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stephsbooktalk's Reviews (915)
Mini Audiobook Review: This was such a cute YA with some romance! I had been wanting to read Susan Lee’s work and her debut is still on TBR list (will be checking out after this). I love that this was a different take of playing switch-a-roo.
Each character longs for what each other has. And when the opportunity came to seize that chance, they each took it. I always love when I see teens be so independent and let’s throw in one of the biggest cities in the world. I definitely would not be able to do what either of them did! I like how Lee shows the misogyny that women face even as teenager she saw how much harder she would have to work in order to succeed in the industry.
I do wish we got to see Elijah and Jessica develop more of their romance. They each had so much going on individually, but it was always nice when we got to see them together. I would love to see an adult book between them somehow reconnecting or going from friends to lovers 10 years in the future?? How about it Susan?!
Each character longs for what each other has. And when the opportunity came to seize that chance, they each took it. I always love when I see teens be so independent and let’s throw in one of the biggest cities in the world. I definitely would not be able to do what either of them did! I like how Lee shows the misogyny that women face even as teenager she saw how much harder she would have to work in order to succeed in the industry.
I do wish we got to see Elijah and Jessica develop more of their romance. They each had so much going on individually, but it was always nice when we got to see them together. I would love to see an adult book between them somehow reconnecting or going from friends to lovers 10 years in the future?? How about it Susan?!
Mini Audiobook Review: This book has been on my radar for so long and I finally made the time to read this! Like most books I had no idea what to expect but I absolutely loved it!
Mickey was such a great character – she was driven, knew her worth and yet struggled with the age-old question “what do I want to be when I grow up.” And I love how what she thought she wanted wasn’t what was best for her skills. I love the chemistry between Diego and Mickey. They both tried so hard to not give in to their feelings due to their connection to one another but it was just too hard. It was such a fun take on a romance and yet had serious issues tied in (her chronic illness, him being a widower).
This book has a bunch of different tropes and yet it all worked.
Swoon Meter: 7/10
Karaoke: YES
Mickey was such a great character – she was driven, knew her worth and yet struggled with the age-old question “what do I want to be when I grow up.” And I love how what she thought she wanted wasn’t what was best for her skills. I love the chemistry between Diego and Mickey. They both tried so hard to not give in to their feelings due to their connection to one another but it was just too hard. It was such a fun take on a romance and yet had serious issues tied in (her chronic illness, him being a widower).
This book has a bunch of different tropes and yet it all worked.
Swoon Meter: 7/10
Karaoke: YES
Mini Audiobook Review: ** I do not rate Non Fiction books as it is based on real events and real experiences.**
I absolutely loved Hilarie Burton-Morgan’s last book; had me sobbing at my work desk and I was prepared for it to happen again. Even though the waterworks didn’t flow this time, it didn’t mean that this wasn’t an emotional read. Hilarie is such a brilliant writer and I will read anything she writes.
Hilarie does such a great job at mixing her personal stories of working in the industry to time before she was famous. And I love how she still has such a connection to her hometown (which I can relate to) and wants her small town to flourish. I just love her approach to life & the magic she embodies and spreads to others.
I know she talked about struggling to write this book but I really hope she does continue to tell us her stories and who knows I’d love to see her dabble into the fictional world as well.
Also I highly recommend listening via audio as she has such a great tone and cadence with her voice that it’s such an easy listen.
I absolutely loved Hilarie Burton-Morgan’s last book; had me sobbing at my work desk and I was prepared for it to happen again. Even though the waterworks didn’t flow this time, it didn’t mean that this wasn’t an emotional read. Hilarie is such a brilliant writer and I will read anything she writes.
Hilarie does such a great job at mixing her personal stories of working in the industry to time before she was famous. And I love how she still has such a connection to her hometown (which I can relate to) and wants her small town to flourish. I just love her approach to life & the magic she embodies and spreads to others.
I know she talked about struggling to write this book but I really hope she does continue to tell us her stories and who knows I’d love to see her dabble into the fictional world as well.
Also I highly recommend listening via audio as she has such a great tone and cadence with her voice that it’s such an easy listen.
Mini Book Review: I do not have many experiences with reading novellas but if its like this, then I am all for it! I had been a fan of Kelly’s since I discovered her podcast and then her Instagram account and so when she posted that she was writing a book, I was ready for it! I knew she knew what her audience wants, and she brought it! Now I am reading out of order as I had the perfect opportunity the week it came out to read and so I took it! I will be circling back to the first closer to my book club
“And yet, somehow, I’d known that kissing her would change my life.”
