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book_lover_irl's reviews
454 reviews
Nickel by Winter Travers
Instagram: @Book.Lover.IRL
Goodreads: Book Lover IRL
medium-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? It's complicated
3.0
Short and sweet. Enjoyable story. I liked the plot. Acceptable pacing. Relatively small number of characters and easy to follow storyline. The attempt at mystery and suspense was weak.
The biggest downfall was the narrators. They were not my favorite. Neither of them had an engaging voice, their cadences were off, and they didn’t do a fabulous job making each character sound distinct. I would’ve enjoyed the book more if I had read it (vs listening to the audiobook) or if there had been different narrators. I would not recommend the current audiobook version.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The biggest downfall was the narrators. They were not my favorite. Neither of them had an engaging voice, their cadences were off, and they didn’t do a fabulous job making each character sound distinct. I would’ve enjoyed the book more if I had read it (vs listening to the audiobook) or if there had been different narrators. I would not recommend the current audiobook version.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: Not exactly
Tropes: Instalove, MC
Instagram: @Book.Lover.IRL
Goodreads: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Alcohol
Passion by Molly McAdams
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Good plot, nice pacing, some intrigue and an amazing bunch of women friends who have each others back in all situations.
I loved the FMC and her besties. Their friendship was stuff of legends. The way they crowded around one of their own if they were hurting was beautiful. It was refreshing to see camaraderie instead of competition among women.
The MMC was charming and adorable in his own way. I was so glad when he made the important choices that he did (that I cannot say more about without worrying about spoilers).
I’ve been reading so much heavy and dark stuff that this story was a breath of fresh air — overall sweet and fluffy-ish. Felt very restoring to return to a lighter plot. Now to dive back into the deep dark abyss...
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes / themes: Instalove, touch her and ☠️
Instagram: @Book.Lover.IRL
Goodreads: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
I loved the FMC and her besties. Their friendship was stuff of legends. The way they crowded around one of their own if they were hurting was beautiful. It was refreshing to see camaraderie instead of competition among women.
The MMC was charming and adorable in his own way. I was so glad when he made the important choices that he did (that I cannot say more about without worrying about spoilers).
I’ve been reading so much heavy and dark stuff that this story was a breath of fresh air — overall sweet and fluffy-ish. Felt very restoring to return to a lighter plot. Now to dive back into the deep dark abyss...
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes / themes: Instalove, touch her and ☠️
Instagram: @Book.Lover.IRL
Goodreads: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol
Devil You Hate by J.L. Beck, C. Hallman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
Can’t do it. DNF. Too dark for me. The MMC clearly hates the entire world and has zero redeeming qualities. The FMC too meek and compliant for me. I hate everything about it. Nothing remotely sweet, nice or even close to human decency.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Falls Boys by Penelope Douglas
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.5
This is my first book from Penelope Douglas and I loved it. Can't wait to read her other books. I especially want to go back and read the original Falls series.
High octane read that hits the ground running. The plot was intriguing and engaging. The pacing kept me hanging on, waiting for the next tidbit of info to drop, so I could try to piece together the mystery.
The MCs were both super lovable -- not in the sweet and cuddly way (Aro is quite prickly), but in their own uniquely special ways. Aro's tenacity and grit in the face of overwhelming odds was inspiring. She was always thinking about ways to take care of her family. Now Hawke... Hawke!!! I think Hawke is my new favorite book boyfriend. The way he’s is so intent on taking care of Aro (despite her independent streak) was impressive.
It was also super refreshing that the virgin trope focused on the MMC as the virgin, instead of the FMC ***and*** it didn't make the Aro over s3xed to "make up" for Hawke's lack of experiences. I appreciated the fact that they made Hawke struggle to get out of his head about sex and that it was important to him to have an emotional connection with the person he had sex with.
I adored so much of the plot. I highly recommend this book. It will be a top 10 for me in 2024.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
High octane read that hits the ground running. The plot was intriguing and engaging. The pacing kept me hanging on, waiting for the next tidbit of info to drop, so I could try to piece together the mystery.
