beyondevak's reviews
5984 reviews

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

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challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

A dark and twisted romance with tragedy, twists, and steam for days

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Entertaining
Steamy
Unpredictable
Page-turner
Easy-to-read
Happily Ever After
Action-packed
Tragic
Twisted
If The Stars Align by Nathalie Theodore

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This story wrecked me. I absolutely loved it!
Rock Star's Heart by Kella Campbell

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challenging medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Meet Me at Midnight by Max Monroe

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

 I confess that the audiobook won me over. The story was a big bahaha-ahhh. I knew the audio would make this story come to life, which is why I HAD to take a listen. This will be a read on repeat romance. Thank you very much!!!
The Summer House by Susan Mallery

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

3.75

This was a sweet yet complicated story. Though lighthearted overall, there were a few factors that made this a bit challenging, if I am being honest. I don't know that I got the answer I was looking for on why Rick made the marriage-altering choice that he did. Mandy's was indicated in detail. The reason should have been revealed for both for there to be balance and transparency.

About the Characters: 

Rick - I liked him, but I did always like what he said, and I definitely did not like him after the big no no. Upon seeing each other again, he rubbed me the wrong way when he stated that Mandy had not changed and that she was running...again. Dare I say that she was justified when she left initially, even if she made an error in judgment with what came after. On the flip side, the way Rick engaged with Eve was charming. I appreciated how the two clicked.

Mandy - I liked her, but I did not love her. She was likable, but at the same time, she seemed to lack strength of conviction, as well as confidence. I understood her backstory, but she was old enough to be more firm in what she wanted. It should not have taken a man to spur her on.

Eve - I loved this character. It was refreshing to meet her in the story. For her diagnosis, she appeared high functioning. I liked that she communicated as well as she did. It was also good to see her in a family unit with two supportive adults.

Rick's mom/Mandy's MIL - Although she did not make a direct appearance, she was a force, in terms of presence. She likely saw all that should have/could have been. with her son and former DIL. It was interesting to see her influence...and her patience with Rick and Mandy, even as they were not always patient with each other.

About the Conflict: This couple did not have small problems. Because they were young when they first got together, they went into the marriage with some distorted perceptions. Instead of communicating, they shut down and drifted apart. From there, the bad choices were theirs to be made. The second chance scenario was realistic, I suppose. 

About the Book: 

Married young
Faulty expectations
Blaming/accusations
Adultery
Divorce
Second chance
Disability
Reconciliation



The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

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5.0

Quick Summary: A supernatural love story

My Review: The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston is a 2022 release.

About the Book: "A disillusioned millennial ghostwriter who, quite literally, has some ghosts of her own, has to find her way back home..."

In My Own Words: A woman with a special gift loses a loved one, but she also finds love, reconciliations, courage, strength, family, and forever.

About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Eileen Stevens. Can I just say that she nailed this one? Bravo!!!

My Final Say: This was absolutely wonderful! It is very much like Sarah Ready's Ghosted series. It was everything I love in a supernatural love story. I will be reading this one on repeat.

Other: Readers who enjoy ghosty love stories and/or stories with the inevitability of finding a forever love will adore this novel. It defied logic in the very best way.

"Love is a celebration of life and death..."

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Page-turner
Happily Ever After
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Wonderful characters
Tear-jerker
Romantic
Supernatural elements

#wishlistread
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This was absolutely wonderful! It is very much like Sarah Ready's Ghosted series. It was everything I love in a supernatural love story.

Readers who enjoy ghosty love stories and/or stories with the inevitability of finding a forever love will adore this novel. It defied logic in the very best way.

"Love is a celebration of life and death..."
Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Two underdogs gain the courage to live and love.

I love that this story addressed social anxiety. It was nicely done.


Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Happily Ever After
Easy-to-read
Original
A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Highly entertaining with an element of mystery, this novel was brilliant. I loved it!

4.75/5

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Entertaining
Whimsical
Great world building
Wonderful characters
Happily Ever After

Other: I think this story would be sensational as an audiobook. It would come alive, even more.
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.