caseythereader's reviews
1744 reviews

Pretty: A Memoir by KB Brookins

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emotional reflective medium-paced

3.75


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The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

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challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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Coming Home by Brittney Griner, Michelle Burford

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challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

4.5


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The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields

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emotional lighthearted sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

Thanks to Orbit Books for the free copy of this book.

 - I both loved and was frustrated with THE HONEY WITCH. I adored the isle of Innisfree, with its beautiful cottage and friendly spirits and bees. Truly, the beauty of nature is on display in this book.
- I also loved the romance element of the story. The concept of bringing a skeptic around to believing in magic and falling in love along the way was so sweet.
- However, the world building of this book left a lot to be desired for me. Unrelated magical powers popped up when they needed to, the rules of society were never quite clear, and the plot reveal at the end was so obvious so early on that it actually became frustrating waiting for the characters to figure it out.
- This book also kind of confused romantic love and physical intimacy in a way I didn’t like. I don’t want to go into it here due to spoilers, but I’d love to talk about it if you’ve read this book. 

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Brooms by Jasmine Walls

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adventurous hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25


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Spitting Gold by Carmella Lowkis

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75


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Icon and Inferno by Marie Lu

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adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free copy of this book.

 - ICON AND INFERNO is the sequel to STARS AND SMOKE, and it’s even better than the first book.
- I loved being back with Winter and Sydney. Their chemistry and care for each other is such a great mix.
- The audiobook, narrated by Becca Q. Co, had me on the edge of my seat during action scenes (literally, I was on the Metro and nearly missed my stop)!
- The twists and turns of the plot were fantastic, and I wish this series was a dozen books long. 

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Gay the Pray Away by Natalie Naudus

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thanks to the author for the free copy of this book.

 - Whew, I loved GAY THE PRAY away so much I read it in one sitting. What an accomplishment to make such a tender story about breaking out of a life and shattering everything you’ve known.
- Valerie and Riley were so cute. I loved seeing them push the boundaries of their lives and find joy and hope in each other.
- My only complaint is I wish it had been longer. Due to the short page count, Valerie’s deconstruction happens pretty quickly. I would have liked to spend more time in that investigative phase. 

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Saint-Seducing Gold by Brittany N. Williams

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


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Oye by Melissa Mogollon

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emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thanks to Hogarth Books for the free copy of this book.

 - OYE is told entirely in one sided dialogue. We read only Luciana’s end of her phone calls to her sister Mari as their family uncovers long-buried secrets. I’ve never read anything like it and quite enjoyed it.
- It took me a few chapters to get a feel for the flow of the narrative, but once I did I could not put down this story of generations of women trying to forge their own paths.
- I was so interested in the contrast between the gossipy tone and the often dark experiences that were being related. It’s a very unique exploration of generational trauma. 

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