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_bookish_kristy_'s reviews
948 reviews
Shattered Innocence by Sara Cate
challenging
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Shattered Innocence is the fifth book in the Black Rose Auction series, but can be read as a standalone. It is an age gap, Cinderella retelling with a twist.
I really enjoyed Birdie, Violet and Alaric’s story. It was short, fast paced and packed with salacious moments. The chemistry between these characters was palpable and felt forbidden. An enjoyable read with a happy ending.
Stephen Boerne, Angelina Rocco and Michelle Sparks did a nice job portraying this book. Overall, a well executed and captivating experience.
I really enjoyed Birdie, Violet and Alaric’s story. It was short, fast paced and packed with salacious moments. The chemistry between these characters was palpable and felt forbidden. An enjoyable read with a happy ending.
Stephen Boerne, Angelina Rocco and Michelle Sparks did a nice job portraying this book. Overall, a well executed and captivating experience.
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars
Leather & Lark (The Ruinous Love Trilogy #2) is dark, romantic comedy.
Lark and Lachlan’s story was fun and I really liked this couple. The tension and banter was entertaining. The suspense and intimates moments were written well. I’m excited for the next book in the trilogy!
Samantha Brentmoor did a phenomenal job narrating this book. The singing was icing on the cake! Eric Nolan’s narration was entertaining and I enjoyed it. They portrayed these characters well and really brought this book to life!
Leather & Lark (The Ruinous Love Trilogy #2) is dark, romantic comedy.
Lark and Lachlan’s story was fun and I really liked this couple. The tension and banter was entertaining. The suspense and intimates moments were written well. I’m excited for the next book in the trilogy!
Samantha Brentmoor did a phenomenal job narrating this book. The singing was icing on the cake! Eric Nolan’s narration was entertaining and I enjoyed it. They portrayed these characters well and really brought this book to life!
Pieces of Me by Carrie Ann Ryan
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Pieces of Me (The Wilder Brothers #9) is a rockstar, best friend’s sibling romance. Gabriel was the tortured hero that you couldn’t help fall in love with. I liked how strong willed and determined Briar was to overcome her challenges. I could feel the chemistry between these two throughout their story. The tension was good, the pain they both endured had my heart aching as well. I enjoyed the family dynamic as well and loved their happy ending.
Aiden Snow and Samantha Cook did a really great job narrating this book. The character portrayal was spot on.
Aiden Snow and Samantha Cook did a really great job narrating this book. The character portrayal was spot on.
Can I Tell You Something? by Holly June Smith
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Can I Tell You Something? (Snowbound Secrets #1) is a sibling’s best friend, holiday romance. Hannah and Cameron’s chemistry could be felt from first meet. I enjoyed the storyline and the tension build was great. A fun quick read with a great ending.
Evelyn Rose and Adam Gold did a really good job narrating these characters. They made the story entertaining.
Evelyn Rose and Adam Gold did a really good job narrating these characters. They made the story entertaining.
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Sierra Simone, Julie Murphy
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A Merry Little Meet Cute (A Christmas Notch #1) is a holiday romance. Nolan and Bee’s connection was palpable from their first meet. Unfortunately, I did feel that it was more physical and lacked an emotional bond. The storyline was entertaining and I enjoyed the secondary characters and their antics.
So Rare by Abby Millsaps
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
So Rare (Boys of South Chapel #3) is a why choose romance. I’m finding it a bit harder to like this series. I love Greedy and Levi, along with their building relationship with Hunter. I feel that the other characters have been unnecessary, and I don’t feel the same connection with them and Hunter. While the drama and intense chemistry has been enjoyable, I think this series is continuing longer than what is necessary. I’m really hoping things turn around for Hunter and that she receives the ever after she deserves.
June DeBorahae, J. River Pierce, Liam Dicosimo, Keval Shah and Julio Maxwell really did a great job portraying these characters. Their narration was fun and entertaining.
June DeBorahae, J. River Pierce, Liam Dicosimo, Keval Shah and Julio Maxwell really did a great job portraying these characters. Their narration was fun and entertaining.
Myths & Monsters: The Complete Series by Beatrix Hollow
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Myths & Monsters: The Complete Series contains Run & Hide, Hide & Seek, Seek & Find plus an extended epilogue Find & Destroy. It is a monster romance.
The storyline began interesting enough. I was curious about Ava’s abilities and what would transpire, but as each book progressed, I started to become bored. Honestly, I feel these stories went on longer than necessary. Each hero had their own strengths and weaknesses, but all were drawn to Ava immediately. The steamy moments were entertaining.
Gregory Salinas, Jay Alder and Michelle Price did a good job narrating this complete series. Their portrayal of these characters really made the story entertaining.
The storyline began interesting enough. I was curious about Ava’s abilities and what would transpire, but as each book progressed, I started to become bored. Honestly, I feel these stories went on longer than necessary. Each hero had their own strengths and weaknesses, but all were drawn to Ava immediately. The steamy moments were entertaining.
Gregory Salinas, Jay Alder and Michelle Price did a good job narrating this complete series. Their portrayal of these characters really made the story entertaining.
Dear Phoebe by Danielle Keil
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Dear Phoebe is the first book in Love Notes Season 2. A lighthearted young adult novel.
I absolutely loved this book! Phoebe was sweet and caring, even after she discovered her admirer. The secondary characters were fun and supportive through her journey. I loved the clues she was given; which made me feel like I was playing along as well. Such a fun, quick read. I can’t wait for next month!
I absolutely loved this book! Phoebe was sweet and caring, even after she discovered her admirer. The secondary characters were fun and supportive through her journey. I loved the clues she was given; which made me feel like I was playing along as well. Such a fun, quick read. I can’t wait for next month!
Crossing the Top Line by Thora Woods
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Crossing the Top Line is an omegaverse, why choose romance. Possible triggers, so please heed warnings. Tori was a likeable character with a strong work ethic. Eli was fun and playful, while Oli was more reserved and observant. The storyline in the beginning was interesting, but I struggled to stay with it about halfway through. For me, it dragged on longer than necessary. Quite a bit of drama and intimate scenes. The hockey aspect was enjoyable.
Phillipa Miller and James Amherst did a great job portraying these characters. The narration definitely helped me finish the book.
Phillipa Miller and James Amherst did a great job portraying these characters. The narration definitely helped me finish the book.
The Bribe by Devney Perry
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The Bribe (Calamity Montana #1) is small town romance.
Lucy and Duke’s story drew me in from the beginning. The chemistry was intense from first meet. I adored Duke and his protective nature. The world build was wild and kept me guessing. Did not see that ending! Great story and characters.
Jason Clarke was the perfect Duke and Ava Erickson did a great job portraying Lucy. Wonderful narration.
Lucy and Duke’s story drew me in from the beginning. The chemistry was intense from first meet. I adored Duke and his protective nature. The world build was wild and kept me guessing. Did not see that ending! Great story and characters.
Jason Clarke was the perfect Duke and Ava Erickson did a great job portraying Lucy. Wonderful narration.