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55 reviews
A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime by Monica Murphy
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
BOOK REVIEW | A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime by Monica Murphy
𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
🌶️: 3.5
⭐️: 5
📖: Paperback
🏃🏼♀️: Fast paced
tropes/themes
- enemies to lovers
- bad boy & good girl
- art lovers
- boarding school setting
- protective father
Book progress and thoughts:
10%-20%: I really enjoyed the boarding school setting of the book, it takes me back to high school and crushing on the bad boy.
The book begins with Crew and his friends who are sexist in their perception of the girls in their school. Though this behaviour is completely unacceptable, I found it more realistic as young boys tend to have these mindsets when they are young.
30-40%: My heart really hurt for Wren, when she begins to discover that high school is very superficial and begins to feel lonely. I’m still worried for Wren, as her relationship with Crew is very hot and cold. Does he genuinely care for her, or is his intention of conquest for the ‘innocent girl’ of the school.
When he calls her “birdy” >>>
50-60%: The lollipop scene…
I really liked how Crew helped Wren spread her wings and become more confident in herself and sexuality.
70%-80%: I don’t always like the ideas of grand gestures and gifts, but Crew’s gifts were very meaningful and made sense because of the story.
The strained relationship between Wren and her dad - her dad being over protective and demanding she stay away from boys - really hit me. I realised the book isn’t just a boy with a conquest to sleep with the virgin of the school, but being comfortable with your sexuality and not being ashamed to have and enjoy sex. I also have experienced a protective father who forced me to lie about boys as he didn’t want me to have a boyfriend, similar to Wren. This is why I love books, you can find comfort in relating to real life situations.
90-100% I adored how Crew and Wren both grew into better people, with Wren standing her ground and Crew become more kind and caring. It really was a beautiful story.
I understand a lot of people didn’t enjoy this book, but i found myself hooked - i’m a sucker for enemies to lovers. I do find the whole ‘virgin trope’ and bad boy a bit cliche but as i mentioned before, it’s reliability made it interesting.
🌶️: The spice in this very exciting and sexy while being well written.
✍️: I also liked the formatting of this book, it made it easier to follow along and I enjoyed the writing style.
Overall: I binged this book while I was on holiday and I really enjoyed the dynamic and growth between the both characters. The side plot was actually interesting but could have had more depth.
Hooked by Emily McIntire
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
BOOK REVIEW | Hooked by Emily Mcintire
𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓-𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
🌶️: 3.75
⭐️: 5
📖: Paperback
🏃🏼♀️: Fast paced
Tropes/Themes
- Dark Romance
- Fairy tale retelling: Hook & Wendy
- Villain wins
- Age gap
Book Progress & thoughts:
10%: Instantly, the writer perfectly creates tension between both characters while portraying their personalities . I loved how both characters had ✨family trauma✨ and both deal with this is VERY different ways and impact their decisions in the book.
20-50%: I fell so quickly for James and his charm, even though his plan was to trick Wendy.
I loved how James helps Wendy gain confidence and to stand up for herself. 🥺
50-70%: so much action (spicy and in the book progression). I really love the dialogue between both characters, especially the banter and spicy scenes.
70-80%: CHAPTER 39??? sobbing, crying, throwing up. Hook betrayed us both me and Wendy??! A little miscommunication trope here, but it does not drag out and works will in these chapters.
90%: my heart has just be shattered.
100%: WOW. The ending was beautiful and straight to the point.
🌶️: um - the first spice scenes got me flustered 🫣🫣 lots of spice and tension which I really enjoyed.
Overall: I devoured this book and read it in one sitting. To me, everything about this book was perfect: the writing, the dialogue, the spice, the pace, the tropes, character development, the ending - you get the point. 🖤
🪝Shoutout to my boyfriend for surprising gifting me the second book in this series <3
Please note this book has trigger warnings.
Instagram: dazyreads
𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓-𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
🌶️: 3.75
⭐️: 5
📖: Paperback
🏃🏼♀️: Fast paced
Tropes/Themes
- Dark Romance
- Fairy tale retelling: Hook & Wendy
- Villain wins
- Age gap
Book Progress & thoughts:
10%: Instantly, the writer perfectly creates tension between both characters while portraying their personalities . I loved how both characters had ✨family trauma✨ and both deal with this is VERY different ways and impact their decisions in the book.
20-50%: I fell so quickly for James and his charm, even though his plan was to trick Wendy.
