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shanaepraystoo's reviews
895 reviews
AT WAR WITH LOVE by Mya
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
3.5
I'm still getting used to Mya and her writing style. There's something unique about At War with Love because the author is building a new world with new characters in Cade's Cove, a fictitious small country town in Texas. There are lots of characters introduced, there's significant character development, but based on the story, I'm not sure that the main characters, Harmoni and Warren, were the best characters to launch this new world with, but what do I know? Really. Also, if Mya sees this: am I supposed to hate Harmoni's friend Gabrielle because I do and I hope her mean behind doesn't get a book lol . The story is engaging and I enjoyed escaping to Cade's Cove with Harmoni and Warren. I'm excited to read more of Mya's books in Cade's Cove, too, since the small town romance trope is my jam. I recommend At War with Love to anyone who likes small town or second chance romances and to fans of Mya's books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Grief
Minor: Bullying, Violence, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
One Chill Millionaire 2: Quest by Black Lavish
dark
tense
fast-paced
3.0
One Chill Millionaire started off so strong in my opinion. Book 1 was fast paced with an engaging storyline. I'm not sure what happened with One Chill Millionaire 2: Quest. I've totally divested from the characters, book 2 doesn't pick up where book 1 left off and now there's a huge focus on Quest and Nicki with very little character development for Quest. It's unfortunate because, even though I am not really into this type of urban fiction, I was hoping for a more engaging story with deeper characters. I will not be reading book 3. However, if you're someone who enjoys urban fiction and you don't require much character development and, instead prefer drama filled books, then One Chill Millionaire 2: Quest is definitely for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Blood, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
One Chill Millionaire by Black Lavish
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
One Chill Millionaire is unlike most urban fiction that I've read...I'm not sure how to articulate it but I can say that the author, Black Lavish, has a unique writing style. It took some getting used to but about 30% into the book, I liked the writing. The ladies in One Chill Millionaire are a complete and utter mess! The men in the book are just as bad. I really didn't want to leave this review because the book ends with such a huge cliffhanger that I felt that the review could be incomplete. However, the story unfolds in such an interesting way that I am eager to read book 2 because I want to see how these characters redeem themselves! I definitely recommend One Chill Millionaire, but particularly to individuals who like urban fiction.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Death and Gun violence
Fated Breed by Charity Shane
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
Paranormal fiction is not my speed but I’ve read a few from some of my favorite authors. I picked up Fated Breed because I like Charity Shane’s books. In Fated Breed, we meet Keyshauna and Lobo at a time where Keyshauna learns a big secret about her family and herself. I wish the story was a little longer, so that readers could understand more about Keyshauna, her family and her powers . A bit spicy, quick paced and engaging, I definitely recommend Fated Breed to fans of paranormal stories, short stories and Charity Shane’.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
Count On You by Kami Holt
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Count On You was nothing like I expected, but now that I’ve read 3 of the author’s books, I know her style and will be prepared for the heaviness in her romance novels. The story unfolds beautifully and is well written, I was engaged from beginning to end! The characters are dynamic and common, even with all of their drama. In Count On You, Kami Holt discusses family dysfunction, mother-child abuse, infidelity, fertility, and betrayal, it’s more than just your regular romance novel and I think that’s a good thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Gun violence, Misogyny, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Physical abuse, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, and Stalking
Jabari: The Crescent Falls Royals by Charity Shane
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.5
Out of nowhere Charity Shane' has become one of my favorite romance writers. I thoroughly enjoyed her One Eighty series that released in 2024 and then she ended the year at the top of my mind with her beautiful Christmas novel A Christmas Novel. I've been wondering what she'd release in 2025, knowing that I need to explore the rest of her catalog. I certainly didn't expect her to release Jabari: The Crescent Falls Royals and I didn't expect her to release the book so early in the year! I just knew I'd have time to explore her catalog before her next release. Nonetheless, Charity Shane' dropped Jabari and I was eager to read it because the cover was beautiful, the synopsis sounded so good, and she wrote it - that's all I needed to know that the book was going to jump to the top of my TBR.
Jabari was 100% worth putting to the top of my TBR. I immediately dropped plans to read other books and found myself engrossed in Jabari. I didn't want to do work, I read the e-book every chance I could get - I was even reading while walking on the treadmill at the gym lol. You're immediately sucked into the story, which unfolds so well (especially at the beginning), and the characters are lovable. Jabari is the ideal book bae - generous, rich, funny, sexy. The FMC, Kinnidi, is optimistic, talented, and full of light, despite her circumstances, so you want the best for her.
Exploring mother-child dynamics, the struggle of dementia, self-worth, and family ties, Jabari is more than your typical romance novel. I highly recommend it.
Jabari was 100% worth putting to the top of my TBR. I immediately dropped plans to read other books and found myself engrossed in Jabari. I didn't want to do work, I read the e-book every chance I could get - I was even reading while walking on the treadmill at the gym lol. You're immediately sucked into the story, which unfolds so well (especially at the beginning), and the characters are lovable. Jabari is the ideal book bae - generous, rich, funny, sexy. The FMC, Kinnidi, is optimistic, talented, and full of light, despite her circumstances, so you want the best for her.
Exploring mother-child dynamics, the struggle of dementia, self-worth, and family ties, Jabari is more than your typical romance novel. I highly recommend it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Dementia, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Minor: Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Blood, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
The Millionaire Boys Club: Beau by Natisha Raynor
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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? No
5.0
I loved everything about The Millionaire Boys Club: Beau by Natisha Raynor. The age gap trope in Beau is everythingggg. The story is engaging and well written with a clear plot that's easy to follow and grips you. I had so much fun listening to the audiobook, too. I think the narrators did a really good job. I highly recommend the The Millionaire Boys Club series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Abortion, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
The Millionaire Boys Club: Koda by Natisha Raynor, Natisha Raynor
emotional
funny
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
5.0
I really loved The Millionaire Boys Club: Koda. It is emotionally challenging with dynamic and relatable characters. Koda might make my 2025 list of book baes. I want my own version of him NOW.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual content, Medical content, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Vomit, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Seduce Me With Your Lies by Penny Blacwrite
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m not sure how to rate and review Seduce Me With Your Lies. This book is so different from everything I normally read. It’s definitely entertaining and fast paced with lots of drama and a twist that shocked me! I’m ready to read book 2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Dementia, and Death of parent
Minor: Infertility and Physical abuse