book_bermi's reviews
692 reviews

Paid in Full by Skyler Snow, Brea Alepoú

dark funny tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I heckin love Giancarlo! And Ash, sweet baby Angel! 🥹 The story was definitely a touch dark, but it didn’t feel it since Giancarlo brings such levity to the story with his stupid jokes and crazy antics. I adored Ash coming into himself, and the codependency birding on obsession was 👌🏼. Highly recommend. I think my favorite Vitale brother is still Enzo, but this book was incredible!

Take Me Apart by Skyler Snow, Brea Alepoú

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

This book was not as dark as I thought it would be, but it was highly enjoyable! Enzo and his obsessive tendencies got me. I enjoyed the mysteries that were unraveled here. Some I guessed at before they were revealed. I also love when there are animal characters. I’m excited to see where the story goes next!

Brainwashed by Nyla K.

dark tense medium-paced

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

5.0

WOW. Ok, first thing is first. This story is MESSED UP. Seriously check your triggers here because it is not hearts and flowers. There are many scenes that are hard to read, and parts of this book are beyond sick. I mean, one MC is a serial unaliver, and you are in his head for the majority of the book with no remorse.

That being said, I was riveted! I was so looking forward to getting a front row seat into The Carver’s head, and boy was I not disappointed. His perspective was beyond intriguing, and getting to know Lemuel was also intriguing. I will say that it passed up Distorted on my favorite. I am so invested in the over arching plot as well! I want to know more about Lex and Wren, but also their friend and the new guy. And of course, The Warden. I cannot wait, so sad this is the last one on audio for now! I need the rest now!

Joyless by Nyla K.

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

There were parts of this one that were interesting and some parts that made me laugh, but I definitely enjoyed the first one better. Velle was holding on to a dark secret the entire story, so it was interesting finding out exactly what that was about. Each of the MCs had their secrets. The romance kept taking one step forward, two steps back for a bit, but toward the end it became pretty sweet. I enjoyed the set up for a couple other story lines. I am very excited for the next and have a feeling that more will come up for The Ivory. It seems each book is really building up a storyline for him, and I’m looking forward for when it all comes to a head! I honestly don’t think I’d listen to this one again, but I am glad I did, even if only for the bits of plot for the other books.

Impromptu Match by Lily Mayne

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? No

5.0

This is probably my favorite Lily Mayne book to date! And that’s saying A LOT. 

Taylor is relatable AF. I have worked jobs I didn’t enjoy before. Soul sucking jobs. No one enjoys that. His chance meeting with Holt was exactly what he needed. It was also a hilarious misunderstanding 😂 honestly, I was cackling basically from start to finish. Do I have a favorite part? Um… I’m going to have to say my favorite part was the entire book. Throughout all the hilarity, the romance was still so hecking sweet! Holy is my favorite. I cannot wait for more in this seriessss!!! If you are a fan of ridiculousness, hilarity, idiots in love, flirty monster wrestlers, dad sneaker kinks, ironed underwear, balls, farts, delicious smut, and so much more, this book is for you!

Distorted by Nyla K.

dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.75

Ok, for starters, this is a dark romance. There are some really messed up things that happen in this book, and it’s not hearts and flowers. Check your triggers for this one before you dive in!

That being said, holy wow, what the heck just happened?! The twist toward the end of this book was definitely surprising. Everything I thought I knew to be true got turned on its head. But I was pretty hooked the whole time. By the end of the book, the romance was even sweet, which I was not expecting. Loved it. Excellent work keeping the reader guessing.

Loving the Legend by Kit Grey

emotional hopeful reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.5

Whew, THIS BOOK. OK, so I may or may not be in love with Sid and Ty. This story follows Ty, you are in his head the whole time. It is a sports romance, and it’s heavy on the sports, so expect quite a bit of basket ball. Ty’s back story is tragic, as is some of Sid’s, but this is an epic love story with an HEA, so it all works out in the end. There are some tough themes in this book. I couldn’t help but relate to Ty, since depression is a very real and very silent monster. Because you are in Ty’s head though, you cant help but love Sid, and by extension, Sid’s family. The book is sexy, smutty, beautiful, sad, tragic, inspiring, and hopeful. I loved the way the author portrayed depression, the conversations and advocation surrounding LGBTQIA+ people in the NBA, and the love story. I am definitely looking forward to the next!

“if we give ignorance and ugliness so much power over us that we are afraid to live our lives, then it has won.” - Loving the Legend by Kit Grey

Enter the Multi-Vers by C. Rochelle

adventurous funny medium-paced

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

5.0

The way this series has me in a CHOKEHOLD. It owns me completely, if I am being totally honest. C. Rochelle gets further into kink here, but the communication is superb! Enter the Multi-Vers has everything you would already expect from a book in the Villainous Things series (hilarious, smutty, kinky, action-packed, characters that would unalive people, characters you would unalive people for) be C. Rochelle takes it even deeper this time. I love the contrasting personalities of the twins. I loved Theo and all his bratty ways. I adored the appearances by The Rabble. I loved how so many more things in the series were expanded upon! The last bit of the book is where all the revelations are, and honestly, I am so happy so many doors were left open for spin offs because I can't get enough of this wonderful world (worlds?) that she has created. I have said it before, and I'll say it again, C. Rochelle is a magician. Check your triggers, buckle up, and enjoy the ride! 😍😍😍😍

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad 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? No

5.0

Wow. Just wow. This is probably one of the most impactful reads I have read in a very long while. I saw myself in these pages. Of course it’s not perfectly me, no two stories are exactly alike, but Juliet’s journey resonated with me in so many different ways. From the representation of a Puerto Rican growing up in a big American city, to the journey of discovering your inner queer and learning about gender expression, just so much reflected my own personal experiences that I couldn’t help but love this book. It’s funny, sad, informative, and eye opening. Read this book.

Stranded by Cara Dee

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

This book was not quite as pins and needles as the last one. Still definitely a dark read, and tragedy abound. Stranded is an excellent title for this book, as I felt like the characters were stuck in limbo for a bit and my brain couldn’t come up with any ideas on how they would move forward. Darius and Grey are becoming dear to me. I love so much about these characters and that ending made me want to riot! Particularly because I don’t believe the next book is on audio 😭😭😭 I need the next audio like I need AIR.