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chelsss_ann's reviews
373 reviews
The Venom We Bleed by Lucy Smoke
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
**Thank you to Lucy Smoke and The Author Agency for an early copy to read. 🦂
This was my first Lucy Smoke book even though I've been meaning to read her since I met her at ApollyCon last year. I thought there was going to be a lot more smut, but I'm getting the vibe that this is a slow burn series. And even if it isn't, and we only get a little more smut, that's ok, I'm hooked by the story.
Juliet has this rage burning inside her, and it makes her the perfect girl for The Scorpion Kings. She takes no shit from them, or anyone else from Public for that matter. She knows if she does, then she's done for. And while she doesn't think she can trust anyone, I can see the ways some people are slowly making their way behind her walls. She thinks she needs to get revenge, because in her mind The Scorpion Kings have broken her trust, and it's going to be both fun and hot as hell, but also emotional as hell to see her take that revenge, and good lord I am so ready for it.
As for the guys, well, they're hot as hell. Nolan obviously is morally grey. I mean, the first time we meet him, he's pow powing someone. Lex has been stalking Violet literally since they were in kindergarten. I'm waiting for him to snap (though it will be 🥵). And Gio. Well, we found out a little surprise about Gio. I can't wait for that surprise to pop up again.
I was not prepared for this book to end on a cliffhanger, so now I'll just be impatiently waiting for book two. Any word on how many books there are going to be? Because I'm going to need to mentally prepare for the next one if there are more than two. K, thanks.
This was my first Lucy Smoke book even though I've been meaning to read her since I met her at ApollyCon last year. I thought there was going to be a lot more smut, but I'm getting the vibe that this is a slow burn series. And even if it isn't, and we only get a little more smut, that's ok, I'm hooked by the story.
Juliet has this rage burning inside her, and it makes her the perfect girl for The Scorpion Kings. She takes no shit from them, or anyone else from Public for that matter. She knows if she does, then she's done for. And while she doesn't think she can trust anyone, I can see the ways some people are slowly making their way behind her walls. She thinks she needs to get revenge, because in her mind The Scorpion Kings have broken her trust, and it's going to be both fun and hot as hell, but also emotional as hell to see her take that revenge, and good lord I am so ready for it.
As for the guys, well, they're hot as hell. Nolan obviously is morally grey. I mean, the first time we meet him, he's pow powing someone. Lex has been stalking Violet literally since they were in kindergarten. I'm waiting for him to snap (though it will be 🥵). And Gio. Well, we found out a little surprise about Gio. I can't wait for that surprise to pop up again.
I was not prepared for this book to end on a cliffhanger, so now I'll just be impatiently waiting for book two. Any word on how many books there are going to be? Because I'm going to need to mentally prepare for the next one if there are more than two. K, thanks.
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
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? No
4.0
First off, this book on audio is amazing. You know I love duet narration and something about these two narrators just encapsulated the way I thought these two main characters would sound so well, well three when you count Ms. Della.
Ricki is fierce in her own right, with just enough quirkiness and wild child in her that had me instantly connecting to her. Ms. Della is the woman we all want to be when we grow up. Someone who continues to enjoy life, right up until her last breath. And then there's Ezra. Whew. That man has been through it. Well, really each character has in their own right. And together, they make one beautiful story.
I loved the elements of historical fiction, romance, and magical realism Tia Williams blended together. I'm sad to say I don't know much about the Harlem Renaissance, but this book has really made me want to dive into that history. It starred as a big character in this book, both in the flashbacks and the present day, and I loved how Ricki incorporated the history of it with her business.
By the end of this book, a lot of pieces start coming together, and my goodness, Tia Williams really does know how to leave pieces throughout a story that come together just right at the end. Some you see coming, and some you don't. But even the ones you see coming will leave you sobbing.
Story Of My Life by Lucy Score
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
Thank you to Lucy Score, Hambright PR, & Bloom Books for the ARC! 🦝
TLDR: This really is a book for people who love the dramatics and small town vibes of Schitt's Creek and Gilmore Girls, but want a little more romance thrown into the mix.
Although Hazel is going through it from the very beginning of this book, it's still a feel good book through and through. It's full of laugh out loud moments, tough as nails women, women who go to bat for each other, strong family bonds, and amazing side characters, including animals like Bertha the racoon and Goose the eagle. The banter had be cracking up left and right, and Hazel would not let Cam fall into the trap of miscommunication. I loved it. Her kind of breaking that fourth wall of a romance author was a twist on a romance book that I really loved.
There are some plot holes in the book and some things that just aren't super smoothly woven into the story, but it doesn't really take away from the book if you're looking for just a feel good read that's a bit ridiculous. It really is a book for people who love Schitt's Creek and Gilmore Girls. Despite those things and this book being over 500 pages, I still finished it in 3 days.
Lucy teased who we'll see for Gage and Laura's books, but I'm so interested to see who Levi's love interest will be about. I know we'll be waiting a while though since the next book isn't out until next year.
TLDR: This really is a book for people who love the dramatics and small town vibes of Schitt's Creek and Gilmore Girls, but want a little more romance thrown into the mix.
Although Hazel is going through it from the very beginning of this book, it's still a feel good book through and through. It's full of laugh out loud moments, tough as nails women, women who go to bat for each other, strong family bonds, and amazing side characters, including animals like Bertha the racoon and Goose the eagle. The banter had be cracking up left and right, and Hazel would not let Cam fall into the trap of miscommunication. I loved it. Her kind of breaking that fourth wall of a romance author was a twist on a romance book that I really loved.
There are some plot holes in the book and some things that just aren't super smoothly woven into the story, but it doesn't really take away from the book if you're looking for just a feel good read that's a bit ridiculous. It really is a book for people who love Schitt's Creek and Gilmore Girls. Despite those things and this book being over 500 pages, I still finished it in 3 days.
Lucy teased who we'll see for Gage and Laura's books, but I'm so interested to see who Levi's love interest will be about. I know we'll be waiting a while though since the next book isn't out until next year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Car accident
Moderate: Death
Minor: Ableism
Wild Side by Elsie Silver
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Rhys didn’t kick my main men out of their top spots, but man do I love him. And I love him and Tabby together even more. They’re my favorite couple hands down. They just get each other. She knows he shows his love and has trouble communicating, and when it comes down to it, she doesn’t let him get away with that. And when he knows that she needs comfort, he does what he can to give it to her, in all the ways he knows how. I love them together. And I love how quickly he’s taken into the Rose Hill family. I hate why Erika did what she did, but I’m so glad she did. Because in the end, it brought Tabby and Rhys together.
I do hope we get a Little Willy book though. Maybe he’ll be part of the next series? Perhaps with Cora as a love interest?
I do hope we get a Little Willy book though. Maybe he’ll be part of the next series? Perhaps with Cora as a love interest?
Finn by Ashley James
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Thank you to Ashley James and The Author Agency for an ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Whew. I knew right away Ashley James was going to keep me laughing, but then to learn she was also going to pull at my heart strings, make me drool, and infuriate me? Well, I couldn't ask for much more from an author. Then she threw in little references to one of my favorite authors (Victoria Wilder & her Foxx brothers) and Sleep Token.
But seriously, Finn was beyond five stars as an audiobook. The duet narration brought Finn and Ash to life so well, sometimes so much so that I had to turn down the volume because I didn't need anyone overhearing. 👀 And while you DEFINITELY want to pick this one up for the spicy scenes, it also touches on the unconditional love we all hope to have from our family, growing up gay, and more.
While I am now obsessed with this book, I kind of wish I hadn't found it until all of the series was out because I need the other books like now!! I don't know if this will be the next book, or if it's going to be hinted at for a while, but I think we're going to be seeing a best friend's dad book in this series, and I just know it's going to be HOT if it's anything like Finn and Ash's book.
