readingmaria's reviews
539 reviews

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The spiciest Bridgerton book in the series so far. And it breaks a little from the regular formula - how refreshing.
To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I think this is my favourite Bridgerton novel in the series! I really enjoyed Eloise and Phillip, and the entire book made me smile or laugh. 
So You Wanna Be A Pop Star?: A Choices Novel by Zachary Sergi

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inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you RP Teens for my copy of So You Wanna Be a Pop Star by Zachary Sergei. What a great book about friendship, unity, and divatude!

I love this type of choose-your-own adventure style of a story, and Zachary writes them so well! I love how the book connected in the end. Now, if you’re looking for something that’s more of a puzzle to figure out, then I do recommend Major Detours, which I really felt more in-control of how that one ended.

If you’re looking for something that’s a more modern story with lots of drama and more about the journey, SYWBAPS is the book for you!

Either way, you’re in for a great read.
The Shadow List by Jen Sookfong Lee

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reflective slow-paced

4.0

So well written, I love the language in these poems! 
Bad Cree by Jessica Johns

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A really strong debut! Sure, the book felt like it dragged on just a little bit in the middle, but when it gets good it gets GOOD! I love how the situation that happens in the book is tied to the greed and destruction of Indigenous land. 

If you’re looking for something different to read, pick this one up for sure!
The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Unfortunately, you have to wait until June to read this amazing book 😩

Thank you to @netgalley & @grandcentralpub for giving me access to #TheDrowningWoman by @rhardingwriter. I flew through this book!

This thriller is about a homeless woman who strikes an unlikely friendship with a rich woman, who we quickly learn is in a damaging relationship with her husband…and the influence of money, power, and the promise of safety, if it’s to be believed.

I don’t want to give too much away, but wow. This book was gripping right from the very start, and I loved every step of the way. I really enjoyed the unlikelihood of some of the aspects of this friendship, I think it really added to the suspense of the whole novel.

Overall, this was a fun read, which keeps you guessing until the end. When this comes out in June, it has all the making for the perfect summer thriller, even though it might not be the perfect crime…😎🔥
Two for the Road by Chantel Guertin

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funny lighthearted medium-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? No

4.0

Super cute book about a romance bookstore owner who goes on holiday to meet the man of her dreams - someone who narrated one audiobook with an oh-so-dreamy voice. 

I loved the UK setting (omg, I want to go take a bus tour now there), and the characters were all unique and memorable in their own way. Such a fun romcom!
The Widow by Kaira Rouda

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tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book is full of ruthless, cutthroat unlikeable characters which was great. You can have a lot of fun hating on them!

If you’re into the whole American politics / political suspense books scene, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one! I think the book dragged on in a couple of places, but other than that it’s an entertaining read for sure! 
These Days Are Numbered: Diary of a High-Rise Lockdown by Rebecca Rosenblum

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funny reflective slow-paced

5.0

A real honest look at how the pandemic impacted one extrovert, who found it hard to navigate the world in a pandemic. But don’t be fooled - this book is hilarious and has such an authentic voice!
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Just as great on audio as it was reading the physical copy!