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ashley_webb13's reviews
123 reviews
Burning the Midnight Oil by Ashley James
fast-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? No
4.0
For me personally Burning the Midnight Oil is my least favorite book of the series so far. That’s not to say it isn’t good by any means. It’s a good story.
Boone is Grady’s ex brother-in-law. They fall into the relationship quickly and everything happens when Boone is divorced (except maybe the first kiss, him and his wife may have just been separated) so the only taboo part is really the fact that Grady is Boone’s ex wife’s brother.
There isn’t a lot of angst or forbidden moments. I guess went in and expected something different; more taboo, and more drama when things came to light. It just wasn’t super exciting.
Overall it’s still good and I definitely recommend reading. Now I’m very curious as to what Colt has in store for us after that snippet 🥵.
Oleander: A Great Expectations Retelling by Scarlett Drake
emotional
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
There’s a lot to unpack here, you really just need to read it but go in knowing that it’s going to hurt to get to the HEA. This an MM, coming of age, Great Expectations retelling. The writing is amazing. The story was intriguing, I haven’t read Great Expectations in a long time so I had to brush up a bit.
Jude and Caspien meet at the age of 15 when Jude’s brother-in-law (he lives with his sister and her husband) starts working at and eventually move onto Caspian’s uncles estate. They developed this strange sort of friendship that turns into more.
I won’t lie, I did not like Caspien until closer to the end of the book. His character though had been raised to avoid love and then he met Jude. He was still quite horrible even once they were “friends.” Also the older man while he was only 16 made me cringe.
Jude I felt for. When Caspien left he had to move on with life and it seemed every time he’d make a little progress Caspien would show up. Cas just kept hurting Jude and it made me ill. Jude was such an amazing character. His love for Caspien ran soul deep.
I did start to feel for Caspien more towards the end, no one deserves that.
The big reveal in the end kinda fell flat for me. I understand Caspien didn’t want Jude to resent him if he stayed when they were younger but I guess that’s how things had to be for Caspien to be able to understand what love is. He hurt Jude but also himself. Overall it’s a good read, it’s long and divided into three parts. This isn’t your typical romance so know that going in.
Suddenly You by Cora Rose
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
How I’ve been waiting for Matt and Cooper’s story since Except You. Suddenly You starts off basically where Except You ends with their little snippet waking up together.
Matthew is trying to do better but waking up married to a man, wasn’t on his list of things to do. Matthew wants a divorce like immediately but Cooper has other plans. He wants to stay married and for Matthew to live with him to “pay off the debt of divorcing.”
These two are so adorable. Matthew is so touch starved, it’s just the sweetest thing when they cuddle. Cooper has this intense need to care for Matthew. I just loved their story. The spice is kind of a slower burn but it truly fits their story. Their chemistry is intense and there is a bit of angst for the build up. I honestly didn’t dislike anything about this book.
Now I’ll be patiently waiting for Mitch and I hope someone rocks his world and brings that man to his knees, I cannot wait!
Coil of Boughs by Penny Moss
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I absolutely loved this book! I’m in a paranormal/fantasy phase and this was perfect. Initially the blurb caught my attention, but the story really sucked me in from the very beginning.
Ruri is quite the character, a bit accident prone in my opinion. I loved his attitude, though. His witty banter with the witch, who is a side character we see quite a bit of, is hilarious.
Awi is Demon. Though, he’s like a gentle giant but if you mess with Ruri he’ll jack you up, and that’s putting it lightly. Ruri and Awi were so cute together. It’s kind of a slow burn, but not sloooooowwww burn. The spice is good and not too over the top that it detracts from the story.
It was quite the adventurous book! If you love fantastic side characters, witches, demons, skin crawlers and other creatures you’ll enjoy this book. I can’t wait for the next book!
Too Hostile by Nicole Dykes
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
How I love a profesor/student romance! This was so good. Fletcher and Ronan were on fire. Fletcher is one of Ronan’s students in the beginning of the story, however the relationship doesn’t start until summer break when Fletcher is technically not Ronan’s student anymore.
Fletcher is adorable. After all he’s been through he’s still able to be a happy, kind and gentle person. Ronan is more reserved having been through a similar situation as Fletcher, he doesn’t want to risk his stability for a “fling.”
It’s a pretty short read, but definitely worth it. The chemistry was off the charts and the side characters were amazing (especially Blair).
Under Your Skin by Lee McCormick
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Another awesome story by Lee McCormick! Check the trigger warnings as there are some heavy topics.
Levi and Jonah are fascinating. They’re a morbidly intriguing couple, complimenting each other well. I don’t want to give the story away with too much detail.
This story captured my attention from the very beginning. There are twists and turns that keep you sucked into the book. That ending though! I honestly didn’t see that coming. Loved this book. Definitely recommend if you love dark MM romance.
Earth Boys Are Easy by C. Rochelle
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
Space Daddy and Babygirl for the win!
How I loved this story. I loved the Villainous Things series and this was just as good.
Micah is so sweet and kinda sensitive. His family doesn’t seem to see how amazing he is. Ziggy is a bit aloof at first, we’ve met him in past books. Being around Micah helps opens Ziggy up, allows him to trust others, and to love.
Like the books in the Villainous Things series, Earth Boys Are Easy had me cackling throughout the entire book. We also have the sweet and cutesy moments between the characters, and of course the jealousy, as our boys make their way through galaxy on their space adventure.
Then towards the end, I really thought all hope was lost for Ziggy and Micah, I maybe even shed a tear, but our boy Ziggy was pretty genius.
This is an amazing book with wonderful characters. The side characters (aliens) are awesome and I hope we get to see more of them if there are future books.
Temperance by Lark Taylor
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The way I have been waiting for Toby and Blaise, omg! I devoured this book, much like the rest of the series. During Harlow’s book Devil May Care (my favorite🩶), I didn’t think I could like Blaise to be honest, but throughout the series and then the connection series we see a lot more of Blaise and he started to peak my interest along with Toby the tiny vampire.
Toby and Blaise are hot together, they have Dom/Sub relationship at first, plot twist, Toby being the Dom. These two are both broken in different ways. Toby tries to help Blaise find happiness in life again but what about him? I loved seeing them navigate through their feelings and to be honest stubbornness.
This book is a must read.
Outplayed by Courtney W. Dixon
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Aspen and Cooper were adorable to be honest. Cooper moves in with Aspen, at that point they’re strangers but quickly become friends.
Aspen has this happy go lucky, live life to the fullest attitude. I loved Aspen from the very beginning. Cooper was a bit more reserved, a little shy and timid. He basically lives his life to please everyone but himself.
Aspen and Cooper hear a story about “bro-jobs” at a small get together and that sparks the idea with Aspen so he propositions Cooper who agrees, no strings attached, no feelings. We all know how the “no feelings” thing goes and they both develop feelings.
This was a great read to me, probably one of my faves by Courtney so far and I typically like the grittier books. Not to say this book didn’t have all the emotions. My poor baby Aspen went through it. I defiantly recommend this book, it’s fun, spicy, emotional, and we get our HEA.
Restless by Willow Thomas
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Omg this book! I loved it so much. This is the first book I’ve read by Willow Thomas and now I need to go back and read Lexi’s story because I gotta know what happened there.
Giovanni (Gio) is a cheerleader and Tucker is a football player at the same college. Sort of in the same friend group. Tuckers ex cheated on him so when he approaches Gio with the idea of them going out Gio thinks he’ll be a rebound so is constantly turning Tucker down. Finally he gives in but says it’s just sex but Tucker is determined to make Gio his.
I absolutely loved Tucker! The things he said and his inner monologue had me cackling. Gio is a little more broody but had a big heart. These two have great chemistry and are just adorable. Gio’s family is amazing. I loved the entire friend group. That epilogue was perfect! I’m so glad they got their HEA. I’m looking forward to more books in the series.
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*arc review*