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book_lover_irl's reviews
437 reviews
Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Verity by Colleen Hoover
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Close to perfection. Despite reading this novel last year, I am STILL contemplating the ending and what I think may or may not have happen in the end. Super intriguing. Will stay with you long after you’re done.
Room by Emma Donoghue
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Submission Impossible by Lexi Blake
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
I like my smutty novels. However, I read so many that I was in a rut and beginning to get bored with all of the same ol’ perfection and tropes — then I read this wonderful breath of fresh air and really enjoyed the story.
The female main character wasn’t “perfect” and I LOVED how the author shared the details of her “imperfections” and scars. Likewise it was refreshing that the male main character wasn’t a complete man-whore. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of tropes throughout (MMC sh*tty upbringing with control issues, instalove, FMC with limited sexual experience, etc).
The story itself held a bit of a mystery of whodunit and kept you guessing who the villain was. It had enough plot twists to keep me interested. It wasn’t super surprising and you’ll definitely figure out the ending before you get to the final chapter but it was still entertaining.
The narrator had a great performance. I enjoyed his deep voice. It’s the first novel I’ve read in a while that only had one narrator, instead of multiple.
Overall I definitely recommend this novel. I feel like I should warn that the spice is tame-ish compared to many other novels I’ve read recently.
The female main character wasn’t “perfect” and I LOVED how the author shared the details of her “imperfections” and scars. Likewise it was refreshing that the male main character wasn’t a complete man-whore. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of tropes throughout (MMC sh*tty upbringing with control issues, instalove, FMC with limited sexual experience, etc).
The story itself held a bit of a mystery of whodunit and kept you guessing who the villain was. It had enough plot twists to keep me interested. It wasn’t super surprising and you’ll definitely figure out the ending before you get to the final chapter but it was still entertaining.
The narrator had a great performance. I enjoyed his deep voice. It’s the first novel I’ve read in a while that only had one narrator, instead of multiple.
Overall I definitely recommend this novel. I feel like I should warn that the spice is tame-ish compared to many other novels I’ve read recently.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
The Dare by Harley Laroux
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.25
Sometimes FB groups steer a gal wrong. This book and author was highly recommended on a FB group so I decided to give it a try. I like a decent amount of smutty novels but this was waaaayyyyyy too far outside my comfort zone. Spoilers coming so don’t read on if you don’t want peeks into what to expect.
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There should be a bajillion trigger warnings with the story. It includes extreme humiliation, infliction of pain, wax play, severe spanking, edgeplay, knife play, harsh verbal abuse, and consensual non-consensual (I’m really not a fan of this term or the use of it as a trope).
In general I am unable to give an honest or fair review because I find the book overwhelmingly offense and a massive turn off. If this type of thing is your link, check out other reviews for a better assessment
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There should be a bajillion trigger warnings with the story. It includes extreme humiliation, infliction of pain, wax play, severe spanking, edgeplay, knife play, harsh verbal abuse, and consensual non-consensual (I’m really not a fan of this term or the use of it as a trope).
In general I am unable to give an honest or fair review because I find the book overwhelmingly offense and a massive turn off. If this type of thing is your link, check out other reviews for a better assessment
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Not a Hero by Cherise Sinclair
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Story: 4.25 stars
Spice: 2 stars (barely)
Narration / Voice Actors: 1 star
Loved the storyline and characters but the narration was AWFUL.
I highly recommend “reading” the book, instead of listening to it. Both the male and female voice actors made the characters sound flat. In particular, the male narrator made these ridiculously growl-y and gravelly snarls of a voice for a few characters. Super irritating. Skip the audiobook and go for the hard copy.
Spice: 2 stars (barely)
Narration / Voice Actors: 1 star
Loved the storyline and characters but the narration was AWFUL.
I highly recommend “reading” the book, instead of listening to it. Both the male and female voice actors made the characters sound flat. In particular, the male narrator made these ridiculously growl-y and gravelly snarls of a voice for a few characters. Super irritating. Skip the audiobook and go for the hard copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, and Murder
In It to Win It by Kelly Jamieson
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I can tell I've been in a reading slump recently and need to mix it up with a new genre after this read. The story was fun and light hearted, an easy read that wasn't overly emotional. Yet I didn't really enjoy it. I think I must need to jump into something that isn't a ste@my rom com because I was extremely bored throughout. Any suggestions for an earth shattering read that will re-ignite my book loving heart?
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV:
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Hockey / Sports, Sp!cy
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book.Lover.IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERN0. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV:
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Hockey / Sports, Sp!cy
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book.Lover.IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERN0. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
LGBTQIA+
Seducing The Boss by Mari Carr
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Super short and sickly sweet story. 100% predictable with zero surprises. Easy read. Didn't "love" it because of the predictability.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Scooter by Marie James
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Given the super dark nature of the topics discussed in this novel, it's hard to give it a higher rating. Reader, beware. Make sure you check the content warnings before you dive in to this story. I've read several Cerberus MC novels and although most of their stories cover hard topics, this story takes TWs to a whole new level.
On to the actual review -- I enjoyed the patience and dedication of the MMC to his new love interest. I like that consent was front and center in the conversations characters had about their relationships and intimate interactions. I appreciated the FMCs feisty attitude.
Having said that, it was disappointing that the FMC seemed to wake up one day and "vow" to miraculously be cured of her past trauma, be able to work through her cPTSD overnight and without any professional help (refused counseling, refused meds, for the most part never discussed her horrific experiences). I recognize this is a smutty romance novel and not a high literary work of fiction. It was just disheartening to see such an unrealistic portrait of healing from severe physical and mental traumas.
If you can handle the TW topics and set aside judgment about the FMCs miraculously ability to be "healed" overnight by the dedication and love of a fabulous man, then I encourage you to read this story. It's entertaining if you go into it with open eyes.
On to the actual review -- I enjoyed the patience and dedication of the MMC to his new love interest. I like that consent was front and center in the conversations characters had about their relationships and intimate interactions. I appreciated the FMCs feisty attitude.
Having said that, it was disappointing that the FMC seemed to wake up one day and "vow" to miraculously be cured of her past trauma, be able to work through her cPTSD overnight and without any professional help (refused counseling, refused meds, for the most part never discussed her horrific experiences). I recognize this is a smutty romance novel and not a high literary work of fiction. It was just disheartening to see such an unrealistic portrait of healing from severe physical and mental traumas.
If you can handle the TW topics and set aside judgment about the FMCs miraculously ability to be "healed" overnight by the dedication and love of a fabulous man, then I encourage you to read this story. It's entertaining if you go into it with open eyes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Trafficking, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Tug by Marie James
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Triad and sex club? Yes please. I enjoyed Tug's story more than I've enjoyed many of the Cerberus MC books recently.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, and Trafficking