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gnomepatronus's reviews
312 reviews
Bound by Ravens by Jesikah Sundin
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
Are you looking for an MM book that’s low angst, friends-to-lovers—but let’s be real, it’s more like idiots-to-lovers—featuring rugby, a nerdy rugby player, and some truly glorious thick thighs? Oh, and did I mention the spicy scenes? And a bi-awakening that isn’t filled with unnecessary drama because, let’s face it, he’s been in love with his best friend since they were 13??
But WAIT—there’s more! This book also has D&D, and it actually gives us rugby playtime and explanations of the game without making it feel like a dry rulebook. Do you know how rare that is? This is the first rugby romance I’ve read that actually includes the sport in a way that makes sense while still keeping the romance front and center.
And the side characters?? Chef’s kiss. We get just enough of them to fall in love (and get hyped for the upcoming MMM book 👀), but not so much that they steal focus from Devon and Jonny’s love story. Speaking of which—Jonny’s possessiveness? While I personally wouldn’t have minded seeing him work through it a bit more, I think the book struck a great balance between keeping things easy and low angst while still acknowledging his struggles.
All in all? This book is a damn good time. It’s fun, it’s hot, and it delivers on everything it promises. If any of this sounds like your vibe, grab it immediately.
No Excuses by Andrea Jenelle
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
The writing style was just not for me.
Untold by Amy Knupp
3.25
I picked up Untold during a past Stuff Your Earbuds day, and at just 40 minutes long (and technically Book 0.5 in the series), I knew going in that there wouldn’t be a ton of story or deep character development. And that’s totally fine! But…I do think this one leans more toward series sampler than standalone novella.
If you’re curious about the author’s writing style and want a quick taste before diving into the full series, this is a great way to test the waters. But if you’re looking for a short novella that feels fully satisfying on its own, this one might leave you wanting just a little more.
That said, it’s a quick listen, and if you’ve got Audible Plus, it’s an easy way to see if this series is for you!
If you’re curious about the author’s writing style and want a quick taste before diving into the full series, this is a great way to test the waters. But if you’re looking for a short novella that feels fully satisfying on its own, this one might leave you wanting just a little more.
That said, it’s a quick listen, and if you’ve got Audible Plus, it’s an easy way to see if this series is for you!
Chemistry by Rachael Sommers
3.5
I fully admit I grabbed Chemistry by Rachael Sommers purely based on the cover, and honestly? No regrets. This little gem was just sitting there in my Audible Plus catalog, waiting to be devoured.
We’ve got a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers situation with major black cat/golden retriever energy. There’s a mistaken—or maybe more like secret—identity twist that kept things interesting. The push and pull between the characters was just enough to keep the tension going, and because we get both POVs, we get to see all the internal turmoil firsthand.
The narrator did a fantastic job making each character feel distinct, which made the listen even more enjoyable. And while there were definitely moments where I wanted to shake the characters and say, “Bestie, just communicate,” let’s be honest—we’ve all made choices that would make someone else say the same about us.
This is a quick, low-angst sapphic read that’s perfect if you just want something fun and satisfying. If that sounds like your vibe, head over to Audible and grab it!
We’ve got a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers situation with major black cat/golden retriever energy. There’s a mistaken—or maybe more like secret—identity twist that kept things interesting. The push and pull between the characters was just enough to keep the tension going, and because we get both POVs, we get to see all the internal turmoil firsthand.
The narrator did a fantastic job making each character feel distinct, which made the listen even more enjoyable. And while there were definitely moments where I wanted to shake the characters and say, “Bestie, just communicate,” let’s be honest—we’ve all made choices that would make someone else say the same about us.
This is a quick, low-angst sapphic read that’s perfect if you just want something fun and satisfying. If that sounds like your vibe, head over to Audible and grab it!
Reaper's Wish by S.A. Burd
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I have mixed feelings about this book, so buckle up because this review is going to be all over the place.
The only thing I knew going in was that it was MM and that a friend recommended it. I saw the cover, knew the title, and for some reason assumed it had a steampunk vibe. (Spoiler alert: I was so wrong.)
What I actually got was a world filled with gods, goddesses, witches, soothsayers, reapers, genies, werewolves, vampires, brownies, and probably a bunch of other creatures I’m forgetting.
Let’s talk about the start: it opens with a bit of an info dump to explain the gods and their connections to the story. Personally, that’s not my jam, and I found myself skimming after my eyes glazed over. BUT if you’re someone who loves having all the background info upfront, this might work better for you.
Now, onto the good stuff: Jamie. I absolutely adored him. He’s a Djinn (think genie) who becomes completely smitten after someone kisses his knuckles—a sweet gesture that makes your heart melt for him immediately. As you learn why that tiny moment means so much to him, your heart will break. Jamie has spent his life being used for his magic, with no say over how it’s wielded (cue the tears). Watching him let down his walls and trust someone so deeply and quickly is both terrifying and beautiful.
Then there’s Dumah, our older, confident, protective reaper. From the moment he meets Jamie, he knows there’s something different about him. The knuckle kiss? Dumah initiated it (swoon). When they cross paths again, Dumah can’t resist testing the connection he feels with Jamie. He’s immediately protective and sweet in a way that’s completely unexpected, and his sole focus becomes Jamie. Without spoiling anything, the complications thrown at Dumah are deliciously intense.
Here’s where I struggled: this standalone fantasy is short, and it shows. The pacing felt rushed, and I would have loved more depth—especially with Jamie’s trauma. Dumah handled things so beautifully that I understand Jamie’s instant trust, but I wish there had been more space for Jamie to process and heal. The resolution came so quickly after all the buildup that I felt a little let down.
That said, I loved the plot and characters. If the author ever decided to expand the story, I’d 100% do a full reread.
If you’re into standalone fantasy/paranormal books with a contemporary romance story structure, (don’t worry, no third-act breakup here), this could be a great fit. If you’re a hardcore fantasy fan, you might find it a bit rushed, but I promise it’s still worth the read.
Blindsided by Eden Finley
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.75
Am I about to gush? 100%! Did this story completely take me by surprise? 1000%!
I honestly didn’t think any book in this series could win me over like Deke did… but Rebound? Oh, it’s fighting hard for that top spot!
These two best friends—Miller and Talon—had me hooked from page one. Not once did I want to smack their heads (a rarity), but even when they were being ridiculous, I loved every single thing they did.
Let’s break it down: Miller and Talon were college friends, so the foundation of their friendship is rock solid from the start, and they’ve never let that go. Now, they’re both professional football players. Miller? He knows and is comfortable with his sexuality… except when it comes to his best friend Talon. The internal tug-of-war Miller goes through—balancing what he feels, what he thinks he needs, and how to protect Talon—is beautifully handled. Seriously, this book nails the emotional highs and lows without ever feeling heavy, and the characters are so well-rounded and complex.
Now, Talon. On the surface, he’s all golden retriever energy—cute, a little goofy, and full of charm. But dig deeper, and there’s so much more to him. He’s confident in what he knows, and he doesn’t second-guess himself. But the layers! The way he processes, contemplates, and factors in everyone’s best interest before making a confident decision? Brilliant. And when he realizes he’s made a mistake and has to backtrack? The growth! Watching him evolve is so satisfying and makes his character feel incredibly real.
For a book as compact as this one, it packs a ton of character development, emotional depth, and storyline magic. Eden Finley absolutely crushed it with Rebound. If you’re looking for a story that’s low angst but packed with emotional connection and growth, this is a must-read!
Winning You by Eden Finley
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
When I first started reading, I was so confused about who these people were and why this book was next in the Sadenverse lineup. Like, was I missing something? But by chapter two, I completely forgot all of that because I was too busy lovingthe story.
This novella? Fast-paced and addictive. It starts with the intention of a one-night stand but quickly spirals into infatuation, longing, and—yep—love. Of course, when you fall for the characters, you always want more of their story (longer books, please!), but honestly, this one gave us exactly what we needed to bridge from Book 4 to Book 5 in the Sadenverse.
If you want a quick, feel-good MM novella, grab this one. Seriously, you don’t even need to read the other books to enjoy it! BUT, if you’re already into the Fake Boyfriends series or the Sadenverse, you cannot skip this. It’s packed with all the good stuff: opposites attract, both characters having ulterior motives, a sweet little age gap (and OMG how they play off of it is adorable). Plus, they’re already confident in their sexuality, so the focus is purely on building their relationship. Chef’s kiss.
Also, a quick shoutout to the dual narration—if you’re an audiobook fan, run to Hoopla because all three of the “.5s” in this series are bundled in one audiobook. The narrators absolutely crushed it, giving each character such distinct voices that you’ll be laughing and swooning your way through the entire thing.