ericas_bookshelf's reviews
901 reviews

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

“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 by B.K. Borison

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funny hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

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 by Ruby Roe

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

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: a dark sapphic rom-com by Kat Blackthorne

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emotional hopeful relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

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*

A Wolf Steps in Blood by Tamara Jerée

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emotional hopeful relaxing fast-paced