comonique_reads's reviews
27 reviews

I Used to Love You by Emilia Mlak

emotional hopeful reflective sad

4.0

I enjoyed the collection of poems in I Used to Love You. It is emotional, raw, and beautiful. I truly loved the illustrations throughout the book. 

Forbidden Girl by Kristen Zimmer

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 I absolutely love the concept of the book. A forbidden love between two rival mafia bosses' daughters, with Romeo and Juliet vibes and some seriously delicious spice. The book is filled with desire, stolen moments, love, organized crime, loss, and betrayal.  I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kelly Burke and Stephanie Cannon, they did a phenomenal job telling Jules and Rowan's story. As a lover of mafia romances, I was a little disappointed with this story. Unfortunately, where the book fell short for me was the character relationship between Jules and Rowan that was formed off page. I never ended up connecting or falling in love with the characters' relationship. I would have loved to see how their relationship started and developed. 

The Curse of Sins by Kate Dramis

adventurous emotional mysterious sad 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? No

5.0

Enthralling, epic, high fantasy. I absolutely loved this book and was disappointed when it ended, I wanted it to keep going. This is one of my favorite fantasy books I have read. The story is bursting with lies, betrayal, deceit, magic, mysteries, love, battle, war, twist, tragedy, and loss. This story had me captivated, shocked, gasping and flabbergasted. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Devon Sorvari, she did a fantastic job bringing life into the story. What an epic book!

The Curse of Sins is the second book to The Curse of Saints. The story continues to follow Aya and Will, they are returning to their home kingdom and have to act like nothing has changed between them. Aya is forced to learn more about the first saint that is prophesied. Will is trying to get back into the queen's good graces without overstepping any boundaries that will hurt Aya. War has officially started, and the destruction of the dark magic wielders is horrendous. Aya and Will have suspicions of the queen's intentions; will she choose what is best for the kingdom or the gods?

Book Releases June 25, 2024

Sovereign by Raya Morris Edwards

dark emotional tense 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

5.0

Dark cowboy romance with dual POV, high heat, Dom-Sub, age gap and rival ranches. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stefanie Kay and Oliver Clarke, they did a phenomenal job telling the story! There were times I was so captivated by the story I forgot what I was doing. This book had me blushing and clutching my pearls. 

The story follows Keira who is in a miserable and unhappy marriage. During one of her husband's business meetings, she met his rival Gerard Sovereign. Gerard immediately knew he wanted her and just had to take care of her husband. After her husband's untimely death Keira was left with her late husband's ranch and debt. Gerard makes an offer; she signs his contract for her to be his submissive and in time her debt will be paid. 

Audiobook releases June 25, 2024

The Curse of Saints by Kate Dramis

adventurous mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

 An immersive high fantasy. The first part of the book was difficult to get into because it was heavy in world building and a lot of information. When it got to the second and the third part of the book, I could not put it down! I absolutely loved the tension between characters, the teasing and the slow burn, and the I will burn the world for you. 

The story follows Aya and Will, who are both in the queen's inner circle. Aya is the Spymaster and Will is the Enforcer, and they absolutely detest each other. However, with rumors of weapons trading, dark magic, and war rising in nearby kingdoms, Aya and Will are sent to investigate. Aya discovers she has unbounded abilities. She is determined to find out more about her abilities and the prophecy of the second saint, while trying to figure out who she can and cannot trust. I am very eager to get into the second book to see where Aya and Will's story goes! 

The Fabric of our Souls by K.M. Moronova

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense 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

5.0

 Beautiful, emotional and soul-wrenching book. The story follows Wynn, she is admitted into an unorthodox mental rehabilitation facility, and she ends up meeting Liam and Lanston. Their stories are dark, depressing, and challenging with their mental health issues. Their story is laced with strong character development, hope and healing. The twist in the book completely blindsided me, leaving me shocked and my heart aching. Fantastic book it has everything I look for in a 5-star read! If you want a deep book with heavy content that tugs on your emotions this is definitely worth picking up! 

Praise by Sara Cate

adventurous emotional 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

 Delectable, spellbinding and sensual. This book is so freaking good and unputdownable! Mistaken identity, sparks of curiosity, stolen moments, and secret kisses in this beautiful forbidden romance with ex-boyfriend's father. Some of the best spice I have ever read! This is definitely a must read if you like spicy books!

This story follows Charlie; she was mistaken as a new secretary by her ex-boyfriend's father, Emerson. Emerson has specific taste when it comes to his secretaries. After realizing his mistake, he ends up offering her a legitimate job offer to come work for him. She accepts but ever since that first mistaken moment it sparked her curiosity about what he likes and his business, Salacious Players Club. 

The Forgotten Prince by Akira Varma

adventurous dark lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 Short fast paced fantasy with sacrifices, fae, and fated mates. Easy read, captivating and finished in one sitting.  I really enjoyed the characters and the connection between Anya and Ryn. I am eager to see more of their story. 

The story follows Anya who hires a construction crew to build a shed for her and her best friend. She feels an immediate pulling connection to one of the workers, Aleryn, AKA Ryn. She falls for him not knowing that he is the banished fae prince with a target on him. The other fae will stop at nothing to get to him, even go after people he cares for. 

Bend by Roxanne H.

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 Epic sci-fi romance with extraordinary world building and a plot that is truly captivating!

The story follows Sierra, who has the ability to bend space and time. She is a soldier in the elite unit called the Reapers. They are at war with an alien species called Kyteh who made the Wraiths, bio-engineered werewolves, that are trying to eliminate humanity. Her unit gets a new commanding officer Zane. Commander Zane is a real strict, take no BS commander. He pushes Sierra to her full potential and tests her boundaries. Sierra is able to do things she didn't know she could do and embraces her new found abilities. The connection and the tension between these two characters is delectable and I really enjoyed the character development. 5 stars!

 

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

4.5

 Mysterious, thrilling and engrossing. I was unable to put the book down, I finished it in one day. 

The story follows a family, Gabe and Pippa who moves to a house close to a cliff and unknowingly the location is a prime spot for people to jump from to end their life. Gabe always goes out and talks people back from the edge, until one time it doesn't work. The police arrive to investigate and  Pippa notices that some details are not adding up from her husband's statement. Comes to find out Gabe knew the woman that fell. The truth of the woman who fell, Gabe, Pippa and the widow's husband start to unravel, and their stories are far more entangled than what it seems. 

I personally didn't know how to feel about the characters, one minute I liked them and the next I didn't, UNTIL I got to the end! I had to seriously hold back tears. I fell in love with Pippa for how she handled situations and the things she endured. The author wrapped the book up so lovely. 4.5 stars!!!