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scoodle42's reviews
758 reviews
The Hamilton Brothers by Dria Andersen
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Gabe and Naomi are best friends, but Gabe is ready to move to being mated, and happy in love. Naomi, a latent shifter has just taken a new place of prominence in her Pride and doesn't want to jeopardize anything. Plus, her past has her feeling like she won't be able to mate with Gabe.
Gabe coming up with a fake arranged marriage to ask Naomi to get him out of it was so funny and ridiculous. Lol. It made me laugh out loud. Only a man would think of something so convoluted. But he was serious about his mate. I loved that he was so broody, and grumpy. I also loved his grunts that were the bear language, lol. His hatred of locks was hilarious. Nothing was going to keep him from Naomi. I wanted to hug her so tight, poor worried thing. I understood her fear and her past was a tough scar. But Gabe was sure enough for both of them until she was too and it was so passionate. Those two were also pretty sexy. Gabe turned his Naomi all the way out and she soaked up his attention and loved it. It was so good.
Brent and Mercedes feel a kind of instant attraction, but their kinds don't usually mix. Mercedes is a witch, with the power to coax, calm, and soothe. Shifters worry about being manipulated, especially in their animal form, so they usually steer clear of witches. Except Brent can't. And doesn't want to. He agrees to be Sadie's "secret" lover, but he knows it's forever, even if she won't admit it.
I really liked the forbidden love aspect of this. Brent only reluctantly becoming the alpha and needing a mate but stuck on one deemed unsuitable was a great internal struggle that gave him layers. I loved how confident he was, but also how vulnerable he was, and fearful of losing control. Mercedes was a great match for him, and her powers suited him. She was powerful and demanding of his true self--she didn't let him hide. He couldn't wear a mask with her and he was better for it. The two of them were passionate and very sexy. Her grandmothers offered some lightheartedness and comic relief. The alpha challenge was a pretty emotional and gave the story some heft. This one was full of feeling. I was sad when it was over.
Gabe coming up with a fake arranged marriage to ask Naomi to get him out of it was so funny and ridiculous. Lol. It made me laugh out loud. Only a man would think of something so convoluted. But he was serious about his mate. I loved that he was so broody, and grumpy. I also loved his grunts that were the bear language, lol. His hatred of locks was hilarious. Nothing was going to keep him from Naomi. I wanted to hug her so tight, poor worried thing. I understood her fear and her past was a tough scar. But Gabe was sure enough for both of them until she was too and it was so passionate. Those two were also pretty sexy. Gabe turned his Naomi all the way out and she soaked up his attention and loved it. It was so good.
Brent and Mercedes feel a kind of instant attraction, but their kinds don't usually mix. Mercedes is a witch, with the power to coax, calm, and soothe. Shifters worry about being manipulated, especially in their animal form, so they usually steer clear of witches. Except Brent can't. And doesn't want to. He agrees to be Sadie's "secret" lover, but he knows it's forever, even if she won't admit it.
I really liked the forbidden love aspect of this. Brent only reluctantly becoming the alpha and needing a mate but stuck on one deemed unsuitable was a great internal struggle that gave him layers. I loved how confident he was, but also how vulnerable he was, and fearful of losing control. Mercedes was a great match for him, and her powers suited him. She was powerful and demanding of his true self--she didn't let him hide. He couldn't wear a mask with her and he was better for it. The two of them were passionate and very sexy. Her grandmothers offered some lightheartedness and comic relief. The alpha challenge was a pretty emotional and gave the story some heft. This one was full of feeling. I was sad when it was over.
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage and Violence
Snowbound: An Umber Bluffs Story by Té Russ
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Amani's relationship ends right before her wedding, and she decides to take her grandmother and use what was supposed to be her Christmas wedding and honeymoon trip to ski and pick up the pieces. So she's at Black-owned ski resort in Umber Bluffs. She gets hurt skiing and gets rescued by a handsome stranger. But then a storm hits and they're holed up in his cabin over Christmas.
