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audreyloopy's reviews
687 reviews
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
A good, old-fashioned, spine-tingling, head-scratching, what-the-ever-loving-oh-my-god-what-monstrosity-is-THIS?! bit of gothica. That also happens to point a big old finger at colonialism and eugenics and the inherent racist/classist structures therein and say “whew how effed up is THAT?”
It’s like Charlotte Brontë, Mary Shelley, Alfred Hitchcock, and H.P. Lovecraft got together to play cards, and Shelley and Brontë just kept dunking on the dudes for being misogynist turds the whole time.
Great book, is what I’m saying.
It’s like Charlotte Brontë, Mary Shelley, Alfred Hitchcock, and H.P. Lovecraft got together to play cards, and Shelley and Brontë just kept dunking on the dudes for being misogynist turds the whole time.
Great book, is what I’m saying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit and Violence
Moderate: Cannibalism, Child death, and Sexual assault
Minor: Suicide and Kidnapping
Lush Money by Angelina M. Lopez
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I started with #3 in this series, so it was fun to see where it all started. I’m turning into a pretty big Lopez fan, I think. Gorgeous women, tortured dudes, and hot sex scenes. What’s not to like?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Minor: Incest, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
Hate Crush by Angelina M. Lopez
A main plot point of this book involves an abusive relationship in which the abuser routinely drugged their victim, making their victim believe they were an alcoholic
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lopez is fast becoming one of my romance faves: steamy, with some thriller or political intrigue thrown in, and some good ole flawed humans.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Sexual assault
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Kidnapping
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
Mama Rising: Discovering the New You Through Motherhood by Amy Taylor-Kabbaz
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
2.5
It’s not bad, but the author really leans into motherhood from a cis and hetero perspective that left me pretty cold, honestly. She offers some decent prompts for recalibrating your sense of self-worth and accomplishment that are nice.
The Shadowglass by Rin Chupeco
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.25
I would definitely say this is the strongest volume in the series, just because the stakes feel at their highest and thus the switches between the present and past chapters are more intense and keep the book clipping along at a slightly faster pace. All hanging threads are neatly clipped and tied, and resolutions are satisfactorily achieved with a wink and a nod.
Serving Sin by Angelina M. Lopez
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! I mean, I finished it in two big gulps, so that ought to tell you something. 😁 It’s a solid contemporary romance with some thriller elements, and a looooot of yearning. I love a good yearn. The MCs are good people with their heads and hearts in the right places, and their journeys make sense. And the CLOTHES. 😉
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Stalking
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Gun violence
Minor: Domestic abuse and Homophobia
One Week As Lovers by Victoria Dahl
dark
emotional
funny
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? No
3.0
A solid historical romance that skews a little gothic... plucky heroine, tortured hero, and a terrifying arranged marriage, all packaged up with the Yorkshire coast!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Suicide
Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Anchored Hearts by Priscilla Oliveras
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a sweet and lovely and exactly what I’ve come to expect from an Olivares romance.