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karenmsecrest's reviews
292 reviews
The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A Hallmark movie type of book. Closed door. Sweet story. I cried a little bit.
The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Every Duke Has His Day by Suzanne Enoch
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's fine. Cute plot about mistaken dog identities. The most memorable characters are the dog napper and his girlfriend. Writing this review two months after reading it... and I can't remember enough to provide more details.
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Third in the Murderbot series. This book builds on the events of the first, and I had to go back and re-read #1.
Love the audiobook. Love the narrator. Love Murderbot.
Love the audiobook. Love the narrator. Love Murderbot.
All Systems Red (Dramatized Adaptation) by Martha Wells
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
4.25
Background sounds! Music! Multiple narrators! This version of the audiobook was a little more action packed than the regular version. Highly recommend.
I don't typically read Sci-Fi, but the blend of space and pop culture is surprisingly fun and delightful. This is the first in the series, and a must read before moving on to the rest of the series. (Full disclosure: this is a re-read. I started reading book 3 this month, and had to go back and listen to this one again to understand and appreciate the later books.)
I don't typically read Sci-Fi, but the blend of space and pop culture is surprisingly fun and delightful. This is the first in the series, and a must read before moving on to the rest of the series. (Full disclosure: this is a re-read. I started reading book 3 this month, and had to go back and listen to this one again to understand and appreciate the later books.)
A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The one about the corpse with a convoluted back story.
Loved the early books in this series, but Veronica is kind of a dick. I'll keep reading for Stoker and random acts of taxidermy. The reason for the crime was a little confusing, but a satisfying resolution nonetheless.
Loved the early books in this series, but Veronica is kind of a dick. I'll keep reading for Stoker and random acts of taxidermy. The reason for the crime was a little confusing, but a satisfying resolution nonetheless.
A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Gambling! Revenge! Sex! Threats of ruination! The first in a series. It's Sarah MacLean, so the story and dialogue and writing are basically perfect. But, the hero starts out as a real asshat and his manipulation and obsession with revenge makes him my least favorite rake in the MacLeanaverse.
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A big tough Duke, a feisty lady, a gaming hell, a nearly fatal fight, revenge, justice, and a sick bed.
A top 5 Sarah MacLean book.
A top 5 Sarah MacLean book.
A Holly Jolly Ever After by Sierra Simone, Julie Murphy
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Contemporary holiday romance with HIGH spice level. Very sex positive, lots of representation, tons of steam. Part of a series, though I read as a stand alone.
There is a pregnancy plot for much of the book.
There is a pregnancy plot for much of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Great for: a novella-length holiday read with representation.
Not great: distracted by the anatomical impossibility of the bedroom scene.
Not great: distracted by the anatomical impossibility of the bedroom scene.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse