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jp_rex's reviews
145 reviews
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
When I grabbed this off my shelf to read on the plane, I did not expect to find myself staying up to finish it the same day, but that's exactly what happened.
We meet Phoebe in the middle of a difficult period. Her mostly estranged father has just died, she has to clean out the house that never felt like her home, all while finishing the dissertation that she never thought she'd be able to write. While she's trying to handle all of this solo (despite the best efforts of her delightful younger brother), she fixates on her weirdly attractive next door neighbor who just happens to carry plastic sheeting into his garage in the wee hours of the morning while covered in some sort of dark liquid...
Sam is the perfect foil for someone like Phoebe. He doesn't share her fascination with serial killers or true crime, but he understands her in a way that makes her walls go up higher and stronger to keep him out. As we learn more about Phoebe's history with her parents, as well her struggle to have her scholarship acknowledged and respected, the walls she built up over time make sense.
I loved that Phoebe was allowed to be flawed, allowed to be kind of crappy to people, and that she wasn't perfect by the end. She stayed true to herself throughout the story, and having her happy ending felt earned, if slightly rushed. But this was a really fun story to experience, particularly if you share Phoebe's passion for true crime and pop culture references.
We meet Phoebe in the middle of a difficult period. Her mostly estranged father has just died, she has to clean out the house that never felt like her home, all while finishing the dissertation that she never thought she'd be able to write. While she's trying to handle all of this solo (despite the best efforts of her delightful younger brother), she fixates on her weirdly attractive next door neighbor who just happens to carry plastic sheeting into his garage in the wee hours of the morning while covered in some sort of dark liquid...
Sam is the perfect foil for someone like Phoebe. He doesn't share her fascination with serial killers or true crime, but he understands her in a way that makes her walls go up higher and stronger to keep him out. As we learn more about Phoebe's history with her parents, as well her struggle to have her scholarship acknowledged and respected, the walls she built up over time make sense.
I loved that Phoebe was allowed to be flawed, allowed to be kind of crappy to people, and that she wasn't perfect by the end. She stayed true to herself throughout the story, and having her happy ending felt earned, if slightly rushed. But this was a really fun story to experience, particularly if you share Phoebe's passion for true crime and pop culture references.
I Think They Love You by Julian Winters
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
4.5
Although it is a lovely story of second-chance romance, at its core, this is a story about familial expectations and who you are when you no longer feel the drive to meet them.
Denz is a loving, supportive friend, brother, and son, but he struggles with self doubt brought about by a lifetime of trying to live up to his highly successful family's expectations. He's the perfect example of someone who has lived so long defined by his family name that he has no idea who or what he is without it. It's clear that Denz desires his family's acceptance and approval, but the question is what he will do if that isn't forthcoming in the way he expects.
On the other hand, Braylon knows exactly who he is after living on his own and losing his father. He also has the uncanny ability to see Denz for exactly who Denz is at his core, and their fake relationship serves as the means by which Denz can figure out what Braylon has known all along.
This is a wonderful example of standard tropes (second chance love, fake dating), done in a way that serves, rather than hinders, the story. These are two men who deeply care for one another, and who are willing to be the best version of themselves to help the other achieve whatever they want most. Add in the perfect platonic life mate best friend, a loving, if judgmental family, intimidatingly successful sister, and this book is 24 "Carter" Gold.
Denz is a loving, supportive friend, brother, and son, but he struggles with self doubt brought about by a lifetime of trying to live up to his highly successful family's expectations. He's the perfect example of someone who has lived so long defined by his family name that he has no idea who or what he is without it. It's clear that Denz desires his family's acceptance and approval, but the question is what he will do if that isn't forthcoming in the way he expects.
On the other hand, Braylon knows exactly who he is after living on his own and losing his father. He also has the uncanny ability to see Denz for exactly who Denz is at his core, and their fake relationship serves as the means by which Denz can figure out what Braylon has known all along.
This is a wonderful example of standard tropes (second chance love, fake dating), done in a way that serves, rather than hinders, the story. These are two men who deeply care for one another, and who are willing to be the best version of themselves to help the other achieve whatever they want most. Add in the perfect platonic life mate best friend, a loving, if judgmental family, intimidatingly successful sister, and this book is 24 "Carter" Gold.
Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
emotional
funny
reflective
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
4.25
Let me get this out of the way: Joshua Jackson needs to narrate more audiobooks because the timber of his voice, combined with a love story is just...::chef's kiss::. I'm so glad my BFF recommended the audiobook for this one.
I really enjoyed listening as Mike and Rory's story unfolded over the course of the book. Rory's troubling internal monologue and demons were not only understandable, but actually acknowledged and confronted as she grew into the person we meet at the end of the book. I really appreciated that she was actively trying to do the work to overcome her trauma, no matter how hard it was for her to acknowledge.
And Mike...not only was he an amazing cheerleader in Rory's corner, but he was actively doing the work to confront all of the baggage he carried from becoming a widower. Learning to balance humble beginnings with his superstar status, while navigating a life change that no one can plan for - I thought Mike's character was well handled and realistic.
The cause of the third-act breakup was obvious, but in some ways it still didn't make a ton of sense. I'm glad that Mike discussed it with his therapist because she articulated the thing that seemed obvious to the reader, but clearly wasn't obvious to his character. As a means of keeping them apart, I wasn't completely on board.
The only other negative I had was with regard to Olivia. Part of the conflict was Mike's reluctance to enter into a serious relationship with anyone who could possibly leave and devastate his daughter, due to her already losing her mother. But when the reconciliation happens, it didn't seem to give any thought to Olivia beyond her asking after Rory after the initial breakup. I felt like this was missing context, which led to the last part of the book feeling rushed.
All that being said, I wholeheartedly recommend it anyway, if only to swoon over Mike describing his desire to "catch [Rory's] beat, [to] be enfolded into a secret rhythm..." that would allow him to believe things would be OK.
I really enjoyed listening as Mike and Rory's story unfolded over the course of the book. Rory's troubling internal monologue and demons were not only understandable, but actually acknowledged and confronted as she grew into the person we meet at the end of the book. I really appreciated that she was actively trying to do the work to overcome her trauma, no matter how hard it was for her to acknowledge.
And Mike...not only was he an amazing cheerleader in Rory's corner, but he was actively doing the work to confront all of the baggage he carried from becoming a widower. Learning to balance humble beginnings with his superstar status, while navigating a life change that no one can plan for - I thought Mike's character was well handled and realistic.
The cause of the third-act breakup was obvious, but in some ways it still didn't make a ton of sense. I'm glad that Mike discussed it with his therapist because she articulated the thing that seemed obvious to the reader, but clearly wasn't obvious to his character. As a means of keeping them apart, I wasn't completely on board.
The only other negative I had was with regard to Olivia. Part of the conflict was Mike's reluctance to enter into a serious relationship with anyone who could possibly leave and devastate his daughter, due to her already losing her mother. But when the reconciliation happens, it didn't seem to give any thought to Olivia beyond her asking after Rory after the initial breakup. I felt like this was missing context, which led to the last part of the book feeling rushed.
All that being said, I wholeheartedly recommend it anyway, if only to swoon over Mike describing his desire to "catch [Rory's] beat, [to] be enfolded into a secret rhythm..." that would allow him to believe things would be OK.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Death of parent
Flipping the Birdie by S.L. Woeppel
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25
"The world had never been good about accepting women with power. It never did believe we could wield the power we possessed." - Birdie, pg. 165.
If this book had a thesis statement, it would be this. Despite being a very entertaining, emotional, and funny super hero story, the story of Birdie is one that so many women can relate to - the unending question of what it means to be a woman in society, and who gets to decide the answer to that question. The book isn't hiding its argument; if anything, it's projecting it in neon flashing lights to everyone to see: we are the ones who decide how and when to wield our power.
Birdie is a loveable contradiction. She's physically stronger than most people on the planet, but the development of her power has resulted in her being more emotionally stunted than most people around her. Physically, little can hurt her, emotionally, it doesn't take more than a verbal slight to send her spinning. But after initial resistance, she's willing and able to put in the work to fix her shortcomings. It was wonderful to experience the evolution of Birdie's relationship with Evie, the perfectly chipper foil whose pain and strength is belied by the bubbly exterior.
Aiden is a perfectly foul-mouthed misanthrope with a soft spot for the people he loves and cares about. The relationship that develops between Birdie and Aiden makes sense and I was definitely rooting for it to succeed.
Overall, this is a super charming story that had me hooked from Birdie's interaction with the "super fan" and that had me wanting a shirt by the end. The moral may have been a little too obvious, but it didn't detract from the great fun you have as you experience the lesson.
If this book had a thesis statement, it would be this. Despite being a very entertaining, emotional, and funny super hero story, the story of Birdie is one that so many women can relate to - the unending question of what it means to be a woman in society, and who gets to decide the answer to that question. The book isn't hiding its argument; if anything, it's projecting it in neon flashing lights to everyone to see: we are the ones who decide how and when to wield our power.
Birdie is a loveable contradiction. She's physically stronger than most people on the planet, but the development of her power has resulted in her being more emotionally stunted than most people around her. Physically, little can hurt her, emotionally, it doesn't take more than a verbal slight to send her spinning. But after initial resistance, she's willing and able to put in the work to fix her shortcomings. It was wonderful to experience the evolution of Birdie's relationship with Evie, the perfectly chipper foil whose pain and strength is belied by the bubbly exterior.
Aiden is a perfectly foul-mouthed misanthrope with a soft spot for the people he loves and cares about. The relationship that develops between Birdie and Aiden makes sense and I was definitely rooting for it to succeed.
Overall, this is a super charming story that had me hooked from Birdie's interaction with the "super fan" and that had me wanting a shirt by the end. The moral may have been a little too obvious, but it didn't detract from the great fun you have as you experience the lesson.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment and Sexual harassment
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was not sold on this book upon reading the Prologue. It didn't feel like the Ali Hazelwood style that I expected, but it wasn't until I continued on that I realized that was by design, and the rest of the story certain met my expectations. By the time I recovered from the tonal whiplash, the book had its hooks in me, and I was reluctant to put it down.
Misery is a compelling and surprisingly loveable character. She doesn't fit in with her own people (vampires), and she's begrudgingly entering a marriage with the enemy of her kind - the were's alpha, Lowe. But despite her perceived shortcomings, Misery is sarcastic, loyal, biting (not literally at first - IYKYK), hilarious, intelligent, and strong-willed. She's a partner who shouldn't be underestimated.
And Lowe? He's devoted to his pack, willing to make hard decisions, loyal and protective to a fault. He's so easy to fall for, despite any gruff exterior or seemingly questionable motives. At each point, you can find the soft underbelly which makes the marital arrangement go from frigid to scorching.
The only other negative I have is the speed with which the story wrapped up. The climax involves the villain making a literal villain speech, laying out the plan and their motivations. And the ensuing melee apparently happens off-page, because the next thing we know the villain is captured with little reference to the particulars.
But overall, I loved this and would recommend it to anyone looking to add a little paranormal spice into their life.
Misery is a compelling and surprisingly loveable character. She doesn't fit in with her own people (vampires), and she's begrudgingly entering a marriage with the enemy of her kind - the were's alpha, Lowe. But despite her perceived shortcomings, Misery is sarcastic, loyal, biting (not literally at first - IYKYK), hilarious, intelligent, and strong-willed. She's a partner who shouldn't be underestimated.
And Lowe? He's devoted to his pack, willing to make hard decisions, loyal and protective to a fault. He's so easy to fall for, despite any gruff exterior or seemingly questionable motives. At each point, you can find the soft underbelly which makes the marital arrangement go from frigid to scorching.
The only other negative I have is the speed with which the story wrapped up. The climax involves the villain making a literal villain speech, laying out the plan and their motivations. And the ensuing melee apparently happens off-page, because the next thing we know the villain is captured with little reference to the particulars.
But overall, I loved this and would recommend it to anyone looking to add a little paranormal spice into their life.
One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
4.25
This was a very pleasant story with a deeply emotional thread woven throughout. The story of Natalie and Rob, as well as Angus and Gabby, is told in seven parts, each representing a different stage of their lives. In some, Natalie perceives Rob as having the upper hand, while in others, he feels the opposite to be true. But the truth, like life, is more complicated than that - each of them are fighting their own battles, struggling with insecurities, and experiencing a deep sense of loneliness that pervades the progression of their lives.
The story, in many ways, plays with different romance tropes or at least nods at them and often subverts them. Rob is the grump to Natalie's sunshine, but she has plenty of internally grumpy moments while Rob finds sunshine in his friendship with Angus. There's an "only one bed" situation that doesn't end where you think it might. There's a "forced proximity" storyline that doesn't involve the people you assume it will.
I appreciated the way Laura Hankin handles the friendships and other relationships. Everyone is allowed some grace, whether the over-eager boyfriend or the aloof girlfriend. Gabby and Angus serve as a fun house mirror to Natalie and Rob - they are meeting every benchmark (marriage, jobs, promotions, parenthood, home ownership) - while Natalie and Rob struggle along the way. But Gabby and Angus are allowed to be flawed individuals in other ways, which enables them to be more than standard side characters. (But I think everyone can agree that Angus is far too pure for this world and no harm should ever come to him.)
I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend the author's narration. She does a wonderful job of developing distinct character voices that go beyond the page. At every point that I thought something would happen, Hankin deviated from the obvious path, to pleasing effect.
The story, in many ways, plays with different romance tropes or at least nods at them and often subverts them. Rob is the grump to Natalie's sunshine, but she has plenty of internally grumpy moments while Rob finds sunshine in his friendship with Angus. There's an "only one bed" situation that doesn't end where you think it might. There's a "forced proximity" storyline that doesn't involve the people you assume it will.
I appreciated the way Laura Hankin handles the friendships and other relationships. Everyone is allowed some grace, whether the over-eager boyfriend or the aloof girlfriend. Gabby and Angus serve as a fun house mirror to Natalie and Rob - they are meeting every benchmark (marriage, jobs, promotions, parenthood, home ownership) - while Natalie and Rob struggle along the way. But Gabby and Angus are allowed to be flawed individuals in other ways, which enables them to be more than standard side characters. (But I think everyone can agree that Angus is far too pure for this world and no harm should ever come to him.)
I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend the author's narration. She does a wonderful job of developing distinct character voices that go beyond the page. At every point that I thought something would happen, Hankin deviated from the obvious path, to pleasing effect.
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
5.0
To provide context to this review, I need to reveal something about myself: I know NOTHING about music. I cannot sing, I don't play any instrument, I can't read sheet music...I came into this story of two string instrument prodigies with a Grand Canyon sized hole where my understanding of orchestras, arrangements, composition...really any inkling of musical understanding should be.
It did not matter one iota. The quality of this story, the flow of the prose, the narration and inflection - it conveyed everything that you needed to have to understand the relationship and rivalry between Xander and Gwen. I was so glad that I decided to listen to the audiobook because Savannah Peachwood's characterization of Gwen was pitch perfect.I'm not sure if it counts as a spoiler, but I was not expecting Oliver Clarke's portions of the narration since this isn't a traditional dual narration set-up, but his interludes were incredible.
I loved the characters, I loved their evolution, and I loved how believable their love story was. As I listened to the description of an unplanned duet, I was blown away at the emotion, passion, and chemistry that came through.
I'm gushing about this because I have nothing negative to say. I have been recommending it to everyone I talk to, and I will feel envy as they begin their journey with this story anew. I wish I could experience it all over again.
It did not matter one iota. The quality of this story, the flow of the prose, the narration and inflection - it conveyed everything that you needed to have to understand the relationship and rivalry between Xander and Gwen. I was so glad that I decided to listen to the audiobook because Savannah Peachwood's characterization of Gwen was pitch perfect.
I loved the characters, I loved their evolution, and I loved how believable their love story was. As I listened to the description of an unplanned duet, I was blown away at the emotion, passion, and chemistry that came through.
I'm gushing about this because I have nothing negative to say. I have been recommending it to everyone I talk to, and I will feel envy as they begin their journey with this story anew. I wish I could experience it all over again.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I can't say I expected a meet-cute over a decaying body, but when it happened, it definitely served as a harbringer of the rest of the unhinged madness to come. I never thought to myself that I needed to experience a romance between serial killers of serial killers, but the premise was too intriguing to pass up.
Sloane is an interesting character because, while you don't necessarily want to root for her, she has a somewhat understandable motivation. I was relieved that her history wasn't spelled out in full - the inferences were enough to get the point across. While some FMCs can be independent and stubborn to a fault in ways that contradict their characterization, everything about Sloane fit the role she was playing in ways that made sense.
Rowan is the type of male lead that has you say "book boyfriend" on one hand and "deep, deep trouble" on the other. He was playful and hilarious, but with an earned violent streak that made him dangerous. The one saving grace is that the violence was never turned toward the "innocents," so to speak.
This book sort of undermines my ability to talk about it. There were laugh-out-loud parts that were equal parts shock value and true humor. There were really dark motivations and thought processes, but with a veneer of lightness and...cuteness? It was Dexter and Criminal Minds told with Cartoon Network humor and seriously hot spice.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. With some residual guilt, a lot of laughs, and a fair bit of queasiness along the way.
Sloane is an interesting character because, while you don't necessarily want to root for her, she has a somewhat understandable motivation. I was relieved that her history wasn't spelled out in full - the inferences were enough to get the point across. While some FMCs can be independent and stubborn to a fault in ways that contradict their characterization, everything about Sloane fit the role she was playing in ways that made sense.
Rowan is the type of male lead that has you say "book boyfriend" on one hand and "deep, deep trouble" on the other. He was playful and hilarious, but with an earned violent streak that made him dangerous. The one saving grace is that the violence was never turned toward the "innocents," so to speak.
This book sort of undermines my ability to talk about it. There were laugh-out-loud parts that were equal parts shock value and true humor. There were really dark motivations and thought processes, but with a veneer of lightness and...cuteness? It was Dexter and Criminal Minds told with Cartoon Network humor and seriously hot spice.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. With some residual guilt, a lot of laughs, and a fair bit of queasiness along the way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Cannibalism, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual violence
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
In the interest of full disclosure, I suspect my perspective on this book would be different if I read it instead of listening to the audiobook. I wasn't loving the male characterization, and particularly the moustache-twirling-villain affectation the narrator put on toward the end for the bad guy, only to find out about the accusations against the narrator after finishing...needless to say, I was completely turned off.
But, trying very hard to examine only the story and characters, I enjoyed my first real foray into shifter romance. I really liked Mackenzie as a character. She was strong and kind, and it seemed like every positive characteristic that others described was well-founded. Noah was certainly more difficult for me to fully accept. Whatever can be attributed to his "alpha" status is fine, but that doesn't mean I have to like his possessiveness. But it was clear, throughout the story, that his real care and concern was toward Mackenzie.
Overall, it's a twist on a standard fake dating scenario, with some fated mate stuff thrown in, but I would 100% recommend reading it, not listening to it.
But, trying very hard to examine only the story and characters, I enjoyed my first real foray into shifter romance. I really liked Mackenzie as a character. She was strong and kind, and it seemed like every positive characteristic that others described was well-founded. Noah was certainly more difficult for me to fully accept. Whatever can be attributed to his "alpha" status is fine, but that doesn't mean I have to like his possessiveness. But it was clear, throughout the story, that his real care and concern was toward Mackenzie.
Overall, it's a twist on a standard fake dating scenario, with some fated mate stuff thrown in, but I would 100% recommend reading it, not listening to it.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
A little over halfway through this, I messaged my best friend and told her I already knew this book was going to become my personality. The charm and love poured into each of these characters leapt off the page and straight into my heart.
It didn't start out that way. For the first four chapters, I wasn't sure what to expect and was still trying to "get" the story. But in fairness, that tends to be a common theme for me and fantasy worlds, so I forged ahead. By the end, any minor confusion had been alleviated, any annoyance (if it ever existed) - forgotten.
Mercy and Hart are hate-to-lover perfection, quintessential grump and sunshine. The homage to You've Got Mail was ::chef's kiss::, but the story clearly became its own story over the course of their relationship. Add in a fantastic side character in Duckers, great family drama at Birdsall & Son, and all of the fantastical elements, and you have my version of book catnip.
This book had me groaning, sobbing, and laughing in near equal measure. I already can't wait to get back to Eternity!
It didn't start out that way. For the first four chapters, I wasn't sure what to expect and was still trying to "get" the story. But in fairness, that tends to be a common theme for me and fantasy worlds, so I forged ahead. By the end, any minor confusion had been alleviated, any annoyance (if it ever existed) - forgotten.
Mercy and Hart are hate-to-lover perfection, quintessential grump and sunshine. The homage to You've Got Mail was ::chef's kiss::, but the story clearly became its own story over the course of their relationship. Add in a fantastic side character in Duckers, great family drama at Birdsall & Son, and all of the fantastical elements, and you have my version of book catnip.
This book had me groaning, sobbing, and laughing in near equal measure. I already can't wait to get back to Eternity!