Jerry Cooke
4.5⭐️ - Beautiful and devastating with absolutely phenomenal world building and poetic writing!
One of my favourite books of all time is The Night Circus and I'd thoroughly recommend this book to any fan of that! The way magic is weaved into the world with a mix of different sources of lore is truly wonderful. I was utterly pulled along in the stream of the story and captivated by the writing style. Lawrence combines human history from the real world with imaginary works to in doing so creates a world and larger universe where there are infinite connections and possibilities.
A big theme is expectation, for yourself, for your future, for the people you meet and this is expressed in a way that surprises and confuses at times, but it makes the whole journey that much more exciting. Truly a wonderful piece of literature and I'm so excited to read the next book to see how the story of the library progresses!
4.5⭐️ - Beautiful and devastating with absolutely phenomenal world building and poetic writing!
One of my favourite books of all time is The Night Circus and I'd thoroughly recommend this book to any fan of that! The way magic is weaved into the world with a mix of different sources of lore is truly wonderful. I was utterly pulled along in the stream of the story and captivated by the writing style. Lawrence combines human history from the real world with imaginary works to in doing so creates a world and larger universe where there are infinite connections and possibilities.
A big theme is expectation, for yourself, for your future, for the people you meet and this is expressed in a way that surprises and confuses at times, but it makes the whole journey that much more exciting. Truly a wonderful piece of literature and I'm so excited to read the next book to see how the story of the library progresses!
This was such a perfect end to the trilogy, with Margo reconnecting with her first love, Olivia. I love a second chance trope, but only when it's like this - a relationship that should have been, but didn't pan out due to circumstances. Margo is a massive over thinker and Olivia has spent a decade being controlled by her ex-husband, and so seeing them care for each other and provide what they needed was really affirming.
I'm so sad to come to the end of these characters stories, but there was a beautiful epilogue that brought things to a satisfying end and I'm very thankful to Alexandria Bellefleur for that!
This was such a perfect end to the trilogy, with Margo reconnecting with her first love, Olivia. I love a second chance trope, but only when it's like this - a relationship that should have been, but didn't pan out due to circumstances. Margo is a massive over thinker and Olivia has spent a decade being controlled by her ex-husband, and so seeing them care for each other and provide what they needed was really affirming.
I'm so sad to come to the end of these characters stories, but there was a beautiful epilogue that brought things to a satisfying end and I'm very thankful to Alexandria Bellefleur for that!
This was another wonderful entry into the series, introducing Annie (Darcy‘s best friend) who was mentioned in the first book. We see a lot more of Brendan, as he and Annie get to know each other and navigate their competing wants, desires, and fears.
This is another really sweet story, and we get to see enough of Ellie and Darcy to keep connected with them and make it all feel part of one complete story. I'm really enjoying these books and I can't wait to dive into the next one.
This was another wonderful entry into the series, introducing Annie (Darcy‘s best friend) who was mentioned in the first book. We see a lot more of Brendan, as he and Annie get to know each other and navigate their competing wants, desires, and fears.
This is another really sweet story, and we get to see enough of Ellie and Darcy to keep connected with them and make it all feel part of one complete story. I'm really enjoying these books and I can't wait to dive into the next one.
4.25⭐️ - This was such a cute story, the perfect application of a fake dating trope with a sprinkle of astrology and tragic backstory. I loved Elle's optimism and Darcy's black cat with a golden heart energy, they made the perfect pairing, and I'm so excited to read more in this world
4.25⭐️ - This was such a cute story, the perfect application of a fake dating trope with a sprinkle of astrology and tragic backstory. I loved Elle's optimism and Darcy's black cat with a golden heart energy, they made the perfect pairing, and I'm so excited to read more in this world
Greece gets a sapphic twist with a dash of forced proximity in the flashbacks to the summer. I really enjoyed the way there was the mixed chronology (I don't usually) and the way we got to see both the forming of the relationship over the summer and the queer awakening as well as the present coming to terms with what she'd always wanted vs what she wanted as the person she'd become.
It's sweet, affirming, and fun for the summer ☺️
Greece gets a sapphic twist with a dash of forced proximity in the flashbacks to the summer. I really enjoyed the way there was the mixed chronology (I don't usually) and the way we got to see both the forming of the relationship over the summer and the queer awakening as well as the present coming to terms with what she'd always wanted vs what she wanted as the person she'd become.
It's sweet, affirming, and fun for the summer ☺️
4.5⭐️ - This was stinking adorable, a totally relatable story about failing to notice what's right in front of you, even if it could be the best thing in the world.
At times, I wanted to yell at Lou to realise what was going on, but the ending was super satisfying and it gave me happy tears at how cute it all was ☺️
4.5⭐️ - This was stinking adorable, a totally relatable story about failing to notice what's right in front of you, even if it could be the best thing in the world.
At times, I wanted to yell at Lou to realise what was going on, but the ending was super satisfying and it gave me happy tears at how cute it all was ☺️
4.5⭐️ - Escaping the closet can be incredibly hard when your world is build around those who would judge, as Ruby knows all too well. Her mother's pressure and their financial situation forcing her to remain within an environment that would not support her. Morgan refuses to be untrue to herself, having been shunned and kicked from her former athletics team and school due to standing up against the homophobia of her coach. As the two girls connect, navigating those two opposing desires becomes increasingly hard to navigate in this poignant journey of discovery novel.
The more I read of Jennifer Dugan's work, the more I find the themes of self acceptance and discovery affirming and touching. I found this book really sweet and the dual perspective (something that Dugan excels at) extremely well executed and balanced in terms of showing both of the MCs perspectives.
4.5⭐️ - Escaping the closet can be incredibly hard when your world is build around those who would judge, as Ruby knows all too well. Her mother's pressure and their financial situation forcing her to remain within an environment that would not support her. Morgan refuses to be untrue to herself, having been shunned and kicked from her former athletics team and school due to standing up against the homophobia of her coach. As the two girls connect, navigating those two opposing desires becomes increasingly hard to navigate in this poignant journey of discovery novel.
The more I read of Jennifer Dugan's work, the more I find the themes of self acceptance and discovery affirming and touching. I found this book really sweet and the dual perspective (something that Dugan excels at) extremely well executed and balanced in terms of showing both of the MCs perspectives.
3.25⭐️
This was an interesting exploration on the effects of pressure to be the best, particularly in minority communities. I really enjoyed the level of diversity and representation, but as a protagonist Grace's internal dialogue was a little hard to read at times. The combination of third person perspective and multiple flashbacks, it was somewhat difficult to keep track of as well.
Specially related to the audiobook, while the narrator brought some of the prose like language to life well, an almost complete lack of variation better character voices made it a real challenge to keep track of who was taking.
That said, the relationship between Grace and Yuki was rewarding to see at times, as well as the bonds of friendship with the secondary characters. The topics of conversation brought up in Yuki's radio show were interesting
3.25⭐️
This was an interesting exploration on the effects of pressure to be the best, particularly in minority communities. I really enjoyed the level of diversity and representation, but as a protagonist Grace's internal dialogue was a little hard to read at times. The combination of third person perspective and multiple flashbacks, it was somewhat difficult to keep track of as well.
Specially related to the audiobook, while the narrator brought some of the prose like language to life well, an almost complete lack of variation better character voices made it a real challenge to keep track of who was taking.
That said, the relationship between Grace and Yuki was rewarding to see at times, as well as the bonds of friendship with the secondary characters. The topics of conversation brought up in Yuki's radio show were interesting
4.5⭐️ - Bridgerton meets Back to the Future, in a fascinating and queer take on time travel romance!
Audrey has lost her creative spark and with a looming deadline to submit an updated portfolio to RISD, she's in a spiral of panic and self doubt. When a magic coin sends her back into regency England, she must learn to navigate the confusing time period and complicated feelings.
A major focus of the story was the way in which a modern woman would be shocked by how restrictive it was in that time period and how, likewise, a woman from the 1800s would be fascinated by all the possibilities open to her in the future. The romance here is really slow burn and super cute and I adored seeing them learning about each other's worlds.
4.5⭐️ - Bridgerton meets Back to the Future, in a fascinating and queer take on time travel romance!
Audrey has lost her creative spark and with a looming deadline to submit an updated portfolio to RISD, she's in a spiral of panic and self doubt. When a magic coin sends her back into regency England, she must learn to navigate the confusing time period and complicated feelings.
A major focus of the story was the way in which a modern woman would be shocked by how restrictive it was in that time period and how, likewise, a woman from the 1800s would be fascinated by all the possibilities open to her in the future. The romance here is really slow burn and super cute and I adored seeing them learning about each other's worlds.
This was another wonderful entry into the series, introducing Annie (Darcy‘s best friend) who was mentioned in the first book. We see a lot more of Brendan, as he and Annie get to know each other and navigate their competing wants, desires, and fears.
This is another really sweet story, and we get to see enough of Ellie and Darcy to keep connected with them and make it all feel part of one complete story. I'm really enjoying these books and I can't wait to dive into the next one.
This was another wonderful entry into the series, introducing Annie (Darcy‘s best friend) who was mentioned in the first book. We see a lot more of Brendan, as he and Annie get to know each other and navigate their competing wants, desires, and fears.
This is another really sweet story, and we get to see enough of Ellie and Darcy to keep connected with them and make it all feel part of one complete story. I'm really enjoying these books and I can't wait to dive into the next one.
4.5⭐️ - Escaping the closet can be incredibly hard when your world is build around those who would judge, as Ruby knows all too well. Her mother's pressure and their financial situation forcing her to remain within an environment that would not support her. Morgan refuses to be untrue to herself, having been shunned and kicked from her former athletics team and school due to standing up against the homophobia of her coach. As the two girls connect, navigating those two opposing desires becomes increasingly hard to navigate in this poignant journey of discovery novel.
The more I read of Jennifer Dugan's work, the more I find the themes of self acceptance and discovery affirming and touching. I found this book really sweet and the dual perspective (something that Dugan excels at) extremely well executed and balanced in terms of showing both of the MCs perspectives.
4.5⭐️ - Escaping the closet can be incredibly hard when your world is build around those who would judge, as Ruby knows all too well. Her mother's pressure and their financial situation forcing her to remain within an environment that would not support her. Morgan refuses to be untrue to herself, having been shunned and kicked from her former athletics team and school due to standing up against the homophobia of her coach. As the two girls connect, navigating those two opposing desires becomes increasingly hard to navigate in this poignant journey of discovery novel.
The more I read of Jennifer Dugan's work, the more I find the themes of self acceptance and discovery affirming and touching. I found this book really sweet and the dual perspective (something that Dugan excels at) extremely well executed and balanced in terms of showing both of the MCs perspectives.
4.5⭐️ - This was stinking adorable, a totally relatable story about failing to notice what's right in front of you, even if it could be the best thing in the world.
At times, I wanted to yell at Lou to realise what was going on, but the ending was super satisfying and it gave me happy tears at how cute it all was ☺️
4.5⭐️ - This was stinking adorable, a totally relatable story about failing to notice what's right in front of you, even if it could be the best thing in the world.
At times, I wanted to yell at Lou to realise what was going on, but the ending was super satisfying and it gave me happy tears at how cute it all was ☺️
Greece gets a sapphic twist with a dash of forced proximity in the flashbacks to the summer. I really enjoyed the way there was the mixed chronology (I don't usually) and the way we got to see both the forming of the relationship over the summer and the queer awakening as well as the present coming to terms with what she'd always wanted vs what she wanted as the person she'd become.
It's sweet, affirming, and fun for the summer ☺️
Greece gets a sapphic twist with a dash of forced proximity in the flashbacks to the summer. I really enjoyed the way there was the mixed chronology (I don't usually) and the way we got to see both the forming of the relationship over the summer and the queer awakening as well as the present coming to terms with what she'd always wanted vs what she wanted as the person she'd become.
It's sweet, affirming, and fun for the summer ☺️
This was such a perfect end to the trilogy, with Margo reconnecting with her first love, Olivia. I love a second chance trope, but only when it's like this - a relationship that should have been, but didn't pan out due to circumstances. Margo is a massive over thinker and Olivia has spent a decade being controlled by her ex-husband, and so seeing them care for each other and provide what they needed was really affirming.
I'm so sad to come to the end of these characters stories, but there was a beautiful epilogue that brought things to a satisfying end and I'm very thankful to Alexandria Bellefleur for that!
This was such a perfect end to the trilogy, with Margo reconnecting with her first love, Olivia. I love a second chance trope, but only when it's like this - a relationship that should have been, but didn't pan out due to circumstances. Margo is a massive over thinker and Olivia has spent a decade being controlled by her ex-husband, and so seeing them care for each other and provide what they needed was really affirming.
I'm so sad to come to the end of these characters stories, but there was a beautiful epilogue that brought things to a satisfying end and I'm very thankful to Alexandria Bellefleur for that!
4.5⭐️ - Bridgerton meets Back to the Future, in a fascinating and queer take on time travel romance!
Audrey has lost her creative spark and with a looming deadline to submit an updated portfolio to RISD, she's in a spiral of panic and self doubt. When a magic coin sends her back into regency England, she must learn to navigate the confusing time period and complicated feelings.
A major focus of the story was the way in which a modern woman would be shocked by how restrictive it was in that time period and how, likewise, a woman from the 1800s would be fascinated by all the possibilities open to her in the future. The romance here is really slow burn and super cute and I adored seeing them learning about each other's worlds.
4.5⭐️ - Bridgerton meets Back to the Future, in a fascinating and queer take on time travel romance!
Audrey has lost her creative spark and with a looming deadline to submit an updated portfolio to RISD, she's in a spiral of panic and self doubt. When a magic coin sends her back into regency England, she must learn to navigate the confusing time period and complicated feelings.
A major focus of the story was the way in which a modern woman would be shocked by how restrictive it was in that time period and how, likewise, a woman from the 1800s would be fascinated by all the possibilities open to her in the future. The romance here is really slow burn and super cute and I adored seeing them learning about each other's worlds.
3.25⭐️
This was an interesting exploration on the effects of pressure to be the best, particularly in minority communities. I really enjoyed the level of diversity and representation, but as a protagonist Grace's internal dialogue was a little hard to read at times. The combination of third person perspective and multiple flashbacks, it was somewhat difficult to keep track of as well.
Specially related to the audiobook, while the narrator brought some of the prose like language to life well, an almost complete lack of variation better character voices made it a real challenge to keep track of who was taking.
That said, the relationship between Grace and Yuki was rewarding to see at times, as well as the bonds of friendship with the secondary characters. The topics of conversation brought up in Yuki's radio show were interesting
3.25⭐️
This was an interesting exploration on the effects of pressure to be the best, particularly in minority communities. I really enjoyed the level of diversity and representation, but as a protagonist Grace's internal dialogue was a little hard to read at times. The combination of third person perspective and multiple flashbacks, it was somewhat difficult to keep track of as well.
Specially related to the audiobook, while the narrator brought some of the prose like language to life well, an almost complete lack of variation better character voices made it a real challenge to keep track of who was taking.
That said, the relationship between Grace and Yuki was rewarding to see at times, as well as the bonds of friendship with the secondary characters. The topics of conversation brought up in Yuki's radio show were interesting
4.25⭐️ - This was such a cute story, the perfect application of a fake dating trope with a sprinkle of astrology and tragic backstory. I loved Elle's optimism and Darcy's black cat with a golden heart energy, they made the perfect pairing, and I'm so excited to read more in this world
4.25⭐️ - This was such a cute story, the perfect application of a fake dating trope with a sprinkle of astrology and tragic backstory. I loved Elle's optimism and Darcy's black cat with a golden heart energy, they made the perfect pairing, and I'm so excited to read more in this world
History will say they were roommates, and they really were!
This was the most perfect cute summer read, an affirming queer awakening, and the very best found family experience.
Coming as an adult for the summer camp experience she never had a chid, Garland is a year divorced and convinced that if it wasn't meant to be with her ex-husband, she clearly wasn't destined for love. When a burst of sunshine in human form literally falls into her arms, she realises she's found the best kind of ally in her new roommate, Stevie. It seems a sign when Stevie turns out to be the sister of Mason, the tall blonde guy she'd bumped into once, prompting her to question whether she's meant to make this vision a reality. It slowly becomes clear though that Mason isn't the sibling she's meant to fall for...
This was just the most charming scenario, a fun summer camp for adults to relive their childhood experiences, new friends and rivals to get to know, and some bad history thrown into the mix. The relationships between the characters change and expand through the story and there's really strong queer representation, with a standout character being Michelle, who offers Garland much wisdom.
History will say they were roommates, and they really were!
This was the most perfect cute summer read, an affirming queer awakening, and the very best found family experience.
Coming as an adult for the summer camp experience she never had a chid, Garland is a year divorced and convinced that if it wasn't meant to be with her ex-husband, she clearly wasn't destined for love. When a burst of sunshine in human form literally falls into her arms, she realises she's found the best kind of ally in her new roommate, Stevie. It seems a sign when Stevie turns out to be the sister of Mason, the tall blonde guy she'd bumped into once, prompting her to question whether she's meant to make this vision a reality. It slowly becomes clear though that Mason isn't the sibling she's meant to fall for...
This was just the most charming scenario, a fun summer camp for adults to relive their childhood experiences, new friends and rivals to get to know, and some bad history thrown into the mix. The relationships between the characters change and expand through the story and there's really strong queer representation, with a standout character being Michelle, who offers Garland much wisdom.
A sweet road trip with a group of super close friends, leading to a place where Amelia realises what's right in front of her.
Amelia has been obsessed with YouTuber Walter Holland for a long time and so when he does his first solo meet and greet event within the same state, she knows she has to go. If it just so happens to coincide by her best friend suffering a prom brake-up, well, all the better! On the journey, she finds that her friend group gets shaken up in ways she couldn't have expected and realises what's most important to her has been right there all along.
I loved Imogen, Obviously so I had a fair idea that I would love this. Stepping back into that world has been super cute and it was adorable seeing Imogen's sister getting some limelight too and great to get a sizeable Imogen and Tessa cameo! While the first book dealt with a lot of these of queer awakening and self-doubt, this one focusses more on the bi-sexual experience and features a friend group that is almost entirely queer (yay!).
I really enjoyed this and I hope that Becky Albertalli writes more in this world! ^-^
A sweet road trip with a group of super close friends, leading to a place where Amelia realises what's right in front of her.
Amelia has been obsessed with YouTuber Walter Holland for a long time and so when he does his first solo meet and greet event within the same state, she knows she has to go. If it just so happens to coincide by her best friend suffering a prom brake-up, well, all the better! On the journey, she finds that her friend group gets shaken up in ways she couldn't have expected and realises what's most important to her has been right there all along.
I loved Imogen, Obviously so I had a fair idea that I would love this. Stepping back into that world has been super cute and it was adorable seeing Imogen's sister getting some limelight too and great to get a sizeable Imogen and Tessa cameo! While the first book dealt with a lot of these of queer awakening and self-doubt, this one focusses more on the bi-sexual experience and features a friend group that is almost entirely queer (yay!).
I really enjoyed this and I hope that Becky Albertalli writes more in this world! ^-^
4.5⭐️ - Beautiful and devastating with absolutely phenomenal world building and poetic writing!
One of my favourite books of all time is The Night Circus and I'd thoroughly recommend this book to any fan of that! The way magic is weaved into the world with a mix of different sources of lore is truly wonderful. I was utterly pulled along in the stream of the story and captivated by the writing style. Lawrence combines human history from the real world with imaginary works to in doing so creates a world and larger universe where there are infinite connections and possibilities.
A big theme is expectation, for yourself, for your future, for the people you meet and this is expressed in a way that surprises and confuses at times, but it makes the whole journey that much more exciting. Truly a wonderful piece of literature and I'm so excited to read the next book to see how the story of the library progresses!
4.5⭐️ - Beautiful and devastating with absolutely phenomenal world building and poetic writing!
One of my favourite books of all time is The Night Circus and I'd thoroughly recommend this book to any fan of that! The way magic is weaved into the world with a mix of different sources of lore is truly wonderful. I was utterly pulled along in the stream of the story and captivated by the writing style. Lawrence combines human history from the real world with imaginary works to in doing so creates a world and larger universe where there are infinite connections and possibilities.
A big theme is expectation, for yourself, for your future, for the people you meet and this is expressed in a way that surprises and confuses at times, but it makes the whole journey that much more exciting. Truly a wonderful piece of literature and I'm so excited to read the next book to see how the story of the library progresses!