charleys_bookshelf's Reviews (252)

Meet Me in Los Feliz

Kelly Reynolds

5.0

funny hopeful lighthearted 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

That Time I Got Drunk And Yeeted A Love Potion At A Werewolf

Kimberly Lemming

5.0

adventurous emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This Gilded Abyss

Rebecca Thorne

5.0

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

ARC Review of This Gilded Abyss by Rebecca Thorne

Rebecca Thorne has a way with words. She can write banter between her characters that has me cracking up at the most inappropriate moments! I enjoy Rebecca's world-building ability because she can give plenty of development to immerse you in the world, but not where it gets clunky.

Make no mistake; this novel is NOT a cozy fantasy like her others, so be prepared before reading. This Gilded Abyss is a Queer horror/thriller fantasy novel. The first part of the story introduces Sergeant Nix Marr, who is an excellent soldier but emotionally scarred by her past. Nix's past slaps her in the face when she is assigned to be Kassandra's bodyguard aboard the Luminosity, a luxurious submersible vessel. And this is where things start to go wrong.

In this one book, it has been a while since I couldn't predict the outcome. I loved the surprises at every corner. The secrets, infestation of a violent craze illness, betrayals, and truths revealed throughout were outstanding. Even though I knew it was coming, I was pissed off at the cliffhanger ending. However, Rebecca Thorne has become one of the authors I will instantly buy whatever they are writing. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a high-action thriller/ horror fantasy story where the main characters are also Lesbians.

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega

Crystal Maldonado

5.0

emotional funny 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

The Hat Trick

Madi Danielle

4.0

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted 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: Yes

ARC Review of The Hat Trick by Madi Danielle did a great job writing this story, and it is now one top why to choose books. If you like sports and romance, why choose spicy books, you should pick this one up!

The Hat Trick by Madi Danielle is a why-choose hockey romance that I couldn't put down!

Chandler is the FMM who is still a little hung up on and pissed off by her ex, that cheated on her. After running into her ex and his new wife, Vince sees a damsel in distress and pretends to be Chandler’s boyfriend. This began their new relationship. Vince is a professional hockey player with golden retriever energy. When he sees a spark between the girl he's into and his best friend, he's not mad or jealous and is interested in giving her whatever and whoever she wants to be happy.

Madi Danielle did a great job creating characters with all the great banter between them! Madi created a strong independent female main character that knew how to set boundaries and uphold them in her relationships. I love when these elements are included in stories. Overall I enjoyed this story and these characters.

The relationship between Vince and Chandler opening their budding relationship to include Brent makes complete sense regarding the storyline. Matt coming in was a harder sell for me. The chemistry between Chandler and Matt was evident, but I had a more challenging time believing that Matt would be okay with sharing her. However, the spice scenes throughout this book are incredible.

Madi Danielle did a great job writing this story, and it is now one top why to choose books. If you like sports and romance, why choose spicy books, you should pick this one up!