I loved this story. Amani and Zane were completely adorable and their cute, private, holiday is exactly what I wanted in a Christmas romance. Amani stopped her tantrum and got together quick and I loved her maturity, lol. I loved the way they participated in holiday traditions and made it fun. They meshed together nicely and it didn't feel forced. It felt like they were together by choice. That was great writing. Her gran was funny and I loved her spirit. It was a great balance of sweet and so, so sexy. Zane was protective and gallant, and he took care of her. I also love how the end had Amani imagining a new future in other aspects of her life, and how they still connected to Zane. Great story.
I loved this story. Amani and Zane were completely adorable and their cute, private, holiday is exactly what I wanted in a Christmas romance. Amani stopped her tantrum and got together quick and I loved her maturity, lol. I loved the way they participated in holiday traditions and made it fun. They meshed together nicely and it didn't feel forced. It felt like they were together by choice. That was great writing. Her gran was funny and I loved her spirit. It was a great balance of sweet and so, so sexy. Zane was protective and gallant, and he took care of her. I also love how the end had Amani imagining a new future in other aspects of her life, and how they still connected to Zane. Great story.
You Make It Feel like Christmas by Toni Shiloh
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.75
Starr is on her way home for Christmas, jobless and embarrassed to tell anyone. Plus the family's gearing up for her sister Angel's wedding--to Starr's ex-boyfriend. And she has to put a clamp on her feelings about that too. But maybe her brother's friend Waylon, and the new way he's looking at her, can make the holidays bearable.
This was a very sweet story. I love the way Waylon stepped right in to give Starr a soft place to land. I also liked that things occurred between them in a natural way, and it didn't have any of those weird layers of feeling like it wasn't right because of Waylon's friendship with the brother. That was refreshing. Waylon and Starr were so easy together, so gentle and right. They cheered each other on, and stayed in each other's corner the whole way. And even the talk about extending the relationship past the holiday was mature and kind of wonderful. They both considered what was best for each other AND the relationship. It was very unselfish and loving. What a soft, hopeful, love story.
I will say that the second half of the book felt bogged down with too much messaging. Prayer is fine, and I think it helped in dealing with the situations they both had, but it felt like a lot of the internal monologue turned into prayers and it felt... awkward, for lack of a better word. It's okay if characters talk to themselves. Every conversation doesn't have to be one with God.
Also, the second half push to have Starr forgive her sister felt forced and unnecessary. I wish she'd been able to move past her own emotions and let that be the end of it. The insistent need to redeem her sister didn't feel organic to the story.
It was very sweet though. I enjoyed it.
This was a very sweet story. I love the way Waylon stepped right in to give Starr a soft place to land. I also liked that things occurred between them in a natural way, and it didn't have any of those weird layers of feeling like it wasn't right because of Waylon's friendship with the brother. That was refreshing. Waylon and Starr were so easy together, so gentle and right. They cheered each other on, and stayed in each other's corner the whole way. And even the talk about extending the relationship past the holiday was mature and kind of wonderful. They both considered what was best for each other AND the relationship. It was very unselfish and loving. What a soft, hopeful, love story.
I will say that the second half of the book felt bogged down with too much messaging. Prayer is fine, and I think it helped in dealing with the situations they both had, but it felt like a lot of the internal monologue turned into prayers and it felt... awkward, for lack of a better word. It's okay if characters talk to themselves. Every conversation doesn't have to be one with God.
Also, the second half push to have Starr forgive her sister felt forced and unnecessary. I wish she'd been able to move past her own emotions and let that be the end of it. The insistent need to redeem her sister didn't feel organic to the story.
It was very sweet though. I enjoyed it.
Merry Kiss Me by Louise Lennox
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Rhue and Symone were teenage lovers, filled with dreams and promise. But life and grief took them in separate directions. Now, Symone is on her way home for Christmas, fresh out of a relationship, trying to salvage some semblance of her legacy, only to find that Rhue plans to tear down one of the only pieces left.
