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scoodle42's reviews
758 reviews
A Widow's Scars by M. Monique
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Saadiq has too much baggage and heartbreak at the hands of women to trust them. But he's drawn to Samara and he can't help that so he vows to take what he wants and move on. Samara knows she doesn't have the capacity to deal with a man who won't heal, but she can't stop wanting to hold onto Saadiq as tightly as she can. Will they merge or combust?
Okay, so I was wrapped right up in this. Saadiq was almost too much for me--y'all know even though I'm a thug I cry easily, but his past and his pain kept me from thinking he was too much. Samara had my heart from the beginning and I wanted to protect her. I love that she brought that out of so many people in the book, from her brother to Saadiq. She was a light on all of them, and they sought to keep her shining, even though her dad refused to. I also love that Saadiq was opposed to love and happily ever after, but he treated Samara like someone he cared for and needed in his life. He didn't treat her like she was disposable, the way some people are with their casual partners. He took his emotions as far as they would go.
When Samara had enough I saw it coming and I rooted for her. She stood up for her heart, and demanded the protection she'd always given others. It was good to see. And the way the couple climbed over their hurdles and Saadiq conquered his demons made you happy when they came out on the other side. It was shaky for a minute but I made it and I'm glad I did.
Okay, so I was wrapped right up in this. Saadiq was almost too much for me--y'all know even though I'm a thug I cry easily, but his past and his pain kept me from thinking he was too much. Samara had my heart from the beginning and I wanted to protect her. I love that she brought that out of so many people in the book, from her brother to Saadiq. She was a light on all of them, and they sought to keep her shining, even though her dad refused to. I also love that Saadiq was opposed to love and happily ever after, but he treated Samara like someone he cared for and needed in his life. He didn't treat her like she was disposable, the way some people are with their casual partners. He took his emotions as far as they would go.
When Samara had enough I saw it coming and I rooted for her. She stood up for her heart, and demanded the protection she'd always given others. It was good to see. And the way the couple climbed over their hurdles and Saadiq conquered his demons made you happy when they came out on the other side. It was shaky for a minute but I made it and I'm glad I did.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, and Abandonment
The Fine Print by T'Lyn
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
3.25
Soraya is a nurse, trying to save money to sponsor her family and get them out of a war-torn area. Mase is a man, trying to hold on to the one bright spot left in his world--his beloved grandmother. The two of them collide when Mase's grandmother tells him that to get the trust she has for him, she needs him to marry her nurse, Soraya. And a arrangement was born.
I loved Mase's grandmother and their relationship. I also love that Mase immediately went into husband mode and was a provider and protector. He stumbled emotionally, but that was expected given his past and how he and Soraya ended up together. I enjoyed how their relationship grew. Soraya was such a good character to me. She was loyal to the people in her life, and loyal to her feelings for them, including Mase. I did like the cultural elements added to the story, although I wasn't all the way sure about the religious aspects of those cultural elements, and I think the expectations for marriage Soraya's father had was also a cultural element that maybe could have been explained better. Also, it was an arranged marriage but that wasn't really a fleshed out plot point. There was really nothing compelling Mase. He'd resisted his grandmother for this long and he didn't want or need the money. plus, she could have changed the conditions of the trust at any time. So I wish that piece of the story arc had been more solid. But this was still a good read.
I loved Mase's grandmother and their relationship. I also love that Mase immediately went into husband mode and was a provider and protector. He stumbled emotionally, but that was expected given his past and how he and Soraya ended up together. I enjoyed how their relationship grew. Soraya was such a good character to me. She was loyal to the people in her life, and loyal to her feelings for them, including Mase. I did like the cultural elements added to the story, although I wasn't all the way sure about the religious aspects of those cultural elements, and I think the expectations for marriage Soraya's father had was also a cultural element that maybe could have been explained better. Also, it was an arranged marriage but that wasn't really a fleshed out plot point. There was really nothing compelling Mase. He'd resisted his grandmother for this long and he didn't want or need the money. plus, she could have changed the conditions of the trust at any time. So I wish that piece of the story arc had been more solid. But this was still a good read.
Terms & Conditions by T'Lyn
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Currency needs a wife. He has to get married. And it just so happens that his organization's accountant is in debt to them for a lot of money. The man offers his daughter, Koi, as a sacrificial lamb and Currency wants to accept. But what about what Koi wants?
So I love a crime family arranged marriage. It gives me mob movie vibes and those are my favorites. So I went into this feeling pretty positive about it. I felt for Koi's situation. Her dad made me angry. I like the way Currency was determined to make his marriage mutually satisfying and sought to keep Koi happy. Currency was a pretty good character, stood on business about his wife and her happiness. Watching them grow together was pretty good, even though Koi was so young it was hard for me to not feel weird about her being taken advantage of the way she was, whether Currency was a good guy or not. The family names got a little corny after a while, but she does say in the afterword that her son came up with them, so I guess. There were a lot of errors and some inconsistencies in the writing, and that took away from it a bit. Overall, entertaining enough.
So I love a crime family arranged marriage. It gives me mob movie vibes and those are my favorites. So I went into this feeling pretty positive about it. I felt for Koi's situation. Her dad made me angry. I like the way Currency was determined to make his marriage mutually satisfying and sought to keep Koi happy. Currency was a pretty good character, stood on business about his wife and her happiness. Watching them grow together was pretty good, even though Koi was so young it was hard for me to not feel weird about her being taken advantage of the way she was, whether Currency was a good guy or not. The family names got a little corny after a while, but she does say in the afterword that her son came up with them, so I guess. There were a lot of errors and some inconsistencies in the writing, and that took away from it a bit. Overall, entertaining enough.
Like I Want You by Shantaé
emotional
hopeful
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? No
3.75
Kia and Jrue meet and immediately rub each other the wrong way. But part of it is this physical attraction they can't shake. So they decide to work out their annoyance with a FWB arrangement, only it's not so easy keeping their emotions out of it.
I liked this story. Kia was a successful woman, who was simply trying to find someone to be vulnerable with and shielded herself when it proved to be too hurtful. Jrue was a man surrounded by love, but also the pain that humans inflict in the name of love and so he wanted no parts. Guarded meets nonchalant and the result is two people who couldn't stop being affected if they wanted to. It was a pretty well written fall from denial into love and I was interested almost the entire time. The book had a good supporting cast and the MCs really developed in a way that seemed realistic and grounded. I appreciated their arcs and the way they opened up from when the book started. Their rhythm was so easy and it felt good to be a part of it. I like the strides Jrue was able to make with his family and Kia's commitment to getting back to herself.
I will say that though the banter was nice, I wasn't sold on their chemistry the whole time. In some places, Jrue was a little too rude for me and Kia's animosity seemed misplaced and very jarring. The third act dragged a bit and by the time Kia was running scared I was expecting it. Also, the side plot with her ex went on entirely too long. I just didn't understand the author's need to have that hang on. But it rounded out okay. Good read.
I liked this story. Kia was a successful woman, who was simply trying to find someone to be vulnerable with and shielded herself when it proved to be too hurtful. Jrue was a man surrounded by love, but also the pain that humans inflict in the name of love and so he wanted no parts. Guarded meets nonchalant and the result is two people who couldn't stop being affected if they wanted to. It was a pretty well written fall from denial into love and I was interested almost the entire time. The book had a good supporting cast and the MCs really developed in a way that seemed realistic and grounded. I appreciated their arcs and the way they opened up from when the book started. Their rhythm was so easy and it felt good to be a part of it. I like the strides Jrue was able to make with his family and Kia's commitment to getting back to herself.
I will say that though the banter was nice, I wasn't sold on their chemistry the whole time. In some places, Jrue was a little too rude for me and Kia's animosity seemed misplaced and very jarring. The third act dragged a bit and by the time Kia was running scared I was expecting it. Also, the side plot with her ex went on entirely too long. I just didn't understand the author's need to have that hang on. But it rounded out okay. Good read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Death of parent
Forever My Lady by Olivia Linden
emotional
hopeful
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
3.25
Chelle and Remy were young lovers who imagined forever. But a misunderstanding tore them apart. Now their college friend group is getting together for a wedding, and it might be time for them to have it out, after all these years.
I love when stories connect to music. That was my favorite part of this. Taking that walk down memory lane with so much music that I knew was fun. Chelle and Remy were pretty cute. I like their chemistry, and their banter. I like the way they took care of each other. Their passion was pretty nice. And I love the way their story continued after the wedding weekend so you could see how they settled into life together. Dredging up the past was no fun but they did it, to get to something much better. The reunion was pretty nice. It was front loaded with flashbacks but it was enough to let you know what was going on, and then the present was the focus. That balance was key.
I will say the friend group felt awkward for me. I know there are going to be more hookups, but I didn't vibe with them like I thought I would. Also, the side story with Chelle's ex was a bit of confusion for me. She makes it clear she's not getting back with him, but also spends the weekend acting like she's considering it, and then seems to feel a way when his situation comes to light. but if this is a man you don't want, why do you care? That vexed me. Seemed unnecessary, like it was just for ego stroke. But mostly, I enjoyed this. See you in the next one.
I love when stories connect to music. That was my favorite part of this. Taking that walk down memory lane with so much music that I knew was fun. Chelle and Remy were pretty cute. I like their chemistry, and their banter. I like the way they took care of each other. Their passion was pretty nice. And I love the way their story continued after the wedding weekend so you could see how they settled into life together. Dredging up the past was no fun but they did it, to get to something much better. The reunion was pretty nice. It was front loaded with flashbacks but it was enough to let you know what was going on, and then the present was the focus. That balance was key.