I thought this was the perfect length for this story. Reynolds was able to have a start, middle and end with the pacing moving beautifully from chapter after chapter. I love that we got both point of views as I personally love having both love interests view throughout the course of the book. Also I am a big fan of when it is clear that the male interest falls first. We knew that Killian always had a crush on Leighton and to see how they interacted together and then eventually living together. Plus, hello let’s throw in one of the best tropes fake dating to really rile Killian up! I just love both of these characters and their banter!
This is a 2nd in a series as I mentioned above but the author noted and I can confirm you do not need to have knowledge from the first one to connect with these characters. The prior characters are in this one so I think having being introduced to them previously would have been fun but not necessarily needed.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a quick, steamy holiday novella!
Swoon Meter Rating: 10/10
Karaoke: Kind of ish
“And yet, somehow, I’d known that kissing her would change my life.”
I thought this was the perfect length for this story. Reynolds was able to have a start, middle and end with the pacing moving beautifully from chapter after chapter. I love that we got both point of views as I personally love having both love interests view throughout the course of the book. Also I am a big fan of when it is clear that the male interest falls first. We knew that Killian always had a crush on Leighton and to see how they interacted together and then eventually living together. Plus, hello let’s throw in one of the best tropes fake dating to really rile Killian up! I just love both of these characters and their banter!
This is a 2nd in a series as I mentioned above but the author noted and I can confirm you do not need to have knowledge from the first one to connect with these characters. The prior characters are in this one so I think having being introduced to them previously would have been fun but not necessarily needed.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a quick, steamy holiday novella!
Swoon Meter Rating: 10/10
Karaoke: Kind of ish
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks for the advance copy of this!
Last year I wrote a review for his first book, How Do I Un-Remember This and I absolutely loved it! This time around Danny brings us to the holiday season telling stories from throughout his life that are unfortunately true!
There were so many stand out moments for me such as reading about a cross country trip with the wildest woman, the friend of a friend from hell, working at Borders, his first love, and even his own version of Oprah’s favorite things.
Two stories really pulled at my heartstrings: End of the World & Diet Culture. I won’t divulge too much into them but they were two of the most vulnerable stories that I feel like I have read from him.
A Danny book wouldn’t be complete without pop culture references. I personally live for them! We have stories that include Casper, Now & Then (iconic movie & soundtrack), Jessica Simpson’s lockable lotion (unfortunate story) and even the reboot of JTT.
One thing I love that Danny did is even with the most unhinged story, he would end on a positive note and make it kind of a lesson point ala like a Full House episode.
Within the pages you will laugh, cry, laugh-cry, reflect on your own holidays and that is always the moments that stay with you & not the gifts.
Thank you Danny for being so open and generous with your time! I can’t wait to see what else you do in the future!
**I do not rate Non Fiction books as it is based on real events and real experiences.**
Last year I wrote a review for his first book, How Do I Un-Remember This and I absolutely loved it! This time around Danny brings us to the holiday season telling stories from throughout his life that are unfortunately true!
There were so many stand out moments for me such as reading about a cross country trip with the wildest woman, the friend of a friend from hell, working at Borders, his first love, and even his own version of Oprah’s favorite things.
Two stories really pulled at my heartstrings: End of the World & Diet Culture. I won’t divulge too much into them but they were two of the most vulnerable stories that I feel like I have read from him.
A Danny book wouldn’t be complete without pop culture references. I personally live for them! We have stories that include Casper, Now & Then (iconic movie & soundtrack), Jessica Simpson’s lockable lotion (unfortunate story) and even the reboot of JTT.
One thing I love that Danny did is even with the most unhinged story, he would end on a positive note and make it kind of a lesson point ala like a Full House episode.
Within the pages you will laugh, cry, laugh-cry, reflect on your own holidays and that is always the moments that stay with you & not the gifts.
Thank you Danny for being so open and generous with your time! I can’t wait to see what else you do in the future!
**I do not rate Non Fiction books as it is based on real events and real experiences.**
Thank you MacMillan audio for the complimentary copy of the audio!
“Immortality is empty without you”
I will keep this one short. This book was not for me and yet I had to see it through.
There were things I really enjoyed (the creatures as characters, connection between them all) but then my biggest struggle was understanding of the game. There was no direction and nothing made sense about it to me. What I really wanted more of was Fox's relationship with Brandt. I could always tell something had happened between them and just wish there was more of a focus on that. This did have some funny moments but overall it just fell flat for me and took me a long time to complete.
I did have this paired with the book but even that couldn't help me.
It wasn't for me but maybe it will be a 5 star read for you.
“Immortality is empty without you”
I will keep this one short. This book was not for me and yet I had to see it through.
