I enjoyed this overall, but I didn't love it as much as I expected. I really liked the main characters, Matt and Jacob, and I liked their fri3.5 stars
I enjoyed this overall, but I didn't love it as much as I expected. I really liked the main characters, Matt and Jacob, and I liked their friendship.
A few things that prevented me from enjoying it more: (view spoiler)[ The road trip was a bit lackluster. Nothing that exciting happens besides sleeping in motels or a tent, and one skunk encounter.
The trope where a "straight" character falls for his gay best friend is often hard for me to believe in. It wasn't any different here. For almost half the story, we have Matt pining after Jacob. Then Jacob finds out that Matt is gay and in the span of two days he realizes that he is attracted to him, they kiss, do more, and end up calling each other boyfriends. As cute as they were, I didn't really buy it.
It bothered me that Matt never told Jacob it was supposed to be a one-way trip for him. Jacob finds out and then they don't even talk about it properly. He just gets over it and forgives Matt. Honestly, Jacob is too good to be true.
I found the ending predictable. I knew exactly what would happen once they arrive in California. I felt sorry for Matt, but it was expected so it didn't have a huge emotional impact on me.
This is purely a 'me' thing, and the result of having false expectations, but I thought this would be a nice little YA story. I didn't expect any intimate scenes, and I didn't care for them here. I skimmed through the second one. (hide spoiler)]...more
This is such an atmospheric and beautifully written story, even though it's quite dark and gruesome. More than I'm usually comfortable with. 4.5 stars
This is such an atmospheric and beautifully written story, even though it's quite dark and gruesome. More than I'm usually comfortable with.
I have to say that there were a couple things that I knew or guessed, but that didn't take away from how completely invested I was in the storyline and the characters.
The only unfortunate outcome of reading this book is that I don't see myself walking in the forest or eating mushrooms anytime soon. ...more
I would normally wait for the whole volume to come out, but that’s happening next year (I hope), and this was available and I couldn’t resist. I feel I would normally wait for the whole volume to come out, but that’s happening next year (I hope), and this was available and I couldn’t resist. I feel the story just gets better with each new release. If there’s one series I wish was completed, it’s this one. ...more
This book seems to be well loved, and the premise sounds interesting, but I didn't like it at all.
Emory and Connor are fin**spoiler alert** 1.5 stars
This book seems to be well loved, and the premise sounds interesting, but I didn't like it at all.
Emory and Connor are fine. And so is their relationship, mostly. Their story didn't evoke any emotion in me, though. Some things about Emory felt odd to me, like how unrealistically clumsy he is. Or the constant comments on his appearance, especially coming from women old enough to be his mother.
I didn't like Emory's sister, Lisa. I found her annoying, noisy, obnoxious and over-the-top. I didn't like her relationship with her brother and the way they communicate. I don't know how many times I've heard her say: princess, b*tch, sl*t, wh*re, cry like a girl. Even Emory called himself a sl*t or a wh*re so many times.
Halfway through, the story went completely downhill for me. If I had known what the paranormal element would be, I wouldn't have picked this up. Regardless of my present lack of interest in it, I still didn't like how it was executed. If felt ridiculous, to be honest. And gross.
I enjoyed the other story I've read by this author, We Are Going to be Friends, but this ended up being a complete miss for me. The audiobook was good, though....more
Such a unique story � beautiful, whimsical, and heartbreaking at times. I loved the author's writing style, the short chapters, and the way s4.5 stars
Such a unique story � beautiful, whimsical, and heartbreaking at times. I loved the author's writing style, the short chapters, and the way she writes relationships and friendships. The author's note at the end of the book is wonderful.
There are a lot more little things I liked about this book, but I don't want to give anything away. I feel it's better to go into it not knowing much about it.
A cute short story with lovely characters. I liked the premise and I was very interested to find out who the mystery boy was. I think it's pretty obviA cute short story with lovely characters. I liked the premise and I was very interested to find out who the mystery boy was. I think it's pretty obvious right from the start, but I was still happy with who he turned out to be. I wish the story was longer with a bit more development....more
This was so charming. I loved the high school theatre setting, the references to My Fair Lady and She's All That, but without the stupid bet, and the This was so charming. I loved the high school theatre setting, the references to My Fair Lady and She's All That, but without the stupid bet, and the characters.
