helenedesmond1's reviews
131 reviews

Unhinged by Vera Valentine

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Um that was interesting 😅 this is a fun read more than anything. As long as you go into this with an open mind I think it’s enjoyable. 

The Fine Print by Lauren Asher

emotional inspiring lighthearted 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

4.5

Rowan Kane 😮‍💨 need I saw more? I love the banter between him and Zahra. They compliment each other so well! I had the best time with these two the circumstances that brought them together. They both had wonderful character development and I was invest from start to finish❤️

Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.25

The twists and turns this one had had me one my toes! I wish there was less off the the page moments and we got to spend more times with Harlow and Rukh. I loved the family dynamic of this one and can’t wait to see who is next to be mated! ❤️

A Touch of Ruin by Scarlett St. Clair

dark emotional tense fast-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

4.0

I am enjoying this series as a whole however Persephone is a walking contradiction! She wants people to communicate with her but she doesn’t listen to them when she does. I love how tender Hades is with her and let’s her make mistakes. The growth they both show is amazing. I can’t wait to get through the rest ❤️

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

This book was messy and emotional from start to finish. The roller coaster of grief and the emotions it manifests as was so beautifully portrayed. Feyi was such a fiery character and watching her grow and learn to love again was breath taking. The twists and turns with who they try love interest was had me on my toes but all in all I could see this going any other way ❤️

Scream For Us by Molly Doyle

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This is ALL spice but my God is it good spice 🥵🌶️ The spooky why chose hit all the right notes I couldn’t put it down! Just want I wanted to kick off spooky season 🥰

Wretched by Emily McIntire

challenging dark tense fast-paced

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

4.5

This book had all the angst in the writ ways! The tension between these two characters is *chef’s kiss* I honestly didn’t want this to end. The way Nick uses words with Evelina made me melt! The spicy was balanced for the relationship they had honestly I loved this so much 💕

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

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? It's complicated

4.75

This book brought so much humanity to what it was like for people during World War II. Werner is seeking a better life through his fascination of sound while Marie-Laure is learning to live life without sight. There is so much emotion and liveliness to all of the characters (even the side characters) that makes this work of fiction feel so real. The descriptions and feels made me feel has if I was there in Saint Malo. This was a heart wrenching read that I couldn’t recommend enough! ❤️

The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

This was fun! I enjoyed this as my fit monster romance. Sol had me swooning the entire time. He was extremely patient and understanding of Briar. This gave exactly what it needed to give ❤️

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

I loved this sooooooo much! London and Drew are perfect in every way. This high school enemies to lovers is pure perfection this is also black excellence and I couldn’t put it down! ❤️