Scan barcode
scoodle42's reviews
758 reviews
Sweet Indiscretion by ShanicexLola
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.25
Tegan is numbing herself at a bar when in walks the tattoo artist who recently inked her during a drunken escapade with her coworkers. Cameron is into her and makes it known, but Tegan's running away, and recovering from a betrayal that ran deep. She wants to give Cameron a chance, but doesn't have the strength. But Cameron won't give up. He even invites her home for Christmas.
This story was an emotional punch in the gut. Nightmares from unprocessed pain is something I never considered and Tegan's struggle really touched me. She pushed and pulled; she didn't know what she wanted, or could handle. I wish she hadn't felt the need to run away so much, but I understood and I loved the moments where she let her vulnerability lead her. Her defense of her sister was endearing, although that side plot felt a little sudden. Cameron was patient and kind, but insistent in his own needs and I was proud of him. He gave Tegan the space she needed, but also told her what she needed to hear and didn't let her push him away. The two of them were soft and quiet together, love that was gentle but very passionate and I rooted for them. Good job.
This story was an emotional punch in the gut. Nightmares from unprocessed pain is something I never considered and Tegan's struggle really touched me. She pushed and pulled; she didn't know what she wanted, or could handle. I wish she hadn't felt the need to run away so much, but I understood and I loved the moments where she let her vulnerability lead her. Her defense of her sister was endearing, although that side plot felt a little sudden. Cameron was patient and kind, but insistent in his own needs and I was proud of him. He gave Tegan the space she needed, but also told her what she needed to hear and didn't let her push him away. The two of them were soft and quiet together, love that was gentle but very passionate and I rooted for them. Good job.
Humble Heart by T'Lyn
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
Jada is a successful businesswoman with no time for games. She adheres to a certain standard and won't back down. But she lets her employee drag her to jazz club and meets the owner (Maurice) and suddenly her rules might go out the window.
So I liked Maurice for Jada. She needed someone to anchor her a bit. She was so busy carving out this perfect life, she was letting friends and love pass her by. I love that Maurice made his own dreams come true. I love that he was able to draw a boundary with his family. Speaking of, the background family shenanigans almost took me too fast, but it balanced out. Jada did her running, and I was frustrated with her, but she was teachable and I did like that. The side characters did just enough to be interesting, and I love the passion Jada and Maurice shared. They both learned from one another and defended what they were building. This was a nice book.
So I liked Maurice for Jada. She needed someone to anchor her a bit. She was so busy carving out this perfect life, she was letting friends and love pass her by. I love that Maurice made his own dreams come true. I love that he was able to draw a boundary with his family. Speaking of, the background family shenanigans almost took me too fast, but it balanced out. Jada did her running, and I was frustrated with her, but she was teachable and I did like that. The side characters did just enough to be interesting, and I love the passion Jada and Maurice shared. They both learned from one another and defended what they were building. This was a nice book.
A Dallas Summer with A Thug by Khemistri J
dark
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? No
3.0
Malik is the young hothead, always ready to ride and with all three of the older brothers in jail, he's got to ride alone. But then he meets Toi, his club's bartender, who is running from her past in a really unexpected way. And even with everything already at stake, Malik decides to help.
So this was the finale, and I was intrigued enough to get to this point, which says something. I like Toi for Malik. She was the calm to his storm and even as he wrecked shit behind her and her child, she was making his home something worth coming back to. I like when the characters fill a space within each other like they did. I will say her past threw me for a loop and I'm not sure I bought all the way in. It felt like there was a little too much going on.
As for how everything wrapped up with the brothers, I have to say it felt anticlimactic. The players, the puppet masters, even the reasons behind it all. It felt like... I wanted it to be more compelling. But it kept me until the end, so who knows?
So this was the finale, and I was intrigued enough to get to this point, which says something. I like Toi for Malik. She was the calm to his storm and even as he wrecked shit behind her and her child, she was making his home something worth coming back to. I like when the characters fill a space within each other like they did. I will say her past threw me for a loop and I'm not sure I bought all the way in. It felt like there was a little too much going on.
