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booksnapsandcatnaps's reviews
402 reviews
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Practice Makes Perfect" by Sarah Adams is a delightful and entertaining read for those looking for a charming and fluffy romance.
One of the highlights of the book is its side characters, who give off strong Gilmore Girls vibes. Their presence adds depth and charm to the story, making it even more enjoyable.
The main romance in the book is as cute and fluffy as expected. The conversations between the characters are engaging, and their encounters are delightful to read. I particularly appreciated how both characters were open about their wants and expectations, adding a refreshing honesty to their relationship.
However, I did have some issues with the protagonist, Annie. She came across as young and immature, making it challenging to connect with her character. Despite this, I found her quirks endearing and added to her overall charm.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and while the narrators did a great job, there was a slight disconnect in how the characters were portrayed. Annie sounded quite young, while Will sounded much older, making their interactions awkward. I believe I might have enjoyed the story more if I had read it instead.
Overall, Practice Makes Perfect is a fun and light-hearted read that delivers on its promise of a cute romance. It's a perfect choice for fans of fluffy contemporary romances looking for a feel-good story.
One of the highlights of the book is its side characters, who give off strong Gilmore Girls vibes. Their presence adds depth and charm to the story, making it even more enjoyable.
The main romance in the book is as cute and fluffy as expected. The conversations between the characters are engaging, and their encounters are delightful to read. I particularly appreciated how both characters were open about their wants and expectations, adding a refreshing honesty to their relationship.
However, I did have some issues with the protagonist, Annie. She came across as young and immature, making it challenging to connect with her character. Despite this, I found her quirks endearing and added to her overall charm.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and while the narrators did a great job, there was a slight disconnect in how the characters were portrayed. Annie sounded quite young, while Will sounded much older, making their interactions awkward. I believe I might have enjoyed the story more if I had read it instead.
Overall, Practice Makes Perfect is a fun and light-hearted read that delivers on its promise of a cute romance. It's a perfect choice for fans of fluffy contemporary romances looking for a feel-good story.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow is a captivating gothic fantasy that weaves together themes of power, family, love, and the search for belonging. Set in the eerie Starling House, this book reads like a cozy gothic fairytale, drawing readers into its mysterious and atmospheric world.
Despite the protagonists being adults in their mid-to-late 20s, the story has a youthful feel, which may be off-putting to some readers. At times, I thought the characters were teenagers, which slightly impacted my immersion in the story.
The pacing in the first half of the book is quite slow, which made it challenging to get fully invested in the story. However, the second half picks up significantly, drawing readers deeper into the mystery of the Starling House and its secrets. The gradual unraveling of the house's mystery was both surprising and satisfying, adding depth to the narrative.
One of the highlights of the book is the development of the characters, particularly the protagonist, who starts off as a "tougher-than-nails" heroine but gradually lets her walls down, especially in her relationship with Arthur. However, Arthur himself felt stale and lacking in depth, which was a bit disappointing. The romance between Opal and the warden of the Starling House felt somewhat rushed and like an afterthought, but it still had its endearing qualities.
Overall, Starling House is a compelling read that combines mystery, romance, and fantasy elements. While the pacing may be a bit slow at times, and some characters could have been more developed, the story is engaging and full of surprises, making it a worthwhile read for fans of gothic fiction.
Despite the protagonists being adults in their mid-to-late 20s, the story has a youthful feel, which may be off-putting to some readers. At times, I thought the characters were teenagers, which slightly impacted my immersion in the story.
The pacing in the first half of the book is quite slow, which made it challenging to get fully invested in the story. However, the second half picks up significantly, drawing readers deeper into the mystery of the Starling House and its secrets. The gradual unraveling of the house's mystery was both surprising and satisfying, adding depth to the narrative.
One of the highlights of the book is the development of the characters, particularly the protagonist, who starts off as a "tougher-than-nails" heroine but gradually lets her walls down, especially in her relationship with Arthur. However, Arthur himself felt stale and lacking in depth, which was a bit disappointing. The romance between Opal and the warden of the Starling House felt somewhat rushed and like an afterthought, but it still had its endearing qualities.
Overall, Starling House is a compelling read that combines mystery, romance, and fantasy elements. While the pacing may be a bit slow at times, and some characters could have been more developed, the story is engaging and full of surprises, making it a worthwhile read for fans of gothic fiction.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"Funny Story" by Emily Henry is a delightful blend of romcom and introspective women's fiction that hits all the right notes. The banter between the characters is top-notch, with moments that are so funny you'll want to re-read them to savor the humor. Clearly, Henry has a deep affection for her characters, and it shines through in her writing.
