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escape_withstephanie's reviews
359 reviews
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.
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.
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.
When The Time Is right by Simone White
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
BETA/ARC REVIEW
I had the most wonderful opportunity to read this and was so sad when I saw "THE END". This book was beyond amazing and also funny. I mean a fake dating romance and you like standard cliche; this wasn't cliche; they're flipping soulmates nothing no one wants to change my mind about. I will never forget them not for a long time. It's a type of book that keeps you up at night because you want to know what happens in the next chapter. Their friend group omg beyond so funny I couldn't stop laughing whenever one person opened their mouth. He loves and loves her so proudly and is such a good boy( you'll find out what I mean) this book was everything and more.
I had the most wonderful opportunity to read this and was so sad when I saw "THE END". This book was beyond amazing and also funny. I mean a fake dating romance and you like standard cliche; this wasn't cliche; they're flipping soulmates nothing no one wants to change my mind about. I will never forget them not for a long time. It's a type of book that keeps you up at night because you want to know what happens in the next chapter. Their friend group omg beyond so funny I couldn't stop laughing whenever one person opened their mouth. He loves and loves her so proudly and is such a good boy( you'll find out what I mean) this book was everything and more.
Uncaged Obsessions by Madi Danielle
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
ARC REVIEW
When Madi said this was gonna be surprising she didn't lie cause tf was that I can't get over every part of this. The drama! The spice! the plot! the confessions!!!!! I got to learn all their backstories, I cried so hard during Drew and Adam's backstory and Max taking back her power and please I need Danner's book omg. Everyone finally got what was coming to them, especially her parents. This book showed the resilience and strength of a woman. That your past never defines you or limits you. Max not only rebuilt her life she got 3 hot as sin men who worship the ground she walks and are obsessed with her. I admire her strength and resilience honestly. Caine finally learned to let go of his past and share. Drew our sweet puppy, his dad never deserved him. Adam, our snake man ( that scene was hot). Each is individually psychotic in an obsessive way.
When Madi said this was gonna be surprising she didn't lie cause tf was that I can't get over every part of this. The drama! The spice! the plot! the confessions!!!!! I got to learn all their backstories, I cried so hard during Drew and Adam's backstory and Max taking back her power and please I need Danner's book omg. Everyone finally got what was coming to them, especially her parents. This book showed the resilience and strength of a woman. That your past never defines you or limits you. Max not only rebuilt her life she got 3 hot as sin men who worship the ground she walks and are obsessed with her. I admire her strength and resilience honestly. Caine finally learned to let go of his past and share. Drew our sweet puppy, his dad never deserved him. Adam, our snake man ( that scene was hot). Each is individually psychotic in an obsessive way.
Foul Territory by Ginger Walls
adventurous
sad
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
5.0
BETA/ARC REVIEW
Getting to reread Koa and Sydney's story is a dream come true. No matter how many times I read it, it's still as amazing. Koa and Sydney are literal soulmates, but with Koa being her older brother's best friend,d she tries to keep said feelings at bay; Koa replicates those feelings then life happens, and they stop being friends, but that doesn't stop him from using any means necessary to be in her life. Now people may call some of his ways a red flag and stuff but I think it's a man doing whatever he can for the love of his life, literally if he wanted to he would. He was a yapper but became quiet so she could fill in the silence with her voice, she loved books so he started reading for her; how many guys would do that and her members everything and I mean everything she says. As a black girl, this book was special with it coming out on black history month and having black characters; this was beautiful.
Getting to reread Koa and Sydney's story is a dream come true. No matter how many times I read it, it's still as amazing. Koa and Sydney are literal soulmates, but with Koa being her older brother's best friend,d she tries to keep said feelings at bay; Koa replicates those feelings then life happens, and they stop being friends, but that doesn't stop him from using any means necessary to be in her life. Now people may call some of his ways a red flag and stuff but I think it's a man doing whatever he can for the love of his life, literally if he wanted to he would. He was a yapper but became quiet so she could fill in the silence with her voice, she loved books so he started reading for her; how many guys would do that and her members everything and I mean everything she says. As a black girl, this book was special with it coming out on black history month and having black characters; this was beautiful.
Sven by Mary Warren
funny
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
3.75
ARC REVIEW
This book was sorta fast-paced and I loved it for that; there wasn't beating around the bush or slow burn but it also wasn't them instantly taking off their clothes; it was sorta sweet and had a build up. First the symbolise of books being banned in schools fictionally and books being banned in schools in reality is amazing and heart touching. i loved how sven immediately cared for his daughter, I mean how many guys would do that(fictional men would) but he did it right away; and I loved the fact though his child's mother made a few bumps he never for once condemned her and still gave her a second chance to be in his kid's life . Now nathelie , I saw her anger spilling out coming from a mile away but he actually handled it maturely . Despite his reputation he was a pretty amazing boyfriend. Like I said it was fast so everything was happening all at onceor maybe slowly like a train wreck luckily no third act breakup. I hate his father now I try to refrain from using that word but I really do hate his father and I adore nathelie's grandfather so much.
This book was sorta fast-paced and I loved it for that; there wasn't beating around the bush or slow burn but it also wasn't them instantly taking off their clothes; it was sorta sweet and had a build up. First the symbolise of books being banned in schools fictionally and books being banned in schools in reality is amazing and heart touching. i loved how sven immediately cared for his daughter, I mean how many guys would do that(fictional men would) but he did it right away; and I loved the fact though his child's mother made a few bumps he never for once condemned her and still gave her a second chance to be in his kid's life . Now nathelie , I saw her anger spilling out coming from a mile away but he actually handled it maturely . Despite his reputation he was a pretty amazing boyfriend. Like I said it was fast so everything was happening all at onceor maybe slowly like a train wreck luckily no third act breakup. I hate his father now I try to refrain from using that word but I really do hate his father and I adore nathelie's grandfather so much.
His Secret Obsession (Cedarwood Valley Book 1) by Nicole VanAuken
adventurous
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
This was a perfect example of the right person, the wrong time, and when it was the right time she was with someone else not just anyone but his baby brother and he decided she was off limits. Jax is pathetically in love, and when I say pathetic, I mean begging on his knees. He doesn't put her down but supports her and loves her sassy attitude and supports it even. I feel the red string theory is them, they met at different times but never actually stuck till it was their time; in every lifetime, I feel they'll find each other. I won't lie I was prepared to hate Luke but honestly, I felt bad for him; Maddie didn't deserve the shit he put her through but he also didn't deserve her and they were just not meant for each other. I love Mary she is so mischievous and don't get me started on the ending; I definitely can't wait to read the next book.
This was a perfect example of the right person, the wrong time, and when it was the right time she was with someone else not just anyone but his baby brother and he decided she was off limits. Jax is pathetically in love, and when I say pathetic, I mean begging on his knees. He doesn't put her down but supports her and loves her sassy attitude and supports it even. I feel the red string theory is them, they met at different times but never actually stuck till it was their time; in every lifetime, I feel they'll find each other. I won't lie I was prepared to hate Luke but honestly, I felt bad for him; Maddie didn't deserve the shit he put her through but he also didn't deserve her and they were just not meant for each other. I love Mary she is so mischievous and don't get me started on the ending; I definitely can't wait to read the next book.
Seal the Deal by Hailey Rodger
funny
reflective
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
3.75
ARC REVIEW
This was such a sweet story. They met years ago at summer camp and had a wonderful blast and a connection of no other but then it all ended afterward and now she's back in his city for a fresh start and his not letting her go. His super intentional; always being her rock and anchor when she's growing. Everyone needs a Zoe in their life, to be honest; I love how much he accepted her kids as his immediately no hesitations. I wanted to punch Alex on multiple occasions. Noah is more reserved and it's sad how he had to mature super fast; but through some moments you can see his still a little kid, my girl meadows; I love unicorns too and you're just a bubble of energy.
This was such a sweet story. They met years ago at summer camp and had a wonderful blast and a connection of no other but then it all ended afterward and now she's back in his city for a fresh start and his not letting her go. His super intentional; always being her rock and anchor when she's growing. Everyone needs a Zoe in their life, to be honest; I love how much he accepted her kids as his immediately no hesitations. I wanted to punch Alex on multiple occasions. Noah is more reserved and it's sad how he had to mature super fast; but through some moments you can see his still a little kid, my girl meadows; I love unicorns too and you're just a bubble of energy.
Slap Shot by Chelsea Curto
emotional
funny
tense
slow-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
ARC REVIEW
I'm sorry pretty boy but Hudson takes the romantic trophy in this. It didn't even feel like a slow burn with how good it was; it was pretty hilarious, especially the group chats between the guys. I loved seeing Maverick's friendship with Hudson and can we talk about how much he matured from the Hudson we knew in Miller's book; I loved how much this book just showed two people slowly falling in love with each other until they were "holy sh*t I like him/her". I loved the awareness of the deaf community as someone who always tries to have a theme of disability or mental health in her books I loved this; I mean tell me how many men would learn sign language for your kid; I'll tell you now it's flipping hard and Huddy boy did it because that's just the type of person he is; sweet, loving and amazing. In a way, Chelsea is his mum so I'll say who brought the idea of Hudson to her mind thank you because this book was beyond amazing. I related with Hudson more with his entire fear of being left behind and the way he puts people before himself, in a way he was me as a guy. He was doing the bare minimum but still setting my standards high asf and as usual maverick is still as obsessed with Emmy, I can't wait for the next couple honestly.
I'm sorry pretty boy but Hudson takes the romantic trophy in this. It didn't even feel like a slow burn with how good it was; it was pretty hilarious, especially the group chats between the guys. I loved seeing Maverick's friendship with Hudson and can we talk about how much he matured from the Hudson we knew in Miller's book; I loved how much this book just showed two people slowly falling in love with each other until they were "holy sh*t I like him/her". I loved the awareness of the deaf community as someone who always tries to have a theme of disability or mental health in her books I loved this; I mean tell me how many men would learn sign language for your kid; I'll tell you now it's flipping hard and Huddy boy did it because that's just the type of person he is; sweet, loving and amazing. In a way, Chelsea is his mum so I'll say who brought the idea of Hudson to her mind thank you because this book was beyond amazing. I related with Hudson more with his entire fear of being left behind and the way he puts people before himself, in a way he was me as a guy. He was doing the bare minimum but still setting my standards high asf and as usual maverick is still as obsessed with Emmy, I can't wait for the next couple honestly.
Starcrossed Colorado by Hannah Shield
adventurous
funny
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
3.75
ARC REVIEW
This book was about finding courage and daring to do things instead of playing safe. Emma and Ashford both individually have bad pasts and decide to be alone are best but life doesn't always go exactly how you planned; cue not-so-perfect meet cute; his a grump so he is sorta a jerk when he meets her but she dishes it back to him immediately, he decides to keep his distance but that proves difficult with them sharing the same space plus his adorable daughter takes a liking to her and then boom feelings come into play and I swear this was the funniest part his like " there's no way I like her" and five seconds later moans her flipping name; his like nothing can happen and next chapter says fuck it; I couldn't stop laughing: I love the fact there wasn't a third act breakup and then when the main action started I couldn't put it down because I never saw that coming like what do you mean sweet him did that. Overall I loved it at the beginning it's intriguing then slows down in the middle then captures you back; definitely a worthy read.
This book was about finding courage and daring to do things instead of playing safe. Emma and Ashford both individually have bad pasts and decide to be alone are best but life doesn't always go exactly how you planned; cue not-so-perfect meet cute; his a grump so he is sorta a jerk when he meets her but she dishes it back to him immediately, he decides to keep his distance but that proves difficult with them sharing the same space plus his adorable daughter takes a liking to her and then boom feelings come into play and I swear this was the funniest part his like " there's no way I like her" and five seconds later moans her flipping name; his like nothing can happen and next chapter says fuck it; I couldn't stop laughing: I love the fact there wasn't a third act breakup and then when the main action started I couldn't put it down because I never saw that coming like what do you mean sweet him did that. Overall I loved it at the beginning it's intriguing then slows down in the middle then captures you back; definitely a worthy read.