scoodle42's reviews
758 reviews

Knight: Barron Family Saga by ML Bash

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emotional funny inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Knight Barron wants his arranged marriage to turn into something real. And with his careful treatment of Novalie, it might be possible. But as they're getting to know each other, Casmi enters their lives, broken and trapped. And they both agree she means enough for them to help. But could she mean more?

I love that this is an original concept kind of plot for me. It took elements of things that were very familiar and put them in a whole new way. Knight Barron is definition of a gangster and a gentleman. He did not play about his family. He stood on business with his wife, and kept everyone to the standard he set in terms of respecting her, and made heads roll when necessary. But he was so kind, and soft his women. He tempered himself and opened his heart first, asking Novalie to follow his example instead of demanding her submission. He modeled how he wanted their relationship to be from the start and I loved that.

The story stumbled a tiny bit when the feelings for Casmi came into play but it recovered nicely, and I like that there was room for all three overlapping relationships, as well as the new group dynamic. Casmi's past added a good layer of intrigue and triumph for her character and it was nice to see her come into herself again, and find family. The Barrons are great co-stars in this and I enjoyed the dynamic. Very lovely.

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Rook: Barron Family Saga by ML Bash

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emotional funny 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

Rook and Bishop are next up to get married, per family rules. At a wedding for someone else, things get out of hand and the groom ends up dead by Rook's hand. To fix the situation, Rook decides to forgo picking his own wife and take the grooms place... in exchange for Bishop getting to choose who he really wants.

Okay, so Rook setting this all in motion for Bishop made me love him. The way he went in for his twin, the way they held each other down was a key favorite in this book. Rook has a bad temper and an even worse mouth--you can guess I loved him the most, lol. I like the way he stood up for himself and made no apologies for who he was or wanted to be. He also stood on business about his wife. He never allowed anyone to disrespect her, and when he was wrong, he pushed back until he got it right. Winnie was a stubborn, hothead, just like her new husband, lol. She had a goal in mind and didn't let anything distract her. I like the chemistry they had, the way they circled each other, and collided in the most passionate way. I also like how there were relatable ups and downs. Because of their beginning, the way wasn't smooth and the author never shied away from that, nor did any of it feel overdone. But the loyalty Winnie was able to inspire in Rook was a great turning point, because it spoke directly to his love language. The drama with Winnie's family was a great emotional piece and Winnie getting to express her anger was top tier. I can't wait to buy the paperback and read it again.
A Wolf is a Wolf by Nikki Clarke

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious 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

4.5

Byron has been captured. And though he knows the people who've taken him want to use his shifter biology for evil experimentation, the doctor they've sent in to test and observe him doesn't know that. Or at least, she pretends not to. Byron can't help but hope Aida truly is innocent... because she's his mate. The second one in his lifetime.

I loved this book. Byron was such a grown and sexy character, calm and reassuring, protective and self-aware. Even when things were dire or dangerous, he had full confidence in his wolf and his ability to keep Aida from harm, or avenge her when that wasn't possible. I loved the mood he brought to the story. Aida struggles spoke to my heart, but her commitment to correcting her course and to helping Byron was admirable. I loved that she was a mama bear who growled when she needed to, and that she and her daughter were able to get over their hurdles.

Byron and Aida's passion was explosive and it was my favorite of this series. Byron coming to her in the dream place and showing her physical affection he couldn't in the lab still gave you the satisfaction of seeing their heat. I loved them both getting a second chance at a soulmate. The trip back to the pack surprised me; I wasn't expecting the awkwardness they faced, especially with Byron's son. But he had an explanation and I felt bad for him being fooled. Valeena's attitude stunk and I was glad I read the books in order bc I didn't like her in this one, lol. But I was glad things worked out in the end, even though part of me wanted them to stay where they had the most loving welcome. Aida's past did get a little convoluted for me, but once she revealed all she went through, my heart clenched even more. I felt this one all the way through. Loved it.

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Love in Reverse by Chassilyn Hamilton

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emotional funny hopeful 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

4.25

Oaklynn is having a hard time, and things aren't going her way. She walks into an interview, hoping it's the job she needs to get back on her feet and finds out the boss is none other than her ex, Jabari. Jabari isn't surprised to see her, in fact he was hoping he would. And the more they spend time, the more he knows he has to keep Oaklynn around--by any means necessary.

Jabari and his Lynnie were so super cute! I identified with Oaklynn's struggles, and I felt for her. Thinking you have your life mapped out only to have the rug pulled from underneath you again and again is tough, and she was tough for the way she handled it. I loved her. Jabari was a self-aware man, and you know how I love those. He knew what happened, why he changed, and sought to be different. He corrected his course, mostly without being told, and I appreciated that. Plus, he took care of Oaklynn. Quietly, but in the important ways. The last thing he wanted was her out there flailing and he made that known. I loved that about him. The two of them were very passionate and I loved that too. The blackmail came across as slightly far-fetched but you knew why he was doing it and that gave it humor.

