thisgayreads's Reviews (566)

😂 "Guess Who's Coming at Dinner" by Geoffrey Knight and Ethan Day kicked off the Zombie Boyz anthology with uproarious laughter. The tale of introducing a zombie boyfriend at Grumpy Grampy's 90th birthday dinner is a hilarious take on the undead meeting the family. It’s a great blend of horror and comedy that had me chuckling from start to finish.

4.5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince” By Timothy Janovsky 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

Matthew Prince, the epitome of spoiled, is banished to his grandparents' town for the holidays after a PR disaster. The story takes an unexpected turn as he crosses paths with Hector Martinez, an eye-rolling local unimpressed by Matthew's antics. 😒💔 

 

Janovsky weaves a cute tale of forced proximity, holiday cheer, and found family that warms the heart. 🎄💖 However, I couldn't help but despise Matthew for his entitlement, though the narrative cleverly hints at a redemption arc. 😡🔄 

 

Also, Hector's repetitive use of "dude." 🤦‍♂️ While it aimed for character quirkiness, it occasionally grated on my nerves. 

 

Despite my mild annoyances, the story ultimately won me over with its charm and the transformation of a Grinch-like character. 🤗❤️ 

3 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Night Circus” By Erin Morgenstern 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

🎪 A tale of enchantment and mystery that I read as part of a group read on TSG's new readalong feature, but it's not one I had heard of before nor would I probably have ever picked up on my own. 

 

The narrative unfolds with the arrival of the circus, a fantastical spectacle that materializes without warning, captivating all who enter. The heart of the story lies in the fierce competition between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, pawns in a game of skill and destiny. 

 

Morgenstern's prose weaves a spellbinding tapestry, creating a vivid atmosphere that stimulates the senses. The circus itself becomes a character, a stage for a remarkable duel of imagination and will. Yet, despite the stakes, Celia and Marco find themselves tumbling into a deep, magical love. 💫 

 

While the story held my interest, it didn't quite reach the heights of greatness for me. 

5 ⭐️'ˢ

“They Hate Each Other” By Amanda Woody

📕 Edition: eBook & Audiobook

I can't believe I waited so long to dive into this one, I loved it!

The story revolves around Jonah and Dylan, two characters who seem to despise each other, but fate has other plans for them. The fake dating ploy adds a delightful twist, and as they navigate this charade, their perspectives on each other shift in the most surprising ways. 🔄

The author crafts characters that are so real and flawed, making them incredibly relatable. Jonah and Dylan's dynamic is a perfect blend of humor, tension, and undeniable chemistry.

What I appreciated most was the gradual development of their connection. As the staged relationship begins to feel more authentic, the lines between love and hate blur, leading to heartwarming moments and unexpected revelations. 🥺💖

Thank you @Netgalley , @amandawoody_ and @hodderbooks for providing me with this copy in exchange for my honest review. 

4 ⭐️'ˢ

“The Twelve Dicks of Christmas” By Lukas Thistle Lukasthistle

📕 Edition: Audiobook

🎄🔥 These short stories are like spicy gingerbread cookies—sweet, naughty, and leaving you wanting more.

A delightful mix of realism and magical escapades, from stressed-out elves finding joy to interns turning a work party cleanup into a truth-or-dare adventure. 🧝‍♂️💼 The stories are diverse, with each offering a unique flavor of passion and playfulness.

If you're looking for a cheeky, merry, and, yes, a bit explicit holiday read, grab a copy and indulge in the yuletide merriment. 📖🎁

Thank you @Lukasthistle for providing me with this copy in exchange for my honest review. 

4 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Magnolia Story” By Chip and Joanna Gaines 

 

📕 Edition: Physical Book & Audiobook 

 

From the first renovation to the unexpected hurdles, this book takes you on an intimate journey through the lives of America's favorite couple. 

 

🏡 The narrative is told mostly from Joanna's perspective with Chip chiming in here and there. It's a tale of love, entrepreneurship, and the serendipitous moments that shaped their extraordinary life. 

 

💑 Chip and Joanna's chemistry, evident on-screen if you have watched their show, translates seamlessly onto these pages. The anecdotes, like Chip's forgetful grocery run or the questionable houseboat purchase, are both heartwarming and hilarious. 

 

🏠 The book provides a backstage pass to their journey—Joanna's tough decision to close her dream business, the financial rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, and the profound impact of their work on the city of Waco.

4 ⭐️'ˢ

“The Best Gift” By Eli Easton

📕 Edition: Physical Book

This was a heartwarming Christmas novella full of holiday cheer. 🎄 

Greg Cabot, grieving the loss of his son, finds unexpected solace when he picks up Sergeant Robbie Sparks on a snowy night. 🛻 The story captures the magic of Cabot's Christmas Wonderland with its charming atmosphere and festive spirit.

The characters, Greg and Robbie, share a touching connection that goes beyond the surface, and as they navigate their pain, a Christmas miracle unfolds.

4 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“Check & Mate” By Ali Hazelwood 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

Okay, let me start off by saying that the name “Koch” DOES NOT translate well (or at least not by this narrator) in audio at all. Lots of reviews complained about this narrator, which I thought was fine, except for her saying this name... Which honestly just resulted in me having giggling fits every time she said it. 

 

Despite my lack of interest or knowledge in chess, this kept me engaged from start to finish. 

 

Mallory Greenleaf's aversion to chess after its impact on her family is palpable, yet her journey back into the world of chess through a charity tournament adds layers of complexity. The unexpected win against the notorious "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer sets the stage for a delightful chess match between two unlikely opponents. ♟️🏆 

 

The chemistry between Mallory and Nolan is as strategic as a well-played endgame. Hazelwood effortlessly combines the tension of the chessboard with the blossoming romance, making it a page-turner. 😍💔

5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“Never Been Kissed” By Timothy Janovsky 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

This was a feel good heartwarming journey through love, self-discovery, and the magic of second chances. 

 

As Wren accidentally reaches out to his past crushes in a series of emails, the narrative is filled with humor, vulnerability, and a touch of youthful innocence. 

 

The summer setting and the drive-in theater backdrop add a nostalgic charm, creating a perfect atmosphere for love to bloom. 

 

As the summer unfolds with a special project to save the struggling drive-in, Wren and Derick's connection intensifies. The anticipation builds, and Janovsky keeps you guessing until the very end. The book's resolution was satisfying, providing the much-awaited perfect-kiss-before-the-credits moment.

4 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Ballad of Never After” By Stephanie Garber 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

An enchanting sequel to the series. 💫 Evangeline Fox's journey takes a thrilling turn as she grapples with betrayal, newfound magic, and the complexities of trust. 

 

The narrative dances between romance and danger. 😱 

 

Evangeline's defiance and resilience shine through as she faces a murderous spell, forming an uneasy alliance with the charismatic but enigmatic Prince of Hearts, Jacks. The dynamics between them are as unpredictable as the magic that surrounds them. 💔🤝 

 

The climax had me emoting like 🫢 as unexpected twists and turns unfolded. 

 

Can’t wait to read the next book! 📚✨