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lauren_miller's reviews
754 reviews
How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, Tessa Dare, Joanna Shupe
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
"Meet Me in Mayfair" - 4.25
"The Duke of Christmas Present" - 3
"Heiress Alone" - 3.75
"Christmas in Central Park" - 2
"The Duke of Christmas Present" - 3
"Heiress Alone" - 3.75
"Christmas in Central Park" - 2
The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
the first installment of Campus Diaries was practically vanilla in comparison to this one, and not just sexually. the stakes in this one are so much higher—voyeur sex, domestic abuse, death of a parent —and the elevated emotions and trauma bonding (note: not totally accurate given when the trauma takes place in the plot) would have been enough to keep me engaged; their banter, strong sexual chemistry, and quality characterization really just drove the nail home. by the end, I was so impressed by how strong and secure their relationship was. by how much they could trust and lean on one another. and by how much they had grown. I devoured this in less than 24 hours and can confirm it is definitely my favorite of the two. it pains me to wait for the next installment to drop!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Stalking
Outrunning the Light: Five Promises You Can Make for Living an Exceptional Life by Todd Copley
No rating due to publisher affiliation.
The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I really enjoyed this one. It's been a hot minute since I picked up a sports romance and damn, I forgot just how much hockey hits (pun intended). It's also been a while since I read a contemporary romance worth my time. I loved Gigi and Rider together; they're actually so level-headed it had me fist pumping. The minimal lack of communication? The gratuitous but NOT vomit-inducing sex scenes? The trust they have in each other?? Yeah, I swooned like a lady clutching her pearls in the Southern heat. If this sets the tone for the rest of the series, I am so in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Murder
Babymoon or Bust by Ava Hunter
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
too much sex, too much doubt, too much over-the-top "I've been waiting for him/her for my whole life and now I can't live without him/her" energy. not to mention a) it took nearly 70% to even make it to Alaska and b) it was actually pretty selfish of Solomon to just assume Tess would say yes and move to 3,000+ miles into the wilderness on a dime, even if she did love him; there's so much doubt and hesitation in Tessie's mind, but Solomon doesn't seem to grasp how big an ask that is. plus, as an audiobook, this story was at least 2 hours too long—I almost couldn't be bothered to finish, but stuck it out in the end (at what cost... 🙄)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death
Off to the Races by Elsie Silver
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I liked this, but it was a prime case of too much sex brain commentary and gratuitous scenes once they started fucking. I liked Vaughn and Billie’s chemistry when they were teasing, but once it turned serious, I just couldn’t get all the way on board for some reason. Probably in part because I find it wayyy too convenient that she’s bat shit on the job but submissive in the sheets; yeah right 😑 anyway, I’m looking forward to the other installments. I only started with this one b/c it was available from my library.
Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.25
While less enjoyable than the first (in my opinion), this was still a great deal of fun to read—or should I say, devour. I loved being able to see into Wendell's kingdom, understand more the strange relations of mortal and fae—especially within Faerie, and meet a new cast of side characters. Again, while not as endearing as those of Hrafnsvik, it was a pleasure to meet Ariadne (annoying), Rose (also annoying), Eichorn and de Grey (especially annoying), and Orga (perfect in every way). To say I am ITCHING for the next installment is such a gross understatement it offends me. February cannot come soon enough!!
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I knew going in I would enjoy this, but I've still come away pleasantly surprised.
The isolated setting was cold and blustery and absolutely to my tastes; the asexual, aromantic vibes for most of the story coupled with the Veronica Speedwell-like narration was so unique and engaging; the unexpected meanderings of both the plot and Emily's mind kept me on my toes; and the little dalliances into Wendell's POV made me sigh fondly on more than one occasion; altogether, it made for such a fun and cozy read!
I really cannot wait to pick up the next one.
The isolated setting was cold and blustery and absolutely to my tastes; the asexual, aromantic vibes for most of the story coupled with the Veronica Speedwell-like narration was so unique and engaging; the unexpected meanderings of both the plot and Emily's mind kept me on my toes; and the little dalliances into Wendell's POV made me sigh fondly on more than one occasion; altogether, it made for such a fun and cozy read!
I really cannot wait to pick up the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Ravensong by Cayla Fay
Did not finish book. Stopped at 83%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 83%.
17-year-old or not, no one is that stupid and blinded by love…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail