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leichamoo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
rnfortier's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Such a sweet and adorable story with a cute cast of characters.
I read this book to balance out a darker one that I was reading at the same time and it was perfect for that.
I read this book to balance out a darker one that I was reading at the same time and it was perfect for that.
shoerliii's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.25
rodanoar's review against another edition
4.5
For all I know, any author could include all the tropes that Mandanna used in this book and I would still love it. There's something heartwarming about reading a good found family story. Seeing a romance blossom between two opposites also leaves me feeling accomplished.
However, this book is more than that. It's a cozy fantasy with a brilliant, diverse cast. Choosing a favorite character would be impossible, even if my life depended on it. Each character is unique, well-developed, and feels real. I'd love to befriend them all. I also admire everyone, but the one I think most highly of is Mika. She had everything to be, well, miserable, but I appreciated her bravery in trying to tackle people with her sunshine attitude and view in life.
What I've mentioned could apply to several other books, but I particularly enjoyed Mandanna's work because of the messages she conveyed. For example, she emphasizes that regardless of your background, sexuality, stage in life, choices, or how different you think you are, you still deserve to belong and be happy. She also points out that trauma needs to be revisited to heal, if you believe it's best for you. Lastly, she distinguishes between being nice and being kind. That spoke to me a lot, and despite never taking that into consideration, I think it will stick with me. It’s one of that life lessons, you know? You find them in experiences, in people you know, and in books too 💖
This could have been a five-star read, and it came close. It had me giggling and kicking my feet like a manic, because ✨I just love love✨
Even so, my issue relies in the ~ sexy chapter ~. There was some foreshadowing about it between the main couple, but it felt messy and out of character. For instance, Jamie refused to kiss Mika when she was delirious with fever, but it was okay when they were drunk? Furthermore, the setting was her childhood home, a place filled with Mika’s conflicting feelings and memories... I would prefer the woods to be honest… And…. I love Jamie as any of the nextdoor girlies, but he licked her nose 😨 Am I missing something?
Also, for such a cozy book, the swearing seemed unnecessary. It didn't bother me too much, but it's a minor critique and probably a personal preference.
However, this book is more than that. It's a cozy fantasy with a brilliant, diverse cast. Choosing a favorite character would be impossible, even if my life depended on it. Each character is unique, well-developed, and feels real. I'd love to befriend them all. I also admire everyone, but the one I think most highly of is Mika. She had everything to be, well, miserable, but I appreciated her bravery in trying to tackle people with her sunshine attitude and view in life.
What I've mentioned could apply to several other books, but I particularly enjoyed Mandanna's work because of the messages she conveyed. For example, she emphasizes that regardless of your background, sexuality, stage in life, choices, or how different you think you are, you still deserve to belong and be happy. She also points out that trauma needs to be revisited to heal, if you believe it's best for you. Lastly, she distinguishes between being nice and being kind. That spoke to me a lot, and despite never taking that into consideration, I think it will stick with me. It’s one of that life lessons, you know? You find them in experiences, in people you know, and in books too 💖
This could have been a five-star read, and it came close. It had me giggling and kicking my feet like a manic, because ✨I just love love✨
Even so, my issue relies in the
Also, for such a cozy book, the swearing seemed unnecessary. It didn't bother me too much, but it's a minor critique and probably a personal preference.
piajensen13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
summtime's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
aclopez6's review
4.0
I fully expected to fall in love with this book as it has many of my favorite tropes and themes: grumpy/sunshine romance, finding one’s community after trauma, found family, etc. This was a great read, but I simply didn’t connect with the characters much. I would still recommend this to folks looking for a fun read, especially during spooky season.
lynalyna06's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0