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kissmehardy

kissmehardy

Joined January 2021

Trust me - I'm a librarian.
review
kissmehardy
The Underground Library | Jennifer Ryan
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Mehso-so

Fine but not as good as Ryan's other books. All the conflicts felt too easily resolved, and the characters did a lot of Talking the Talk about Grand Ideas but not a lot of simply walking the walk. Telling and not showing is such a letdown. #historicalfiction

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kissmehardy
We Could Be So Good | Cat Sebastian
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Pickpick

I am still floored by how well Sebastian captures the period in this book. Nick and Andy are so deep and realistic, and their surroundings are given the same care and thought. Plus they're both a couple of big dummies who are head over heels for each other!!! God I love them. #reread #historicalromance

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kissmehardy
Sex and Vanity | Kevin Kwan
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Pickpick

A very soft pick, if only because I still want to read another Kwan after this. Loved the personalities and the in-the-know tone for the luxe life, but Lucie's love for George was so sublimated at times that it just didn't exist, and it made it hard for me to believe what was happening. Maybe Crazy Rich Asians will be better? #contemporaryfiction

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kissmehardy
Yours Truly | Abby Jimenez
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Pickpick

WHEN will I meet a man irl that compares to an Abby Jimenez hero?? I was down so bad for Briana and Jacob and how tender they were with one another. Their families were so lovely, too! There's a trope at the end I know some people don't like, but I was all in, baby. #contemporaryromance #romcom

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kissmehardy
I'll Give You the Sun | Jandy Nelson
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Pickpick

This book always feels like magic. The sentences are so gorgeous and evocative, and Jude and Noah have my whole heart. Love the dual timelines, love the lessons, love it all. #reread #yalit

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kissmehardy
Happy Place | Emily Henry
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Pickpick

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love how this book straddles the line between women's fiction and romance. The friendships are so well drawn and just as vital as Harriet and Wyn's relationship, and I simply want to live in an Emily Henry setting. #reread #contemporaryromance #womensfiction

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Lucian's mindset remains hilarious to me. From "I hate her" to "We're going to get married" in nothing flat. ? Swooniest of all swoons and great wrap-ups for all! #reread #romcom #contemporaryromance

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Late update 2 of 2. Not my favorite of the series, but only because I love the other two more - it's still sexy and solid and hilarious. And the action in this one is probably the best of the bunch! #reread #romcom #contemporaryromance

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Late update 1 of 2. GOD I love how well this book introduces Knockemout. Perfect tension between Knox and Naomi, and all the side plots with their friends and relatives are gold. #reread #romcom #contemporaryromance

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kissmehardy
Miss Morgan's Book Brigade: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

Ngl, I thought the Wendy chapters were weaker than Jessie's, but that might just be my investment in the Cards talking. I had no idea this committee existed and now I would die for them. What interesting women, both the Cards and the French they served! #historicalfiction

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kissmehardy
Just for the Summer | Abby Jimenez
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Pickpick

I am DESTROYED. Once again the perfect combination of silly and caring and romantic, and I was just? so happy?? about certain developments near the end. SIGN ME UP FOR LIFE, ABBY JIMENEZ. #contemporaryromance #romcom

9 likes1 stack add
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kissmehardy
Part of Your World | Abby Jimenez
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Pickpick

I was not prepared for this book to be funny AND sweet AND a deep exploration of abusive relationships AND have magical realism AND AND AND!! Abby Jimenez has me HOOKED. #contemporaryromance #romcom

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kissmehardy
Sense and Sensibility | Jane Austen
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Pickpick

I'm just saying that I think Elinor deserves a drink, a hug, and ten million dollars in cash. (Or would that be pounds?) #reread #classics

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Me, every four seconds: "Oh, Karthik, you are SO down bad." ? Loved Meghna and Karthik's arcs, both together and separately! Really well developed characters, and a fun love story was the cherry on top. I hope we get more Kumar in the future! #contemporaryromance

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kissmehardy
Breakup Tour | Austin Siegemund-Broka, Emily Wibberley
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Pickpick

I was a little frustrated by how Riley and Max's problems mostly stemmed from a refusal to talk logistics, but that final reunion was EVERYTHING, so I kind of don't mind. Realistic characters and a really fun concept, too! #contemporaryromance

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kissmehardy
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Mehso-so

The fourth wall breaks/footnotes simply did not work for me in this medium, but I had NO idea where the mystery was going and was enthralled by all the pieces coming together, so it was still worth it to me. This is going to work better as a TV show, imo. #mystery

JHSiess The footnotes didn't bother me. To be fair, I am, like the author, Catherine McKenzie, aka Catherine Mack, an attorney and have written countless briefs, motions, etc. using footnotes! But I can see how they could be really annoying. 6mo
Mpcacher I liked the idea of the footnotes, but do wish instead they had been included in brackets next to where they were relevant. I found in a digital format going back and forth difficult. 5mo
16 likes2 comments
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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

I want to be best friends with Miriam Margolyes. This was funny, interesting, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, all at once. #memoir

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kissmehardy
Loveless | Alice Oseman
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Pickpick

The way the end of Part Four just tore me to shreds on this #reread . If you don't "get" or have never heard of asexuality or aromanticism, read this. Also, if you just want a really solid coming of age at college story with a GREAT friend group, read this. #yalit

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kissmehardy
Canadian Boyfriend | Jenny Holiday
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Pickpick

Both the concept and the execution of this book are killer. A former ballerina and a professional hockey player! They help each other heal with mutual respect and understanding! Therapy for all! Canada!! You can't go wrong with Jenny Holiday. #contemporaryromance

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kissmehardy
Kids Run the Show | Delphine de Vigan
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Pickpick

Ooh, there was a lot to unpack in this one. I appreciate that Mélanie was understandable without her actions being justified or excused, and I thought Clara's journey to becoming a cop was fascinating. And Good Lord, Kimmy and Sammy could fill a whole 'nother book on their own! A chilling look at a potential near future. #contemporaryfiction

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kissmehardy
Stars in Your Eyes | Kacen Callender
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Pickpick

I really appreciated how Callender played with the "typical" structure for a romance novel here! Mattie and Logan were both so easy to root for, and I loved how their happy ending was genuinely happy but acknowledged that getting together ISN'T the end of growth. Very complex and real! #contemporaryromance

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kissmehardy
Still Point | Tammy Greenwood
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Pickpick

Engrossing to the point that I got irritated when I was interrupted near the end. Loved the ballet focus and the variety of personalities and goals between the moms and the daughters. Do I wish there was more comeuppance for Savvy and Josie? Sure. But it didn't spoil my enjoyment. #fiction

11 likes1 stack add
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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Erin Hahn's YA is literally always my favorite thing. Case and Winnie are so GOOD and DEVELOPED and BELIEVABLE and SYMPATHETIC and I LOVE THEM. And Garrett?? Please provide me with a Garrett update in the future, Ms. Hahn. #yalit #yaromance

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kissmehardy
When Grumpy Met Sunshine | Charlotte Stein
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Pickpick

Do I kind of hate this title? Yes. Is it apt? Certainly. Was I charmed by Mabel and Alfie and how they almost instantly realized the other was everything they ever wanted, even if they didn't admit it until the fricking epilogue? 1000%. Not perfect, but definitely a good time. #contemporaryromance #romcom #tedlassovibes

16 likes1 stack add
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kissmehardy
The Phoenix Crown: A Novel | Kate Quinn, Janie Chang
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Pickpick

Tightly plotted and immersive. I loved how Gemma and Suling's worlds united to make them become friends and take down a shady tycoon. Add in George, Reggie, and Alice, and I simply wanted to be the newest member of the gang! #historicalfiction

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

I love a romance that subverts some of its tropes. Sadie and Julius stayed competitive with each other even as they realized their feelings, and he wasn't the sole catalyst for her development, all of which I loved. If you want TATBILB but with hate mail, this is for you. #yalit #yaromance

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kissmehardy
The Getaway List | Emma Lord
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Pickpick

I always love Emma Lord, and this book was no exception. I really appreciated how she dove into all the characters' motivations and fears, and the parallels between Riley running toward and Tom running away were so well done. Still had her trademark humor, but this one felt a little deeper than the rest. #yalit

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kissmehardy
In the Wild Light | Jeff Zentner
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Pickpick

God I'm glad I #reread this. Cash's voice is SO distinct and poetic, and I just love how he and Delaney still get to be silly teenagers as they adjust to Middleford and make new, equally silly friends. A masterwork. #yalit

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Gaaaaah. The perfect blend of speculative and historical. I would do anything for Laura and Freddie, and the way the Faland reveal crept up slowly was just masterful. Showed the realities of the war without being completely fatalistic. A+. #historicalfiction #speculativefiction

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kissmehardy
Ruined | Sarah Vaughn
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Pickpick

Oh, this was fun. Very sweet, lots of goofy illustrations for quick jokes, and a good storyline for both Catherine and Andrew and all their loved ones! Some of their tension felt a little over amplified, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment. #graphicnovel #historicalromance

12 likes1 stack add
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kissmehardy
How You Get the Girl | Anita Kelly
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Pickpick

Going to devour all of Kelly's backlist IMMEDIATELY. This was the perfect blend of tender and sexy and focused on mental health AND relationship development and I ate it up like I was starving. #contemporaryromance #romcom

KristiAhlers I legit can't keep this author stocked at my bookstore. And there is a reason for that she writes with all the feels 9mo
kissmehardy @KristiAhlers Your clientele has excellent taste! 9mo
13 likes1 stack add2 comments
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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Was this the absolute best book ever? No. Was it still a solid, fun, lighthearted #retelling of Grease as a historical romance? Hell yeah. Dane and Sandrine had my heart, and the ways the Grease story was adapted for the time just made me giggle. Can't wait to see what's next! #historicalromance

