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scoodle42's reviews
742 reviews
Roomie, Lover, Friend: A New Hope Novel by Shon
emotional
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
5.0
Blair is about to be homeless. Forced to find a new place because her ex switched up after she fell on hard times, she downloads an app to look for a roommate. And knocks right on Elijah's door. But it's the wrong door. And while she's only looking to mitigate the embarrassment, Elijah wants her to stay.
I loved this book. One of my favorites from Shon. Her rhythm and and cadence are unmatched and the way she pulls you into her character's thoughts makes you feel like you're there with them. Blair and Elijah were so sweet and so right for each other. The push and pull of both of them denying their feelings was a nice angst, but you got relief quickly. Elijah was strong and very self-aware, and I love the way he protected Blair from the moment he offered his home. Blair got dealt a bad hand but her bounce back was amazing to see and you rooted for her, with and besides Elijah. Their passion filled the pages without being over the top and I love the way the author wrote their chemistry. Leading into physical connection was a great anticipatory ride and the moment they went there, Shon's writing took you all the way there and it was riveting as always. The side characters added some good heft to the personalities of our mains and the supermarket scene was gold. Wonderful book.
I loved this book. One of my favorites from Shon. Her rhythm and and cadence are unmatched and the way she pulls you into her character's thoughts makes you feel like you're there with them. Blair and Elijah were so sweet and so right for each other. The push and pull of both of them denying their feelings was a nice angst, but you got relief quickly. Elijah was strong and very self-aware, and I love the way he protected Blair from the moment he offered his home. Blair got dealt a bad hand but her bounce back was amazing to see and you rooted for her, with and besides Elijah. Their passion filled the pages without being over the top and I love the way the author wrote their chemistry. Leading into physical connection was a great anticipatory ride and the moment they went there, Shon's writing took you all the way there and it was riveting as always. The side characters added some good heft to the personalities of our mains and the supermarket scene was gold. Wonderful book.
Hers to Keep by Anna Stone
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.25
Lindsey is in debt--a lot of it. She wants to be an artist, but her dreams are being buried under a pile of bills. So she signs up for a website to be a sugar baby, and meets Camilla. It's a temporary arrangement, a transaction. But could there be more than either of them imagined?
I was more invested in this than I thought I would be. The beginning didn't make me feel like I would be captivated, but I was. The complexity of Camilla--dominant, cold, controlling. But also shielding herself. Seeing her mask crack and Lindsey's submission force her to take off her armor was very engaging. They were hot for sure, a passionate masterpiece, but the pieces where they peeled back the layers kept you pulled in. Camilla's indulgence of Lindsey and her need to keep her comfortable and happy showed her resistance to keeping things transactional, and once the house was fully open, it was love. Camilla's family issues and her illness gave her some solid nuance and I loved seeing Lindsey's sunshine brighten her life. Lindsey continuing to fall deeper, even with her fear was inspiring and I liked her character more than I thought I would. It was a good read.
I was more invested in this than I thought I would be. The beginning didn't make me feel like I would be captivated, but I was. The complexity of Camilla--dominant, cold, controlling. But also shielding herself. Seeing her mask crack and Lindsey's submission force her to take off her armor was very engaging. They were hot for sure, a passionate masterpiece, but the pieces where they peeled back the layers kept you pulled in. Camilla's indulgence of Lindsey and her need to keep her comfortable and happy showed her resistance to keeping things transactional, and once the house was fully open, it was love. Camilla's family issues and her illness gave her some solid nuance and I loved seeing Lindsey's sunshine brighten her life. Lindsey continuing to fall deeper, even with her fear was inspiring and I liked her character more than I thought I would. It was a good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Heat Of The Moment by BriAnn Danae
adventurous
funny
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
Sovanna is spending her last nights before her move living it up. Her friends dare her to have a one night stand and there's only one man whose attention she wants for the night. She didn't think she'd ever see Zaire again, but fate works in funny ways.
I love this story. The dare leading into something more than Sovanna ever dreamed or thought she wanted was a nice turn of fate. Love when you least expect it is a great storyline. Zaire was a man who knew himself and what he wanted, and I loved the way he never backed down. He was a match for Sovanna's bold personality and I loved that she never contemplated shrinking herself--and he never considered asking her to. their chemistry and passion were off the charts hot and there was a layer of humor in the introspection that made it even more enjoyable. Sovanna's family struggles came a little out of nowhere but I did like the way she stood up for herself and was able to hash things out while setting a boundary. Zaire's care for his family was a good touch and gave him needed nuance and an extra layer since the story was fast paced. I love the way their conflict resolved at the end--they both recognized the truth and the love in the other and they focused on what was real. Loved it.
