_charliesbookshelf's reviews
288 reviews

Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

adventurous challenging dark inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Take My Daddy, I'll Take Yours by Jenika Snow

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

When I was reading the blurb I think I expected something different, sort of like a spicy beginning, funny start but a fun read all in all but once I started to read I realised it wasn’t going to be that. I love the idea and the potential of the book but for me it didn’t hit my own expectations. 

I think that it was too quick and it and could’ve been done better in a full length novel where there’s time to build more character development and story. 

In saying that it was a quick fun read and it did tick a couple of my boxes of Daddy kink, age gap and having a dominant MMC in a book is a favourite.   … As well as the multiple 🌶️🌶️ scenes! 

If you’re looking for a quick smutty read with a silver fox age gap romance I’d recommend this. 

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Content Warnings

Age gap romance

Big Panda & Tiny Dragon by James Norbury

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

5.0

Light It Up by Katie Perez

adventurous dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Light It Up - Katie Perez 

“Now that I’ve caught you, what do I get to do with you? “

What an incredible read! The author (Katie) instantly grabbed my interest within the first sentence, that interest didn’t dwindle at all throughout the whole book, I was on the edge on my seat waiting to see what would happen. 

I think Sara (FMC) character development grew quite fast, that being said the book is pretty fast paced and I liked reading about her becoming a bit more “girl boss” and less damsel in distress. Garret (MMC) is everything I love, want and need in a love interest. His “touch her and I’ll kill you” protectiveness was exactly why I loved the book so much especially when its added with his softer more loving side.  

Even though this is Katie’s first book and there were a couple spelling errors, I was absolutely enthralled reading all about her characters. Sara running away, the secret societies and of course my favourite part was devouring the spicy romance between the two main characters. 🔥

I think this book had amazing plot, not too much but just enough background information, spice and was in general a really great read! Be prepared if you’re going to read this because there is an INSANE cliffhanger!!! That being said I definitely recommend it and I cannot wait it read book 2.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Please be warned there are mature themes and many TWs, recommended reading age is 18+

Thankyou so much to the @theauthor.agency and @Katieperezauthor for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

You Had Me At Ice Cream by C.G. Lambert, Angela Pearse

challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

📖 Book Review 📖 

You Had Me At Ice Cream - Angela Pearse, C.G. Lambert

Okay, where do I start..

Firstly I want to say that I have previously loved books by Angela Pearse, I think Angela is a talented and incredible storyteller and even though that shows in this book it wasn’t my cup of tea.

I would like to iterate that my issues with the book weren’t due to the authors writing, yet the plot of the book just wasn’t for me. I can definitely see how the story may appeal to other readers though.

I really liked the idea of a female personal trainer and her client falling in love together and I was super excited to see the cute angsty romance unravel but as I was reading it felt like the cute romantic moments I was looking for weren’t really there..? Or at least they both had feelings for each other but didn’t speak up about them until almost half way through the book.

I also really didn’t like the MMC Oliver as a character. It felt as like as soon as he was fit,l he became a jerk and was leading girls on. He either knew and was a jerk or was so oblivious that that in itself is a turn off. I felt bad for Zara because Oliver’s personality changed and that can definitely happens when you’ve “improved” yourself but for me it wasn’t fun reading about his multiple encounters with other women. Especially when I wanted more cute moments between him and Zara!

I feel if there were more fun/cute moments between the MC’s it could’ve been a more enjoyable read and I will say if you enjoy slow burn romance whilst including a gym romance you might enjoy this.

I’d like to say thankyou to the author, Angela, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

⭐️⭐️.5

Promises and Pomegranates by Sav R. Miller

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

📖 Book Review 📖 

Promises and pomegranates & Sweet Sin (Prequel)

I cant express how much I absolutely loved this book! I immediately knew within the first chapter that I was going to absorb this dark twisted tale and love every second. 

I think it’s important to preface that this is NOT a retelling of Hades and Persephone. It’s an explicit dark romance, please check the trigger warning link before reading. 

Incredible book, can’t wait to read more from Sav R. Miller

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

The Sex Variable by Emi Leon

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

📖 Book Review 📖 

The Sex Variable by @ Emi Leon 

This STEM RomCom book was such a pleasant wholesome surprise which I throughly enjoyed. I sometimes find romcoms boring as they all read the same but The Sex Variable is a rare find. I loved reading about the mystery, false identities and all the lies Christina tells.

I love seeing Nerdy guys being represented and this book does an amazing job. It’s such a cute book with the addition of a little spice and humour. 

Definitely Recommend 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Anti-Hero by Sara Cate

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

📖 Book Review 📖 

The Anti-Hero - Sara Cate

"If the idea of getting r*iled in a church excites you, this might be the book for you." …. Seeing the authors note I know I’d love this book and Sarah did not disappoint, this book was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

Adam (MMC) is wanting to follow in his fathers footsteps and become a preacher, although his goals change when he fines out a secret that will uproot his life.

Sage (FMC) Bright hair, tattoos and piercings isn’t a girl Adam would usually associate with but after multiple chance meetings they both need something from each other. 

I loved the conversations and banter between Adam and Sage, I also love how Sage helps Adam realise his wants and desires aren’t wrong but also how she helps him come out of his shell.

What starts as a revenge plan ends with “fake” dating, physical fights, viral dirty videos and some HELLA SPICY content, which I loved. 🔥👏🔥

Note that this books contains sensitive content, please reader the authors “dear reader” note to make sure this book is for you 🔞

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Beyond the Veil by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

adventurous dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0