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jaz_gets_literary's reviews
254 reviews
The Good Ones are Taken by Taj McCoy
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Alcohol, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Infidelity
The White Guy Dies First by Terry J. Benton-Walker
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Thank you to Tor Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. I could wait to get my hands on this book ever since the author announced it. It does not disappoint. This horror anthology is comprised of 13 short stories where the white guy dies first in every single one. Such a turn of events when the white guy usually makes it to the end in the horror genre.
I had only read two of these authors previous works so I was excited to read the stories from new to me authors. My fav Tiffany D Jackson did not disappoint but when does she ever lol. I was enthralled in all of these stories. Every story was beautifully written and I will be looking into all of the new to me authors work. I’m not a huge horror reader but this book is good for someone tipping their toes in this genre and someone who reads it a lot. It was a little gory at times but not too much. I throughly enjoyed this book and look to more from these authors
I had only read two of these authors previous works so I was excited to read the stories from new to me authors. My fav Tiffany D Jackson did not disappoint but when does she ever lol. I was enthralled in all of these stories. Every story was beautifully written and I will be looking into all of the new to me authors work. I’m not a huge horror reader but this book is good for someone tipping their toes in this genre and someone who reads it a lot. It was a little gory at times but not too much. I throughly enjoyed this book and look to more from these authors
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Classism, Gore, Toxic friendship, Racism, Cannibalism, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault, Stalking, and Mental illness
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Boyfriend Projects begins with Samiah finding out the guy she’s dating is also dating 2 other women. How does she find out… via one of the other lady’s live tweets about the horrible date she’s on. After all 3 ladies confronting the man, they vow to focus on themselves before dating again, The Boyfriend Project. Samiah is all for this since she’s has been going back and forth about working on a project she holds dear to her heart. That is she meets her new coworker Daniel. Daniel is more than the techie ex Marine that he tells his new coworkers he is. Lies, conspiracy, and falling in love…what bad could come from that combination.
I want to fight Craig because he had a lot of audacity. I’m glad that the ladies came together after that incident and leaned on each other to build each other up. That’s how it should be in those situations. I thought Samiah wouldn’t hear Daniel out but I’m happy that she did. So excited to get into the other ladies stories.
I want to fight Craig because he had a lot of audacity. I’m glad that the ladies came together after that incident and leaned on each other to build each other up. That’s how it should be in those situations. I thought Samiah wouldn’t hear Daniel out but I’m happy that she did. So excited to get into the other ladies stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
When Taylor, a fitness instructor, takes on ex NFL player Jamar Dixon aka Diesel Dixon she has to keep things professional although there is attraction on both ends. Jamar wants to keep the fact that he’s working with a trainer on the low but when he and Taylor run into a media outlet, Taylor blurts out that they’re dating. They decide to pretend to date to keep his secret hidden. What’s the worst that could happen when secrets are kept and attraction is becoming hard to keep at bay while working in such close proximity?
I enjoyed the second book in The Boyfriend project series. Though Taylor and Jamar both had their own secrets that they tried hard to keep at bay, I was happy that they were able to find solace in each other to help grow past it. The inclusion of Taylor coming into her issues with school pulled at my heart as a mother who’s preteen just got diagnosed. And I felt her mother in feeling bad that she didn’t catch it since I feel like I should have caught on sooner for my own child. I felt so sad that Jamar was holding onto unnecessary guilt for so long especially since he didn’t tell anyone about how he felt responsible until he told Taylor. I was beautiful to see them both grow together. I enjoyed the narration of this book as well. I can’t wait to get started on the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the second book in The Boyfriend project series. Though Taylor and Jamar both had their own secrets that they tried hard to keep at bay, I was happy that they were able to find solace in each other to help grow past it. The inclusion of Taylor coming into her issues with school pulled at my heart as a mother who’s preteen just got diagnosed. And I felt her mother in feeling bad that she didn’t catch it since I feel like I should have caught on sooner for my own child. I felt so sad that Jamar was holding onto unnecessary guilt for so long especially since he didn’t tell anyone about how he felt responsible until he told Taylor. I was beautiful to see them both grow together. I enjoyed the narration of this book as well. I can’t wait to get started on the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Car accident
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Lore always wondered what was past the forest surrounding her small village. No one has made it past the forest. After a failed attempt, Lore decided to never try again. That is until she gets a chance to leave her town to do something for the Fae Lord. The Fae Lord wants her to search an enchanted library for any books of magic because only humans can enter. Lore agrees but will she turn the magic books over or see if she can use the magic herself that the faes use to feel they are above humans. An adventure ensues involving help from two attractive Fae males that both catch Lore’s eye.
I thoroughly enjoyed Lore of the Wilds. There were so many twists and turns and the ENDING!!!! I did not see that coming at the end. I was flabbergasted. This was an amazing novel from a debut author and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I need the next book now
I thoroughly enjoyed Lore of the Wilds. There were so many twists and turns and the ENDING!!!! I did not see that coming at the end. I was flabbergasted. This was an amazing novel from a debut author and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I need the next book now
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Classism, Confinement, and Death of parent
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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? No
4.0
This was my first historical fiction book and I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. I looked looking at 4 very different Black women going through the woes of love in 1910 Chicago. It was a very different time then and even though 3 of them came from wealthy families they still didn’t have the same plight. From societal pressures to family over involvement, these 4 woman having the decide if they are going to listen to everyone else or what their heart truly wants. What the heart wants can come with a price though. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the Jim Crow movement and how it did or did t sway the women’s decisions.
I believe I’ve found my way into a new genre and I cannot wait to read the next installment in November.
I believe I’ve found my way into a new genre and I cannot wait to read the next installment in November.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Racism, Classism, and Death of parent
Goal by Alexandria House
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
<<This review may contain a few spoilers >>
First off, Tasha, her mama and Nuri’s auntie can all catch these hands. Like seriously all of them had a lot of audacity. I had to get that off my chest.
Now on the better things, I loved the growth of Maleek and Nuri throughout the book. Also the inclusion of Black men in hockey. Love to see it. I praise Maleek for barely second guessing taking in his siblings even though he didn’t know them at all and the lack of relationship he had with his father. Him putting them before his girlfriend was refreshing to see. I will say that I partially see where Tasha was coming from with the kids coming in but she reacted wrong. She never truly loved Maleek. It was all a look for her. I’m glad her finally came to his senses even though it went on way too long. I knew there was some family drama going on for Nuri’s aunt not to like her but I was absolutely not expecting that to be the reason why. She needs her ass beat.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. I listened to the audiobook and it was great. I will be ordering a physical copy because I hate a lot of things I need to annotate in this book.
First off, Tasha, her mama and Nuri’s auntie can all catch these hands. Like seriously all of them had a lot of audacity. I had to get that off my chest.
Now on the better things, I loved the growth of Maleek and Nuri throughout the book. Also the inclusion of Black men in hockey. Love to see it. I praise Maleek for barely second guessing taking in his siblings even though he didn’t know them at all and the lack of relationship he had with his father. Him putting them before his girlfriend was refreshing to see. I will say that I partially see where Tasha was coming from with the kids coming in but she reacted wrong. She never truly loved Maleek. It was all a look for her. I’m glad her finally came to his senses even though it went on way too long. I knew there was some family drama going on for Nuri’s aunt not to like her but I was absolutely not expecting that to be the reason why. She needs her ass beat.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. I listened to the audiobook and it was great. I will be ordering a physical copy because I hate a lot of things I need to annotate in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Death, Death of parent, Mass/school shootings, Mental illness, Grief, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Body shaming, Abandonment, and Fatphobia
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
THE PERFECT SEDUCTION by Brenda Jackson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
I just don’t feel like this is the book for me or maybe the author isn’t for me since this is the second book in a week that I’ve dnf’d. Idk why but I felt weird about the male MC not being physical with her only because he promised her grandfather that he wouldn’t. Like why is the grandfather having that conversation with him. I stopped listening for 2 days after that. Then I came back today to find out that the reason her grandfather did it was because he found a note that she had written about all her feelings for him. Basically he read her journal because she never intended to give him the letter. I get wanting the best for your daughter but making him promise not to sleep with her because you know he respects and basically idolizes you is weird as hell. She was upset with this man for years because she thought he didn’t want her in that way and only found out when she called off her engagement and her mom finally decided to tell her. Now she’s a 29 year old virgin because she wants to redo her prom night( the night he turned her down) Also the age difference is a lil icky to me. She was really smart so she was 16 at prom and graduated and I believe he was 19 in college so I guess them not sleeping together was good in that sense but they shouldn’t have been together in the first place.
SIMPLY WONDERFUL by Brenda Jackson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 51%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 51%.
I hate a FMC with low self esteem. I get that she only saw him date skinny/ model type women when they were in high school ( over 15 years ago) and that his family thinks the same but it was irritating as hell. When she said she knew that she looked good but not good enough for him to be staring at her when she walked into the restaurant( paraphrasing) that was it for me. I kept going thinking it would change but it didn’t. She thought he was just being nice about every single compliment he said. After he kissed you the way he did at the wedding I thought that would be the end of that but no. I’m over 50% done with an audiobook so there’s not much time left in the book. Is she finally going to believe him at 90%??? I don’t know and I don’t really care to finish it to find out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Abandonment
Shu by Alexandria House
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Child death, Violence, Pregnancy, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Death, and Car accident