The MCs were both super lovable -- not in the sweet and cuddly way (Aro is quite prickly), but in their own uniquely special ways. Aro's tenacity and grit in the face of overwhelming odds was inspiring. She was always thinking about ways to take care of her family. Now Hawke... Hawke!!! I think Hawke is my new favorite book boyfriend. The way he’s is so intent on taking care of Aro (despite her independent streak) was impressive.
It was also super refreshing that the virgin trope focused on the MMC as the virgin, instead of the FMC ***and*** it didn't make the Aro over s3xed to "make up" for Hawke's lack of experiences. I appreciated the fact that they made Hawke struggle to get out of his head about sex and that it was important to him to have an emotional connection with the person he had sex with.
I adored so much of the plot. I highly recommend this book. It will be a top 10 for me in 2024.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Virgin, opposites attract, rivalry, wrong side of the track
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: Book.Lover.IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Drug use, Sexism, Sexual content, Alcohol
Until Death Do Us Part by Adelaide Forrest
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I have struggled immensely with this series. Hold on because I’m not holding back.
I straight up LOATHE the MMC. He is a piece of sh!t husband and narcissistic sociopath with zero redeeming qualities. I get that dark, brooding, obsessive alpha males are sexy MMCs but this guy… just NO. His treatment of the FMC, his wife and supposedly soulmate, is beyond horrific.
SPOILERS ON THE WAY
Throughout the series, the MMC …
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
rapes, abuses, tortures, drugs, brands, gaslights, lies, and has zero regard for her bodily autonomy. He places trackers (unknown to her) in her body, has sex with her while she’s unconscious / drugged, gives her fertility meds against her wishes, refuses to use condoms or give her birth control. I can tolerate a lot of things. Not this.
Consent is important. Even when it’s consensual non-consent, at least there is the illusion of consent. This was straight up rape in books 1-4.
I read a lot of spicy smut and usually enjoy dark reads but this was 110% over the top. Not sure how I made it through the series when I found the majority of it so disturbing. Wouldn’t recommend unless you are truly enjoy the darkest black of darks.
I straight up LOATHE the MMC. He is a piece of sh!t husband and narcissistic sociopath with zero redeeming qualities. I get that dark, brooding, obsessive alpha males are sexy MMCs but this guy… just NO. His treatment of the FMC, his wife and supposedly soulmate, is beyond horrific.
SPOILERS ON THE WAY
Throughout the series, the MMC …
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
rapes, abuses, tortures, drugs, brands, gaslights, lies, and has zero regard for her bodily autonomy. He places trackers (unknown to her) in her body, has sex with her while she’s unconscious / drugged, gives her fertility meds against her wishes, refuses to use condoms or give her birth control. I can tolerate a lot of things. Not this.
Consent is important. Even when it’s consensual non-consent, at least there is the illusion of consent. This was straight up rape in books 1-4.
I read a lot of spicy smut and usually enjoy dark reads but this was 110% over the top. Not sure how I made it through the series when I found the majority of it so disturbing. Wouldn’t recommend unless you are truly enjoy the darkest black of darks.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Until Retribution Burns by Adelaide Forrest
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Ugh!!! I hate that I want to know what happens in this series. I despise and loathe the MMC. He is awful and horrific and there is absolutely NOTHING redeeming about him. As the reader, I think we’re supposed to find his obsessive psychotic behavior enduring and an example of his devotion to his wife. Instead I find his abhorrent words and actions 110% abusive. He rapes, tortures, gaslights and terrorizes her non-stop. The author’s attempt at the FMC’s “acceptance” of her attraction and love for the MMC is total BS that I’m not buying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Gore, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Until Forever Ends by Adelaide Forrest
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I don’t know how to review this book. There is so much about it that HATE, LOATHE, DESPISE. This series has cemented my disdain for bully romances and enemy to lovers tropes.
