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cluckieduck's reviews
289 reviews
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Wow, a lot sure can happen to a gal in 5 months!
Are there some problematic elements in this story? Yes. Was it enjoyable? Hell yes!
This was such a fun take on a RH MMFM relationship, but oh yeah...what mess. While it is a loooong book that could have easily trimmed ~300 pages without losing anything from the (lack of) plot, I never felt the need to skim. It is a very easy read and, for the most part, well-written.
Each character is fun, but they all read college-age NA to me rather than their actual 27-30 y.o (with the exception of maybe Ilmari). There were a number of times I had to eye roll over some of their choices or actions, but again, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
All-in-all, it's a low angst, high steam, insta-love, sex fest of a book!
Are there some problematic elements in this story? Yes. Was it enjoyable? Hell yes!
This was such a fun take on a RH MMFM relationship, but oh yeah...what mess. While it is a loooong book that could have easily trimmed ~300 pages without losing anything from the (lack of) plot, I never felt the need to skim. It is a very easy read and, for the most part, well-written.
Each character is fun, but they all read college-age NA to me rather than their actual 27-30 y.o (with the exception of maybe Ilmari). There were a number of times I had to eye roll over some of their choices or actions, but again, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
All-in-all, it's a low angst, high steam, insta-love, sex fest of a book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use, Homophobia, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Alcohol
That One Night by Emily Rath
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
A perfect appetizer - super spicy, fun banter, and it leaves you wanting more…which is exactly why I’m gonna move straight on to the main course 😉
A perfect appetizer - super spicy, fun banter, and it leaves you wanting more…which is exactly why I’m gonna move straight on to the main course 😉
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual harassment
Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Better hate than never, for never too late.
Book 2 in the Wilmot Sisters series, and while it is a standalone, I am happy that I read Two Wrongs Make a Right first to expand upon the relationship of Katerina & Christopher (and their greater friend/family group dynamics too). There are some aspects of this story that I absolutely LOVED and others that are incredibly cringe.
The enemies-to-friends-to-lovers element was enjoyable, and I love a 'he fell first' trope. Chloe writes great banter and angst, and there are some doozies in here:
Should I tell you that was my confession - that my sad attempt to feel close to you was upheld by the delusion that it was better to have your hate than your apathy? That when I realized how badly I'd fucked up, I hoped it wasn't too late to have you look at me with anything besides loathing burning in your eyes?
Denying myself you has been like battling the tide. If I fight it any longer, I'll drown.
What I don't love, especially with 'he fell first' tropes, is the manwhore aspect. And there is A LOT of backstory about how great of a lover Christopher is, how he has a different girl every night...all coming from his own POV!!
I can handle being ignored, even if I'm not terribly familiar with the experience, thanks to the sheer luck of my genetics. I might have done jack shit to earn my looks and presence, but I have no qualms about thoroughly, frequently enjoying the physical pleasures that transpire from possessing what draws so many women.
Just...EWW 🤢🤢🤢 So, of course because we have a manwhore MMC, we must needs a virgin FMC, right?? Speaking of...
I absolutely love and appreciate what Chloe tries to do with her representation of neurodiversities, sexualities, and those with disabilities, however, sometimes it comes across as a very surface-level approach to inclusiveness...more so 'inclusive for the sake of being inclusive' rather than being a dynamic representation that resonates with readers. Kat's demisexuality seemed like such an afterthought, thrown in to provide an alternate to the oft-virgin/manwhore relationship trope. There was no nuance to it, which I found unfortunate. That aside, their relationship was a lovely slow-burn and Kat's inexperience was handled lovingly with lots of consent and patience.
Happily & surprisingly, there is no 3rd act breakup (I was worried after the horribly-ended book 1). Overall, a solid, cozy, fall read that could use some polishing.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 in the Wilmot Sisters series, and while it is a standalone, I am happy that I read Two Wrongs Make a Right first to expand upon the relationship of Katerina & Christopher (and their greater friend/family group dynamics too). There are some aspects of this story that I absolutely LOVED and others that are incredibly cringe.
The enemies-to-friends-to-lovers element was enjoyable, and I love a 'he fell first' trope. Chloe writes great banter and angst, and there are some doozies in here:
Should I tell you that was my confession - that my sad attempt to feel close to you was upheld by the delusion that it was better to have your hate than your apathy? That when I realized how badly I'd fucked up, I hoped it wasn't too late to have you look at me with anything besides loathing burning in your eyes?
Denying myself you has been like battling the tide. If I fight it any longer, I'll drown.
What I don't love, especially with 'he fell first' tropes, is the manwhore aspect. And there is A LOT of backstory about how great of a lover Christopher is, how he has a different girl every night...all coming from his own POV!!
I can handle being ignored, even if I'm not terribly familiar with the experience, thanks to the sheer luck of my genetics. I might have done jack shit to earn my looks and presence, but I have no qualms about thoroughly, frequently enjoying the physical pleasures that transpire from possessing what draws so many women.
Just...EWW 🤢🤢🤢 So, of course because we have a manwhore MMC, we must needs a virgin FMC, right?? Speaking of...
I absolutely love and appreciate what Chloe tries to do with her representation of neurodiversities, sexualities, and those with disabilities, however, sometimes it comes across as a very surface-level approach to inclusiveness...more so 'inclusive for the sake of being inclusive' rather than being a dynamic representation that resonates with readers. Kat's demisexuality seemed like such an afterthought, thrown in to provide an alternate to the oft-virgin/manwhore relationship trope. There was no nuance to it, which I found unfortunate. That aside, their relationship was a lovely slow-burn and Kat's inexperience was handled lovingly with lots of consent and patience.
Happily & surprisingly, there is no 3rd act breakup (I was worried after the horribly-ended book 1). Overall, a solid, cozy, fall read that could use some polishing.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Chronic illness, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Grief and Death of parent
The Lady and the Orc by Finley Fenn
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I’ve read & loved a lot of monster romance, so was happy to finally delve into the orc world with this one but it just wasn’t for me, unfortunately.
Both MCs were beyond irritating with their miscommunication, trust issues, and whiplash-level “I hate you’s, I love you’s”, yet it all miraculously disappeared when the magical orc peen was whipped out. To me, this fell on the wrong end of a dub-con relationship because it just felt like a way to cram in sooo many sexual encounters without any actual desire or connection between the two. Not enough time was spent on any level of development in their budding romance, yet they didn’t come across as fated mates either so it just left me feeling…why??
Both MCs were beyond irritating with their miscommunication, trust issues, and whiplash-level “I hate you’s, I love you’s”, yet it all miraculously disappeared when the magical orc peen was whipped out. To me, this fell on the wrong end of a dub-con relationship because it just felt like a way to cram in sooo many sexual encounters without any actual desire or connection between the two. Not enough time was spent on any level of development in their budding romance, yet they didn’t come across as fated mates either so it just left me feeling…why??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and War
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Infertility, Abortion, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death
Home Is Where You Are by Alex Jane
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a lovely story, indeed, it’s just a bit too slowly paced for my liking and there are a lot of editing errors (which I really try to overlook) that took away from the overall flow of the story. But I like the characters and homestead setting enough that I’ll most likely continue with the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Violence, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, and War
Mantras & Minotaurs by Ashley Bennett
emotional
funny
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? No
4.25
Ok, this whole series provides the perfect blend of soft & sweet with hot & steamy!
Love the representation of two 50+ MCs finding insta-love. Pam & Alistair are such a lovely couple (possibly my favourite duo of the series thus far) and I really enjoyed the little tidbits showing their ages, including annoyance at low-light restaurants, menopausal symptoms, and pillows under the knees during sexy time 😉
Keep ‘em coming AB - I can’t wait for Fallon’s book next!
Love the representation of two 50+ MCs finding insta-love. Pam & Alistair are such a lovely couple (possibly my favourite duo of the series thus far) and I really enjoyed the little tidbits showing their ages, including annoyance at low-light restaurants, menopausal symptoms, and pillows under the knees during sexy time 😉
Keep ‘em coming AB - I can’t wait for Fallon’s book next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing and Drug use
Minor: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a cute little rom-com, perfect for readers who enjoy a second chance romance with a forced proximity/only-one-bed trope, supported by a decidedly dramatic doggo.
I hadn't read either of the earlier two books from the series, but this works as a standalone. I did find that the husky antics took precedence over the development of the romance between August & Keaton. More development took place between Keaton & the husky, Molly, that would have benefit the development of his relationship with August.
August was an enjoyable FMC. She's strong and determined.
"You deserve someone who's going to give you the world."
"No." She turned, fire in her eyes and her face shining with sincerity. "I can get the world myself, Keaton. But I want someone who's going to stand with me when I do."
While it was a second-chance of their childhood pining for one another, their connection was a bit too quick for my liking because both of them come with a lot of baggage and it wrapped up too neatly. But otherwise, this was a lovely (if somewhat predictable) read.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn't read either of the earlier two books from the series, but this works as a standalone. I did find that the husky antics took precedence over the development of the romance between August & Keaton. More development took place between Keaton & the husky, Molly, that would have benefit the development of his relationship with August.
August was an enjoyable FMC. She's strong and determined.
"You deserve someone who's going to give you the world."
"No." She turned, fire in her eyes and her face shining with sincerity. "I can get the world myself, Keaton. But I want someone who's going to stand with me when I do."
While it was a second-chance of their childhood pining for one another, their connection was a bit too quick for my liking because both of them come with a lot of baggage and it wrapped up too neatly. But otherwise, this was a lovely (if somewhat predictable) read.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Grief
Minor: Cursing, Death, Fatphobia, and Alcohol
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Did not finish book. Stopped at 59%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 59%.
This book was trying really, really hard to be something, but there was just no...substance to it, is the only way I can think to describe it. Fluff masquerading as something important.
I read through to the big event and then just got a summary from my fellow book club goers and I don't think I missed much by not finishing.
I read through to the big event and then just got a summary from my fellow book club goers and I don't think I missed much by not finishing.
Putting Out for a Hero by C. Rochelle
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Confinement, Gun violence, Stalking, and Car accident
Squeal: The Squeakquel by Vera Valentine
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
1.0
What a hot mess. I enjoyed Squeak purely for the novelty of it, but this was a completely unnecessary sequel that just confused an already bonkers premise. The "plot" bounced around too much for an ~50-odd page novella and it just came across as rushed.
Also, why introduce a 4th into the harem if you're not going to write a scene with them?? Seems a bit odd to me, but 🤷♀️
Also, why introduce a 4th into the harem if you're not going to write a scene with them?? Seems a bit odd to me, but 🤷♀️