I loved how James helps Wendy gain confidence and to stand up for herself. 🥺
50-70%: so much action (spicy and in the book progression). I really love the dialogue between both characters, especially the banter and spicy scenes.
70-80%: CHAPTER 39??? sobbing, crying, throwing up. Hook betrayed us both me and Wendy??! A little miscommunication trope here, but it does not drag out and works will in these chapters.
90%: my heart has just be shattered.
100%: WOW. The ending was beautiful and straight to the point.
🌶️: um - the first spice scenes got me flustered 🫣🫣 lots of spice and tension which I really enjoyed.
Overall: I devoured this book and read it in one sitting. To me, everything about this book was perfect: the writing, the dialogue, the spice, the pace, the tropes, character development, the ending - you get the point. 🖤
🪝Shoutout to my boyfriend for surprising gifting me the second book in this series <3
Please note this book has trigger warnings.
Instagram: dazyreads
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent
Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
BOOK REVIEW | Pen Pal by J.T Geisinger
𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓-𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
🌶️: 4
⭐️: 4.5
📖: Kindle Unlimited
Tropes/themes
- Dark romance
- Paranormal
- Suspense/thriller
- Plot twist
Book progress:
10%: I had no idea what to expect when I first started reading this book - I like to go into it blind. Therefore, I had so many theories! Is her pen pal stalking her? Is Kayla imagining things? Can we Trust Aidan?
20-50%: This book is slow burner, with a lot of strange occurrences happening at Kayla’s home. Her past seems to follower her and I was so excited for the big reveal.
60%-80%: The tension begins to increase. Things are really weird and nothing is making sense to Kayla. She needs answers about the spooky occurrences, but ghosts aren’t real - right?
90-100%: WOW. THE ENDING?? THE BIG REVEAL?? I cried for Aidan and Kayla. Both characters deserved a second chance at love and when they found each other, their ending was tragic.
🌶️ : The spice scenes were enjoyable in this book and explores a dom x sub relationship. This kind of relationship only occurs during steamy scenes and is such a contrast to Aidan’s sweet character. He also refers to her as ‘bunny,’ which is a bit hit or miss.
Overall: When I started this book, I was as confused as Kayla and I was unsure if I would like this book. However, the plot twist alone is a huge reason why I loved this book. Everything finally made sense!! There were plenty of steamy scenes, I loved the interactions with Kayla and Aidan. I recommend this book if you are starting to get into dark romance!
Please note this book has trigger warnings.
𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓-𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
🌶️: 4
⭐️: 4.5
📖: Kindle Unlimited
Tropes/themes
- Dark romance
- Paranormal
- Suspense/thriller
- Plot twist
Book progress:
10%: I had no idea what to expect when I first started reading this book - I like to go into it blind. Therefore, I had so many theories! Is her pen pal stalking her? Is Kayla imagining things? Can we Trust Aidan?
20-50%: This book is slow burner, with a lot of strange occurrences happening at Kayla’s home. Her past seems to follower her and I was so excited for the big reveal.
60%-80%: The tension begins to increase. Things are really weird and nothing is making sense to Kayla. She needs answers about the spooky occurrences, but ghosts aren’t real - right?
90-100%: WOW. THE ENDING?? THE BIG REVEAL?? I cried for Aidan and Kayla. Both characters deserved a second chance at love and when they found each other, their ending was tragic.
🌶️ : The spice scenes were enjoyable in this book and explores a dom x sub relationship. This kind of relationship only occurs during steamy scenes and is such a contrast to Aidan’s sweet character. He also refers to her as ‘bunny,’ which is a bit hit or miss.
Overall: When I started this book, I was as confused as Kayla and I was unsure if I would like this book. However, the plot twist alone is a huge reason why I loved this book. Everything finally made sense!! There were plenty of steamy scenes, I loved the interactions with Kayla and Aidan. I recommend this book if you are starting to get into dark romance!
Please note this book has trigger warnings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Sexual content
Minor: Gun violence
Our Scorching Summer by Kels Stone, Denise Stone
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
BOOK REVIEW | Our Scorching Summer by Kels & Denise Stone
*No spoiler review. Minor annotation spoilers*
🌊 Lily & Nico
🧡 Kindle Unlimited - friends with benefits, billionaire, summer romance
3🌶️
4⭐️
Plot: Expect a friends with benefits pact, beach vacations, jealousy and secrets 🌞🌞
I loved the secret author plot line and Lily’s whole commitment issues. Maybe Nico could have a bit more depth besides being a hot billionaire. (this might have been explored in the first book?)❤️🔥
Character: NICO IS SUCH A GREEN FLAG!! I won’t lie, i do love toxic dark romances, but a nice fluffy book will always be enjoyable.
Nico is such a sweet character, he was so thoughtful with his acts of love. He was so sweet and caring, his character grew and he became a better person for himself.
Lily’s attitude to relationships did get repetitive BUT same girl i have major trust issues too. I was so happy that the character went to therapy 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 we stan.
Writing: I adored the writing style, the whole book is beautiful and really gives a summer vibe.
Overall: this is a very enjoyable fluffy summer romance book with lovable characters and spicy scences. I actually did cry a few times (the letter scence UGH i was sobbing)
*No spoiler review. Minor annotation spoilers*
🌊 Lily & Nico
🧡 Kindle Unlimited - friends with benefits, billionaire, summer romance
3🌶️
4⭐️
Plot: Expect a friends with benefits pact, beach vacations, jealousy and secrets 🌞🌞
I loved the secret author plot line and Lily’s whole commitment issues. Maybe Nico could have a bit more depth besides being a hot billionaire. (this might have been explored in the first book?)❤️🔥
Character: NICO IS SUCH A GREEN FLAG!! I won’t lie, i do love toxic dark romances, but a nice fluffy book will always be enjoyable.
Nico is such a sweet character, he was so thoughtful with his acts of love. He was so sweet and caring, his character grew and he became a better person for himself.
Lily’s attitude to relationships did get repetitive BUT same girl i have major trust issues too. I was so happy that the character went to therapy 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 we stan.
Writing: I adored the writing style, the whole book is beautiful and really gives a summer vibe.
Overall: this is a very enjoyable fluffy summer romance book with lovable characters and spicy scences. I actually did cry a few times (the letter scence UGH i was sobbing)
Confess by Colleen Hoover
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
The whole premise seemed interesting with the paintings and the stories behind them. The book was just boring and the FMC is very naive. Didn’t enjoy it
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
Did not finish book. Stopped at 54%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 54%.
DNF at 53%
Personally, the first book was quite problematic and I only read it because I just started getting into books. Was hoping book 2 would redeem itself but I just found it quite boring and the characters were a bit cringe and Atlas gave me lost puppy vibes and they acted quite immaturely. Just boring i guess
Personally, the first book was quite problematic and I only read it because I just started getting into books. Was hoping book 2 would redeem itself but I just found it quite boring and the characters were a bit cringe and Atlas gave me lost puppy vibes and they acted quite immaturely. Just boring i guess
The Fine Print by Lauren Asher
Did not finish book. Stopped at 67%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 67%.
DNF at 66%
I didn’t really enjoy this book. I found it quite childish and I found the characters quite naive and cringe. The book gave me the ick when the MMC confronts her ex.
I didn’t really enjoy this book. I found it quite childish and I found the characters quite naive and cringe. The book gave me the ick when the MMC confronts her ex.
My Dark Romeo by L.J. Shen, Parker S. Huntington
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
BOOK REVIEW | My Dark Romeo by Parker S. Huntington & L.J Shen
*NO SPOILERS*
🛩️ Kindle + KU - Arranged marriage - dark romances
4⭐️
4🌶️
🦋 Romeo and Dallas 🦋
Plot: Dallas was raised in a community that expects her virtue to be preserved. As soon as she encounters Romeo, her virtue is compromised and she has no choice but to marry him.
Dallas is very witty and takes no crap from Romeo and their dialogue is really funny. There relationship is a slow burn but it realistically develops. The characters learn about each other, try to tease and is also very steamy. ❤️🔥
This book reminds me of Bridgerton season 1 but a modern perspective. 🤍
Characters: Dallas is very lovable, she knows what she wants and is determined to get it. Romeo has the typical uncaring + cold heart, but soon gains a soft spot for Dallas. I loved the side characters/friends. The boys group chat really made me giggle.
Writing: The writing at the start of the book was a bit confusing but GIVE IT A CHANCE! The writing was very witty, had lots of relatable references and improved a lot throughout the book.
Overall: I enjoyed this book so much! It was interesting so see the relationship develops and the indifferences between both characters. But warned there’s mentions of body fluids… 🫣🫣
*NO SPOILERS*
🛩️ Kindle + KU - Arranged marriage - dark romances
4⭐️
4🌶️
🦋 Romeo and Dallas 🦋
Plot: Dallas was raised in a community that expects her virtue to be preserved. As soon as she encounters Romeo, her virtue is compromised and she has no choice but to marry him.
Dallas is very witty and takes no crap from Romeo and their dialogue is really funny. There relationship is a slow burn but it realistically develops. The characters learn about each other, try to tease and is also very steamy. ❤️🔥
This book reminds me of Bridgerton season 1 but a modern perspective. 🤍
Characters: Dallas is very lovable, she knows what she wants and is determined to get it. Romeo has the typical uncaring + cold heart, but soon gains a soft spot for Dallas. I loved the side characters/friends. The boys group chat really made me giggle.
Writing: The writing at the start of the book was a bit confusing but GIVE IT A CHANCE! The writing was very witty, had lots of relatable references and improved a lot throughout the book.
Overall: I enjoyed this book so much! It was interesting so see the relationship develops and the indifferences between both characters. But warned there’s mentions of body fluids… 🫣🫣
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
BOOK REVIEW | Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
⛸️ Book - Romance - Sports
*NO SPOILERS*
5☆
3.5🌶️
Characters: The MMC, Nate, is a very refreshing character to see. He’s so caring, kind and reassuring. I’m happy to see a healthy representation of a caring partner. PLUS he has SO much rizz. I wasn’t a huge fan of the FMC, Stas, at the start of the book. However, her character developed so well!! The Hockey boys are such a green flag, i love the whole relationship dynamics of the books and different personalities. My only criticism was that there’s a lot of characters introduced in the beginning but I eventually got the hang of all the characters.
Plot: Not much *exciting* happens in this book but sometimes that’s okay. I was definitely in a mood for a college romance rather than my usual dark romance 🫢 Still, I devoured this book! I was so hooked on the chemistry between the MC.
Writing: I’m so pleased with the writing. It’s easy to follow along and perfectly describes emotions and goes into detail about… never mind.
Overall: Read this book. It’s equal fluffy and spicy. The characters are fleshed out and the storyline is interesting. I really enjoyed the healthy communication between the characters and the fact arguments weren’t unnecessarily toxic.
*please note this book deals with issues of anxiety and touches on disordered eating.
⛸️ Book - Romance - Sports
*NO SPOILERS*
5☆
3.5🌶️
Characters: The MMC, Nate, is a very refreshing character to see. He’s so caring, kind and reassuring. I’m happy to see a healthy representation of a caring partner. PLUS he has SO much rizz. I wasn’t a huge fan of the FMC, Stas, at the start of the book. However, her character developed so well!! The Hockey boys are such a green flag, i love the whole relationship dynamics of the books and different personalities. My only criticism was that there’s a lot of characters introduced in the beginning but I eventually got the hang of all the characters.
Plot: Not much *exciting* happens in this book but sometimes that’s okay. I was definitely in a mood for a college romance rather than my usual dark romance 🫢 Still, I devoured this book! I was so hooked on the chemistry between the MC.
Writing: I’m so pleased with the writing. It’s easy to follow along and perfectly describes emotions and goes into detail about… never mind.
Overall: Read this book. It’s equal fluffy and spicy. The characters are fleshed out and the storyline is interesting. I really enjoyed the healthy communication between the characters and the fact arguments weren’t unnecessarily toxic.
*please note this book deals with issues of anxiety and touches on disordered eating.
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder and Mental illness
The Sinful King by Claire Contreras
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Characters: MC’s very flat with no personality. Their whole relationship was superficial. Justice for Pierre.
Plot: Plot had potential but was boring. The only reason i didn’t DNF was because I wanted to finish my reading goal. FMC sacrifices
her whole life for the King, which i wouldn’t mind if the book actually considered consequences, values, morals, feels etc. I did like the breaking monarch traditions plot, that’s about it. Also, why was she delivering a basket everyday to him? it never made sense.
Writing: transition between action and thoughts not exactly smooth. Writing seems quite rushed and stuff kinda not explained or explored. Not much depth to the writing or story.
Plot: Plot had potential but was boring. The only reason i didn’t DNF was because I wanted to finish my reading goal. FMC sacrifices
her whole life for the King, which i wouldn’t mind if the book actually considered consequences, values, morals, feels etc. I did like the breaking monarch traditions plot, that’s about it. Also, why was she delivering a basket everyday to him? it never made sense.
Writing: transition between action and thoughts not exactly smooth. Writing seems quite rushed and stuff kinda not explained or explored. Not much depth to the writing or story.