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bluebeereads's reviews
1454 reviews
Invitation to the Blues by Roan Parrish
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
*takes a few deep breaths*
Okay. Let's do this.
Many of you probably don't know this, because I don't typically bring it up on my own, but I have struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life. I likely always will. I was also in a very abusive relationship for many years. So reading this book was bound to bring up... a lot of things. And while it did do that, while it did make me emotional at how painfully accurate these issues are portrayed, it also healed something in me a little bit.
Jude's voice is one that very much mirrors my own. I mean, I'm not a musician at all, but I do understand the power of music, because it's always managed to soothe and heal me just a little bit. I felt so much for Jude because I saw myself in him. There's so much strength in him and I'm so glad that he found Faron because Faron sees him. Their relationship is beautiful, and when they come together it's intense and passionate and intimate. It almost feels wrong to call it spicy because it's so much more than that.
The writing is so beautiful and lyrical, almost poetic. Very much like the MC's, who are both artists, and I loved that! Honestly, so many good quotes. I may also have shed a tear... a few times.
I highly recommend this book because it's gorgeous. Also, Kaspar is the worst and if someone could... shove a cactus up in a certain area of his, I'd appreciate it.
Okay. Let's do this.
Many of you probably don't know this, because I don't typically bring it up on my own, but I have struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life. I likely always will. I was also in a very abusive relationship for many years. So reading this book was bound to bring up... a lot of things. And while it did do that, while it did make me emotional at how painfully accurate these issues are portrayed, it also healed something in me a little bit.
Jude's voice is one that very much mirrors my own. I mean, I'm not a musician at all, but I do understand the power of music, because it's always managed to soothe and heal me just a little bit. I felt so much for Jude because I saw myself in him. There's so much strength in him and I'm so glad that he found Faron because Faron sees him. Their relationship is beautiful, and when they come together it's intense and passionate and intimate. It almost feels wrong to call it spicy because it's so much more than that.
The writing is so beautiful and lyrical, almost poetic. Very much like the MC's, who are both artists, and I loved that! Honestly, so many good quotes. I may also have shed a tear... a few times.
I highly recommend this book because it's gorgeous. Also, Kaspar is the worst and if someone could... shove a cactus up in a certain area of his, I'd appreciate it.
Colin by Cora Rose
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When I first met Colin in Sem, I already suspected that he had hidden depths to him. And I was right! Honestly, this book made my heart so damn happy. It's different from the other ones in this series, not quite as OTT, but it is a beautiful story and I loved it so very much.
Colin is such a genuinely nice guy who loves his son and would move heaven and earth for him, but he's also desperately lonely. At the same time, Ethan may seem like a bit of a grump, but he just keeps people at a distance and avoids relationships because he's been hurt badly in the past. These two really dislike each other at first, they don't want to like each other, don't want to be attracted to each other, but their chemistry is undeniable. And it's wonderful to see them grow closer.
Despite this having quite a high spice level, you can feel how desperately lonely these two are, how much they really just need each other ever time they're together. And I felt the ache every time. Just a few words from Colin and I FELT that he was so lonely it hurts. Jesus. My heart with these two, man. Unbelievable.
I also loved Daniel. Kids in books are tricky because it's hard to get them right, but this book did it beautifully. Made even better every time Ethan has a realization when it comes to parenting, lmao. Why yes, Ethan. You are right, that is what parenting is. It's horrible and wonderful all at once.
A beautiful low-angst romance between two lonely souls who find each other. Highly recommended!
Colin is such a genuinely nice guy who loves his son and would move heaven and earth for him, but he's also desperately lonely. At the same time, Ethan may seem like a bit of a grump, but he just keeps people at a distance and avoids relationships because he's been hurt badly in the past. These two really dislike each other at first, they don't want to like each other, don't want to be attracted to each other, but their chemistry is undeniable. And it's wonderful to see them grow closer.
Despite this having quite a high spice level, you can feel how desperately lonely these two are, how much they really just need each other ever time they're together. And I felt the ache every time. Just a few words from Colin and I FELT that he was so lonely it hurts. Jesus. My heart with these two, man. Unbelievable.
I also loved Daniel. Kids in books are tricky because it's hard to get them right, but this book did it beautifully. Made even better every time Ethan has a realization when it comes to parenting, lmao. Why yes, Ethan. You are right, that is what parenting is. It's horrible and wonderful all at once.
A beautiful low-angst romance between two lonely souls who find each other. Highly recommended!
Lex by Cora Rose
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Damnit Brenda.
I loved this, loved Lex so much. But the ending, man. It got me. ðŸ˜ðŸ’™ William didn't win me over as much as Lex, but that's okay.
Would've loved a head's up about the ending though, as it's a particularly big trigger for me. So with that in mind... In spoiler tags, just in case you're okay not knowing.
Trigger warning: death of a loved one
I loved this, loved Lex so much. But the ending, man. It got me. ðŸ˜ðŸ’™ William didn't win me over as much as Lex, but that's okay.
Would've loved a head's up about the ending though, as it's a particularly big trigger for me. So with that in mind... In spoiler tags, just in case you're okay not knowing.
Emery by Cora Rose
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
*mild spoiler alert*
Urgh, I loved this. Emery stole my heart just like Sem did. I just want to wrap him in blankets and cuddle him forever. I admittedly needed a bit more time to love August as well, but I did in the end! I am knocking off half a star though because that third-act break-up was bullshit, and nobody can convince me otherwise. I always hate it when it's done like this because it's not necessary. It could've been avoided so easily and... yeah no. It just wasn't needed.
But I still loved all the rest! Emery is a treasure, August is so sweet and considerate (most of the time, he's not perfect, after all), I loved seeing Sem & Maggie again, I loooooved Lex, I love the mental health rep, the steam was excellent and this was just as fun as Whit and Sem. I really am starting to adore Cora's writing, which is never a bad thing. Gimme all the books!
Urgh, I loved this. Emery stole my heart just like Sem did. I just want to wrap him in blankets and cuddle him forever. I admittedly needed a bit more time to love August as well, but I did in the end! I am knocking off half a star though because that third-act break-up was bullshit, and nobody can convince me otherwise. I always hate it when it's done like this because it's not necessary. It could've been avoided so easily and... yeah no. It just wasn't needed.
But I still loved all the rest! Emery is a treasure, August is so sweet and considerate (most of the time, he's not perfect, after all), I loved seeing Sem & Maggie again, I loooooved Lex, I love the mental health rep, the steam was excellent and this was just as fun as Whit and Sem. I really am starting to adore Cora's writing, which is never a bad thing. Gimme all the books!
Sem by Cora Rose
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Well then. Sem just completely stole my heart and I did not see it coming. I read Whit a while back and enjoyed it a lot, even if it left me slightly flabbergasted and kind of feeling like a tornado just past over me. And this book had some of that too, absolutely! But... I like it? I'm quickly growing to love Cora's writing style. It's just so much fun and addictive.
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this, but I'm glad I listened to all the people who've been recommending this to me for ages. I loved every single thing about it. It's perfect just the way it is. It's funny, slightly crazy, swoony and it hit me in the feels quite a few times. I adore Maggie and I just want to cuddle him, but... let's be honest. Sem just stole the show. That big sweet, loveable idiot. I loved him to pieces and now I also want my own Sem. I loved the dynamic between the two of them, I loved the way they grew closer, all of it. And I loved the side characters as well! I'm eager to dive into Emery & August's book.
I'm so happy I finally picked this one up and I already know that Cora is quickly becoming another favorite author to me. More books to read is always a good thing, right? *ignores TBR-pile glaring at me* Also, would read a million more stories about Sem. Just saying. Sem is everything. Go read this if you haven't already!
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this, but I'm glad I listened to all the people who've been recommending this to me for ages. I loved every single thing about it. It's perfect just the way it is. It's funny, slightly crazy, swoony and it hit me in the feels quite a few times. I adore Maggie and I just want to cuddle him, but... let's be honest. Sem just stole the show. That big sweet, loveable idiot. I loved him to pieces and now I also want my own Sem. I loved the dynamic between the two of them, I loved the way they grew closer, all of it. And I loved the side characters as well! I'm eager to dive into Emery & August's book.
I'm so happy I finally picked this one up and I already know that Cora is quickly becoming another favorite author to me. More books to read is always a good thing, right? *ignores TBR-pile glaring at me* Also, would read a million more stories about Sem. Just saying. Sem is everything. Go read this if you haven't already!
By the Blood Moon by A. Knightley
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
A Thousand Cuts by A.M. Rose
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
Fool Me Twice by A.M. Rose
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Like a House on Fire by A.M. Rose
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
Well, this was a lot of fun but also creepy as hell. Take the claustrophobia warning seriously, is all I'm saying.
Drifting Hearts by E.M. Denning
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
I was SO happy when I got an ARC for this one, because E.M. Denning's books have become equivalent to all the happy feels for me. And this one was no different. Another amazing book from one of my favorite authors.
I'll admit, I was a smidge worried going into this because of Clayton and what he did to Archer (from book 1), but honestly I shouldn't have been. This is a redemption arc done perfectly and realistically. I also just wanted to give Clayton a hug for most of the book because this poor guy deserved all the love, truly.
Meanwhile, Kieran is exactly the kind of grouchy, prickly asshole with the hidden soft heart that I adore. The romance of these two was so beautiful. Hesitant and reluctant at first, for obvious reasons. But when they really gave in? It soared and man did it give me all the feels.
Highly recommend this one, though reading book 1 is a must in my opinion. Because it's fantastic, but also because it gives more context to Clayton's past with Archer. But also just because it's equally amazing.
I'll admit, I was a smidge worried going into this because of Clayton and what he did to Archer (from book 1), but honestly I shouldn't have been. This is a redemption arc done perfectly and realistically. I also just wanted to give Clayton a hug for most of the book because this poor guy deserved all the love, truly.
Meanwhile, Kieran is exactly the kind of grouchy, prickly asshole with the hidden soft heart that I adore. The romance of these two was so beautiful. Hesitant and reluctant at first, for obvious reasons. But when they really gave in? It soared and man did it give me all the feels.
Highly recommend this one, though reading book 1 is a must in my opinion. Because it's fantastic, but also because it gives more context to Clayton's past with Archer. But also just because it's equally amazing.