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bookbeforeuleap's reviews
842 reviews
By Your Side by Ruth Jones
At the heart of the story is Linda, a character you can't help but root for. Watching her navigate a difficult family rift and embark on an unlikely adventure is both inspiring and touching. Her journey of self-reinvention is a beautiful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unexpected paths life can take us on. What I found especially fascinating was the unique career she has — it added such an interesting layer to her character and made me appreciate how diverse and complex people’s lives can be.
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
4.5
By Your Side by Ruth Jones is an absolute gem for anyone who loves heart-warming stories that explore self-discovery, unlikely friendships, and the beauty of life's unexpected connections. Set in a quirky, small-town backdrop, this book effortlessly combines humour with moments of poignant reflection, making it a truly delightful read. It’s a story that’s equal parts uplifting and thought-provoking, perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good escape with a deeper emotional layer.
At the heart of the story is Linda, a character you can't help but root for. Watching her navigate a difficult family rift and embark on an unlikely adventure is both inspiring and touching. Her journey of self-reinvention is a beautiful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unexpected paths life can take us on. What I found especially fascinating was the unique career she has — it added such an interesting layer to her character and made me appreciate how diverse and complex people’s lives can be.
The small-town setting is packed with charm and quirkiness, providing the perfect backdrop for Linda’s growth. The relationships she forms along the way feel genuine and heartfelt. There’s a wonderful sense of community that I think will resonate with a lot of readers, especially those who enjoy stories about people coming together in the most surprising of ways.
Overall, By Your Side is a read that beautifully blends humour, heartache, and inspiration. Ruth Jones has crafted a story that will make you smile, reflect, and leave you feeling uplifted. I highly recommend this book, especially for fans of Ruth Jones' work — it’s another example of her masterful storytelling and ability to make you feel deeply connected to the characters. If you’re looking for a book that’s both fun and meaningful, this one is a must-read!
Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch
adventurous
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Killer Potential would be a good pick for readers who crave darkly humorous thrillers with sharp social commentary, exploring themes of ambition, identity, and the chaotic pursuit of truth. It takes you on a cross-country chase that’s as wild as it is unpredictable, with plenty of twists to keep you hooked.
Evie, our main character, walks into what she thinks is just another normal SAT tutor gig, only to find herself tangled in a much more dangerous and mysterious situation. Suddenly, she’s on the run, trying to clear her name while facing off with possible suspects and a slew of dark secrets. The story takes a wild turn when she ends up rescuing another woman whilst trying to flee the scene. Together, they form an unlikely duo. Whilst it has all the elements of a satisfying, fast-paced read, the plot spirals into a dangerous game of kill or be killed, it’s a chaotic escape plan that felt like it needed a bit more depth to fully land.
One of the standout elements of Killer Potential is its exploration of classism, particularly through the lens of the ultra-wealthy Victors. The dynamic of those inside the privileged world versus those looking in from the outside adds an intriguing layer to the story. It felt like there was an opportunity to dig deeper into these characters, but the focus shifted too often to the chase rather than their personal journeys.
I do think the story would have benefitted from an additional point of view — maybe from the mysterious woman or even a secondary character — to add more depth and balance to the earlier parts of the plot but over all was a good read that I would recommend.
The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez
emotional
funny
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
4.0
The Next Best Fling is the perfect read for anyone who loves witty, slow-burn romantic comedies that come with a side of emotional complexity and the "fake relationship" trope that blossoms into something more genuine.
The dynamic between the heroine, Marcela, and the hero is electric. You can feel the chemistry between them from the get-go, and it only builds as the story progresses. But what I really appreciated about their connection was the way they could joke around and have fun together — it’s that perfect balance of banter and sweetness that makes a romantic comedy so addictive.
The dynamic between the heroine, Marcela, and the hero is electric. You can feel the chemistry between them from the get-go, and it only builds as the story progresses. But what I really appreciated about their connection was the way they could joke around and have fun together — it’s that perfect balance of banter and sweetness that makes a romantic comedy so addictive.
Marcela, our female main character, is a librarian — and as a huge fan of librarian heroines, I was already won over! Her love for books and her quiet, introspective nature gave her such a relatable, down-to-earth charm. But what really made her character stand out was the emotional depth she brings to the story. Sometimes, her overthinking and self-sabotage frustrated me, especially as it seemed like she was standing in the way of her own happiness. However, I think this made her feel even more real and authentic. We’ve all been there — second-guessing ourselves or pushing people away when we’re afraid of getting hurt. Watching Marcela work through these emotions and grow was so rewarding, and it really added to the emotional depth of the story.
The book is filled with all the sweet, classic rom-com moments that fans of the genre will adore. From meet-cutes to steamy yet tender moments, this story has it all. What I really loved is how the fake relationship trope was handled — it didn’t feel forced or predictable, and the emotional stakes were high as the characters’ feelings evolved in unexpected ways.
In short, The Next Best Fling is a treat. If you love romantic comedies with that perfect blend of humour, heart, and a dash of emotional complexity, this one is a must-read.
Runner 13: A Thriller by Amy McCulloch
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
5.0
Runner 13 is a must-read for anyone who loves high-stakes survival stories packed with personal redemption and dark secrets, all set in the intense, unforgiving world of ultrarunning. As someone who’s fascinated by ultrarunners, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one — and it did *not* disappoint. I raced through the pages (pun absolutely intended!), torn between not wanting it to end and needing to know what happens next. This book is an absolute rollercoaster — fast-paced, gripping, and impossible to put down. Trust me, it’s a thriller you’ll want to talk about, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to everyone!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail
The Midnight King by Tariq Ashkanani
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
This book is a rollercoaster filled with complex, morally ambiguous characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. From the very first page, the story pulls you in with dark secrets and unexpected twists that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. What makes this book truly stand out is the characters—there are no straightforward "good guys" here. I found myself initially forming opinions about who I liked and who I didn’t, only to have those opinions completely flipped as the story unfolded. Just when you think you’ve got a character figured out, they do something that makes you re-evaluate everything.
The pacing of the book is incredibly quick, making it a thrilling read that’s hard to put down. As soon as I thought I could predict what was going to happen next, I was met with yet another twist that blindsided me. The writing is sharp and gripping, making it impossible to look away. If you're someone who enjoys psychological thrillers that dive into the darker sides of human nature, this one will have you hooked.
The pacing of the book is incredibly quick, making it a thrilling read that’s hard to put down. As soon as I thought I could predict what was going to happen next, I was met with yet another twist that blindsided me. The writing is sharp and gripping, making it impossible to look away. If you're someone who enjoys psychological thrillers that dive into the darker sides of human nature, this one will have you hooked.