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stellyshadows's reviews
375 reviews
Forgiving Fate by J. Laine
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 stars.
I did enjoy this mostly but some parts of the story had me so confused and I couldn’t really focus on what was happening although I did like the characters but the banter wasn’t the best until around the 60% mark. I just found some stuff to be repetitive but I really loved the focus on Allie and Landon and the growth in both of them as the story progresses. Sadly I just couldn’t get into it like the first one. Very well written in terms of grief and the dealing with trauma. The story is deep, please check your trigger warnings. Very slow burn but if that’s your thing I suggest.
I did enjoy this mostly but some parts of the story had me so confused and I couldn’t really focus on what was happening although I did like the characters but the banter wasn’t the best until around the 60% mark. I just found some stuff to be repetitive but I really loved the focus on Allie and Landon and the growth in both of them as the story progresses. Sadly I just couldn’t get into it like the first one. Very well written in terms of grief and the dealing with trauma. The story is deep, please check your trigger warnings. Very slow burn but if that’s your thing I suggest.
Taking Me by H.G. Rosa
challenging
dark
tense
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
5.0
This is a quick novella with lots of triggers so please check them before reading. This was so fun to read and it gives boss girl vibes. There's a little romance, lots of violence and lots of spice for sure.
The Genesi Cure by Tristen Willis
Did not finish book. Stopped at 66%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 66%.
DNF at 66%
This was the second in a duology and there was nothing wrong with it but personally I felt like this dragged on for me too long, I just couldn't focus on it.
This was the second in a duology and there was nothing wrong with it but personally I felt like this dragged on for me too long, I just couldn't focus on it.
Crowned in Blood: A Dark Mafia, Age Gap, Stalker Romance by Melissa Cummins
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5 Stars!
This is a dark romance novel with mafia and it’s one of the ones that actually have a lot of action. It’s dual pov and definitely a slow burn. We follow FMC Catalina and she has a very traumatic upbringing and deals with her past and she becomes strong and doesn’t take any abuse anymore from anyone and runs the mafia very well, Boss bish vibes. We also follow Marco, heir to his family mafia that has a thing for Catalina. As the story progresses Catalina’s feelings change toward Marco as they become closer. I do love the connection between them and how Marco talks to Catalina. This isn’t dark romance to me at all, it’s just a slow burn but the romance is very spicy! I loved it.
This is a dark romance novel with mafia and it’s one of the ones that actually have a lot of action. It’s dual pov and definitely a slow burn. We follow FMC Catalina and she has a very traumatic upbringing and deals with her past and she becomes strong and doesn’t take any abuse anymore from anyone and runs the mafia very well, Boss bish vibes. We also follow Marco, heir to his family mafia that has a thing for Catalina. As the story progresses Catalina’s feelings change toward Marco as they become closer. I do love the connection between them and how Marco talks to Catalina. This isn’t dark romance to me at all, it’s just a slow burn but the romance is very spicy! I loved it.
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Mother of the Bride by Samantha Hayes
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-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? No
4.0
Liked the beginning and that got me hooked but the narrator wasn’t the best. This was a really fun thriller though! I loved the crazy mother and what she’s been doing throughout and the twists honestly had me guessing. This was entertaining from beginning to end, I really enjoyed the different plots we follow regarding Liz’s sister the year before with her wedding and also the current time with Liz’s and Owen’s wedding, and other stuff as well. I couldn’t stand Liz’s mother and how she acted throughout but very dramatic and crying wolf for sure but this was awesome! Such a fast listen/read. The ending was great also, highly recommend
Cake. by Nando Gray
adventurous
hopeful
slow-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
4.0
This was definitely a slow burn, nothing happens until 50% into the book and the writing could have been better for sure but this was a fast read. Very spicy and I loved this. It's the first book I read about baking with an MM romance but holy it was very much enjoyable and I loved the spice! If you love spicy and gay I highly recommend!
The Genesi Code by Tristen Willis
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
This is first in a duology. This is a dystopian sci-fi novel and lots of action. We follow the POV of our FMC Luka as her and her best friend Harvey take an aptitude test to see if they qualify to join the military, a group that goes by Delta Force and Luka will do whatever it takes to find out the truth about her father’s death that happened in the past decade. This had my attention since the beginning and it has great action!
Axle: Opposites Attract MC Romance Novel by Bianca Lee Ward
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really loved this. It’s an MC Romance with opposites attract between shy girl Elena and hot, outgoing biker Axle who made a bet with his boys that he will get Elena for himself and all of the War Brothers MC is in on it. Very unique way of meeting through the dating app. This whole book is basically a betting game to the MMC to get Elena in a relationship with him until feelings start getting serious and the sparks fly. So fun and exciting to read about. I love books like this and if you do, I highly recommend!
Down The Road by Bella Perry
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a cute and good read. This is dual POV from Layla and Beau. Lots of flirty banter and the characters were so good in this! It’s small town, neighbors to lovers, ex drama kind of a slow burn but I really enjoyed this, especially the relationship between Beau and his sister Hallie! I highly recommend. So wholesome and heartwarming.