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peedsreads's reviews
534 reviews
Wilde in Love by Eloisa James
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I really enjoyed this one and am loving being back in The Wildes of Lindow Castle universe. I thought the personalities of the two leads are what made me love it so much. And it's like a heartthrob/celebrity romance but she was never a fangirl. UGH
Also I thought it was interesting having the FMC be "the it girl." Very Daphne Bridgerton. It's been a while since I read a historical romance that wasn't centered on a wallflower or "spinster." But the "cool girl" façade was well done if unrelatable. It did remind me that what I've loved about the other books in this series is how sapio the connections are (probably not the right word but I'm trying!). Like the characters fall for each other's personalities and character more than just lust. Even in the prequel novella-ish thing which was insta-love because it was shorter, we got to see how the characters really appreciated the other's values, lifestyles, and personality quirks, not just status and appearance.
I think the next book Too Wilde to Wed will go the deepest on this dichotomy. (It's already been set up so beautifully in this first novel.)
BONUS POINTS: for having not one but TWO perilous life-threatening scenes in the final acts. A plot device very common with historical romances that I've missed.
Also I thought it was interesting having the FMC be "the it girl." Very Daphne Bridgerton. It's been a while since I read a historical romance that wasn't centered on a wallflower or "spinster." But the "cool girl" façade was well done if unrelatable. It did remind me that what I've loved about the other books in this series is how sapio the connections are (probably not the right word but I'm trying!). Like the characters fall for each other's personalities and character more than just lust. Even in the prequel novella-ish thing which was insta-love because it was shorter, we got to see how the characters really appreciated the other's values, lifestyles, and personality quirks, not just status and appearance.
I think the next book Too Wilde to Wed will go the deepest on this dichotomy. (It's already been set up so beautifully in this first novel.)
BONUS POINTS: for having not one but TWO perilous life-threatening scenes in the final acts. A plot device very common with historical romances that I've missed.
My Last Duchess by Eloisa James
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cute little origin story for the matriarch and patriarch of a beloved series. I love found family and dowagers/widowers finding love together. And their adoration of their children is just chef's kiss!
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.25
I loved the Roma element (surprisingly the first time I've come across it in historical romance) and how obsessed he was with her. Their mismatched fortunes was fun too. But overall I found the story rather boring. Then the gothic twist at the end was unnecessary and confusing.
Play Along by Liz Tomforde
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
4.5
Isaiah freaking Rhodes. My man. He really is out here battling Evan Zanders for the top spot in my heart. I adore this man. I found him so relatable and endearing and earnest and sexy.
Love this man and his hard-earned breathing.
I'm not ready for this series to be over. We need a Monty/Reese book. And also Trevor and Connor.
Love this man and his hard-earned breathing.
I'm not ready for this series to be over. We need a Monty/Reese book. And also Trevor and Connor.
Thunder Thighs by Evie Mitchell
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- 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? No
3.5
really cute plus size romance novella. It was definitely insta-love but like it worked. Like even though it went fast it felt like there was a natural progression and a solid pace.
fun, extra steamy, I love Evie Mitchell's inclusive love stories (I've called her the erotica Chloe Liese before and it holds up here)
I loved a fat, 29 year old virgin embracing sexuality on her terms. ANd I loved the big hulking handy viking man simping for her body
fun, extra steamy, I love Evie Mitchell's inclusive love stories (I've called her the erotica Chloe Liese before and it holds up here)
I loved a fat, 29 year old virgin embracing sexuality on her terms. ANd I loved the big hulking handy viking man simping for her body
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The beginning was so dull and gave me whiplash from all the POV jumps, but Mary Kubica did a great job of keeping each storyline progressing steadily so it never felt stagnant once we understood who was who. The tension built beautifully (I literally kept gasping at one reveal in the office, alarming my coworker). I found the ending mostly satisfying (probably one of the most satisfying endings I've read in a thriller in a while) but it still wasn't earth shattering or mind-bending.
Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
I loved this book! The cheesy, OTT ending profession of love is what keeps it from being a five stars.
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.75
I really enjoyed this one! It's YA so naturally the characters are all a tad immature and most are still trying to figure out who they are and how they fit into the world around them. But like all queer books set in Georgia, I wish this was the high school experience I had. One of acceptance and LGBT+ inclusion, not the Bible Belt, purity culture bullshit that was the reality of Metro-Atlanta in the 2010s.
