Everything about this story was done well, the immersive setting, the character developments, the mystery plot, the romances, and friendships. I really enjoyed my time with the story and definitely recommend!
Best of 2023: Literary, Contemporary, Historical, & Romance Books (My 5-Star Reads)
This list will give you a great start if you, like me, don’t normally read these types of books but are looking to branch out of your comfort zone. These are all easy and fun books I would recommend to beginners in these genres. I am primarily a fantasy and thriller reader. Many of these books have those elements in them as well, which helped me to really enjoy them.
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
There’s a lot to unpack in this book and I can see it being very popular for book clubs. It does deal with some rather dark and traumatic topics (miscarriage, child abuse, etc.) so I would read trigger warnings if those kinds of things are sensitive for you.
A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
This book has officially earned a spot on the exclusive list of books that have made me cry! Wow, what an emotional story. I’m still not over it. If you’re looking for a kismet, heartwarming, gut wrenching romance, this is for you.
Pretty Reckless (All Saints High #1) by L.J. Shen
I was so excited to get a copy of this one. But, I have to be honest, it was really a struggle for me. I don’t really know how to feel about it.
Pieces of Blue by Holly Goldberg Sloan
I think this is simply a case of maybe it’s just not for me – so take my review with a pinch of salt and don’t let it influence you.
Rogue (Prep Series #2) by Elle Kennedy
It’s angsty. It’s emotional. It’s everything we loved about the first book and feels like a natural continuation of events. The twists are epic and not at all what I thought I saw coming.
Exciting and Easy to Read: Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones
This was a fun, fast-paced story and I recommend it to any young adult readers. If you are looking for something easy, exciting, and emotional, this is a great story for you.
ARC Review: If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang
It is an enjoyable read and a decent debut. It feels very magical realism, contemporary, young adult. I really wanted more from it, and I was left with more questions than answers. I think the story in general just lacks a lot of depth. It is almost surface-level with everything. It is a light, fast read, and if that’s what you are looking for in a book then you will definitely like this one.
Mini Book Review: The Divines by Ellie Eaton
Overall, it was not a terrible read, the dark themes were engaging, but it wasn’t as captivating as I’d hoped it could be.
Book Review: Dark Horses by Susan Mihalic
To be honest, I’m still not really sure how I feel about this book. It was haunting, and a little disturbing. I’m not sure I can honestly recommend this book, just safely because the themes are so dark and horrifying.
Book Review: The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I do love this book, even with a few nit-picky issues along the way. Anyone who is familiar with Jodi Picoult’s design of perfectly flawed characters and her manner of crafting stories that make you contemplate your existence, will also really like this book – even if it is not quite up to par with some of her previous, more spectacular works.