This was the perfect conclusion to the series! I laughed, I cried, I squealed (I screamed "WHAT!?" out loud at that beautiful plot twist). I've wantedThis was the perfect conclusion to the series! I laughed, I cried, I squealed (I screamed "WHAT!?" out loud at that beautiful plot twist). I've wanted a West and Sophie book since To Have and To Hoax, and this was everything I needed it to be and more. So well worth the wait
I'm sad the series is over, but look forward to more from Martha Waters, I'm excited to read whatever she has to offer next...more
I've been wanting to write a review of this for a month, but I just don't have the words. This book looked into my soul and soothed so many broken pieI've been wanting to write a review of this for a month, but I just don't have the words. This book looked into my soul and soothed so many broken pieces. It's an injustice Goodreads only lets you rate up to five stars because this book deserves at least 17. It was not only my favorite book I read in 2023, it shot to the top ten favs of all time
The story, the prose, the soft romance, everything, it was absolute perfection...more
Okay, before I say anything, I need to start by saying I flew through this book, was so addicted to these characters and their story. And when Nolan aOkay, before I say anything, I need to start by saying I flew through this book, was so addicted to these characters and their story. And when Nolan and Levi get their own books (they better be getting their own books!) I will be devouring those two. So this is coming from a place of "I loved this book, but..."
Because I loved this book. Loved Shay, and her beautiful, messy self. Loved her strength, her struggles, and how hard she fights to keep her head above water despite being so hurt. I felt that so much. Optimism is often portrayed as naivity, but in actuality it's often an act of resistance, a choice to be positive because otherwise the darkness will swallow you alive. I love that her strength came from that stubborn determination even when everything else in her life was falling apart
I loved the Graham brothers. I did. I adore these boys. Just. I don't even have words. All the love. They were all so fun and dynamic and each added their own thing to the book and just. I love them
I especially loved getting to see them grieve through Shay's eyes. As someone who has never lost anyone to death, but has lost people a lot of other ways, it was so special ans unique to see grief portrayed through the eyes of someone like me. To get to see her process grief she didn't fully understand because the people she loved were going through it was just. So. Good.
And parts of Shay and Brooks relationship had me annotating "me and who??? When???" Because I want what they have. The way he spoke to very specific things in her life just hit so close to home and I adored them so much
This book also had me equal parts sobbing and cackling out loud, which we love to see
But...
Brooks needed a POV. For the first half of the book he's a *jerk* and we're just supposed to write it off even though he's actively antagonizing and hurting Shay. And I think while it wouldn't excuse it, being in his head would have given the reader more time to process it, to go along with him on his own messy journey
Honestly, while I loved what they became, at the beginning, Shay deserved better. After everything she's been through she didn't deserve a grumpy one who made snap judgements about her based solely on what state she was from and who then went out of his way to antagonize her until she proved him wrong. After everything she'd been through, she deserved a sunshine one of her own, someone she didn't have to prove herself to or beg for acceptance. She deserved so much more. Again, love where they ended up, but I feel like it's very easily excused how much of an ass Brooks was to her for a good half of the book because "he had his own stuff going on." Cool motive, still an asshole
But Shay is also not without fault. Brooks deserved someone who didn't know his exact worst fear and use it againt him in a moment of panic. There was a third act breakup and in my opinion the resolution was...a little too easy and clean
Personally, I think their relationship needed to be messier. Or. Rather. There should have been an acknowledgement of how messy it was. A repeated theme was "there's nothing to forgive" but the thing is...there was. They both hurt each other deeply. And the issue I had with their relationship wasn't the hurt, because we're human, we hurt people we love, it was the refusal to really acknowledge it as such. I would have liked less "they're utterly perfect for each other" and more "maybe 'perfect for each other' is two imperfect people just so deeply committed to being held accountable and doing better next time." Which the book *almost* did. I think the book thinks it did that. But because we erased so much with "there's nothing to forgive" or "we've moved on even though we never really talked about it or acknowledged it" it rang a little hollow for me
Again. I love Brooks and Shay. I love them together. I just wish their relationship had been handled a little differently
But overall, I adore this book. I devoured it. I will devour books from this author in the future. There were just a few things that didn't quite hit the way I wanted them to. But I would still absolutely recommend ...more
Shakespeare really out here saying "haha, racism is the height of comedy"
There is nothing redeeming about this play. The courtroom scene?? Are. You. FShakespeare really out here saying "haha, racism is the height of comedy"
There is nothing redeeming about this play. The courtroom scene?? Are. You. Freaking. Kidding. Me?? Absolutely not. And because the characters are all so blatantly and casually racist, it makes it impossible to actually like any of them, even when they aren't being racists
This is a great example of how being a minority doesn't give you a free pass, you can still benefit from privilege and contribute to oppression in other ways, because wow, Portia is the worst
Jessica was rather sweet, I wanted nothing but the best for her. And Shylock was actually a really interesting character and could have been such a compelling character if Shakespeare had actually seen him as more than an stereotype and actually given him the development he deserved. He made some really compelling speeches, I really loved some of what he said
Anyway. I adore Shakespeare, but he was super racist and deserves all the criticism for it. This play? Not it. Words cannot express how disappointed I am with this one, it's going back in the shelf and I'll probably never touch it again......more
The relationships in this book were problematic as all get out, but wow was this book funny and I just really loved some of the characters
Both AntiphoThe relationships in this book were problematic as all get out, but wow was this book funny and I just really loved some of the characters
Both Antipholus characters need therapy, so much anger, oh my goodness. Luciana has major "pick me" energy. Adriana needs to be nicer to Dromio, but otherwise can do no wrong my heart is hers. Dromio is 12/10, oh my goodness, adore both these characters, their dialogue SPARKLED, they were so funny and clever...more
I went into this feeling like unlike Little Thieves—which I will recommend to EVERYONE—this was going to be more a book I enjoyed and less one I recomI went into this feeling like unlike Little Thieves—which I will recommend to EVERYONE—this was going to be more a book I enjoyed and less one I recommended
And on the one hand, I was right, this book isn't one I'll be sharing on #Bookstagram every other second to remind everyone to read, but overall I ADORED it. There were a few things I didn't love, but for a personal enjoyment book, I don't really care, I'm willing to set them aside
This book is everything. It's beautiful and honest and FUN and more than I ever could have dreamed. If Emeric and Vanja weren't already my absolute FAVORITE couple, they would be after this book
On the other hand, the more I think about it, the more I hated the ending and the more it ruined and undid everything good from the rest of the book. I feel betrayed. It undid Vanja's entire arc for this book and feels like a cheap grab at a cliffhanger ending. I don't mind cliffhangers, and wouldn't have minded this one ending on a different one. But that particular ending? No. It's a no from me. It sucked every beautiful feeling I was feeling away and not in a satisfying way. I went into the book apprehensive, but saying "but I trust Margaret Owen to handle things right." And for most of this book all she did was further gain my trust. But the ending broke it completely. I'm *salty* Book 3 is going to have to work *hard* to earn back my trust, and I'm no longer confident the author can pull that off
I have more. A lot more. Both that I loved and that didn't quite sit with me. But I think this is all I'll say. Because at the end of the day, it's a personal enjoyment book. So I'm going to keep the rest of my thoughts about it personal
While this book was a bit basic for me and I didn't necessarily find anything that really helped or stood out to me, I would buy it for someone who isWhile this book was a bit basic for me and I didn't necessarily find anything that really helped or stood out to me, I would buy it for someone who is just starting their healing journey
All of this information are things I already know, but had to piece together from various sources and I think having it all in one place, not having to hunt it down and sort through it all, would be so helpful to someone just starting out overwhelmed by the ideas of beginning a healing journey
So if you're wondering "where do I even start?" this book might be a great read for you. But if you're already further in and are looking for something deeper, this might not be the best book for you
