purplepenning's reviews
1671 reviews

An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera

Go to review page

emotional hopeful slow-paced

3.25

An example of an objectively excellent, well-researched, sizzling steamy, sapphic historical romance that ... just didn't hold my attention. I had to skim-read and double-time the audiobook just to keep from DNFing. 
Romancing Miss Stone by M.C. Vaughan

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

Interesting characters, fun gender-flipped Romancing the Stone vibes, and a good premise, but the writing falters, affecting the character development and the flow of action. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Go to review page

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

4.0

This is a madcap Victorian fantasy ROMP-com that skewers academics with one hand while making professorial bird puns with the other. The shtick started to feel a little shtuck in the middle, but Holton always delivers a fun ride overall. 
The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee

Go to review page

hopeful lighthearted reflective
Perfect for fans of Lonely Castle in the Mirror and the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series! Intriguing and creative idea, but the writing style doesn't really suit my tastes.
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

Go to review page

dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching by Kwame Mbalia

Go to review page

adventurous fast-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Go to review page

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

4.25


Expand filter menu Content Warnings