I will say the friend group felt awkward for me. I know there are going to be more hookups, but I didn't vibe with them like I thought I would. Also, the side story with Chelle's ex was a bit of confusion for me. She makes it clear she's not getting back with him, but also spends the weekend acting like she's considering it, and then seems to feel a way when his situation comes to light. but if this is a man you don't want, why do you care? That vexed me. Seemed unnecessary, like it was just for ego stroke. But mostly, I enjoyed this. See you in the next one.
Capone III by Jahquel J.
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-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
3.0
Erin is a bus driver, trying to raise her teenage brother after her parents die tragically in a murder-suicide. She doesn't have time for anything but making sure he's okay. But then she runs into a childhood love, and get swept away by his brother-in-law, Capone Delgato. And the rollercoaster begins.
So I'm going to hide this for spoilers because I'm putting the same review in all three installments of this book. I like Capone and his ways. He's tough, but still fair. Very self-aware and very together. But can get unhinged when he needs to. He's a good father and devoted to his brother and the business. I love how Erin makes a way. She was a nag, like older sisters can be, but in a good way. I like that she cared for her brother the way she did. The two of them together are funny and wild. Their passion is great and i love the way Capone made Erin's family his and rode for them. Erin had her stubborn moments but she couldn't deny where she was loved and protected and I like that too. I like the alopecia and chronic illness rep although it didn't seem to serve any real purpose in terms of the character development. Sometimes it felt like something just thrown in and you couldn't see where it contributed to their nuance as individuals or even how it affected their love and the way they performed love. It would have been nice to have more tie-in. Although the issues with the pregnancy and their baby having Down's Syndrome felt like something that gave the story solid emotional weight, and their feelings about it were written well.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Capone II by Jahquel J.
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Erin is a bus driver, trying to raise her teenage brother after her parents die tragically in a murder-suicide. She doesn't have time for anything but making sure he's okay. But then she runs into a childhood love, and get swept away by his brother-in-law, Capone Delgato. And the rollercoaster begins.
So I'm going to hide this for spoilers because I'm putting the same review in all three installments of this book. I like Capone and his ways. He's tough, but still fair. Very self-aware and very together. But can get unhinged when he needs to. He's a good father and devoted to his brother and the business. I love how Erin makes a way. She was a nag, like older sisters can be, but in a good way. I like that she cared for her brother the way she did. The two of them together are funny and wild. Their passion is great and i love the way Capone made Erin's family his and rode for them. Erin had her stubborn moments but she couldn't deny where she was loved and protected and I like that too. I like the alopecia and chronic illness rep although it didn't seem to serve any real purpose in terms of the character development. Sometimes it felt like something just thrown in and you couldn't see where it contributed to their nuance as individuals or even how it affected their love and the way they performed love. It would have been nice to have more tie-in. Although the issues with the pregnancy and their baby having Down's Syndrome felt like something that gave the story solid emotional weight, and their feelings about it were written well.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Capone by Jahquel J.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Erin is a bus driver, trying to raise her teenage brother after her parents die tragically in a murder-suicide. She doesn't have time for anything but making sure he's okay. But then she runs into a childhood love, and get swept away by his brother-in-law, Capone Delgato. And the rollercoaster begins.
So I'm going to hide this for spoilers because I'm putting the same review in all three installments of this book. I like Capone and his ways. He's tough, but still fair. Very self-aware and very together. But can get unhinged when he needs to. He's a good father and devoted to his brother and the business. I love how Erin makes a way. She was a nag, like older sisters can be, but in a good way. I like that she cared for her brother the way she did. The two of them together are funny and wild. Their passion is great and i love the way Capone made Erin's family his and rode for them. Erin had her stubborn moments but she couldn't deny where she was loved and protected and I like that too. I like the alopecia and chronic illness rep although it didn't seem to serve any real purpose in terms of the character development. Sometimes it felt like something just thrown in and you couldn't see where it contributed to their nuance as individuals or even how it affected their love and the way they performed love. It would have been nice to have more tie-in. Although the issues with the pregnancy and their baby having Down's Syndrome felt like something that gave the story solid emotional weight, and their feelings about it were written well.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Death of parent
Contains drug dealing, street wars and violent retaliation
Inflamed In His Love by Tay Mo'Nae
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Tripp is a fireman who needs a nanny. Brylee is a daycare teacher whose school burned down in a fire so she needs a job. But what happens when it turns into more?
This was such a sweet story. I love a fireman romance, and a nanny romance, lol. Tripp was written really well--he was a man with a lot on his plate and he balanced well. He was dependable and giving, even when it could cost him. He dealt with a lot but he handled it like an adult and took responsibility for his choices. I love when he stopped holding back with Brylee and reached for his own happiness. His relationship with his daughter was super cute and gave all the feels, and I loved his funny and supportive family. Brylee was made for mothering and I love how that showed. She was soft and sweet, but still willing to stand up for herself and her feelings. I like how she lived her life on her terms. Her past with her parents was a tough once, but she was able to wade through and I loved how she never apologized for feeling her feelings.
Brylee and Tripp together were great and the chemistry was there. I love the way they connected and the passion was written fully and well.
I did have some issues with the way addiction was spoken of and treated in the book--some of the language made me a tad uncomfortable. Addiction is so much more complex than what we can write sometimes. I would have loved to see more nuance in those conversations. And I really would have loved to see Tripp get some help or support for his codependency; it's not just addicts who need to quit. Overall, a good read.
This was such a sweet story. I love a fireman romance, and a nanny romance, lol. Tripp was written really well--he was a man with a lot on his plate and he balanced well. He was dependable and giving, even when it could cost him. He dealt with a lot but he handled it like an adult and took responsibility for his choices. I love when he stopped holding back with Brylee and reached for his own happiness. His relationship with his daughter was super cute and gave all the feels, and I loved his funny and supportive family. Brylee was made for mothering and I love how that showed. She was soft and sweet, but still willing to stand up for herself and her feelings. I like how she lived her life on her terms. Her past with her parents was a tough once, but she was able to wade through and I loved how she never apologized for feeling her feelings.
Brylee and Tripp together were great and the chemistry was there. I love the way they connected and the passion was written fully and well.
I did have some issues with the way addiction was spoken of and treated in the book--some of the language made me a tad uncomfortable. Addiction is so much more complex than what we can write sometimes. I would have loved to see more nuance in those conversations. And I really would have loved to see Tripp get some help or support for his codependency; it's not just addicts who need to quit. Overall, a good read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse and Abandonment
And Then There Was Passion by Asia Monique
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
June Hanson meets Calix Moore in a bar and has an unforgettable one night stand. Two months later, even after a fake name and an agreement to never seeing each other again, he's back in her life, at her distillery, with the same look in his eyes. But this time, he won't be so easy to get rid of.
Calix and June were as beautiful a love story as I've ever read. It was so soft, and so warm. It wrapped around you, it held you. It was amazing. The writing was smooth, almost velvety, but still intense when it needed to be. I love the way Asia explores tough topics in an intentional and careful way. You feel the emotion you're supposed to feel, but you're not overwhelmed by it. June is a warrior, a fierce protector of others, who doesn't want to be seen as a burden and I think it's a personality Black women can relate to and connect with. Calix was made to be her soft place to land. He was faithful to what he felt for her, even when he thought he wouldn't have her again. The two of them were honest with each other always, and I love how the author added the moments when even though they were honest, they felt like lying would be easier--it helped to humanize them and give them nuance. June's past and Calix's willingness to be her shield captured my heart. He was romance personified, because romance is about paying attention and he always saw the things June found it hard to admit. And she was the affection and reassurance that he could do the things he was so unsure of. The way they protected one another was my favorite part. He was safety, and she was love.
The families were written so well, and I was eager for them to mix and give each other more. I loved the glimpses of August and his life with Couri, but this story was firmly about June and I was happy about that.
Added to this romance, June and Calix were sexy and very passionate in the best of ways. They brought out the best in each other, and I love that he was a good enough lover that June could let go. It makes for the best heat. June and Calix drifted into my heart, and it'll be a while before I let them go.
Calix and June were as beautiful a love story as I've ever read. It was so soft, and so warm. It wrapped around you, it held you. It was amazing. The writing was smooth, almost velvety, but still intense when it needed to be. I love the way Asia explores tough topics in an intentional and careful way. You feel the emotion you're supposed to feel, but you're not overwhelmed by it. June is a warrior, a fierce protector of others, who doesn't want to be seen as a burden and I think it's a personality Black women can relate to and connect with. Calix was made to be her soft place to land. He was faithful to what he felt for her, even when he thought he wouldn't have her again. The two of them were honest with each other always, and I love how the author added the moments when even though they were honest, they felt like lying would be easier--it helped to humanize them and give them nuance. June's past and Calix's willingness to be her shield captured my heart. He was romance personified, because romance is about paying attention and he always saw the things June found it hard to admit. And she was the affection and reassurance that he could do the things he was so unsure of. The way they protected one another was my favorite part. He was safety, and she was love.
The families were written so well, and I was eager for them to mix and give each other more. I loved the glimpses of August and his life with Couri, but this story was firmly about June and I was happy about that.
Added to this romance, June and Calix were sexy and very passionate in the best of ways. They brought out the best in each other, and I love that he was a good enough lover that June could let go. It makes for the best heat. June and Calix drifted into my heart, and it'll be a while before I let them go.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse and Death of parent