Great story. I enjoyed it. And the bonus chapters.
Losin' Control by Ladii Nesha

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challenging dark emotional funny 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? No

3.75

Marley and C-zar meet at a community event, and immediately clash. Czar is trying to maintain his calm and work on his career and Marley is simply existing, floating through after a tragedy rocked her entire foundation. She tries to resist him, but what Julius wants, he gets. And he set his sights on her.

I have to start with the fact that my mind refused to read his name as "Caesar" no matter how many times I reminded myself. I don't think that spelling was a good choice, but never mind that. Onto the book!

This is my first Ladii Nesha book and it for sure won't be my last one. Marley and Julius pulled me right into their world. I loved the way they bantered with each other, the way they listened to each other, and the way they took care of each other. Each of them had something unique to bring to the other's world and they were open to it. Julius was able to show Marley how to live again, and Marley was able to show him how to love a little more gently, drown out the noise, and not treat people so carelessly. Their passion was on point, and I felt their chemistry long before they touched, which speaks highly of the author's pen. Benny's reappearance gave the love triangle vibes, which I don't normally care for, but Marley distracted me from that with her actions--why would she take it as far as taking him back??? I was confused. And her "grand gesture" to win Julius over didn't really make sense, nor did his fire alarm stunt to get her attention. I feel like they could have found their way back to each other a little better than that.

Harper, Romeo, Nova, and Sammy gave great comedic relief and showed up when they needed to. Harper's side storyline wasn't too distracting; it gave the book a little extra and I wasn't mad at it. The family dynamics at play were great, even when the subject matter was heavy. I will say Marley's mother took a little too long to get the boot for me. I wish they had set a boundary with her sooner. And Ada's storyline while heavy, wasn't too much, albeit it was a little predictable because I knew the way she was handling things would backfire. I just wish her husband had been the person who stood in the gap for her--I thought Julius had done enough.

I liked having the book written in third person so you could see everyone's side without having to switch POVs chapter by chapter. Because everyone saying "I" and "me" can get distracting after a while (although the author could have been a little cleaner about making it known when she was moving on to another person). Also, there were some language choices that made me cringe (lots of fat shaming, some taunts and teasing that bordered on homophobic/ transphobic, and an STI conversation I wasn't fond of) and I wish we would do better because we can still be funny and entertaining without it. The beginning was a tad bit slow and the ending dragged slightly, but I kinda expected that in a book this long. Maybe trimming by 75-100 pages wouldn't have been so bad. But the majority of the book had me locked in, and I ate it up.

Overall, it was pretty good and I enjoyed it for the most part.

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Love and Sportsball by Meka James

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emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.25

Khadijah gets dragged out by her sister for a night of fun and thanks to some sneaky setting up, leaves with a beautiful woman named Shae. After their great night, followed by an awkward morning, Dijah wants to put it out of her mind and focus on her new job as an athletic trainer for a WNBA team. Except Shae, her one night stand, is a star player on the team.

This book had me stressed a little, okay? The planner meets the Ms. Go-With-The-Flow is a great set-up for a love story and I enjoyed it. Dijah and Shae were equal parts sweet and nerve-wracking. Dijah had all the hallmarks of an overthinker and a worrier and as both those things, I identified with her. I also liked the show of her emotional struggles with wanting to map out the best future for yourself and trying to balance it with how she felt so deeply, but was scared to let it come across. She meant well, and though she had her hardheaded moments, when it was time to listen and learn, she did. And she apologized and ultimately stood up for what she needed to feel comfortable. I wish she hadn't been so rigid--and honestly after her second fuck up I was screaming at my Kindle at her, but I'm glad she learned a bit about intent vs. impact.

I also loved that Shae could meet her where she was. She was the perfect person for Dijah because where others would wonder why she kept putting herself out there, she saw Dijah and knew why. She knew there was more than what was being said. She dug deeper and I loved how fearless she was. I also loved that Shae was an optimist. She never gave up on trying to find what she was looking for. And she was willing to express herself, with no apologies. When Shae was happy, you knew it. And when she was pissed, you knew that too. She didn't hold back, and I loved her character.

The sports aspect was great, and not overdone. And the families were funny and a great supporting cast. I thought Jah took the immature little sister act a bit TOO far (especially leaving her at a lounge to find her own way home), but it balanced out a bit. Plus, Dijah and Shae had great chemistry and their passion was really, really good. The sexy scenes gave you insight into how Dijah was when she loosened up, and also how Shae was when someone took care of her and not the other way around. I like when physical intimacy can tell you something about the character.

