Recent Reads Mini Reviews

More mini reviews from books I’ve enjoyed to varying degrees over the last few weeks.

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All Stirred Up by Brianne Moore

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5 Stars)
Release Date: September 8, 2020

This book had a few firsts for me, but not in the best way. I’m not usually one to comment on writing styles or technique, but there was something I helped me solidify a preference. This book was written in third person, and I never realized that I greatly prefer my romances to be first person until I started this and something just felt off. I think first person is more personable and relatable for the characters, so at times it felt hard for me to care about the characters because they felt removed. Something else that was new for me, I am a character driven reader. I love plotless family dynamics and relationship development, so it was really weird for me that the family aspects of the story were the weakest for me, but I loved all the restaurant stuff and seeing it develop and how much it meant to Susan. So this was kind of a weird reading experience, but I still liked the story.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole

Rating:★★★★☆
Release Date: September 1, 2020

This was a really good thriller that was super engaging and fast paced. I loved all the commentary on race and gentrification. The story was pretty straight forward, so not many twists if that’s what you need in a thriller and the ending was a little quick, but still an enjoyable read.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.

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Night World by L.J. Smith

Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Release Date: June 6, 2006

Not a very good book, but a lot of fun.
I figure what better time to read a classic YA paranormal than spooky season. Now this story wasn’t anything spectacular – the plot is rushed, the characterization is one dimensional, and the relationships are under-developed, but I just had a fun time read it. It’s like a lifetime or hallmark movie – fun and engaging while it lasts, but not really something that will stick with you. And that’s okay, because it provided the perfect level of escapism without making me frustrated or angry at anything, so I’m counting this as a win. And the covers are to die for.

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The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

Rating: ★★★☆☆
Release Date: October 6, 2020

After finishing this I realized that I just really like revenge stories. They’re a lot of fun and I love seeing people getting justice by their own hands and not backing down or giving up. This wasn’t as traditionally weird as other Mindy McGinnis books, but it did contain her staple complex and unlikable female lead – but I was cheering for Alex the whole time.

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What books have you been reading lately? Share below.