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readers_sea's reviews
402 reviews
Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
Tessa and Tre really was a holiday hallmark movie, and I loved it all.
When both characters get trapped at an airport after a snowstorm blows in, they decide to continue their travels together with the last rental car available. They already got off on the wrong foot, so they aren't the best of friends but with a common destination, they choose to swallow their pride and just do it.
From the start, neither of them is happy about the arrangement and isn't shy to share that with the other person. Being complete opposites leads them in many unique situations on this drive. Along the way, they slowly start to have an understanding with each other and as they learn more about each other they realize that they aren't so bad.
I loved watching both characters open up and become comfortable with each other. It was so entertaining as they were both trapped in a car together, the forced proximity made it more fun. With their opposite personalities, it created such a fun atmosphere.
Overall such a fun time to kick off the season for me!
When both characters get trapped at an airport after a snowstorm blows in, they decide to continue their travels together with the last rental car available. They already got off on the wrong foot, so they aren't the best of friends but with a common destination, they choose to swallow their pride and just do it.
From the start, neither of them is happy about the arrangement and isn't shy to share that with the other person. Being complete opposites leads them in many unique situations on this drive. Along the way, they slowly start to have an understanding with each other and as they learn more about each other they realize that they aren't so bad.
I loved watching both characters open up and become comfortable with each other. It was so entertaining as they were both trapped in a car together, the forced proximity made it more fun. With their opposite personalities, it created such a fun atmosphere.
Overall such a fun time to kick off the season for me!
After the Storm by Laura Pavlov
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
Oh my goodness, what a perfect conclusion!!
Cage and Presley were so perfect, and when you add in little Gracie to the mix, it was everything I could’ve ever wanted. Watching Presley and Gracie get to know and fall for each other seriously had me crying! Seeing that Cage can be soft for his two girls was truly the best.
From previous books there were hints of Cage having a hard past with Presley, and when she comes back in town to tend to her father, no one knows how Cage will take it. Their past wasn’t easy, but they both acknowledged it. Recently divorced Presley didn’t think anything would happen when she came back to Cottonwood Cove. After so many years she didn’t think she could feel again, but seeing Cage for the first time quickly proved her wrong. Despite everything, they knew their lives were on opposite sides of the country and they thought they would be able to accept it when Presley needed to go back. They agreed to be friends with maybe some benefits, but when they start falling for each other all over again they knew saying goodbye wouldn’t be any easier than it was the first time years ago.
This book really took me through all the emotions. From swooning at the way Cage treated his girls one minute to laughing at the Reynolds siblings and their group chat the next! It kept me rooting for Cage and Presley to work it out. Gracie was hilarious but also made my heart so full with how she was throughout the book.
I am so so sad to be leaving the Reynolds siblings, but I will be looking forward to hopefully having glimpses of them in future books. It was so fun seeing some of their cousins, the Thomas sisters from the Honey Mountain series, and how their stories are still going!
Cage and Presley were so perfect, and when you add in little Gracie to the mix, it was everything I could’ve ever wanted. Watching Presley and Gracie get to know and fall for each other seriously had me crying! Seeing that Cage can be soft for his two girls was truly the best.
From previous books there were hints of Cage having a hard past with Presley, and when she comes back in town to tend to her father, no one knows how Cage will take it. Their past wasn’t easy, but they both acknowledged it. Recently divorced Presley didn’t think anything would happen when she came back to Cottonwood Cove. After so many years she didn’t think she could feel again, but seeing Cage for the first time quickly proved her wrong. Despite everything, they knew their lives were on opposite sides of the country and they thought they would be able to accept it when Presley needed to go back. They agreed to be friends with maybe some benefits, but when they start falling for each other all over again they knew saying goodbye wouldn’t be any easier than it was the first time years ago.
This book really took me through all the emotions. From swooning at the way Cage treated his girls one minute to laughing at the Reynolds siblings and their group chat the next! It kept me rooting for Cage and Presley to work it out. Gracie was hilarious but also made my heart so full with how she was throughout the book.
I am so so sad to be leaving the Reynolds siblings, but I will be looking forward to hopefully having glimpses of them in future books. It was so fun seeing some of their cousins, the Thomas sisters from the Honey Mountain series, and how their stories are still going!
The Enigma of Room 622 by Joël Dicker
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
3.0
Would've been better if it were shorter.
This was a very long-winded mystery that didn't need to be 500+ pages in my opinion. While I loved the complexity, I just felt like it was trying to do a lot and didn't need to. I did enjoy the overall mystery and where it led, but it was just too long and I would lose interest and multiple points in the story.
