kellylayne's reviews
466 reviews

Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander

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emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

I thought this book was phenomenal! The  romance was adoreable and joyful, but what really elevated the book for me was the evolution and growth of the relationship between Eli (a transmasc gay man) and his well-intended-but-dont-always-get-him parents. I loved that Eli and his parents got a happy ending too 😊. I also adored Nick's queer-awakening arc and the way he negotiates co-parenting with his ex-wife.
Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? No

5.0

I adored this! Cute, fluffy and sweet - plus mouthwatering descriptions of food.
Hold Me Under by Riley Nash

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

"Dark romance" really isnt for me as I am learning. I know others love this, but in my opinion, the author does not treat the characters' extremely traumatic pasts or their related mental illnesses with the care and nuance these topics deserve.
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

All the Right Notes by Dominic Lim

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-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

3.75

I thought the writing was great, especially for a debut author, and loved the main character's journey. However, I found something was really lost with the first person single POV here. I wanted to know so much more about Emmet and his journey. At times, I was quite frustrated by Quito's seeming lack of interest in Emmet's life outside of their interactions.
Honeytrap by Aster Glenn Gray

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

A gorgeous, though at times very sad, love story. In addition to being completely invested in the main characters and their relationship, I loved the book's nuanced exploration of what it meant to be a Soviet or an American in the Cold War Era 
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

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challenging dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Very well written and thought-provoking. I thought the book generally provided a nuanced and accurate description of gendered and sexual violence, and the publics response to it, with the exception of a b-plot in which a little known performance artist makes questionable abuse claims against a minor character. Its not so much that the accusers actions are unrealistic but the idea that someone could make such thin claims against a man and the majority of lefties/feminists would blindly rally around her, costing the man his job, is not believeable. It feels like a right-wing stereotype of progressive feminists rather than reality. In reality, its still difficult to get people to believe and take action credible accusations, let alone ones this spurious. The main plot did a much better job of offering a realistic scenario in which people might rally around a victim at significant cost to the questionably accused.
One Night in Hartswood by Emma Denny

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adventurous emotional hopeful 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? Yes

4.5

Delay of Game by Ari Baran

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emotional hopeful reflective tense 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? Yes

4.5

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-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

5.0