There were things I really enjoyed (the creatures as characters, connection between them all) but then my biggest struggle was understanding of the game. There was no direction and nothing made sense about it to me. What I really wanted more of was Fox's relationship with Brandt. I could always tell something had happened between them and just wish there was more of a focus on that. This did have some funny moments but overall it just fell flat for me and took me a long time to complete.
I did have this paired with the book but even that couldn't help me.
It wasn't for me but maybe it will be a 5 star read for you.
Mini Audiobook Review: I'm going to keep this short and sweet because there are tons of reviews out there and a lot of readers in my life have already read this.
I always fucking want you.
Hallelujah! Stephanie liked a romantasy!!!!! I had heard rumblings that this wasn't that high level world building so I finally bit the bullet and put my library hold in on the audio. Sure enough I did pretty well! I did have the list of characters readily available and I did consult a friend on some of the ending matter. But overall I was pretty confident in the understanding of what was happening in the book. My library hold came at the perfect time as the next book in the series comes out in 2 days. I love the internal monologue of Violet. It was making me laugh especially when it came to her thoughts on Xaden. And then Xaden, whewwwww the tension between him and Violet and how he protects her. I am glad I took the plunge to read this! I hope the next one is the same level of fantasy.
I always fucking want you.
Hallelujah! Stephanie liked a romantasy!!!!! I had heard rumblings that this wasn't that high level world building so I finally bit the bullet and put my library hold in on the audio. Sure enough I did pretty well! I did have the list of characters readily available and I did consult a friend on some of the ending matter. But overall I was pretty confident in the understanding of what was happening in the book. My library hold came at the perfect time as the next book in the series comes out in 2 days. I love the internal monologue of Violet. It was making me laugh especially when it came to her thoughts on Xaden. And then Xaden, whewwwww the tension between him and Violet and how he protects her. I am glad I took the plunge to read this! I hope the next one is the same level of fantasy.
Mini Audiobook Review: I absolutely love love love this one!!! I listened to this while on vacation and it was such a perfect book to listen to when I was starting my day.
This is the second book I romance this year that the main character was a comedian and honestly I never knew how much I would love that as a profession in a book. This book was told from a past and present point of view between both the FMC and MMC. I just loved both characters and how they connected over the years professionally and then personally. Both narrators did a wonderful job portraying Farley & Meyer.
Swoon meter: 8/10
Karaoke: sadly no
This is the second book I romance this year that the main character was a comedian and honestly I never knew how much I would love that as a profession in a book. This book was told from a past and present point of view between both the FMC and MMC. I just loved both characters and how they connected over the years professionally and then personally. Both narrators did a wonderful job portraying Farley & Meyer.
Swoon meter: 8/10
Karaoke: sadly no
Thank you so much Penguin Teen for an advance copy of this book!
This book will be published on November 7th.
OBSESSED.
That's it - just kidding but also not really. I was really excited when Ali announced she was writing a YA novel. I just love her style of writing and as much as I would love her to have more diversity in the size of characters, I also like knowing what I'm getting into when I read her books. It doesn't bother me that her female and males are always similar and if I want a different type, I'll read elsewhere.
"Do you know how fucking good you are?"
I do not know how to play chess. I am fascinated by those who can because it is such a mental game and you have to see future moves and think about what your opponents moves are going to be. My only ever exposure prior to reading this was watching the show The Queen's Gambit. And I absolutely loved the show! Even with not having the knowledge of chess, it did not deter me from following along. I think those who have the knowledge of chess definitely would have an enhanced experience.
I felt that Mallory was a great character and showed a lot of growth from start to finish. She felt like she had to be the caretaker to her family after her father died and her mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She had been a chess prodigy but then suddenly stopped (which we do learn why). I think that having the conversation with her mom should have happened sooner than it did because girl was doing a lot. I understand Mallory wanted to do right by her family and step in when her mom was hurting but the mom could've done a little bit better at expressing that she doesn't need that much help. I loved Mallory's relationship with her younger sister Darcy. I thought that their relationship came off as really special. I thought Mallory's relationship with Sabrina felt believable. Sabrina was at that perfect age of teenage angst and is only a few years younger than Mallory so they are at that odd age dynamic that won't be nice now but in 5 years, perfect.
"But life is too long to be afraid."
"Too short you mean."
"No. Years spent carrying grudges, talking yourself out of things that might make you happy? They go slowly."
Mallory and Nolan.
Sigh.
I love them!
I definitely was not expecting for the guy to fall first but as the audience you could pick up those vibes right away. I just loved how persistent he was but in a way that also gave her space. He didn't rush her but somehow always made himself known that he was there for her. Nothing ever seemed to faze Nolan except for Mallory. Hazelwood definitely had me swooning from left to right. I just loved Mallory and Nolan together. They complimented each other so well and I just love the tension between them. I would love to see a chapter or two from his point of view especially when he first met Mallory (or when he shows up at her house or maybe in Vegas or wait when they are at Worlds).