The author has a really engaging voice and I'll confess I did skim, but it was an easy read and not overwhelming while also clearly and compassionately conveying their message
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free digital copy. No review was required and all thoughts are my own...more
Zero stars for my decision to read this while working because it made me cry xD All the stars because it's an incredible book about depression, body iZero stars for my decision to read this while working because it made me cry xD All the stars because it's an incredible book about depression, body image, and healing. I received a free ebook copy but will be buying a paperback to add to my collection, this was beautiful and jumped to the list of favorite poetry books
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ebook copy of this book. No review was required and all thoughts are my own...more
For a book that promised *gentle* writing advice, I was not planning for it to give off the vibe of when you just meet someone and you're thinking "woFor a book that promised *gentle* writing advice, I was not planning for it to give off the vibe of when you just meet someone and you're thinking "wow, your enthusiasm level is *so high* right now and I'mma really really need you to bring it down...several hundred levels"
Instead of a quiet chat over tea, it felt like the author was running around me in circles, talking so fast that their sentences slur together and I'm dizzy just listening
They also tried *so hard* to be funny in a way that didn't hit for me. Also, I wasn't expecting*so much* language (yes, there's a warning at the beginning. Unfortunately, I had already requested the book on NetGalley, so I decided to try it anyway, because I want to keep my NetGalley score up)
It also just...felt like there was nothing really of substance. It felt like the author was writing an entire book to say "I don't know what will work for you, you'll have to figure it out for yourself" which isn't necessarily bad advice, but notice how I said it in a sentence?
I don't know what I was expecting. But it wasn't this... :/...more
I always struggle to rate poetry that doesn't hit for me, because it's deeply personal
However, this volume was very disjointed, poetry books tend to hI always struggle to rate poetry that doesn't hit for me, because it's deeply personal
However, this volume was very disjointed, poetry books tend to have a theme, this one was all over the place, starting with what I thought were love poems but then either turned into or had always even friendship poems, then became poems about grief, then spirituality, the social media and how much the author hated it, mental illness, and other topics, but I stopped tracking. It just felt so disjointed it made it really hard to connect with any of it. None of them poems felt particularly deep and many didn't sit right with me (and some takes I just vehemently disagreed with)
All in all it wasn't super memorable, nothing stood out to me, save a few things that really rubbed me the wrong way. But overall, it probably won't take up much space in my mind after this
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free digital advance reader copy; no review was required and all thoughts are my own
Okay, going to be honest and say I skimmed the action parts, I wasn't here for the fantasy xD But that's a me thing, I do with whenever I read fantasyOkay, going to be honest and say I skimmed the action parts, I wasn't here for the fantasy xD But that's a me thing, I do with whenever I read fantasy, it wasn't exclusive to this book
But the romance? The characters? They have my heart, my whole entire heart
The story started a bit actiony (there was a lot of death) and there were a lot of points of view to get used to. But once I got into it, the story really found its footing and I found myself flying through it
I wanted Jared and Kathleen to end up together before they even met xD And I SQUEALED over their first meeting. And all their interactions after, they sparkled on page together and I just want more and more of them. They are end game for me and if that doesn't happen, I'mma be so grumpy xD They were so fun and sweet and angsty and there was just the perfect amount of tension and emotion between them
The fake marriage bits were definitely my favorite, that whole part was just SO GOOD. I'm giddy just thinking about it, it was *chef's kiss*
But also. While I don't ship Kathleen with Heathron, I love that sunshine prince so much and he deserves the world. I sincerely hope he gets a happy ending (just...not with Kathleen. I'm holding out for him and Larissa ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eCopy of this journal. All thoughts are my own and no review is required
This journal is beautiful, itThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eCopy of this journal. All thoughts are my own and no review is required
