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readers_sea's reviews
402 reviews
Work It Out by Eva Siedler
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I honestly couldn't say a lot about what didn't work for me... The characters were fine and the plot was okay but I found myself dragging myself through this book. Overall, it just felt a bit flat to me. I wish there was more to root for, but the circumstances just weren't super interesting to me.
I felt like the pacing was off and a bit all over the place. Sometimes the POVs were hard to follow, but it did have potential. There were a lot of funny moments and heartwarming interactions, but as a whole, I felt it was lacking.
I felt like the pacing was off and a bit all over the place. Sometimes the POVs were hard to follow, but it did have potential. There were a lot of funny moments and heartwarming interactions, but as a whole, I felt it was lacking.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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 fell in love with this book so quickly!
This book had everything! Mystery, a bit of romance, and adventure. When I first started it, I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I loved every minute of it.
Bryce was such an amazing lead and I loved getting to know Hunt as well. The side characters also added so much to the book! I felt like the pacing of the book was actually so well done. I was never bored or waiting for something. I think the balance between the mystery and romance/character plot was perfect. Both Bryce and Hunt had so much in their lives that they needed to work through, and I loved seeing them begin to trust each other. Neither of them had a whole lot to live for, but together they found a reason!
I loved it all and I am happy with the ending. I feel like we could end it there if we wanted to, but I am still really excited to see where the rest of the series takes us. I fell in love with these characters and the storyline was so exciting. There were a lot of twists and turns throughout the whole book, and when I got towards the end I seriously couldn't put the book down! So well done, loved it!
This book had everything! Mystery, a bit of romance, and adventure. When I first started it, I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I loved every minute of it.
Bryce was such an amazing lead and I loved getting to know Hunt as well. The side characters also added so much to the book! I felt like the pacing of the book was actually so well done. I was never bored or waiting for something. I think the balance between the mystery and romance/character plot was perfect. Both Bryce and Hunt had so much in their lives that they needed to work through, and I loved seeing them begin to trust each other. Neither of them had a whole lot to live for, but together they found a reason!
I loved it all and I am happy with the ending. I feel like we could end it there if we wanted to, but I am still really excited to see where the rest of the series takes us. I fell in love with these characters and the storyline was so exciting. There were a lot of twists and turns throughout the whole book, and when I got towards the end I seriously couldn't put the book down! So well done, loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
Minor: Abandonment
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin
dark
emotional
sad
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
Finn and Autumn's story wasn't what I expected it to be, but I did enjoy it.
This book follows Finn and Autumn, they were born best friends since their moms have always been best friends. They grew up together and were always neighbors. This book follows them as they make their way through high school - they are still discovering who they are as people and eventually seem to drift apart. It wasn't a huge friendship break up and they still saw each other often because of their moms, but it was just a little different now.
Neither of them knew how to admit their feelings for the other person, so they thought it would be easier to ignore them altogether. They were civil, but it was never the same. As time goes on, family hardships come about, and just the normal life stuff occurs, they find themselves in situations where they miss each other and the easy relationship they had and slowly begin to reconnect.
I really enjoyed watching Finn and Autumn discover who they were. The ending wasn't surprising and I kind of wish that first chapter just wasn't there. It was so realistic how their friendship developed and changed as they did, but you still couldn't help but root for them.
This book surprisingly touched on a lot of harder topics, but I felt like it just added to the realness of the characters and their lives. In the end, I felt like the beginning and/or ending could've been done differently, but I am curious to see how Finn's book and his pov would change things.
This book follows Finn and Autumn, they were born best friends since their moms have always been best friends. They grew up together and were always neighbors. This book follows them as they make their way through high school - they are still discovering who they are as people and eventually seem to drift apart. It wasn't a huge friendship break up and they still saw each other often because of their moms, but it was just a little different now.
Neither of them knew how to admit their feelings for the other person, so they thought it would be easier to ignore them altogether. They were civil, but it was never the same. As time goes on, family hardships come about, and just the normal life stuff occurs, they find themselves in situations where they miss each other and the easy relationship they had and slowly begin to reconnect.
I really enjoyed watching Finn and Autumn discover who they were. The ending wasn't surprising and I kind of wish that first chapter just wasn't there. It was so realistic how their friendship developed and changed as they did, but you still couldn't help but root for them.
This book surprisingly touched on a lot of harder topics, but I felt like it just added to the realness of the characters and their lives. In the end, I felt like the beginning and/or ending could've been done differently, but I am curious to see how Finn's book and his pov would change things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Car accident, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Pregnancy
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
emotional
hopeful
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
I loved Macy and Elliot's story so much.
Macy and Elliot meet when Macy and her father buy a "vacation home" in the small town where Elliot lives. They're still young, but immediately hit it off and become inseparable. Since Elliot lives there full time and Macy doesn't, their time together is sporadic and unpredictable sometimes, but they always make the most of it when they are together. Growing up together, they saw each other grow a lot, and of course that led to first loves and other firsts.
This book is told in dual timelines. One timeline is the past when Macy and Elliot were younger and still getting to know each other. Throughout the book, we get to see them slowly grow up throughout this timeline. In the other timeline, we are in the present. The present starts a decade after Macy and Elliot last talked/saw each other. Their departure was abrupt and left a lot of questions for some characters. As the story unfolds we are leading up to the night ten years ago when they stop talking. We get to see what happened and what led them to where they are today.
This story was so well done and layered. I loved how it was told in dual timelines because I felt like both stories were unfolding perfectly. I was rooting for them in both timelines, but also so curious as to what led them to not talk for a decade after seeing how they were growing up together. This story had a lot going on, and I loved watching it all unfold. There were a lot of themes and subjects that were brought up that I wasn't expecting, but overall I really enjoyed it and these characters.
Macy and Elliot meet when Macy and her father buy a "vacation home" in the small town where Elliot lives. They're still young, but immediately hit it off and become inseparable. Since Elliot lives there full time and Macy doesn't, their time together is sporadic and unpredictable sometimes, but they always make the most of it when they are together. Growing up together, they saw each other grow a lot, and of course that led to first loves and other firsts.
This book is told in dual timelines. One timeline is the past when Macy and Elliot were younger and still getting to know each other. Throughout the book, we get to see them slowly grow up throughout this timeline. In the other timeline, we are in the present. The present starts a decade after Macy and Elliot last talked/saw each other. Their departure was abrupt and left a lot of questions for some characters. As the story unfolds we are leading up to the night ten years ago when they stop talking. We get to see what happened and what led them to where they are today.
This story was so well done and layered. I loved how it was told in dual timelines because I felt like both stories were unfolding perfectly. I was rooting for them in both timelines, but also so curious as to what led them to not talk for a decade after seeing how they were growing up together. This story had a lot going on, and I loved watching it all unfold. There were a lot of themes and subjects that were brought up that I wasn't expecting, but overall I really enjoyed it and these characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Grief, and Alcohol
Butter My Biscuit by Lyra Parish
emotional
funny
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
4.5
I LOVE HARRISON VALENTINE!!!
Harrison and Grace were seriously so perfect. There is nothing that compares to a friend-to-lovers story for me! Harrison and Grace have been besties since birth and grew up together. While they had acknowledged their feelings for each other in the past, they ultimately decided to prioritize their friendship and not do anything about it. They remained friends as both of them moved on with their lives and other people. But of course, in their hearts, they could never truly move on.
They were always good about keeping the boundaries until one night there is a kiss from then on Harrison knows that he needs to give it a real shot with Grace, but Grace still doesn't want to risk their friendship so they end up being in limbo on what to do next.
Harrison was the best! I totally understood his actions, even in the third act break up. I think he had a picture for his life, and he knew he needed to make it happen one way or another. While he preferred his life to be with Grace, she wouldn't risk that, so he needed to accept that from her and figure out what to do next for himself.
Grace was definitely a stubborn one! Although I understood her reasonings for wanting to keep the boundaries, I was shaking my book hoping that they would both open their eyes to what everyone around them was seeing between them!! I loved seeing all of Harrison's siblings give him grief about their situation, the sibling relationship is something that I always look forward to in these books, and it didn't let me down.
The angst, the banter, the chemistry, the whirlwind of a romance!! LOVED LOVED LOVED THEM SO MUCH!!! Cannot waittt to see the Valentine siblings again.
Harrison and Grace were seriously so perfect. There is nothing that compares to a friend-to-lovers story for me! Harrison and Grace have been besties since birth and grew up together. While they had acknowledged their feelings for each other in the past, they ultimately decided to prioritize their friendship and not do anything about it. They remained friends as both of them moved on with their lives and other people. But of course, in their hearts, they could never truly move on.
They were always good about keeping the boundaries until one night there is a kiss from then on Harrison knows that he needs to give it a real shot with Grace, but Grace still doesn't want to risk their friendship so they end up being in limbo on what to do next.
Harrison was the best! I totally understood his actions, even in the third act break up. I think he had a picture for his life, and he knew he needed to make it happen one way or another. While he preferred his life to be with Grace, she wouldn't risk that, so he needed to accept that from her and figure out what to do next for himself.
Grace was definitely a stubborn one! Although I understood her reasonings for wanting to keep the boundaries, I was shaking my book hoping that they would both open their eyes to what everyone around them was seeing between them!! I loved seeing all of Harrison's siblings give him grief about their situation, the sibling relationship is something that I always look forward to in these books, and it didn't let me down.
The angst, the banter, the chemistry, the whirlwind of a romance!! LOVED LOVED LOVED THEM SO MUCH!!! Cannot waittt to see the Valentine siblings again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Fighting the Forbidden by Autumn Jones Lake
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I DIDN'T KNOW THIS WASN'T A STANDALONE AND NOW BOOK 2 IS OUT IN APRIL?!? PAAAAIN!!!
(yes i saw the series name but idk why I assumed it would be companion books/series)
I'm in pain i can't wait :(
This book follows Griff and Molly. Griff is Molly's older brother's best friend whom she has always had a crush on, but never did anything about it because she assumed that Griff just saw her as a little sister as well... Griff did not. Griff has slowly been working on himself to be worthy of Molly despite all the hardships that he has endured. We follow them along as they discover these feelings for each other and the adventure that it brings along.
I really loved Griff and Molly!!
Watching Griff want to be the best man he could be for Molly was so heartwarming. I really enjoyed watching Molly get the love she deserved. The way that Griff was so protective of Molly was amazing!! I loved them together. And then the ending came!!!
I cannot wait for book 2 because what was that ending?! I have no clue what to believe, but I cannot wait to see how their story continues.
(yes i saw the series name but idk why I assumed it would be companion books/series)
I'm in pain i can't wait :(
This book follows Griff and Molly. Griff is Molly's older brother's best friend whom she has always had a crush on, but never did anything about it because she assumed that Griff just saw her as a little sister as well... Griff did not. Griff has slowly been working on himself to be worthy of Molly despite all the hardships that he has endured. We follow them along as they discover these feelings for each other and the adventure that it brings along.
I really loved Griff and Molly!!
Watching Griff want to be the best man he could be for Molly was so heartwarming. I really enjoyed watching Molly get the love she deserved. The way that Griff was so protective of Molly was amazing!! I loved them together. And then the ending came!!!
I cannot wait for book 2 because what was that ending?! I have no clue what to believe, but I cannot wait to see how their story continues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity
Dreams of 18 by Saffron A. Kent
challenging
dark
emotional
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
Violet and Graham's story was so much fun to follow!
Graham aka Mr.Edwards moves across the street on Violet's 16th birthday. From the first time she sees him, she is instantly intrigued but does nothing and avoids him as much as she can because he is the father of her best (and possibly only) friend.
On Violet's 18th birthday, she gets a little tipsy and goes over to Mr. Edwards' house. He isn't supposed to be home, so she goes just to look in his garden in the backyard. But, Mr.Edwards comes home unexpectedly early and catches her. Violet isn't thinking straight and this leads to her kissing him... and this does not end well for them as it gets witnessed and put all over social media and the papers. Mr.Edwards moves away and Violet spirals and the story takes off from there.
I feel like this story was very layered. I actually did enjoy both of our characters and their development. It was interesting to watch these characters let their guards down after being so hurt and learning more about each other. The progress of their relationship was so well done! I thought the pacing was good and I was so invested in their story.
Graham aka Mr.Edwards moves across the street on Violet's 16th birthday. From the first time she sees him, she is instantly intrigued but does nothing and avoids him as much as she can because he is the father of her best (and possibly only) friend.
On Violet's 18th birthday, she gets a little tipsy and goes over to Mr. Edwards' house. He isn't supposed to be home, so she goes just to look in his garden in the backyard. But, Mr.Edwards comes home unexpectedly early and catches her. Violet isn't thinking straight and this leads to her kissing him... and this does not end well for them as it gets witnessed and put all over social media and the papers. Mr.Edwards moves away and Violet spirals and the story takes off from there.
I feel like this story was very layered. I actually did enjoy both of our characters and their development. It was interesting to watch these characters let their guards down after being so hurt and learning more about each other. The progress of their relationship was so well done! I thought the pacing was good and I was so invested in their story.
This is War by Kennedy Fox
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed Travis and Viola!
Travis & Viola have known each other for years. Ever since Travis moved across the street and became best friends with her brother. At first, they got along very well then suddenly it all changed. Travis didn't know why Viola started to hate him, but he just went along with it and would taunt her every chance he got.
They are now in college and while Travis lives in a house with Viola's brother, Viola still lives in the dorms on campus. It is spring break and Viola doesn't want to stay on campus alone while they close it up, so she decides to go stay with her brother, except... he forgot to tell her that he is going out of town so now Viola is stuck alone in the house with Travis!
This forced proximity is tension was SO GOOD!!! I loved their banter and teasing. Getting both perspectives helped the story so much, because we were told how both characters were truly feeling on the inside. While Travis and Viola don't start as great roommates, they eventually can't ignore the tension between them anymore. They're forced to talk about the past, what happened, and if there is any future.
Travis and Viola were amazing. I loved how easily they could still read each other, even after they had a falling out. I understood both characters and loved how they were able to be mature and talk it out eventually. I was so excited to watch their relationship develop and I cannot wait to see how their story ends in book 2!
Travis & Viola have known each other for years. Ever since Travis moved across the street and became best friends with her brother. At first, they got along very well then suddenly it all changed. Travis didn't know why Viola started to hate him, but he just went along with it and would taunt her every chance he got.
They are now in college and while Travis lives in a house with Viola's brother, Viola still lives in the dorms on campus. It is spring break and Viola doesn't want to stay on campus alone while they close it up, so she decides to go stay with her brother, except... he forgot to tell her that he is going out of town so now Viola is stuck alone in the house with Travis!
This forced proximity is tension was SO GOOD!!! I loved their banter and teasing. Getting both perspectives helped the story so much, because we were told how both characters were truly feeling on the inside. While Travis and Viola don't start as great roommates, they eventually can't ignore the tension between them anymore. They're forced to talk about the past, what happened, and if there is any future.
Travis and Viola were amazing. I loved how easily they could still read each other, even after they had a falling out. I understood both characters and loved how they were able to be mature and talk it out eventually. I was so excited to watch their relationship develop and I cannot wait to see how their story ends in book 2!
Five by Sara Cate, Rachel Leigh
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I surprisingly enjoyed this one more than book one!
Personally, I feel like the two books weren't connected much, and it wouldn't have been hard to read book two without reading book one. Overall, I enjoyed this storyline and seeing the characters apart. In book one, the relationships seemed more for convenience, but seeing how they developed while they were apart was interesting.
We were also introduced to a new guy, Quintin and I actually liked him more than the guys we were introduced to in book one. He was honestly the reason why I enjoyed book two more.
Overall, I felt the pacing was better in this book and the storyline was more interesting to me.
Personally, I feel like the two books weren't connected much, and it wouldn't have been hard to read book two without reading book one. Overall, I enjoyed this storyline and seeing the characters apart. In book one, the relationships seemed more for convenience, but seeing how they developed while they were apart was interesting.
We were also introduced to a new guy, Quintin and I actually liked him more than the guys we were introduced to in book one. He was honestly the reason why I enjoyed book two more.
Overall, I felt the pacing was better in this book and the storyline was more interesting to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Torture, and Murder
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
A Greene Family Summer Bash by Piper Rayne
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
These novellas are hilarious!
I always love seeing the whole Greene family together. Seeing all the different characters and where they are in life is so entertaining!
I always love seeing the whole Greene family together. Seeing all the different characters and where they are in life is so entertaining!