Scan barcode
scoodle42's reviews
758 reviews
Tis the Season for an Orgasm: Deville & Dani by Quardeay Julien
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Dani is at the end of her rope with her man. It's the holidays and she's feeling down, when it's normally her favorite time of year. The remedy? A bartender named Deville, who's known to satisfy.
I liked this for the most part. It felt a little wordy in some places, like the character were explaining far more than they needed to, but it was good. Dani and Deville were good and nasty, and they fit together well. Dani taking back her life was funny and well done (although the way her ex soke to her was a little too much at times) and seeing Deville's exploits in person really let you in on his personality. And it had a nice hint of holiday. Pretty good.
I liked this for the most part. It felt a little wordy in some places, like the character were explaining far more than they needed to, but it was good. Dani and Deville were good and nasty, and they fit together well. Dani taking back her life was funny and well done (although the way her ex soke to her was a little too much at times) and seeing Deville's exploits in person really let you in on his personality. And it had a nice hint of holiday. Pretty good.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity
Tis the Season for Passion: Avi & Ashli by M. Monique, M. Monique
emotional
hopeful
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
Ashli got railroaded and spent seven years behind bars. Now all she wants is to get her life back, keep men out of her heart so they don't get her into trouble (again), but first? Maybe let one give her an orgasm. The man she picks to do the honors is Avi Kole, and she definitely gets more than a one night stand.
Okay, watching Avi crash out behind Ashli was funny, I'm not gonna lie. He was borderline stalking her, but he didn't want to hurt her and I found myself begging Ashli right along with him, lol. Give our boy a chance! Lol. The relationship with AJ was one of the best parts of the book. I love the way M. Monique does stepparents. She makes sure they fall in love with the kids FIRST. It was fast paced, as I expected and as it was supposed to be, but still really romantic and passionate. I love the way Avi never lost his cool. He just pushed forward every time there was a setback and didn't let anything deter his focus. I also loved the way he stood up for Ashli and made it his business to get restitution for what she endured, even if she didn't know it. Ashli being a writer spoke right to me, and I loved how she bounced back, and never forgot her girls when she got to the outside. Good holiday story.
Okay, watching Avi crash out behind Ashli was funny, I'm not gonna lie. He was borderline stalking her, but he didn't want to hurt her and I found myself begging Ashli right along with him, lol. Give our boy a chance! Lol. The relationship with AJ was one of the best parts of the book. I love the way M. Monique does stepparents. She makes sure they fall in love with the kids FIRST. It was fast paced, as I expected and as it was supposed to be, but still really romantic and passionate. I love the way Avi never lost his cool. He just pushed forward every time there was a setback and didn't let anything deter his focus. I also loved the way he stood up for Ashli and made it his business to get restitution for what she endured, even if she didn't know it. Ashli being a writer spoke right to me, and I loved how she bounced back, and never forgot her girls when she got to the outside. Good holiday story.
Dreaming of A White Christmas by Candi B
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Charm is at the end of her rope. Bills overdue, rent unpaid, and a dying husband. She's barely hanging on and then one night, she stumbles into Joaquin's business and now she has to make a decision: do him a favor, or pay the consequences for seeing things she wasn't supposed to see.
This story was... disjointed and confusing. White didn't know if he wanted to be her savior or her blackmailer and it made for a frustrating experience. The way his personality was written felt at odds from one end of the story to the next. He was supposed to be this generous guy, but seemed to enjoy messing with her when it was obvious she was in a very bad way. And why didn't she know the babysitter was his mom? What was the point of keeping that a secret? Her job situation and the husband seemed like a lot for a holiday story and I found myself not really feeling the spirit, even at the end. It was okay I guess.
This story was... disjointed and confusing. White didn't know if he wanted to be her savior or her blackmailer and it made for a frustrating experience. The way his personality was written felt at odds from one end of the story to the next. He was supposed to be this generous guy, but seemed to enjoy messing with her when it was obvious she was in a very bad way. And why didn't she know the babysitter was his mom? What was the point of keeping that a secret? Her job situation and the husband seemed like a lot for a holiday story and I found myself not really feeling the spirit, even at the end. It was okay I guess.
Running Off on My Baby Daddy at Christmas Time by Lakia, Lakia
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Tyra is fed up. Raising triplet boys with only the bare minimum help from their dad, she's over the whole holiday. Tone offers her a night of fun and freedom, and she takes it, dropping off her kids and making a run for it. Let the good times roll.
