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danadoesbooks's Reviews (954)
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cherisse is going to be the maid of honor in her sister's wedding. Unfortunately, Kieran King is going to be the best man. Cherisse and Kieran have known each other since they were teenagers and have never gotten along. When they are forced to help out with wedding plans, their feelings start to change.
WHAT I LOVED
🧁 Hate to love fueled by forced proximity
🧁 The dual perspectives so you know Kieran and Cherisse fall for each other before they admit it to each other
🧁 Consent is handled really well
🧁 There are going to be more in the series
WHAT I LOVED
🧁 Hate to love fueled by forced proximity
🧁 The dual perspectives so you know Kieran and Cherisse fall for each other before they admit it to each other
🧁 Consent is handled really well
🧁 There are going to be more in the series
Thank you to BiblioLifestyle and Harper Perennial for the gifted copy of Beautiful Little Fools! All opinions in this review are my own.
SYNOPSIS
Jay Gatsby is murdered in August 1922. George Wilson's body is found not too far away. This should be an open and shut case, but when a diamond hairpin is found at the scene, Detective Frank Charles can't help feeling like there is more to the story.
REVIEW
The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite books and this book sounded amazing. However, I am DNFing it at 122 pages.
A lot of this decision had to do with my own expectations. I thought Beautiful Little Fools would take place mainly after Gatsby's murder, but after a quick introductory chapter, we go back to 1917 when Daisy first met Gatsby. While I was still pretty interested in the beginning, I've now realized that I just don't care about Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker. I never really liked them in the original novel so to read an entire novel focused just on them isn't working for me.
SYNOPSIS
Jay Gatsby is murdered in August 1922. George Wilson's body is found not too far away. This should be an open and shut case, but when a diamond hairpin is found at the scene, Detective Frank Charles can't help feeling like there is more to the story.
REVIEW
The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite books and this book sounded amazing. However, I am DNFing it at 122 pages.
A lot of this decision had to do with my own expectations. I thought Beautiful Little Fools would take place mainly after Gatsby's murder, but after a quick introductory chapter, we go back to 1917 when Daisy first met Gatsby. While I was still pretty interested in the beginning, I've now realized that I just don't care about Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker. I never really liked them in the original novel so to read an entire novel focused just on them isn't working for me.
emotional
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
Thank you to Libro FM through their Educators ALC program for the gifted audiobook of Aristotle & Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World! All opinions in this review are my own.
SYNOPSIS
In the sequel to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Aristotle and Dante settle into their new relationship. Not only must they deal with the homophobia in their own town, but the nation is currently undergoing the AIDS epidemic. As Aristotle and Dante finish out their senior year of high school, they must decide where their relationship goes once they graduate.
REVIEW
I enjoyed this sequel so much more than the original novel. I really liked seeing Ari come into himself and improve the relationships with people around him. Benjamin Alire Sáenz can make his readers smile with delight of a first love, but also completely break their hearts.
I cannot recommend the audiobooks enough. Both are narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda and he not only captures Ari's quietness, but also Dante's exuberance.
SYNOPSIS
In the sequel to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Aristotle and Dante settle into their new relationship. Not only must they deal with the homophobia in their own town, but the nation is currently undergoing the AIDS epidemic. As Aristotle and Dante finish out their senior year of high school, they must decide where their relationship goes once they graduate.
REVIEW
I enjoyed this sequel so much more than the original novel. I really liked seeing Ari come into himself and improve the relationships with people around him. Benjamin Alire Sáenz can make his readers smile with delight of a first love, but also completely break their hearts.
I cannot recommend the audiobooks enough. Both are narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda and he not only captures Ari's quietness, but also Dante's exuberance.
emotional
lighthearted
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
Thank you to Libro.FM for the gifted audiobook of Icebreaker through their educators ALC program! All opinions in this review are my own.
Mickey James III is supposed to be the next best thing in hockey. His father broke records in the NHL that his grandfather set. Mickey is doing everything he is supposed to do in order to become the number one draft pick at the end of the season, including playing at the same school his dad did for a year. The only problem is that Jaysen Caulfield, the player ranked second, is also there. As Mickey starts to realize it's not hatred that he feels for Jaysen, he needs to decide what is his top priority and what he's willing to risk for it.
I cannot fully express how much I loved Icebreaker. It's very hockey heavy, which is definitely part of it, but I also loved the characters and the relationships they create with each other over the course of a year. There is so much depth to this book as it tackles issues like homophobia in hockey, women athletes not getting as much attention as men, mental health, and the stress of kids who are put in these elite athletic programs at a young age.
I loved this audiobook so much I knew I needed to own a copy as well. This is A.L. Graziadei's YA debut so I'm excited to read what they publish next!
Mickey James III is supposed to be the next best thing in hockey. His father broke records in the NHL that his grandfather set. Mickey is doing everything he is supposed to do in order to become the number one draft pick at the end of the season, including playing at the same school his dad did for a year. The only problem is that Jaysen Caulfield, the player ranked second, is also there. As Mickey starts to realize it's not hatred that he feels for Jaysen, he needs to decide what is his top priority and what he's willing to risk for it.
I cannot fully express how much I loved Icebreaker. It's very hockey heavy, which is definitely part of it, but I also loved the characters and the relationships they create with each other over the course of a year. There is so much depth to this book as it tackles issues like homophobia in hockey, women athletes not getting as much attention as men, mental health, and the stress of kids who are put in these elite athletic programs at a young age.
I loved this audiobook so much I knew I needed to own a copy as well. This is A.L. Graziadei's YA debut so I'm excited to read what they publish next!
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you to Forever and the author for the gifted copy of Forever With You! All opinions in this review are my own.
Leyna has spent the past 18 years getting over how Jay Wynter left her to move to France. Now that she is preparing to open the second location of her restaurant on his grandfather's vineyard, she is shocked to see him back in Sapphire Springs.
THINGS I LIKED
- Second chance romance
- Getting introduced to Sapphire Springs
- The anger Leyna feels towards Jay which turns into heat later on
- The last minute will they, won't they at the end
lighthearted
medium-paced
Thank you to Forever, NetGalley, and the author for the gifted copy of Only For You! All opinions in this review are my own.
I loved the first Sapphire Springs novel, Forever With You, so I couldn't wait to read the sequel! I am happy to say that Only For You lived up to and surpassed the first novel!
Emily has had a crush on Tim since they were teenagers. When he gets dumped by his girlfriend on a reality TV show, he needs a quick girlfriend to ward off the fans of the show. Emily doesn't know if she will be able to hide her feelings for Tim while pretending to be his girlfriend. The more they fake date, the more it seems like it's not that artificial.
THINGS I LIKED
- Fake dating fueled by attention from a reality TV show
- Emily and Tim's friendship in the beginning
- Tim's mom and Emily's Nana
- Melissa's continued meddling
I loved the first Sapphire Springs novel, Forever With You, so I couldn't wait to read the sequel! I am happy to say that Only For You lived up to and surpassed the first novel!
Emily has had a crush on Tim since they were teenagers. When he gets dumped by his girlfriend on a reality TV show, he needs a quick girlfriend to ward off the fans of the show. Emily doesn't know if she will be able to hide her feelings for Tim while pretending to be his girlfriend. The more they fake date, the more it seems like it's not that artificial.
THINGS I LIKED
- Fake dating fueled by attention from a reality TV show
- Emily and Tim's friendship in the beginning
- Tim's mom and Emily's Nana
- Melissa's continued meddling
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
It is the 1580s and Hamnet's twin sister has fallen ill. When he tries to find help, no one is around. Told in alternating timelines, this novel explores how Hamnet's parents met and the harrowing week that Hamlet experiences.
Although it did take me a little while to get into, I ended up really enjoying Hamnet. I like how the author doesn't try to capitalize on the fact that the book is about Shakespeare's son. While you do know that it is Shakespeare, he is never mentioned by name. This allows for the emphasis to be put on the other characters and their stories. Despite being written in third person, the characters' emotions come through so clearly. O'Farrell's writing is absolutely beautiful.
Although it did take me a little while to get into, I ended up really enjoying Hamnet. I like how the author doesn't try to capitalize on the fact that the book is about Shakespeare's son. While you do know that it is Shakespeare, he is never mentioned by name. This allows for the emphasis to be put on the other characters and their stories. Despite being written in third person, the characters' emotions come through so clearly. O'Farrell's writing is absolutely beautiful.
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Thank you to Minotaur, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC of Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead! All opinions in this review are my own.
I loved Finlay Donovan is Killing It and I'm happy to say that the sequel, Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead, is just as good, if not better!
SYNOPSIS
Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead picks up where book one left off. Instead of having a next target, Finlay is trying to stop a hit from happening. On top of the stress of the holiday season, Finlay must find a way to convince the person they are in danger without revealing too much information. Just like before, Vero is her partner in crime and together they try to uncover who the assassin is.
WHAT I LIKED
- As with the first book, I was laughing out loud while reading this one
- Finlay is such a likable, relatable character, aside from being a hired hitwoman
- How self-aware the second book is as Finlay tries to write her own book and her editor suggests new things to add
- Vero's backstory is developed a little more but there are still so many questions!
If you've read the first book, you know how the cliffhanger confirms that you will read the second. While the sequel doesn't end as shockingly as the first one, there is still an opening for more of Finlay and Vero. I can't wait for book three!
I loved Finlay Donovan is Killing It and I'm happy to say that the sequel, Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead, is just as good, if not better!
SYNOPSIS
Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead picks up where book one left off. Instead of having a next target, Finlay is trying to stop a hit from happening. On top of the stress of the holiday season, Finlay must find a way to convince the person they are in danger without revealing too much information. Just like before, Vero is her partner in crime and together they try to uncover who the assassin is.
WHAT I LIKED
- As with the first book, I was laughing out loud while reading this one
- Finlay is such a likable, relatable character, aside from being a hired hitwoman
- How self-aware the second book is as Finlay tries to write her own book and her editor suggests new things to add
- Vero's backstory is developed a little more but there are still so many questions!
If you've read the first book, you know how the cliffhanger confirms that you will read the second. While the sequel doesn't end as shockingly as the first one, there is still an opening for more of Finlay and Vero. I can't wait for book three!
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thank you to BiblioLifestyle, Kensington, and the author for the gifted copy of The Spanish Daughter! All opinions in this review are my own.
When Puri learns that she inherited a portion of her father's cacao plantation in Ecuador, she sells her chocolate shop in Sevilla and travels across the ocean to claim it. On the voyage, an assassin accidentally kills Puri's husband when aiming for her. Now in a new country, Puri impersonates her husband in order to learn who is trying to take her inheritance.
The Spanish Daughter was phenomenal! I have been having a hard time getting into historical fiction lately, but The Spanish Daughter immediately grabbed my attention. I read it over the course of a weekend because I couldn't put it down! As the story progresses, more and more secrets are revealed. The short chapters made it easy to say "okay, just one more chapter" and then you've suddenly read another 50 pages. I cannot recommend it enough!
When Puri learns that she inherited a portion of her father's cacao plantation in Ecuador, she sells her chocolate shop in Sevilla and travels across the ocean to claim it. On the voyage, an assassin accidentally kills Puri's husband when aiming for her. Now in a new country, Puri impersonates her husband in order to learn who is trying to take her inheritance.
The Spanish Daughter was phenomenal! I have been having a hard time getting into historical fiction lately, but The Spanish Daughter immediately grabbed my attention. I read it over the course of a weekend because I couldn't put it down! As the story progresses, more and more secrets are revealed. The short chapters made it easy to say "okay, just one more chapter" and then you've suddenly read another 50 pages. I cannot recommend it enough!