I enjoyed this 3.5. it was a mix of travel and memoir but leaning a bit more heavily on the self discoveryer part. I think the beginning is rough as Kim goes through her struggles and grievances, but I don't think it's as bad as others described it. but yes this isna very privleged person doing a priveleged thing and complaining sometimes. I do think there is some growth. I love the yellow envelope concept.

I didn't really like any of the characters. I don't really think the characters were likeable. even in the end when you realize they're all just trying their best...idk. and the raunchy humor was not it for me.

the social commentary was interested and it had some decent representation. but the action was just too over the top for me in combination with the annoying characters.

I'm sure the characters are realistic. maybe I'm a bad person for my lack of sympathy here. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I enjoyed this. a cozy fantasy with a bit higher stakes than others ive read? which I liked. Kaz (Caz?) was my favorite and definitely gave me some chuckles. enjoyable and light read. anxiety girlies will relate to all the internal monologues.

sometimes it was a bit repetitive due to some slow character growth.

 if I had read this in school or had an analysis I would have probably liked it more. it was just ok. needed a little more details for me. 

this might be a bit too soon to read given the current climate. I thought it was a really accurate representation of what would happen in the real world. very interesting concept to explore.

this book was so long. why? it could have been 75% shorter at least. when I got to the end and there was still an epilogue I couldn't believe it.

I did not like the characters, I did not like the plot. nica is insanely annoying, rigel is unappealing, the audiobook narration is not good. I didn't realize this was a bully romance, I just assumed it was more a forbidden/taboo love type thing. anyways it was never going to be enjoyable to me, I should have researched more before getting it from the library.

I saw the netflix adaption and enjoyed the tension and thought maybe I would like it. everything that happens in that movie happens in the first 25% of this book. I wanted badly to DNF but here we are....

unique take on psychological thriller and a female serial killer. it was a quick read. as someone who doesn't eat meat definitely uncomfortable/gory but not necessarily scary to me. if you like weird girl fic and want something in the horror genre I think this would be a perfect fit.

I'll get it a 3.5 but I think for someone more into the genre it'd be ranked higher. 

I enjoyed this. I'm familiar with cat cora from iron chef and as the only woman was naturally my favorite. I knew nothing about her life and really enjoyed hearing about her childhood and training.  I felt it was very honest about her struggles.

I feel a lot of what people complain about didn't bother me. it's no differently written than some of the Rockstar men chefs.

some parts left me wanting more. some language isn't PC but it's from the 2010s and southern dialect

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy mythology and love this take on the moon goddess. I liked the main characters. I wish it was a standalone. it does wrap up but leaves you think hmm loose ends. and no epilogue. I'm sure I'll read the sequel. 

the love triangle at times was annoying. the plot sometimes felt repetitive. I did think there were some good quotes throughout. I liked how it explored the duality to people's motives and personalities. how they can be good and bad.

my husband liked the title and cover and picked it out for me at a local bookstore. I had no idea this was Christian fiction until I read the acknowledgments. I guess it's subtle? but the acknowledgment of hoping we all find Jesus was a bit much for me.

anyways this was cozy and an easy read. very low stakes.

the writing leaned too heavily on real world examples to explain things. what is someone never read lord of the rings or Narnia? the actual writing itself could have been stronger. I felt like it was 2 books mushed together. a small town romance and a fantasy world that's in turmoil. I never felt either got justice.