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_chrstnlvly's reviews
216 reviews
Cruel Summer by Morgan Elizabeth
I can relate to feeling anxious, but reading too many uncertain thoughts from Cami doesn't make me feel understood - it just annoys me. I read to escape, not to be overwhelmed by constant inner monologues about how anxiety ruins everything.
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.0
This book feels too childish. Although it is targeted towards adults, the characters, including Cami, come across as petty, which can be quite irritating. While I understand the desire for revenge, especially when wronged, the motivations of these women, or should I say girls, seem trivial. As the book primarily revolves around romance and the quest for revenge these mean girls, I didn't find it enjoyable. The romance aspect was decent, but the excessive focus on revenge between girls took away from the overall experience.
I can relate to feeling anxious, but reading too many uncertain thoughts from Cami doesn't make me feel understood - it just annoys me. I read to escape, not to be overwhelmed by constant inner monologues about how anxiety ruins everything.
Overall, Cami is an irritating character. I'm not sure why I'm surprised, considering she was already irritating in TTSFR.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Body horror and Blood
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
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? Yes
4.0
Now I understand why people love Carissa Broadbent's books. She has a beautiful writing style that is also easy to understand. The recent books I read lacked excitement or were even cringe-worthy, but this one was beautifully written. I would have given it a 5-star rating, but I have to admit that I wasn't initially invested in the story. It took me almost a month to finish because I only became interested when I reached about 40% of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Torture, and Vomit
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Death of parent
Grimstone by Sophie Lark
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.5
I can't deny it: Sophie Lark writes books that are easy to devour. Her writing is clear, easy to understand, and always manages to pique your interest. That's why I enjoy reading her books. They definitely help me whenever I'm in a reading slump.
However, I'm not a fan of the kink(s) and spice in this book due to personal preferences. While I can handle dark, spicy romances, I tend to skip over explicit scenes that don't align with my taste, which is what I did while reading Grimstone.
On the other hand, the mystery and haunted elements of this book did their job, as I was definitely spooked. I just felt that the tragedy of what Dane went through fell a bit flat (but only to a small extent). I didn't dislike Dane and Remi, but I didn't particularly care for them either.
If you're looking for something spooky to read this season and you enjoy dark romances, then I recommend giving this book a try. It's hard to resist turning the pages because you'll be eager to find out what happens next.
However, I'm not a fan of the kink(s) and spice in this book due to personal preferences. While I can handle dark, spicy romances, I tend to skip over explicit scenes that don't align with my taste, which is what I did while reading Grimstone.
On the other hand, the mystery and haunted elements of this book did their job, as I was definitely spooked. I just felt that the tragedy of what Dane went through fell a bit flat (but only to a small extent). I didn't dislike Dane and Remi, but I didn't particularly care for them either.
If you're looking for something spooky to read this season and you enjoy dark romances, then I recommend giving this book a try. It's hard to resist turning the pages because you'll be eager to find out what happens next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Sexual violence, Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Body shaming, Child death, Drug use, Rape, Suicide, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
The Predator by RuNyx
The book begins with an author's note, and at the end of this note, the author wrote the following:
Since the protagonist has an extremely high IQ, there are certain repetitive patterns to her thought. Things she finds fascinating, she repeats to herself over and over. That is why you will note certain phrases mentioned repeatedly through the book.
No, simply no. It was nothing more than a lazy excuse for a poorly written book. Just read part of the author's note I included above, and you will understand what I mean by "poorly written.” Of course, when I started reading the book, I didn't expect it to be written so beautifully. I knew what I was getting myself into. What I didn't anticipate was how poor the quality of the writing was.
Aside from Dante, I didn't care about any of the characters in the book. The Predator focuses on Tristan and Morana, but I simply wanted them gone and preferred to read a book solely about Dante. It's not a good sign when you're more interested in a character who will have their own book later in the series rather than the main characters themselves. While I understand that Tristan and Morana dislike each other, it seems foolish for them to choose texting over face-to-face conversations, especially when they are in the same room. They can easily engage in one-sentence conversations, but it seems that they dislike each other too much to do so. Despite Morana being described as having an "extremely high IQ," her intelligence is not apparent beyond her coding skills. Tristan fits the typical mold of a reserved, mysterious, and violent mafia man, but his character is otherwise bland.
The intimate scenes were... laughable. Perhaps it was due to being in Morana's point of view, but I found myself laughing throughout those moments. I couldn't feel the passion between the characters or their desire for each other. Morana's distracting train of thought during those scenes takes away from the moment.
Honestly, I'm unsure if I will continue reading the series. I might only do so because of Dante, but I have no interest in reading the second book which will still revolve around Tristan and Morana (even if they were to die, I wouldn't care). Perhaps I will continue with the series if Dante's story continues to captivate me.
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I was searching for a book to help me overcome a reading slump. I was in the mood to read something, but I found it difficult to focus on the details in books. Therefore, I needed something that was quick and easy to read. Based on past experience, spicy books and dark romances always seem to do the trick. This particular series had received a lot of hype, so I decided to give it a try. I'm not sure if I'm glad that I managed to finish this book despite the slump, or if I'm annoyed that I chose to read it.
The book begins with an author's note, and at the end of this note, the author wrote the following:
Since the protagonist has an extremely high IQ, there are certain repetitive patterns to her thought. Things she finds fascinating, she repeats to herself over and over. That is why you will note certain phrases mentioned repeatedly through the book.
No, simply no. It was nothing more than a lazy excuse for a poorly written book. Just read part of the author's note I included above, and you will understand what I mean by "poorly written.” Of course, when I started reading the book, I didn't expect it to be written so beautifully. I knew what I was getting myself into. What I didn't anticipate was how poor the quality of the writing was.
Aside from Dante, I didn't care about any of the characters in the book. The Predator focuses on Tristan and Morana, but I simply wanted them gone and preferred to read a book solely about Dante. It's not a good sign when you're more interested in a character who will have their own book later in the series rather than the main characters themselves. While I understand that Tristan and Morana dislike each other, it seems foolish for them to choose texting over face-to-face conversations, especially when they are in the same room. They can easily engage in one-sentence conversations, but it seems that they dislike each other too much to do so. Despite Morana being described as having an "extremely high IQ," her intelligence is not apparent beyond her coding skills. Tristan fits the typical mold of a reserved, mysterious, and violent mafia man, but his character is otherwise bland.
The intimate scenes were... laughable. Perhaps it was due to being in Morana's point of view, but I found myself laughing throughout those moments. I couldn't feel the passion between the characters or their desire for each other. Morana's distracting train of thought during those scenes takes away from the moment.
Honestly, I'm unsure if I will continue reading the series. I might only do so because of Dante, but I have no interest in reading the second book which will still revolve around Tristan and Morana (even if they were to die, I wouldn't care). Perhaps I will continue with the series if Dante's story continues to captivate me.
The Coworker by Freida McFadden
dark
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? Yes
2.0
What I like about Freida McFadden books is they are great palate cleansers. You can finish them in one sitting because the writing is very easy to understand, and the plot is fast-paced.
However, it doesn't mean her books make a lot of sense. Most of the time, I predict what will happen in the first 3 chapters. The Coworker is not different.
As with her other books, this is just meh for me. What bothered me was in part 1, it was very clear Dawn was on the spectrum. In part 2, however, it looked like all representation in part 1 was gone. However, this was not what I didn't like the most. What I hated was how this was so Gone Girl coded (if you have read [or watched] Gone Girl, you'll know what I mean), it was uncanny.
-100 for originality.
However, it doesn't mean her books make a lot of sense. Most of the time, I predict what will happen in the first 3 chapters. The Coworker is not different.
As with her other books, this is just meh for me. What bothered me was in part 1, it was very clear Dawn was on the spectrum. In part 2, however, it looked like all representation in part 1 was gone. However, this was not what I didn't like the most. What I hated was how this was so Gone Girl coded (if you have read [or watched] Gone Girl, you'll know what I mean), it was uncanny.
-100 for originality.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Blood, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Suicide
One Piece, Vol. 3: Don't Get Fooled Again by Eiichiro Oda
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Although the writing is not groundbreaking, it was a very enjoyable read. Butcher & Blackbird is often compared to The Mindf*ck Series, but aside from the common theme of killing bad people, it is quite different from TMS. One major difference is that the emotions evoked by TMS did not elicit the same feelings in me while reading Butcher & Blackbird.
Secondly, the main characters (MCs) in TMS were much smarter than Rowan & Sloane.It's difficult to believe that Sloane could be trapped in a cage for 3 days with the key right beside her. She also made the mistake of making Rowan take care of a person they knew little about, only to later discover that he was a serial killer (Rowan was also dumb for letting Sloane push him into taking care of David). Additionally, Sloane was stupid enough to be dragged by another serial killer, resulting in a severely damaged shoulder. Rowan & Sloane's actions come across as a bit dumb, to be honest. Considering their occupation of hunting and killing serial killers, one would expect them to be smarter and more cautious than their targets, but apparently not.
If you enjoyed reading TMS, you might (keyword: might) enjoy B&B. I'm only saying this because some suggest that you will definitely enjoy B&B if you love TMS. However, don't expect them to be the same on many levels because they are not. B&B is a beauty on its own, so it would be better for people to start enjoying it independently, rather than constantly comparing and likening it to other books.
That being said, Rowan is your beloved Golden Retriever boy. I couldn't help but smile and kick my feet because of the things he says and does for Sloane. As for the smut scenes, they were... okay, I suppose. I found myself skimming over the chapters that contained such scenes because the dirty talk made me cringe a bit.
It was instalove, but it didn't bother me that much because their romantic relationship did not develop until years later. The angst of the main characters was okay, although a bit lacking for serial killers.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
You have never been unlovable. You were just waiting for someone who will love you for who you are, not for who they want you to be. I can do that, if you’ll let me.
Although the writing is not groundbreaking, it was a very enjoyable read. Butcher & Blackbird is often compared to The Mindf*ck Series, but aside from the common theme of killing bad people, it is quite different from TMS. One major difference is that the emotions evoked by TMS did not elicit the same feelings in me while reading Butcher & Blackbird.
Secondly, the main characters (MCs) in TMS were much smarter than Rowan & Sloane.
If you enjoyed reading TMS, you might (keyword: might) enjoy B&B. I'm only saying this because some suggest that you will definitely enjoy B&B if you love TMS. However, don't expect them to be the same on many levels because they are not. B&B is a beauty on its own, so it would be better for people to start enjoying it independently, rather than constantly comparing and likening it to other books.
That being said, Rowan is your beloved Golden Retriever boy. I couldn't help but smile and kick my feet because of the things he says and does for Sloane. As for the smut scenes, they were... okay, I suppose. I found myself skimming over the chapters that contained such scenes because the dirty talk made me cringe a bit.
It was instalove, but it didn't bother me that much because their romantic relationship did not develop until years later. The angst of the main characters was okay, although a bit lacking for serial killers.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, Rape, Sexual assault, and Cannibalism
One Piece, Vol. 2: Buggy the Clown by Eiichiro Oda
adventurous
funny
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
4.0
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Did not finish book. Stopped at 80%.
Assistant to the Villain is about Evie, the sunshine assistant to a grumpy boss, The Villain. There are some MCs that are too sunshine-y I can't stand them, but Evie was the perfect amount of sunshine. Her giddiness was not cringe-worthy.
I rarely laugh or chuckle at funny scenes, but this book honestly made me laugh. You know the author has potential. However, I did DNF this 80% in.
What I find lacking was the world building. While I do love the map, the way the world was described was a bit lacking. I still enjoyed the book despite this since it focused more on the dynamics between Evie and The Villain, but it would have been better if we got a chapter's amount of world description.
Additionally, the length of the story/premise was long for my liking. Given its simple nature and the fact that it is not a standalone, it did not need to be as lengthy as it was. This was the primary reason for my decision to not finish reading it, as it became too exhausting and I lost interest. I attempted to skim through it instead, but even that proved to be tedious for me.
I want to emphasize that the author has potential. In the future, I might consider picking up some of her other works (outside of this series), if there are any, because I would like to give her another chance. Perhaps by then, the story will be more developed and not unnecessarily long.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 80%.
It’s hard enough to put something back together once. A second time, I’m afraid, is far too much to hope for.
Assistant to the Villain is about Evie, the sunshine assistant to a grumpy boss, The Villain. There are some MCs that are too sunshine-y I can't stand them, but Evie was the perfect amount of sunshine. Her giddiness was not cringe-worthy.
I rarely laugh or chuckle at funny scenes, but this book honestly made me laugh. You know the author has potential. However, I did DNF this 80% in.
What I find lacking was the world building. While I do love the map, the way the world was described was a bit lacking. I still enjoyed the book despite this since it focused more on the dynamics between Evie and The Villain, but it would have been better if we got a chapter's amount of world description.
Additionally, the length of the story/premise was long for my liking. Given its simple nature and the fact that it is not a standalone, it did not need to be as lengthy as it was. This was the primary reason for my decision to not finish reading it, as it became too exhausting and I lost interest. I attempted to skim through it instead, but even that proved to be tedious for me.
I want to emphasize that the author has potential. In the future, I might consider picking up some of her other works (outside of this series), if there are any, because I would like to give her another chance. Perhaps by then, the story will be more developed and not unnecessarily long.