Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
This was... yikes. For the most part, I've enjoyed this series but the issues I've had with the other two were rampant throughout this one. I've always said that I find JLA's writing style to be a little cringy and I don't always love her choice of phrasing, and there were times while reading where I had to stop because it was so over-the-top and ridiculous. I mean, it was CW teen drama level out there. There were also so many pop culture references, which would be fine if they weren't repeatedly shoved down your throat. I didn't feel the same connection with the characters as I did in the past and even found them annoying at points. The only thing that really saved this one for me was the ending and that took forever to get to. Truly, the first 70-80 percent of this book felt like filler and once you got to the big climax, everything was wrapped up so quickly. Unfortunately, for what was supposed to be the final installment of this series, it was a bit lackluster.
Weather Girl- Rachel Lynn Solomon: Ever since Ari Abrams was a kid, she's been obsessed with the weather. She always knew she wanted to become a meteorologist, and thought working at her local TV station under Torrance Hale, Seattle's legendary weatherwoman and her icon would be the ultimate dream. Unfortunately, Torrance is too wrapped up in petty feuds with Seth, her ex-husband/the station's news director, to properly mentor Ari. When Ari's usually sunny disposition starts to waver, she turns to sports reporter Russell Barringer for help. Both Ari and Russell believe the best way to ease the station's tensions is to get Torrance and Seth back together. As the pair start nudging their bosses back together, they can't help but realize the sparks between themselves. But letting Russell in would mean Ari has to show him all the parts of herself she's been taught to hide her whole life. Could it be possible for someone to embrace her for exactly who she is, gray skies and all?
Solomon is one of those writers where I know I'm going to be charmed right from the first page, and this was no exception. I instantly felt a kinship with Ari and all her anxieties and insecurities and could relate to always wanting to put on a happy face for those around you. I loved her character growth throughout this and watching her open up and be vulnerable to not only Russell but everyone around her. The highlight of this whole thing was the relationship between Ari and Russell. It was so achingly sweet with just the right amount of steam. They were both adorably nerdy and embraced the other's quirks. Even though I found their conflict at the end slightly ridiculous (I'm not a fan of miscommunication), their relationship felt very mature and honest. All the scheming to bring their bosses together was ridiculous and had me chuckling a few times. If you're looking for a heartwarming and fun contemporary, I definitely recommend checking this out.
Rating: 3/5
Where the Crawdads Sing- Delia Owens: Kya Clark has lived on the outskirts her whole life. Shunned by those in her small Southern town, Kya was left to fend for herself after her family left her. Everything Kya needed to learn, everything she needed to survive, she found in the marshes around her home. But the one thing she desperately longed for could never be found amongst the birds and shells. Soon, Kya finds herself drawn to two boys--Tate, the gentle soul who taught her to read, and Chase, the popular athlete--who both open her world in unexpected ways. Rumors have always swirled around town about the mysterious marsh girl, so when Chase's body is found dead years later, people are quick to pin the murder on Kya. Now, Kya's future is in the hands of the same town that turned its back on her.
I've had this on my TBR for ages, but I wanted to get to it before the movie comes out, and what a fool I was to wait so long! I've only ever heard good things about this book, and all the praise is justified. I enjoyed the writing style. All the descriptions of the marshlands and animals were so vivid and stunning. It felt like you were there sitting in the boat alongside Kya on her adventures. She was such a strong character to follow. She goes through so much heartache and hardship, but she never let it break her spirit. I also thought her relationship with Tate was sweet, and I loved watching it blossom. My only issue with this was that I figured out the ending about halfway through, so it lessened its impact. Other than that, I enjoyed it and thought it was such a beautiful story of strength and perseverance.
Rating: 4/5*
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| Pub Date: 6-1-21 YA - Fantasy |
Grace and Glory- Jennifer L. Armentrout: After losing the battle and her boyfriend/Protector, it seems like all hope is lost for Trinity Morrow. It doesn't matter how many Wardens or demons she has on her side, there's no way for her to go up against the dreaded Harbinger and survive. There's only one option left: if you want to stop a fallen angel, you need a fallen angel. Trinity knows that bringing Lucifer back to Earth is the farthest from a good idea, but she's desperate and willing to do anything to save those she loves. And when Zayne returns changed, he and Trinity must learn to trust one another again and believe in their bond if they hope to stop the looming apocalypse.
