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scoodle42's reviews
758 reviews
Priest by Bre Shadae
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
3.75 Rounded up for Goodreads
Priest and Satisa were both at a crossroads when they had a magical one night stand. Two years later, Priest moves to her town and they run into each other again. But Satisa's still juggling life as best she can and she's got a secret.
Priest is a man on a mission. I love how he took care of his family and how he didn't need motivation to do so. I loved how he loved on his baby, and on Benji too. He took care of business as best he knew how and he didn't shy away from it or drag it out. He showed up, in pretty much every way, except for his misstep at the end. The plot had good weight. It was twisty and turny but not in a bad way. Satisa was so resilient and I loved that about her character. She was a good friend and mother and aunt. I just wished she realized sooner where her loyalties should lie. I understand putting Priest through his paces and making him show and prove, but she was surrounded by snakes who'd shown themselves long ago and she made no move to disengage from them. But the pull of family is real and I understood. I love that she hustled and made things happen, but let herself be helped and taken care of eventually.
I will say that I thought the book had too many wordy detours--too many places where I felt like you could just say it straight instead of trying to use fancier language, and too many places where the MCs talk around the question instead of just answering it. Also, there were moments for me when their family drama overshadowed the love story, especially when everything started intertwining. Also, Satisa was a horrible communicator and imo it would have been nice for her character development to see her work through some of that.
Overall, pretty solid read. I'll be sure to make time for their wedding story.
Priest and Satisa were both at a crossroads when they had a magical one night stand. Two years later, Priest moves to her town and they run into each other again. But Satisa's still juggling life as best she can and she's got a secret.
Priest is a man on a mission. I love how he took care of his family and how he didn't need motivation to do so. I loved how he loved on his baby, and on Benji too. He took care of business as best he knew how and he didn't shy away from it or drag it out. He showed up, in pretty much every way, except for his misstep at the end. The plot had good weight. It was twisty and turny but not in a bad way. Satisa was so resilient and I loved that about her character. She was a good friend and mother and aunt. I just wished she realized sooner where her loyalties should lie. I understand putting Priest through his paces and making him show and prove, but she was surrounded by snakes who'd shown themselves long ago and she made no move to disengage from them. But the pull of family is real and I understood. I love that she hustled and made things happen, but let herself be helped and taken care of eventually.
I will say that I thought the book had too many wordy detours--too many places where I felt like you could just say it straight instead of trying to use fancier language, and too many places where the MCs talk around the question instead of just answering it. Also, there were moments for me when their family drama overshadowed the love story, especially when everything started intertwining. Also, Satisa was a horrible communicator and imo it would have been nice for her character development to see her work through some of that.
Overall, pretty solid read. I'll be sure to make time for their wedding story.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse and Violence
No Remorse by T'Lyn
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
Draco doesn't trust anyone, except his brother. And the two of them are trying to make moves to be more independent in their business, and they decide to edge out the middle man. Then Draco meets Taylor, the middle man's mistress and decides he wants her for himself.
Okay so this was a bit of a wild ride. Draco and Tek only have each other and I love their bond. Draco's focus when it came to Taylor was aggressive and I found myself hoping he'd temper just a tiny bit, but it all balanced out. His weird relationship with his mother and the family drama that came was a mess, but it was the kind of mess that pulled you in, even if it creeped you out, lol. Taylor was a sheltered girl, who got pulled into reality real quick but she was strong and committed to landing on her feet and I admired her. Draco was exactly what she needed and their passion was good on page. Tek and Amina's side story caught my heart and I wanted to fight when he found out what happened to his baby. This was a good story I enjoyed it.
Okay so this was a bit of a wild ride. Draco and Tek only have each other and I love their bond. Draco's focus when it came to Taylor was aggressive and I found myself hoping he'd temper just a tiny bit, but it all balanced out. His weird relationship with his mother and the family drama that came was a mess, but it was the kind of mess that pulled you in, even if it creeped you out, lol. Taylor was a sheltered girl, who got pulled into reality real quick but she was strong and committed to landing on her feet and I admired her. Draco was exactly what she needed and their passion was good on page. Tek and Amina's side story caught my heart and I wanted to fight when he found out what happened to his baby. This was a good story I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Violence, and Abandonment
Spark: A Sexy Holiday Short by Té Russ
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? No
5.0
Amara and Tristan are at odds. With two competing businesses and the 4th of July coming, Amara is worried that Tristan's and their drone light show will steal legacy customers from her family fireworks business. But when they're asked to work together on the town's annual celebration, they find that maybe they're not at odds after all.
Te Russ is so good at the sexy short. And at small town love. This was so cute and very satisfying. Amara and Tristan are adorable and I love the tension between them. Made for great passion. The story was one I hadn't read--which I loved--and it was perfect for the holiday.