I loved the central family and support systems laid out here. And I think reading about young characters finding integrity and maturity in complicated relationships sets a great example for young readers. Communication and respect are the most important things at the end of the day when tackling big, scary feelings.
I loved the central family and support systems laid out here. And I think reading about young characters finding integrity and maturity in complicated relationships sets a great example for young readers. Communication and respect are the most important things at the end of the day when tackling big, scary feelings.
Split or Swallow by Lindsay Straube
I'm obsessed. Like this book took me a month to read but it now lives rent free in my head. I guess I am now a monster romance stan? It is soooo strange and weird and out of pocket, I cannot say enough about it. I also don't know who I'd recommend it to because it is all about sex. (Don't believe me? read the first chapter on her website. You won't even have to scroll before you get to it. https://www.oxfordlemon.com/basilisk). While being all about sex and 100% erotica, it also has a fully developed plot, elaborate political systems, and intense emotional relationships.
Now the problem is who do I recommend it to? I need to discuss it with someone, but like WHO?! I saw on the author's story that there's a friend group all reading the same copy. Like one read it and annotated and then mailed it to the next one who did the same and so on. THIS IS THE PERFECT BOOK FOR THAT BECAUSE IT'S SO FUNNY AND NEEDS TO BE REACTED TO!!!
This book is LONG and the middle does kinda drag, but it was originally posted to her website chapter by chapter and then self-published so it makes sense.
It's being traditionally published this month as Kiss of the Basilisk with a GORGEOUS cover and sprayed edges (and a bonus chapter) so of course I pre-ordered it in the B&N pre-order sale. I will now own 3 versions of this book and I do not regret it.
This author's meme/bookstagram account was already one of my favorites before I realized she wrote this book. (Literally bought the kindle version because I had credits about to expire and then saw her post that the OG cover was going away and was like what?!)
Check her out: @oxfordlemon
https://www.instagram.com/oxfordlemon?igsh=MXNkM3M4MDJ3Ymk3Zw==
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
A horny teenager's fever dream. (I loved it!)
I'm obsessed. Like this book took me a month to read but it now lives rent free in my head. I guess I am now a monster romance stan? It is soooo strange and weird and out of pocket, I cannot say enough about it. I also don't know who I'd recommend it to because it is all about sex. (Don't believe me? read the first chapter on her website. You won't even have to scroll before you get to it. https://www.oxfordlemon.com/basilisk). While being all about sex and 100% erotica, it also has a fully developed plot, elaborate political systems, and intense emotional relationships.
Now the problem is who do I recommend it to? I need to discuss it with someone, but like WHO?! I saw on the author's story that there's a friend group all reading the same copy. Like one read it and annotated and then mailed it to the next one who did the same and so on. THIS IS THE PERFECT BOOK FOR THAT BECAUSE IT'S SO FUNNY AND NEEDS TO BE REACTED TO!!!
Going to make Belinda get into my snake corn.
This book is LONG and the middle does kinda drag, but it was originally posted to her website chapter by chapter and then self-published so it makes sense.
It's being traditionally published this month as Kiss of the Basilisk with a GORGEOUS cover and sprayed edges (and a bonus chapter) so of course I pre-ordered it in the B&N pre-order sale. I will now own 3 versions of this book and I do not regret it.
This author's meme/bookstagram account was already one of my favorites before I realized she wrote this book. (Literally bought the kindle version because I had credits about to expire and then saw her post that the OG cover was going away and was like what?!)
Check her out: @oxfordlemon
https://www.instagram.com/oxfordlemon?igsh=MXNkM3M4MDJ3Ymk3Zw==
My favorite content around this book:
(TBH if you're never going to read it but want to know what it's all about, read this whole series of texts)
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDXDXgeRwiY/?igsh=MTZneDY1bmZtY3F1NA==
I am so excited that I'll have another copy of this in my hands next week, but also like I just want the next book! I'll just have to stalk her IG stories and hope she keeps getting tipsy and teasing excerpts on there in the meantime.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDXDXgeRwiY/?igsh=MTZneDY1bmZtY3F1NA==
I am so excited that I'll have another copy of this in my hands next week, but also like I just want the next book! I'll just have to stalk her IG stories and hope she keeps getting tipsy and teasing excerpts on there in the meantime.
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.0
Lots of thoughts
Really interesting concept but not like life changing. Can’t say more without giving anything away
Really interesting concept but not like life changing. Can’t say more without giving anything away