Adventurous Reader
“Live Life in Luxury...living a life of abundance, following your heart, making life-long friends, and taking the time to enjoy them.” ~ Fabulous! It was impossible to put down this next chapter in Arrington's drama-filled journey at Eastbrooke. Starting right after Arrington's carnival mayhem we quickly find out who are going to be her true friends, who are there to make sure the teenage drama never ends, and those who may try to steal Arrington's heart. I love the development of the friendships and how Jillian Dodd uses their dynamics to bring the reader into their lives at the academy. The atmosphere is so similar to Keatyn's time at Eastbrooke it gives the reader a bit of nostalgia, but there is also a freshness to Arrington's journey and the new and improved Eastbrooke that the story is still hers alone. In true Jillian Dodd fashion, the book ends on a when-is-the-next-book-coming-out-because-I-need-it-right-now ending. Overall, a must read for teenage academy drama, royal love, and lovable characters.
Thank you Jillian Dodd so much for an ARC!
“I think I've officially entered the acceptance stage of grief. That, or it's my villain era. We'll see. All I know is, it's time to make some changes around here.” ~ A stomach fluttering end to Julie Olivia's adorable Honeywood fun park romance series! Childhood besties, Ruby and Bennett, make it to adulthood closer than ever with inside jokes, nicknames, years of history, and the ability to understand each other even with opposite personalities. It was impossible to not be rooting for them throughout the first three books, and the build up was well worth it. Their story is very fitting to the fun park: a roller coaster ride. There were ups and downs, love and heartbreak, many frustrating moments for them (and the readers), and an understanding of what it means to be a true best friend, even when it hurts. But do not worry because “Every pirate needs a parrot”. I am not usually one for friends-to-lovers, but Julie Olivia did a wonderful job writing Ruby and Bennett's life story. They had me laughing, crying, cringing, eye-rolling, and ready to throw the book at a wall while being unable to set it down. Their adorable ending was a delightful, yet bittersweet ending to the world of Honeywood and romance among roller coasters.
“I had an irrational urge to hug the Marawati's worn wooden railing, to press my brow to the damp hull as I reunited with my beloved ship for the first time in ten years. It felt like this moment should be more momentous, more solemn. Then again, having to sneak on board was probably more fitting given our history.”
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What a wonderfully written story! Amina's journey is not only exciting and action packed, but also emotional and heart breaking and true to her character. She never gives up fighting for what she needs to, and learns a few lessons along the way. The historical tidbits bring the story to life and truly immerse the reader.
“Sometimes, the unexpected combinations are the best ones.”
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The fake marriage romance comedy you did not know you needed! An adorable read bringing the Honeywood crew back together and pairing off a least expected couple. Olivia has done another splendid job of warmer out hearts with the right amount of laughs, swoons, drama, and spice!
“Her lot in life was not to give up. It was not to lie down and die. It was to face her fate on her feet. It was to meet her end trying. And that was what Nena would always do, in agony or not.”
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Nena is back! As strong and fierce as ever, fighting for her family, her love, and her true self. I loved getting to follow Nena again, as she grows on her journey through life and the new missions and trails she faces within the Knight family and the Tribe. Angoe has filled this sequel with plenty of action, family bonding, twists and turns, emotional power, and even sliding in a hint of romance. Highly recommend taking the time to follow Nena in her newest mission.
What a captivating and real story! We all know the fashion industry is cut throat, but man do they need to step it up a notch. I love Prescod's honesty. She just lays it all on the table, opens up her life story, and really makes you think and feel. Prescod delves into the racism and body shaming that she has lived with, that are unfortunately very present in our society, and how she is working through them and starting to work against them. I highly recommend taking the time to follow Prescod through her journey.
“Everything worthwhile in life is won through surmounting the associated negative experience.”
An aptly named book. I was surprised by how much I agreed with Mark's reasoning and concepts. Highly recommend for anyone looking to take the time to step back and reevaluate their lives and focus on the more meaningful aspect of life. One of the ways to do this, as Mark points out in a funny and example ridden way, is to not care about every little thing.
“My eyes feel as hot as the volcano goddess Pele's intense fire. I incinerate him with my gaze as pain turns to rage. “You're gonna be sorry.” Anger is armor. “I'm the best you'll never have.” I slam the door.”
I enjoyed going down memory lane with Neal, and learning about what it was like growing up in Kauai living the untamed life, with all its adventures, disasters, and life lessons. Neal used a fun and unique style of writing by telling her story of growing up through her point of view at that age, truly bringing the reader along for the journey and feeling her struggles. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys Hawaii or interesting memoirs.
A book full of interesting guidance on how to use asking questions humbly to grow relationships, especially in the workplace and as a leader, but applicable to all aspects of life. I found myself reevaluating how I approach people, and if I should be asking them more instead of just telling and going on about me.
“What I did not know was that I had hit upon a truth of womanhood: however blameless a life we led, the passions and the greed of men could bring us to ruin, and there was nothing we could do.”
Ariadne's tale was one filled with heroes, deception, love, loss, and character growth (some for the better and some for the worse). This story goes beyond just Ariadne's involvement in defeating the Minotaur, and describes her trials and the life she made for herself after. It also gives a glimpse of her sister's life after leaving Crete. These women must come to terms with a life ruled by deceitful men and dangerous gods, while trying to keep some semblance of their selves and values alive. A great addition to the world of Greek mythology tales, and I highly recommend it for lovers of “Circe”.
”While I'm standing there like an idiot holding a feather from a pelican named Steve, Jake and his unfairly hot smile walks out.”
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So cute!! Elosie is an adorable grad and influencer thrown into revamping her grannies old house with the grumpy lawyer overlord who happens to live next door. Plenty of awkward cringe worthy situations, an abordable nephew who says whatever is on his mind, and plenty of small town neighbors with no boundaries. A truly sweet story!
Another great adventure with the pirate crew of the Magian world that McGriff has built who are on their way to saving the world. New characters that bring strength, smarts, and great humor to their quest had me laughing out loud. Of course there were monsters and impossible tasks, and fun new toys, I mean weapons, to save the day. Looking forward to their continued journey.
“A story carves deep grooves into our brains each time we tell it. But we aren't one story. We can change our stories. We can write our own.”
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What a comical and insightful look into the life of Amy Poehler. She is hilarious on the screen and via the written word. This was a fun read with a pinch of life lessons and lots of ridiculous stories.
“Sometimes we get so tied up in our idea of what we think we want that we miss out on the amazingness of what we could actually have.”
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A modern day, movie quoting, 80's teenage romcom, and I am here for it! Liz must have the perfect boy, and to do so she enlists the help of her annoying neighbor to get her there. Teen drama ensues; plenty of laughs, a bit of tears, and of course frustrations at Liz not seeing what is right in front of her.
“You think I'm cute.” “In a gross way.” This makes him smile wider. “Cute in a gross way. Okay.”
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I'm not sure I would go on someone else's honeymoon with someone I thought hated me, but Olive and Ethan stuck together in paradise was fantastic. Plenty of bickering, laughable and awkward moments, flirtation, and a pinch of family drama to top it off.
“Like a good book or an incredible outfit, being on vacation transports you into another version of yourself.”
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Poppy and Alex's journey speaks to me! I love their varying summer trips and the way nothing goes perfectly, like life, but for the most part they still have fun. Emily Henry did a wonderful job of bringing two very different personalities together as friends, their dynamic is adorable and frustrating, yet my heart swells for them. A must read for a travel lover looking for a little bit of friendship, romance, and funny stories.
“What's the point in having a mind if you don't use it to make judgments?” “What's the point in having a heart if you don't use it to spare others from the harsh judgments of your mind?”
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Tortured past assassin, Celaena, brings her A-game to the palace of the glass throne to kick some butt and get herself out of sticky situation, while getting mixed up in so much more. There is action, hints of flirtation, a pinch of magic, and lots of sparring. Looking forward to the rest of Celaena's journey.
“Of all the girls in all the world, here she was on a spit of beach in the Red Desert, astride an Asterion horse, racing faster than the wind. Most would never experience this - she would never experience anything like this again. And for that one heartbeat, when there was nothing more to it than that, she tasted bliss so complete that she tipped her head back to the sky and laughed.”
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I really enjoyed this collection of short adventures that provide some history to Celaena's life and some background to her person. Maas did a great job of making each story captivating and emotional, setting up the start of Throne of Glass.I really enjoyed the collection of short adventures that Maas put together to provide some history to Celaena's life and background into her person. Maas did a fantastic job of making each story captivating and emotional, setting up the start of the Throne of Glass.
“The sword of destiny has two blades. You are one of them. But what is the other, White Wolf?”
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The Sword of Destiny brings us back for another bunch of witty tales following Geralt through his adventures and against the monsters of his world. I enjoyed getting more of Gerald's back story and what led him to his destiny.
It is definitely complicated, but so worth it!
A cute story of love, heart break, miscommunication, second chances, and learning to live with whatever life gives you. Hattie Wells has written a captivating story about love, with all the real life drama and complications that make us feel for the characters even more. Sophie is such a strong, independent, and loving character. I was rooting for her and Dan from the beginning.
“I think perhaps that we two are like those ancient lovers – apart for days or years, only to intersect for precious moments before we are ripped apart again.”
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The continuation of Izolda's story of love, mystery, intrigue, and making unusual bargains to get what she wants. Wilson has dragged us deeper into the fairytale land of the Wittenhame and given Izolda even more disastrous choices. We get a bit of Bluebeard, but the story takes such unexpected turns, and leaves us desperate for more.
“Art could be beauty, but it was also power. Look, it demanded, and don't turn away.”
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What a deep, yet fun and thrilling story. We meet five Chinese American college kids who are given an offer to “return” artifacts to China, the catch is they have to steal them from famous museums. I really enjoy the depth we get to see in each character, their past and present, fears and desires. The heists bring unexpected challenges to their lives and relationships, and we get to see how they overcome these speed bumps on their way. The ending took me by surprise, but overall the author has woven some deeper topics into an exciting storyline.