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rdmoreland0801's reviews
248 reviews
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
There was a lot of things to learn about this world and magic system. While we got some of that, I still felt like it was lacking.
So far, I like Alina and her personality. She still has a long way to go in mastering her power.
I’m not sure how I feel about other characters yet. I was hoping the Darkling would prove me wrong, but…
I will continue with the series, especially because I’ve heard so many things about Six of Crows. I just hope we learn and understand more along the way.
So far, I like Alina and her personality. She still has a long way to go in mastering her power.
I’m not sure how I feel about other characters yet. I was hoping the Darkling would prove me wrong, but…
I will continue with the series, especially because I’ve heard so many things about Six of Crows. I just hope we learn and understand more along the way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and War
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
The story was cute, but there was definitely some things that annoyed me throughout.
Enjoyed:
Any scene with Anastasia and Nate being cute and couple-y. She’s a smartass and he loves it. She needs someone to take care of her and he is ready to do it.
Anastasia’s relationship with the other hockey guys, esepecially Henry. He is so sweet and blatantly honest. Protect him at all costs. I totally understand wanting to marry him, in a completely unromantic way.
Annoyed:
Anastasia’s relationship with Aaron. It wouldn’t have annoyed me so much if it didn’t last until the very end of the book. Aaron is a complete piece of shut, no redeeming qualities. The scene at the competition crossed too many lines.
Enjoyed:
Any scene with Anastasia and Nate being cute and couple-y. She’s a smartass and he loves it. She needs someone to take care of her and he is ready to do it.
Anastasia’s relationship with the other hockey guys, esepecially Henry. He is so sweet and blatantly honest. Protect him at all costs. I totally understand wanting to marry him, in a completely unromantic way.
Annoyed:
Anastasia’s relationship with Aaron. It wouldn’t have annoyed me so much if it didn’t last until the very end of the book. Aaron is a complete piece of shut, no redeeming qualities. The scene at the competition crossed too many lines.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Eating disorder
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
funny
informative
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
4.5
**4.5⭐️**
Ali Hazelwood does it again. She continues to be an automatic read for me. This was her YA debut and I think she knocked it out of the park.
I can tell you, I don’t give a lick about chess. I don’t know how to play and can’t say I’ve ever watched, but the story was very engaging either way.
While I wish we had gotten more of the relationship on-page, I am happy with the way it ended. Both Mallory and Nolan are very private people, and the ending played into that very well.
Ali Hazelwood does it again. She continues to be an automatic read for me. This was her YA debut and I think she knocked it out of the park.
I can tell you, I don’t give a lick about chess. I don’t know how to play and can’t say I’ve ever watched, but the story was very engaging either way.
While I wish we had gotten more of the relationship on-page, I am happy with the way it ended. Both Mallory and Nolan are very private people, and the ending played into that very well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Sexual content
The Dare by Elle Kennedy
funny
lighthearted
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
3.0
Definitely a flat 3⭐️ for me and my least favorite of Elle Kennedy’s books so far.
Conor is absolutely adorable but with his own insecurities. I really liked Taylor toward the end of the book, but she drove me insane for a good portion of the story.
I absolutely loved the Off-Campus series. I think what the Briar U series is missing is that friendship or connection between the lead characters.
This book especially felt like we were getting a story about two random new characters, as neither of them were really set up beforehand. Without that emotional connection, the story just felt flat.
Conor is absolutely adorable but with his own insecurities. I really liked Taylor toward the end of the book, but she drove me insane for a good portion of the story.
I absolutely loved the Off-Campus series. I think what the Briar U series is missing is that friendship or connection between the lead characters.
This book especially felt like we were getting a story about two random new characters, as neither of them were really set up beforehand. Without that emotional connection, the story just felt flat.
The Play by Elle Kennedy
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? Yes
3.75
I really loved Hunter as a side character in Summer’s book, but I feel like he lost some of that cute charm when he got his own story.
I did enjoy Demi’s character, especially once she got out of her relationship with her idiot ex.
I also really liked Hunter and Demi’s friendship and would have been okay with them remaining friends. Hunter is so sweet and really does look out for his friends, but there was just something missing from the romance.
Overall, not bad, but also not the best.
I did enjoy Demi’s character, especially once she got out of her relationship with her idiot ex.
I also really liked Hunter and Demi’s friendship and would have been okay with them remaining friends. Hunter is so sweet and really does look out for his friends, but there was just something missing from the romance.
Overall, not bad, but also not the best.
Treasure Witch by Tess Lake
adventurous
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? No
4.0
Cute, cozy mysteries. I enjoyed getting a deeper look into the Torrent family history.
The relationships are all adorable. I appreciated getting a little more Harlow and Jack, even though it’s still not enough.
Excited to see where the story goes.
Also, Aunt Cass is my spirit animal.
The relationships are all adorable. I appreciated getting a little more Harlow and Jack, even though it’s still not enough.
Excited to see where the story goes.
Also, Aunt Cass is my spirit animal.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
The Risk by Elle Kennedy
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Brenna and Jake are my absolute favorite Off-Campus/Briar U couple. Brenna is a badass who gives cocky Jake a run for his money. Their outrageous personalities and flirty banter made this book so enjoyable.
I was literally laughing out loud almost the entire book. I loved the original Off-Campus characters, but there’s something unhinged about this new group and I’m here for it.
I was literally laughing out loud almost the entire book. I loved the original Off-Campus characters, but there’s something unhinged about this new group and I’m here for it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
The Chase by Elle Kennedy
emotional
funny
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
3.5
I enjoyed the book, but was slightly disappointed that I liked some of the side characters more than the main characters.
I felt terrible for Hunter and almost wished Summer ended up with him instead. He adored her and was really putting an effort it, while Fitzy was being a moron.
I did finally come around to the relationship after they both started opening up some more, but that wasn’t until after the halfway point in the book.
I feel like the supporting characters were really holding up the first half of the book.
I felt terrible for Hunter and almost wished Summer ended up with him instead. He adored her and was really putting an effort it, while Fitzy was being a moron.
I did finally come around to the relationship after they both started opening up some more, but that wasn’t until after the halfway point in the book.
I feel like the supporting characters were really holding up the first half of the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
I think I felt every possible emotion while going through this book. My favorite will forever be the sassy dragons - grumpy Tairn and snarky, teenage Andarna.
My mental health is struggling knowing we have no news of the third book yet.
I don’t want to have to kidnap Ms. Yarros and force her to write the next book, but I will do whatever is necessary to aid the revolution. ❤️
My mental health is struggling knowing we have no news of the third book yet.
I don’t want to have to kidnap Ms. Yarros and force her to write the next book, but I will do whatever is necessary to aid the revolution. ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Death of parent, and War
What Are The Odds?: A college hockey romance (Phil-U Book 1) by Madison Leigh
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.75
I thought this was a cute story with interesting characters. I don’t like the bet that Levi and Ryker made, but I’m glad they both decided to stop it before it got too far.
Levi and Grave were sweet, as they built a genuine friendship before going further. I also absolutely adored the relationship that Grace had with the rest of the guys.
The grammar was rough throughout a lot of the book, which I think pulled me out of the story a little bit. I also got very similar vibes as The Deal by Elle Kennedy, but that may just be because I read too many college hockey romances.
Overall, I will continue with the series.
Levi and Grave were sweet, as they built a genuine friendship before going further. I also absolutely adored the relationship that Grace had with the rest of the guys.
The grammar was rough throughout a lot of the book, which I think pulled me out of the story a little bit. I also got very similar vibes as The Deal by Elle Kennedy, but that may just be because I read too many college hockey romances.
Overall, I will continue with the series.