lit_vibrations's Reviews (365)

This book was so good‼️ If it just so happens to make it to the big screen I could definitely see Amy Schumer playing the role of Molly. I love how the book begins with Molly and Seth reuniting at their class reunion and he’s all optimistic and swooning over her and Molly is just being Molly. 

They hook up before the night is over and in Molly’s mind this is just a one night stand. But we have optimistic Seth who felt otherwise so they make a bet. Their bet was whoever could predict the fate of five couples before the next reunion must declare that the other is right about true love. The catch? The fifth couple was the two of them.

Typically it’s always the guy chasing the girl then she falls for him etc. But I liked the twist with Molly being the one who ends up doing the chasing. Which technically only happened because Seth finally gave up as he should’ve cause her negativity towards love and finding a soul mate was killing me. 

Her biggest reason for not believing in true love was seeing her mother go through a nasty divorce and her father basically abandoning her afterwards. Although Seth gave her every reason to believe in love I mean his actions clearly showed that. Molly was not letting up she even said no to Seth’s romantic marriage proposal. 

But the chemistry and connection between them was undeniable. My only downsides were Seth referring to her as Molly Mollz hated that, the emails accidentally being sent to them both wasn’t buying it, and the way they reconciled falling into the jacuzzi it felt so cliche. 

Overall, I still loved the book and would recommend. We get a dual POV depicting Molly and Seth’s perspective in vivid detail. The premise, unexpected twists, and the awesome character development kept the story fresh and engaging. I also loved how the author teased the reader a bit making you feel like okay this is it she’s falling for him then boom Molly somehow ruins it. Special thanks to the author, @flatiron_books for my gifted copy, and @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for my advanced listening copy‼️

This was my first book by Backman and will not be my last. When I say this book is hilarious I mean will literally have you laughing out loud. There are a few sentimental moments like knowing why the robbery was being committed in the first place, hearing some of the characters backstories, and  other things that really made you think. 

I was back and forth with trying to understand and figure who the bank robber was. I read the ebook along with the audio and it was the best experience ever. Highly suggest pairing audio with a physical or ebook because it makes it funnier and you might miss something without both. 

But the book was basically about a bank robbery that technically never happened and a group of people being held hostage. They were literally the worse hostages ever. The bank robber said get on the floor and everyone had a reason why they weren’t getting on the ground. 😂😂😂😂 Every time I heard the realtor say House Tricks “Hoooow’s tricks” I died laughing. If that went over your head it’s okay it took me a minute to get it too. 

Then with the whole apartment situation, the pizza, and name introductions 🫠 throughout the book the author is like this book is about idiots lmao. But seriously aside from it being comical there were a few life lessons thrown in there. We don’t realize how connected we actually are in life or how the things we experience in the world have effects on those around us. 

I could really go on and on about this book but I’ll leave it at please read it then after you read it comeback and tell me how amazing you thought it was too‼️

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. The author crafted this highly enjoyable, adventurous, I believe in soulmates but I’m also superstitious romance. It was witty, heartfelt, and even had a few unexpected twists. Exploring themes of love, fate, self-discovery, and relationship security this book was absolutely unpredictable.

When John proposes to Shea with an heirloom ring her answer was yes. But that yes also came with a bit of unease and worry. Her Nonna had many rules surrounding superstitions one in particular was to NEVER accept an heirloom ring. To ensure her marriage proposal came with a happily ever after Shea sets out on a journey across the country to make sure there’s no bad karma in the mix. 

The premise of the book is what made me love it so much. It was a little far fetched for Shea to travel to a million different places trying to trace the ring back to the original owner. But that’s what I enjoyed the most because sometimes people do the craziest things for love. In Shea’s instance she was trying to ensure her future was secure with John. 

I know I’m not the only one who thought she was going to fall for Graham during that trip. When they started to get a little too close I was like come on Shea you’re losing focus. Then the kiss, the doubting, and confessing‼️ She was gonna ruin her relationship before the ring had a chance. 

Overall, this was so worth the read. The characters are flawed but also realistic and I thought it had the perfect ending. It lost half a star because it began to drag a bit but overall the book is very engaging and I highly recommend. Special thanks to the author & @putnambooks for my gifted e-ARC‼️

Jas Hammonds is such an amazing author‼️ Ever since I read her first debut We Deserve Monuments I’ve been looking forward to her next book. While Thirsty didn’t top the first book I really enjoyed this one too. 

Blake being addicted to alcohol at such a young age stressed me out so bad. But I get it she was formerly a loner and now that she’s trying to be apart of the crowd she doesn’t feel she can be her true self. Peer pressure can get serious but I honestly felt Ella had a lot to do with it. When Blake was under the influence she basically became the life of the party. Ella encouraged the behavior and the new sorority ate up Blake’s energy every time. 

Then as the pledging got more intense so does the drinking. Her life was practically turned upside down to the point she was drowning before Blake realized how bad her drinking had actually gotten. But when she did and finally cut Ella off I was so pleased because their relationship was really toxic. “I don’t like who I am when I’m around you.”

Overall, it’s definitely a book I’d recommend. The author touched on some heavy topics surrounding anxiety, the effects of alcoholism, identity, poor decisions, toxic relationships, sobriety, social acceptance, and family. This was probably a tough one for her to write but I think it was needed because it’s a situation many young people are dealing with. Not only that it’s becoming far too common and normalized when people should be discussing alcoholism amongst the youth more. Special thanks to the author & @macmillanusa #RoaringBookPress for my gifted e-ARC‼️

Am I the only one that feels like all the Black authors have been snapping with their poem collections this year? I mean literally every one I’ve read did not disappoint‼️ 

Mottley came out the gate swinging with her collection popping things off with “A Case For/Against Reparations.” Moving in sections from “girlhood” to “neighborhood” to “falsehood” to, finally, “womanhood,” I think quite a few of the poems will resonate with many.

Favorite poems:

It’s a really short collection so I think for readers to really grasp the concept and message Mottley is trying to deliver you have to savor each one. Touching on themes surrounding reparations, restitution, culture, coming-of-age, the black female body, sexuality, hyper-sexualization, healing and desire. The author does an amazing job incorporating personal experiences and relevant social issues into her verses. 

Overall, it’s a collection I highly recommend. Special thanks to the author & @aaknopf for my gifted e-ARC‼️

This Wicked Fate is book 2 in the This Poison Heart duology and in my opinion it fell a little flat. After book one left off on a cliffhanger book two picks up with Bri being reunited with her biological aunt Circe and is determined to find the last piece of the Absyrtus Heart to save her mother before her soul is lost forever. A little different than book 1 the narrative weaves three subplots with action, mythology, and familial bonded elements that creates a different tone from what we saw in the first book.

I wanted so bad to love this one but I felt the author did too much with the characters. There were to many new characters introduced that weren’t in the 1st book and honestly had no true purpose in the second. I was Karter and Hecated to death with how many times the author said their names in the book. The journey to locate the missing piece of the Absyrtus Heart threw me for a loop because I don’t remember if it was ever mentioned in book one that the heart wasn’t already whole. 

I can say I love how Bayron includes mythology in her books and the way she twists them to fit the story. The pacing was up and down but the writing, vivid detail, and diversity amongst the characters was perfectly executed. With in-depth explanations many of our questions from book 1 get answered and there is more backstory on the Colchis family history. 

Overall, the book was okay I do feel the series is worth reading. Although it didn’t wow like book 1 I’m still looking forward to reading more of Bayron’s books‼️

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️

Get into it . . . . Get into it . . . GET 👏🏽 INTO 👏🏽 IT‼️ This is my second book by McKnight and she delivered a masterpiece yet again. You know a book is good when it evokes a million emotions out of you. One minute you’re happy smiling, the next you’re emotional and in your feelings, then you become angered by some of the actions of these characters. 

Dare you to ask what McKnight brought to the table. She served up a multigenerational family story filled with drama, sisterhood, survival, trauma, family legacy and traditions, with a dash of drama, and a whole lot of forgiveness. The title was so perfect for this book because I felt like Mariah was bitter and Sabrina was sweet. But once you really get into their backstory’s you understand why they behave so differently. 

I know I’m not the only one who thought Mariah was gonna do her soon-to-be ex-husband like Helen did Charles in The Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Had she done so I wouldn’t have been against it lol sometimes people need to see what it’s like when the shoe is on the other foot. The dual timelines 🤌🏽 (chef’s kiss) I really enjoyed Grandma Tab’s timeline. Joseph……Joseph…..Joseph‼️

Overall, I loved everything about this book highly recommend y’all give this one a read. It was compelling, immersive, and filled with unforgettable characters promise you won’t put it down.  The character development and exploration of their emotions was perfectly executed. I literally sympathized with them all even Mariah. I just knew there was more to her mistreatment towards Sabrina. If you’re looking for a book that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and will leave a lasting impression you found it. Special thanks to @authorrhondamcknight @hearourvoicestours & @tnzfiction for my gifted copy‼️

This book was so intense and absolutely brilliant. Literally a MUST read‼️ If you haven’t read any of Johnson’s books I’m gone need you to get into them expeditiously. The way she weaves historical facts into the narrative makes every book she writes worth the read. We’re given a wholesome story and a history lesson at the same time. The Color of a Lie spoke volumes and Calvin’s character was courageous, conscientious, and outspoken. 

