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imtiredofthisgrandpa's reviews
113 reviews
Lunatic by Onley James
dark
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Rogue by Onley James
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Onley’s writing is as good as I believe it always is, just as engaging and entertaining as ever…
…that said, I didn’t care about Shiloh; I thought he was annoying, truthfully. He seemed to be an exact copy of Ever—a more insecure, yet equally-damaged Ever—and they end up besties, so I know that’s the point, but having essentially the same MC in the first two books of a series made it feel repetitive and a little boring to me. I couldn’t wait to be done with his chapters, even with Liam reading them to me, because his inner voice was so irritatingly… whiny? It was kind of endearing with Ever, but Shiloh isn’t as endearing to me as Ever, you get me?
Levi was a little more interesting as an MC, but I feel like we got more insight into him as a person in short conversations with side characters than we were given from Levi or Shiloh; I enjoy learning about the MCs through their super depressing thoughts or experiences, not through a third party. Levi’s inner realization (rather than Nico’s word) that his mother could possibly hurt someone other than himself—Shiloh—would have given me the Reader Rush I crave and probably boosted my rating another star. Their entire on-page relationship until the incident near the end seemed to be entirely sex—which Onley definitely delivers on writing; it just would have been nice to have relationship moments—like Jericho and Freckles, like Arsen and Ever—rather than a sexual bucket list.
Overall, I most likely won’t revisit this, but Liam did an excellent job narrating, and I’m not disappointed that I listened to it.
…that said, I didn’t care about Shiloh; I thought he was annoying, truthfully. He seemed to be an exact copy of Ever—a more insecure, yet equally-damaged Ever—and they end up besties, so I know that’s the point, but having essentially the same MC in the first two books of a series made it feel repetitive and a little boring to me. I couldn’t wait to be done with his chapters, even with Liam reading them to me, because his inner voice was so irritatingly… whiny? It was kind of endearing with Ever, but Shiloh isn’t as endearing to me as Ever, you get me?
Levi was a little more interesting as an MC, but I feel like we got more insight into him as a person in short conversations with side characters than we were given from Levi or Shiloh; I enjoy learning about the MCs through their super depressing thoughts or experiences, not through a third party. Levi’s inner realization (rather than Nico’s word) that his mother could possibly hurt someone other than himself—Shiloh—would have given me the Reader Rush I crave and probably boosted my rating another star. Their entire on-page relationship until the incident near the end seemed to be entirely sex—which Onley definitely delivers on writing; it just would have been nice to have relationship moments—like Jericho and Freckles, like Arsen and Ever—rather than a sexual bucket list.
Overall, I most likely won’t revisit this, but Liam did an excellent job narrating, and I’m not disappointed that I listened to it.
Wanted by the Cartel: Wolf Shifter MM MPreg Romance by Michael Levi
3.0
This is written well but, between Zoren’s need for control and Lyrian’s desire for freedom, I felt like I was going in circles a portion of the time which made the roughly 220 ebook pages seem longer. I wasn’t taken with either MC, but I also didn’t dislike them.
I did like the writing and the overall story, but it didn’t keep my attention the way I’d hoped. I won’t revisit this particular book, but I wouldn’t turn down another by this author.
(I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout, and this is my honest review.)
I did like the writing and the overall story, but it didn’t keep my attention the way I’d hoped. I won’t revisit this particular book, but I wouldn’t turn down another by this author.
(I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout, and this is my honest review.)
Pretty Broken Doll by Bree Wiley
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book and, once I started, I couldn’t put it down! This is also my first read from this author.
Ryann pissed me off for a <i>long</i> time because, while Callahan men keep their word, he can’t quite seem to accomplish that with sweet Shilo. If Shilo had gone on to decide to pursue anyone else, I’d have rooted for him. Truly, the loss of the half-star is because Ryann got off (ha) the hook too quickly and back into Shilo’s <strike>pants</strike> daily life without a <i>heartfelt</i> apology, and I’m going to be a baby about it because I adore Shilo. (Call me Paige because I’ve got my eye on you, Ryann.)
I connected with Shilo’s inner voice too well, and I’m glad he got all he wanted. 🫶🏻
Ryann pissed me off for a <i>long</i> time because, while Callahan men keep their word, he can’t quite seem to accomplish that with sweet Shilo. If Shilo had gone on to decide to pursue anyone else, I’d have rooted for him. Truly, the loss of the half-star is because Ryann got off (ha) the hook too quickly and back into Shilo’s <strike>pants</strike> daily life without a <i>heartfelt</i> apology, and I’m going to be a baby about it because I adore Shilo. (Call me Paige because I’ve got my eye on you, Ryann.)
I connected with Shilo’s inner voice too well, and I’m glad he got all he wanted. 🫶🏻
Caught by Jack Frost by Taylor Wolfe
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
I honestly thought I was prepared for what I was going to read, but I… was not.
It’s ridiculous, hilarious, and oddly cute. Butt plug nose? Obviously. A 🕳️ in a mound of snowman? Let’s see how it feels. I loved the craziness of it all. I’m not 100% sure if I’ll read Krampus’ or Santa’s book, but this was a fun tiptoe into something different.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s ridiculous, hilarious, and oddly cute. Butt plug nose? Obviously. A 🕳️ in a mound of snowman? Let’s see how it feels. I loved the craziness of it all. I’m not 100% sure if I’ll read Krampus’ or Santa’s book, but this was a fun tiptoe into something different.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pippin & Nacho by Courtney W. Dixon
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This was… a lot of codependent nothing, honestly. At one point, Nate tells Alpha that he won’t leave Sam because Sam needs him and Nate needs Sam, whilst simultaneously admitting how exhausting it is to keep up with Sam’s needs and possible mental health issues only to be given almost nothing tangible or helpful in return.
Other than the actual relationship not hitting, the writing style is okay, but the dialogue is upsetting to my secondhand embarrassment for fictional characters. I’m about a decade out from my 21-22 era, but I’d probably skin myself alive if I found out I spoke aloud any one of the “sweet” string of words said in this book by one MC to the other. It wasn’t for me, I fear.
(I received an ARC copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.)
Other than the actual relationship not hitting, the writing style is okay, but the dialogue is upsetting to my secondhand embarrassment for fictional characters. I’m about a decade out from my 21-22 era, but I’d probably skin myself alive if I found out I spoke aloud any one of the “sweet” string of words said in this book by one MC to the other. It wasn’t for me, I fear.
(I received an ARC copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.)
Daddy's Little Drummer Boy by Della Cain
1.5
Honestly, I didn’t care for the book. The MCs’ first interaction was awkward and emotionally uncomfortable; after that, everything felt stilted and more rushed than most novellas. I did like Bobby in the beginning, but he got on my nerves less than halfway through the book, and Nick was… there. The writing felt bullet points-style (more tell than show), especially the epilogue, which I usually exempt from my thoughts, but it’s the perfect depiction of what I think of as that style.
The writing isn’t terrible, and the idea was cute, but the execution just didn’t hit for me.
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
The writing isn’t terrible, and the idea was cute, but the execution just didn’t hit for me.
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
Something Unavoidable by Rory Maxwell
4.0
This is a difficult read; the author is very good at portraying the hard truths of life and mental health. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotionally hard hitting hurt/comfort romance, but do heed the warnings!
(I received a free ARC copy, and this is my honest review.)
(I received a free ARC copy, and this is my honest review.)