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bookishlychar's reviews
2280 reviews
Empire of Desire by Rina Kent
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Empire of Desire was my next read in the Rina-verse. Nate comes from a powerful and rich family. He is King's best friend and business partner. Kingston had a child when he was 17, Gwen, who is now all grown up. It has always been King and Gwen against the world. Gwen has been in love with her dad's best friend since she was 15, and she kissed him when she was 18. That resulted in Nate ignoring her existence for 2 years. Her world is thrown for a loop and now she is forced to marry Nate to protect herself.
I didn't know what to think about Gwen in this story. I felt for what she was going through, but I found her immature. I thought reading about 20-year-old her, was like reading someone more in high school. She did eventually grow on me and I ended up liking her and her tenacity. Nate was so protective of Gwen from the sidelines and loved her without realizing it.
I found Nate and Gwen to be very similar. They both have the same feelings of being discarded and truly seem to understand each other. These two worked together so well. Watching Nate fall for Gwen was an awesome site.
I liked seeing side characters that we will get future stories from, but also hated some of them. Gwen's father, King, seemed completely toxic with everyone he encountered and never stopped to consider other people's feelings. I'm not sure if he will be able to be redeemed.
This was a good story, that is not as dark as some of Rina Kent's other books. Her writing easily sucks you into her world.
read if you like: forbidden romance, father's best friend, forced proximity, marriage of convenience, age gap
I didn't know what to think about Gwen in this story. I felt for what she was going through, but I found her immature. I thought reading about 20-year-old her, was like reading someone more in high school. She did eventually grow on me and I ended up liking her and her tenacity. Nate was so protective of Gwen from the sidelines and loved her without realizing it.
I found Nate and Gwen to be very similar. They both have the same feelings of being discarded and truly seem to understand each other. These two worked together so well. Watching Nate fall for Gwen was an awesome site.
I liked seeing side characters that we will get future stories from, but also hated some of them. Gwen's father, King, seemed completely toxic with everyone he encountered and never stopped to consider other people's feelings. I'm not sure if he will be able to be redeemed.
This was a good story, that is not as dark as some of Rina Kent's other books. Her writing easily sucks you into her world.
read if you like: forbidden romance, father's best friend, forced proximity, marriage of convenience, age gap
Lotus by Jennifer Hartmann
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This story was so heartbreaking. I cried multiple times in this story, both for the pain these two experienced, but also for the happiness they ultimately could experience.
Sydney and Oliver were everything to each other. I did find that Sydney was a little "manic pixie dream girl"-esque for me, she was all over the place at times! I understood where she was coming from, with her worries about being in a relationship with Oliver, but I did think that her back and forth was whiplash for the reader and Oliver. I did like Oliver getting to know this new world he was in and that there was a passage of time for him to acclimatize to his new world.
I thought the side characters in this book were interesting and liked seeing how they were fitting into the main characters' lives. There is a mystery/suspense aspect to this story, but I felt that there wasn't enough build-up for it. At times I felt like it was more of an afterthought.
This was a heartbreaking, emotional book. These childhood best friends were put through some of the hardest things. Watching them come out the other side and end up happy, put a smile on my face.
Sydney and Oliver were everything to each other. I did find that Sydney was a little "manic pixie dream girl"-esque for me, she was all over the place at times! I understood where she was coming from, with her worries about being in a relationship with Oliver, but I did think that her back and forth was whiplash for the reader and Oliver. I did like Oliver getting to know this new world he was in and that there was a passage of time for him to acclimatize to his new world.
I thought the side characters in this book were interesting and liked seeing how they were fitting into the main characters' lives. There is a mystery/suspense aspect to this story, but I felt that there wasn't enough build-up for it. At times I felt like it was more of an afterthought.
This was a heartbreaking, emotional book. These childhood best friends were put through some of the hardest things. Watching them come out the other side and end up happy, put a smile on my face.
Losers: Part I by Harley Laroux
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I'm still not completely sure what I just read. I started reading and was a little lost, I then realized I should pick up the Dare first, so I did. It is not necessary to read this book, but it does fill in a lot of blanks between chapters 1 and 2, and also for future parts of the story.
I did like the flashbacks to high school and pivotal moments where Jess interacted with each other guys, and how it impacted them. I love the relationship between Manson, Lucas, Jason and Vincent, and learning what their relationship was like pre-Jess, and how it looked now that Jess joined their group.
I'm interested to see where this is going to go. You can tell that people are starting to have feelings and more emotions in the relationship, but Jess is supposed to be leaving. I will be picking up the second book in this duet!
Please note, that this book has ALL the triggers. Please check them before you proceed if needed.
I did like the flashbacks to high school and pivotal moments where Jess interacted with each other guys, and how it impacted them. I love the relationship between Manson, Lucas, Jason and Vincent, and learning what their relationship was like pre-Jess, and how it looked now that Jess joined their group.
I'm interested to see where this is going to go. You can tell that people are starting to have feelings and more emotions in the relationship, but Jess is supposed to be leaving. I will be picking up the second book in this duet!
Please note, that this book has ALL the triggers. Please check them before you proceed if needed.
The Dare by Harley Laroux
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a novella before the Losers duet. I picked it up, because I started Losers and was a little confused. I was intrigued, but I'm not sure if the tropes are totally for me.
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was so deliciously awesome! It was a book that made me laugh, cry and blush.
Anna and Liam are so different on paper, and I loved watching them interact and learn each other. I also thought their self-discovery was important for the story. Both Liam and Anna were compelling characters that I found myself rooting for and understanding.
I loved the exploration of wealth and overconsumption. Anna saw the wealth and excess and it blew her mind. I found myself so frustrated with Liam's family and how they behaved, most of all his emotionally abusive father.
I have been a fan of Christina Lauren, enjoy their books, and this one was no different. The couple was cute, the tropes were executed perfectly and we were transported to paradise.
read if you like: marriage of convenience, forced proximity, opposites attract
Anna and Liam are so different on paper, and I loved watching them interact and learn each other. I also thought their self-discovery was important for the story. Both Liam and Anna were compelling characters that I found myself rooting for and understanding.
I loved the exploration of wealth and overconsumption. Anna saw the wealth and excess and it blew her mind. I found myself so frustrated with Liam's family and how they behaved, most of all his emotionally abusive father.
I have been a fan of Christina Lauren, enjoy their books, and this one was no different. The couple was cute, the tropes were executed perfectly and we were transported to paradise.
read if you like: marriage of convenience, forced proximity, opposites attract
Buckled by Pam Godwin
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is the second book in the Trails of Sin series. They are stories that are individual stories, that do not end on a cliffhanger but should be read in the stories as they are connected.
Maybe Quinn arrives at Julep Ranch to investigate some missing men and write a story about it. Jarrett, Jake's brother, is the easiest way to get the story. There is an immediate pull between the two and Jarrett makes a deal with her to keep her close and keep the story buried.
We know both Maybe and Jarrett have secrets, but they work so hard to keep them from each other. Maybe is one strong woman, she has been through a lot, as it is uncovered throughout the book. She frustrated me at times, but I wanted to hug her. Jarrett has demons, but reasons for what he did. He is fiercely protective and loves with his whole heart. These two learn about each other and learn to trust so many facets of each other, even though they have these huge secrets. The hate and lust between these two are off the charts. There are constant sparks and these two challenge each other.
This is only my second Pam Godwin book, but I love her writing, and the passion between her characters. She writes great spice but also writes darkness, pain and family so well. I look forward to the third book in this series and the conclusion of this trilogy.
Maybe Quinn arrives at Julep Ranch to investigate some missing men and write a story about it. Jarrett, Jake's brother, is the easiest way to get the story. There is an immediate pull between the two and Jarrett makes a deal with her to keep her close and keep the story buried.
We know both Maybe and Jarrett have secrets, but they work so hard to keep them from each other. Maybe is one strong woman, she has been through a lot, as it is uncovered throughout the book. She frustrated me at times, but I wanted to hug her. Jarrett has demons, but reasons for what he did. He is fiercely protective and loves with his whole heart. These two learn about each other and learn to trust so many facets of each other, even though they have these huge secrets. The hate and lust between these two are off the charts. There are constant sparks and these two challenge each other.
This is only my second Pam Godwin book, but I love her writing, and the passion between her characters. She writes great spice but also writes darkness, pain and family so well. I look forward to the third book in this series and the conclusion of this trilogy.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.5
Elsie is scraping to make ends meet as an adjunct professor. With no health insurance, mounting student loan debt and type 1 diabetes. She has started working as a fake dater, where she is hired to be a date for people. She has an opportunity for a tenure position but struggles when her nemesis, Jack Smith, is on the hiring committee. Not only that, but he is the brother of one of the people she has been fake dating, and he thinks she is a complete fraud. She is ready for war, but as she gets to know him, he is a kind, gentle person and she can be her true self when she is with him.
Ali Hazelwood crafted an amazing character in Elsie. She is a people please and someone we can all relate to on some level. She struggles to be herself and I loved that Jack brought this out in her. I loved that we were able to see that Jack was clearly into Elsie, but she struggled to understand these cues and didn't trust herself with her feelings. The banter and tension between these two were delicious. There are sparks when these two come together.
The rep of both T1D and the aro/ace spectrum was wonderful and done in a way that wasn't lecturing. Of course, this was a STEM book, and looks at the struggle of women working in a male-dominated field.
read if you like: enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers, fake dating, pining
Ali Hazelwood crafted an amazing character in Elsie. She is a people please and someone we can all relate to on some level. She struggles to be herself and I loved that Jack brought this out in her. I loved that we were able to see that Jack was clearly into Elsie, but she struggled to understand these cues and didn't trust herself with her feelings. The banter and tension between these two were delicious. There are sparks when these two come together.
The rep of both T1D and the aro/ace spectrum was wonderful and done in a way that wasn't lecturing. Of course, this was a STEM book, and looks at the struggle of women working in a male-dominated field.
read if you like: enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers, fake dating, pining
Black Thorns by Rina Kent
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is the second part of the duet. Do not read this unless you have read the first book, or you will be lost and spoiled.
This book starts right where we left off with Red Thorns. Naomi continues to do things to protect and save Sebastian, but they cannot stay away from each other. So many secrets were revealed that I wasn't sure where things were going. When we got to the future, I gasped at a reveal, not expecting it.
Rina Kent could write a book that went a way I didn't want it to go but came out the other side feeling that this was the right story for Naomi and Sebastian.
This book starts right where we left off with Red Thorns. Naomi continues to do things to protect and save Sebastian, but they cannot stay away from each other. So many secrets were revealed that I wasn't sure where things were going. When we got to the future, I gasped at a reveal, not expecting it.
Rina Kent could write a book that went a way I didn't want it to go but came out the other side feeling that this was the right story for Naomi and Sebastian.
Red Thorns by Rina Kent
challenging
dark
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
Naomi is in her final year of college. Her mom is a single parent and years ago, an event changed her relationship with her and how she interacts with everyone. She does not trust easily. Sebastian is the grandson of a senator and is expected to follow in his footsteps. Naomi has a run-in with Sebastian and becomes the object of his obsession. He falls deep and hard for her and would do anything for her. Things happen that could rip them apart, with this book ending on a cliffhanger.
I thought the chemistry between Naomi and Sebastian was top-notch. They had this hate for each other, but also this wonderful intensity. This is a bully romance, with a lot of dark themes. I recommend checking out triggers if you need them.
The end of this book was fast-paced, and it did not end how I expected it to. One thing for me was that this (like the Reina/Asher series) did not read as a college romance. This read more like high school, similar to the Royal Elite series. I did enjoy the book and immediately picked up the second book.
I thought the chemistry between Naomi and Sebastian was top-notch. They had this hate for each other, but also this wonderful intensity. This is a bully romance, with a lot of dark themes. I recommend checking out triggers if you need them.
The end of this book was fast-paced, and it did not end how I expected it to. One thing for me was that this (like the Reina/Asher series) did not read as a college romance. This read more like high school, similar to the Royal Elite series. I did enjoy the book and immediately picked up the second book.
Man Spread by Vanessa Vale
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Aspen and Luke were an awesome couple. This is typical fake dating, in that the lines quickly become blurred between what is real and fake. We got the added intrigue of a little suspense, which I think added to the story.
I thought Aspen and Luke were cute together and I loved Aspen's sassy daughter. Luke fell first and fell hard. I loved when Aspen discovered Luke's Instagram and all the real photos he took for her. It was so sweet.
This book was a quick, easy read that give you a happily ever after you love!
read if you like: single mom, celebrity, instalove, fake dating, he falls first
I thought Aspen and Luke were cute together and I loved Aspen's sassy daughter. Luke fell first and fell hard. I loved when Aspen discovered Luke's Instagram and all the real photos he took for her. It was so sweet.
This book was a quick, easy read that give you a happily ever after you love!
read if you like: single mom, celebrity, instalove, fake dating, he falls first