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cluckieduck's reviews
274 reviews
Return to Monte Carlo by Cate C. Wells
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Bad, Cate. Bad.
I don’t even know what I’ve just read, but it’s truly awful. Both the MCs absolutely suck and I don’t know what either sees in the other outside of their shared love for rough sex?! All the whining and whinging, and not communicating with one another…I haven’t read any harlequins from the 80s so can’t speak to this supposed influence, but all I can say is that I really, really did not like it.
I don’t even know what I’ve just read, but it’s truly awful. Both the MCs absolutely suck and I don’t know what either sees in the other outside of their shared love for rough sex?! All the whining and whinging, and not communicating with one another…I haven’t read any harlequins from the 80s so can’t speak to this supposed influence, but all I can say is that I really, really did not like it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Bullying, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Classism, Death of parent, Misogyny, Dementia, and Cursing
Minor: Car accident, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
The Sixty/Forty Rule by Ellie K. Wilde
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.75
<b>“Ten out of ten times, I’d willingly choose to be with you.”</b>
Okay, this was really sweet. Could have used some polishing, but for a debut self-published novel that the author never intended on letting see the light day, I say well done.
Jude is the queen of self-sabotage and I felt it was a very authentic portrayal throughout her insecurities and angst. Theo’s an absolute dreamboat of thoughtfulness, patience, and compassion.
<b>She opens up in smaller ways that feel so much sweeter knowing how hard she has to work at it. I don’t need her to love me yet. I just need her to keep trying.</b>
This is marketed as an enemies-to-lovers but that’s entirely misguided on Jude’s part because Theo is absolutely smitten! Their snark and banter is delightful, and the tension throughout is 🔥.
I do agree with others that the ending was a bit rushed. While the HEA is there, there are definitely some plot points that should get some sort of resolution.
Okay, this was really sweet. Could have used some polishing, but for a debut self-published novel that the author never intended on letting see the light day, I say well done.
Jude is the queen of self-sabotage and I felt it was a very authentic portrayal throughout her insecurities and angst. Theo’s an absolute dreamboat of thoughtfulness, patience, and compassion.
<b>She opens up in smaller ways that feel so much sweeter knowing how hard she has to work at it. I don’t need her to love me yet. I just need her to keep trying.</b>
This is marketed as an enemies-to-lovers but that’s entirely misguided on Jude’s part because Theo is absolutely smitten! Their snark and banter is delightful, and the tension throughout is 🔥.
I do agree with others that the ending was a bit rushed. While the HEA is there, there are definitely some plot points that should get some sort of resolution.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Cursing, Abandonment, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Car accident, Alcohol, and Death
Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong
It was also fun to see the reverse side of the writing/publishing world, especially knowing that Kelley has gone through this herself. She manages to still touch on some hard truths surrounding sexism, racism, and internalized misogyny while keeping the balance of of a good-natured rom-com.
While there is a sort-of 3rd act breakup stemming from some miscommunication (my least favourite trope), it's actually handled like the adults they are (!) which I appreciated.
All in all, this was a quick, easy read with dynamic characters, witty banter, and a fabulous Yukon backdrop. Kudos, Kelley - keep the rom-coms coming!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
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
4.25
Kelley Armstrong is one of my favourite authors, and was really my introduction to the romance genre beginning with her Otherworld series, so when I saw the chance to get an ARC of her first foray into the rom-com genre I jumped onboard so quickly. This was like the rom-com of all rom-coms for me - I was just smiling from start to finish!
This book hooked me with a banger of a first line - "'I need a penis,' Daphne said." See, Daphne's got a bit of a conundrum - her YA dystopian romance book isn't selling. Well, it wasn't, until she had a wine-related epiphany and decided to tweak her cover letter to focus more on the survivalism aspect and less on the romance. Oh yeah, and submit it under a male pseudonym. Lo and behold, she receives a $500k offer on the book and now the publishers want her to do some press. But how will Daphne, aka Zane Remington, do that? In steps hired 'actor' Chris. After a rather delightful meet-cute misunderstanding, Daphne & Chris team up to tackle this grande facade.
I loved both MCs. Daphne is competent, savvy, and a badass living off-grid in the Yukon. Chris is...not that. He's totally out of his depth with this assignment which makes for some hilarious interactions during the beginning of their relationship. He's basically the dude playin' the dude, disguised as another dude! While he may not be the outdoorsy Zane Remington, he is the perfect book boyfriend - he's thoughtful, funny, glowed up from geek to chic during college but still identifies as the geek, and he bakes.
While Chris bumped up his resume to accept the position as Zane Remington, I was happy that didn't keep this from Daphne for too long, as it helped solidify their relationship, allowing them to become quick friends, and soon to be lovers. They have excellent chemistry, and while I was slightly miffed about the choice to fade to black, it didn't make me like it any less because them just being together and interacting was enough for me. I mean:
This book hooked me with a banger of a first line - "'I need a penis,' Daphne said." See, Daphne's got a bit of a conundrum - her YA dystopian romance book isn't selling. Well, it wasn't, until she had a wine-related epiphany and decided to tweak her cover letter to focus more on the survivalism aspect and less on the romance. Oh yeah, and submit it under a male pseudonym. Lo and behold, she receives a $500k offer on the book and now the publishers want her to do some press. But how will Daphne, aka Zane Remington, do that? In steps hired 'actor' Chris. After a rather delightful meet-cute misunderstanding, Daphne & Chris team up to tackle this grande facade.
I loved both MCs. Daphne is competent, savvy, and a badass living off-grid in the Yukon. Chris is...not that. He's totally out of his depth with this assignment which makes for some hilarious interactions during the beginning of their relationship. He's basically the dude playin' the dude, disguised as another dude! While he may not be the outdoorsy Zane Remington, he is the perfect book boyfriend - he's thoughtful, funny, glowed up from geek to chic during college but still identifies as the geek, and he bakes.
While Chris bumped up his resume to accept the position as Zane Remington, I was happy that didn't keep this from Daphne for too long, as it helped solidify their relationship, allowing them to become quick friends, and soon to be lovers. They have excellent chemistry, and while I was slightly miffed about the choice to fade to black, it didn't make me like it any less because them just being together and interacting was enough for me. I mean:
He took her hands in his. "I'm not asking you to commit to anything. I Just need you to be open to the idea that this is more than a fling...nothing can be certain. That'd be like writing a book and deciding it's going to be an instant bestseller. But you wrote it in hopes it would be the start of something real. A possible new direction for your life...that's all this is, our first chapter. Pen to paper with the hope of finishing the story." He met her gaze. "Do you want to start a story with me, Daphne?"
It was also fun to see the reverse side of the writing/publishing world, especially knowing that Kelley has gone through this herself. She manages to still touch on some hard truths surrounding sexism, racism, and internalized misogyny while keeping the balance of of a good-natured rom-com.
While there is a sort-of 3rd act breakup stemming from some miscommunication (my least favourite trope), it's actually handled like the adults they are (!) which I appreciated.
All in all, this was a quick, easy read with dynamic characters, witty banter, and a fabulous Yukon backdrop. Kudos, Kelley - keep the rom-coms coming!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
Wed to the Wolfman by Cara Wylde
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
1.0
Silly (the bad kind) + Cringy
Romance novellas are hard to get the right balance of plot + smut and this one just didn’t do anything for me. Probably should have been a DNF but being only ~80 pages I stuck it out.
The plot and dialogue was choppy and cringy, and the smut just wasn’t sexy. I felt no connection as a reader to either MCs or in their own relationship. 🤷🏻♀️
Romance novellas are hard to get the right balance of plot + smut and this one just didn’t do anything for me. Probably should have been a DNF but being only ~80 pages I stuck it out.
The plot and dialogue was choppy and cringy, and the smut just wasn’t sexy. I felt no connection as a reader to either MCs or in their own relationship. 🤷🏻♀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Grief
Impromptu Match by Lily Mayne
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Another solid series opener from the wild & wacky mind of Lily Mayne!
Seriously, I am amazed at the variety of worlds and characters that she's come up with thus far because (and unless I'm just not a very observant reader lol) there is so littler crossover between them. Each is unique and equally gripping in their own ways, and the Goliaths of Wrestling is no different.
Taylor (human MMC, lone narrator) + Holt (monster MMC) are two of the sweetest, funniest little love-muffins who must be protected at all costs. Seriously. Their meet-cute is hilariously embarrassing, and the fact that it all centres around Taylor's ennui is just icing on the cake (pun intended 😉).
"Um." I tried to let out a carefree chuckle, but it was a touch shrill and hysterical. "So, you're gonna laugh about this, but-"
"I don't want to laugh tonight." He waved an elegant, long-fingered hand and leaned back in his seat, the leather creaking. "I want to feel that sense of dread specific to a man who has just realised that the crushing grind of his daily life will inevitably leave him an empty husk."
Well, wasn't that a fresh slap of reality right in the f*ucking face.
They have amazing chemistry and their drunken hi-jinx were highly entertaining. Just when I think I couldn't be more smitten with their developing relationship, they also go off antiquing, partake in some skinny dipping, and *gasp* sexily iron some underwear 😂. While they were both older MCs (late 30s), I did feel they came across a tad on the younger side. But then again, I'm also in my late 30s and definitely don't always feel like an 'adult' so who am I to judge!
Now don't come at me for this but...this bordered on almost too much sex. I know, I know. Someone who pretty much exclusively reads romance + erotica shouldn't really be complaining about such a thing, but Lily shines in her world developing and I think a little more focus on expanding the plot would have been more beneficial to the story. I also missed the dual narration like her previous releases and would have liked to read some of Holt's POV. That's just a me thing though - it doesn't detract from the overall storytelling.
The cast of supporting characters is delightful and I can't wait to see what future couples are going to receive a book. Very much looking forward to book 2 after the included sneak peek too!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Seriously, I am amazed at the variety of worlds and characters that she's come up with thus far because (and unless I'm just not a very observant reader lol) there is so littler crossover between them. Each is unique and equally gripping in their own ways, and the Goliaths of Wrestling is no different.
Taylor (human MMC, lone narrator) + Holt (monster MMC) are two of the sweetest, funniest little love-muffins who must be protected at all costs. Seriously. Their meet-cute is hilariously embarrassing, and the fact that it all centres around Taylor's ennui is just icing on the cake (pun intended 😉).
"Um." I tried to let out a carefree chuckle, but it was a touch shrill and hysterical. "So, you're gonna laugh about this, but-"
"I don't want to laugh tonight." He waved an elegant, long-fingered hand and leaned back in his seat, the leather creaking. "I want to feel that sense of dread specific to a man who has just realised that the crushing grind of his daily life will inevitably leave him an empty husk."
Well, wasn't that a fresh slap of reality right in the f*ucking face.
They have amazing chemistry and their drunken hi-jinx were highly entertaining. Just when I think I couldn't be more smitten with their developing relationship, they also go off antiquing, partake in some skinny dipping, and *gasp* sexily iron some underwear 😂. While they were both older MCs (late 30s), I did feel they came across a tad on the younger side. But then again, I'm also in my late 30s and definitely don't always feel like an 'adult' so who am I to judge!
Now don't come at me for this but...this bordered on almost too much sex. I know, I know. Someone who pretty much exclusively reads romance + erotica shouldn't really be complaining about such a thing, but Lily shines in her world developing and I think a little more focus on expanding the plot would have been more beneficial to the story. I also missed the dual narration like her previous releases and would have liked to read some of Holt's POV. That's just a me thing though - it doesn't detract from the overall storytelling.
The cast of supporting characters is delightful and I can't wait to see what future couples are going to receive a book. Very much looking forward to book 2 after the included sneak peek too!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Cursing, and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Eating disorder, Excrement, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Panic attacks/disorders
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
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
4.25
Well, I must say the hype was well deserved for this one!
I was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed the slow burn relationship that took years (actual years!).
Was a bit apprehensive about the cannibalism TW, but I must say it was done…tastefully ;) and the comedic tilt certainly helped!
I was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed the slow burn relationship that took years (actual years!).
Was a bit apprehensive about the cannibalism TW, but I must say it was done…tastefully ;) and the comedic tilt certainly helped!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Confinement, Cursing, Murder, Cannibalism, Death, Gore, Blood, Body horror, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Child abuse, Vomit, Medical content, and Death of parent
How to Be a Climate Optimist: Blueprints for a Better World by Chris Turner
Did not finish book. Stopped at 41%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 41%.
Had it been written in more accessible language, I may have been able to finish, but it’s too dry and academic.
Shots and Barbs by Lily Mayne
Anita is a great FMC - strong-willed, competent, and caring. I also appreciated the IBS rep without it being a defining character trait! The way she was able to balance Nuni, and both finding equal support with one another was really enjoyable - they were a perfect match.
I also really enjoyed getting to spend some more time with with extended var Rorik family, especially seeing the relationship Nuni has with Laki. Very much looking forward to their upcoming book. I'm glad that Nuni & Greid got to air their stuff, though it did seem to wrap up a little too nicely. Also really digging this trend away from 3rd act break-ups - keep it going please!
All in all, a great continuation of the series and can't wait to see where it goes next!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
I was so happy to revisit the Deep Earth Dating world. Lily has a great knack for world-building within her series and she has certainly found the recipe for creating characters that you want to root for.
Pooni Nuni was such an unlikable character in book 1, but the way Lily was able to flesh out his backstory and show his growth throughout this one made him an endearing lead. While I don't know if the juxtaposition between how Nuni handled his anxiety (Mr. highly regimented perfectionist) compared to Greid (softboi stoner) influenced me, I felt that I didn't connect with Nuni as a MMC as much as I did Greid. That's not to say he wasn't enjoyable, because he certainly was, I think that's just a personal preference of mine.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Nuni & Anita, and reading their ever-evolving competitiveness was fun. And the snark was top notch!
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Nuni & Anita, and reading their ever-evolving competitiveness was fun. And the snark was top notch!
I bet he swaggered, as if his enormous dick was throwing him off balance.
Anita is a great FMC - strong-willed, competent, and caring. I also appreciated the IBS rep without it being a defining character trait! The way she was able to balance Nuni, and both finding equal support with one another was really enjoyable - they were a perfect match.
"Nuni, you do know they're not up there specifically worshipping you, right?"
"I know," I shot back defensively. "But it's like...I'm like the demiurgus version of that old Italian statue of a human dude. You know? The ideal or whatever. I'm probably what they're all up there imagining as the ultimate demiurgus specimen."
"This is starting to feel like I need to contact your family for an intervention."
I also really enjoyed getting to spend some more time with with extended var Rorik family, especially seeing the relationship Nuni has with Laki. Very much looking forward to their upcoming book. I'm glad that Nuni & Greid got to air their stuff, though it did seem to wrap up a little too nicely. Also really digging this trend away from 3rd act break-ups - keep it going please!
All in all, a great continuation of the series and can't wait to see where it goes next!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Cursing, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Eating disorder
Soft Flannel Hank by Eliza MacArthur
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was...ok, I guess, but I found myself getting easily annoyed by the decisions made by the characters in this one. If you find the miscommunication trope grating - I beg you to turn around right now and run the other way, because this is chock-a-block with miscommunications around every corner and it gets old real, real fast, and all the build-up to the climax was such a let down in the end.
I must admit, I was drawn to this one by the cover and title in the hopes that there was some deeper meaning. There's not. Other than the fact that Hank is, indeed, quite soft emotionally. I appreciated reading about a broken MMC trying to put the pieces back together, and doing so quite messily. Reading other reviews that mention the Twilight dad fanfic parallels - I didn't grasp that while reading (thankfully), so it didn't influence my enjoyment. Esther was not as fully fleshed out, and I don't believe she experienced any character growth outside of her very stubborn, do-it-herself-without-trusting-her-witchy-instincts, which is unfortunate.
The best thing about this one is the chemistry between Hank & Esther, but how dare she tease us with one of the most combustible intimate scenes so early on and then let the slow-burn burn hard!
The world-building itself could have used some greater development as well. It felt like she just threw PNR stuff in a blender rather than creating a polished, fleshed-out setting. The side characters were intriguing, but some of the written-out accents were jarring to read. Just tell me they're Irish or Scottish, I don't need a dinnae or ken or verra thrown in to remind me of their background.
All in all, entertaining but underwhelming.
I must admit, I was drawn to this one by the cover and title in the hopes that there was some deeper meaning. There's not. Other than the fact that Hank is, indeed, quite soft emotionally. I appreciated reading about a broken MMC trying to put the pieces back together, and doing so quite messily. Reading other reviews that mention the Twilight dad fanfic parallels - I didn't grasp that while reading (thankfully), so it didn't influence my enjoyment. Esther was not as fully fleshed out, and I don't believe she experienced any character growth outside of her very stubborn, do-it-herself-without-trusting-her-witchy-instincts, which is unfortunate.
The best thing about this one is the chemistry between Hank & Esther, but how dare she tease us with one of the most combustible intimate scenes so early on and then let the slow-burn burn hard!
The world-building itself could have used some greater development as well. It felt like she just threw PNR stuff in a blender rather than creating a polished, fleshed-out setting. The side characters were intriguing, but some of the written-out accents were jarring to read. Just tell me they're Irish or Scottish, I don't need a dinnae or ken or verra thrown in to remind me of their background.
All in all, entertaining but underwhelming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Grief, Violence, and Stalking
Minor: Police brutality, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
12 year old me would have been absolutely enamoured with this book and would have obsessed about being great friends with Percy, Annabeth and Grover. 36 year old me has some issues with the dialogue and character descriptions (SO MANY ugly things). I’ve already started watching the new Disney+ series and appreciate the changes that have been made to the story.
But overall it’s a fun little romp - a very easy read and a great way to pique an interest in Greek mythology. I’m interested to see how Percy and his powers develop and where the story goes from here.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Bullying, Violence, Ableism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment
Minor: Vomit, Sexism, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Blood, War, and Medical content