As for how everything wrapped up with the brothers, I have to say it felt anticlimactic. The players, the puppet masters, even the reasons behind it all. It felt like... I wanted it to be more compelling. But it kept me until the end, so who knows?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
A Dallas Summer with A Gangsta by Khemistri J
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Demi and Rashad hate each other--don't they? Of course, they don't but Demi refuses to let her guard down with Rashad and he's too busy being stone-faced and unaffected to admit he likes her too. But now with danger everywhere, he's honor bound to protect Demi, whether she wants it or not.
I love a good antagonists to lovers romance. Demi and Rashad were lying to themselves and it was funny watching it trip them up again and again. Rashad as the unhinged brother played very well--he was my type definitely. Demi thinking she was going to get to have a boyfriend was very ill-timed on her part, lol. And his side plot didn't give me much, tbh. I could have done without it. Plus, the intrigue with the boys' business is kinda taking over at this point. I wish I had more Demi and Rashad by themselves.
The threat against the boys is getting more convoluted, and by this book I'm a little bored with it. I don't necessarily need the shock value of it all. But watching Rashad in action was decent. He really lived up to his persona.
I love a good antagonists to lovers romance. Demi and Rashad were lying to themselves and it was funny watching it trip them up again and again. Rashad as the unhinged brother played very well--he was my type definitely. Demi thinking she was going to get to have a boyfriend was very ill-timed on her part, lol. And his side plot didn't give me much, tbh. I could have done without it. Plus, the intrigue with the boys' business is kinda taking over at this point. I wish I had more Demi and Rashad by themselves.
The threat against the boys is getting more convoluted, and by this book I'm a little bored with it. I don't necessarily need the shock value of it all. But watching Rashad in action was decent. He really lived up to his persona.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
A Dallas Summer with A Shooter by Khemistri J
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Andre and Kayla have been not-so-secret lovers for awhile and Andre is tired of the games. He's loved Kayla forever and only wants to love her out loud. But her past keeps her from opening up fully. Plus, the threat looming over the brothers' empire gets deeper.
I like Andre and Kayla. I got Kayla's fear and I loved Andre's insistence. The background plot started overshadowing the love story which was frustrating because I enjoyed these characters. They were gone off each other, and you could tell the connection was real.
Also, this was one was A Dallas Summer With A Shooter and my goodness so many people got shot. Andre was a trigger puller for real, lol. He played no games. And the end just let me know more chaos is coming.
I like Andre and Kayla. I got Kayla's fear and I loved Andre's insistence. The background plot started overshadowing the love story which was frustrating because I enjoyed these characters. They were gone off each other, and you could tell the connection was real.
Also, this was one was A Dallas Summer With A Shooter and my goodness so many people got shot. Andre was a trigger puller for real, lol. He played no games. And the end just let me know more chaos is coming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
A Dallas Summer with A Boss by Khemistri J
adventurous
lighthearted
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? No
3.5
Kadeem and Carmen are ex-lovers and friends who fell apart when Kadeem wanted street life and Carmen wasn't prepared to go along for the ride. But now she's home for the summer and he's determined to win her back, no matter what. Plus, someone is coming for the empire he runs with his brothers. Can they handle everything?
I liked most of this. I liked how Kadeem was brash, and arrogant, but he was also a man in love who wasn't afraid to let down his guard. Carmen was a good character and her misgivings made sense. Her friends were funny and you could see where the story was building to. Kadeem's brothers were good characters as they were introduced. I wish it hadn't been quite so dramatic in some places, and I thought it needed some editing. Some of Carmen's introspection felt a bit rambly and I thought some dialogue to break up the huge swaths of internal monologue would have made it flow easier. But it was enjoyable.
