1.84k reviews by:

caseythereader

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful reflective sad 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

Thanks to The Dial Press for the free advance copy of this book.

 - QUEERLY BELOVED is a joy. It's a romcom with a delightfully screwball premise that also digs deep into some really hard, complicated feelings around queerness, assimilation, found family and more.
- I didn't live in the Midwest, but I remember having so many of these exact conversations and arguments in the pre-marriage equality days. It's cathartic to see so much of these tangled thoughts hashed out here.
- I love Amy and Charley. They're wonderful complements to each other, and it's fantastic to see a sapphic pairing that isn't two femmes.
- It's also lovely to see a queer story set somewhere that isn't traditionally thought of as gay-friendly, and showing that there is still vibrant queer life there, and not everyone is desperate to escape to a bigger city. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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

Thanks to Wednesday Books for the free advance copy of this book.

 - I KISSED SHARA WHEELER is part mystery, part queer awakening, part coming of age. It takes a little bit to get going, but once it does it doesn't stop. And I loved that it didn't end where I thought it would, and took the story beyond where most YA novels would wrap things up.
- McQuiston's true talent lies not in quippy banter, but in creating tight, loving queer found families. I adored the central group in this book and would happily read full novels about any of them.
- I think this book will be wonderful for kids growing up in places where they feel like they might never be able to be their full selves. It shows that it will never be easy, but that your people are often there with you if you know where to look. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging funny informative reflective slow-paced

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Thanks to Saga Press for the free advance copy of this book.

 - I'm never sure how to review sequels without giving too much away. Let's just say I was so happy to be back in this world, and to see the story expand and the characters grow.
- Roanhorse has created such a compelling set of characters and history with these books. Every time the viewpoint switches I'm happy to be with whoever it is.
- This being the middle book of a series, it was a bit more place setting and a bit less action than BLACK SUN, but there were still plenty of gripping scenes, and I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark inspiring fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Thanks to Random House for the free copy of this book.

 - It's no secret I can't quit the Bachelor franchise, and Rachel Lindsay is far and away one of my favorite Bachelorettes. It was a treat to learn more about her personal history and her experience on the show.
- If you're a fan, the chapters on what it's like behind the scenes and the scoop on what did and did not make it to the air are more than worth reading this book for.
- I could have done without the essays that leaned heavily on "men are like this and women are like this" thinking, though.
- I do recommend the audiobook, as Lindsay herself reads it and her personality brings such life to the book. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful 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: Complicated

Thanks to Books Forward PR for the free advance copy of this book.

 - Hi, let's have some queer screaming about THE ROMANTIC AGENDA! Two Black asexual characters who experience their asexuality differently! Grumpy/sunshine! Forced proximity! A dash of fake dating! So many feelings!
- I think this book might not be for everyone, given that almost nothing happens except these four characters trying to work through years of tangled thoughts and feelings. But I absolutely loved it. I loved Joy being proud of her identity, and calling people out when they were being ignorant or making her explain herself rather than learn it for themselves.
- I loved that given that Joy doesn't experience physical attraction, this romance novel was less focused on the characters' bodies and more about finding other ways to show your deep feelings to your partner. And I loved how quickly Fox learned how to show his affection while keeping Joy comfortable.
- I'm so glad Kann has made the jump to adult novels. It's tempered the quirkiness of her women characters, but don't worry, the wit and pop culture references are still there. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings