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careliza's reviews
175 reviews
Shame by Fiona Cole
4.0
This is exactly what I wanted. They lead normal lives except for in the bedroom. It isn’t dark, it’s actually quite wholesome. I just wish I got to know the characters as people a little more.
Moxie by C.M. Stunich
2.0
This book gave me nothing. There was no real conflict, and we don’t even really get a satisfying ending. The entire series takes place over like two weeks with the exception of the last chapter which is a few months later.
Saint by Sierra Simone
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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 think this is my favorite book of the year. This book made me cry. The conflict felt the most realistic out of any book I’ve read this year. It was an amazing representation of mental health, and I really felt for both of the MCs. It dealt with hard topics such as being queer in a religious community. I loved both of these characters with all of my heart. Everything they did for each other was out of love, and that’s what made it so special. They loved each other so much that they were each willing to give up their own happiness for the other. And Jamie is a champ. On top of all of this, the book was HILARIOUS. The scenes between Sean and Aidan were ridiculously funny. I fell in love with the other monks, and I just absolutely loved the entire vibe. I love Father Jordan, and I love the magical vibe he has. I want to read this book over and over again. It was so good.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Homophobia
Sinner by Sierra Simone
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Honestly I love Sierra Simone’s books. I love how much depth the characters have, despite the book being labeled as erotica. I’m not usually someone who likes dark books, but I related to watching someone you love die of cancer. However, I am sad that the two women in the family have now passed away. The mom really had a tragic life, with her young daughter dying of suicide which she was still grieving in “Priest,” and then being diagnosed and passing away from cancer. I did find it odd that we didn’t hear much about the work project that started all of this to begin with. I understand that there were enough other obstacles, so the FMC and MMC did not need to fight about the monastery, but I thought this would come into play much more than it did. We barely hear about it in the end. I also was not a fan of the FMC becoming pregnant so young. I honestly don’t really like hearing about pregnancy at all for some reason. But I felt like Sean kind of robbed Zenny of her 20s by getting her pregnant so soon. It’s one thing to marry her young, it’s another thing to get her pregnant so young. I know he’s much older so time was important, but even a few years would have been better. I did really enjoy the acknowledgement of racism and Sean’s privilege. I thought Sierra Simone handled this well. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am enjoying this series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, Cancer, Child death, Terminal illness, Suicide, Pregnancy, and Racism
Priest by Sierra Simone
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, I don’t like single pov from just the mmc’s POV, and I feel like the end could have been fleshed out more.
Roadie by C.M. Stunich
2.5
This could have been half as long. Also dude we get it your DAD IS DEAD. Also the fact that this whole thing happens in two weeks is crazy to me. I think this should have happened over a longer period of time. Also I really hate that she spoils her own book all the time. She’s telling the story in the past, so she’s like “this bad thing is happening. I never would have guessed that we’d all five end up together.” Like dude. Why are we even dealing with the bad thing if you’re not going to leave even a little suspense????