Whew. I knew right away Ashley James was going to keep me laughing, but then to learn she was also going to pull at my heart strings, make me drool, and infuriate me? Well, I couldn't ask for much more from an author. Then she threw in little references to one of my favorite authors (Victoria Wilder & her Foxx brothers) and Sleep Token.
But seriously, Finn was beyond five stars as an audiobook. The duet narration brought Finn and Ash to life so well, sometimes so much so that I had to turn down the volume because I didn't need anyone overhearing. 👀 And while you DEFINITELY want to pick this one up for the spicy scenes, it also touches on the unconditional love we all hope to have from our family, growing up gay, and more.
While I am now obsessed with this book, I kind of wish I hadn't found it until all of the series was out because I need the other books like now!! I don't know if this will be the next book, or if it's going to be hinted at for a while, but I think we're going to be seeing a best friend's dad book in this series, and I just know it's going to be HOT if it's anything like Finn and Ash's book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Triple Power Play by Jessica Lyn
dark
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
Thank you @authorjessicalyn and @greyspromo for the advanced copy to read in exchange for an honest review!
Ok, first. I was not prepared for that cliffhanger. I thought this was a standalone, not the first book in a trilogy! When the heck does the next book come out?! Because I'm hoping some of the things leading up to that ending were foreshadowing how this was all going to be resolved, because if not, I don't know how I'm going to be happy with the ending of this series. I need to know that betrayal is not actually a betrayal!!! But I can't say more than that, because then I'll give away what happens, but I have SO. MUCH. TO. SAY.
There are a couple of things that maybe weren't as smooth as they could have been in this book, but I honestly don't even care. The vibes are immaculate. I love Ethan. I love Aurora. I love Jax. I love his obsessiveness. Literally everything about him. I want to fix him. I want him to fix himself for me. I mean, Aurora. I know it's unhealthy, but it's dark romance. So it's ok, right?
Also, this is one of the few times the cover model has looked exactly how I picture the MMC. Only Jax is described as having blond hair, and I know the cover is in black and white, but it seems too dark to be blonde. The cockiness that man exudes? Yea, that is Jax to a T.
Ok, first. I was not prepared for that cliffhanger. I thought this was a standalone, not the first book in a trilogy! When the heck does the next book come out?! Because I'm hoping some of the things leading up to that ending were foreshadowing how this was all going to be resolved, because if not, I don't know how I'm going to be happy with the ending of this series. I need to know that betrayal is not actually a betrayal!!! But I can't say more than that, because then I'll give away what happens, but I have SO. MUCH. TO. SAY.
There are a couple of things that maybe weren't as smooth as they could have been in this book, but I honestly don't even care. The vibes are immaculate. I love Ethan. I love Aurora. I love Jax. I love his obsessiveness. Literally everything about him. I want to fix him. I want him to fix himself for me. I mean, Aurora. I know it's unhealthy, but it's dark romance. So it's ok, right?
Also, this is one of the few times the cover model has looked exactly how I picture the MMC. Only Jax is described as having blond hair, and I know the cover is in black and white, but it seems too dark to be blonde. The cockiness that man exudes? Yea, that is Jax to a T.
Shattered Innocence by Sara Cate
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
***Thank you to Sara Cate and Hambright PR for the early copy to read in exchange for an honest review!
This was a perfect, smutty, quick read. Somehow Sara Cate was able to give us just enough background while still building chemistry between the characters who are just meeting for the first time, plus giving us detailed smutty scenes in less than 200 pages. Yes, more than one smutty scene. And they're all fire. I hate the stepmother with a fiery passion though. The fine print of that marriage contract? Legit torture. But in that scene, good Lord Alaric is sweet. And then going from sweet to downright hot? *drools*
This was my first intro to Sara Cate, and let me just say, I'm hooked. I see why people are obsessed with her writing. Even when some of the writing was a bit too formal for the situation, I didn't even care. I legit read this in one sitting - it was that good. Also, this is part of a series, but it's a complete standalone. No need to read the others at all, as they're all by different authors.
This was a perfect, smutty, quick read. Somehow Sara Cate was able to give us just enough background while still building chemistry between the characters who are just meeting for the first time, plus giving us detailed smutty scenes in less than 200 pages. Yes, more than one smutty scene. And they're all fire. I hate the stepmother with a fiery passion though. The fine print of that marriage contract? Legit torture. But in that scene, good Lord Alaric is sweet. And then going from sweet to downright hot? *drools*
This was my first intro to Sara Cate, and let me just say, I'm hooked. I see why people are obsessed with her writing. Even when some of the writing was a bit too formal for the situation, I didn't even care. I legit read this in one sitting - it was that good. Also, this is part of a series, but it's a complete standalone. No need to read the others at all, as they're all by different authors.
Bossman by Vi Keeland
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
**Thank you to Vi Keeland and Hambright PR for a free audiobook of Boss Man to listen to celebrate the re-release by Bloom!
This was my first Vi Keeland book and oh my goodness does she know how to write a man that pines for a woman. Chase Parker knows what he wants, and he wants Reese. And at first you think this is going to just be a hot, smutty read, but then you get into the Chase POV chapters (yes, this dual POV), and we learn he's a dynamic character we never saw coming. And the more we learn about him, the more we want him.
I also love all the strong females Chase surrounds himself with, including Reese. And while I don't usually love games, I do love when she uses Oliver against him. That shit had me chuckling, because Chase was being down right stubborn.
Now, y'all probably know how much I love a duet narration by now, but I honestly loved the woman's voice for Chase more than I did the male narrator's voice, especially when he did a woman's voice. Honestly, if only Maxine Mitchell narrated this audiobook, I'd day it would be a must-listen over reading, but either way, this is definitely a book I highly recommend. Especially if you love a man who knows what he wants and is hot as hell in and out of the bedroom.
This was my first Vi Keeland book and oh my goodness does she know how to write a man that pines for a woman. Chase Parker knows what he wants, and he wants Reese. And at first you think this is going to just be a hot, smutty read, but then you get into the Chase POV chapters (yes, this dual POV), and we learn he's a dynamic character we never saw coming. And the more we learn about him, the more we want him.
I also love all the strong females Chase surrounds himself with, including Reese. And while I don't usually love games, I do love when she uses Oliver against him. That shit had me chuckling, because Chase was being down right stubborn.
Now, y'all probably know how much I love a duet narration by now, but I honestly loved the woman's voice for Chase more than I did the male narrator's voice, especially when he did a woman's voice. Honestly, if only Maxine Mitchell narrated this audiobook, I'd day it would be a must-listen over reading, but either way, this is definitely a book I highly recommend. Especially if you love a man who knows what he wants and is hot as hell in and out of the bedroom.
Mr. Swoony by Piper Rayne
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
**Thank you to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for the early copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
***Even without loving this one like I did the first two, I still FLEW through this.
I, unfortunately, did not swoon for this one. It was heavy on the instalove, which isn't my favorite, but if that had been the only thing I didn't fall in love with, I might be writing a different review. Now, before I begin, I didn't mind her moving on quickly from her douche ex. That relationship was over before she left him at the altar. That has nothing to do with the instalove part for me. Ok, moving on.
My biggest ick of this book was the MMC himself. The main thing that caused me to end the book disliking him was when he made a dumb, DUMB mistake at the end of the book and then blamed a woman with mental health issues for his situation and barely took any of the blame on himself. NOPE. Not a fan. I didn't notice any of this type of behavior or style in the author's writing in the previous books of this series, and I really hope it doesn't show up in the last book. And if it does, I hope Tedi knocks the sense into Tweetie.
