Veronica Mars references are always going to have me warming to a book, so it’s unsurprising that Barnett, and her all Veronica Mars fangirling, totalVeronica Mars references are always going to have me warming to a book, so it’s unsurprising that Barnett, and her all Veronica Mars fangirling, totally stole my heart.
Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of my all time favourites authors and See You Yesterday has only further cemented that. SYY is heartfelt, funny, messy and, as with most of Rachel’s books, features some beautifully honest discussions surrounding mental health, sex and body image. With its superbly executed time loop twist, gorgeously complex and lovable characters and adorable romance, this, for me, was the perfect rom-com read....more
With a charming cast of characters, witty dialogue and a moving rivals-to-lovers romance, this was a delight to read.
The journalism investigation broWith a charming cast of characters, witty dialogue and a moving rivals-to-lovers romance, this was a delight to read.
The journalism investigation brought a surprisingly addictive mystery to the plot, the positive therapy representation was great to see and the discussions surrounding body image and self worth were absolutely wonderful. I thought Samantha did such a beautiful job of exploring and discussing Wyn’s relationship with her size and body. It was sensitive, honest and empowering and the kind of narrative I wish my teen self could have read. All in all, had a lot of fun with this book (and can’t help but think it would make the best Netflix series???)
In the acknowledgments, Chloe says she wanted to write this series as a haven for readers and that’s exactly what sMy heart is so very full right now.
In the acknowledgments, Chloe says she wanted to write this series as a haven for readers and that’s exactly what she’s achieved. This is such a beautiful series and one that highlights romantic, familial and platonic love with care and heart. I’m going to miss these characters so much (although I know I’ll be rereading these books many times in the future) but as sad as I am to see it end, Viggo and Tallulah’s story was the perfect way to conclude this gorgeous series. ...more
The standout element of this book was the fibromyalgia rep, which was so refreshing and brilliant to read. Other than that, this was a fun read but ulThe standout element of this book was the fibromyalgia rep, which was so refreshing and brilliant to read. Other than that, this was a fun read but ultimately felt a little long winded and sadly didn’t grip me as much as I’d hoped it would. ...more
Well, well, well... would you look at that, I think Chloe Liese just turned me into a second-chance/marriage-at-risk romance fan.
This was utterly gorgWell, well, well... would you look at that, I think Chloe Liese just turned me into a second-chance/marriage-at-risk romance fan.
This was utterly gorgeous. It was warm, sweet, honest and full of emotiona. The discussions surrounding mental health, communication and the idea of the 'perfect marriage' were A+. Freya and Aidan were wonderful characters to follow and I don't think I've rooted for a couple this hard in a while. As always, everything this big lovable family did made my heart happy and I'm already craving the next book in the series....more
This series had my name written all over it. A twisted, gory, curse and secret filled boarding school fantasy adventure mystery, with a focus on femalThis series had my name written all over it. A twisted, gory, curse and secret filled boarding school fantasy adventure mystery, with a focus on female friendship and starring four teens destined to follow the paths of various fairytale princesses? What more could I possibly want?
Yes, it was a little messy in places but I had so much fun with it I couldn’t have cared less. This was a brilliantly addictive, entertaining, brutal and heartwarming read and I enjoyed every moment of my time within its pages.
I love the way Alchia Dow writes sci-fi. As with her previous two novels in this companion series, A Song of Salvation explored topics such as trauma I love the way Alchia Dow writes sci-fi. As with her previous two novels in this companion series, A Song of Salvation explored topics such as trauma and colonisation in an impactful and engaging way, whilst also being a epic space adventure filled with joy and love and action. The characters in this book were wonderful and whilst I admit I found myself a little confused at moments, this was an all round enjoyable read and a great way to end a series I would very much like to do a reread marathon of at some point.
If you’re a fan of Becky Chambers’ sci-fi’s, with their wholesome character dynamics and space antics, I would highly recommend Alechia’s books....more
Brilliantly exploring the struggles of coming of age whilst living with the constant fear for the livelihood of undocumented loved ones, While You WerBrilliantly exploring the struggles of coming of age whilst living with the constant fear for the livelihood of undocumented loved ones, While You Were Dreaming expertly balances adorable rom-com movie worthy moments with scenes of heart wrenching familial turmoil.
Featuring an adorable sibling love-triangle, a sisterly bond that's given time to grow and shine on page, heroic acts of bravery in many forms, a heart warming journey of self love, female friendships, cosplay, anxiety representation and so much more, While You Were Dreaming is a multilayered, fun and timely YA contemporary I would wholeheartedly recommend.
