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ladylaurenexplorer's reviews
999 reviews
Magnolia Parks: Into the Dark by Jessa Hastings
emotional
sad
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
5.0
I’ve been silent for about 16-17 minutes after reading this book I don’t know if I’m still processing that this is the end of Magnolia and BJ’s story. I’m not wishing that they go through anymore trauma or drama, but it feels bittersweet and a good way.
This off for me so very sad and I just kept crying and crying because we all know what happened I just wish we didn’t have to experience this hurtful event. I don’t know if this is an event that push them closer together because I actually believe that things still would’ve happened the way it did with the event not happening and everyone being there.
This was very difficult to read, because you just at least for me kept getting hit with this overwhelming attachment that magnolia was filling, and it was written so well, but with everything the other shoe has to drop and boy did it.
I understand that Magnolia is naïve and very immature and is the character that wants everyone to love her and all these other negative Gray area irks. But to be inside her head and to understand why she’s processing it the way she is makes it less annoying and I really love being in BJ’s head.
There’s so many unanswered questions for me, at least because of the dangerous aspect of magnolia universe but I think I’m OK with those unanswered questions.
I can honestly say that I am so glad I read Magnolia books and it took me on a journey hurt and messy, toxic codependence relationships, but to see finally a happy ending and how much it took to get to that ending was a good experience
This book was my first cry of 2024 when it comes to reading and I’m happy to add it as a first. I definitely recommend this and RIP to the smartest girl in the world, or at least in magnolia universe!!
This off for me so very sad and I just kept crying and crying because we all know what happened I just wish we didn’t have to experience this hurtful event. I don’t know if this is an event that push them closer together because I actually believe that things still would’ve happened the way it did with the event not happening and everyone being there.
This was very difficult to read, because you just at least for me kept getting hit with this overwhelming attachment that magnolia was filling, and it was written so well, but with everything the other shoe has to drop and boy did it.
I understand that Magnolia is naïve and very immature and is the character that wants everyone to love her and all these other negative Gray area irks. But to be inside her head and to understand why she’s processing it the way she is makes it less annoying and I really love being in BJ’s head.
There’s so many unanswered questions for me, at least because of the dangerous aspect of magnolia universe but I think I’m OK with those unanswered questions.
I can honestly say that I am so glad I read Magnolia books and it took me on a journey hurt and messy, toxic codependence relationships, but to see finally a happy ending and how much it took to get to that ending was a good experience
This book was my first cry of 2024 when it comes to reading and I’m happy to add it as a first. I definitely recommend this and RIP to the smartest girl in the world, or at least in magnolia universe!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Miscarriage and Infidelity
Magnolia Parks: The Long Way Home by Jessa Hastings
emotional
funny
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Wow oh wow! My heart and my soul! I have a stayed up almost all night to finish this book and then I wanted to wait until the next morning to finish the last couple of chapters and I am so glad I did because I was on a roller coaster the last couple of chapters and the ending has made me….
You know, I love the toxic, messy relationship that magnolia and BJ have. I love the subtle digs and transparency that they both have for each other, but are kind of not seeing at all. The reveal of December 3 was shocking and kind of explained a lot more about their history and their connection. The December 6 reveal was shocking, but not shocking if you knew what I mean. I loved everything up until the accident and that’s when I got my suspicious hat on especially since a certain person weren’t there in the aftermath and during the announcement.
But what was even more shocking was the ending and I am hoping that it’s the worst case scenario in the mindframe and not actually book reality. But at least if it is book reality, then that person knew for sure that our pairing were finally getting their act together and heading somewhere beautiful. Steel no spice that is explicit, but I don’t care because the plot just keeps giving and giving and giving!
I am onto the next book and hoping that book reality isn’t in it!!!
You know, I love the toxic, messy relationship that magnolia and BJ have. I love the subtle digs and transparency that they both have for each other, but are kind of not seeing at all. The reveal of December 3 was shocking and kind of explained a lot more about their history and their connection. The December 6 reveal was shocking, but not shocking if you knew what I mean. I loved everything up until the accident and that’s when I got my suspicious hat on especially since a certain person weren’t there in the aftermath and during the announcement.