***Even without loving this one like I did the first two, I still FLEW through this.
I, unfortunately, did not swoon for this one. It was heavy on the instalove, which isn't my favorite, but if that had been the only thing I didn't fall in love with, I might be writing a different review. Now, before I begin, I didn't mind her moving on quickly from her douche ex. That relationship was over before she left him at the altar. That has nothing to do with the instalove part for me. Ok, moving on.
My biggest ick of this book was the MMC himself. The main thing that caused me to end the book disliking him was when he made a dumb, DUMB mistake at the end of the book and then blamed a woman with mental health issues for his situation and barely took any of the blame on himself. NOPE. Not a fan. I didn't notice any of this type of behavior or style in the author's writing in the previous books of this series, and I really hope it doesn't show up in the last book. And if it does, I hope Tedi knocks the sense into Tweetie.
The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
**Thank you to Elle Kennedy and Hambright PR for the early copy to read in exchange for an honest review!
TLDR: Not sure why this wasn't written as MMF instead of MFM, and I don't know if I believe they've all fallen in love by the end of the book, but it's still an enjoyable romance I'd recommend.
I loved The Graham Effect so much, and The Charlie Method just didn't live up to the precedent that The Graham Effect set. There were so many serious issues that I don't think were truly given their moment. They needed more time to breathe and to show how they were worked through, for each MC, but that didn't happen. I also had the same problem with this story that I did with The Dixon Rule, I didn't see these three falling in love, so that ending? Yea, it didn't seem possible to me. Though I was pissed at Will for a minute there.
Now, for the MFM part. Why not just make this MMF? It was set up so beautifully in book 2 of this series for that. And I hate to say it, but I think the hottest MFM scene was in The Dixon Rule. I'm kind of disappointed in the spicy scenes in this one. Don't tout MFM and then barely give us anything. Which does make me feel a bit of a hypocrite with my graphic for this review, but I was hyped when I started to make it and I wasn't wasting the graphic after the time I spent on it. 🤷♀️
I know it sounds like I hated this book, but I really didn't. I loved how it touched on serious issues like adoption, living for yourself, not adhering to social norms, etc. I also loved how each of the MCs had such starkly different personalities but they fit so well together. Also, the spice wasn't bad, I just wanted spicier spice from a MFM. I also loved Faith and Blake. I SO hope we get a Blake book. I NEED to know what is going on with her and Isaac. I think I just loved The Graham Effect so much, that I'm judging every book in the series against, and I know that's probably not fair, but I also don't see that changing.
TLDR: Not sure why this wasn't written as MMF instead of MFM, and I don't know if I believe they've all fallen in love by the end of the book, but it's still an enjoyable romance I'd recommend.
I loved The Graham Effect so much, and The Charlie Method just didn't live up to the precedent that The Graham Effect set. There were so many serious issues that I don't think were truly given their moment. They needed more time to breathe and to show how they were worked through, for each MC, but that didn't happen. I also had the same problem with this story that I did with The Dixon Rule, I didn't see these three falling in love, so that ending? Yea, it didn't seem possible to me. Though I was pissed at Will for a minute there.
Now, for the MFM part. Why not just make this MMF? It was set up so beautifully in book 2 of this series for that. And I hate to say it, but I think the hottest MFM scene was in The Dixon Rule. I'm kind of disappointed in the spicy scenes in this one. Don't tout MFM and then barely give us anything. Which does make me feel a bit of a hypocrite with my graphic for this review, but I was hyped when I started to make it and I wasn't wasting the graphic after the time I spent on it. 🤷♀️
I know it sounds like I hated this book, but I really didn't. I loved how it touched on serious issues like adoption, living for yourself, not adhering to social norms, etc. I also loved how each of the MCs had such starkly different personalities but they fit so well together. Also, the spice wasn't bad, I just wanted spicier spice from a MFM. I also loved Faith and Blake. I SO hope we get a Blake book. I NEED to know what is going on with her and Isaac. I think I just loved The Graham Effect so much, that I'm judging every book in the series against, and I know that's probably not fair, but I also don't see that changing.