White passing wasn’t a new experience for Calvin Greene he’s done it before in the past. But when his father purchases a new home in Levittown which was an all white community Calvin struggles to adjust. It’s hard living a lie when all you want to do is be your true authentic self. When Lily Baker integrates into Calvin’s high school it leaves him torn between two worlds. As he begins to uncover racist secrets about his suburb Calvin’s actions will put his family at risk. 

It’s so sad that many Black Americans during the Jim Crow era with lighter complexions had to white pass in order to experience the so called American Dream. Throughout the novel the author focused on many themes surrounding traveling while Black, sundown towns, white communities fighting against integration, mentions of Emmett Till, the story of Levittown, segregation, influencing access to quality education, and the use of the Green book that helped Black Americans find safe travel routes and dining. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book it will have you hooked after the first chapter. For readers interested in  historical fiction, social justice, YA books, or the history of Black Americans this book is for you. Special thanks to @cocoachapters  @kcjohnsonwrites @getunderlined for my gifted copy‼️

Finders Keepers is the third novel in The Millionaires Club Series. I enjoyed this one way more than the last book. Although they were both super slow-burns Finders Keepers was a little bit more engaging. It begins with a little mystery after Olivia comes across some money found in the walls of her aunt’s house she’s renovating dating back to circa 1929.

Locating the money must’ve been a sign from God because Olivia has a million things she could use the money for. First thing being to help change the lives of the children that attend her charter school. But before she can claim this wealth she turns the money over to the police who involve the FBI. When FBI agent Sloan Kendrick comes to question her, the instant attraction thrumming between them gives Olivia nervous butterflies. As the investigation brings the two closer, Sloan recognizes in Olivia's hesitation that she doesn't fully trust him yet… Because a romance like this is too good to be true. Olivia has already had her miracle, and lightning doesn't strike twice, does it?

The novel has a decent level of maturity, drama, realistic dialogue, and romance. At times I did find myself a bit bored with it because of the pacing. But I enjoyed the chemistry between Olivia and Sloan. He was charming and determined to win Olivia’s heart. Sloan’s drive to win Olivia over and her continuously being in defense mode made their struggle to romance feel authentic. The character development was decent aside from Olivia’s best-friend having absolutely no boundaries. Also liked how the author incorporated a few side characters like the students and the situation with Olivia’s car being stolen. 

Overall, the book was meh I enjoyed some of it can’t say I 100% recommend it though. Special thanks to the author & @sourcebookscasa for my gifted e-ARC‼️

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️

I love a good story that involves witches but I didn’t love this one and I didn’t hate it either. This is like the third or fourth book I’ve read in the Gothic fiction genre and every time it’s always a weird reading experience. Maybe that’s the purpose because the writing wasn’t bad just the way the story is told and its delivery was rather strange. 

Tansy and Guy move to Bellinas a coastal town in California to follow a cult like community created by Manny who’s basically a billionaire married to Guy’s cousin Mia. Tansy never really wanted to move to Bellinas it was Guy’s idea after they took a trip to visit. It seems as though during that visit Guy was immediately under their spell which forced Tansy to follow suit. I really hated them together Guy was never for Tansy. She knew in her gut something was wrong with that town it gave eerie vibes from the jump but she ignored her intuition. As Guy embraces their new home cause he was a fucking airhead Tansy struggles to fit in. The town of Bellinas wasn’t the problem it was the community that was rather odd. Portraying themselves as a spiritual community when they were nothing but that. After being told never to enter the woods alone Tansy does anyway and discovers the truth of their Bellinas ways. 

The beginning started with Tansy being locked in the school writing a letter about what’s transpired in case she doesn’t live to tell anyone what happened. What I didn’t like is that it took soooooooo long to get anywhere in the book after that. The first half was the author describing the town of Bellinas and the things they were doing. We never get to the core of the story until 75% of the book is finished. There was also a lack of complexity of the characters aside from Manny and Tansy. 

Overall, I don’t know how I feel about this book. It’s taken forever to write a review cause I’m still at a loss for words. The pacing was beyond slow for a 200 something page book. It had potential but didn’t hit the mark because it was overly detailed in the wrong places. We needed a little more action, thrill, or something. Special thanks to the author and @catapult for my gifted copy‼️