ivi_reads_books's reviews
273 reviews

Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

A quiet story set against the backdrop of Paris, weaving together two timelines and a touch of mystery.

In Twilight in Paris, Louise, living in the 1950s in Britain, stumbles upon a necklace she last saw during WWII—shortly before her friend’s tragic death. Determined to uncover the truth, her investigation leads her to Helaine, a French Jewish woman whose story begins in the 1930s and unfolds through the war years.

Helaine, a sickly child, was isolated by her parents out of fear for her health, adding an extra layer of heartbreak to her story. As Louise pieces together the mystery behind the necklace, the lives of these two women intertwine across time. 

The dual timeline beautifully connects Louise and Helaine’s lives, blending mystery, resilience, and untold history. I especially appreciated learning about the Levitan store, a real WWII prison camp I’d never heard of before.

There’s also a memorable male side character who walks with a limp from a childhood injury, adding a layer of quiet resilience to the story.

While the ending felt a bit too neatly tied up for me, the journey there was heartfelt and thought-provoking. If you love historical fiction with emotional depth and a touch of mystery, this one’s worth picking up. 

Thank you to Park Row and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
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Can I Tell You Something? by Holly June Smith

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

4.5

What happens when your brother’s roommate at the family Christmas chalet turns out to be your favorite adult voice actor?

In Can I Tell You Something by Holley June Smith, sparks fly in a snowy Swiss chalet as the female main character navigates the thrill (and spice!) of meeting the man she's been secretly listening to for ages. The story delivers very steamy moments, sprinkled with performances from the swoon-worthy voice actor himself.

If you love cozy winter vibes, and spice levels that’ll melt the snow, this one’s for you!
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Dukes and Dekes by Torie Jean

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emotional funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

What happens when a pro hockey player with a knack for on-ice brawls and a determined heroine navigating endometriosis diagnosis collide in a friends-to-lovers romance?

Dukes & Dekes by Torie Jean delivers sweet characters, a charming Jane Austen fair, and refreshingly intimate non-penetrative sex scenes. The story shines in its honest portrayal of the frustrating journey to an endo diagnosis and offers heartfelt moments of connection.

That said, I didn't quite buy the drinking, slacking hockey player. The pro atheletes I know don't drink and don't skip practice because they need to bring their A game every time.

At 400 pages the middle dragged a bit for me.

If you’re into swoony sports romance with health rep and a touch of Austen charm, give this one a try!
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Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

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emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

Margo’s got money troubles, but she’s got grit, too.

This story dives into the life of a young mom determined to build a better life for her baby while navigating the complexities of survival. Her father, a former wrestler, struggles with chronic back pain and the fallout of addiction, adding another layer of hardship to Margo’s world.

What sets this book apart is its honest portrayal of the creativity and strategic thinking required to succeed on OnlyFans, while also highlighting the emotional toll and relentless stigma that comes with it.

At its core, this is a story about resilience, motherhood, and refusing to let judgment define your worth. Raw, emotional, and ultimately hopeful—this one leaves an impact. 
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Mouth: Stories by Puloma Ghosh

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
Too bizarre for me
Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Love at First Book was, unfortunately, not my cup of tea.

The story perpetuates the outdated trope that if a man is mean to you, it’s because he secretly likes you—and honestly, I thought we’d moved past that.

The female main character is deeply insecure, constantly worrying about her appearance and what others think of her. While this is explained by her overbearing mother, it didn’t translate into compelling storytelling for me.

That said, I did enjoy how the main characters helped an aging author finish her beloved book series and the clear love for books woven throughout the story.

I read this for a book club, but I wouldn’t recommend it overall. 
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The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

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emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.5

 The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is a beautifully packaged novel with an absolutely stunning cover.

While the premise held promise, I found the characters lacked depth, and their actions often didn’t make much sense to me. The story leans more toward a description of events than a true mystery, which left me wanting more intrigue and connection. 
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

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dark emotional informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

 The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a beautifully told historical novel that transports readers to 18th-century Massachusetts through the eyes of a midwife.

The story offers a rich glimpse into the lives of women, mothers, families, and even criminals, while also exploring the fragile and often unjust justice system of the time.
The nature writing is stunning, with a deep connection to the land and animals woven into every page. 

One side character experiences frequent migraines—though the condition had no name back then, and relief was limited to basic pain medication. It highlights just how isolating and misunderstood chronic illness could be in those times.

If you love historical fiction with layered storytelling, atmospheric writing, and a focus on women’s lives, this is a must-read. 
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Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion by Dr. Emily Jamea

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informative inspiring medium-paced

3.75

Anatomy of Desire is an insightful guide to building deeper intimacy and rediscovering passion in relationships.

This book dives into:
✨ How to get into flow during intimacy
✨ Creating an environment that fosters connection
✨ Communicating your needs and desires openly
✨ Finding the balance between control and vulnerability
✨ Experiencing awe and being fully present
✨ Embracing sensuality in everyday moments

It also beautifully explores intimacy as an escape—a refuge from the stresses of daily life or the challenges of chronic illness and pain.

If you’re looking to strengthen emotional and physical connections, this is an enlightening and practical read. 
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

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emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

 If I had to summarize Iron Widow in one word, it would be rage!

This YA sci-fi blends futuristic mechas (think giant battling robots) with historical elements like foot binding and the systemic suppression of women. In this world, male and female pilots team up to steer these robots—but the male pilot can sacrifice the female if needed. So yes, there’s plenty to be angry about.

The female main character, who had her feet bound at a young age, experiences chronic pain and occasionally relies on a wheelchair. While there’s a love triangle, it’s quite tame, and the book leans heavily into its raw, emotional core.

I wished for more nuance, maturity, and backstory for the characters, but I’m hopeful the sequel (coming December 24, 2024) will deliver!

If you love fierce female leads and stories dripping with justified fury, this one’s for you. 
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