Were there parts of this predictable? Oh yes but I loved it all the same.
This book is right at the cusp of the New Adult genre as both the FMC and MMC are both out of school. It did not necessarily bother me that the FMC was 18 but I would've loved to have seen her start at the age of 20.
If you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood's prior work, then you likely will all in love with this one too!
If you are new to Ali's work, check this out if you enjoy a swoony YA with some sister drama & lots of chess!
Swoon Meter: 12/10
Karaoke: Sadly, no
This book will be published on November 7th.
OBSESSED.
That's it - just kidding but also not really. I was really excited when Ali announced she was writing a YA novel. I just love her style of writing and as much as I would love her to have more diversity in the size of characters, I also like knowing what I'm getting into when I read her books. It doesn't bother me that her female and males are always similar and if I want a different type, I'll read elsewhere.
"Do you know how fucking good you are?"
I do not know how to play chess. I am fascinated by those who can because it is such a mental game and you have to see future moves and think about what your opponents moves are going to be. My only ever exposure prior to reading this was watching the show The Queen's Gambit. And I absolutely loved the show! Even with not having the knowledge of chess, it did not deter me from following along. I think those who have the knowledge of chess definitely would have an enhanced experience.
I felt that Mallory was a great character and showed a lot of growth from start to finish. She felt like she had to be the caretaker to her family after her father died and her mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She had been a chess prodigy but then suddenly stopped (which we do learn why). I think that having the conversation with her mom should have happened sooner than it did because girl was doing a lot. I understand Mallory wanted to do right by her family and step in when her mom was hurting but the mom could've done a little bit better at expressing that she doesn't need that much help. I loved Mallory's relationship with her younger sister Darcy. I thought that their relationship came off as really special. I thought Mallory's relationship with Sabrina felt believable. Sabrina was at that perfect age of teenage angst and is only a few years younger than Mallory so they are at that odd age dynamic that won't be nice now but in 5 years, perfect.
"But life is too long to be afraid."
"Too short you mean."
"No. Years spent carrying grudges, talking yourself out of things that might make you happy? They go slowly."
Mallory and Nolan.
Sigh.
I love them!
I definitely was not expecting for the guy to fall first but as the audience you could pick up those vibes right away. I just loved how persistent he was but in a way that also gave her space. He didn't rush her but somehow always made himself known that he was there for her. Nothing ever seemed to faze Nolan except for Mallory. Hazelwood definitely had me swooning from left to right. I just loved Mallory and Nolan together. They complimented each other so well and I just love the tension between them. I would love to see a chapter or two from his point of view especially when he first met Mallory (or when he shows up at her house or maybe in Vegas or wait when they are at Worlds).
Were there parts of this predictable? Oh yes but I loved it all the same.
This book is right at the cusp of the New Adult genre as both the FMC and MMC are both out of school. It did not necessarily bother me that the FMC was 18 but I would've loved to have seen her start at the age of 20.
If you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood's prior work, then you likely will all in love with this one too!
If you are new to Ali's work, check this out if you enjoy a swoony YA with some sister drama & lots of chess!
Swoon Meter: 12/10
Karaoke: Sadly, no
Mini Audiobook: Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for a complimentary copy of this!
"I can always smell blood now."
This was such an interesting book. I am unsure how to rate as I am tossing between a 3 and 3.5 (guess we will go up the middle at 3.25). On one had it was just okay overall but at the same time I couldn't stop listening to it. There are two mysterious playing out through the book: the murder of a beloved teacher and why are the kids craving blood? And honestly I can only remember the answer one of the two questions. I thought the concept was so wild!! Child vampires -what?!
"Distracted mother means bad mother."
I don't know what genre to consider this as it really doesn't lead to heavy into thriller or mystery (besides the murder) but I just saw it is also considered women's fiction which I don't think I would classify it as that either? Maybe even a cozy mystery as the parents were trying hard to figure out what was happening.
"I can always smell blood now."
This was such an interesting book. I am unsure how to rate as I am tossing between a 3 and 3.5 (guess we will go up the middle at 3.25). On one had it was just okay overall but at the same time I couldn't stop listening to it. There are two mysterious playing out through the book: the murder of a beloved teacher and why are the kids craving blood? And honestly I can only remember the answer one of the two questions. I thought the concept was so wild!! Child vampires -what?!
"Distracted mother means bad mother."
I don't know what genre to consider this as it really doesn't lead to heavy into thriller or mystery (besides the murder) but I just saw it is also considered women's fiction which I don't think I would classify it as that either? Maybe even a cozy mystery as the parents were trying hard to figure out what was happening.