But what was even more shocking was the ending and I am hoping that it’s the worst case scenario in the mindframe and not actually book reality. But at least if it is book reality, then that person knew for sure that our pairing were finally getting their act together and heading somewhere beautiful. Steel no spice that is explicit, but I don’t care because the plot just keeps giving and giving and giving!
I am onto the next book and hoping that book reality isn’t in it!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Miscarriage
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m really glad that I waited until the last book came out to finally read it because I fell in love. I now understand the hype around it. I couldn’t put the book down and when I did put the book down, I finish my task. I went right back to the book, which I finished in almost a full work schedule.
I love a messy situation and this was like the mess that I needed. I can see the love. I can see the heart and the unknown I’m bout to read the next Magnolia Parks and I’m here for even more drama because I do think that they deserve to be together.
I just don’t know how we’re gonna get past and actually talk and have a grown-up discussion about what was revealed in the end of the first book.
I love a messy situation and this was like the mess that I needed. I can see the love. I can see the heart and the unknown I’m bout to read the next Magnolia Parks and I’m here for even more drama because I do think that they deserve to be together.
I just don’t know how we’re gonna get past and actually talk and have a grown-up discussion about what was revealed in the end of the first book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Infidelity, Violence, and Drug abuse
Hide & Seek by Beatrix Hollow
dark
tense
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? It's complicated
3.0
I don’t know if it’s just the hype for me wasn’t reached, or if I wasn’t enthralled by the plot a year later.
It picks up where we left off in the first book and I was into the plot up until page 40 something and it just lost me. I don’t know if it felt outrageous for a monster plot, but it just lost its spark for me and I kind of never picked it back up.
So, even though I finish this and it did make me curious about what’s going to happen in the next book I don’t know if I want to read the next book yet because this one kind of let me down. but I also don’t want to wait so long and then this happens again with the third book.
I think that it was the possession that made me lose the spark I had for this series. There were instances where I was really into it for a short period of time like when we find out why her boss was in the forest, trying to find her and then obviously the ending.
I’m gonna think about this and see if maybe next week I’ll just finish the series.
It picks up where we left off in the first book and I was into the plot up until page 40 something and it just lost me. I don’t know if it felt outrageous for a monster plot, but it just lost its spark for me and I kind of never picked it back up.
So, even though I finish this and it did make me curious about what’s going to happen in the next book I don’t know if I want to read the next book yet because this one kind of let me down. but I also don’t want to wait so long and then this happens again with the third book.
I think that it was the possession that made me lose the spark I had for this series. There were instances where I was really into it for a short period of time like when we find out why her boss was in the forest, trying to find her and then obviously the ending.
I’m gonna think about this and see if maybe next week I’ll just finish the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Cannibalism
Fatal Obsession : A Twisted Romeo & Juliet Story by Drethi A.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I think this is my least favorite book from all of my reads for Drethi.
It has more to do with Poppy as a character I just didn’t click with her. I didn’t get her vibe. I wasn’t enthralled by her like I’m usually with the other heroin in her stories.
Because of that, I wasn’t into the plot like I thought I would be. I’m not saying it is a bad plot not a good storyline. It’s just that because of how she painted poppy I just couldn’t figure out how and why I didn’t like her.
The third book which is going to Poppy’s cousin and Damien’s brother will pull me back in, but even with all that being said, was it a good book to read for me.
Would I recommend reading this book yes but not over lust or 5000 nights of obsession.
It has more to do with Poppy as a character I just didn’t click with her. I didn’t get her vibe. I wasn’t enthralled by her like I’m usually with the other heroin in her stories.
Because of that, I wasn’t into the plot like I thought I would be. I’m not saying it is a bad plot not a good storyline. It’s just that because of how she painted poppy I just couldn’t figure out how and why I didn’t like her.
The third book which is going to Poppy’s cousin and Damien’s brother will pull me back in, but even with all that being said, was it a good book to read for me.
Would I recommend reading this book yes but not over lust or 5000 nights of obsession.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, Kidnapping, Murder, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual harassment
Bright Like Midnight by Julia Wolf
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I forgot being in Julia Wolf world would be on the verge of morally Gray contemporary. You always tend at least from me to side with the heroes of the story, then the female main characters.
