.
It was all right there. Screaming at me and yet I missed it.
It was beautifully done. But let me tell you, knowing about it just made it so much sadder. The emails Cadence spoke of going unanswered but knowing now that she was sending them to a person who was dead. The scarf sent. Everything that she tried to connect yet all going answered.
Everything was just even more heartbreaking the second time around.
I loved it.
Favourite Quote - Here, in some way, we are young forever.
Favourite Character - Cadence
4/5 stars
Something happened to Cadence summer 15 on the family island. Something happened and she can't remember and nobody will tell her. But it's summer 17 now and she is going to find out. She is going to find out the truth even if she is a liar.
---
This was a reread because I loved the book when I first read it and now after reading the twist I wanted to see how differently I would interpret it.
So this is a warning that there will be SPOILERS discussed.
.
.
.
And about the liars. It was all there from the start, how Cadence spoke of how they were all the same and it only seemed as if she was the one who changed. How all the rooms were untouched and it was only her visiting them. How nobody else ever interacted with them.
It was all right there. Screaming at me and yet I missed it.
It was beautifully done. But let me tell you, knowing about it just made it so much sadder. The emails Cadence spoke of going unanswered but knowing now that she was sending them to a person who was dead. The scarf sent. Everything that she tried to connect yet all going answered.
Everything was just even more heartbreaking the second time around.
I loved it.
Favourite Quote - Here, in some way, we are young forever.
Favourite Character - Cadence
4/5 stars