I liked most of this. I liked how Kadeem was brash, and arrogant, but he was also a man in love who wasn't afraid to let down his guard. Carmen was a good character and her misgivings made sense. Her friends were funny and you could see where the story was building to. Kadeem's brothers were good characters as they were introduced. I wish it hadn't been quite so dramatic in some places, and I thought it needed some editing. Some of Carmen's introspection felt a bit rambly and I thought some dialogue to break up the huge swaths of internal monologue would have made it flow easier. But it was enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
With Love, This Christmas by Kimberly Brown
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Noelle and Kane have been hiding in their friendship for years, both of them harboring a secret love, both of the afraid of ruining what they have. But Noelle is home for Christmas, after years away and it's time to shit or get off the pot.
Okay, so first, KB writes friends to lovers so affectionate and comfortable it's always a wonder they aren't already together. I love this, because if it's one thing I can't stand, it's somebody claiming a best friend and acting awkward around them. Noelle and Kane were too cute for words. I love that Noelle made her dreams come true, and she never felt held back or unsupported. I love the way she and Kane kept their relationship alive. The family ties and holiday hijinks were great and I like how everyone simply encouraged them to act on what was already known. Noelle and Kane didn't take too long and as scared as they might have been, their friendship allowed truth telling and understanding so they didn't run away from each other. Good job.
Okay, so first, KB writes friends to lovers so affectionate and comfortable it's always a wonder they aren't already together. I love this, because if it's one thing I can't stand, it's somebody claiming a best friend and acting awkward around them. Noelle and Kane were too cute for words. I love that Noelle made her dreams come true, and she never felt held back or unsupported. I love the way she and Kane kept their relationship alive. The family ties and holiday hijinks were great and I like how everyone simply encouraged them to act on what was already known. Noelle and Kane didn't take too long and as scared as they might have been, their friendship allowed truth telling and understanding so they didn't run away from each other. Good job.
Where Hearts Lie by Kimberly Brown
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Brynlee gets stuck in an airport, on her way home for Christmas. She decides to drive, with an impending snowstorm, and her car breaks down in a place where there's only one person she can call: her ex-husband, Sage. And he comes pretty willingly. But now they're stuck together.
Okay, so I love a good Christmas romance, and a second chance opportunity. So I loved most of this. I loved them continuing Christmas traditions and that there was still so much affection between them. With stories like this, I always find myself wishing they address the elephant in the room before they skip down memory lane, but oh well. Everything blew up the way I expected and it was a doozy. The characters made it seem like their flame just burnt out, but there was more to their conflict.
I will say that for me it felt like Brynlee didn't want to leave, or split up or anything. It felt like she just dropped that bomb so Sage could pay attention and changing your whole life for attention feels flimsy. And at the end she was still running away, just to see if he'd chase her. I'd like to have seen her work through that. Overall, pretty okay story.
Okay, so I love a good Christmas romance, and a second chance opportunity. So I loved most of this. I loved them continuing Christmas traditions and that there was still so much affection between them. With stories like this, I always find myself wishing they address the elephant in the room before they skip down memory lane, but oh well. Everything blew up the way I expected and it was a doozy. The characters made it seem like their flame just burnt out, but there was more to their conflict.
I will say that for me it felt like Brynlee didn't want to leave, or split up or anything. It felt like she just dropped that bomb so Sage could pay attention and changing your whole life for attention feels flimsy. And at the end she was still running away, just to see if he'd chase her. I'd like to have seen her work through that. Overall, pretty okay story.
Sweet Honesty by Joan Vassar
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
Michael watched his lover get married to a woman, and knew he could no longer stay in Atlanta. So he heads for New York. And there he finds a new home, a new life, and Alex. Is that enough to move forward completely?
This love story rocked me to my core. It was rugged and romantic, beautiful and hard, but soft and strong. It was so much of everything. Michael's courage in forging a new life, plus his struggle to be seen, to be free, to find acceptance was so moving. Alex's confidence and bravery was nicely juxtaposed against his struggles with commitment and finding someone who made him want, and feel. The two of them together were passionate and . I loved the way they defended one another. And I love the way the author showed the societal constraints of being a gay man in that time, but also the freedom in having family who loved you and kept you close regardless.
The tense moments of wondering if the world would come between Mike and Alex gave me so much of an emotional response. I was scared for them and rooting for them the entire time. I loved Michael and his mother's relationship. And I loved that Alex proudly boasted having two mothers. It was a great family story in that regard. Michael's past coming back to haunt him was no less than I expected--exes always know when you're happy with someone else, lol. Lamont was a bit pathetic and had so much audacity it wasn't even funny but I love how easily Michael put him in his place.
All in all, Mike and Alex were romance personified. Even when they were afraid, and jealous, and unsure, they still opened their hearts. It was lovely.
This love story rocked me to my core. It was rugged and romantic, beautiful and hard, but soft and strong. It was so much of everything. Michael's courage in forging a new life, plus his struggle to be seen, to be free, to find acceptance was so moving. Alex's confidence and bravery was nicely juxtaposed against his struggles with commitment and finding someone who made him want, and feel. The two of them together were passionate and . I loved the way they defended one another. And I love the way the author showed the societal constraints of being a gay man in that time, but also the freedom in having family who loved you and kept you close regardless.
The tense moments of wondering if the world would come between Mike and Alex gave me so much of an emotional response. I was scared for them and rooting for them the entire time. I loved Michael and his mother's relationship. And I loved that Alex proudly boasted having two mothers. It was a great family story in that regard. Michael's past coming back to haunt him was no less than I expected--exes always know when you're happy with someone else, lol. Lamont was a bit pathetic and had so much audacity it wasn't even funny but I love how easily Michael put him in his place.
All in all, Mike and Alex were romance personified. Even when they were afraid, and jealous, and unsure, they still opened their hearts. It was lovely.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Police brutality
Fascinated With Her Curves by T.C. Johnson
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? N/A
2.5
2.5 rounded to 3
Amari and Lark meet when he brings his sister to her plus size boutique to get a dress made. They feel an instant pull but they're both involved, and Amari is a brand new quarterback with a new contract and his teenage sister on his plate.
Let's start with what i liked. I liked Lark and Angel. Their friendship, and their banter. I like that Amari was someone who learned from his mistakes. I like that his sister was able to open up and be more confident in herself.
But, honestly I hoped I would like the book overall a bit more. It's set in my hometown and I was excited. But it wasn't really romantic at all. First, it tried to give E2L vibes because the MCs got into a disagreement, but after the air was cleared, they were both still too wrapped up in other things and them getting together felt like an afterthought.
The fatphobia and verbal abuse should have had a trigger warning. Maybe that doesn't matter to some people--it mattered to me. Also, this book has a homophobic slur that was wholly unnecessary. It just left a bad taste in my mouth. Amari navigating his sister's issues took most of the story, and her POV overshadowed the main characters.
Also, it does no good to brag that the fat FMC is confident, but then show her knowingly getting humiliated and played and not doing anything about it. That doesn't make her look confident. Her letting the boyfriend and her friend run up her card just to "see how far they would go". Made no sense whatsoever, and didn't make her look anything but stupid.
Amari and Lark meet when he brings his sister to her plus size boutique to get a dress made. They feel an instant pull but they're both involved, and Amari is a brand new quarterback with a new contract and his teenage sister on his plate.
Let's start with what i liked. I liked Lark and Angel. Their friendship, and their banter. I like that Amari was someone who learned from his mistakes. I like that his sister was able to open up and be more confident in herself.
But, honestly I hoped I would like the book overall a bit more. It's set in my hometown and I was excited. But it wasn't really romantic at all. First, it tried to give E2L vibes because the MCs got into a disagreement, but after the air was cleared, they were both still too wrapped up in other things and them getting together felt like an afterthought.
The fatphobia and verbal abuse should have had a trigger warning. Maybe that doesn't matter to some people--it mattered to me. Also, this book has a homophobic slur that was wholly unnecessary. It just left a bad taste in my mouth. Amari navigating his sister's issues took most of the story, and her POV overshadowed the main characters.
Also, it does no good to brag that the fat FMC is confident, but then show her knowingly getting humiliated and played and not doing anything about it. That doesn't make her look confident. Her letting the boyfriend and her friend run up her card just to "see how far they would go". Made no sense whatsoever, and didn't make her look anything but stupid.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Homophobia