It happened time and time again, and I definitely felt for Amir! it’s not like he’s misunderstood it’s more alike no one takes the time to get to know him on a deeper level. Besides the people who know him.
This good in the sense that it wasn’t as dark, but you can tell the vibes of the dark romance genre. Also this was a different kind of story story for me at least the plot.
If you find cookie cutter to be a problem,then you’re not gonna like this ending, it’s an ending that everything seamlessly gets resolved!
The spice was good. It wasn’t too graphic, and it wasn’t like a lot of scenes. The plot is what carried the book, but when there was spice, it was just spicy enough.
It happened time and time again, and I definitely felt for Amir! it’s not like he’s misunderstood it’s more alike no one takes the time to get to know him on a deeper level. Besides the people who know him.
This good in the sense that it wasn’t as dark, but you can tell the vibes of the dark romance genre. Also this was a different kind of story story for me at least the plot.
If you find cookie cutter to be a problem,then you’re not gonna like this ending, it’s an ending that everything seamlessly gets resolved!
The spice was good. It wasn’t too graphic, and it wasn’t like a lot of scenes. The plot is what carried the book, but when there was spice, it was just spicy enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Car accident, and Sexual content
Minor: Addiction
Bloody Heart by Sophie Lark
emotional
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Misfits by Mary Jane Manson
challenging
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I’ve never felt this overwhelming sense of what the fuck did. I just read, then reading this book.
It makes you hate every character, and I mean every character, there is no good redeeming qualities in any of these characters.
Then the plot is even crazier and so weird. I’ve never felt this overwhelming sense of I hate everything.
But it’s so crazy that you just keep watching it because you’re just trying to figure out where this is going to end and how could this get even worse.
This was completely crazy, and I don’t think I can even say hey, I read it didn’t like it, but still give it a three because I finished it and it kept me engaged.
Am I glad I read it kind of because reading the reviews made me more curious about what they were talking about to the point where I just had to read.
And now I get it!
It makes you hate every character, and I mean every character, there is no good redeeming qualities in any of these characters.
Then the plot is even crazier and so weird. I’ve never felt this overwhelming sense of I hate everything.
But it’s so crazy that you just keep watching it because you’re just trying to figure out where this is going to end and how could this get even worse.
This was completely crazy, and I don’t think I can even say hey, I read it didn’t like it, but still give it a three because I finished it and it kept me engaged.
Am I glad I read it kind of because reading the reviews made me more curious about what they were talking about to the point where I just had to read.
And now I get it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Murder and Rape
Beautiful Villain: An anthology of standalone romance novels by Gemma Weir, Lexi Archer, Lee Savino, KT Strange, Emm Darcy, Natasha Anders
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Only liking 2 of the stories from this anthology has made me give this such an average rating.
I went into this anthology, very blind, only knowing about, and wanting to read one of the stories, and so getting so many was great for me.
The thing about it is that a lot of the stories I didn’t like I just didn’t see the chemistry or it had plot holes that I just couldn’t un-see. I am hoping that the two stories that I do really like become their own prints, especially since the story that I initially went into is a part of the world of one the author’s series.
But I can also say that there was lots of spice and very enjoyable spice, overall, in every single book, I don’t think that this anthology will be for everyone like everyone would like majority of the books, but I do think that if you read the prompt of some of them that actually have props and find it to be appealing. You should definitely read it. or go blind like I did.
I went into this anthology, very blind, only knowing about, and wanting to read one of the stories, and so getting so many was great for me.
The thing about it is that a lot of the stories I didn’t like I just didn’t see the chemistry or it had plot holes that I just couldn’t un-see. I am hoping that the two stories that I do really like become their own prints, especially since the story that I initially went into is a part of the world of one the author’s series.
But I can also say that there was lots of spice and very enjoyable spice, overall, in every single book, I don’t think that this anthology will be for everyone like everyone would like majority of the books, but I do think that if you read the prompt of some of them that actually have props and find it to be appealing. You should definitely read it. or go blind like I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Murder, Stalking, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent