beyondevak's reviews
5965 reviews

Love and Other Hollywood Endings: A Spicy Enemies to Lovers Romance by Susannah Erwin

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  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

This second chance romance challenged me a bit. The concept got my attention. The pacing and character connection were a mixed bag. The repetition made me pause. The conflict proved to be mild. The direction of this couple's story was satisfying, in the end.

Readers who enjoy forced proximity, second chance, and found family romance stories should like this novel.
The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery

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lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

Re-read

Now, this is how you write a beautiful romance. I genuinely loved this book. I thought that the author did a great job of showing diverse family dynamics. Each story was uniquely different, but at the same time they were so well connected together. I found myself drawn into the emotions and struggles of each relationship represented. The tension that existed with each couple was so well crafted; I couldn't help but cheer for them and hope that things worked out all the way around.
No Saint by Donna Alam

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Color me happy with this romance!

Although this book started a bit slow, once it picked up, it was full speed ahead. There were so many sweet moments. There were also a couple of high 5 moments that needed to happen. 

Readers who enjoy age gap relationships, marriages of convenience, hookup to honeymoon scenarios, and opposites attract couples will like this one. 
The Couple At Table Six by Daniel Hurst

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dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A strange turn of events, indeed!
The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

A polyamorous NA romance with a twist

Three people with their own personal concerns and issues share a different strokes for different folks relationship. As they struggle to find what works for them, many truths and realities are faced.

Questions to Consider: Can meaningful love be found via nontraditional relationships? Should the expectations of others rule our lives and shape our choices? Is it possible to thrive and survive in a polyamorous partnership?
Against the Rules by Bree Hayden

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emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A NA romance that addressed some pretty heavy issues

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Romantic
Steamy
Wonderful characters
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

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challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A lesson on moving beyond tragedy, heartbreak, and hurts and on toward reconciliation and growth

Brilliant!

#bookclubread
We All Want to Change the World: My Journey Through Social Justice Movements from the 1960s to Today by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Raymond Obstfeld, Raymond Obstfeld

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informative inspiring reflective

5.0

A reality check for a conflicted America, this book is timely, outstanding, and oh so needed.
Fractured Mind by Bianca Lee Ward

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tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.25

This read much like an intro to a NA series. The characters were dark and broody, which proved to be interesting. The amnesia hook was attractive, but it ended up not going in the direction I anticipated. The problematic or haunting areas of some of the characters definitely got my attention, however, it seems more will have to be uncovered in future books. I can imagine how some of it will play out. All in all, it was a pretty okay read.
The Sandy Lake Tragedy: Following in the Footsteps of the Ojibwe by Emily Faith Johnson

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informative sad fast-paced

5.0

Quick Summary: A Native American history resource for children

My Review: The Sandy Lake Tragedy: Following in the Footsteps of the Ojibwe by Emily Faith Johnson is a 2025 non-fiction release.

In My Own Words: A tragic and haunting history of a beautiful and proud people

My Final Say: America's history of progress in the wave of Manifest Destiny was not as squeaky clean as many historians would have us believe. What happened to the Ojibwe, sadly, tells the truth about the aggressive push to have Native Americans cede their land to a country that proclaims "one nation." The Ojibwe, like so many other people, were wrongly evicted from all that they had ever known. This non-fiction book exposes the unfortunate events associated with their story. This is merely one of many.

I appreciated the book's content. I loved the memorial aspect and its expression of celebrating those who were lost, those who stood strong, and those who fought the good and peaceful, yet necessary fight.

The resilience and courage of the Ojibwe, especially in the face of the great injustices against them, should never be forgotten.

I hope more books like this one can uncover the hidden histories of America's people. There are more stories that need to be told.

Other: The layout of the book was nice. It was simple and easy to follow. The pictures helped to tell the story and provide a reference of sorts. The inclusion of the glossary, timeline, bibliography, and internet sites should prove helpful to young, inquiring minds.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Grades 3-6
Status: Educational
Level: Elementary