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Kantra is SO GOOD at modern #retellings! I loved all the nods to the original Wizard of Oz - they were made with love, even when they were jokes, and the ways the story was updated made sense. Dee has my heart and I'm so glad she learned to reach for what SHE wants. #womensfiction

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kissmehardy
Passing | Nella Larsen
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Pickpick

Man, this slim little book sure packs in a lot of story. It's interesting how Irene and Clare are almost two sides of the same coin, and how that interplay affects the action at the end. I see why this one has lasted! #classics

Tamra It‘s so powerful! 9mo
21 likes1 comment
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kissmehardy
Yours from the Tower | Sally Nicholls
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Pickpick

Love a good #epistolarynovel! Polly, Tirzah, and Sophia had such unique situations, and their friendship felt lived in - like they existed before the span this novel is set in. Realistic depictions of the time without being overly forgiving or radical, and the letters from others were such a treat! Tbh, where's Theo and Albert's book?? #yalit #yahistoricalfiction

10 likes1 stack add
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kissmehardy
Midnight Ruin | Katee Robert
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Pickpick

I never really warmed up to Charon, personally, but that's really the only quibble I had with this book! Robert has done great work with exploring character motivations, developing relationships, building the overarching political intrigue, and, you know, keeping things sexy. #contemporaryromance #greekmyths #retelling

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

Funny and engrossing, even when I didn't recognize a specific song! Harvilla has a distinct voice and a real passion for music, and I loved his leaps from song to song and topic to topic. #nonfiction

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kissmehardy
Plan A | Deb Caletti
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Pickpick

This was a masterclass by Caletti. Ivy was palpably real, even when her reactions were infuriating, and the "abortion road trip love story" was equally tender, scary, and eye-opening. A fascinating exploration of choices or lack thereof. #yalit

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

I just love the way Wren phrases things in this book. And the whole concept is right up my alley! Swoony romance, action, a road trip through Europe - what else do you need? #reread #yalit #yaromance

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

I'm always impressed when people can write multiple POVs and make all of them distinct! Seeing how all the storylines were going to connect and lead to changes was fascinating, too. Spare but lovely. #contemporaryfiction #indigenouslit

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kissmehardy
The Enigma Game | Elizabeth Wein
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Pickpick

Do we know what happens to Jamie if we've read CNV? Yes. Does it still rip my heart in two? HARD YES. And the dream team of Jamie, Louisa, Ellen, and Jane is so good!! Gotta love mistaken identities and doing all you can to fight the Nazis. #reread #yalit #yahistoricalfiction

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kissmehardy
Mad Honey | Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Finney Boylan
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Pickpick

Another hit from Picoult (and I assume Boylan, I've just never read her previously)! I was a little frustrated with Olivia's doubt of Asher, but it did track for her experiences, and all of Lily's chapters were absorbing. A nuanced picture of gender and the legal system. #contemporaryfiction

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kissmehardy
Rose Under Fire | Elizabeth E. Wein
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Pickpick

There aren't as many quotes from this one that stick in my brain like there are in CNV, but that's not actually a complaint. Rose's story is just so solid, mixing the horrors and the humor perfectly, and telling a part of history that doesn't see the spotlight as much. An excellent expansion from the original book! #reread #yalit #yahistoricalfiction

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

A soft pick for me personally, but that's a me thing. Loved the country music setting, loved the cameos from Jefferson and Annie (You'd Be Mine hive rise!!), but the "erotic poetry" account threw me, and Craig and Lorelai took FOREVER to pull their heads out of their butts. Still, I get why other people rave about it! #contemporaryromance

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

No book is as clever or as heartbreaking as this one. No book ever hits this consistently. No book raises me high and crashes me down like this one. #yalit #yahistoricalfiction #favoritebook

14 likes1 stack add
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kissmehardy
American Royals IV: Reign | Katharine McGee
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Pickpick

Soap operatic in all the best ways. Gave everyone the most fitting ending while stepping on the gas until the absolute denouement. I just loved it! #yalit #alternatehistory

10 likes1 stack add
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kissmehardy
The Seven Year Slip | Ashley Poston
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Pickpick

The plot progression worked better than the character progression, imo, but I was hooked all the same! What a fun, fresh concept for a story, and what a love letter to food and connecting with others. #contemporaryromance

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

What a great read! I love how the nonlinear narrative worked and how all the plot threads came together at the end. Cecily was a fascinating if VERY naive character early on, and I was just so happy that she got her happy ending. Probably a good book club book! #historicalfiction

15 likes1 stack add
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kissmehardy
Fangirl: A Novel | Rainbow Rowell
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Pickpick

How come I'm exactly like Cath in every way except for meeting the love of my life as a college freshman?? This book always knows my heart. #reread #yalit

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kissmehardy
The Happy Couple | Naoise Dolan
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Pickpick

I appreciate a novel with clear sentences and dry humor. Dolan did a great job distinguishing each character and detailing their quirks. They also each got to be flawed without one of them being The Ultimate Villain. Good view into a specific batch of humans and their tangled relationships. #literaryfiction #contemporaryfiction

13 likes1 stack add