Te Russ is so good at the sexy short. And at small town love. This was so cute and very satisfying. Amara and Tristan are adorable and I love the tension between them. Made for great passion. The story was one I hadn't read--which I loved--and it was perfect for the holiday.
Wherever Love Finds You by T'Lyn
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? No
4.0
Benji never let anyone get too close, and then he was compelled to save Makena. Makena never expected anyone to save her, and then Beni wouldn't take no for an answer. Can two broken hearts fix each other?
This was a pretty good story. Both the NC's backstories were pretty heavy, but it balanced along the way. Benji and Makena both got blessed with found family and it connected them. I loved that aspect of the story. The two of them circled each other, afraid to lean and trust but it was nice to see them realize it was meant to be. Parts of the story were in danger of being too dramatic for me--I don't always need shock value--but it turned out good. Good story.
This was a pretty good story. Both the NC's backstories were pretty heavy, but it balanced along the way. Benji and Makena both got blessed with found family and it connected them. I loved that aspect of the story. The two of them circled each other, afraid to lean and trust but it was nice to see them realize it was meant to be. Parts of the story were in danger of being too dramatic for me--I don't always need shock value--but it turned out good. Good story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Abandonment
Continuous by Kennedy B.
challenging
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
Aria is a photographer with her heart on lock. She's satisfied her with dog, and her situationship with her ex. DaVinci is a boxer making his own way despite his family's objections. Their connection is instant, but can it last?
I loved this book so much. DaVinci and Aria were passionate, and gentle, and they gave each other the best of themselves. DaVinci crept right past Aria's defenses and opened himself up first, making her feel safe enough to do the same. It was magic and very well-written. I love the blended family they made with the dogs, and I like how he put his ex in her place immediately and didn't leave room for doubt. Taking her away was such a romantic gesture and I swooned when I got to that part. Wanting her with him, but still making sure she made her money at the same time was a good move. Aria's sister and her family balanced the darkness and mystery of DaVinci's relatives, and the subplot with him and his struggle with them wasn't overdone or overly dramatic.
The couple wading through DaVinci's fame and the glaring spotlight of social media was believable and made for a solid external conflict. Plus, the added drama of ex who don't know how to stay in the past. None of it was far-fetched or stretched out unnecessarily. It was just one more thing to love. Their passion came through the pages and I loved the way they responded to each other. This was an amazing book.
I loved this book so much. DaVinci and Aria were passionate, and gentle, and they gave each other the best of themselves. DaVinci crept right past Aria's defenses and opened himself up first, making her feel safe enough to do the same. It was magic and very well-written. I love the blended family they made with the dogs, and I like how he put his ex in her place immediately and didn't leave room for doubt. Taking her away was such a romantic gesture and I swooned when I got to that part. Wanting her with him, but still making sure she made her money at the same time was a good move. Aria's sister and her family balanced the darkness and mystery of DaVinci's relatives, and the subplot with him and his struggle with them wasn't overdone or overly dramatic.
The couple wading through DaVinci's fame and the glaring spotlight of social media was believable and made for a solid external conflict. Plus, the added drama of ex who don't know how to stay in the past. None of it was far-fetched or stretched out unnecessarily. It was just one more thing to love. Their passion came through the pages and I loved the way they responded to each other. This was an amazing book.
Taken a Chance on Love: A Captor to Lover Novella by Kinzy Serbin
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Maia is a witness waiting to testify, and Chance is the guy assigned to take her so she doesn't get a chance to. But plans change.
Okay, so in concept, I like this. I could see where the plot was trying to go and I think it was a good direction. However, I was not captured by the story. The writing wasn't engaging. It didn't pull me in. I wasn't excited about anything happening. And the plot points felt a bit like drama for drama's sake, not like the dramatic twists they were supposed to be. I didn't really understand Chance's motivation and was left confused by his character, and Maia's after he came back. Most of the story had me confused. 2.5 rounded to three because I did at least see where it was trying to go, and the love story aspect was okay.
Okay, so in concept, I like this. I could see where the plot was trying to go and I think it was a good direction. However, I was not captured by the story. The writing wasn't engaging. It didn't pull me in. I wasn't excited about anything happening. And the plot points felt a bit like drama for drama's sake, not like the dramatic twists they were supposed to be. I didn't really understand Chance's motivation and was left confused by his character, and Maia's after he came back. Most of the story had me confused. 2.5 rounded to three because I did at least see where it was trying to go, and the love story aspect was okay.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping and Pregnancy
Lilith by Alexandria House
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
Lilith breaks up with her man who's been promising marriage and legally can't deliver. Living above her boutique and trying to get her life back, she sees something she shouldn't have in the alley below. And suddenly, Ray is there, becoming her captor and her caretaker. He's dangerous, relentless, and obsessed with her.
Ray is unwell, okay? I mean, not in his right mind. But I love him. I'm admitting it. I love him down. Lilith was just trying to live her life, okay. And here comes this man being obsessed with her. Ray was funny and so wild. I love how he wasn't trying to hear nothing Lilith was talking about. He was going to claim her, fold her like a lawn chair, and take care of her whether she liked it or not. The intrigue surrounding why he had to kill her got a bit muddled at the end--it almost felt like too many things going on, but I did love her family and how they melded with her life with Ray. I love that at his core Ray was a protector and that Lilith was so practical, but knew when to put that aside and just let love (obsession?) win. They were hot together, and their compatibility on that front really rounded out the book. The prose captured you, in typical A. House fashion and I never felt let down. Lol. Such a good read.
Ray is unwell, okay? I mean, not in his right mind. But I love him. I'm admitting it. I love him down. Lilith was just trying to live her life, okay. And here comes this man being obsessed with her. Ray was funny and so wild. I love how he wasn't trying to hear nothing Lilith was talking about. He was going to claim her, fold her like a lawn chair, and take care of her whether she liked it or not. The intrigue surrounding why he had to kill her got a bit muddled at the end--it almost felt like too many things going on, but I did love her family and how they melded with her life with Ray. I love that at his core Ray was a protector and that Lilith was so practical, but knew when to put that aside and just let love (obsession?) win. They were hot together, and their compatibility on that front really rounded out the book. The prose captured you, in typical A. House fashion and I never felt let down. Lol. Such a good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Violence
Kidnapped by the Snowman by M. Monique
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
December Angel loves his mother and wants to fulfill her dying wish of seeing him in love and settled down. Since he doesn't see that in the cards, he plans to find someone to fake it for the holidays. Then he meets Raine, who is in town to settle her late father's affairs and doesn't want him for real or for fake. So he has no choice but to take her... right?
Okay, the way the girls make kidnapping romantic is some kind of skill, okay. Because I loved me some December Angel. I love how M. Monique writes men who know how to regulate their emotions. They speak softly, but you listen. It's so sexy. December was patient, and focused on the end game: Raine. I loved Raine and how she didn't fold easily (unlike me, lol). She was a boss and knew she didn't have bow to anyone, especially not her relatives and their negative energy. I like the way she melded with his family and how December doted on his mother. The two of them complemented each other so well, and brought something to the other's life. It was so good. And the holiday aspect put you in the proper mood. Raine and December were sexy and their love story balanced well with the family drama they faced.
Okay, the way the girls make kidnapping romantic is some kind of skill, okay. Because I loved me some December Angel. I love how M. Monique writes men who know how to regulate their emotions. They speak softly, but you listen. It's so sexy. December was patient, and focused on the end game: Raine. I loved Raine and how she didn't fold easily (unlike me, lol). She was a boss and knew she didn't have bow to anyone, especially not her relatives and their negative energy. I like the way she melded with his family and how December doted on his mother. The two of them complemented each other so well, and brought something to the other's life. It was so good. And the holiday aspect put you in the proper mood. Raine and December were sexy and their love story balanced well with the family drama they faced.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping
I'll Be Home for Christmas by Sedona Rose
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? No
5.0
Zaylee and Kyree are on the same cancelled flight, and Kyree does the chivalrous thing and invites Zaylee home while they wait to hear news of a new flight. Zaylee has a good feeling and accepts.
I love the family holiday vibes mixed with the sexy, flirty vibes The author did this really well. And them coincidentally being a part of the same special moment was a great piece of plotting. It made them seem more meant to be. That was romantic. Ky's family was wonderful and the passion between them was a nice bit of anticipation. I loved this.
I love the family holiday vibes mixed with the sexy, flirty vibes The author did this really well. And them coincidentally being a part of the same special moment was a great piece of plotting. It made them seem more meant to be. That was romantic. Ky's family was wonderful and the passion between them was a nice bit of anticipation. I loved this.
Be Mine For Christmas by Monae Nicole
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Zari is crushing hard in her neighbor, but as soon as it looks like there might be some movement on the date front, she gets a job and as a traveling nurse, she has to take it. She heads a few towns over to fill in for Christmas and meets the doctor on call. And things get complicated when they get snowed in together.
I don't usually like the love triangle dynamics but this story was still pretty good. It was written well and really gave me solid plot and the characters had layers. Zari was accomplished and wonderful, Kenneth was chivalrous and focused. It was a good combination. I was sad when she had to go home, and disappointed that she still moved forward with the neighbor even after that magic. But she got the message eventually. I was happy no one got hurt. Great holidays feels, lovely ending.
I don't usually like the love triangle dynamics but this story was still pretty good. It was written well and really gave me solid plot and the characters had layers. Zari was accomplished and wonderful, Kenneth was chivalrous and focused. It was a good combination. I was sad when she had to go home, and disappointed that she still moved forward with the neighbor even after that magic. But she got the message eventually. I was happy no one got hurt. Great holidays feels, lovely ending.