bookishzara's reviews
171 reviews

Demon's Dream: An Unexpected Love by Elle Kayson

dark emotional funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I tend to judge books by their cover but I’m glad I was able to look past it and read this book. It was a thrilling ride from start to finish. I laughed, I got teary-eyed, I swooned— I really enjoyed this book. I love the characters in this book, they felt so real and had their flaws which made you appreciate them even more. The spice balanced out the story/plot. It wasn’t overwhelming at all. At first I didn’t think Smoke was too bad but that MF crazier than Demon (but I love both them light brights). I love how Dream really softened Demon and loved him despite his flaws. Fuck Darius Castle, Fuck Jordan & Talton Middleton, Fuck Paul & Keith and everyone else who did them dirty. They got what they deserved. Ate those 750 pages up and wanted more. 

Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This was a good mystery. Not really a historical fiction besides it taking place in the 1920s lol there isn’t much of a focus on the historical aspect and the Harlem renaissance. But otherwise it was a good mystery that kept me guessing who the killer was. Louise is a smart gal. I honestly don’t know if I want to continue the series tho. This is good as a standalone

Blood Justice by Terry J. Benton-Walker

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Okayyy I need book 3 NEOWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!! The ending; that cliffhanger is just… omg 😩 this second book was better than the first. This book took me on a crazy journey but it was worth it. Cristina’s rage was annoying at times but I can’t say it wasn’t justified. The racial tension in the book gave it that spark that was needed. Sometimes I had to remind myself that this story takes place in 2019/2020 and not the 60’s but then again it is the SOUTH— NOLA. This story uses Black anger, grief, and pain which allows the reader to understand and validate Clem & Cristina’s (tbh the whole Black and gen community) experiences. I can’t wait to see how the story continues to play out with the new additions to the stay

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Wow, just wowwww. I was hooked. Magical witch drama set in New Orleans. Twins Clem and Cris set out to solve a 30 year old murder when the believe their grandmother was set up to take the fall. This book was soo good and the magic system was well explained. I love how black people got their powers from their ancestors going back to slavery as a way to protect them. Can’t wait to read the second book. 

Christmas With the Wrights by Christina C. Jones

4.0

Would be a 5 star if it wasn’t for some errors — Devyn was a NP in her story but all of a sudden a doctor?? 

Otherwise, I loved the lil catch up of my favorite family. And I especially loved the mentions of Jaclyn, Joia, and Jemma

Bending The Rules by Christina C. Jones

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I loved this entire series but especially this one. There relationship was so complex and despite the obstacles, Toni and Justin found their way back to each other 

Master of Me by Keke Palmer

4.5

Pulling Doubles by Christina C. Jones

funny relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

5.0