Laurens.Little.Library > Recent Status Updates

Oooookay we’re finally back on track.

Character development and relationship development is occurring again 👏🏼

I also really like what’s being set up with *that* character from book one… the villain origin story continues

Also:

“Let me worship you”

Plot is moving as slow as molasses 😬

I’ve had to go back many times to relisten to parts because my mind keeps wandering. That’s not a problem typically have…

This is *very* boring 😑

A strange mixed bag. I buy the stalker plot as the reason we need forced proximity (bodyguard trope)

What isn’t working are the characters. They’re quite flat, and as a result, I feel little attachment to either of them. The supposed tension and “desire” isn’t palpable

Kika writes magnificent, complex characters 🤌🤌 The magic system is also extremely well thought out. It’s been a delight to be back in this world

I’ll keep saying it until more people read this series: Threads That Bind is a criminally-underrated YA fantasy.

I ADORED book one.

Brand-new book 2? Let’s gooooo!

I’m genuinely shocked at how much I hate this 😅

If this were any other author, and if I hadn’t adored TSYS, I would have DNF’d long ago.

My plan is to try and force myself to the 50% mark. If it doesn’t improve, I’ll hit the eject button

There’s something about this book that sets my teeth on edge…

Possible culprits:
- narrator isn’t working for me
- the FMC is just this side of too ditzy and too irritating
- I feel sympathy for the FMC, *not* empathy

Re-reading an all-time fav so that I can annotate a physical copy for my friend Jess 🥰

Memorable characters and legitimately excellent prose?

I’m very into this.

Badass women in space, let’s goooooo

This book is waaaay too short for what it is. We get no investment

I’ll be really slow with reading updates while I’m in Poland because 1) I’m constantly surrounded by my partner’s extended family and 2) I’m getting in a fraction of the usually time I have to read

I’m craving a smutty MMF after reading Honey Cut, which let’s be real, is a VERY tough act to follow

Watch this space!

Goddamn I fecking love Julie’s writing!!!!

It’s like Rice was convinced to write this purely out of a desire to provide a heavy-handed explanation for the original trilogy

But I need to *see* how his beliefs and values (which aren’t explained) line up with what Rue has to offer.

I can infer that Eli likes a challenge. Is that enough? For me, it isn’t.

I have no plans to DNF, so I’ll keep you posted if and when things shift for me 3/3

(Continued from last update) I wouldn’t be surprised if readers struggle to empathize with Rue; not simply because her personality prickly but because we aren’t given enough information to understand her. The knock-on effect being that we can’t see why Eli is so into her. We’re *told* she’s as close to his type. Physically? Sure. 2/3

I’m sad to report that this isn’t working for me. The vibes are just… off. Like a musical artist evolving their sound over time, I’m completely in favour of authors adapting their craft. Some of what’s changed is positive: the FMC isn’t itty bitty in height or bra size. There’s very little comedy, which again, I’m good with, *if* what we’re left with is strong enough to carry the story

- Delighted to find this is recorded in duet

- I reeeeeally dislike Callie Dalton’s performance. Just because the character is described as cold and robotic by strangers doesn’t mean you make her sound like a robot 🫣

- Jason Clarke is, as always, excellent

Yeahhhh no more Bellefleur books for me.

Immature characters drive me bonkers. The pacing is wonky. And worst of all, the plot is thin, which would be fine if we got solid character work and growth. We do not.

Aside from one single conversation, I’m bored out of my mind 😵‍💫

Giving this author another shot because
1) I believe both MCs are bi
2) it’s pride month
3) the Libby gods have spoken
4) a mutual said there’s a scene in this that melted her brain and I’m curious lol

The cat?????

🙈🙈🙈

Laughing at how I’m picking this up a full year after reading the series opener 😅

Queer and kinky is the name of the game

Obviously this series is scratching my “I need a break from love stories” itch

But for real, I hope I never have to read about a character named Girth ever again 😷

Coming to see what all the fuss is about 👀

I love this 😭♥️

[Notes for later]
This is a book about;
- grief and loss
- queer joy
- mommy issues
- ADHD rep (two kinds!)
- alcoholism
- generalized anxiety
- aro/ace rep
- a deep character study
- love; familial, romantic, and platonic

First spicy ish scene and it’s SO SWEET 😭♥️

Detoured from my current read to reread this because
1) I am a slave to my moods
2) Dani requested an annotated copy and obviously I am happy to oblige

Excellent ADHD and anxiety rep. Cochrun clearly did her research. It's raw and human and--importantly--*still* keeps the reader from judging her characters too harshly. Empathy is gently encouraged. It's a delicate dance; I'm impressed