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bribooknerd's Reviews (210)

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date

Ashley Herring Blake

4.25

funny hopeful inspiring 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

Craving Carla

Tessa Stone

4.0

challenging funny hopeful inspiring 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

Redeeming Nia

Tessa Stone

4.0

challenging emotional funny 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

The Secret Crush Book Club

Karmen Lee

3.5

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

ARC Review: Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide my honest thoughts on this book.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶

"The Secret Crush Book Club" by Karmen Lee is a wonderfully heartfelt and beautifully crafted queer romance that offers a refreshing take on finding love and self-discovery.

We meet Dani, a character who will resonate deeply with anyone juggling life's relentless demands. As a single mom and a dedicated nurse, her days are packed, leaving precious little time for herself, let alone romance. We see her navigating dates with men, often feeling a disconnect and wondering if it's her busy life, or simply a lack of chemistry. She's still figuring things out, navigating the complexities of adulthood which really resonate it with me.

Then there's Zoey, the new town librarian, who immediately charmed me. Zoey carries a secret... a quiet, undeniable crush on Dani. Unsure if Dani is even open to a relationship with a woman, Zoey ingeniously finds a way to bridge the gap: she invites Dani to her town's very real, very legitimate book club (😏). What starts as a shared love for literature (or perhaps just an excuse to be in the same room) slowly blossoms into something more. The subtle, nervous flirting that unfolds within the book club meetings is an absolute delight to read! It's tender, authentic, and builds a delicious tension.

A particularly enjoyable aspect was witnessing Dani's evolution. As she spends more time with Zoey, she begins to reflect on her past dating experiences and starts to realize that the deep, authentic connection she's been longing for is exactly what she's experiencing with Zoey. It's truly cool to see her open up to the possibility of her own interest in Zoey and explore what a relationship with her could look like. This journey of self-realization, embracing a late-in-life queer romance, is particularly well-done, offering a much-needed narrative that speaks to finding your true self and happiness at any stage.

However, where the book could have reached higher for me was in the depth and complexity of its characters. While I rooted for Dani and Zoey and their budding romance, I sometimes felt that their internal struggles and character arcs didn't delve as deeply as they could have. There wasn't a strong sense of significant obstacles for them to overcome beyond the initial premise, and I wished for their personalities and backstories to be more fully fleshed out. This doesn't detract from the overall sweetness and charm of the story, but it kept me from a higher rating.

If you're looking for a beautifully written, emotionally resonant queer romance that celebrates finding yourself, building trust, and the courage to let love in, "The Secret Crush Book Club" is definitely worth picking up. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most profound connections begin in the most unexpected, and delightfully bookish, places.

When Forty Blooms

Jacinta Howard

5.0

emotional funny hopeful 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: Yes

ARC Review: Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide my honest thoughts on this book.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

This is a long review...sorry, not sorry. This was so good!

Wow. Just, wow! "When Forty Blooms" by Jacinta Howard is an absolute triumph and a book I wholeheartedly recommend. From the very first page, I was completely captivated by Simone Harris's journey as she navigates her milestone fortieth birthday on a leap year, prompting a deep dive into her past, present, and future.

What's more, as someone who doesn't typically gravitate towards contemporary romances, this book completely blew me away and is one I will definitely be adding to my permanent bookshelf. It's truly a must-read!

What truly resonated with me and what Jacinta Howard absolutely nailed the brilliant representation of Black excellence. It's woven into every fiber of the story, showcasing the richness, complexity, and beauty of Black culture in America. As someone who appreciates seeing these stories told so authentically and vibrantly, this aspect of the book felt incredibly affirming and well-done. It also beautifully depicts Black parenting excellence, showcasing truly admirable and well-rounded characters.

I also adored that the story is set in the South, specifically Atlanta. The author's ability to paint such a vivid picture of the city and its unique cultural landscape truly transported me there. The references to local HBCUs and the deep understanding of what Black culture looks like in this region added so much depth and authenticity. It's clear that this is a story deeply rooted in its setting, and it shines because of it.

But beyond the vibrant setting and cultural richness, "When Forty Bloom" excels in its thoughtful portrayal of a woman in her late thirties and forties. It beautifully challenges the notion that women stop desiring certain things... whether it's stability, romance, or personal fulfillment.. once they reach a certain age. I absolutely loved seeing Simone's journey of continued growth, desire, and self-discovery at this stage of her life. This kind of storytelling, where women in their late 30s and 40s are authentically represented in romance and modern literature, is incredibly vital and something we don't see nearly enough of. And for those who love a good romance, this is also a beautifully executed second chance romance that is wonderfully steamy as well 😏! The chemistry between the characters is truly off-the-charts, but what stood out even more was the genuine, deep care they showed for each other, not just as romantic partners but as human beings. It was exceptionally well done.

Simone's journey is one of incredible growth and self-discovery. What I particularly loved about her growth was her willingness to truly reflect on where she was, how she got to that place, and specifically where she needed to grow or where she might have reacted from fear. This deep dive into her past, her upbringing, and her realities felt incredibly honest and resonated deeply, as it highlights how much our present selves are shaped by our experiences. It was amazing to witness her commit to that self-exploration.

Next, the writing...oh goodness, the writing itself is simply exquisite and often felt almost poetic. Jacinta Howard has a remarkable gift for language; the way she communicated Simone's feelings and her inner world was so beautifully done that it felt like it belonged in a poetry slam. It pulled me in and kept me invested in every character and every turning point.

And for fellow audiobook lovers, you must experience this one via audio! The narrator, Wesleigh Siobhan, was an absolute .👩🏾‍🍳💋" Her performance perfectly captured the nuances and vernacular of Southern Black people, bringing the characters and their interactions to life in an incredibly authentic and amazing way. She truly elevated the story.

If you're looking for a powerful, uplifting, and incredibly well-written story about self-discovery, second chances, and the beauty of Black life/love, this book is absolutely for you. It's perfect if you appreciate contemporary fiction with strong, relatable characters and a rich cultural backdrop that also offers vital representation of women finding love and fulfillment later in life, alongside a well-done, steamy second chance romance with undeniable chemistry and genuine human connection. This story is deeply thought-provoking, making you reflect on your own journey, but it's also incredibly empowering, reminding you that you can truly have the life and desires you want if you're willing to do the work to achieve them. Pick up "When Forty Blooms" immediately – you won't regret it!

Hear My Heart

Tay Mo'Nae

3.5

emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)
🌶🌶🌶🌶 (4 spice)

“Sometimes the loudest strength comes from the quietest voices.”

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be an ARC for Hear My Heart!

Hear My Heart by Tay Mo'Nae is a powerful and emotional romance that follows Nakyra, a Deaf woman stuck in a relationship with a fiancé who doesn’t value or truly see her. He treats her poorly with little regard for her needs or her voice. I spent much of the book like this (🤬) when it came to him and his parents. We follow her as she starts questioning that dynamic and recognizing how much more she deserves. This story is heartbreaking, empowering, and beautifully real.

Just when things in Nakyra life feel wild and disheartening, someone unexpected steps in... not to rescue her, but to remind her of her worth. He introduces her to a different way of living: one rooted in care, community, and mutual respect. Through him, she meets people who uplift her, experiences moments that expand her world, and slowly begins to imagine a future that prioritizes her happiness and well-being.

And let’s talk about the spice: 🔥
This man? Whew. He centers Nakyra’s pleasure like it’s a mission. He knows exactly what to do, and he doesn’t stop until she can’t function. The scenes are intimate, passionate, and full of trust, which are a perfect reflection of the emotional connection they build. This is steam with substance.

This isn’t just a romance. It’s Nakyra's journey toward self-respect, self-love, and the courage to choose herself. The romance is heart-melting, but even more so because it honors her growth.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories about resilience, meaningful representation, romance with just the amount of heat, and relationships that heal rather than hurt.

Lore of the Tides

Analeigh Sbrana

4.5

adventurous emotional funny hopeful sad 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: Complicated

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)
🌶🌶🌶 (3 spice)

“The sea does not forgive, and neither do girls who’ve been wronged.”

Lore of the Tide by Analeigh Sbrana is an atmospheric, feminist fantasy that hooked me like a siren’s song and refused to let go. If you love a fed-up "witch," ancient curses, and an evil king greedy for power and hiding dark secrets—you’re going to devour this.

The plot builds like a rising tide: slow at first but relentless, until you’re knee-deep in folklore, ghost stories, and chilling betrayal. We follow Lore, a girl caught between grief, rage, and ancient magic—who really just wants to get home.

Lore went through it in this book—but wow, the growth. She found so much of herself through pain, magic, and sacrifice. Lore is my hero because she never lets other people’s doubts define her. This woman is a FIGHTER. She chooses herself, her truth, and her strength—and it’s such a powerful journey to witness.

Now let’s talk about that love triangle… whew. I was stressed in book one, and the tension only ramped up here. Finn and Asher both bring their own kind of magic, and yes—I definitely had a favorite (👀 not saying who), but let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed. That man has a way with words, okay?!

And listen… the spice in this book was so unexpected, but so yummy! 🔥 Let’s just say someone knows how to talk a woman through it, and after reading this… Lore is definitely not the same girl from Lore of the Wilds. The steamy moments didn’t take over the story—they made it more emotionally real, showing where Lore is now and what ....and who she’s ready to claim. 😏

This story is packed with adventure—saving kingdoms, uncovering ancient truths, forging bonds, and learning hard lessons. Lore, Finn, and Asher’s histories unfold in such a compelling way, giving their journey more weight, more purpose, and raising the emotional stakes even higher.

I’ve been waiting for this book since finishing Lore of the Wilds last year, and being able to read this early as an ARC reader was such a gift. I need Analeigh to write more soon—because we need more of this beautiful storytelling and rich, Black fantasy in the world. 💙

To Trap a Soul

Opal Reyne

5.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful slow-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

Can I just say that Opal Reyne has absolutely done it again with To Trap a Soul? This prequel to her beloved Duskwalker Bride series is one of those stories I didn't even realize how much I was missing. All throughout the series, I've found myself wondering about Lindiwe's past – like, seriously, how did she meet Weldir? And why did it always seem like she was fighting so many battles alone? Well, this book finally pulls back the curtain, and let me tell you, it's a truly rewarding experience.

This isn't just any prequel; it's practically the "How I Met Your Mother" of the Duskwalker world! Maybe not as many jokes but...you get my point. It's a fantastic slow-burn revelation that neatly fills in all those crucial gaps. Speaking of that slow burn, it's not just about romance; it's about watching two incredibly complex individuals slowly, painstakingly, navigate their truly unique bond. That gradual understanding makes their eventual connection all the more impactful. Seriously, if you're a fan of the series, you absolutely, 100% must read this after you've read the rest of the books. The way Opal has woven in hidden nuggets, and little callbacks throughout the entire series become so incredibly apparent here, giving you a richer, more satisfying re-contextualization of everything you thought you knew. It's like finding treasure you didn't even know existed!

My heart ached for Lindiwe as I read. She goes through so much, and her strength and dedication to her babies are just so incredibly inspiring. Honestly, I just wanted to reach through the pages and give her a giant hug! Lindiwe is hands down one of my favorite characters in this series now. Her quiet, persistent strength is something I think every mother can understand and deeply connect with. And poor Weldir, bless his heart, is just completely clueless about how relationships actually work, inadvertently leaving Lindiwe to bear the brunt of that unawareness. They both have their faults, for sure, but at their core, they're two beings just trying their best to uphold an agreement... and hopefully find something more profound in the process. Watching the evolution of Lindiwe and Weldir – their developing strengths, their growing understanding, and their blossoming care for each other – took me on an absolute emotional roller-coaster. It's a journey packed with frustration, hope, incredibly tender moments, and powerful revelations, keeping you deeply invested in their path and cheering for them every single step of the way.

This was a solid 5 ⭐️ read for me. It's a deeply satisfying dive into the past of characters I've truly come to love. If you've been captivated by the Duskwaker Bride series, To Trap a Soul isn't just an addition, it's an absolutely essential piece that will only deepen your appreciation for the entire saga.