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rdmoreland0801's reviews
248 reviews
A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn
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
There was definitely some cute and funny parts, but Huxley was kind of an asshole. He treated Lottie like shit at the beginning, with the exception of their first meeting. He all of a sudden realizes he likes her, but takes a 10-year old boy’s approach to letting her know.
I really liked Lottie and I think she stood up for herself really well until the end. I’m not saying people don’t deserve second chances, but she could’ve made him work harder,
It really bothered me that Kelsey was always so quick to defend him, and she was never immediately on her own sister’s side. I’m glad she finally understood where Lottie was coming from when she explained it to her though.
I’ll continue with the series, but I really hope that JP and Breaker are less grumpy and more fun.
I really liked Lottie and I think she stood up for herself really well until the end. I’m not saying people don’t deserve second chances, but she could’ve made him work harder,
It really bothered me that Kelsey was always so quick to defend him, and she was never immediately on her own sister’s side. I’m glad she finally understood where Lottie was coming from when she explained it to her though.
I’ll continue with the series, but I really hope that JP and Breaker are less grumpy and more fun.
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.75
Minus .25⭐️ simply for the word “skud” and how often it is used.
Jokes aside, I really enjoyed this first book in the Skyward series. I am new to Brandon Sanderson’s work and was nervous about jumping into the Cosmere. I think this was a great place to start. I will definitely be continuing the series.
The FMC is such a badass, with a talking ship and a slug for a mascot. The supporting cast made was everything you’re looking for in a found family.
I went through such an array of emotions throughout this story, catching myself laughing or tearing up. There are so many highs and lows, and the ending was perfect.
I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed the narration by Suzy Jackson. I feel immersed in the story and could feel all of the emotions. I will continue the series in audio.
Jokes aside, I really enjoyed this first book in the Skyward series. I am new to Brandon Sanderson’s work and was nervous about jumping into the Cosmere. I think this was a great place to start. I will definitely be continuing the series.
The FMC is such a badass, with a talking ship and a slug for a mascot. The supporting cast made was everything you’re looking for in a found family.
I went through such an array of emotions throughout this story, catching myself laughing or tearing up. There are so many highs and lows, and the ending was perfect.
I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed the narration by Suzy Jackson. I feel immersed in the story and could feel all of the emotions. I will continue the series in audio.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and War
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
♾️⭐️
I could never give this book enough praise!
This duology was so beautifully written, from the rivalry, the war, and the romance. I experienced such a wide array of emotions throughout this story, and I wish I could read it for the first time again.
Divine Rivals was my top read of 2023 and Ruthless Vows has proven it could be my top read of 2024. ❤️
P.S. I would absolutely love an Attie book!
I could never give this book enough praise!
This duology was so beautifully written, from the rivalry, the war, and the romance. I experienced such a wide array of emotions throughout this story, and I wish I could read it for the first time again.
Divine Rivals was my top read of 2023 and Ruthless Vows has proven it could be my top read of 2024. ❤️
P.S. I would absolutely love an Attie book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and War
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
About three hours into the audiobook and it just hadn’t grabbed my attention. My goal for 2023 was to try to DNF at least one book because life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy (I’ve never DNf’d). I hit that goal with my very last book of the year.
The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Well, this book was definitely interesting. El finally has friends and they are all working together to graduate.
Orion is still super awkward, but I’m glad he finally admitted his feelings out loud. And I absolutely adore their little bickering romance. The romance is not the main plot of the story, but it is a nice little addition.
I can’t wait to see how the story wraps up in the final book of the trilogy. I hope to see El accomplish everything she has planned while in the Scholomance.
Orion is still super awkward, but I’m glad he finally admitted his feelings out loud. And I absolutely adore their little bickering romance. The romance is not the main plot of the story, but it is a nice little addition.
I can’t wait to see how the story wraps up in the final book of the trilogy. I hope to see El accomplish everything she has planned while in the Scholomance.
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Better than the first book, but still feels like it’s missing something. We learn the names of all these people just to see them all die without ever forming a connection to them. It’s missing the emotion.
Alina goes through some really good character development in this book, starting to grow into her powers and leaning a little into darkness. However, she continues to dampen her powers in order to keep Mal, who is ready to leave the Little Palace.
I really enjoy Nikolai’s banter and cockiness. Valisy is an idiot. Tamar and Tolya are growing on me. The Darkling seems to be losing his mind.
We’ll see how the third book concludes the story. I want to enjoy it, but I’m really reading to set up for Six of Crows.
Alina goes through some really good character development in this book, starting to grow into her powers and leaning a little into darkness. However, she continues to dampen her powers in order to keep Mal, who is ready to leave the Little Palace.
I really enjoy Nikolai’s banter and cockiness. Valisy is an idiot. Tamar and Tolya are growing on me. The Darkling seems to be losing his mind.
We’ll see how the third book concludes the story. I want to enjoy it, but I’m really reading to set up for Six of Crows.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
This book was just the right amount of dark to be enjoyable, especially as a YA novel. Ava Reid has the ability to walk that very thin line without being too much.
Effy constantly thinks she is losing her mind, and the reader could easily believe that as well. After accepting a chance to remodel her favorite author’s house after his death, Effy finds herself trapped by the very thing she’s constantly running away from.
While there, she meets Preston, who knows exactly how to push her buttons. He’s very standoff-ish and comes off as a little pretentious.
I enjoyed the budding romance and the fairness with which Preston treats Effy. Even once they return to school, Preston refuses their work to be published without Effy’s name on it. In the end, they more than uncovered the truth - they fought for justice and the advancement of women in a male-dominated field.
Effy constantly thinks she is losing her mind, and the reader could easily believe that as well. After accepting a chance to remodel her favorite author’s house after his death, Effy finds herself trapped by the very thing she’s constantly running away from.
While there, she meets Preston, who knows exactly how to push her buttons. He’s very standoff-ish and comes off as a little pretentious.
I enjoyed the budding romance and the fairness with which Preston treats Effy. Even once they return to school, Preston refuses their work to be published without Effy’s name on it. In the end, they more than uncovered the truth - they fought for justice and the advancement of women in a male-dominated field.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Murder
Wreck the Halls 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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
November book club read.
Cute story, sometimes cringy dialogue. My favorite part was just the instant deep connection Melody and Beat had from their very first meeting as teenagers.
Knowing that they both felt that strong pull to one another melted my heart.
This book did feel a little rushed, like Tessa Bailey was trying ti just push it out before the holidays. Definitely not the quality I would expect from her writing, but that won’t stop me from continuing to read her books.
Cute story, sometimes cringy dialogue. My favorite part was just the instant deep connection Melody and Beat had from their very first meeting as teenagers.
Knowing that they both felt that strong pull to one another melted my heart.
This book did feel a little rushed, like Tessa Bailey was trying ti just push it out before the holidays. Definitely not the quality I would expect from her writing, but that won’t stop me from continuing to read her books.
Hidden Witch by Tess Lake
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
Cute little addition to the Torrent Witches story. I love these short little cozy mysteries.
I enjoyed getting more Harlow and Jack together, I just hope we continue to see the uptick.
After the end of the last book, I’m still worried for Harlow’s future. I don’t feel like we got any resolution in this book, so I’m hoping to see more throughout the remaining seven books.
I enjoyed getting more Harlow and Jack together, I just hope we continue to see the uptick.
After the end of the last book, I’m still worried for Harlow’s future. I don’t feel like we got any resolution in this book, so I’m hoping to see more throughout the remaining seven books.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Please read the content warnings before reading!
This story is not for the squeamish. That being said, I died laughing from the very beginning of the content warnings.
I listed to the audiobook to and from work and I definitely think that’s the best way to be immersed in the story. The voice actors were amazing and really helped me envision the characters.
This was the funniest yet most disgusting book I've ever read. I absolutely cannot wait for the other Kane brothers' stories.
This story is not for the squeamish. That being said, I died laughing from the very beginning of the content warnings.
I listed to the audiobook to and from work and I definitely think that’s the best way to be immersed in the story. The voice actors were amazing and really helped me envision the characters.
This was the funniest yet most disgusting book I've ever read. I absolutely cannot wait for the other Kane brothers' stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Torture, Cannibalism, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Sexual assault, and Death of parent