This was... yikes. For the most part, I've enjoyed this series but the issues I've had with the other two were rampant throughout this one. I've always said that I find JLA's writing style to be a little cringy and I don't always love her choice of phrasing, and there were times while reading where I had to stop because it was so over-the-top and ridiculous. I mean, it was CW teen drama level out there. There were also so many pop culture references, which would be fine if they weren't repeatedly shoved down your throat. I didn't feel the same connection with the characters as I did in the past and even found them annoying at points. The only thing that really saved this one for me was the ending and that took forever to get to. Truly, the first 70-80 percent of this book felt like filler and once you got to the big climax, everything was wrapped up so quickly. Unfortunately, for what was supposed to be the final installment of this series, it was a bit lackluster.
Rating: 2/5
 |
| Pub Date: 1-11-22 Adult - Contemporary |
Weather Girl- Rachel Lynn Solomon: Ever since Ari Abrams was a kid, she's been obsessed with the weather. She always knew she wanted to become a meteorologist, and thought working at her local TV station under Torrance Hale, Seattle's legendary weatherwoman and her icon would be the ultimate dream. Unfortunately, Torrance is too wrapped up in petty feuds with Seth, her ex-husband/the station's news director, to properly mentor Ari. When Ari's usually sunny disposition starts to waver, she turns to sports reporter Russell Barringer for help. Both Ari and Russell believe the best way to ease the station's tensions is to get Torrance and Seth back together. As the pair start nudging their bosses back together, they can't help but realize the sparks between themselves. But letting Russell in would mean Ari has to show him all the parts of herself she's been taught to hide her whole life. Could it be possible for someone to embrace her for exactly who she is, gray skies and all?
Solomon is one of those writers where I know I'm going to be charmed right from the first page, and this was no exception. I instantly felt a kinship with Ari and all her anxieties and insecurities and could relate to always wanting to put on a happy face for those around you. I loved her character growth throughout this and watching her open up and be vulnerable to not only Russell but everyone around her. The highlight of this whole thing was the relationship between Ari and Russell. It was so achingly sweet with just the right amount of steam. They were both adorably nerdy and embraced the other's quirks. Even though I found their conflict at the end slightly ridiculous (I'm not a fan of miscommunication), their relationship felt very mature and honest. All the scheming to bring their bosses together was ridiculous and had me chuckling a few times. If you're looking for a heartwarming and fun contemporary, I definitely recommend checking this out.
Rating: 3/5
 |
| Pub Date: 8-14-18 Adult - Historical Fiction |
Where the Crawdads Sing- Delia Owens: Kya Clark has lived on the outskirts her whole life. Shunned by those in her small Southern town, Kya was left to fend for herself after her family left her. Everything Kya needed to learn, everything she needed to survive, she found in the marshes around her home. But the one thing she desperately longed for could never be found amongst the birds and shells. Soon, Kya finds herself drawn to two boys--Tate, the gentle soul who taught her to read, and Chase, the popular athlete--who both open her world in unexpected ways. Rumors have always swirled around town about the mysterious marsh girl, so when Chase's body is found dead years later, people are quick to pin the murder on Kya. Now, Kya's future is in the hands of the same town that turned its back on her.
I've had this on my TBR for ages, but I wanted to get to it before the movie comes out, and what a fool I was to wait so long! I've only ever heard good things about this book, and all the praise is justified. I enjoyed the writing style. All the descriptions of the marshlands and animals were so vivid and stunning. It felt like you were there sitting in the boat alongside Kya on her adventures. She was such a strong character to follow. She goes through so much heartache and hardship, but she never let it break her spirit. I also thought her relationship with Tate was sweet, and I loved watching it blossom. My only issue with this was that I figured out the ending about halfway through, so it lessened its impact. Other than that, I enjoyed it and thought it was such a beautiful story of strength and perseverance.
Rating: 4/5*
(Since reading this, I have found out about the controversy surrounding Owens and her family, which has put me off, but still wanted to give my original thoughts on the book.)
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