Scan barcode
rdmoreland0801's reviews
248 reviews
Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey
funny
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
3.75
Cute, quick read from Amazon First Reads. I enjoyed the story, but it felt a little rushed. I think this is due to trying to span an entire year in only 144 pages.
Sumner fell head over heels, while Britt’s took longer to get to that point. I wish we had gotten to see more of the relationship-building, as every on-page encounter was about three months apart.
I enjoy Tessa Bailey and am looking forward to her first full-length hockey romance.
Sumner fell head over heels, while Britt’s took longer to get to that point. I wish we had gotten to see more of the relationship-building, as every on-page encounter was about three months apart.
I enjoy Tessa Bailey and am looking forward to her first full-length hockey romance.
The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Let me start by saying , I was a little concerned on where this book was going to go. At the end of book one, two of the main characters were killed.
However, I think the second book was even better than the first. The characters are much more morally gray, as opposed to black and white.
There were also quite a few plot twists I didn’t see coming. There were a few predictable storylines, but the end gave me whiplash.
All in all, I’m looking forward to the third and final book. I feel like these books appeal to individuals who don’t necessarily need perfect writing or absolute seriousness. There are quite a few pop culture references and some of the dialogue is cheesy. However, I think they cover great topics and bring enjoyment.
However, I think the second book was even better than the first. The characters are much more morally gray, as opposed to black and white.
There were also quite a few plot twists I didn’t see coming. There were a few predictable storylines, but the end gave me whiplash.
All in all, I’m looking forward to the third and final book. I feel like these books appeal to individuals who don’t necessarily need perfect writing or absolute seriousness. There are quite a few pop culture references and some of the dialogue is cheesy. However, I think they cover great topics and bring enjoyment.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Murder
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
We finally get an ending to Jacks’ story after waiting for so long. After everything he went through with Tella and then Evangeline, I wouldn’t accept anything other than a happy ending.
The only thing I would’ve changed is more Jacks and less Apollo. I could’ve done without Appolo’s POV entirely. I was hoping to see Eva fall for Jacks all over again while trying to regain her memories, but we did still see many sweet moments.
Chapter 42 absolutely gutted me when Eva finally confessed her feelings. Our girl wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Everyone saying Jacks never had a true confession of his feelings must have missed that the entire series is his confession. No matter what words were coming out of his mouth, he always showed he cared for her. He protected her, got jealous over her, and was even going to destroy his own heart to keep her safe. Eva may have fallen first, but Jacks fell much harder.
I also wish the bonus scenes had been included I. The standard edition, as they really are that extra little oomph to their happily ever after.
Overall, I’m sad the story is over but it couldn’t have ended any better.
The only thing I would’ve changed is more Jacks and less Apollo. I could’ve done without Appolo’s POV entirely. I was hoping to see Eva fall for Jacks all over again while trying to regain her memories, but we did still see many sweet moments.
Chapter 42 absolutely gutted me when Eva finally confessed her feelings. Our girl wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Everyone saying Jacks never had a true confession of his feelings must have missed that the entire series is his confession. No matter what words were coming out of his mouth, he always showed he cared for her. He protected her, got jealous over her, and was even going to destroy his own heart to keep her safe. Eva may have fallen first, but Jacks fell much harder.
I also wish the bonus scenes had been included I. The standard edition, as they really are that extra little oomph to their happily ever after.
Overall, I’m sad the story is over but it couldn’t have ended any better.
That First Date by Jenn McMahon
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
Very cute. I love the entire crew that formed in the first book.
Avery is strong and independent, but also still healing from the trauma of her past. Marc hopes to have a family one day, but is still walled off after his last girlfriend cheated on him.
They both have their things to work out, but they find solace in each other as they fake an engagement in order for Marc to inherit the real estate company. Avery and Marc are perfectly matched, their wit and sarcasm rivaling each other. They really knew how to get under each other’s skin.
Oliver has found his mystery girl, and I’m looking forward to his story. However, I’m REALLY looking forward to Emeline and Logan’s story, if the Ford brothers don’t kill him first for chasing after their baby sister.
The only part I disliked are the spelling and grammatical errors throughout. There was a lot of “I’m” instead of “I am”, and a few missing words here and there.
Avery is strong and independent, but also still healing from the trauma of her past. Marc hopes to have a family one day, but is still walled off after his last girlfriend cheated on him.
They both have their things to work out, but they find solace in each other as they fake an engagement in order for Marc to inherit the real estate company. Avery and Marc are perfectly matched, their wit and sarcasm rivaling each other. They really knew how to get under each other’s skin.
Oliver has found his mystery girl, and I’m looking forward to his story. However, I’m REALLY looking forward to Emeline and Logan’s story, if the Ford brothers don’t kill him first for chasing after their baby sister.
The only part I disliked are the spelling and grammatical errors throughout. There was a lot of “I’m” instead of “I am”, and a few missing words here and there.
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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 have no words. Absolutely phenomenal.
I love all of these characters so much.
Elspeth, who takes no shit even from the nightmare in her head. Ravyn, who is more than he ever knew and who would do anything to save those he loves. Ione, who felt so much, even when she shouldn’t have felt a thing. Elm, who took the brunt of the pain holding out hope for a better world. And of course, the Shepherd King, our sassy companion and protector.
This story was so interesting and ended so beautifully. I laughed way more than I expected for a story that is meant to be dark. I honestly don’t think there could be a better ending.
I love all of these characters so much.
Elspeth, who takes no shit even from the nightmare in her head. Ravyn, who is more than he ever knew and who would do anything to save those he loves. Ione, who felt so much, even when she shouldn’t have felt a thing. Elm, who took the brunt of the pain holding out hope for a better world. And of course, the Shepherd King, our sassy companion and protector.
This story was so interesting and ended so beautifully. I laughed way more than I expected for a story that is meant to be dark. I honestly don’t think there could be a better ending.
Butter Witch by Tess Lake
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Cute little cozy mystery, perfect for fall. Great cast of characters, which includes a talking cat! The voice actor for the audiobook is fantastic as well.
These are perfect little stories for my drives to work, as I can finish them in about three days during my commute.
I’m looking forward to hearing more stories about Harlow and the Torrent witches.
These are perfect little stories for my drives to work, as I can finish them in about three days during my commute.
I’m looking forward to hearing more stories about Harlow and the Torrent witches.
Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
3.75
This was a cute YA murder mystery loosely based on Pride and Prejudice. It’s been probably 15 years since I read it, so I can’t say I remember much.
Although parts of the story were pretty predictable, I did enjoy all the crazy antics Lizzie got into and the ridiculous situations she found herself in.
I’ll definitely be reading the next one.
Although parts of the story were pretty predictable, I did enjoy all the crazy antics Lizzie got into and the ridiculous situations she found herself in.
I’ll definitely be reading the next one.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
While this is not a book I would naturally gravitate toward, it took me by surprise. The magic system is interesting and there’s a great cast of supporting characters.
From the first page, we are thrown into a world of troubling magic, espionage, and a budding romance. Without a dull moment anywhere in the story, i had trouble putting the book down (except when I was too tired to stay awake).
We are definitely left with a cliffhanger, so I’m glad I waited to read this until the second book was about to be released.
From the first page, we are thrown into a world of troubling magic, espionage, and a budding romance. Without a dull moment anywhere in the story, i had trouble putting the book down (except when I was too tired to stay awake).
We are definitely left with a cliffhanger, so I’m glad I waited to read this until the second book was about to be released.
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-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? Yes
4.0
First half of this book was 3.5⭐️ and the second half 4.5⭐️, rounding to an even 4⭐️.
It took a little too long for the plot to be revealed and for all relevant characters to get where they needed it to be. It was giving me similar vibes to Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens, with a lot of jumping back and forth between too many characters.
The last 75-100 pages were great though. I’m still not quite sure what the entire point of the story was, but I can appreciate a happy ending.
It took a little too long for the plot to be revealed and for all relevant characters to get where they needed it to be. It was giving me similar vibes to Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens, with a lot of jumping back and forth between too many characters.
The last 75-100 pages were great though. I’m still not quite sure what the entire point of the story was, but I can appreciate a happy ending.
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
Please keep in mind, this is very much YA. While there is murder and war, the story is told from the perspective of a 14 year old girl.
The narrator was great and made it feel like you were in Mona’s mind as a young teenager being thrown into a war as a hero she did not want to be.
Mona is the only wizard left to defend her city from a traitor and his band of ruthless killers. After an attempted murder, Mona discovers there’s even more to the story and now she has to save the city.
However, she only has baking magic. With that, we get an army of giant bread creatures, and angry sourdough starter, and naughty gingerbread men. With her faithful gingerbread companion and a street orphan named Spindle, Mona sets out to do what the grown-ups should have prevented.
I very much enjoyed the story, especially with all the little quirks throughout. I also like that we get a child telling an adult authority figure that none of this should have been the responsibility of a child and telling them to do better.
The narrator was great and made it feel like you were in Mona’s mind as a young teenager being thrown into a war as a hero she did not want to be.
Mona is the only wizard left to defend her city from a traitor and his band of ruthless killers. After an attempted murder, Mona discovers there’s even more to the story and now she has to save the city.
However, she only has baking magic. With that, we get an army of giant bread creatures, and angry sourdough starter, and naughty gingerbread men. With her faithful gingerbread companion and a street orphan named Spindle, Mona sets out to do what the grown-ups should have prevented.
I very much enjoyed the story, especially with all the little quirks throughout. I also like that we get a child telling an adult authority figure that none of this should have been the responsibility of a child and telling them to do better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder