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charleys_bookshelf's Reviews (252)
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
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:
Yes
A Sky of Emerald Stars by A.K. Mulford is the second book in the Golden Court series. I enjoyed the first novel and loved that it ended wrapped, and the second book continues the storyline. A Sky of Emerald Stars has two stories being told that run parallel to each other. Calla, now queen of golden wolves and integrating humans into their court, has to make political allies to prepare for the impending war. Sadie has been struggling with betrayal and stagnant sets of Navin and Maez to get more information and allies. This is where everything goes in an array for both of these parties!
This book has the double of badass main characters, Calla, a genderqueer wolf shifter warrior, and Sadie, a knife-wielding soldier; both have the bite to match their bark! A.K Mulford did a fantastic job with this second book; the pacing was good, and the book was decently engaging throughout the entire novel. I am not going to lie; Calla is annoying at times with her rashness and rage against not knowing how to lead, but I do understand it, so I got over it pretty quickly. Also, I loved that the second book was a dual POV with competing storylines. Sadie and Navins' story arc was fantastic, and I love them! Reading the ending had screaming, and I was so unprepared for what happened. Overall, I love this story and the characters, and I am excited to see what A.K. Mulford has in store for us! If you haven't started this series, I recommend picking it up.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC copy
This book has the double of badass main characters, Calla, a genderqueer wolf shifter warrior, and Sadie, a knife-wielding soldier; both have the bite to match their bark! A.K Mulford did a fantastic job with this second book; the pacing was good, and the book was decently engaging throughout the entire novel. I am not going to lie; Calla is annoying at times with her rashness and rage against not knowing how to lead, but I do understand it, so I got over it pretty quickly. Also, I loved that the second book was a dual POV with competing storylines. Sadie and Navins' story arc was fantastic, and I love them! Reading the ending had screaming, and I was so unprepared for what happened. Overall, I love this story and the characters, and I am excited to see what A.K. Mulford has in store for us! If you haven't started this series, I recommend picking it up.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC copy
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 ⭐️
Marco by GiGi Meier is number 5 in the Cougars and Cubs series but can be read as a standalone. This is the first book in the series I have read, and I have had no issues with the story or plot line. Marco is in the tech world developing a new app, while Victoria is a real estate developer using sustainable technologies. While they are beginning, they have a chance to meet and fall hard and quick for one another.
Overall, I had a good time reading this book, but I was not a fan of how hard instant Love there was in this book. I felt as though Victoria's grief was a more significant part of this story than their actual romance and love story. With this being on the shorter side, I wanted there to be less going on and a more concise story plotline. That said, the couple was cute and made you want to route for them. And that exhibitionism was fantastic! This book is short, sweet, and a hot read I enjoyed.
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Gigi Meir for the Arc.
Marco by GiGi Meier is number 5 in the Cougars and Cubs series but can be read as a standalone. This is the first book in the series I have read, and I have had no issues with the story or plot line. Marco is in the tech world developing a new app, while Victoria is a real estate developer using sustainable technologies. While they are beginning, they have a chance to meet and fall hard and quick for one another.
Overall, I had a good time reading this book, but I was not a fan of how hard instant Love there was in this book. I felt as though Victoria's grief was a more significant part of this story than their actual romance and love story. With this being on the shorter side, I wanted there to be less going on and a more concise story plotline. That said, the couple was cute and made you want to route for them. And that exhibitionism was fantastic! This book is short, sweet, and a hot read I enjoyed.
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Gigi Meir for the Arc.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
Flirting with Disaster by Naina Kumar is a sweet and endearing second-chance romance and "Sweet Home Alabama" reimaging. Nikhil and Meena fell in love young, and got drunkly married in Vegas, but that has been years since they have seen or spoken to each other. Meena, desperate for a divorce, flies to Houston, TX, to confront Nikhil, but when she doesn't check the weather, she ends up getting stuck in their old home with Hurrican on the way. While stuck inside and even closer in a closet for safety, the walls they built up start to crumble.
Flirting with Disaster definitely has all of the major hallmarks of "Sweet Home Alabama," but I loved the contrast of the setting and angst and being "hurricaned-in" to the same house and then the same closet. My heart hurt at all of the pain these two caused for themselves in each other, and didn't love how much miscommunication happens in this novel. It felt as though the MC's were constantly misunderstanding each other and then immediately jumping to the worst conclusion before walking off. With that being said, Naina Kumar's storytelling abilities still made me want to route for Meena and Nikhil to work together and repair their relationship.
The representation in this book of the Indian American experiences and a strong woman in politics wanting to better her community and make a change at the policy level was amazing. I loved reading this book and routing the MC's to get back together for HEA! I recommend reading this book if you love second-chance romance, forced proximity, and strong women!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the ARC.
Flirting with Disaster definitely has all of the major hallmarks of "Sweet Home Alabama," but I loved the contrast of the setting and angst and being "hurricaned-in" to the same house and then the same closet. My heart hurt at all of the pain these two caused for themselves in each other, and didn't love how much miscommunication happens in this novel. It felt as though the MC's were constantly misunderstanding each other and then immediately jumping to the worst conclusion before walking off. With that being said, Naina Kumar's storytelling abilities still made me want to route for Meena and Nikhil to work together and repair their relationship.
The representation in this book of the Indian American experiences and a strong woman in politics wanting to better her community and make a change at the policy level was amazing. I loved reading this book and routing the MC's to get back together for HEA! I recommend reading this book if you love second-chance romance, forced proximity, and strong women!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the ARC.
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Santa Monica Baby by Kelly Reynolds is the third and final book in the Holidays in LA series. While it is a series, each story can be read as a standalone book. I have been following this series from the beginning, and I am sad to see it end. However, I loved every one of the books, and Santa Monica Baby had a terrific ending.
Nellie and Austin have neighbors, each harboring a crush on the other, and they don't know what to do about it until now when they keep running into each. I loved this short, sweet holiday rom-com! I read this book in one sitting and love the banter and cheesy run-ins between the MCs. Overall, this novella is a heartwarming holiday season read with plenty of banter and spice, and I highly recommend picking it up.
Tropes:
🎅 Plus Size MMC
🎅 Elle Woods-Inspired FMC
🎅 Neighbors to Lovers
🎅 Introvert x Extrovert
🎅 Naughty Faris Wheel Scene
🎅 Santa Kink
🎅 NSFW Photo Shoot
🎅 Daddy Kink
Thank you to Kelly Reynolds and Torchlink for the ARC Copy.
Nellie and Austin have neighbors, each harboring a crush on the other, and they don't know what to do about it until now when they keep running into each. I loved this short, sweet holiday rom-com! I read this book in one sitting and love the banter and cheesy run-ins between the MCs. Overall, this novella is a heartwarming holiday season read with plenty of banter and spice, and I highly recommend picking it up.
Tropes:
🎅 Plus Size MMC
🎅 Elle Woods-Inspired FMC
🎅 Neighbors to Lovers
🎅 Introvert x Extrovert
🎅 Naughty Faris Wheel Scene
🎅 Santa Kink
🎅 NSFW Photo Shoot
🎅 Daddy Kink
Thank you to Kelly Reynolds and Torchlink for the ARC Copy.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Theirs by Mandy Muse is the second book in the Possession series. This book is about the exploration of self and kink. So, I know that I already love Mandy Muse's writing and stories. I love the queer and poly relationships that she has in most books! I really enjoyed the self-exploration and finding out what you want, not just in sex but in their lives and the support that they took to get there! This book was extremely hot and fun to read. Mandy Muse has a knack for writing stories that have heavier elements but still make the book feel like a warm hug, and that shows so much love and support pouring out of these horrible moments. I loved these main characters. Genevieve being Domme was everything; she is literally a dream! Luke and Camila are married and exploring, and I loved the banter between all these people. It was fun and flirty! This book is an absolute must-read, and I would also recommend Mandy Muse's other work!
*Thank you, Mandy Muse, for the Advanced Copy to read and review
*Thank you, Mandy Muse, for the Advanced Copy to read and review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hello Quarterback by Kelsie Hoss is a fun and flirty fake dating romance novel. I love a book with a strong FMC, and Mia is absolutely that as a CEO of her company. Mia is a plus-sized babe who not only knows her worth but has no problem communicating it, either. This may be the eighth book in this series, but it was also my first Kelsie Hoss book, and it can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Her Ford, the star quarterback, enters into a fake dating relationship that they both need until they decide it is no longer fake, and when things go wrong. The chemistry from the MCs was immediate but kept fizzing out with logic on both of their sides. I enjoyed Hoss's writing throughout this book and the strength and resilience she put into Mia's character. Overall I really enjoyed this book it was fun and serious all at the same time and I loved watching the MCs squirm and pine over each other for no reason!
If you like strong FMCs who are plus size and sweet MMCs who play sports, this book is something you should read!
Thank you, Kelsie Hoss and her team, for the copy of Hello Quarterback to review!
Her Ford, the star quarterback, enters into a fake dating relationship that they both need until they decide it is no longer fake, and when things go wrong. The chemistry from the MCs was immediate but kept fizzing out with logic on both of their sides. I enjoyed Hoss's writing throughout this book and the strength and resilience she put into Mia's character. Overall I really enjoyed this book it was fun and serious all at the same time and I loved watching the MCs squirm and pine over each other for no reason!
If you like strong FMCs who are plus size and sweet MMCs who play sports, this book is something you should read!
Thank you, Kelsie Hoss and her team, for the copy of Hello Quarterback to review!
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First Comes Marriage by Cara Dion is the third book in the Aster Bay series, and this book can absolutely be read standalone. I enjoyed the side characters and their relationships, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything. This book is about a girl and her sister's ex-fiance, who end up getting drunk and married in Vegas as a scheme, now turned into a marriage of convenience. First Comes Marriage was an easy read; I loved the banter and flirting between the FMC & MMC. From watching The Second Chances and learning to love again, it was a really heartwarming story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you, the Happliy Booked PR & Cara Dion, for the advanced copy.
Thank you, the Happliy Booked PR & Cara Dion, for the advanced copy.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is not my first book by Valerie Pepper; I really enjoy the cozy small-town romances she writes. Dining For Love is about Will, a chef who helps run her family's restaurant; when Reid waltzs in from the big city needing to lay low arrives in town. I loved the quirk and charm of Willa struggling to have a coherent thought in front of Reid, as well as their continual back-and-forth banter. This book is such a sweet, quick, and easy romcom with the spicy, which is on brand for Valerie Pepper. I had a great time reading Dining For Love, and if you have not picked up her pucks, you absolutely should!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Valerie Pepper for the advance copy.
Thank you to The Author Agency and Valerie Pepper for the advance copy.
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Axe-identally Married by Daphne Elliot is the third book in the Maine Lumberjack series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I don't recommend it; there are several points where I was confused and wanted more information. However, I was still able to enjoy the story without reading the previous novel!
Y'all already know that I love anything close to fake dating and Marriage of connivance; add a strong, independent plus-size female lead, and I am sold on the story. This book was fun to get into this couple who are opposites but have one thing in common: the fact that they have something to prove to the people around them. I will say that Cole and Willa were both a little whiny for my taste, but I loved their support of one another and their growth while building their relationship. Overall, I had a fun time reading this story and loved having highly successful fat women as the FMC!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Daphne Elliot for the advanced copy.
Y'all already know that I love anything close to fake dating and Marriage of connivance; add a strong, independent plus-size female lead, and I am sold on the story. This book was fun to get into this couple who are opposites but have one thing in common: the fact that they have something to prove to the people around them. I will say that Cole and Willa were both a little whiny for my taste, but I loved their support of one another and their growth while building their relationship. Overall, I had a fun time reading this story and loved having highly successful fat women as the FMC!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Daphne Elliot for the advanced copy.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
Fat Girl is one of my favorite reads this year. This book made me feel so many emotions, from anger to outrage and sadness. I loved how the author, Lauren Marie Fleming, wrote Diana's character with a practical side and that their happily ever after did not just depend on a partner. Diana is fat and queer and trying to make it in Hollywood as a writer; this book follows her journey and the societal weight and expectations that come with being queer and fat women. This book had comfort, insecurities, representation of the queer & trans, and what it is like to find a community and let those people see you finally. This book is definitely one you should pick up and read!
Thank you, Net Galley, for the advanced copy.
Thank you, Net Galley, for the advanced copy.