The way the MMC treats the FMC is abhorrent. The awfulgaslighting, emotional abuse, physical abuse and torture is beyond the pale. The MMC literally rapes and sexually assaults the FMC multiple times. It’s disgusting and disturbing
I *REALLLLYYYYYY* do not want to give the author any additional sales but alas, I want to know what happened next in the series. Maybe I’ll be able to find a good spoiler soon.
Stars: ???
The way the MMC treats the FMC is abhorrent. The awful
I *REALLLLYYYYYY* do not want to give the author any additional sales but alas, I want to know what happened next in the series. Maybe I’ll be able to find a good spoiler soon.
Stars: ???
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Duet / dual
HEA: No
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: Bully romance, enemies to lovers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Until Tomorrow Comes by Adelaide Forrest
challenging
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I’m struggling to review this book. I’m not sure if I hate or love this book. Consent is important to me. I can sometimes tolerate dubious consent but outright violation…
The FMC drives me a bit bonkers with her occasional wishy-washy reactions to the MMCs dominance. Overall I don’t loveinsta-love tropes, especially ones that are this obsessive. Sometimes that can be hot — like in Navessa Allen’s Lights Out… chefs kiss and as an added bonus, that book was hysterical.
Not sure how I feel. Novel ended on a cliffhanger so I plan to start the next book asap. However, I am skeptical that I’ll make it far. I have a feeling that I’ll end up DNFing and just googling the spoilers to answer my questions.
The FMC drives me a bit bonkers with her occasional wishy-washy reactions to the MMCs dominance. Overall I don’t love
Not sure how I feel. Novel ended on a cliffhanger so I plan to start the next book asap. However, I am skeptical that I’ll make it far. I have a feeling that I’ll end up DNFing and just googling the spoilers to answer my questions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
The Young and the Submissive by Jenna Jacob, Shayla Black, Isabella Lapearl
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Broody, angsty, emotional read. I liked the first book, loved the second book and can’t wait to see where the third book leads…
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️, maybe 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
POV: Tri
HEA: Yes, sort of
Cliffhanger: Yes, kinda
Tropes: BDSM, insecure & abused girl with alpha dom males
Goodreads: Book Lover IRL
Instagram: @Book.Lover.IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️, maybe 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
POV: Tri
HEA: Yes, sort of
Cliffhanger: Yes, kinda
Tropes: BDSM, insecure & abused girl with alpha dom males
Goodreads: Book Lover IRL
Instagram: @Book.Lover.IRL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol
One Dom to Love by Jenna Jacob, Isabella LaPearl, Shayla Black
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Solid story with a great narrator. Very angsty. I’m not used to novels that have a single narrator being a man. Christian Fox did an amazing job different between characters. His Irish lilt was sexy and glorious.
I had a love / hate relationship with the characters. One minute I loved them and the next I was utterly flabbergasted with their actions and behaviors. Overall I loved Raine. She had a hard go of it and allowed herself to be vulnerable. Hammer (Macen) was so selfish and pig headed sometimes that I couldn't always relate with his choices. Liam, on the other hand, was so amazingly sweet. I love how he attended to Raine's needs.
As a duet story, this book ends on a cliffhanger. I am excited to read the next book to see how this ends. Very recommendable duet.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Triple (all by one male narrator)
HEA: No
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: BDSM, age gap, rich man-poor girl
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
I had a love / hate relationship with the characters. One minute I loved them and the next I was utterly flabbergasted with their actions and behaviors. Overall I loved Raine. She had a hard go of it and allowed herself to be vulnerable. Hammer (Macen) was so selfish and pig headed sometimes that I couldn't always relate with his choices. Liam, on the other hand, was so amazingly sweet. I love how he attended to Raine's needs.
As a duet story, this book ends on a cliffhanger. I am excited to read the next book to see how this ends. Very recommendable duet.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Triple (all by one male narrator)
HEA: No
Cliffhanger: Yes
Tropes: BDSM, age gap, rich man-poor girl
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Sexual content, Violence, Alcohol