cluckieduck's reviews
289 reviews

Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione

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dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint by Alexandra Vasti

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation by Alexandra Vasti

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funny lighthearted fast-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

5.0

What an absolute delight! A very modern historical, which is probably why I loved it so much - the HR I’ve tried just hasn’t been my jam. 

If this is the author’s debut - well done. Novellas are tricky to get the right balance of plot and characterization, especially when the characters haven’t been developed in a full-length novel, but I found the flow and content of Margo & Henry’s arc perfect. 

Henry was absolutely lovely, and his love for Margo was marshmallow fluff. 

“You are—the sun to me…you are all the light and joy in the world, and I am good at nothing so much as watching you from a distance.”

Margo was a fun heroine - I think the novella was the right length for her hellion ways. Any longer might have been too over the top, but this was the right amount for her to develop and “grow up” as she mentions. 

Anyways, super cute, quick read that can be found for free from the author’s website.

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The Orc from the Office by Kate Prior

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was an absolutely sweet & delightful novella. 

I loved the slice of office life and all of its mundanity contrasted with the incredibly steamy mate bond. Janice’s narration was fun and Khent was such a shy sweetie, I wish we had gotten some of his POV. 

There were a few odd scenes that made me go “huh, how?!?” (size difference & banging on a window ledge, for example) but it wasn’t too egregious to make me enjoy it any less. 

Anyways, it’s a great little palate cleanser for fans of instalove, cinnamon roll heroes, high steam, and quirky quips. 

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The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

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emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This started off so promising, but I’m left feeling disappointed with the turn it took. The story & characters hooked me right in through the first few chapters, but overall it lacked the substance I look for in a romance. 

I didn’t think Ian & Beth were developed enough or had enough chemistry, and their sex scenes were very basic and almost…off putting in their monotony. 

Sad to say it just fell a bit flat overall and I think it’s a 2.5 ⭐️ read for me. 

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Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

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

2.0

 Asshole MMCs & doormat FMCs, does not a good romance make. 
Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 This was a great closing of the series, though I do wish there was at least 1 extra chapter or a longer epilogue based on how it wrapped up. I liked that Charlotte & Richard were in their 30s. I liked that we got more of George & Jack (I can't wait to see them again in the Innkeeper series) + more time with Sophie. I liked Charlotte's magic. I don't like that I have so many unanswered questions! It just ended too quickly for me. On a whole, the Edge is my least favourite series of IA's works but it's still a fun place to visit. 

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I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

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emotional sad slow-paced

2.25

While I am sympathetic to the abuse Jennette experienced and the trauma which has impacted all aspects of her life, I did not find her a compelling writer or narrator. 

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Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews

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3.0

I'm finding this one hard to rate because I didn't like the main couple (Kaldar, more so) but I loved the extra time we got to spend with George & Jack, so overall it's just an ok read for me. 
Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

Fun to revisit these characters in a new setting, and it’s always (well, mostly) enjoyable seeing Kate stick her nose into other people’s business, but there was just a bit too much going on for a novella IMO.