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bookishlychar's reviews
2277 reviews
Losers: Part II by Harley Laroux
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
This is the second part of the Losers duet. These characters came into their own in the second book. They became more sure of their relationships and I felt like Jess became less whiny and pretentious. I liked watching both the individual relationships and group dynamics with these five. The communication between them all was truly wonderful.
This story is full of love and heart, but it is also dark. All of these characters have dealt with abuse and terrible situations. They have learned to cope with these in their ways, with the support of others.
This book has a lot of sex, and it more erotica than romance. Though there is a lot of story there, with both feeling and emotion. I recommend looking into trigger warnings if you need them before going into this book.
This story is full of love and heart, but it is also dark. All of these characters have dealt with abuse and terrible situations. They have learned to cope with these in their ways, with the support of others.
This book has a lot of sex, and it more erotica than romance. Though there is a lot of story there, with both feeling and emotion. I recommend looking into trigger warnings if you need them before going into this book.
Fall for Him by Andie Burke
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? No
4.0
This is a MM rom-com about Dylan and Derek. Dylan falls through the ceiling of Derek’s apartment, while he is renovating upstairs. Of course, his downstairs neighbour had to be the ultra-hot, unapproachable Derek. When they find out the problem stems from his apartment, and it will be expensive to fix, he doesn’t know what to do. Dylan wants to keep the problem quiet from his family, he offers to fix the damage himself. Add in some ADHD hyperfixation, a whole lot of family drama, and plenty of misunderstanding and these two can’t possibly fall for each other, can they?
This book delves into many things including grief and loss, anxiety and ADHD. There are tough topics and they can be painful. I did find Dylan’s ADHD difficult to read, as I felt like I was on a chaotic journey of neurodivergence. It, however, allowed me to see ADHD through the perspective of an adult and one of the ways it works in their life. I thought it was good to see mental health represented in not trying to fix it, but learning to live life with ADHD. Derek has his struggles dealing with family dynamics and knowing how to care for his family, while also letting them make mistakes. His desire to protect his family is beautiful, but I did understand his siblings’ feelings too.
The banter between Dylan and Derek is great and they seemed to work together with similar senses of humour. They were the perfect opposites, and I loved that Derek didn’t try to change some of Dylan’s ADHD tendencies, but rather worked with it.
The book is dual POV and written in third person. I did find myself struggling at times with whose perspective I was reading. I also felt that though this isn’t dubbed as a sequel if I had not read Burke’s first book, I may have been lost on some of the things that had happened in the past, especially Derek.
Though this story is written as a love story, and it is that, it is also so much more. It is about figuring out who you are, caring for yourself and learning to cope with grief, loss and mental illness. I loved the story and the messages in it. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Read if you like: hate to love, forced proximity, neighbours, mental health rep
Pucks and Books by Toni Aleo
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- 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
4.0
Louisa saved her sisters and herself, escaping a cult. She has taken time to heal and has now opened her own business, her sisters are doing well and life is going well. She is, however, looking for her own happily ever after. She meets Ciaran, who is not only a hot hockey player, but also a lover of her favourite book genre, romance. Sparks fly on the first meeting, and they are drawn to each other. Both having experiences in their past make them a little gunshy, they have to decide if they are going to give each other a chance or let the past control their future.
At its heart, this book is about learning to love and trust. But there is some mega instalove in it. They hit it off upon first meeting, and are in love quickly after. Ciaran is the perfect person for Louisa, loving, patient and kind. Even more, Louisa is working hard to overcome the pain of the cult she was in, and Ciaran just loves her so much.
I loved Louisa and her sisters. They have all experienced the cult they were in in different ways. Louisa was the protector and loves her siblings so much and did everything she could to protect them.
This was a great story, with great character development. Though the two struggled at times, they were able to overcome the obstacles standing in their way and get their happily ever after.
Read if you like: instalove, hockey,
At its heart, this book is about learning to love and trust. But there is some mega instalove in it. They hit it off upon first meeting, and are in love quickly after. Ciaran is the perfect person for Louisa, loving, patient and kind. Even more, Louisa is working hard to overcome the pain of the cult she was in, and Ciaran just loves her so much.
I loved Louisa and her sisters. They have all experienced the cult they were in in different ways. Louisa was the protector and loves her siblings so much and did everything she could to protect them.
This was a great story, with great character development. Though the two struggled at times, they were able to overcome the obstacles standing in their way and get their happily ever after.
Read if you like: instalove, hockey,
The One I Want by Chelle Sloan
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
Wes comes home from announcing his retirement from professional football to find his wife packing her bags and leaving him. She doesn't want the kids or anything to do with him, she is done. Wes is taken by surprise and left to pick up the pieces. Turning to the help of friends and family he decides to move back to the town he grew up in, so it is easier to get the help he needs. Knowing he can't continue to rely only on family, he hires a nanny, Betsy. Betsy is undeniably attractive, but as Wes sees her with his kids more and more feelings develop. They both agree that they cannot get involved, for the kids and the mess a break-up could cause.
I loved Betsy. She came off as a bit chaotic, but her love and devotion to Wes's three kids were amazing. She gave them exactly what they needed and built them up strong. I did struggle a bit with Wes, he was completely blindsided with his divorce and that left some trauma. He transferred some of his feelings of being abandoned onto Betsy and that was not fair to her. It was clear why he did that, but unfair to Betsy. That said, these two seemed to be great for each other. They were what the other needed where they were in their lives. Wes gave Betsy unconditional love, and family while Betsy broke him out of his stress bubble.
I never thought I could hate the ex-wife as much as I did. She not only abandoned her husband by blindsiding him but left her kids and moved to another state. She barely had any contact with them. My heart ached for these poor little ones. That said, Betsy was amazing for them! She brought out the best in each of them.
This was such a heartfelt romance that was full of laughter, pain and healing. I love that we got to meet the future characters of the other books and can't wait to read them!
Read if you like: single dad/nanny, football, found family
I loved Betsy. She came off as a bit chaotic, but her love and devotion to Wes's three kids were amazing. She gave them exactly what they needed and built them up strong. I did struggle a bit with Wes, he was completely blindsided with his divorce and that left some trauma. He transferred some of his feelings of being abandoned onto Betsy and that was not fair to her. It was clear why he did that, but unfair to Betsy. That said, these two seemed to be great for each other. They were what the other needed where they were in their lives. Wes gave Betsy unconditional love, and family while Betsy broke him out of his stress bubble.
I never thought I could hate the ex-wife as much as I did. She not only abandoned her husband by blindsiding him but left her kids and moved to another state. She barely had any contact with them. My heart ached for these poor little ones. That said, Betsy was amazing for them! She brought out the best in each of them.
This was such a heartfelt romance that was full of laughter, pain and healing. I love that we got to meet the future characters of the other books and can't wait to read them!
Read if you like: single dad/nanny, football, found family
Corruptor's Claim by Meg Anne, K. Loraine
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book picks up right after Sinner's Secrets ends. You need to read these books in order, as they are interconnected. This was a twisted read, with lots happening. Like the previous, this book ends on another cliffhanger. I binged these three books over two days, as I just needed to know what happened.
Deadly Debt by Meg Anne, K. Loraine
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
This book picks up right after Corruptor's Claim ends. You need to read these books in order, as they are interconnected. This was a twisted read, with lots happening. There is lots that happens in this book to tie up loose ends, but don't worry, everyone gets a HEA!
As in the previous, there are many trigger warnings. Please check them out if you need them.
As in the previous, there are many trigger warnings. Please check them out if you need them.
Sinner's Secret by Meg Anne, K. Loraine
challenging
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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This story and series has so many twists and secrets. River left home ten years ago, after she slept with her best friends older brother, Cross. He left her heartbroken and she left for Alaska. Now she has been summoned back to the ranch she grew up on, because the owner (and dad of her best friend) has left her half the ranch, with the stipulation she must live there. Knowing it's not safe for her Cross is worried that the secrets of the ranch will be unfolded and leave her at risk again.
I will admit that I was a little scared going into this, I am pretty particular about reverse harems and have to understand the reasons behind it. This book pulled me in and I read the entire series in two days. I couldn't put it down, I had to see what would happen next, what secrets would be uncovered. I thought the three men, Cross, Walker and Bishop all had their own ways, and catered to River's every need. I cannot pick which leading man was the best, they were all deliciously awesome. The spice was definitely spicing in these books!
If you pick up this book, know there are cliffhangers. Lucky for us, all three books are out already, so you can easily binge them like I had to! There are many triggers in this book, be sure to check the warnings if you need them!
read if you like: why choose/reverse harem, hate to love, second chance, he falls first, friends to lovers, forced proximity
I will admit that I was a little scared going into this, I am pretty particular about reverse harems and have to understand the reasons behind it. This book pulled me in and I read the entire series in two days. I couldn't put it down, I had to see what would happen next, what secrets would be uncovered. I thought the three men, Cross, Walker and Bishop all had their own ways, and catered to River's every need. I cannot pick which leading man was the best, they were all deliciously awesome. The spice was definitely spicing in these books!
If you pick up this book, know there are cliffhangers. Lucky for us, all three books are out already, so you can easily binge them like I had to! There are many triggers in this book, be sure to check the warnings if you need them!
read if you like: why choose/reverse harem, hate to love, second chance, he falls first, friends to lovers, forced proximity
Forever Only Once by Carrie Ann Ryan
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
A chance meeting brought Hazel and Cross together. Although Hazel is feeling a little nervous, because of a past relationship, she gives Cross a chance. I loved watching the two learn about each other and Hazel build her trust. These two seemed to fit into each other's lives and I thought they were great together. Cross was patient and kind, giving Hazel the time she needed to warm up to the relationship.
I loved the side characters in the book. Hazel's friends and Cross' siblings were great. I look forward to getting to know them in future books. Cross and Hazel blended easily into each other's lives and their friend/family groups. They truly were meant for each other.
This was a great book with romance, mystery and a bit of humour. Although it was my first Carrie Ann Ryan, it won't be my last. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more!
I loved the side characters in the book. Hazel's friends and Cross' siblings were great. I look forward to getting to know them in future books. Cross and Hazel blended easily into each other's lives and their friend/family groups. They truly were meant for each other.
This was a great book with romance, mystery and a bit of humour. Although it was my first Carrie Ann Ryan, it won't be my last. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more!
In The Game by Sloane St. James
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
I am not usually a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope, but there is something about this story that I was drawn to. Barret and Raleigh meet at a bar one night, they have an instant connection and have a one-night stand. When Raleigh finds out she is pregnant, she attempts to contact Barret, he says he doesn't want anything to do with her. Feeling devastated, but prepared to go at it alone she has her son, Arthur and vows to be the best parent she can. Fast forward five years and she meets Barret again, imagine Barret when he sees her, and a little boy who looks exactly like him. Barret is stunned and will stop at nothing to prove he will love and care for her and Arthur.
Raleigh was badass. She had a terrible upbringing and vowed to be a better parent than her mother. Though she was going about it alone, she did the best she could with what she had. Add Barret into the mix and this was the perfect coupling. Barret had a perfect response to finding out he was a father, and read the cues of Raleigh around their son. He also built up Raleigh's confidence, encouraging her in everything she did.
I love this series and every book in it has been so good. Sloane St. James knows how to write swoony hockey men and women who are their perfect matches. I can't wait to read the next one in this series!
read if you like: accidental pregnancy/secret baby, it was always you, age gap, one night stand, second chance
Raleigh was badass. She had a terrible upbringing and vowed to be a better parent than her mother. Though she was going about it alone, she did the best she could with what she had. Add Barret into the mix and this was the perfect coupling. Barret had a perfect response to finding out he was a father, and read the cues of Raleigh around their son. He also built up Raleigh's confidence, encouraging her in everything she did.
I love this series and every book in it has been so good. Sloane St. James knows how to write swoony hockey men and women who are their perfect matches. I can't wait to read the next one in this series!
read if you like: accidental pregnancy/secret baby, it was always you, age gap, one night stand, second chance
Lessons in Corruption by Giana Darling
challenging
dark
tense
fast-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 not usually a fan of the teacher/student trope, but in this book, it didn't bother me as much. I think it was because there was such a strong connection between these two before the teacher/student relationship was discovered and because King has been forced to grow up a lot faster than he is age-wise. Cressida came into their relationship with a lot of preconceived notions about both King and herself. I loved how King dealt with her temper and outburst, while at the same time challenging her to come out of her shell of "prim and proper" she has been forced to live. At the same time, I loved Cressida's temper and how she stood up for herself. Instead of a damsel in distress, she had a backbone and was strong-willed.
I liked the dynamics of found family in the motorcycle club, and how they welcomed Cressida into the fold. The group gave her the love and acceptance that she had been looking for with her family.
This was truly an enjoyable read. I thought this book was great, and look forward to reading more in this series!
read if you like: bikers, age gap, student/teacher
I liked the dynamics of found family in the motorcycle club, and how they welcomed Cressida into the fold. The group gave her the love and acceptance that she had been looking for with her family.
This was truly an enjoyable read. I thought this book was great, and look forward to reading more in this series!
read if you like: bikers, age gap, student/teacher