TW: discussions of deportation, fatphobia (challenged) ...more
I truly think Liselle Sambury is one of the most exciting new writers to have hit my shelves in the past few years. Having adored her Blood Like MagicI truly think Liselle Sambury is one of the most exciting new writers to have hit my shelves in the past few years. Having adored her Blood Like Magic duology, I was hugely looking forward to this book and it didn't disappoint. Deeply atmospheric, creepy, thrilling, heartbreaking and thought provoking Delicious Monsters is a ghost story, investigative thriller and family saga all rolled into one evocative and addictive novel. Exploring childhood trauma, toxic parents, racism and the unjust treatment Black girls experience at the hands of society, this is a book that highlights the way in which the 'natural' is more often than not just as terrifying and cruel as the 'supernatural'.
TW's copied from the authors goodreads review: childhood sexual assault (off page, some details discussed), childhood physical abuse (corporal punishment, off page, described), childhood physical abuse (confinement punishment), childhood neglect, gaslighting, grooming, suicide (off page, mention), killing of a goat (off page, described), discussions of fatphobia, body horror/gore, violence, death...more
I absolutely adored this adorable, funny, sexy, heartwarming rom-com. The characters were gorgeous, the romance was adorable and the discussions surroI absolutely adored this adorable, funny, sexy, heartwarming rom-com. The characters were gorgeous, the romance was adorable and the discussions surrounding body positivity, self acceptance and diet culture were fabulous. Overall, this was a super fun, super cute romance with a wonderful message (and a set of adorable grandparents). I can’t wait to read more from Amy Lea in the future.
TW: fatphobia, discussions around weight and diet culture...more
I absolutely adored this wonderful, wonderful book and have officially come to the conclusion that Rachel Lynn Solomon is a true master rom-com writerI absolutely adored this wonderful, wonderful book and have officially come to the conclusion that Rachel Lynn Solomon is a true master rom-com writer. The plus size rep was fabulous and Rachel's approach to mental health and depression in this book did so much to my heart. This was squee worthy, real, adorable, honest, filled with gorgeous characters and was basically everything you could want in a rom-com.
Black Flamingo was a truly stand-out read for me when I read it back in 2019, so I was beyond excited to read this upon its release and whilst it was Black Flamingo was a truly stand-out read for me when I read it back in 2019, so I was beyond excited to read this upon its release and whilst it was a enjoyable enough read, it sadly didn't blow me away.
The writing was hit or miss in terms of flow and at points, felt simply like clunky sentences, rather than the Atta's lyrical and rhythmic poetry I fell for in Black Flamingo. The characters and the relationships also fell flat for me and whilst I enjoyed following the relationship between Mack and his Dad, I wish I'd felt something other than frustration towards the friendships and romance (both of which felt pretty toxic to me?) Whilst I commend Atta for the topics he covered, I do wonder whether this is a case of trying to do to much in one book? That being said, this was an enjoyable read that definitely had its moments but unfortunately didn't live up to the beauty of Black Flamingo. ...more
This was an absolute joy. It was funny, warm hearted, angsty, magical and messy. The references to The Little Mermaid made my heart singSO. MUCH. FUN.
This was an absolute joy. It was funny, warm hearted, angsty, magical and messy. The references to The Little Mermaid made my heart sing. Sean specifically was such a wonderful character to follow and I grew to love the messy and petty but lovable Crest. This was such a fun twist on a rom-com and seeing such casual non-binary and plus sized rep was a joy.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable and utterly adorable coming-of-age queer rom-com a touch of mermaid magic and great discussions surrounding gender, sexuality, mental health and forging your own path. ...more
although difficult and incredibly emotional to read at times, this was utterly gorgeous. it hurt my heart in more ways than one but it was ultimately although difficult and incredibly emotional to read at times, this was utterly gorgeous. it hurt my heart in more ways than one but it was ultimately gorgeous.
3.5* An entertaining, upbeat read that'll leave you with a smile on your face. The plus size representation was a breath of fresh air to see in a rom-3.5* An entertaining, upbeat read that'll leave you with a smile on your face. The plus size representation was a breath of fresh air to see in a rom-com and Serena's journey of self love and discovery was so much fun to follow.
TW: fatphobia, body shaming, sexual harassment...more
I have mixed feelings on this one and I’m still not 100% where I stand with it. On the one hand, it was a lovely story of self acceptance and the damaI have mixed feelings on this one and I’m still not 100% where I stand with it. On the one hand, it was a lovely story of self acceptance and the damage fatphobia and body shaming can do to people of all ages. It was painful and honest and honestly like a punch in the guy at times.
My issue is, I’m not sure that the fatphobia, triggering diet message from Ellie’s mother and bullying Ellie endured was outweighed by the positivity or ‘happy’ ending? This isn’t inherently bad but my worry is that this book is aimed at young readers, young readers who are potentially impressionable enough to read words like ‘carbs are bad’ etc. and hone in on them, rather than the 20% of the book in which the body positive message shone through.
So yeah. I’m unsure. I think the idea was sound and incredibly important but I’m undecided on it’s execution. That being said, this was an emotional read and had a few aspects shifted a little, it had the potential to be a new favourite but unfortunately it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
TW: dieting, fatphobia, body shaming, bullying, mention of starvation, parental abuse (mental) ...more
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