All the books I read in April 2025
***Please note that reviews may contain spoilers***
Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez - 5⭐
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanna Collins - 4⭐
I am shocked at my rating if I’m honest, which is crazy as 4 stars is a great rating. I just expected this to be a 5 star read. I’m not sure what I was expecting to be honest, but I expected to enjoy it more. I think my biggest issue is the underlying love story. I know that young love can be all consuming but I just felt the way Haymitch was so focused on her was grating. That being said, it was really enjoyable seeing his games and learning what happened to not only him but also other characters that we know (Beetee, Mags, Wiress etc). I’m glad we got to read the book and I hope she delves more into the other stories in the future.
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez - 3⭐
Short stories are not usually my thing, I personally prefer to have more time with my characters. I made an exception for this one since Abby Jimenez is one of my favourite authors. I really enjoyed this story but I do feel the length let it down. I liked the characters and the plot was really engaging. I’d have loved if this was a full length novel. This felt very insta-love but that is understandable. It left me wanting more but in this case I’m taking that as a positive.
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith - 4⭐
This was such a unique reading experience. I’ve read fantasy about trials and games before but this setting was so unusual. It was quite a spooky and gothic setting which I haven’t really read before. I also got the audiobook to do immersive reading and it really enhanced the experience. I loved the banter between Ophelia and Blackwell and while the twist at the end was somewhat predictable, I enjoyed where the story went and the journey to get there.
Off to the Races by Elsie Silver - 3⭐
As a lover of Elsie Silver I decided to embark on her backlist. I’ve heard good things about this series. This one though was not my favourite. This is the worst MMC so far (fair since it was her first). However, entitled trust fund babies don’t do anything for me. I found Vaughan to be off putting. Billie however, I loved her, she was a fantastic character to read from. She definitely made the MMC better. As her debut this was enjoyable but I am so happy to already know her books get better as they go. I hope that’s the case with the rest of this series.
On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn - 4.5⭐
This is a book club read, which I am really happy I participated in since I had never heard of this book. The start of this had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the setting and the interactions between the characters. I thought the enemies to lovers was done fantastically. I feel we were left with questions surrounding Medra’s past that I really hope we dive more into with future instalments. I’m not really sold on the bully romance advertised. The bullying didn’t really come from Blake but from Regan who is obviously not the love interest. I loved the slow burn and the tension between the characters. This one also ignited some strong feelings too when the sexism and classist behaviours were on page. The way Medra is treated as less, and an object to control and possess. This really ignites my feminist side. It was well done, so bravo to the author for this.
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings - 4⭐
I have heard so many good things about this series that I had to try it for myself. I am really glad I did, this was really entertaining. It was like watching an episode of Gossip Girl but in London. Magnolia and BJ are so toxic but somehow I still find myself rooting for them, yet also wishing I could smack their heads together. I listened to the audiobook while reading this which really helped my enjoyment as well. I would recommend this and look forward to continuing the series.
Fave Quote - “How many loves do you get in a lifetime? I remember wondering that. How many people will look at me like he does, not just like I’m the sun but like I’m the whole god damn universe” - Magnolia - Page 62
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore - 3.5⭐
This is book 4 of the Dream Harbour series. It was enjoyable to read, just a silly fun time. I like the small town aspect of the book and the further we get into it, the more characters we get to know. I think this the a perfect palette cleanser book to read between heavier topics or bigger fantasy books. Also, its a side note but the covers on this whole series are so cute. I love them.
City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards - 4⭐
Yet another series that I have heard a lot about. I couldn’t wait to start my journey with it. I have seen some comments around similarities with Crescent City and while there are some in terms of the setting and the creatures I feel this story stands on its own and is unique in its own way. I really enjoyed reading this. Darien is a really interesting MMC and I can see his potential to make the book boyfriend list. Loren our FMC I am not quite sold on. I prefer my FMC’s to be a bit more kick ass than damsel and while yes, humans in this world are at the bottom of the chain, she doesn’t need to be quite such a push over. Throughout the story it was nice to see her push back (especially with Dallas) and I hope that continues to happen as the books progress. I think this was really a good entry into the world and introduction to the characters and I am excited to continue on and see where it goes.
No comments:
Post a Comment