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ericas_bookshelf's Reviews (963)

A Gentleman's Gentleman

TJ Alexander

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring relaxing slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Historical romance will always have a special place in my heart, and I especially love when authors make some much needed diversity additions to the genre. Now this book was more slow moving than I expected, but it was overall a very relaxing read for me. Which at the time, I very much needed. Christopher & James are so wonderful together, their chemistry is immediate but the romance is such a great slow burn. I honestly loved this book!

It’s worth noting that Trans books in any form are always going to a powerful act of resistance in a world where governments are constantly trying to erase their existence. And to me, there is something so profoundly epic about Trans historical romance books in particular. They are a proud declaration that Trans folks have and always will exist.

*huge thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review

Parable of the Sower

Octavia E. Butler

5.0

challenging dark emotional informative reflective tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

My copy of this began with a forward by N. K. Jemisin and in it she discusses how each time she rereads this she finds even more brilliance to uncover and dissect. I feel the exact same way. This book is one that will always and forever be relevant and worthy of study. Highly, highly recommend.

This Ravenous Fate

Hayley Dennings

4.0

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

“It was as if Elise was made up of stars and the dust between the planets. In her, Layla was certain she would find the whole universe.”

You should know two things about me: I LOVE lesbians, and I LOVE vampires. So when I saw this had both and it was set in 1926 Harlem New York I got SO excited. I honestly loved this book. Now was it a little slow paced at times? Yes. Do I wish there was more world building? Also yes. But overall this was a solid debut, a very unique take on vampires, and it honestly made me eager to read Hayley’s future books. Especially the next book in this series! Elise & Layla have phenomenal banter, angst, and truly sensual moments (not explicit sex scenes). I absolutely adore them! Additionally, the way Hayley wove in history, politics, and the reality of being Black in America, was so brilliant. Once again, I’m beyond excited to read more books from her.

*It’s not a standalone, which I did not know until I finished. But the ending isn’t a painful cliffhanger. It simply leaves the world open for future books.

First-Time Caller

B.K. Borison

5.0

funny hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

BK’s books are so comforting and cozy for me to read, I absolutely adore her work. This one may be my new favorite of hers though. I LOVE Sleepless In Seattle, it’s one of my favorite films and this book perfectly captures the feeling that movies gives me. Aiden & Lucie are so loveable and their chemistry absolutely leaps off the page. I especially appreciated Lucie’s work as a car mechanic! It was such a refreshing addition to the story and the way BK wrote about women in these types of fields and how they are often treated was beautifully done. Lucie’s love of romance was also so deeply relatable to me. I just adored this book y’all!

*Thank you to PRH Audio for the free ALC*

House of Crimson Hearts

Ruby Roe

3.0

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

I hate that I didn’t love this, truly. I adore sapphic books, and this seemed like it was right up my alley! But I just didn’t feel the angst and chemistry between Red & Octavia. I also found myself full on wanting to skip chapters just to see if it got better. Idk y’all 😭

sWitch

Kat Blackthorne

4.0

emotional hopeful relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Deep End

Ali Hazelwood

4.5

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Ok first and foremost, the way Ali handled kink in this? PERFECT. NO NOTES. I loved all the open communication and how each scene was written, I absolutely devoured them all.

I will say, this sports romance had a lot of sports, which duh, so if you love swimming & diving, I really feel like you’ll appreciate these parts more than I did. Ali really details the technical aspects of the sports, which was interesting. I also have some *strong feelings* on one of her friends, and by strong feelings, I really mean, I hate that bitch. Also, did this need to be as long as it was? Personally, I don’t think it did. But I still really enjoyed this book!

But, nonetheless, I think this is yet another stellar romance from Ali. I vote that she write more kinky books in the future!!

*I recieved an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*