This story was just okay. Symone was really immature and kind of a pain. She disappears, her grief makes her ignore everything about the life she had before. Now she drops back in, making demands on a place she wanted no parts of and had no plans of staying in. It was weird. And then she and Rhue went from hate to something else so fast. One minute she's avoiding him, the next she's dry humping his lap out of nowhere. It was... abrupt. The story seemed disjointed in a lot of places and didn't flow naturally. It went too fast in some places and so slow in others. And Symone's dad suddenly playing protector but letting her mom vomit verbal abuse all over her without saying anything was a no go for me. All in all, it was only okay.
This story was just okay. Symone was really immature and kind of a pain. She disappears, her grief makes her ignore everything about the life she had before. Now she drops back in, making demands on a place she wanted no parts of and had no plans of staying in. It was weird. And then she and Rhue went from hate to something else so fast. One minute she's avoiding him, the next she's dry humping his lap out of nowhere. It was... abrupt. The story seemed disjointed in a lot of places and didn't flow naturally. It went too fast in some places and so slow in others. And Symone's dad suddenly playing protector but letting her mom vomit verbal abuse all over her without saying anything was a no go for me. All in all, it was only okay.
By Request by Charity Shane, Charity Shane
adventurous
emotional
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
4.25
Wale is a rich man with no time for meaningful relationships. He's taking a break and ants to spend it the way he always does--with a paid escort and no strings. But when he walk into his favorite escort service office, he runs smack into Skylar and decides to pick her. The problem? Skylar isn't an escort, she's the niece of the owner. But Wale wants her anyway. So he makes her an offer she can't refuse.
I liked this so much. It was sexy and sweet. It explored erotica, more specifically tantric sex, in a great way. Wale and Skylar had an instant connection and they explored it slowly and gently while also being really explosive. The description of the ways they were drunk on each other, and felt bereft without each other were very well done. I really loved the way Wale solved Skylar's problem without even thinking about it. And knew he wanted her to stay before she could verbalize it herself. The situation with his ex was heavy, but still frustrating to have come between them. But Wale was a focused man, who knew what he wanted. And it all worked out in the end.
I liked this so much. It was sexy and sweet. It explored erotica, more specifically tantric sex, in a great way. Wale and Skylar had an instant connection and they explored it slowly and gently while also being really explosive. The description of the ways they were drunk on each other, and felt bereft without each other were very well done. I really loved the way Wale solved Skylar's problem without even thinking about it. And knew he wanted her to stay before she could verbalize it herself. The situation with his ex was heavy, but still frustrating to have come between them. But Wale was a focused man, who knew what he wanted. And it all worked out in the end.
Say You'll Ride by Tucora Monique
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Stevie is on the run from an abusive man. She just wants to live a quiet life grooming dogs and raising her child. She meets Shiloh when she comes to his club and she immediately knows she wants no parts of the life he leads. But he wants her. And when their interaction leads an enemy of his to target her, it's up to him to protect her.
Okay, for the most part I liked this. It was sexy in some places, sweet in others. Shiloh was strong, dominant, a protector. Stevie was resourceful, smart and held her own. I like them together. I did think their banter felt stilted in places, like the conversation didn't feel natural but it balanced out in other places. Shiloh's past and his ex is jail was a turn I could see the story taking and I knew he wouldn't handle it until it was too late, which I had to say had me a bit disappointed. But he was obsessed and completely willing to crash out behind Stevie, lol. So love won in the end. It was a good read.
Okay, for the most part I liked this. It was sexy in some places, sweet in others. Shiloh was strong, dominant, a protector. Stevie was resourceful, smart and held her own. I like them together. I did think their banter felt stilted in places, like the conversation didn't feel natural but it balanced out in other places. Shiloh's past and his ex is jail was a turn I could see the story taking and I knew he wouldn't handle it until it was too late, which I had to say had me a bit disappointed. But he was obsessed and completely willing to crash out behind Stevie, lol. So love won in the end. It was a good read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence
Broken Clocks by Danielle Allen
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
Layla and Will are the best couple with the worst timing. But life keeps giving them chances to make it right. Will one of them stick?
Okay, so I can't say too much without giving away the book, but the way this book had me up and down and all around my emotions. I was so frustrated with Layla and the way she constantly backed away. I was sad for her when she was so worried about Will and whether she could truly make him happy. And just when everything was coming together, it changed. Will tried to be everything to everyone and hurt Layla in the process, but as soon as they got past it, another setback. This one threw me and I was so emotional when I thought about Layla's sacrifice. This book took me through so many emotions and I was in awe of the power of Will and Layla's love. I was so shook by the passion they shared and the moments. It was amazing, but it was a lot.
Okay, so I can't say too much without giving away the book, but the way this book had me up and down and all around my emotions. I was so frustrated with Layla and the way she constantly backed away. I was sad for her when she was so worried about Will and whether she could truly make him happy. And just when everything was coming together, it changed. Will tried to be everything to everyone and hurt Layla in the process, but as soon as they got past it, another setback. This one threw me and I was so emotional when I thought about Layla's sacrifice. This book took me through so many emotions and I was in awe of the power of Will and Layla's love. I was so shook by the passion they shared and the moments. It was amazing, but it was a lot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Infertility
Hold Me While You Wait by Kimberly Brown
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.25
Xander and Somya meet when her niece defends his daughter from bullies. Father and daughter both have vitiligo, and even with her father's affirmations, Deanna could still use a friend. The kids allow the parents to get closer and love blooms. But the past keeps rearing it's ugly head. Will they push through?
I love the way Somya took charge of her life. She stood up for her niece and was a great mother and role model. I like that she clearly articulated her needs and never backed down from her ex. Xander was a dad making a way and his past made me emotional. I love how he affirmed his daughter and left room for her to express her emotions, but still remained the parent in the situation. the way these two eased into a love so steady and strong made me so happy. He built her a library! That's love. And they talked to each other, held each other's vulnerabilities and made space for the hard things. I love how they let the kids lead the way in addressing the people who hurt them. But Xander defended Somya and let her ex know the disrespect wouldn't be tolerated. Loved the book.
The blended family aspect of the end was nice.
I love the way Somya took charge of her life. She stood up for her niece and was a great mother and role model. I like that she clearly articulated her needs and never backed down from her ex. Xander was a dad making a way and his past made me emotional. I love how he affirmed his daughter and left room for her to express her emotions, but still remained the parent in the situation. the way these two eased into a love so steady and strong made me so happy. He built her a library! That's love. And they talked to each other, held each other's vulnerabilities and made space for the hard things. I love how they let the kids lead the way in addressing the people who hurt them. But Xander defended Somya and let her ex know the disrespect wouldn't be tolerated. Loved the book.
The blended family aspect of the end was nice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
We Ready by Mel Dau
medium-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
3.0
Mauri and Yetti had a FWB arrangement that resulted in a child they both loved. And now they're in this back and forth jealousy game. Yetti has been steadily wanting and trying for a real relationship, but Mauri likes her freedom--or so she thinks. So what happens when Yetti stops trying and steps away from the game? And all their playing makes Mauri end up pregnant again?
Okay so all of Mauri and Yetti's up and down wasn't really my cup of tea. I thought I was going to watch them build a relationship, and after all the drama, the book cut off before you even get to see that. I was disappointed in that.
I was also disappointed that Yetti felt so far removed from the Yetti I loved in Ready for War. He felt different. I loved that he stood up for himself and backed away from the rollercoaster with Mauri. However, giving him so much exposition about being a good, attentive, protective, father, and then having him ignore so many red flags when it came to his child seemed like cross purposes--it felt like someone else. Plus, he was touted as someone who didn't lead women on--he was always upfront about what he wanted and didn't want. But all of that suddenly changed with the girlfriend? It didn't feel right.
Mauri was... complicated. It took that second baby for her to grow up and I was exhausted of her by then. I didn't really understand any of her motivation. And her (and everyone else's) angry response to the paternity question was weird. She planted the seeds of doubt and was suddenly angry there was doubt. There were parts of this that felt like drama for drama's sake and I wondered when it would all balance out. It was okay.
Okay so all of Mauri and Yetti's up and down wasn't really my cup of tea. I thought I was going to watch them build a relationship, and after all the drama, the book cut off before you even get to see that. I was disappointed in that.
I was also disappointed that Yetti felt so far removed from the Yetti I loved in Ready for War. He felt different. I loved that he stood up for himself and backed away from the rollercoaster with Mauri. However, giving him so much exposition about being a good, attentive, protective, father, and then having him ignore so many red flags when it came to his child seemed like cross purposes--it felt like someone else. Plus, he was touted as someone who didn't lead women on--he was always upfront about what he wanted and didn't want. But all of that suddenly changed with the girlfriend? It didn't feel right.
Mauri was... complicated. It took that second baby for her to grow up and I was exhausted of her by then. I didn't really understand any of her motivation. And her (and everyone else's) angry response to the paternity question was weird. She planted the seeds of doubt and was suddenly angry there was doubt. There were parts of this that felt like drama for drama's sake and I wondered when it would all balance out. It was okay.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
Ready for War by Mel Dau
challenging
emotional
sad
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
4.25
Blossom Peace is losing a handle on her teenage son, and his acting out is seriously stressing her. One night, she gets called from work to Warrior's garage, where her son has been caught vandalizing his property. War gave the boy grace, on the strength of Blossom's father, and offered Blossom a new job so she could spend more time with him. But Blossom's pride and War's impatience make them oil and water.
I liked this book a lot. War and Peace had chemistry from the start; I liked that you could see it. Their arguing and their push/ pull led up to some great passion and it was worth it to get to that point, lol. I love the way War took an interest in the son, and then the way they all stepped in to parent the other two boys too. Family was a big theme in this book and I loved that too. Yetti was a wonderful character, one of my favorites in this book.
Blossom's lament over her mothering, but her refusal to accept help kinda frustrated me--no parent should have too much pride to help their kids. Her BD was a problem that took way too long to get eliminated, and I found myself wishing they'd get to the point with him. He never should have gotten the drop on her dad. Felt a little too fantastical. Plus, his subplot was entertaining enough, but there was A LOT going on. But I did like that the son set a firm boundary with him.
Addressing Blossom's past and her being a victim was not quite as delicate as I wanted, but I did like that everyone agreed her BD was a predator. And that Blossom was able to make that realization herself eventually. And it helped her grow in love. War stood on business and defended his family. And was vulnerable when it called for it. I enjoyed them.
I liked this book a lot. War and Peace had chemistry from the start; I liked that you could see it. Their arguing and their push/ pull led up to some great passion and it was worth it to get to that point, lol. I love the way War took an interest in the son, and then the way they all stepped in to parent the other two boys too. Family was a big theme in this book and I loved that too. Yetti was a wonderful character, one of my favorites in this book.
Blossom's lament over her mothering, but her refusal to accept help kinda frustrated me--no parent should have too much pride to help their kids. Her BD was a problem that took way too long to get eliminated, and I found myself wishing they'd get to the point with him. He never should have gotten the drop on her dad. Felt a little too fantastical. Plus, his subplot was entertaining enough, but there was A LOT going on. But I did like that the son set a firm boundary with him.
Addressing Blossom's past and her being a victim was not quite as delicate as I wanted, but I did like that everyone agreed her BD was a predator. And that Blossom was able to make that realization herself eventually. And it helped her grow in love. War stood on business and defended his family. And was vulnerable when it called for it. I enjoyed them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Gun violence, Pedophilia, and Violence