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iamcaseyrkelley's reviews
275 reviews
fast by Millie Belizaire
5.0
I decided to finally read this after seeing it from all my favorite Black booktokers. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it but it lived up to every last review I saw. Although it is a very heavy read, it is so well written and such a captivating story. I could not stop reading but I also couldn’t stop crying. The way the author connects the readers to the characters feels personal. I wanted Caprice to find peace and protection but more importantly love. This was a 5 star read in the first few chapters when I was already so connected to the characters that I cried uncontrollably. My only complaint is that after waiting far too long to read this story that I can never reread it and experience it for the first time again.
The Godmother by Jane E. James
2.0
I received this book via NetGalley for an honest review. I went into this book blind. I requested it because the cover and title felt like a psych thriller which is my favorite genre. There wasn’t a single likable character in the book. I rarely guess the twist and since I did in this case, I wouldn’t really call it a twist. Without going into too much to avoid spoilers, the way Zoe handled the situation with Joe was beyond ridiculous and lacked logic. I am in the US so I only know about how evidence is collected here. But I can’t imagine that blood tests aren’t a way to collect evidence in the UK. All of these adults being manipulated by teenagers was unbelievable. Between Gabriella, the phone, the CCTV footage, I could not believe how stupid these adults were.
Lastly, the author’s note kept referring to a book called My Secret Son. Was that the original title or is she referring to a different book that she has written.
Lastly, the author’s note kept referring to a book called My Secret Son. Was that the original title or is she referring to a different book that she has written.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Infidelity, Child death, and Miscarriage
Minor: Rape
Never Say Never: An Urban Crime Thriller by Toni Larue'
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Newly Discovered Author
I found this author because one of my favorite booktokers (adoseof.books) recommended this book. I was deeply engrossed and anxious to know what happened. I will definitely read more from this author.
I found this author because one of my favorite booktokers (adoseof.books) recommended this book. I was deeply engrossed and anxious to know what happened. I will definitely read more from this author.
Work Song by Danielle Allen
5.0
Tati and Wes are my new favorite Danielle Allen couple. I love the way this author makes the male main characters so raw and vulnerable with their emotions. When they love a woman, you can FEEL it through the pages.
Sounds Like a Plan by Pamela Samuels Young, Dwayne Alexander Smith
4.0
I received a NetGalley copy for an honest review.
For starters, Forty Acres by Dwayne Alexander Smith is one of my all time favorite books. As a result, this book was something I automatically wanted to read. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was a mystery with Black PIs. I used to love both the Easy Rawlings and Tamara Hayle series by Walter Mosley and Valerie Wesley Wilson respectively so this is something that is filling a void in Black literature. While I thought some of the timing of the coincidences were not realistic given the size of LA and traffic to get from point A to point B, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I rarely figure out the twist or solve a mystery but I was able to assume a little of the ending. I think because I have been reading a lot of romance lately, I wanted more of a spark between them or maybe for something to happen. But I also think it was a good idea to limit it because it could be an unnecessary distraction for true mystery fans.
I believe that this would be a good television series with each episode being a different case to solve. I would watch it!
For starters, Forty Acres by Dwayne Alexander Smith is one of my all time favorite books. As a result, this book was something I automatically wanted to read. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was a mystery with Black PIs. I used to love both the Easy Rawlings and Tamara Hayle series by Walter Mosley and Valerie Wesley Wilson respectively so this is something that is filling a void in Black literature. While I thought some of the timing of the coincidences were not realistic given the size of LA and traffic to get from point A to point B, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I rarely figure out the twist or solve a mystery but I was able to assume a little of the ending. I think because I have been reading a lot of romance lately, I wanted more of a spark between them or maybe for something to happen. But I also think it was a good idea to limit it because it could be an unnecessary distraction for true mystery fans.
I believe that this would be a good television series with each episode being a different case to solve. I would watch it!
The PreGame Ritual by Alexandra Warren
4.0
New Favorite Author
It looks like I’m going to be spending my time reading this author’s catalog. I didn’t realize how much I love sports romance but it’s official….Alexandra Warren has me hooked!
It looks like I’m going to be spending my time reading this author’s catalog. I didn’t realize how much I love sports romance but it’s official….Alexandra Warren has me hooked!
Tell-Tale by Danielle Allen
4.0
I am slowly making it through Danielle Allen’s catalog. Her books are now my go to reads when I want something that I know will be good. I loved True and Noah’s story. I didn’t want it to end. Also this author’s spicy scenes are always en pointe.
Hot for Teacher by Monique Fisher
4.0
Needed a light palate cleanser after some heavy reads. I think I grabbed this title during the 2023 ABBA and it didn’t disappoint.