Scan barcode
perusing_pages's reviews
1005 reviews
The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 in the Lincoln Knights MM romance series that is following teammates on a British rugby team find their HEAs.
Devon and Jonny have been best friends since meeting as kids and playing rugby together, Devon has always carried a torch for Jonny that still burns bright even after living and playing apart for 8 years. When Devon returns back to the UK and he & Jonny are playing for the same team once again the likelihood of those feelings going away becomes slimmer than ever, but Devons attempt to find someone else has unexpected jealousy and possessiveness rising up in Jonny and he can't figure out why even if the reason is glaringly obvious to everyone else.
I really enjoyed the second instalment of this series. It's low angst, friends/idiots to lovers with great friendship group/found family vibes and good spice mixed in. So far, the books I've read by Charlie showcase consent, support, and acceptance really well. Her characters are diverse, interesting, and fun to read. The books have good humour and heartwarming moments. Themes of jealousy, etc, are explored through Jonnys character in this, and it's refreshing to see an MMC go to therapy to understand themselves better, and there be no stigma surrounding it. All in all, this was a cute, easy, quick, and entertaining read, and I'm already looking forward to Matts story in book 3. Definitely recommend giving this series a try. This book releases on 13th Feb. 🌶🌶
"Once upon a time, I'd dreamed that Jonny would suddenly realise he wasn't straight and declare his undying love for me, which even at seventeen had seemed a little far-fetched."
Book 2 in the Lincoln Knights MM romance series that is following teammates on a British rugby team find their HEAs.
Devon and Jonny have been best friends since meeting as kids and playing rugby together, Devon has always carried a torch for Jonny that still burns bright even after living and playing apart for 8 years. When Devon returns back to the UK and he & Jonny are playing for the same team once again the likelihood of those feelings going away becomes slimmer than ever, but Devons attempt to find someone else has unexpected jealousy and possessiveness rising up in Jonny and he can't figure out why even if the reason is glaringly obvious to everyone else.
I really enjoyed the second instalment of this series. It's low angst, friends/idiots to lovers with great friendship group/found family vibes and good spice mixed in. So far, the books I've read by Charlie showcase consent, support, and acceptance really well. Her characters are diverse, interesting, and fun to read. The books have good humour and heartwarming moments. Themes of jealousy, etc, are explored through Jonnys character in this, and it's refreshing to see an MMC go to therapy to understand themselves better, and there be no stigma surrounding it. All in all, this was a cute, easy, quick, and entertaining read, and I'm already looking forward to Matts story in book 3. Definitely recommend giving this series a try. This book releases on 13th Feb. 🌶🌶
"Once upon a time, I'd dreamed that Jonny would suddenly realise he wasn't straight and declare his undying love for me, which even at seventeen had seemed a little far-fetched."
Time for You by Renee Harless, Renee Harless
1.0
Had this not been an included listen in the Audible Plus catalogue, and had I not been unwell in bed and in need of just ANYTHING on in the background, I would've DNF'd this.
The characters and story itself are really weak, the pacing is all over the place, the writing clunky and cringeworthy in places and the romance lacked chemistry. This was a new to me author, and it wasn't the greatest first impression. However, I always give an author a 2 book chance to see if they are for me or not, so time will tell. 🤷♀️
The characters and story itself are really weak, the pacing is all over the place, the writing clunky and cringeworthy in places and the romance lacked chemistry. This was a new to me author, and it wasn't the greatest first impression. However, I always give an author a 2 book chance to see if they are for me or not, so time will tell. 🤷♀️
The Cardigans by Cole McCade
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
The Cardigans is Episode 1 of season 1 of Criminal Intentions. It is a fast-paced detective thriller with the briefest of glimpses into a potential slow-burn romance, and it is structured like a television series, hence the episode 1 season 1 description. The story, setting, and characters Cole McCade gives us in this first instalment are gritty, gory, fast-paced, multilayered, fun, and diverse! Both MCs are queer men of colour. There is a non binary character that uses they/them/their pronouns, and the crime plot itself dealt with queerness.
I don't want to go into any details surrounding the actual plot as going in as blind as you can will give you the best experience of this story as you are taken along with Detectives Khalaji (Malcolm) & Yoon (Seong-Jae) as they try to solve a recent string of murders. The story kept my interest throughout. It kept moving forward and really did feel like an episode of something like CSI. I loved both Seong-Jae & Malcom, and there is clearly more to both of them and their pasts than we are given in this book, and the tension and chemistry between them was great. I'm really looking forward to discovering more as this series goes on and seeing if that tension turns into more.
Book 1 was available in the Audible Plus catalogue and narrated by Curt Bonnem, who did a fantastic job with all characters, differentiating his voice well. This is full of action, intriguing characters, and a fast-paced mystery that will keep your interest throughout. The only reason this doesn't get a full five-star from me is because I figured out Whodunit before the big reveal... but that's just how my neurodivergent brain works, and it is rare for books like this to surprise me in that way. I highly recommend giving this a try, and I will, without doubt, be reading book 2 sooner rather than later.
"When looking across the horizon, the world had a way of expanding, broadening beyond the tight narrow confines of the little boxes of pain humans tended to wall themselves into."
I don't want to go into any details surrounding the actual plot as going in as blind as you can will give you the best experience of this story as you are taken along with Detectives Khalaji (Malcolm) & Yoon (Seong-Jae) as they try to solve a recent string of murders. The story kept my interest throughout. It kept moving forward and really did feel like an episode of something like CSI. I loved both Seong-Jae & Malcom, and there is clearly more to both of them and their pasts than we are given in this book, and the tension and chemistry between them was great. I'm really looking forward to discovering more as this series goes on and seeing if that tension turns into more.
Book 1 was available in the Audible Plus catalogue and narrated by Curt Bonnem, who did a fantastic job with all characters, differentiating his voice well. This is full of action, intriguing characters, and a fast-paced mystery that will keep your interest throughout. The only reason this doesn't get a full five-star from me is because I figured out Whodunit before the big reveal... but that's just how my neurodivergent brain works, and it is rare for books like this to surprise me in that way. I highly recommend giving this a try, and I will, without doubt, be reading book 2 sooner rather than later.
"When looking across the horizon, the world had a way of expanding, broadening beyond the tight narrow confines of the little boxes of pain humans tended to wall themselves into."
Blindside Beauty by Lex Martin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Abby the FMC was frankly pathetic. She was pining after Nick after 0.2 seconds and even though absolutely nothing had happened between them and he hadn't outwardly shown any interest in her she was jealous and getting her feeling hurt seeing other women talk to him. It was ridiculous. I just couldn't with her anymore.
River of Shadows by Karina Halle
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Hanna is travelling to Finland to attend her fathers funeral. But once there she discovers not everything is as it seems, that her father’s body is missing and his apprentice Rasmus tells her he is still alive but trapped in Tuonela the realm of the dead by Tuoni the God of Death himself so they set out to save him. In order to free her father, Hanna has to cross the River of Shadows to reach Tuonela. Once there they are stalked by dangerous creatures, monsters, and the living dead, until they finally come to a haunted kingdom ruled by Death and his family where Hanna must strike a bargain with Tuoni to set her father free.
This is book 1 in the Underworld Gods series and is a fast-paced combination of fantasy, Finnish mythology, beauty and the beast retelling, mystery, and romance. The world building is done so well, it is descriptive without being too dense or info dumpy as you are discovering this new world alongside Hanna and her running inner monologue of WTF makes it feel all the more believable. The overall plot was solid and moved forward at good pace, the characters and world were intriguing, layered and multifaceted and the tension between Tuoni & Hanna delicious, it does take a while for them to be on page together but I didn't mind that at all. The spice when it happens is good, I lobe a dirty talking MMC, and Tuoni ticked that box.
This was my first ever read by Karina Halle, and I had a really great time with it, Jo Raylans narration was great, and she does a wonderful job with differentiating the characters. FYI this book does end on a cliffhanger but I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing where this story goes because as it stands I'm left not know what to think or who to trust and I LOVE it when a book does that. 🌶🌶🌶
"Let's just pretend for a second that everything you said made perfect sense, and that you didn't just talk about something tantamount to Frodo strolling into Mordor." "Tolkein was very inspired by Finnish folklore," he points out."