The plot was well thought out and entertaining. The multiple timelines also added a lot to the book. In the end, it wasn't bad... it was just very long.
This was a very long-winded mystery that didn't need to be 500+ pages in my opinion. While I loved the complexity, I just felt like it was trying to do a lot and didn't need to. I did enjoy the overall mystery and where it led, but it was just too long and I would lose interest and multiple points in the story.
The plot was well thought out and entertaining. The multiple timelines also added a lot to the book. In the end, it wasn't bad... it was just very long.
Mr. Hook-up by Marni Mann
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
I really enjoyed the story of Drake and Easton!
From the start, their relationship was so fun. I loved seeing how they instantly clicked with each other and was excited to see where it was going to go. Then suddenly Drake needed to leave town with no explanation and cut Easton off without much. They expect to never see each other again, but years later Drake ends up applying for the company that Easton owns without knowing that he was one of the owners. The one time they met in person was a masquerade ball, so they have no clue that they are directly working with the only person they felt such a deep connection with years ago.
I was rooting for Drake and Easton the whole time! You could really see how much they connected and how they were able to be themselves when they were together. I loved watching their story develop and they fall for each other all over again. Easton was such a gentleman even when Drake wasn't sure what she wanted.
In the end, it all works out and it was so worth it! I can't wait to see the stories of Easton's two business partners in the next books.
From the start, their relationship was so fun. I loved seeing how they instantly clicked with each other and was excited to see where it was going to go. Then suddenly Drake needed to leave town with no explanation and cut Easton off without much. They expect to never see each other again, but years later Drake ends up applying for the company that Easton owns without knowing that he was one of the owners. The one time they met in person was a masquerade ball, so they have no clue that they are directly working with the only person they felt such a deep connection with years ago.
I was rooting for Drake and Easton the whole time! You could really see how much they connected and how they were able to be themselves when they were together. I loved watching their story develop and they fall for each other all over again. Easton was such a gentleman even when Drake wasn't sure what she wanted.
In the end, it all works out and it was so worth it! I can't wait to see the stories of Easton's two business partners in the next books.
Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.0
Dennaleia is set to marry the prince of Mynaria, and she understands that is a duty of hers and is fully on board. Until she starts wondering if that's what she wants and the secrets she has been keeping slowly start to come out. When she meets the prince's sister, Mare, she discovers a new side to herself.
I loved the team that Mare and Denna became! Even as they tried to do the right things for their kingdoms, they couldn't resist the pull to each other while they were trying to find solutions for problems advancing in their kingdoms.
I was definitely rooting for them, but also wanted a bit more depth from both of them. The story was entertaining enough, but also not big on fantasy. Eventually, I will get to the next book.
I loved the team that Mare and Denna became! Even as they tried to do the right things for their kingdoms, they couldn't resist the pull to each other while they were trying to find solutions for problems advancing in their kingdoms.
I was definitely rooting for them, but also wanted a bit more depth from both of them. The story was entertaining enough, but also not big on fantasy. Eventually, I will get to the next book.
There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Meh. It was fine.
I liked the idea of the book, but not the execution. It felt a bit flat to me. I thought some elements of the book were unique, but overall I didn't find myself caring much. The ending was predictable for me, even the motivations behind everything. I wish there was a bit more mystery that I didn't see coming, but that's okay. Usual YA Mystery. I think it did was it was meant to do, but I just wasn't the target audience for it anymore.
I liked the idea of the book, but not the execution. It felt a bit flat to me. I thought some elements of the book were unique, but overall I didn't find myself caring much. The ending was predictable for me, even the motivations behind everything. I wish there was a bit more mystery that I didn't see coming, but that's okay. Usual YA Mystery. I think it did was it was meant to do, but I just wasn't the target audience for it anymore.
#murdertrending by Gretchen McNeil
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was actually pleasantly surprised by this one!
I hadn't heard much about it, so I didn't know what to expect. In the end, it was actually a lot of fun. This was such an original concept and I loved that we only knew as much as the main character (which wasn't much). It was a lot of fun trying to figure out what was going on alongside the rest of the characters as the story went on.
For a YA, it kept me on my toes and guessing the whole time. I did figure out some of the reveals beforehand, but it was still entertaining to watch it all play out. All the characters also added such a different layer to the story because of their personalities. Overall, I had a great time with this one.
I hadn't heard much about it, so I didn't know what to expect. In the end, it was actually a lot of fun. This was such an original concept and I loved that we only knew as much as the main character (which wasn't much). It was a lot of fun trying to figure out what was going on alongside the rest of the characters as the story went on.
For a YA, it kept me on my toes and guessing the whole time. I did figure out some of the reveals beforehand, but it was still entertaining to watch it all play out. All the characters also added such a different layer to the story because of their personalities. Overall, I had a great time with this one.
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
dark
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
3.0
I feel like the setup and idea were there for this one, but after a while I just got bored. The ending wasn't a complete surprise, but I also didn't care for the way it ended up. I enjoyed Shea as a main character, but I wish we got more personal with her, especially with her history.
Beth was an interesting addition to the book. Her personality was entertaining and added a bit of fun to the storytelling. I do think the story was a bit longer than it needed to be and we could've gotten to the point quicker. It did seem to drag once Shea started to have the smallest clue of what could possibly be going on.
Beth was an interesting addition to the book. Her personality was entertaining and added a bit of fun to the storytelling. I do think the story was a bit longer than it needed to be and we could've gotten to the point quicker. It did seem to drag once Shea started to have the smallest clue of what could possibly be going on.
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
dark
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
5.0
YES YES YES 100000% YES!!!
This book was seriously an adventure! I loved everything about it. The beginning was a bit slower to set things up for the rest of the book, but it was so worth it. The whole time I honestly didn't know what was going on. All the reveals made sense but also shocked me. The storytelling was os unique between the normal plotline and the story within the book.
The ending was also a nice surprise for a thriller! It was honestly the perfect ending and I loved that it was different than a typical ending. Riley Sager hasn't let me down before, and he still hasn't missed. Definitely my new favorite from him though.
This book was seriously an adventure! I loved everything about it. The beginning was a bit slower to set things up for the rest of the book, but it was so worth it. The whole time I honestly didn't know what was going on. All the reveals made sense but also shocked me. The storytelling was os unique between the normal plotline and the story within the book.
The ending was also a nice surprise for a thriller! It was honestly the perfect ending and I loved that it was different than a typical ending. Riley Sager hasn't let me down before, and he still hasn't missed. Definitely my new favorite from him though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide and Suicide attempt
Risky Game by Stacey Lynn
emotional
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
4.0
Logan and Ruby were an interesting pair.
With their age gap, Ruby being Logan's nanny for his daughter who surprisingly comes to live with him, and Logan being the new coach of the team that Ruby's older brother plays for... things get pretty messy. Despite both Logan and Ruby trying to resist the pull they feel for each other, they can't stop the progression of their relationship. Amelia, Logan's daughter, adds a different mix to the story because she isn't easily won over by Ruby. Ruby tries to get on Amelia's good side, but Amelia isn't cooperative because she just experienced a lot of changes in a short amount of time.
Seeing Ruby be so patient with the whole situation was so heartwarming. She had a lot to deal with regarding her past as well, but she was such a strong and resilient character. I enjoyed seeing the struggle that Logan went through being tempted by Ruby but also knowing that it wasn't smart to get involved. Logan was always thinking of Ruby and made her the priority, which I respected. Eventually, he realizes that he also deserves to be happy and that Ruby may be the answer to that.
This was such a swoon-worthy book and I loved the progression of their relationship. It seemed so authentic with how they slowly fell for each other without fully realizing it. Overall I loved it, and I cannot wait for more in the series! It was also a nice change to have our sports aspect be with the coach instead of a player.
With their age gap, Ruby being Logan's nanny for his daughter who surprisingly comes to live with him, and Logan being the new coach of the team that Ruby's older brother plays for... things get pretty messy. Despite both Logan and Ruby trying to resist the pull they feel for each other, they can't stop the progression of their relationship. Amelia, Logan's daughter, adds a different mix to the story because she isn't easily won over by Ruby. Ruby tries to get on Amelia's good side, but Amelia isn't cooperative because she just experienced a lot of changes in a short amount of time.
Seeing Ruby be so patient with the whole situation was so heartwarming. She had a lot to deal with regarding her past as well, but she was such a strong and resilient character. I enjoyed seeing the struggle that Logan went through being tempted by Ruby but also knowing that it wasn't smart to get involved. Logan was always thinking of Ruby and made her the priority, which I respected. Eventually, he realizes that he also deserves to be happy and that Ruby may be the answer to that.
This was such a swoon-worthy book and I loved the progression of their relationship. It seemed so authentic with how they slowly fell for each other without fully realizing it. Overall I loved it, and I cannot wait for more in the series! It was also a nice change to have our sports aspect be with the coach instead of a player.