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ashliesydel's reviews
1474 reviews
Yara & Vince 2 by Cocoa
4.0
Vince and Yarah were one of the couples featured in the This Ain't Love novella series which featured couples how hooked up and kept it moving.
In book one, Vince was left at the alter and runs into Yarah at the hotel he was supposed to be celebrating his honeymoon. They have a fantastic night and go their separate ways. No exchange of numbers or last names.
In this book there is a 2-year time jump, and our boy Vince has been stalking the dance studio Yarah mentioned she owned ready. He's healed and ready to make moves.
This was such a sweet lil story. I loved it and giggled.
In book one, Vince was left at the alter and runs into Yarah at the hotel he was supposed to be celebrating his honeymoon. They have a fantastic night and go their separate ways. No exchange of numbers or last names.
In this book there is a 2-year time jump, and our boy Vince has been stalking the dance studio Yarah mentioned she owned ready. He's healed and ready to make moves.
This was such a sweet lil story. I loved it and giggled.
Elph Around and Find Out: A Holiday Short by Kyeate
4.0
There is no sex in this book. I repeat this is a spice free book. Ya'll know I saw that cover and was like I bet he's gonna lay that candy cane pipe. But NO, there was none of that.
With that said, you know what there is???
Forehead kisses, the absolute BEST hugs that brought warmth and security, slow dancing, hand holding, eye contact, smirks, flirting, him stepping in to take on that father role to her son. He's an elf with a case who finds himself while on parole lol.
Elph was incredibly attractive, likable, and a dream. My face literally hurt from smiling so hard while reading this. I adored the chemistry between him and the FMC.
Our girl Jasmine is a single mom who lost her husband on Christmas Day a few years ago. She lost her dream life and is now working her ass off to provide for her six-year-old son and can't muster the strength to show any holiday cheer.
When she crosses paths with this thugish Christmas elf, her entire life changes.
On top of the cute lil romance between these two, the relationship between mother and son is explored.
I loved this and it could totally be a Hallmark movie. If they cussed and took place in the projects...
With that said, you know what there is???
Forehead kisses, the absolute BEST hugs that brought warmth and security, slow dancing, hand holding, eye contact, smirks, flirting, him stepping in to take on that father role to her son. He's an elf with a case who finds himself while on parole lol.
Elph was incredibly attractive, likable, and a dream. My face literally hurt from smiling so hard while reading this. I adored the chemistry between him and the FMC.
Our girl Jasmine is a single mom who lost her husband on Christmas Day a few years ago. She lost her dream life and is now working her ass off to provide for her six-year-old son and can't muster the strength to show any holiday cheer.
When she crosses paths with this thugish Christmas elf, her entire life changes.
On top of the cute lil romance between these two, the relationship between mother and son is explored.
I loved this and it could totally be a Hallmark movie. If they cussed and took place in the projects...
Silent Night, Dark Desires: A Christmas Anthology of Darkness by Samyra Alexander, Talese Nicole
4.5
This short story collection did not miss. Usually in a collective there is 1 or 2 stories that fall short or don't seem to flow. But EVERY single story in this collection did what it was supposed to do.
I got so many vibes from this. I felt the innocent yet ominous thrills from Goosebumps, and the bloody, fucked up Tales from the Crypt. There is some serious dark humor in between these pages and it's not for the weak. Each story fed another and karma was serving.
This was an incredible winter themed dark story collection that doesn't have to wait for Christmas. I would love to see this adapted by Jordan Peele.
I got so many vibes from this. I felt the innocent yet ominous thrills from Goosebumps, and the bloody, fucked up Tales from the Crypt. There is some serious dark humor in between these pages and it's not for the weak. Each story fed another and karma was serving.
This was an incredible winter themed dark story collection that doesn't have to wait for Christmas. I would love to see this adapted by Jordan Peele.
Mrs. Claus Is A Serial Killer by Fatima Munroe
fast-paced
5.0
Mrs. Claus is a fking sociopath and I was here for it.
This was my first read by this author and it will NOT be the last. This book was hyped in my thriller/horror reader groups. When I saw it was quick read, I couldn't not jump on the train. Plus, everyone was saying they will NEVER be able to look at Santa and Mrs. Claus the same again. I NEEDED all the tea.
This story did not disappoint. True crime podcasters host a four-part series with serial killer Charismia Claus. Wife to the infamous jolly sex addicted cheating no good low-down dirty man the world knows as Santa Claus.
Charismia refused to use call that man Santa and instead refered to him by his government name. She told us all how it went down. From how they met to the wrongs and what made her snap.
For a good part of the book, I was on her side... but let me just say, sis is NOT innocent in that relationship. I was shook. This was such a fun and entertaining read, and I highly recommend it. I hope the author does a follow up or a few spin offs.
This was my first read by this author and it will NOT be the last. This book was hyped in my thriller/horror reader groups. When I saw it was quick read, I couldn't not jump on the train. Plus, everyone was saying they will NEVER be able to look at Santa and Mrs. Claus the same again. I NEEDED all the tea.
This story did not disappoint. True crime podcasters host a four-part series with serial killer Charismia Claus. Wife to the infamous jolly sex addicted cheating no good low-down dirty man the world knows as Santa Claus.
Charismia refused to use call that man Santa and instead refered to him by his government name. She told us all how it went down. From how they met to the wrongs and what made her snap.
For a good part of the book, I was on her side... but let me just say, sis is NOT innocent in that relationship. I was shook. This was such a fun and entertaining read, and I highly recommend it. I hope the author does a follow up or a few spin offs.
We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride
4.5
How does one take a journey through grief and survivor's guilt while using 101 metaphors that incorporate Grimms Fairy Tales, African Folklore, Candyland, Into the Forest, and Hansel & Gretel??
I could never but Amber did it. And it was amazing. Thought provoking, reflective, emotional, and will forever stay with me.
It's funny, I can write really long reviews about some books that then there are those that I can't find the words to because all I have are feelings. This is one of those books. I have all the feels and think anyone who has ever experienced sadness, self-harmed, suicidal ideology, grief, and or guilt should read this.
I could never but Amber did it. And it was amazing. Thought provoking, reflective, emotional, and will forever stay with me.
It's funny, I can write really long reviews about some books that then there are those that I can't find the words to because all I have are feelings. This is one of those books. I have all the feels and think anyone who has ever experienced sadness, self-harmed, suicidal ideology, grief, and or guilt should read this.