"I have three sayings in life," Death says, ticking them off his fingers, their intricate metal coverings glinting orange in the desert light. "Never trust the living. Never trust a God. And never trust a redhead." He glances at me. "I'm afraid you've already done all three."
This is book 1 in the Underworld Gods series and is a fast-paced combination of fantasy, Finnish mythology, beauty and the beast retelling, mystery, and romance. The world building is done so well, it is descriptive without being too dense or info dumpy as you are discovering this new world alongside Hanna and her running inner monologue of WTF makes it feel all the more believable. The overall plot was solid and moved forward at good pace, the characters and world were intriguing, layered and multifaceted and the tension between Tuoni & Hanna delicious, it does take a while for them to be on page together but I didn't mind that at all. The spice when it happens is good, I lobe a dirty talking MMC, and Tuoni ticked that box.
This was my first ever read by Karina Halle, and I had a really great time with it, Jo Raylans narration was great, and she does a wonderful job with differentiating the characters. FYI this book does end on a cliffhanger but I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing where this story goes because as it stands I'm left not know what to think or who to trust and I LOVE it when a book does that. 🌶🌶🌶
"Let's just pretend for a second that everything you said made perfect sense, and that you didn't just talk about something tantamount to Frodo strolling into Mordor." "Tolkein was very inspired by Finnish folklore," he points out."
"I have three sayings in life," Death says, ticking them off his fingers, their intricate metal coverings glinting orange in the desert light. "Never trust the living. Never trust a God. And never trust a redhead." He glances at me. "I'm afraid you've already done all three."
First Impressions by Jay Hogan
reflective
tense
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
3.0
Michael & Josh meet in an unconventional way and don't hit it off right away even though they both clearly find the other attractive, outside factors create a kind of forced proximity situation and these two go from dislike-ish to FWB. Michael is in New Zealand on a work exchange program as a doctor & Josh is a K9 police officer. I'm not sure if it was intentional, but I felt more toxic masculinity from their characters than others I've read by this author, so that threw me off here and there. The romance was ok, but i think too much time was spent with them keeping each other at a distance and the drama towards the end felt very rushed, lacked depth, detail and time jumps were used when the overall story and connection between the characters would have benefited from time being spent going through the situation and recovery with Michael & Josh instead of all the lust filled moments in the middle. Their connection just didn't feel that strong to me, which is a shame.
I've read subsequent books/series by this author and loved them. I think because this was i believe her first series(?) and I've read her backlog with the most recent releases first, that's why her writing doesn't feel as polished, etc, here as I have come to expect. If that's the case, then I can say her characters, their development, and overall plot points and storytelling have grown over time. This was an OK read, i enjoyed listening to Gary Furlong narrate but then I always do. I will be continuing this series throughout the year. This just wasn't my favourite of this authors work that I've read to date even though it was entertaining. 🌶🌶
"I don't do relationships. I don't do commitment. I don't do white picket fences.
And I especially don't do arrogant holier-than-thou, smoking-hot K9 officers who walk into my ER and rock my world."
And I especially don't do arrogant holier-than-thou, smoking-hot K9 officers who walk into my ER and rock my world."
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
Marra is the third born Princess of a small Kingdom and she teams up with a motley crew comprising of a Dust Wife with a demon possessed chicken, Fenris a on the run former Knight that they rescue from a goblin market and a reluctant fairy godmother to save Marra's sister Kania from her abusive husband.
There were definitely some interesting concepts woven throughout this but none were delved into deep enough for me, the story felt very matter of fact, told in a blunt straight to the point way where I wanted more exploration and development. It feels like it should be a dark fairytale yet doesn't fully reach that potential, in my opinion. The story is clearly tackling the subject of domestic violence through a fairytale medium, and although the world is intriguing and darkish, there was something disjointed in the execution for me... I think the attempts to make the story sweet and lighthearted with a very basic romantic subplot threw me off as I wanted it to fully lean into the darker aspects of the story.
This was my first book by this author and overall I enjoyed her writing, descriptive without being too dense, enough world building without feeling info dumpy, detailed characters with layers and an interesting plot that kept me listening. I came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue and for an included listen I can't complain, it is worth giving a go if you're looking for a standalone adventure/fantasy that kinda gives Baba Yaga vibes. It's also my first narrated by Amara Jasper, who was great to listen to.
