jayjaybraggs's reviews
368 reviews

This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings

2.0

Perfectly Candid by J.S. Jasper

3.0

Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe

4.0

Second Chance Christmas by Jahquel J.

2.5

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

4.0

A god with a mission, a captain with an assignment, and a priest fighting for everything. 

In Black Sun we're following a cast of characters as their worlds unexpectedly intertwine. 

I don't know how else to summarize this novel and the synopsis online, in my opinion, doesn't give much information. But maybe that's intentional. 

This is an epic fantasy with quite a few characters and moving pieces. Everyone is racing to accomplish something before the upcoming eclipse which is said to be one of the most powerful events in centuries. 

The story reminded me a bit of The Fifth Season (the world-building) and The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (the storytelling aspect). I haven't read a lot of epic/high fantasies but I enjoyed this story and see why so many people love the series. 

However, I’m not sure I loved any of the characters (or the overall story) enough to have strong feelings about the book. I do think this was well written and I did have a clear favorite character. 

While reading this I realized that I enjoy female pirate narratives and I like being in a book that moves a tad slower. The world was fascinating! 

I also didn't feel like anything surprising or epic happened. I understand that this is book one in a series and I plan on continuing with the next books, but I found myself waiting for some shocking revelations or a major twist to happen, but it never came. 

Again, I liked it. But by the end, I felt like something was missing. 

A Man for Mrs. Claus by Rebekah Weatherspoon

4.0

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

This book gave me all the warm and happy romance vibes I've come to expect from Kristina Forest. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Iris and Angel and I’m sad to see this beautiful series come to an end. 

Thanks to the easter eggs in the first two books we already know a little about Angel and his feelings for Iris. Forest did a great job of building on what she's already shown us and crafting a sweet love story around it. 

Forest could have easily embraced the obvious trope (famous man with the girl next door) and made it the sole conflict of the story. Instead, she added additional layers, which I really appreciated because it kept this story fresh and interesting. 

The author has a great skill for creating binge-worthy storylines that seem to fly by and leave you wanting more. 

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Sky Full Of Elephants by Cebo Campbell

4.5

No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel

4.0

I had such a wonderful time with this book! If you ever wondered what could have happened if Mariah Carey and Derek Jeter kept dating - this story is the answer! 

First, all the music references had me in a constant 90's/00's R&B/Pop vibe. This felt like an ode to the music that raised me and every mention of a song made me smile. 

Next, the MMC has officially been added to my book-boyfriend list! Miles is sweet, tender, and kind! I could read about him ALL DAY! 😍

And finally, the strength displayed in this book is encouraging! Yes, this is a romance and love story, but it's also about an FMC who chooses herself. After everything Ella has been through, she chooses to pursue things that make her happy. And she allows herself to receive love. 

I want to note - I wouldn't consider this book a sports romance. Yes, Miles is a pro baseball player. There are mentions of games and baseball but there isn't a huge focus on the sport. It's really about Ella and the relationship these two form. 

Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight

2.5