I love this story. The dare leading into something more than Sovanna ever dreamed or thought she wanted was a nice turn of fate. Love when you least expect it is a great storyline. Zaire was a man who knew himself and what he wanted, and I loved the way he never backed down. He was a match for Sovanna's bold personality and I loved that she never contemplated shrinking herself--and he never considered asking her to. their chemistry and passion were off the charts hot and there was a layer of humor in the introspection that made it even more enjoyable. Sovanna's family struggles came a little out of nowhere but I did like the way she stood up for herself and was able to hash things out while setting a boundary. Zaire's care for his family was a good touch and gave him needed nuance and an extra layer since the story was fast paced. I love the way their conflict resolved at the end--they both recognized the truth and the love in the other and they focused on what was real. Loved it.
Now Boarding to Love: An Instalove Romance by Monae Nicole, Monae Nicole
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Avani and Dallas meet when each decide to take a solo vacation after heartbreak. And the sparks are immediate. But can it survive real life?
I loved this. It was sweet and really gentle. Easy love, and a rebound that turned into the real thing. Those are two of my favorite tropes and I was loving this book. It didn't take too long to read and I love that too. Avani and Dallas were both scared, but brave enough to take a chance on something that felt right. This author always gives me a feel good story and it's what i need a lot of the time. Good job.
I loved this. It was sweet and really gentle. Easy love, and a rebound that turned into the real thing. Those are two of my favorite tropes and I was loving this book. It didn't take too long to read and I love that too. Avani and Dallas were both scared, but brave enough to take a chance on something that felt right. This author always gives me a feel good story and it's what i need a lot of the time. Good job.
The Road to Love by ShanicexLola
adventurous
emotional
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
Rieka and Taj get stuck together on a road trip to Rieka's family vacation. Little does she know, Taj has been looking for the space and opportunity to tell her how he feels.
So. I am a ShanicexLola stan always and forever. She packs so much feeling and build into her stories. Her arcs are developed, and her characters are nuanced. She does a better job than other authors using way less words, tbh. I love her love stories. The Road to Love is no different.
Rieka and Taj were fun, sexy, and adorable. Their connection was so cute. The things they knew about each other offered a nice blanket of comfort for learning and discovering the things they didn't know. I felt like I was on the trip with them and it was sweet and very satisfying. I love Taj's courage and commitment and I love how Rieka could make him let go in a way no one else could. Their chemistry was on point and the story had a nice build, with a family element for a final touch to make you smile. One of my faves.
So. I am a ShanicexLola stan always and forever. She packs so much feeling and build into her stories. Her arcs are developed, and her characters are nuanced. She does a better job than other authors using way less words, tbh. I love her love stories. The Road to Love is no different.
Rieka and Taj were fun, sexy, and adorable. Their connection was so cute. The things they knew about each other offered a nice blanket of comfort for learning and discovering the things they didn't know. I felt like I was on the trip with them and it was sweet and very satisfying. I love Taj's courage and commitment and I love how Rieka could make him let go in a way no one else could. Their chemistry was on point and the story had a nice build, with a family element for a final touch to make you smile. One of my faves.
The Unhinged Best Man by M. Monique
emotional
funny
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
Boston and Nikki find out that her fiancée and his wife have been messing around. But neither of them are heartbroken. Instead, Boston knows it's the opening he needs to right the wrong turn he made with his first and only love. Nikki is worried about appearances, but she can't deny, she and Boston have always been meant to be.
The title definitely fits because Boston is a little off, okay? He was dominant, possessive, and ridiculous in the best possible way. I had so many good laughs. The story was a good romance, but it was also a fun ride that didn't take itself too seriously and I appreciated that. Nikki was demure and soft until she wasn't and it was good seeing her come out of her shell. Boston was in protector mode, and the lengths he went through to show Nikki he wasn't playing with her or about her were funny and it gave the story heft. I love that Memphis trusted him implicitly and knew Nikki was as protected as she would be with him. I also love that Poppi was still the same friend who was always on go and ready to put someone in their place. The parents gave solid advice and were a good calming influence on the story, plus the juxtaposition of things ending with Nikki's loveless relationship and her parents' as well added some solid emotional weight. Boston being patient with Nikki even with his demanding personality showed his love, and Nikki showed hers simply by going to him first, and settling in where she knew she was loved.
The scene with her car had me laughing out loud as well as her trip to the grocery store. Because why did he follow her on that bike? Lol. The final scene was a little too over the top for me, but it was still entertaining and went with Boston's temperament.
The ending short story with the mom made me smile. I loved this series.
The title definitely fits because Boston is a little off, okay? He was dominant, possessive, and ridiculous in the best possible way. I had so many good laughs. The story was a good romance, but it was also a fun ride that didn't take itself too seriously and I appreciated that. Nikki was demure and soft until she wasn't and it was good seeing her come out of her shell. Boston was in protector mode, and the lengths he went through to show Nikki he wasn't playing with her or about her were funny and it gave the story heft. I love that Memphis trusted him implicitly and knew Nikki was as protected as she would be with him. I also love that Poppi was still the same friend who was always on go and ready to put someone in their place. The parents gave solid advice and were a good calming influence on the story, plus the juxtaposition of things ending with Nikki's loveless relationship and her parents' as well added some solid emotional weight. Boston being patient with Nikki even with his demanding personality showed his love, and Nikki showed hers simply by going to him first, and settling in where she knew she was loved.
The scene with her car had me laughing out loud as well as her trip to the grocery store. Because why did he follow her on that bike? Lol. The final scene was a little too over the top for me, but it was still entertaining and went with Boston's temperament.
The ending short story with the mom made me smile. I loved this series.
Don't Tell Me No by Monica Walters
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Hiram and Tangela are two opposites, one needs order and the other needs excitement. But they meet, and there's something there. Is it enough.
This was a cute little one night stand to love read. I liked the story, for the most part. It was pretty sexy.
This was a cute little one night stand to love read. I liked the story, for the most part. It was pretty sexy.
Femme Like Her by Fiona Zedde
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Nailah and Scottie meet and the sparks fly. But then Scottie does a disappearing act, making Nailah wonder and finally, dismiss her. After a while, she pops up again. And Nailah can't help but want to trust her. But will she stick around this time?
Okay, the back and forth of the dating world was a great element to the story. I like the push and pull of these two. I also ended being really intrigued by Scottie's story, though I thought she took far too long to tell it. Nailah made my heart clench and then I was side eyeing her for jumping into mistrust after agreeing to try and get past everything. And then the break up felt a little clunky, as did the reunion. And the end felt abrupt. Everything got resolved, but nothing FELT resolved. So many parts of this felt cut off as soon as we were getting deep enough. Also, these two communicated horribly (and by horribly I mean not at all) and we don't get to see them work through that and I feel like it would have added a bit more weight to story arc to see some of that. It was okay.
Okay, the back and forth of the dating world was a great element to the story. I like the push and pull of these two. I also ended being really intrigued by Scottie's story, though I thought she took far too long to tell it. Nailah made my heart clench and then I was side eyeing her for jumping into mistrust after agreeing to try and get past everything. And then the break up felt a little clunky, as did the reunion. And the end felt abrupt. Everything got resolved, but nothing FELT resolved. So many parts of this felt cut off as soon as we were getting deep enough. Also, these two communicated horribly (and by horribly I mean not at all) and we don't get to see them work through that and I feel like it would have added a bit more weight to story arc to see some of that. It was okay.
All the Smoke by T'Lyn, T'Lyn
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Solomon and Kaori stumble into each other when she's had enough love drama to save her life, and he fears he'll never find the loyalty and family he's really looking for. Can they give each other the benefit of the doubt.
Okay, so Smoke wanted all the Smoke. With everyone. All the time. First, I loved the way he loved his brother and the way he never stopped calling his parents to the carpet. I love that he stood up for himself, his son and his peace. The relationship with his son's mother was an iffy one for me--I understood his stance, but it still made me sad, lol. Kaori was a wild one, always on go and I loved that she got herself right and decided to live her life for herself.
Smoke and KK clashed at first, and their back and forth made me wonder if it would balance, but it did. Their love was nice to see and experience. they were sexy, and into one another, but still holding strong to the things that were important to them.
I will say that Smoke's mouth was a tad too disrespectful and got to be a little too much for me after a while and I cringed reading some of it. I wish it had been toned down just a little. But still a great story.
Okay, so Smoke wanted all the Smoke. With everyone. All the time. First, I loved the way he loved his brother and the way he never stopped calling his parents to the carpet. I love that he stood up for himself, his son and his peace. The relationship with his son's mother was an iffy one for me--I understood his stance, but it still made me sad, lol. Kaori was a wild one, always on go and I loved that she got herself right and decided to live her life for herself.
Smoke and KK clashed at first, and their back and forth made me wonder if it would balance, but it did. Their love was nice to see and experience. they were sexy, and into one another, but still holding strong to the things that were important to them.
I will say that Smoke's mouth was a tad too disrespectful and got to be a little too much for me after a while and I cringed reading some of it. I wish it had been toned down just a little. But still a great story.
The Roommate by Brandy Bush
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Celeste goes home with her roommate for Christmas and develops a tiny crush... on her roommate's parents. And things took an interesting turn after they realized it.
I clearly need to start reading synopses because whatever I thought this book was about, it wasn't. It was sexy, in a awkward but funny kind of way. I love that Celeste was honest, but it was still funny and a tiny bit weird that she listened to them--it balanced a bit when they admitted they wanted her too, and I enjoyed the parents passion, and the carryover to Celeste.
Her end trip to have her one nighter with them was okay, but part of me wondered why she bothered. I didn't see them ending up as a throuple or anything but it seemed pointless. I guess to say she did?
Good story. Very sexy. The premise had me paying attention.
I clearly need to start reading synopses because whatever I thought this book was about, it wasn't. It was sexy, in a awkward but funny kind of way. I love that Celeste was honest, but it was still funny and a tiny bit weird that she listened to them--it balanced a bit when they admitted they wanted her too, and I enjoyed the parents passion, and the carryover to Celeste.
Her end trip to have her one nighter with them was okay, but part of me wondered why she bothered. I didn't see them ending up as a throuple or anything but it seemed pointless. I guess to say she did?
Good story. Very sexy. The premise had me paying attention.