The friendship between shy and awkward Elijah and more confident Wade was so sweet. It was lovely to watch them grow throughout the story and learn how to be their true selves. There was sort of a (view spoiler)[love triangle which I didn't expect (hide spoiler)], but I liked how it was done.
I listened to this on audio and I really enjoyed the narration....more
I thought this was very sweet. I really liked the characters, the dynamics between Wren and Leo, and the humor.
However, I found the story pr3.5 stars
I thought this was very sweet. I really liked the characters, the dynamics between Wren and Leo, and the humor.
However, I found the story predictable and it dragged for me at times. Based on the blurb, I expected (view spoiler)[they would be working on one dance, not more. It felt repetitive. (hide spoiler)] There were also some aspects that didn't click for me and I did find the romance part a bit lacking. The writing was really good, though, and I enjoyed how the story developed overall.
I listened to the audiobook and I think that the narrator did a good job with Wren's character, making him sound both annoying and endearing. Another plus for choosing a narrator who actually sounds like a teenager, and not a grown-up man. ...more
**spoiler alert** Loved the first half of the book. In terms of the storyline, it was pretty much what I expected based on the blurb. Just as in the p**spoiler alert** Loved the first half of the book. In terms of the storyline, it was pretty much what I expected based on the blurb. Just as in the previous books, the characters and their friendships are wonderful. The relationship between Rome and Damien is so adorable and heartwarming.
The story took an unexpected turn in the second half. It was less about school, hockey and their relationship and more about a trope I don't usually like. While I absolutely admire Rome and Damien for making a certain decision, I feel this part of the story was too much. They were already dealing with a lot of issues and things got too serious too fast, before their relationship even had a chance to develop. Why not let them be teenagers? I also wasn't a fan of the time jumps in the epilogue....more
I really enjoyed this book for the first 70% or so. I found it very entertaining and the humor was right up my alley.
All the characters are so well-wI really enjoyed this book for the first 70% or so. I found it very entertaining and the humor was right up my alley.
All the characters are so well-written. They are a bunch of lovable idiots who sometimes find themselves in the most ridiculous situations. I can't even choose who my favourite was or whose relationship I loved the most.
Gwen and Arthur were often pretty insufferable and bratty, but I absolutely loved their banter, as well as the banter between Arthur and Sid. Sid is such an amazing and loyal friend, I loved his friendship with Arthur so much. Gabe, Bridget and Agnes were just as wonderful and the romance part of the story was really sweet.
The last 30% of the book (view spoiler)[caught me off guard a bit. One of the characters gets brutally attacked, off-page but there are extensive descriptions of his injuries, and there is a battle towards the end that was more violent than I would have expected. Up to that point, the story felt very lighthearted and humorous, so I definitely wasn't prepared for that. It's also not mentioned in the blurb. There were hints of who the 'bad guys' are and it wasn't hard to guess, but I still didn't expect such an outcome. I wish the author had kept it on the lighter side, because I don't think it fit with the rest of the story. (hide spoiler)]
I'd like to add that this story is not a retelling. It's just inspired by the Arthurian legend and takes place in the seemingly same world, but several generations after. It's humor and the medieval setting with a modern twist reminded me a lot of the movie A Knight's Tale and the Adventures in Aguillon series by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey. Both are my favourites. ...more
This was so good. The training camp from the previous volume ends in this one and it was just as fun. And the last chapter? It was so adorabl4.5 stars
This was so good. The training camp from the previous volume ends in this one and it was just as fun. And the last chapter? It was so adorable and I loved it. It seems we're finally getting somewhere and I can't wait to see what happens next with Nicholas, Seiji, Harvard and Aiden. I love them so much.
I can only repeat what I've said before: wonderful characters and beautiful artwork.
I read this as single issues Fence: Redemption #1-#4....more
The second book had even less of what I expected from this series. We learn more about Colton and we get to know Daphne more, so that's good1.5 stars
The second book had even less of what I expected from this series. We learn more about Colton and we get to know Daphne more, so that's good, I guess. Danny and Colton are still sweet, what little we get from them here.
However, I didn't find the storyline particularly interesting or engaging. It was a bit all over the place with a lot going on, while it felt like nothing important was happening. Combined with a lot of plot holes and questionable decisions and actions that make no sense but are convenient, this was a struggle to get through.
I think this story has a great concept and a very strong beginning. It pulled me in right away and made me very intrigued. I'm really glad I 3.5 stars
I think this story has a great concept and a very strong beginning. It pulled me in right away and made me very intrigued. I'm really glad I didn't read the blurb before starting it, because it's kind of spoilery. It would have definitely ruined my favourite part of the story.
The reasons I'm not giving it a higher rating: - after an interesting beginning, the story started dragging a bit - there were a lot of plot holes - the characters' actions often seemed naive, didn't make sense or didn't feel believable, but were convenient - I expected more atmosphere from a book set in the alternate steampunky Victorian London, but it often felt like reading a contemporary - the romance was kind of cute, but very surface level
I really enjoyed the audiobook. Great narration by Gary Furlong....more
**spoiler alert** Compared to book 1, this part of the story felt more intense. I wouldn't even call it a sequel, since it literally continues where t**spoiler alert** Compared to book 1, this part of the story felt more intense. I wouldn't even call it a sequel, since it literally continues where the previous book ends.
Some things were expected, like Alex coming out and the homophobia he had to face. He also had to deal with his anxiety during the playoffs. Everything was resolved in the best possible way, though. A bit unrealistic, but also satisfying.
One of the things I loved in the previous book was Eli's determination to continue competitive skating despite his disability. And he was really good at it. Needless to say, I wasn't happy with what happened in this book. His injury could have easily been avoided if only he'd listened to his dog. It seemed strange that he would take it so lightly, since the Eli we met in book 1 was very responsible, and then, very conveniently, he decided that he didn't even like competitions and would rather teach children. At least he wasn't sad about it, so that's positive.
As for Alex and Eli's relationship, it was still the cutest. They made me smile so many times. I loved their monthly relationship meetings and money negotiations. But most of all I loved how they were always there for each other.
I wish their group of friends got more on page time in this one, as well as Hawk. But Matts was pretty great. I would also love to read a whole story about Cody and James. ...more
This is such a wonderful, heartwarming and uplifting story. I can't even express how adorable Eli and Alex are. And funny. And kind. I loved them. TheThis is such a wonderful, heartwarming and uplifting story. I can't even express how adorable Eli and Alex are. And funny. And kind. I loved them. Their friendship is the cutest and the slow burn is perfect. All the side characters are pretty great, too.
The premise might not sound that original, but what sets this book apart is the writing style. I enjoyed it so much � the dialogues, the humor and an excellent representation of Eli's disability and Alex's mental health. This book made me realize just how amazing service dogs are. Ok, and grumpy cats, too.
Was everything in the story realistic? Probably not. And there's not much of a plot, so the story feels longer than it is. But that didn't affect my enjoyment at all. I appreciated that there was no drama and no miscommunication. Also no steam, but so many feelings....more
I really enjoyed the first 80% of the story or so. It was sweet and mostly lighthearted, despite the family issues. I liked both Ryan and Cod3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the first 80% of the story or so. It was sweet and mostly lighthearted, despite the family issues. I liked both Ryan and Cody as main characters.
What I didn't like (view spoiler)[was all the drama in the last part of the book. One thing I dislike more than the third-act break up is the third-act "tragedy" that usually ends up with one of the characters being taken to hospital. It's obvious purpose here was to have a reason to keep Ryan and Cody apart. It wasn't that relevant for what was left of the story at all.
The whole family drama escalated as well, with more tragedy from the past. But once everyone finally opened up, it was solved quickly, after dragging on for most of the story.
Another thing that bothered me, especially towards the end, was how almost everyone treated Ryan. I really felt for him. I was mostly angry with his sisters, and later on even with Cody. Ryan deserved better. From everyone. (hide spoiler)] ...more
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