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karenmsecrest's reviews
305 reviews
Just for the Holidays... by Adriana Herrera
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Quick, holiday-themed read from an author who loves love and spice.
Angel in a Devil's Arms by Julie Anne Long
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
Swoon! I love this series. Strong characters, witty banter, the sweetest declaration of love. Lord Bolt is a knight in shining boots with just a touch of wickedness. "I am yours, and you are mine." (heart eyes emoji forever)
The 2nd book in the Palace of Rogues series. Recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate the characters.
I love this series.
The 2nd book in the Palace of Rogues series. Recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate the characters.
I love this series.
The Duke Gets Even by Joanna Shupe
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
4th in a series. A great opening scene in the ocean. Spicy scenes are hot, but overall Joanna Shupe’s writing style is straight-forward and dialogue heavy with minimal scene setting. (A lot of tell, little show.) I didn’t get attached to these characters. Not my favorite writing style, but that’s personal preference.
Loved the side plot of Nellie trying to hook ladies up with contraception and fighting the Comstock Laws.
Loved the side plot of Nellie trying to hook ladies up with contraception and fighting the Comstock Laws.
Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
Wasn’t in the mood for this conflict. They like each other but he tries to match her up with eligible bachelors at his country estate? I just didn’t get into these 2 characters.
A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
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
3.5
A cliffhanger?!?!? I'm conflicted.
5 stars for the first two chapters, which might be the most exciting start to a book I've ever read.
0 stars for the cliffhanger ending. Am I being too harsh? Maybe in this genre the cliffhanger is a feature not a bug?
It’s the 2nd in a series, so this book reunites the characters and revisits the setting of A Darker Shade of Magic. I love the tough-as-nails Lila Bard and would read her adventures anywhere. However, the side plot is setting up the 3rd book and i wasn’t into it. (Admittedly, I'm probably bitter because I just finished this book 30-minutes ago and it ends with a f’ing cliffhanger.)
5 stars for the first two chapters, which might be the most exciting start to a book I've ever read.
0 stars for the cliffhanger ending. Am I being too harsh? Maybe in this genre the cliffhanger is a feature not a bug?
It’s the 2nd in a series, so this book reunites the characters and revisits the setting of A Darker Shade of Magic. I love the tough-as-nails Lila Bard and would read her adventures anywhere. However, the side plot is setting up the 3rd book and i wasn’t into it. (Admittedly, I'm probably bitter because I just finished this book 30-minutes ago and it ends with a f’ing cliffhanger.)
Content Warnings
Minor: Torture
There is torture in one of the final scenes involving a magical metal rack contraption.
A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas
lighthearted
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
Christmas! Kleypas! The Wallflower gang!
The historical accuracy of Christmas in Victorian England is almost as enjoyable as the love story. Rafe isn’t my favorite hero- he does a lot of kissing and putting Hannah in compromising positions in an old-fashioned way. But of course, it all ends happily.
The historical accuracy of Christmas in Victorian England is almost as enjoyable as the love story. Rafe isn’t my favorite hero- he does a lot of kissing and putting Hannah in compromising positions in an old-fashioned way. But of course, it all ends happily.
The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
Not in the mood for a contemporary enemies to lovers, though I might pick it up again.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Did not finish book. Stopped at 53%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 53%.
Not in the mood for a depressing story. Recommended by Heidi, but it was really bumming me out. Also, I'm over stories with a woman in an abusive relationship.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Leslie F*cking Jones by Leslie Jones
emotional
funny
fast-paced
5.0
Get. The. Audiobook!!!
Leslie Jones in her own words and voice is funny and poignant and ridiculous and all of the things. The audiobook is 16 hours long, because Leslie literally goes off book and her storytelling is just as off the wall as you’d expect.
Leslie Jones in her own words and voice is funny and poignant and ridiculous and all of the things. The audiobook is 16 hours long, because Leslie literally goes off book and her storytelling is just as off the wall as you’d expect.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Sierra Simone, Julie Murphy
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Not in the mood for a dirty contemporary story with all of the representation. Why does everyone have a tragic back story?!?!