This was a fun and funny short story. Mama gotta have a life too. I'm glad Dad learned his lesson and straightened himself up. It was for the good of everyone. The kids were too cute and Tone saved the day. And the night. I was happy he and Tyra could connect.
This was a fun and funny short story. Mama gotta have a life too. I'm glad Dad learned his lesson and straightened himself up. It was for the good of everyone. The kids were too cute and Tone saved the day. And the night. I was happy he and Tyra could connect.
Before the Dawn by Beverly Jenkins
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Leah Barnett agreed to marry her mother's older companion on his deathbed, to secure her future and his inheritance. But when she travels to his old stomping grounds to settle his affairs, she runs into more trouble than she imagined. And at the center is Ryder Damien, the deceased man's younger son, who hates his father and hates Leah by proxy.
Okay, this story was tense and sad. Leah was just trying to do the right thing and got caught in a web that had her on the short end of the stick just because she was a woman. I found myself mad at that old man for insisting Leah solve this problems. She was preyed on by damn near everyone, even the MMC in a way and Ryder drove me crazy with his lack of faith. I understood his grief and his resentment toward his father, but man he was so hard. I also fund myself annoyed that Leah matched his pridefulness and didn't tell him the truth earlier. I got why, but it just made everything drag on. I was happy they got together and hated that they had so many starts and stops. I was relieved to see them happy. Lol. What a rollercoaster.
Okay, this story was tense and sad. Leah was just trying to do the right thing and got caught in a web that had her on the short end of the stick just because she was a woman. I found myself mad at that old man for insisting Leah solve this problems. She was preyed on by damn near everyone, even the MMC in a way and Ryder drove me crazy with his lack of faith. I understood his grief and his resentment toward his father, but man he was so hard. I also fund myself annoyed that Leah matched his pridefulness and didn't tell him the truth earlier. I got why, but it just made everything drag on. I was happy they got together and hated that they had so many starts and stops. I was relieved to see them happy. Lol. What a rollercoaster.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-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
Olivia Sterling is on the run. A successful dressmaker being forced into a marriage to a man who wants her money, she hops on the first thing smoking from Chicago to Henry Adams, Kansas to start a new life. On the way, her train is robbed by notorious outlaw Neil July, who promises to see her again. And though Olivia doesn't believe it, he does. And he doesn't stop, even if it means putting his freedom at risk.
The July family has my entire heart, lol. Neil fell hard for the sensible, independent, Olivia and they filled the gaps with each other. He excited her and she settled him. I love having Olivia's journey as a woman, and then fierce advocate for the people and then finally mayor juxtaposed against her falling in love with a man deemed completely unsuitable. But Neil knew how to love her, and appreciate all she was. I loved their secret trysts, and the way they took care of each other. And the ultimate gesture of love for them both--Olivia eschewing societal standards to marry him, and Neil facing his consequences to be with her. It was so very romantic and I felt their passion for each other. The townspeople of Henry Adams made for great humor and I loved the backdrop of the town. It was fun seeing Cara Lee and Chase again and young Teresa July was hilarious. This is one of my favorites.
The July family has my entire heart, lol. Neil fell hard for the sensible, independent, Olivia and they filled the gaps with each other. He excited her and she settled him. I love having Olivia's journey as a woman, and then fierce advocate for the people and then finally mayor juxtaposed against her falling in love with a man deemed completely unsuitable. But Neil knew how to love her, and appreciate all she was. I loved their secret trysts, and the way they took care of each other. And the ultimate gesture of love for them both--Olivia eschewing societal standards to marry him, and Neil facing his consequences to be with her. It was so very romantic and I felt their passion for each other. The townspeople of Henry Adams made for great humor and I loved the backdrop of the town. It was fun seeing Cara Lee and Chase again and young Teresa July was hilarious. This is one of my favorites.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence
Olivia Sterling is on the run. A successful dressmaker being forced into a marriage to a man who wants her money, she hops on the first thing smoking from Chicago to Henry Adams, Kansas to start a new life. On the way, her train is robbed by notorious outlaw Neil July, who promises to see her again. And though Olivia doesn't believe it, he does. And he doesn't stop, even if it means putting his freedom at risk.
