Over the last month or so, I’ve really dived into the contemporaries on my TBR and I thought I would do a little mini review compilation for Blogmas. I quite enjoyed all of these and recommend them to anyone who loves a good contemporary!
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
4.5/5 stars
What can I say about this book? I absolutely loved it. It’s addicting, really. Pepper and Jack are both realistic, relatable, lovable, and the chemistry between them is fantastic. I found myself laughing over their witty back-and-forth for most of the book. Also, a lot more happens in this book than I was expecting. The storyline is quite complex for a contemporary, and everything flows together perfectly. The story shifts, and you don’t even really realize it. Another unexpected element of this book was how FOODIE it was. After the first ‘arc’ the plot becomes a mastermind of crazy kitchen concoctions that I’m dying to get recipes to. I recommend this book to anyone who likes more complex contemporaries, or plots that make you HUNGRY. I look forward to picking up my own copy on January 21st!
*Thank you to Edelweiss+ for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
No Judgements by Meg Cabot
4/5 stars
I borrowed this book from Tree a while ago and finally managed to binge it. No Judgements is a fun, fast-paced read with lots of cute animal cameos and witty banter, that I really enjoyed. The setting of Little Bridge island is quite cozy and loved how the MC just rode everywhere on her scooter (vespa?). It was a tad insta-lovey for my tastes, but it didn’t take away from the overall story. It is a fade-to-black kind of romance, but it ended up still being steamy-ish. Once again, Meg Cabot brings her signature lighthearted wit and unique characters to another surprising story.
The Bookworm Crush by Lisa Brown Roberts
4/5 stars
So, this book started off way too cringey and try-hard, but once it got going, it got much better. The pop culture references were less-on-the-nose, and the MC’s stopped acting so awkward. The chapters are told in alternating POV’s, which gives us a better understanding Toff and Amy and their relationship as they wear each other down. It was also cool to see social media so openly centered in the plot, especially since it’s all the bookish versions (Bookstagram/BookTube/Book Twitter). But the most relatable thing about this book is all of Amy’s bookish pet peeves. (i.e. not skipping around when reading, using a bookmark, and cover/plot inconsistencies.) The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is because there’s no deeper emotional connection. It’s light and fun, and that’s about it. Also, I initially thought this was NA romance, but the characters are in high school, so I guess it’s YA. It definitely still felt like NA on the sexual front.
*Thank you to Edelweiss+ for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
Not the Girls You’re Looking For by Aminah Mae Safi
4/5 stars
Looking at my notes for this book, I apparently had to draw a diagram of all the connections/relationships, because there were a lot of characters to keep track of. Anyways, this book is a tale of fearless girls, messy friendships, and figuring out your way in the world. I really enjoyed the characters because they were realistic in their mixed levels of maturity, and their relatable choices. Lulu’s girl squad always felt well-balanced amongst the four of them, even if they were a bit too bitchy at times. Not the Girls You’re Looking For is definitely character-based, because the plot isn’t overly complex, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t an enjoyable read. But the absolute worst thing about this book is that it took me way too long to realize the title is a Star Wars reference.
Tell Me How Your Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi
4.5/5 stars
This book is a fun, fast, sparky read, with a lot of heart. It’s hate-to-love, which is one of my favorite tropes, and it’s f/f. Sana and Rachel are both stubborn, witty, and fierce. Their whole relationship revolves around a vibe of “I dare you to like me,” which I ate up. Both of them live with single parents, but their situations (and perceptions) could not be more different. I really loved the few side characters that were included, which was basically just Sana’s mom, Rachel’s Dad, and Diesel (Sana’s friend). I get why Rachel had “no friends,” but Sana was a cheerleader, so I was expecting more than a single Diesel. Other than that, I really enjoyed binging this book. Aminah’s female characters are always so vibrantly written, that you can help but love them. I’m definitely psyched for her next book, This is All Your Fault.
xoxo, Bree
Words About Words 