This journal is beautiful, it made me cry just reading the prompts. Because I had an eCopy, I wasn't able to actually write in the book, but I'm excited to buy myself a paper copy so I can use it, this is a valuable resource I can see myself using again and again
I think some people might call it childish, and some of the prompts almost do seem juvenile, but I also think that's also a valuable key to healing your inner child. Inner work isn't always clinical discussion and technical names. Sometimes it's giving yourself permission to scribble all your fears in a guided journal and let them go
The prompts were also really unique, there were several I'd never considered and made me have sort of a lightbulb "oh my goodness, that's what I need!" moment
For my Christian friends, there were one or two places where "the Universe" is mentioned, but as it's a journal you're meant to write in anyway, it's be very simple to simply write over it and add God where he should be acknowledged
All in all, a very valuable resource and one I would recommend to anyone struggling with any form of anxiety, whether an anxiety disorder or simply struggling with some anxious thoughts...more
I really didn't want to, I even tried skimming, but I just...I can't. I wanted to love this book. And I *did* love the parts the synopsis pDNFing this
I really didn't want to, I even tried skimming, but I just...I can't. I wanted to love this book. And I *did* love the parts the synopsis promised
But it's also about a magic amulet that destines the two main characters to be together and while I LOVE insta-love, it's a stretch, even for me. And the synopsis gave no indication of any sort of magic plotline, I thought it was straight historical romance
The characters were sweet, and I'm happy imagining them living happily ever after together. I just... can't make myself read the rest of the book to see them get there :/
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this! No review was required and all thoughts are my own
This book was so sweetThank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this! No review was required and all thoughts are my own
This book was so sweet, oh my goodness!!! I loved Jane and Penvale so much. The stakes were honestly very low and I think this might be the weakest book in the series, but it's still really fun and sweet and I loved it! I ADORED Jane, she reminded me of Jane Eyre, and this book had light-hearted Jane Eyre meets Northanger Abbey vibes :3 Penvale was so sweet and different than the other heroes in this series. I love how pragmatic both Jane and Penvale were, and how their relationship threw them for a loop because it didn't fit into the pragmatic lives
All in all, I really loved this one and can't wait for the next book in the series!
This was cute! It had the basic story and cuteness of Romeo and Juliet. Some of the vibes of the dialogue was butchered. I get they changed it up, butThis was cute! It had the basic story and cuteness of Romeo and Juliet. Some of the vibes of the dialogue was butchered. I get they changed it up, but felt like they could have kept some of the warmth and humor
My biggest complaint is the choice to make the Capulets and only the Capulets Black. The Capulets are the abusive, more hotheaded and prone to violence family in the original story (and in this adaptation as well). And while I am always so happy to see characters of color on adaptations on Shakespeare's work, this specific choice felt wrong. I would have loved to see other characters of color filling other roles. While I know both the Montegues and the Capulets are at fault, the short definitely leans toward the Capulets being the more violent aggressors so it was disappointing to see the only characters of color filling that role. I would have preferred a more widely diverse cast...
All in all, it was cute, but not spectacular and definitely not free of issues...more
I didn't hate it, there were some really great parts, Julia and Gregory were very cute together and some of the parts had me squealing
ButDNFing at 25%
I didn't hate it, there were some really great parts, Julia and Gregory were very cute together and some of the parts had me squealing
But it's also failing to hold my interest and Julia's "not like other girls" just makes me very meh. Don't get me wrong, I love Julia, but I'm not sure why we need to pit her against all the other girls. It feels very much like Gregory likes her because she's ✨special✨ unlike all the other girls he's ever met who are apparently plain and boring. He could just like her and appreciate her—and even appreciate the way she's under by others—without all the "not like other girls" nonsense
I didn't hate what I read and I might revisit it in the future. But for now, it feels more like an obligation than anything else to read it, so I'm freeing myself of that
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advance ebook copy. No review was required and all thoughts are my own...more
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