The July family has my entire heart, lol. Neil fell hard for the sensible, independent, Olivia and they filled the gaps with each other. He excited her and she settled him. I love having Olivia's journey as a woman, and then fierce advocate for the people and then finally mayor juxtaposed against her falling in love with a man deemed completely unsuitable. But Neil knew how to love her, and appreciate all she was. I loved their secret trysts, and the way they took care of each other. And the ultimate gesture of love for them both--Olivia eschewing societal standards to marry him, and Neil facing his consequences to be with her. It was so very romantic and I felt their passion for each other. The townspeople of Henry Adams made for great humor and I loved the backdrop of the town. It was fun seeing Cara Lee and Chase again and young Teresa July was hilarious. This is one of my favorites.
Captured by Beverly Jenkins
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Dominic LeVeq is a pirate with a heart of gold. Cheated out of his inheritance, he freed the people his half-brother intended to make slaves and then took to the sea, pillaging and plundering slave traders and others with no regard for human life. On a mission to takeover a ship, he runs into Clare Sullivan, a slave traveling with her mistress. And now, the only treasure he wants is her. So he takes her.
Y'all know I love a little kidnapping. Dominic is arrogant, full of hubris and dead set in his ways. But he's a fair man, a good captain, and a liberator. I found myself annoyed Clare didn't fall for him immediately, lol. That's how much I loved his character. He was so focused on the people around him. He kept his people safe at all costs and I loved that. Clare was a wonder, so strong and patient. A great mother, who willingly chose bondage so she wouldn't lose her children like so many others had. I swooned when Dominic offered to fix it for her but I also understood why she hesitated. Failure was not an option and the tension of the plot twist had my heart in my throat.
Their love was gentle and steady. It contrasted the drama of their real lives in a great way. It allowed for them to be each other's resting place. And Clare's introduction to real passion had me cheering for her. Every woman deserves, lol. Their community and the island was a beautiful backdrop and I found myself falling under the spell of it. The magic was real. I love this book.
Y'all know I love a little kidnapping. Dominic is arrogant, full of hubris and dead set in his ways. But he's a fair man, a good captain, and a liberator. I found myself annoyed Clare didn't fall for him immediately, lol. That's how much I loved his character. He was so focused on the people around him. He kept his people safe at all costs and I loved that. Clare was a wonder, so strong and patient. A great mother, who willingly chose bondage so she wouldn't lose her children like so many others had. I swooned when Dominic offered to fix it for her but I also understood why she hesitated. Failure was not an option and the tension of the plot twist had my heart in my throat.
Their love was gentle and steady. It contrasted the drama of their real lives in a great way. It allowed for them to be each other's resting place. And Clare's introduction to real passion had me cheering for her. Every woman deserves, lol. Their community and the island was a beautiful backdrop and I found myself falling under the spell of it. The magic was real. I love this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery and Violence
Breathless by Beverly Jenkins
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Portia Carmichael is happy running her aunt and uncle's hotel, ad dreaming of her own bookkeeping business. A man is not part of the plan. But Kent Randolph, her uncles former bartender, appears after fifteen years and Portia finds herself drawn to him, in a way she'd never been drawn to anyone.
Okay so I really loved this. It was such an easy story. The journey to love was so steady for Kent and Portia. He always respected her mind and her abilities. He sought her opinion and protected her when needed, but recognized her strengths. And the man could cook! I love that he had a special horse, and so did Portia. Rhine and Eddy were adorable and Reagan was such an adventurer. The intrigue surrounding the neighboring ranch wasn't too overdone and I liked the way the community rallied when it was time. Kent and Portia's HEA was so sweet and sexy and loving. I'm already planning to reread this.
Okay so I really loved this. It was such an easy story. The journey to love was so steady for Kent and Portia. He always respected her mind and her abilities. He sought her opinion and protected her when needed, but recognized her strengths. And the man could cook! I love that he had a special horse, and so did Portia. Rhine and Eddy were adorable and Reagan was such an adventurer. The intrigue surrounding the neighboring ranch wasn't too overdone and I liked the way the community rallied when it was time. Kent and Portia's HEA was so sweet and sexy and loving. I'm already planning to reread this.
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping and Murder
Always and Forever by Beverly Jenkins
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-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
4.0
Grace Atwood is a banker, intelligent and independent, who always gets the job done. So when her cousin asks her to find brides for the men in a new settlement in Kansas City, and get them there, all she sees is success. So with her decision made and her wagon train set, all she needs is a wagon master. But the way they met was... interesting, and they immediately rub each other the wrong way.
Grace is so funny. Her stubbornness and complete determination made her the ideal heroine. I love how she stood up for herself, and how she accomplished so much in her life. The way Jackson flustered her was so cute, because it was clear they didn't want to be affected by each other; they just couldn't fight the feeling. Working together on a task like the bride journey was an interesting way for them to build love, but I loved it. I loved the women on the journey and the glimpse of Loreli and Katharine and Dix. The trip back to Texas was a lot for me, and I understand pride, but I didn't understand Jackson. Also, their push/ pull got a tiny bit tiring for me towards the end. But overall, another Ms. Bev banger and I was pleased.
Grace is so funny. Her stubbornness and complete determination made her the ideal heroine. I love how she stood up for herself, and how she accomplished so much in her life. The way Jackson flustered her was so cute, because it was clear they didn't want to be affected by each other; they just couldn't fight the feeling. Working together on a task like the bride journey was an interesting way for them to build love, but I loved it. I loved the women on the journey and the glimpse of Loreli and Katharine and Dix. The trip back to Texas was a lot for me, and I understand pride, but I didn't understand Jackson. Also, their push/ pull got a tiny bit tiring for me towards the end. But overall, another Ms. Bev banger and I was pleased.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
The Knights Continue by Dria Andersen
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? No
5.0
Julissa is ready to push forward, in all aspects of her life. And she knows as soon as she meets Rocco, that it includes mating as well. But Rocco is a bear with a complicated past, and doesn't think he wants to try to navigate the social standing Julissa and her family have. But his animal won't be denied, and neither will Julissa.
Okay, so Rocco and Julissa took me under. I mean, gave me all the feels. The way they were so careful with one another, so focused on the other's comfort, made for some sexy ass reading. I was swept away by them, I loved their growing love, and Rocco's refusal to bow to anyone. I loved the way the Knights cemented his connection to them, coaxed him out of his shell and showed him love. Everything he learned about love he learned from them, and was able to give to Julissa. Because he couldn't deny her anything. It was beautiful. Ju was a woman who knew her mind, and her animal wasn't going to let Rock get away from her. I loved her determination, in work and in love. And the passion between them singed my fingers.
Julian was a man who knew what he needed. And as soon as knew it was Deena, he got everything in place and decided to give her time. But Deena just got her life the exact place she wants it and plans to resist Julian Chase as long as she can. But a threat to her puts him in closer proximity than ever before, and she may not be able to resist for much longer.
I loved Deena's stubborn ass so much. She had a handle on her life and wasn't going to let anyone take it away. But I liked that Julian knew how to overrule her when it mattered. Deena was tough, and smart, but mush when it came to Jules, which is how it should be. I love how he made it clear he'd do anything for her, and to protect her. It was fun and very sexy watching them fall for each other more and more. And the danger surrounding Deena was compelling enough that you sat up in your seat for more. Julian wasn't having anyone harming her and the way they interacted just deepened the love.
Okay, so Rocco and Julissa took me under. I mean, gave me all the feels. The way they were so careful with one another, so focused on the other's comfort, made for some sexy ass reading. I was swept away by them, I loved their growing love, and Rocco's refusal to bow to anyone. I loved the way the Knights cemented his connection to them, coaxed him out of his shell and showed him love. Everything he learned about love he learned from them, and was able to give to Julissa. Because he couldn't deny her anything. It was beautiful. Ju was a woman who knew her mind, and her animal wasn't going to let Rock get away from her. I loved her determination, in work and in love. And the passion between them singed my fingers.
Julian was a man who knew what he needed. And as soon as knew it was Deena, he got everything in place and decided to give her time. But Deena just got her life the exact place she wants it and plans to resist Julian Chase as long as she can. But a threat to her puts him in closer proximity than ever before, and she may not be able to resist for much longer.
I loved Deena's stubborn ass so much. She had a handle on her life and wasn't going to let anyone take it away. But I liked that Julian knew how to overrule her when it mattered. Deena was tough, and smart, but mush when it came to Jules, which is how it should be. I love how he made it clear he'd do anything for her, and to protect her. It was fun and very sexy watching them fall for each other more and more. And the danger surrounding Deena was compelling enough that you sat up in your seat for more. Julian wasn't having anyone harming her and the way they interacted just deepened the love.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence