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ashley_reya's reviews
98 reviews
Piper Chen Sings by Phillipa Soo, Maris Pasquale Doran
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.0
I haven’t really read any picture books since I was a child, but I could feel younger Ashley loving every minute. Welcoming the butterflies instead of shoo-ing them away. What a lovely frame of mind to have 🦋
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It took me a second to get into this story. I actually started with the audiobook and then switched to the physical book months later 😂
All that is to say, I really loved this story. I loved the questions it asks of its reader. I loved seeing Addie in different time periods; seeing what she found to be fulfilling in her life. Henry and his ongoing existential crisis, all to be met with kindness and forgiveness. Beautiful, beautiful book.
All that is to say, I really loved this story. I loved the questions it asks of its reader. I loved seeing Addie in different time periods; seeing what she found to be fulfilling in her life. Henry and his ongoing existential crisis, all to be met with kindness and forgiveness. Beautiful, beautiful book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, War, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
I couldn’t. I tried so hard. So long and farewell Hoid. You were so incredibly annoying. Tress I hope you find your man. 🤷♀️
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Another Ali Hazelwood romance that I immediately devoured. Cute as always, the brain break I needed, and just so many starkly honest conversations. I really felt for what Scarlett was going through mentally and the growth she experiences throughout this story was beautiful to read. I could see myself coming back to this story just to spend time with Lukas and Scarlett; their banter had me cackling 😂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This story was so stinking cute! I really enjoyed sitting on the sidelines of this budding romance and group of nerdy friends. As a big fan of Critical Role, and a later in life convert to ttrpgs, it is very sweet to think there are kids out there live-streaming their home games. Definitely plan on checking out Dungeons and Drama down the line!
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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
Truly Rebecca Yarros has done it again. This story is a beautiful combination of heartwarming and heartbreaking. These characters feel like my best friends; I’m a part of the squad whether they want me to be or not. 😂
I also loved that in this book we get to travel to more parts of the world! So many interesting dynamics and character relationships explored and tested.
If I wasn’t already in love with the Empyrean Series, this book would’ve sold me tenfold. 🐉🖤⚡️
I also loved that in this book we get to travel to more parts of the world! So many interesting dynamics and character relationships explored and tested.
If I wasn’t already in love with the Empyrean Series, this book would’ve sold me tenfold. 🐉🖤⚡️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Medical content, Grief, and Dysphoria
Minor: Blood
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
4.0
So freakin’ cute! Ali Hazelwood does it again and I get to check off a prompt in my genre challenge 💪
(Although it was only roughly about video games 20% of the time 😂)
(Although it was only roughly about video games 20% of the time 😂)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Body shaming
The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
Wow. What a heartfelt ending to a gorgeous story. Tasha Suri has truly created a beautiful and vibrant world that I have loved living in for these three books. She writes so distinctly for each character, and has given each conflicting convictions, that makes for such juicy conflict.
Truly by the end I was so wrapped in each scene that when the next chapter jumped into a different perspective I was in it. But I think the final 3 chapters will stay with me most of all.
Thank you Tasha Suri for writing this story. ❤️
Truly by the end I was so wrapped in each scene that when the next chapter jumped into a different perspective I was in it. But I think the final 3 chapters will stay with me most of all.
Thank you Tasha Suri for writing this story. ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Moderate: Racism, Sexual content, Grief, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death and Death
Dogs of Summer by Andrea Abreu
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I think this is a beautiful snapshot of a childhood friendship. Not only do I know these girls, I’ve been in the mindset of these girls. That is partially why I struggled to read this book. Between my own “knowing what I know now” lens and the journal entry writing style I struggled to connect with our main characters initially. The audiobook allowed me to enjoy both the story and the writing style.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Fatphobia
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent
All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghue
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.0
It took me a bit to get into the story on this one, but once I was hooked I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed learning about Tarot with Maeve! And I honestly really enjoyed this story.
I would, however, recommend you check out the content warnings before you do. I was surprised at just how dark this book got.
I would, however, recommend you check out the content warnings before you do. I was surprised at just how dark this book got.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism, Self harm, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, and Suicide