The characters themselves are beautifully crafted, with Daphne and Miles feeling like real people you could meet on the street. Their journey of self-discovery, which is deeply rooted in their past traumas, is both relatable and heartwarming. It's refreshing to see a romance that develops slowly and authentically, as they navigate their own issues and find solace in each other.
I particularly appreciated that the characters are in their early thirties, as it added depth and maturity to their story. The emotional connection between Daphne and Miles is palpable, and Henry does a fantastic job of developing their relationship in a genuine and heartfelt way.
One of the things I loved most about "Funny Story" is its simplicity. There's no grand, sweeping plot here; instead, it's just people interacting with people and navigating their own issues. It's a story about summer, libraries, and finding joy in new experiences, and it's wonderfully charming.
Overall, "Funny Story" is a sweet and engaging read that will leave you with a smile on your face. While it didn't quite bring me to tears like Henry's "Happy Place," it's still a solid 4.5-star read that I highly recommend.
The characters themselves are beautifully crafted, with Daphne and Miles feeling like real people you could meet on the street. Their journey of self-discovery, which is deeply rooted in their past traumas, is both relatable and heartwarming. It's refreshing to see a romance that develops slowly and authentically, as they navigate their own issues and find solace in each other.
I particularly appreciated that the characters are in their early thirties, as it added depth and maturity to their story. The emotional connection between Daphne and Miles is palpable, and Henry does a fantastic job of developing their relationship in a genuine and heartfelt way.
One of the things I loved most about "Funny Story" is its simplicity. There's no grand, sweeping plot here; instead, it's just people interacting with people and navigating their own issues. It's a story about summer, libraries, and finding joy in new experiences, and it's wonderfully charming.
Overall, "Funny Story" is a sweet and engaging read that will leave you with a smile on your face. While it didn't quite bring me to tears like Henry's "Happy Place," it's still a solid 4.5-star read that I highly recommend.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Okay, so "A Darker Shade of Magic" is one of those books where the setting steals the show. I mean, parallel Londons with varying levels of magic? That's just genius, and it had me hooked right from the start.
I wanted to like the characters, but they felt flat. Kell and Lila are both pretty badass in their own ways, and their dynamic is compelling. The one detail about Lila at the end really has me eyeing the rest of the series.
Now, the plot... well, let's say it's not exactly breaking new ground. It's a solid story, but it won't blow your mind with its originality. The pacing is also a bit slower than you might expect for a dark, action-packed adventure. It's more like a leisurely stroll through a fantastical world, which is fine, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea.
What really stands out, though, is Schwab's writing style. There's just something about the way she writes that draws you in and keeps you engaged. It's like she has this signature tone that's just so captivating.
The ending was pretty satisfying and nicely wrapped up most of the loose ends. I'll continue with the trilogy, but I don't feel like I need to rush into it immediately.
Overall, "A Darker Shade of Magic" is a solid start to what promises to be an intriguing series. It may not be the most groundbreaking book out there, but it's worth a read, especially if you're into clever world-building and strong characters.
I wanted to like the characters, but they felt flat. Kell and Lila are both pretty badass in their own ways, and their dynamic is compelling. The one detail about Lila at the end really has me eyeing the rest of the series.
Now, the plot... well, let's say it's not exactly breaking new ground. It's a solid story, but it won't blow your mind with its originality. The pacing is also a bit slower than you might expect for a dark, action-packed adventure. It's more like a leisurely stroll through a fantastical world, which is fine, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea.
What really stands out, though, is Schwab's writing style. There's just something about the way she writes that draws you in and keeps you engaged. It's like she has this signature tone that's just so captivating.
The ending was pretty satisfying and nicely wrapped up most of the loose ends. I'll continue with the trilogy, but I don't feel like I need to rush into it immediately.
Overall, "A Darker Shade of Magic" is a solid start to what promises to be an intriguing series. It may not be the most groundbreaking book out there, but it's worth a read, especially if you're into clever world-building and strong characters.
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Alright, so I've been a fan of the Finlay Donovan series, but I have to say, "Rolls The Dice" didn't quite hit the mark for me as the earlier books did.
The first two books had this perfect balance of light-hearted humor and suspense, but with this one, it felt like the humor tipped over into silliness. I mean, I get it, none of the books are exactly believable, but this one felt a bit too far-fetched with all the coincidences piling up.
