emmreadsbooks's Reviews (1.28k)

I wanted so badly to love this book. A dark academia setting filled with rumors? That's so my speed. At times the plot felt really predictable and I struggled to like the main characters. I loved Baez and Riley, but all of the girls in this story were just... ugh. The writing style really redeemed the novel though - it was compulsively readable. They also incorporated multimedia, which y'all know I'm a sucker for. So it's not to say that I wouldn't be down to read a sequel because I love this author combination, but I'd be happy not to see these characters again.

*Thank you to Disney Hyperion and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This is such a cute book! More than that, the art is gorgeous and really sucks you into the story. Plus the idea of anthropomorphic vegetables is irresistible. And I don't even really like vegetables! (Especially not celery, just saying)

Overall a lovely graphic novel adventure that will leave you going "Aww" with a smile on your face.

This is a nice book about magic and growth for a middle grade audience. In a world where boys are tested for sorcerous powers and girls are left by the wayside, we find ourselves at Dragomir Academy. This definitely serves dark academia vibes paired with a finishing school. There were just some elements that couldn't be delved into because of the audience, and that made the twists less effective. However it does seem to have a theme of self-confidence and feminism which I can stand behind. I hope that there are more books in this universe because it just makes sense! But maybe aging it up as time goes by would be awesome.

*Thank you to HarperCollins Children's for the gifted copy*

Excuse me while I have FEELINGS.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the first two books in this series. Like I was obsessed. But something about this last one felt off to me. Maybe it was the chase for godhood or how confused I got at the end of it all, but I don't know. That being said, you've still got the puzzles and adventure characteristic about this series along with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ rep. Plus a killer discussion about colonialism and the dynamics of history.

Just.... go with your gut. Hopefully you don't end up with ennui like me.

I'm usually not a huge historical fiction fan, but this was something else. It was so dynamic and gender role defying, plus set in Scotland! I loved following Hazel through her journey to become a surgeon - even if it means dressing up as a man to go to school. The pace of this book is just perfect - I could definitely find this book dragging without it. Though there were some supernatural elements that felt a bit off, I was ultimately quite satisfied with the book.

*Thank you to Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

UTTER DEVASTATION. Ashley Schumacher was right when she said that this book was more sad than Amelia Unabridged. Like let's be real - the most depressing instrument is a mellophone anyways. Don't be deceived -this is *not* a happy book.

So now that you've got your tissues ready, let's talk about the majesty that is Full Flight. We have the sunshine-y Anna with the monotone Weston, both dealing with their own families and trauma when they're assigned a duet together. And together they just blossom. I adored the cast of characters, the cutthroat atmosphere of marching band, and the small town vibes. I would subject myself to this devastation any day.

*Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This book is perfect for fans of enemies to lovers romance and Bon Appetit. Bit of a weird mix, but it gels together like peanut butter and chocolate. While primarily focused on the budding love between Benny and Reese, this book also discusses topics like feminism, sexual harassment, and cyberbullying. Y'all know I love a romcom with a little oomph. While more sweet than steamy given its YA audience, it's still totally suitable for adults and doesn't feel lacking in any way. The tension between the two main characters makes up for it in every way. But word from the wise when it comes to books about food - BRING SNACKS.

*Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This book was amazing! I snagged it on audio because the wait for the ebook at my library was too long, but it was totally worth it. Going into it, all I knew was that it was a sapphic witchy story (which for me is already enough), but then add in the competition, the backstabbing, and all of the glorious lore? I'm sold. I loved watching Emmy grow into herself back in Thistle Grove, especially with Talia. And it's a series?? I'll take the portal back to Thistle Grove any day.

Prank wars are one of my favorite tropes in books - they just leave me giggling! And I absolutely loved that aspect of this book. The main character? Not so much. She was so self-centered and ends up lying to her friends about completely insignificant/unnecessary things... And by the end of the book, not much has changed. That being said, I did really enjoy the writing and the budding enemies to lovers romance with Wells. I did have some issues keeping all of the rich Winfield boys straight, but oh well. Weston girl for life!!

*Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I'm a sucker for a good meet cute, especially when you get 2! It kind of reminded me of that movie Serendipity, where the timing was just right for a soulmate suitcase swap. But we also get a killer friends to lovers plot which is my *absolute* favorite type of romance. This book is minimal on the steam, but delivers some peak sweetness and humor. The electric horse fence? BEEN THERE. Some of the elements were a bit confusing at times, but I loved the Jersey atmosphere. Overall a cute read for winter.

*Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*