_charliesbookshelf's reviews
288 reviews

The Loud Way Home by NSW Dept. of Health

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.75

Blame it on the Champagne by Fiona Cole

Go to review page

adventurous challenging reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Credence by Penelope Douglas

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-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

Book review 


Quick Summary:
This book? Whew. If stepfamily tropes, intense spice, and emotional chaos are your jam, then you’re in for a ride. With one bold FMC and three irresistible MMCs, Credence serves up drama, heartbreak, and steam that’ll leave you fanning yourself.

The Good:
Tiernan is a relatable queen, finding herself (and maybe a new sense of “home”) in the most unexpected ways. The story grips you with its twists, heat, and Kaleb—aka Mr. “Cyclone” himself. The tension? Chef’s kiss. The spice? Off the charts.

The Not-So-Good:
The middle dragged slightly, and Tiernan’s dynamic with Jake didn’t quite hit the mark like the others. But the sizzling plot twists more than made up for it.

Overall Thoughts:
I laughed, I screamed, I blushed—Credence doesn’t hold back. It’s messy, steamy, and deeply emotional, leaving you wrecked in the best way.

Favorite Quote:
“This is how he is. A breeze one minute, a cyclone the next.” (Kaleb’s chaos in one line!)

Fighter's Best Friend by A. Rivers

Go to review page

adventurous reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

The Crimson Wolf by G.M. Fairy

Go to review page

adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

🌟Pros:
This book had me hooked! The storytelling is rich and layered, with our FMC diving deep into the world of hunters and werewolves. The way she unearths town secrets—and those twisty reveals—had me flipping pages fast! Add in a love triangle, mates (and that 🪢), and some seriously spicy moments… I was absolutely here for it. And that ending? Pure drama, and I am living for it!

🤔 Cons:
It’s too short! I needed more time in this world. Plus, our FMC seemed a bit slow on the uptake; I pieced together what was happening way before she did. And Jack? Total ick vibes.

💭 Overall Thoughts:
This book is a whirlwind of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue. It’s got all the drama and spice you could ask for—perfect for anyone who loves small-town mysteries with a supernatural twist. Just be prepared to scream at the FMC to figure things out faster!

Favorite Quote:
Nothing tastes better than Granny’s chicken and dumplings. It’s basically better than sex, at least, as far as I remember sex.