Don't get me wrong, I still love Finlay and Vero. Their dynamic is great, and they're such fun characters. But I'm starting to get a little tired of the whole run-around with Nick and some of the repetitive plot elements.
One thing to note is that you really need to have read the first three books to understand what's going on in this one. There's a lot of continuity and ongoing storylines that carry over, so jumping in here might leave you a bit lost.
Overall, "Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice" is a decent addition to the series, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. If you're a fan of the earlier books, it's worth a read, but don't expect it to be as strong as the first two.
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
If you're looking for a cute, comforting, clean romance read, "When In Rome" by Sarah Adams fits the bill.
The small town setting in Rome, Kentucky, was just delightful. I loved the cozy vibes, and the whole Audrey Hepburn influence added a charming touch.
Noah's backstory and relationship with his sisters added some heart and fun to the story. They were such great characters that added depth to the plot.
That said, the instant infatuation between the main characters, while understandable given their backgrounds, felt a bit rushed. I would have liked to see a bit more build-up before things escalated.
The story itself was cute and enjoyable, but I wanted a little more. Maybe a bit less pining and a little more communication between the characters would have made it stand out more for me.
However, I really enjoyed all the secondary characters, and I can see the potential for more stories with the sisters, which I'm looking forward to.
Overall, "When In Rome" is a good pick if you're in the mood for a quick, small-town romance. It's sweet, fast-paced, and perfect for a cozy night in.
The small town setting in Rome, Kentucky, was just delightful. I loved the cozy vibes, and the whole Audrey Hepburn influence added a charming touch.
Noah's backstory and relationship with his sisters added some heart and fun to the story. They were such great characters that added depth to the plot.
That said, the instant infatuation between the main characters, while understandable given their backgrounds, felt a bit rushed. I would have liked to see a bit more build-up before things escalated.
The story itself was cute and enjoyable, but I wanted a little more. Maybe a bit less pining and a little more communication between the characters would have made it stand out more for me.
However, I really enjoyed all the secondary characters, and I can see the potential for more stories with the sisters, which I'm looking forward to.
Overall, "When In Rome" is a good pick if you're in the mood for a quick, small-town romance. It's sweet, fast-paced, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I immediately jumped into "Just for the Summer" by Abby Jimenez, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions!
Abby Jimenez has this incredible knack for balancing romance and comedy with real-life issues, and she really nails it in this book. Emma and Justin's story is so well-written, with complex family dynamics and trauma that make them feel like real, relatable characters.
I absolutely adored Justin. He's just so sweet and caring, especially with all the effort he puts into planning their dates. His graphics and surveys were just too cute!
Emma was a bit harder for me to connect with. Not because she's a bad character but because I saw a lot of myself in her, mainly how her mom's actions affected her. But hey, that's my own stuff to work through.
One thing I really loved about this book was the mental health representation and the incredible character growth. Justin and Emma felt like real people dealing with real-life issues, and it added so much depth to their story.
The side plots in this book were also fantastic. They really added to the overall depth of the story and made it about so much more than just a summer romance. Plus, the Easter eggs referencing Jimenez's other books are always a fun touch!
Now, if you're familiar with Abby Jimenez's books, you know there's usually athird-act breakup . This one felt a little extreme regarding the whiplash it caused, but it all came together in the end.
Overall, "Just for the Summer" is now my second favorite Abby Jimenez book. If you're looking for a heartfelt, funny, and relatable read, definitely give this one a shot!
Abby Jimenez has this incredible knack for balancing romance and comedy with real-life issues, and she really nails it in this book. Emma and Justin's story is so well-written, with complex family dynamics and trauma that make them feel like real, relatable characters.
I absolutely adored Justin. He's just so sweet and caring, especially with all the effort he puts into planning their dates. His graphics and surveys were just too cute!
Emma was a bit harder for me to connect with. Not because she's a bad character but because I saw a lot of myself in her, mainly how her mom's actions affected her. But hey, that's my own stuff to work through.
One thing I really loved about this book was the mental health representation and the incredible character growth. Justin and Emma felt like real people dealing with real-life issues, and it added so much depth to their story.
The side plots in this book were also fantastic. They really added to the overall depth of the story and made it about so much more than just a summer romance. Plus, the Easter eggs referencing Jimenez's other books are always a fun touch!
Now, if you're familiar with Abby Jimenez's books, you know there's usually a
Overall, "Just for the Summer" is now my second favorite Abby Jimenez book. If you're looking for a heartfelt, funny, and relatable read, definitely give this one a shot!
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
So, I just finished "Love on the Brain," and I have to say, it didn't quite hit the mark for me like Ali Hazelwood's other science-based romances. Don't get me wrong, it was fine, but it just didn't have that same spark.
One thing I really appreciated was Hazelwood's focus on women in STEM. As a cat person, I loved all the cat love in the book. However, the puns were a bit much at times.
The main issue for me was the plot. I found myself getting bored and not really invested in what was happening. And the way the characters talked was kind of annoying.
The science aspect didn't hit the same as in "The Love Hypothesis" or "Love, Theoretically." It felt a bit recycled and formulaic, like Hazelwood had followed a template.
The climax of the plot was wild and a little over the top. It felt like a scene out of a Scooby Doo episode, with the big reveal and everyone going, "Him?"
Overall, "Love on the Brain" was just mediocre for me. Hazelwood has other books that are definitely worth reading, but this one didn't quite live up to my expectations.
One thing I really appreciated was Hazelwood's focus on women in STEM. As a cat person, I loved all the cat love in the book. However, the puns were a bit much at times.
The main issue for me was the plot. I found myself getting bored and not really invested in what was happening. And the way the characters talked was kind of annoying.
The science aspect didn't hit the same as in "The Love Hypothesis" or "Love, Theoretically." It felt a bit recycled and formulaic, like Hazelwood had followed a template.
The climax of the plot was wild and a little over the top. It felt like a scene out of a Scooby Doo episode, with the big reveal and everyone going, "Him?"
Overall, "Love on the Brain" was just mediocre for me. Hazelwood has other books that are definitely worth reading, but this one didn't quite live up to my expectations.
Beastly Beauty by Jennifer Donnelly
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
'Beastly Beauty' by Jennifer Donnelly presents a refreshing twist on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, offering a unique gender-bent retelling. While it may not fully satisfy those seeking a complex plot, it does have its moments that could resonate with a younger audience.
One of the book's strengths is its portrayal of villains and overall message. The story deviates from the classic tale, adding more dimension and depth to the themes. Despite some confusion with the names, the payoff with the villain reveal is satisfying.
However, the romance between Beau and Arabella feels rushed and underdeveloped. It transitions from zero to 'insta-love 'with little build-up, and its impact on the plot could be better. The large number of characters also presents a challenge, as none of them truly stand out, making it difficult for readers to form a connection. A more focused approach to key characters could have given them more depth and influence on the story.
While the ending of "Beastly Beauty" is a saving grace, offering a satisfying conclusion, the journey to get there feels underexplored. More depth and dimension to the characters could have made their development more engaging and impactful.
One of the book's strengths is its portrayal of villains and overall message. The story deviates from the classic tale, adding more dimension and depth to the themes. Despite some confusion with the names, the payoff with the villain reveal is satisfying.
However, the romance between Beau and Arabella feels rushed and underdeveloped. It transitions from zero to 'insta-love 'with little build-up, and its impact on the plot could be better. The large number of characters also presents a challenge, as none of them truly stand out, making it difficult for readers to form a connection. A more focused approach to key characters could have given them more depth and influence on the story.
While the ending of "Beastly Beauty" is a saving grace, offering a satisfying conclusion, the journey to get there feels underexplored. More depth and dimension to the characters could have made their development more engaging and impactful.
An Intrigue of Witches by Esme Addison
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
"An Intrigue of Witches" had me hooked from the start with its promise of a secret witch society, but it quickly spiraled into a whirlwind of witches, secret societies, conspiracy theories, AI, and more. The fast-paced story gave me serious National Treasure vibes, and I couldn't help but be intrigued.
However, as the mysteries started unraveling, I found myself getting lost. The plot moved at breakneck speed, and by the time I was a quarter of the way through, I felt like the mystery was already wrapping up, even though there was so much more book left to go. From there, it was a constant stream of reveals, akin to a Scooby Doo episode where they just kept unmasking one person after another with more secrets.
One of the main issues I had with the book was its attempt to cram what felt like a series worth of material into one book. It was overwhelming and confusing, and I struggled to keep up with the various bloodlines, societies, and conspiracies introduced.
Another problem was the storytelling style. Instead of showing us the clues and letting us piece things together, the book often resorted to characters monologuing about their secrets, which made the plot feel more like a series of info dumps rather than a cohesive narrative.
Despite these issues, "An Intrigue of Witches" had potential. The concept was intriguing, and I saw how all the elements and reveals could work in a series. However, in this book, everything felt jammed together, resulting in a messy and overwhelming plot that took effort to fully enjoy.