"Nothing is fair, except that we try to make it so. That’s the point of humans, maybe, to fix the things the gods haven’t managed."
"Let it lie,” the godmother said. “We’ll find out soon enough. There’s nothing we can do either way.” “I can fret,” snapped Marra. “And I intend to!” “And I won’t stop you.” Agnes patted her arm. “A good fret is balm for the soul. Just don’t overdo it."
There were definitely some interesting concepts woven throughout this but none were delved into deep enough for me, the story felt very matter of fact, told in a blunt straight to the point way where I wanted more exploration and development. It feels like it should be a dark fairytale yet doesn't fully reach that potential, in my opinion. The story is clearly tackling the subject of domestic violence through a fairytale medium, and although the world is intriguing and darkish, there was something disjointed in the execution for me... I think the attempts to make the story sweet and lighthearted with a very basic romantic subplot threw me off as I wanted it to fully lean into the darker aspects of the story.
This was my first book by this author and overall I enjoyed her writing, descriptive without being too dense, enough world building without feeling info dumpy, detailed characters with layers and an interesting plot that kept me listening. I came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue and for an included listen I can't complain, it is worth giving a go if you're looking for a standalone adventure/fantasy that kinda gives Baba Yaga vibes. It's also my first narrated by Amara Jasper, who was great to listen to.
"Nothing is fair, except that we try to make it so. That’s the point of humans, maybe, to fix the things the gods haven’t managed."
"Let it lie,” the godmother said. “We’ll find out soon enough. There’s nothing we can do either way.” “I can fret,” snapped Marra. “And I intend to!” “And I won’t stop you.” Agnes patted her arm. “A good fret is balm for the soul. Just don’t overdo it."
Montana Danger by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Book 2 in the Resting Warrior Ranch series follows Grace & Harlan who make breif appearances in book one where it is made clear they have a history and because of that there is animosity between them, mainly from Grace, but we don't know the reasons for it until we dive into this story.
The concept of Resting Warrior Ranch and what and why the MMCs of these books started it is interesting to me and I was hoping more of this story would be set within it and it would be shown/explored more but it wasn't. Again the overall plot for this was predictable and formulaic for a story like this but there were elements that were on the ridiculous side, like legal documentation going missing and none of the respective government offices having digital copies of them on file...in 2022... when this book was written... and we are just meant to roll with that. 🤨 Other than that, this was again an easy listen narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Grayson Owens that was included with my Everand subscription. The characters were simplistic but likeable, and the plot had enough going on to keep me entertained. I think I will use these as quick and easy background listens for when I'm busy with mundane tasks as they do what I need them to in those moments. 🌶🌶
The concept of Resting Warrior Ranch and what and why the MMCs of these books started it is interesting to me and I was hoping more of this story would be set within it and it would be shown/explored more but it wasn't. Again the overall plot for this was predictable and formulaic for a story like this but there were elements that were on the ridiculous side, like legal documentation going missing and none of the respective government offices having digital copies of them on file...in 2022... when this book was written... and we are just meant to roll with that. 🤨 Other than that, this was again an easy listen narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Grayson Owens that was included with my Everand subscription. The characters were simplistic but likeable, and the plot had enough going on to keep me entertained. I think I will use these as quick and easy background listens for when I'm busy with mundane tasks as they do what I need them to in those moments. 🌶🌶
Dawn of Flames by Tessa Hale
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Book 3 and the final instalment of this paranormal why choose trilogy and without getting into the details of the story... this went down exactly as I thought it would. Overall, the trilogy was a fun time, and I enjoyed listening to the audiobooks, but it doesn't break the mould at all in terms of character development or plot. This was a very typical why choose scenario with an added paranormal/shifter element, which was fun.
There was no need for this to be a trilogy in my opinion, this could easily have been one book and I would have gotten the same enjoyment from it, the story itself was surface level and needed more meat on the bone/something for me to really sink my teeth into. But in terms of entertainment, this ticked the box. At no point was I bored or feeling like I wanted to dnf etc, it was just predictable, and the ending rushed.
I buddy listened to this series with a friend, and we had a blast messaging back and forth whilst listening. This was my first time reading this authors work and I'm left with the impression that she would be a brilliant pallet cleanser read for me between other things or when I'm in a slump so I will definitely read more from her in the future. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable fantasy/paranormal romance with good spice that you don't need to have your brain 100% tuned into to follow along and with a cast of incredible narrators then this will be for you. 🌶🌶
Hayden (Vanessa Moyen)
Knox (Teddy Hamilton)
Maddox (Connor Crais)
Cael (Joe Arden)
Easton (Jacob Morgan)
Cillian (Jason Clarke)
There was no need for this to be a trilogy in my opinion, this could easily have been one book and I would have gotten the same enjoyment from it, the story itself was surface level and needed more meat on the bone/something for me to really sink my teeth into. But in terms of entertainment, this ticked the box. At no point was I bored or feeling like I wanted to dnf etc, it was just predictable, and the ending rushed.
I buddy listened to this series with a friend, and we had a blast messaging back and forth whilst listening. This was my first time reading this authors work and I'm left with the impression that she would be a brilliant pallet cleanser read for me between other things or when I'm in a slump so I will definitely read more from her in the future. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable fantasy/paranormal romance with good spice that you don't need to have your brain 100% tuned into to follow along and with a cast of incredible narrators then this will be for you. 🌶🌶
Hayden (Vanessa Moyen)
Knox (Teddy Hamilton)
Maddox (Connor Crais)
Cael (Joe Arden)
Easton (Jacob Morgan)
Cillian (Jason Clarke)
Ghosted by J.M. Darhower
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ghosted is a second chance romance between movie star and Hollywood heartthrob Jonathan Cunningham aka Johnny Cunning and assistant store manager and single mum Kennedy, high-school sweethearts who ran away together to follow Jonathan's dreams and fell apart whilst doing so. This is the story of how they find their way back to each other and what happened in the past that tore them apart.
I read this book years ago on my Kindle and came across the audiobook which was included in my Everand subscription, I remembered enjoying it the first time so decided to give it a listen and wasn't disappointed. Maxine Mitchell & Joe Arden narrate and both deliver fantastic performances as always, these are two of my favourite narrators for a reason.
The story itself isn't the typical fluffy romance you might expect and both Kennedy & Jonathan's characters have layers and complexity to them, we start out with this couple already being apart and we get their history through flashback type scenes using Kennedys journal, alongside the current day turmoil they are going through to try and get back to each other. Kennedy is a strong FMC which i love to see, my only gripe is the author kept her celibate through their split which i would've preferred not to be the case, she puts her daughter first always and I found her very relatable. Jonathan was a realistic and flawed character and i think how the author wrote him was well done as she takes you on a journey to understanding how he has ended up where he did and shows him working hard to make amends. Overall I think this is a really well written romance with more to it than initially meets the eye, the audiobook was great and i throughly enjoyed my reread of this. 🌶🌶
"I’ve missed the fuck out of her these past few years. I don’t deserve her time, not in the least, but I’m so desperate for some part of this woman back that I’ll steal every second that I can get."
I read this book years ago on my Kindle and came across the audiobook which was included in my Everand subscription, I remembered enjoying it the first time so decided to give it a listen and wasn't disappointed. Maxine Mitchell & Joe Arden narrate and both deliver fantastic performances as always, these are two of my favourite narrators for a reason.
The story itself isn't the typical fluffy romance you might expect and both Kennedy & Jonathan's characters have layers and complexity to them, we start out with this couple already being apart and we get their history through flashback type scenes using Kennedys journal, alongside the current day turmoil they are going through to try and get back to each other. Kennedy is a strong FMC which i love to see, my only gripe is the author kept her celibate through their split which i would've preferred not to be the case, she puts her daughter first always and I found her very relatable. Jonathan was a realistic and flawed character and i think how the author wrote him was well done as she takes you on a journey to understanding how he has ended up where he did and shows him working hard to make amends. Overall I think this is a really well written romance with more to it than initially meets the eye, the audiobook was great and i throughly enjoyed my reread of this. 🌶🌶
"I’ve missed the fuck out of her these past few years. I don’t deserve her time, not in the least, but I’m so desperate for some part of this woman back that I’ll steal every second that I can get."