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courtneyreadsallnight's reviews
211 reviews
My Anti-Hero by Tijan
emotional
mysterious
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? No
3.5
3.5 stars
The story was well-developed and the FMC's backstory added a lot of interest to the plot. The MMC was likable and made me want them to be together. The whole chicken thing was a little odd for me, but the FMC's greater love of animals made more sense and it was cute how the MMC used it in a date plan. I'd say the ending was well thought out, and left me feeling like there was a good sense of resolution.
The story was well-developed and the FMC's backstory added a lot of interest to the plot. The MMC was likable and made me want them to be together. The whole chicken thing was a little odd for me, but the FMC's greater love of animals made more sense and it was cute how the MMC used it in a date plan. I'd say the ending was well thought out, and left me feeling like there was a good sense of resolution.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Mental illness, and Murder
Head Over Heels by Karla Sorensen
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was an engaging, easy read that I finished in under 24 hours. The main characters are quite likable and the story is well developed. It follows a sharp witted heiress in the discovery of herself and her journey to finding love with a man who is her opposite in nearly every way.
HER by xochitl Garcia Guillen
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
It was ok. Not something I’d read again or necessarily recommend. The writing wasn’t particularly impressive. Dark romances generally have an easy flow to them that leads to a relaxing reading experience. I found myself having to reread passages of Her, trying to understand what was going on. The premise was interesting enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol, Death of parent, and Trafficking
Viciously Yours by Jamie Applegate Hunter
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, Grief, and Cursing
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I could have really enjoyed the story, but the author was far too focused on left wing narratives to allow it to feel as though it was flowing naturally. Of all of the characters in the book, there was only one couple, 2 total people, who were not portrayed as LGBTQ+. This book was obviously set up for a sequel, but sadly I would not read it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Violence, War, and Sexual content
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book, but knew I was stepping outside of my comfort zone as a primarily romantasy reader. The first two-thirds of the book were a bit slow paced for my liking, but the last third definitely paid off.
The book follows a young man as he tries to prove himself capable of becoming an assistant investigator, working with a quite eccentric superior. There are extensive fantasy and sci-fi elements, as well as strong, immersive world building. I enjoyed discovering culprits along with MMC as he used his unique abilities to help unravel a series crimes that went back years.
All said and done, I’m glad I branched out and tried a new genre. It has inspired me to continue. I’ll likely buy a physical copy of this book once it releases for my teenage son, and I’d definitely read more of the author’s work going forward
Wrecked by Harper Ashley
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
**Spoiler Alert**
I am a huge fan of rockstar romances, and this certainly fit the bill. Juliet is trying to break into the world of PR and happens to meet the swoon-worthy front man of Chaotix, Ryan, after being dragged backstage by her best friend and roommate. He becomes intrigued with her discerning opinions of himself and the PR of the band. Armed with unlimited resources, he finagles getting her to manage his band, including joining them on tour.
Juliet is determined to work her but off to earn her place and position despite Ryan's advances. Ryan, on the other hand, finds himself developing feelings for Juliet out of his initial intrugue...
"She's in my veins now, coursing through my body, consuming me completely. She's become an addiction that I don't want to quit."
Ryan remains determined, and it doesn't take long for Juliet to weaken...
"I turn around and am shocked to see that it's Ryan who helped me through the storm of flashing cameras. It's Ryan who kept me safe and grounded me during the chaos of the moment."
Overall, the book is well written, but wasn't mind-blowing. I cared about the characters, was invested in the relationship, and found myself thinking about the book in between readings. It doesn't, however live up to some of my favorites. I give it 3.5 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Drug use, Cursing, and Suicide attempt
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.5
I don't know if you've heard the hype on this one, but it's 100% valid. Butcher and Blackbird are code names that this serial killer duo use for one another in a laugh out loud dark romance that I devoured in under 48 hours. It was snarky and engaging, spicy and sweet. Definitely check your trigger warnings on this one, friends!
Sloane and Rowan have admired one another's work for years when a slip up one day lands Sloane in a position that only Rowan can get her out of. Luckily, he happens upon her in her time of need. In return, Rowan takes advantage of the situation, ensuring himself further contact with a peer who he both admired for her work and physical attributes.
Sloane is drawn to Rowan in her need to connect with someone who could understand her and the draw of the excitement that time with him provides her. Over the years, these two find their relationship growing while resisting the urge to allow it to develop into anything romantic.
When there's an incident at Sloan and Rowan's annual get together, they both realize that their feelings can't be held back any longer. But how do they make a life together work?
Some of my favorite passages from the book:
"I just want to take my trophies and stage my scene and go, not hang around and watch as they liquefy."
"I swipe a hand down my face as Rowan manages to shovel one more bite into his mouth before he passes out face down on his plate. There's a beat of silence. Thorsten and I stare at the man sleeping on a bed of salad with thinly sliced rare human steak hanging out of his mouth......'Well,' I say, as I sit back in my chair, laying my hand on the surface of the table with the watered steel blade clutched in my palm. 'I guess it's just you and me now.'"
"A thick swallow catches in Rowan's throat. 'I can't lose you'.
'Then you'd better kiss me,' I whispered back.
Rowan meets my eyes. His hands warm my cheeks. We're just a breath of space away from one another, and I know everything will change once his lips touch mine.
And it's true."
"I bark a laugh and roll my eyes. 'You're the worst.'
'You'll love me someday.'
One of my steps falters.
Today is that day.
Maybe yesterday too. And the day before that. Maybe for a while, in fact."
"'Get fucked,' she says, and presses her lips to my cheek before tucking herself beneath my arm and threading her fingers between mine. 'In a loving way, of course.'"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Murder, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Torture, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, and Confinement
The Empty Wishing House: Book 1 by Larissa Vincente
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Holy cliffhanger! I’m in SO much agony right now. THIS book hasn’t even been released and I NEED the next one!
In her debut novel, Larissa Vincente captivated me with her modern day fairytale, storytelling mastery. I found myself confused, my head muddled and trying to clear the fog as I stumbled through this epic adventure in the shoes of the FMC in her effort to distinguish dreams from reality. There’s a catch, though. She may truly be living both lives with troublesome little ability to recall vital players.
Struggling to discern who she can trust at each turn, Kiara is fighting for control whilst attempting to detangle complicated feelings for two men who both imply that they know her much more intimately than she can recall.
The Empty Wishing House is a must-read for fantasy lovers.
In her debut novel, Larissa Vincente captivated me with her modern day fairytale, storytelling mastery. I found myself confused, my head muddled and trying to clear the fog as I stumbled through this epic adventure in the shoes of the FMC in her effort to distinguish dreams from reality. There’s a catch, though. She may truly be living both lives with troublesome little ability to recall vital players.
Struggling to discern who she can trust at each turn, Kiara is fighting for control whilst attempting to detangle complicated feelings for two men who both imply that they know her much more intimately than she can recall.
The Empty Wishing House is a must-read for fantasy lovers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Alcohol