escape_withstephanie's reviews
357 reviews

Tailwhip by Ash Ryan

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? Yes

2.0

ARC REVIEW
I don't know what to say, I can see this author had a vision I just didn't see the vision. I will always be transparent in my reviews. This book needs to go back to the drawing board(my opinion) From the opening sentence till where I gave up and DNF'D. All I know is it's a second chance romance but it didn't feel like that. It was way too rushed and wasn't paced appropriately. I honestly had such high expectations for this book but it was a letdown. 

Longing For Serenity by Rachel Li Berker

emotional funny fast-paced

2.0

It had a great plot, but it just wasn't executed well. There were moments when I wanted to give up, but I pushed through. I'm glad I got to see Gabriel and learn about the origin of Matteo.

Unwritten Rules by Faye Holland

adventurous tense medium-paced

3.75

ARC REVIEW
WTF was that ending, I did not see that coming at all. This had a very slow sort of beginning and picked up a pace towards the middle and that's when I was like hold up! Who did what. You never know where your enemies will come from and where your allies will come from either. Fallon learned that the world she lived in wasn't all black and white. I sorta liked Brent better than I thought I would; he was blunt and said the truth straight up; didn't beat around the hay and literally told her straight up what he wanted. I will say I can't wait for the next part, it's a type of book that has you hooked and you just don't know why.

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

dark funny tense 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? Yes

5.0

when I started this I was going in blind all I knew was it was 2 k*llers but it was so much more than. They were moments I couldn't stop laughing and moments I felt like hugging them . Listening to this was the best part. it was my first audiobook and honestly changed my mind about audiobooks. The story was clear and on point ; there was sorta like a drawn out slow burn but it didn't also feel drawn out Definitely a worthy 5 star read.

Ride by Your Side by Kristen Lucero

adventurous emotional 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? Yes

4.25

ARC REVIEW
Sometimes you need to get under someone to get over someone or go on a road trip with your best friend's older brother. This book was so sweet like it wasn't a slow burn plus I sorta been waiting since the first book so it was worth the wait. When I tell you the grumpy men love the best they do, tell me how you say nothing can happen between you two and have a wet dream next chapter, I busted out laughing immediately. VEGAS!! OMG, what happened in Vegas didn't stay in Vegas. In some weird way, I could feel his love for her, like his acts of service love language type. She wants something DONE! like he will find a way to get her whatever she wants. I want my Disney prince too(Naven& Beast).

Yours Unexpectedly by S. C Jain

adventurous funny 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? Yes

3.5

ARC REVIEW
Daniel and Anya's story started with a memorable meet cute. This book showed love so much that just because their skin was different didn't make a difference. He loves her to the moon and back. The way they started with him flirting with her and she's just indifferent to them slowly getting comfortable in each other's presence to wanting to be around each other and forming silly excuses. The way she defends him and stands by him and how he shows her she's just enough and just wonderful. He set the standard for me honestly and did the bare flipping minimum time and time again. 

Venom and Black Swan by Rue Knightly

adventurous tense slow-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? Yes

5.0

BETA REVIEW
All I can say no one is ready for how good this book is. This book was something New and different but still felt nostalgic. The thought creation put into the plot! I definately can't wait for you to meet them. 

Guarded by Nix Murguia

dark tense medium-paced

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

3.25

ARC REVIEW 
This was like watching a train wreck happen . I wont lie and say this book wasnt interesting to read,  it definately was . Nero definitely had a troubled past; honestly wanted to hug the little boy in him . Ariella is the girl that on the outside looks like she has it all but in the inside has gone through hell. Despite the many plot holes; Their story showed resiliance and the how much they fought for their happiness. I definitely hated cassiel, theres nothing no redemption no amount of backstory that could ever make me fall inlove with his character ; theres no excuse for every shit he did. Her entire family except thalia and Genesis are all bunch of b*tches, Especially Axel ; There's no convincing me. The ending showed them getting their happy ending and i was so happy at that.

Captured Love: A Hockey Romance by Emery Paige

emotional medium-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

3.5

ARC REVIEW
I've wanted their book since I got the ARC of Asher and Isla's book. This wasn't exactly how I imagined it but it was still terrific. Knox is super sweet and omg Blaise I need his book and Wilder!! Knox closed himself up to romance and the possibility of it, Selene is such a romantic and the fact she made him work for her forgiveness was amazing; I wouldn't call it groveling more like him showing his actions match his words. We again saw the terrible witch "Tessa " and got more information on her character. I love the fact they sorta like opposites but still not opposites (can't find the word for this) either way pretty good book.

Macabre Gods by Elliott Rose

dark emotional tense 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? Yes

3.75

ARC REVIEW  
What was this? This book gave me so much anxiety; honestly, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. In the beginning, I was prepared to hate them, but then I discovered it was a misunderstanding, and I was so relieved.  
Each guy loves her in their way: Angel, her protective teddy bear; Grey, our butcher—without his pushing and egging everyone on, they would still be too stubborn to admit their feelings; Hawke, the one in control and protector; and last but not least, Poe, the glue that holds them all together. I wish I could hug all the guys for what they went through. We might not have gotten a backstory, but the hints were enough to pick up on it.