candycains's reviews
63 reviews

The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger

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mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

As far as mysteries, this was one of the best build ups I've read in a while. But the reveal felt soft, and really didn't make any sense at all.
I was totally expecting a cult, so the fact that it was just one couple that wanted an apartment??? Like, I understand why, but you're right next door, deal with it??
Great otherwise.
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

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dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Starts off so slow and with such an annoying character that I almost DNF'd a few times. Luckily I stuck it out because the end is very entertaining, but WOOF the first half is tough. Also I haven't seen that sad of queer representation in a minute. Why was everyone somehow a predatory lesbian???
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When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

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adventurous dark emotional fast-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? Yes

5.0

I adored this book. It's so short that I miss it. I need more
Funny Story by Emily Henry

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emotional reflective 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

4.5

Of all the Emily Henry books I've read so far, this is by far my favorite. Both characters felt lovable yet relatable, and I loved the fake dating element. I wish it had been played into more if I'm being honest. 
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

As far as rom coms, this is one of the few where the male main character feels realistic yet still dreamy. I personally have preferred  other main female characters much more, but the story and pacing is unique and well done.
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

This book was incredibly enjoyable for what it was: a silly romance.  Don't read this expecting any form of a plot, because there's barely one for miles, but it's nice to read and turn your brain off. Also it's pretty rushed in my opinion. This is a rare book where I think longer and more time to flesh out conflict would have made the book a bit better.

Also the ending was an absolute let down. Nothing happened. 
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

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funny mysterious reflective tense slow-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

4.25

A fantastic character study with some mystery mixed in. I felt
unsatisfied with the way savanna was handled considering how much of the book revolves around her
and it could have been a tad but shorter, but fantastic other then that. The characters felt very real.
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan

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lighthearted 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? Yes

3.75

In a book about audiobook narrators, what killed this book was the audiobook narrator. The Irish make lead felt like a caricature, the black female main characters were very obviously voiced by a white woman, and the whole thing threw me off. Maybe I'll read a physical copy of this one day.


Edit: I worked through it and once you get over the voice, I'd say it's a fun romance. It has one of the most realistic dialogues I've listened to, and it doesn't fall into the miscommunication trope any more than it needs to. Worth the read, but probably try the book first.
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The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

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lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

4.0

Very sweet book that's a very easy read. Read the whole thing in an afternoon.