I would have enjoyed a bit more about them, actually. It ended way too soon for me, considering there was so much back and forth. I enjoyed it though.
Hexed Wolf: Bennett Pack by K.C. Mills

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challenging emotional mysterious tense 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

4.25

Toyin and Xander are mates and they both know it. But an ancient prophecy is keeping them from mixing their kinds together because Xander is a wolf, and Toyin is a witch. So Xander hits the road to journey on his own, but is summoned home for an urgent reason. And Toyin is still there.

This was one had a bit more drama and was emotionally charged throughout. Coming home to meet your child and the woman you abandoned is heavy. I understood why he left and why he felt like he couldn't trust Toyin anymore. That was sad. Because she didn't mean any harm, and things went horribly left. But I like the way they worked their way back, and how when Xander finally admitted what was holding him back, his family banded together to find a solution for him and Toyin. The two of them had great chemistry; you could feel their longing and the angst was really good. I love the way they loved on their son, and protected him together. And when the truth came out about the prophecy and Toyin's past, he didn't run. 

I will say that the lore got too be a little too much for me to track in such a short story, but I still enjoyed this thoroughly. And the third brother's mate being the woman they ran off gave much drama. Lol. I wonder if that one will ever come to fruition. Either way, I loved these.
Lone Wolf: Bennett Pack by K.C. Mills

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challenging dark 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

5.0

Joelle is an alpha female, a lone wolf who is roaming alone because she doesn't want to be forced to marry the alpha of her former pack. But he's hot on her trail. Laz saves her, and knows who she is immediately. But he doesn't want to assume alpha duties and she wants to be alone. Will these stubborn mates get it together?

So KC Mills should write more paranormal because this pulled me right in. The fated mates who fight it are funny. You want to yell at them to fold, but you understand why they don't want to. I liked Laz and Joelle a lot. Laz was protective of his "little wolf" but Jo would not be left behind and wanted her turn to protect him too. I loved their dynamic, their push/pull gave for good plot but it didn't leave you hanging because they are fated. The pack business and the brother's relationship was a good touch. I love how Joelle leaned into not having to be alone anymore. And she took her place with the strength that only she could. I enjoyed this very much.
Tempted by Ayla Cox

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adventurous fast-paced

4.0

Denise and Hugh are coworkers and at a work event, things take a really sexy turn.

This short is the start of a series, with two others following this same couple. This was a very hot, good time. Denise and Hugh had passion for days and you could feel their chemistry. I like how they responded to each other, how connected they seemed to be. It was the best kind of heat, written descriptively and also very emotionally.

It is a cheating trope, which I don't like, so I don't think I'll continue, but this was good.

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August by M. Monique

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

August Wells is a man with something to prove. He's on a journey to heal himself, to lift his guilt, to father his son. He doesn't want or need distractions. But then his pastor sends him to connect with Mary, an older woman on her own journey and he meets Mary's granddaughter, Anastasia. Asia is also on a journey, and the way seems blocked. But August makes her look up and pay attention, and she does the same for him.

Wow. This book was more emotionally charged than any of the Summer's books and it was well worth the wait. I love how August acknowledge every stage of his growth, how he made sure everyone around him knew he saw them, and heard them. August became a listener, which was the most important thing for him. He learned how to pay attention to who was in his corner. I love how the author played this out. How she weaved these lives together and showed August conquering everything that held him back before. It was very well-written and you could see his maturity in the pages. I loved the way he loved on Faith, the way he made amends with her through their son, and through his friendship, and his brotherhood with Jericho. How he encouraged her and made sure she knew she could call on him. I also love the way he and Kingston's bond grew deeper and they made the hard decisions together about their father. And even got some extra family out of it.

His slow and easy walk into love was a wonderful way to show his growth. The way he kept his eyes wide open with Asia, and did everything with intention. August didn't fall in love. He walked, fully aware, and fully on board. I knew the moment he lifted her in his arms and carried her out of that hospital that it was a wrap for Asia. Lol. He scooped her up, literally and figuratively and there was nowhere for her to go. But next to him. He made his presence known and felt and didn't let Asia run away from him, or her life. It was the best kind of protection and faith in her ability. Plus he reads!

Asia was the sweetest character. Trying to hold onto the one piece of love you have and can feel is a courageous mission and she did it, every day. I love her sense of humor and her spirit. Her too big glasses and her artistry. I loved the way she loved her Gran, and how she and Mary brought something back to August while helping him reconcile what was lost. It took her a while to lean into trust and having someone catch her when she fell, but when she learned, it was magic. She was written well. And she and August had real passion, palpable and tactile. You could tell how important touch became to her when she'd first had an aversion to it. 

Faith and Jericho provided a great side story. Faith's past had some solid emotional weight and I loved how Jericho was her man, even back then and always. His family didn't understand why he waited, but he did, and he never let anyone undermine that. Faith's bravery was the key, and I love the way she and August gave each other the push. 

I love the Summers series. Grey's intention, Blu's focus, Kingston's intensity, and August's protection is a top tier combination. 

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