I was eager to read this because I’d seen multiple comparisons between it and Red, White and Royal Blue, my favorite romance novel. While Boyfriend Material does feature a similar relationship dynamic and equally hilarious banter, it wasn’t quite as amazing as I’d hoped it would be.

I wasn’t expecting such a focus on Luc’s and Oliver’s complicated family dynamics. The former’s father has been diagnosed with cancer and wants to fix their poor relationship, whereas the latter has emotionally abusive parents. I sympathize with both guys—I wanna give Oliver a hug—and I can especially relate to Luc’s situation, as sans cancer, I have a similar relationship with my own father. However, some of Luc’s comments regarding his father’s diagnosis seemed insensitive, and it rubbed me the wrong way. That is, until

it was revealed that the asshole never had cancer. Are you kidding me??? This discovery had me angry at the character and unsure what to think of the author. I’m sure Hall is great, but I question why he made this choice.

The way Luc and Oliver supported each other warmed my heart. Theirs was a bit of a messy romance, since both of them are the epitome of gay disasters, but I loved it nonetheless. Recently I’ve realized that fake dating is one of my favorite tropes because I love seeing characters’ dynamics shift from an arrangement to real affection, so of course I loved these two, loved their story. And, as an added bonus, they teased each other frequently, which was quite amusing.

This would’ve been a five star read if not for the events of the last hundred pages. Everything seemed to be going well. I was grinning and laughing at almost every page. And then everything went so wildly wrong.

I honestly thought the scene after Luc and Oliver had sex, where Oliver broke up with Luc, was just Luc’s bad dream. I thought he’d wake up, panicking, but find Oliver asleep next to him, cuddled up beside him, and all would be well. All was not well. They really did break up the following morning, and I was *this close* to throwing my book across the room. If not for the fact that I read the scene at four in the morning, thus didn’t want to wake anyone up and also didn’t want to damage my paperback, I might’ve. They didn’t make up until the last few pages, and I was genuinely concerned the book would end with them going their own separate ways. Thank every god it didn’t, because I can’t properly describe how much I would’ve hated that.

While things ultimately worked out, I found the ending to be sadly unsatisfying.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad book. It was mostly enjoyable, and quite entertaining. I’d recommend to those looking for a quick romance read, so long as you don’t go in with extremely high expectations.

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[second read, August-December 2024]
Raised my rating from 4 stars to 4.5.

Damn, 2021 me was harsh, and for what? Yeah, technically all of my previous points are valid, but I find I don’t really care anymore. I marathoned the show when it came out in August, I had fun; it made me want to reread the book, and you know what? I had fun. This book isn’t perfect, but it’s entertaining, and that’s enough for me. Pip is spicy and scary smart, the mystery incredibly clever and well-crafted. I think the only criticism I would stand by is that the romance feels very sudden, and I would’ve preferred it to be more of a slow-burn that came to a head in book two.

I also stand by that I love Ravi, possibly even more than before. Best character in the book, and in the series, and entirely too good for this world. I stopped reading three times in the last third of the book to hug it to my chest, because I wanted to hug him. I love him so much. ❤️

[first read, May 2021]
A complex, intriguing mystery like this makes for a quick read. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder might have even ended up a favorite, if not for one major issue.

I couldn’t stand the protagonist, Pip. She had no personality that I could pick up on. All she did for 95% of the book was work on the Andie Bell case. I know the tagline is “an investigation turned obsession” or something like that, but come on. A character should have hobbies, quirks, something to make them interesting and memorable. Pip had none of that.

I also have no idea why Pip cared so much about the case. Sure, she thinks everyone jumped to the easiest conclusion and wants to prove them wrong, but why does she care? She didn’t know Andie and barely knew Sal.

What bothered me most was her recklessness, which went hand in hand with being disrespectful, ignoring people’s boundaries, and doing incredibly dangerous, even illegal, things. Pip’s teacher specifically told her not to involve either of the two affected families when investigating, yet in the very first chapter, Pip interviews Sal’s younger brother. She interviews Andie’s younger sister multiple times.

This seventeen year old girl has the audacity to blackmail a man, break into Andie’s family’s house, catfish one of Andie’s friends, and pretend to be a news reporter, all for the sake of more information she can use to solve the case. And yet, her project isn’t disqualified for breaking clearly explained rules, and no one questions how she got as much information as she did. You’re seriously lucky you didn’t get arrested, Pip.

My favorite character, the one that saved the book, was Ravi, the aforementioned younger brother who jumps at the chance to prove Sal is innocent. He and Pip become partners in crime, and let me just say, this guy’s back must hurt from carrying the story. His maturity, kindness, and sense of humor had me liking him almost instantly, and that never wavered as I kept reading. I really liked his friendship with Pip.

If only they hadn’t kissed! It happened once at the end of the book, completely out of the blue. I don’t know if they’re a couple now or not??? There was zero indication that Pip had romantic feelings for him, yet she didn’t complain when he kissed her or object when he teased that she fancied him. I’m not saying I’m against a romance between the two of them—I could be convinced, honestly—but it would be nice if they stayed friends. They’re good friends and I don’t want to see any lovey dovey drama in their relationship.

Characters aside, Jackson definitely knows how to write a story that will keep you guessing, and I like that. I’m willing to give the second book a shot. Maybe Pip will find a personality next time she’s trying to catch a killer.

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The Wayward Children books are usually hit or miss for me, and although I enjoyed parts of this sixth installment, Across the Green Grass Fields was a miss. I enjoyed reading about the centaurs adopting Regan, as well as her friendship with Chicory, but wasn’t all that invested in Regan herself or the Hooflands’ politics. McGuire skillfully incorporated very relevant discussions of gender, identity, and family throughout the novella, but didn’t succeed nearly as much in writing realistic children in the opening chapters. I also found the ending to be a bit abrupt and rather unsatisfying. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series.

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I went into The Gilded Ones expecting a fun fantasy story, and was surprised not only by its heavier themes but also by just how good it was from the very beginning.

This is one of the most unique, immersive stories I’ve read in some time. Forna created a brilliantly intricate world that, despite a few basic similarities to other fictional worlds, is overall unlike any I’ve read about before. The mythology is so vivid it nearly seems real, the creatures and setting so impressively creative, yet none of it is confusing or difficult to understand.

Forna outdid herself writing a complex, diverse and lovable cast of characters. Deka is a protagonist I rooted for as soon as I met her, and it took very little time for me to be equally charmed by her friends, Britta, Belcalis, and Adwapa. These girls have endured so many hardships and gotten stronger because of them, without losing their vulnerability or the best parts of their personalities. Not only were they all great on their own, but their friendship was phenomenal and so heartwarming. One of the best girl squads I’ve ever read about, undeniably.

I would say the romance was one of the best parts, but honestly, every part of this book could be described the same way. The romance is subtle until the final third of the book, when it becomes clear that Deka and Keita have feelings for each other that go beyond friendship. Their slow-burn romance is memorable because it’s written differently than those in so many other books. It’s focused not on passion and lust but a deep connection between two people, a tender, unwavering affection. I love them so much, more than I can express.

Although the ending was emotional in numerous ways, it wasn’t a cliffhanger, and I appreciate that very much. Even without one, I’m extremely eager for the second book. I’ll be eagerly awaiting any scrap of news I can find.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s spectacular in every aspect, and the fact that it’s Forna’s debut novel is mind-blowing. I can definitely see the Deathless trilogy becoming an all-time favorite, since the first book is already there. Highly, highly recommended for those who can handle the content.

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An immersive, clever, and heartbreaking conclusion to a brilliant series. I love Rin and Kitay. I can’t wait to see what Kuang does next.

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This book has so many elements in it that I’ve loved in other books—Parisian setting, ensemble cast, magic, romance, a race against time—and I really thought I would like it. That was absolutely not the case. In fact, I can think of exactly one thing I liked: Cricket, one of the side characters. Even though she has a tragically ridiculous name, I quite liked her snarky personality.

You could even say that she was the only one with a personality, and I wouldn’t argue. I found all of the characters to be very flat and poorly developed. The world-building was also lacking. Above all else, I just wasn’t invested in any part of the story. I only kept reading until the end because of a vague sense of curiosity, and I can honestly say it wasn’t worth my time.

My two biggest issues were with the protagonist and the romance. Anouk had so much potential; she started off as a naïve, daydreaming girl, and could’ve been a badass once she adjusted to the world and her abilities. Instead, she focused almost entirely on her friend Beau, who, after a year of such close friendship that he was like a brother to her, she suddenly was in love with. The feeling was mutual, and then they were kissing.

That leads me to my next point, the romance. It was undeniably a case of insta-love. Anouk and Beau had no chemistry. He was overbearingly protective of her, and she was way too focused on him. At the end of the book, despite her and her friends having a clear goal and a semi-decent plan, Anouk messed everything up to save Beau. Absolutely everything. This could’ve been a stand-alone if she hadn’t been so narrow-minded and reckless. I’m pretty sure that what she did is one of the worst choices I’ve ever seen a protagonist make, and I’m not exaggerating.

I thought about giving this book one star, but decided against it. Because as much as I disliked certain parts of it, disagreed with certain choices made in it, wanted more from it, it wasn’t awful. I didn’t hate it. I don’t recommend it, I won’t continue the series, and I won’t read anything else by this author, but despite all that, I didn’t hate this.

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Technically, among the side characters, there’s a gay guy, a trans girl, and two people of color. However, none of the rep listed was even slightly good, and if it’s the main or only reason you’re interested in this book, don’t bother. I recommend reading this Goodreads review for more information: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2412368917?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1.

This was a bit cheesy at times, but overall a quick and fun read. I really liked Winnie and her sisters, and Winnie’s friends Kavya and Taran. It took some time for Mat to grow on me, but ultimately he did. I still don’t love him and lowkey wish that Winnie and Taran had been endgame, but I do think he and Winnie make a cute couple. And, minor though these things are, I liked that Winnie plays with a Nerf gun and that one of my favorite movies, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, was mentioned. Recommended for fans of the fake dating trope and romcoms.

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The two worst things about this book were the overwhelming number of sexual jokes in the first half and the love interest Sam. The former is simply not something I enjoy, and the latter was unexpectedly obnoxious and equally off-putting. I didn’t think it was possible for a man to be so arrogant or obtuse.

My favorite characters were Layla, Daisy, Nisha, and Max. John also ended up being a good guy. My least favorite characters were Sam and Royce. I won’t even get into how much of an awful person Royce was, or Sam’s tendency to threaten Layla’s other potential suitors. More on that in a minute.

I feel like Layla and Sam had no chemistry. They thought the other person was hot, and that’s about it. I kept reading in hopes that I’d end up invested in their relationship, but that unfortunately didn’t happen. I wasn’t really invested in any part of this book; I just kept reading because I was curious and didn’t have anything better to do.

Honestly, I think that some of the guys Layla went on blind dates with would’ve been better for her than Sam. Sunny seemed decent, as did one or two others whose names I can’t remember. Only a couple of them were actually bad. All the others, in my opinion, had one trait or hobby that was overly exaggerated, likely to try and make sure you know that Layla is *only* compatible with Sam. Can’t have anyone outshining the love interest. Gotta make them weirdos to make sure that doesn’t happen, because it would be too easy otherwise.

I thought about giving this two stars, but decided on two and a half because of the few characters I did like. I liked the scenes in the Patel family restaurant, and when Layla and Nisha went clothes shopping. Oh, and the adorable little doggo, Max. What a good boy.

The Marriage Game definitely wasn’t my cup of tea, but I didn’t hate it and I do think some people might enjoy it. I eventually plan to read another book from Desai, which will hopefully be more enjoyable and less frustrating than this one.

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I was 99% sure I’d love this book, and I was right. I knew I loved it as soon as I started reading. From cover to cover, it was fun, super cute, and highly amusing. Both of the previous books in the series had me laughing and swooning, and this one was no exception. I love Chloe, Dani, Eve, Red, Zaf, and Jacob with my whole heart. I love Gigi too, and honestly would love a grandma as eccentric and fun as her.

The only thing I didn’t love was how little of the other two Brown sisters and their boyfriends we got to see. I understand that this is Eve and Jacob’s book, and they spend most of it in a small town a couple of hours away from where the previous protagonists live. The one scene where they were almost all together was brief and didn’t include Jacob. Don’t get me wrong, I still absolutely loved the book. I just would’ve really liked to see the six of them hanging out and goofing around.

I can easily say that this book—honestly, this whole trilogy—is at the very top of my favorites list. In my list of top five contemporary books, three spots would be given to these books. I’ll definitely be rereading them, either because they’re great pick-me-ups or I just miss the characters. :)

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*only a few on-page appearances

I read Sharpe’s novel Far From You last year and loved it, so I was excited to read her newest release. The Girls I’ve Been is a fast-paced thriller with a sapphic couple front and center. I absolutely loved it. I was intrigued from the very first page, and sped through it because I desperately wanted to know what happened next. I was kept on my toes the entire time I read, and never knew what to expect.

Nora was a complex yet realistic and relatable protagonist. I loved her, Iris, and Wesley. Their friendship was amazing, as was Nora and Iris’ romance. Also, major props to Iris for being so resilient and clever while on her period, because I could never. These two are the most badass girls I’ve seen outside of a fantasy book, hands down. The fact that they’re dating makes it even better. *chefs kiss*

The story features two timelines: one in present day where the three teens end up hostages in an armed bank robbery, and one exploring Nora’s past as she grew up frequently moving and helping her mother with various cons. The former takes place over about twelve hours, with a few chapters at the end of the book detailing what occurred in the following weeks. Both were intriguing, and they were managed well, balanced perfectly. Neither one ever seemed to overpower the other.

I don’t read many thrillers, but Sharpe’s are among the best I’ve read and this one is undoubtedly my favorite. I’ll definitely be reading more from her in the future, and trying other authors as well. My interest in the genre has certainly been renewed.

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