blithesquesttoread's Reviews (480)


Well, can't say I was disappointed.

Fruit Punch Kisses follows the story of Mercy and Frank who have been neighbors since childhood. This trope is kind of the best one but what made it utterly beautiful was the way it was narrated. Boy, you can't compare to that. I was on the edge the whole time, anticipating what will happen next. And what got to me was these little surprises here and there.

I was giving an advance reviewer copy for this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I just realized why I hadn't any of the books by K. S. Thomas in so long. Because, every time I read one, I have to question myself whether I'll find such a beautiful story again.

You know what?? Just go ahead and read it.

TBH, I really can't decide how much I liked this book. I mean surely at some point it had me so gripped that I couldn't keep it down.

It starts off with story of Bridge. About an accident she had encountered when she was young and then we come to seventh grade following the stories of three best friends: Tab, Bridge and Emily. And then comes Sherm. And the mystery girl who isn't that big of a mystery as you come to the end. It's like when I was reading the chps for the mystery girl, all I could think about was something bad has happened like really bad. And the ending did kept me stunned. I was like - wait, what? Okay. Cool.

But anyway there are really great things said in this book really suited for teenagers. I guess i picked it up and the right age or maybe if I was a bit younger, it wouldn't have made a big difference. The title actually makes sense once you have read it, it is fairly justified (and by saying this I think I writing an answer for my English paper...)

So yes. I really am glad that I read it and I did love it. I am very much tempted to read it again this instance very carefully to see if I missed anything (which to be honest I think I have).

Do I seriously need to mention how freaking awesome this book is? Scratch that. This book is freaking adorable, intense, amazing, magnificent and all the adjectives that come to your mind. I am seriously short of those.

I'll be honest.. The first thought that came to my mind was I don't want to read this book. And trust me that would be because I knew it was going to be intense and heavy, not in a way which makes you bawl your eyes but rather in a way which makes you think. And that's the thing which I loved about this book. At first I thought the story was about a totally different couples because I wanted Gina to be center of the book but later I came to know that in a way she was.

I cannot even began to write all my thoughts about this book. So I'll keep it short. With whom we spend our lives is not a book which should be taken lightly. It's a book which should be taken seriously and with open mind because the characters, the plot and the setting has a lot to impart to us. It's filled with wisdom and comedy which frankly many of us lack and what's more? It's field with the feeling of hope and believe. To realize what's yours and seek it even if a lot of time has passed because it's never too late. It's sickly sweet to see how all the relationships mentioned in the fit into place so nicely. I just can't stop thinking about it.

And the last thing I would like to say is that Ms. Thomas does not kid. I mean she's freaking awesome. That's it. That's all I will say because frankly? I totally loooovveddd this book and I am just going to stop and fangirl over this book and its author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Amazing, just simply wonderfully Amazing!! 😍

Top 5 Reasons to Read this book

1. Middle grade book with important topic: I have always believed that Middle Grade books have much more depth than I sometimes find in adult books. This book especially discusses so much – growing up amidst conflict, immigration experience, the internal conflicts of kids, dealing with expectations and most importantly the ethics or role of a gun.
2. Immigration experience: It discusses immigration experience and the struggles that immigrants face – living in an environment they thought would provide the best opportunities, but that might or might not be true.
3. Rekindling of relationships: Friendships and Familial relationships are precious but they can be hurt or broken as easily and it covers ground about it.
4. Makes you think about right and wrong: Nothing is the same way as it is. We might think that a person is good/bad but is it the actions that are good/bad or the person? How do we classify a person in these categories? Violence might not be the answer to solutions always but how can we use that as an excuse to deny rights and freedom and justice to people. Can violence in the name of perpetual threat of petty things actually be justified – (in case you are wondering, no.)?
5. Narration is easy going and hooking: The thing about this book is, it tells you on paper about the questions asked ahead but in such a way that the authors thoughts aren’t imposed on the readers. Which is super amazing!

This book actually made me search the events of 1992 in LA. I really recommend reading this book!

Content Warnings: fires described, gun violence described, riots
Spoiler The whole novel revolves in some way around gun and what it signifies.


I was provided with an arc in exchange of an honest review


Excuse me? Why did the book end?

The Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite stories since childhood. It was always amazing to imagine that I was the Belle in my life - fearless, smart, hardworking, and a bookworm. Everything I've always wanted to be.

So it's no surprise I picked up Bookish and the Beast and loved it soo much!! It's truly one of the best retellings. I can't wait to see where this series heads next and can I request Ashley Poston to have a spin off starring Elias and Space Dad? Pretty plsss.

Oh my gosh. This is the best enemies to lovers story I've EVER read. Yeah, read that again.

The story arc, the character development, and the pacing of the story was just so right. I loved to see the dynamics between Dylan and Jonah and their respective lives. This story was so much more than a rom-com, it was a heartwarming and healing journey. The side characters were equally charming, istg.

I'm not ready to let them go just yet. I need more of Dylan and Jonah together, they're too cute oh boy.

Omg omg omgggggg, it's OVER. Like, what am I supposed to do now? Read non-gay novels? How will I ever go through the heterosexual romance pile of books sitting at my home after this. Like, seriously.

Xxjdidncofncofncicniffnoff I don't even know what to say except it's SO GOOD. PHENOMENAL. SPLENDID. SPARKLES-IN-THE-EYES-AND-GIGGLES-BURSTING-OUT-OF-MOUTH-AND-TOE-CURLING shit.

Margo Zimmerman and Abbie Sokoloff are QUEENS and they better get everything they want. Like EVERYTHING. I don't think I can stop saying OMG.