laurenbooksit10's reviews
591 reviews

Run, Run Rabbit by C.M. Nascosta

emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Oh man. If this is CM Nascosta's version of dark, sign me up. I wasn't sure how dark this would get (I don't like things very dark and it didn't phase me), but honestly I loved how CM gave us werewolves who haven't figured their shit out and don't know how to deal with feelings. They are hard!

Vanessa and Grayson spend a lot of time just not talking, refusing to be the first person to bend to the other, and give in. I love a set of stubborn assholes. The tension was delicious. The spice was intense. The addition of a she-wolf MC that is messy and powerful made me so happy. 

My one problem was the timeline. It took me so much time to orient myself because there were no dates and the story would flip back and forth between the past, present and future. Everytime I got into the flow of the story, the chapter would change and I'd be adrift. Luckily, I was adrift in hot werewolf smut, so it wasn't a deal breaker. 

Bring on hot werewolf summer. I. Am. Here. For. All. Of. It.

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-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

This fucking book y'all. First of all, HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! 💗💜💙

I stayed up til 2am and missed a morning walk on the beach for this book and I'm not even mad about it. Growing up in a small town, I never heard the word gay unless it was a slur. I was called names and slurs for a week after I kissed a friend on the cheek. Small towns suck. I didn't know I was bi for such a long time because we didn't talk about it. No one was out. No one was openly queer.

I wish I had had this book. The wit and heart that Casey McQuiston pours into this book creates pure queer magic. The romance, the rivalry, the clues, THE KISSES. There is one 💋 that will truly make you gasp and had me cheer/screaming into my pillow. Casey McQuiston won me over in so many ways and with so many perfect pages.

I loved it so damn much. Hopefully you will too. Queer stories are important. We are important. You are important. 🏳️‍🌈 

Lavender and Lightning by Thora Woods

dark emotional tense fast-paced

3.0

I have to say Omegaverse books might be my favorite Kindle Unlimited find. There's something about the dynamics and the heat and the harems. While Kathryn Moon holds the title for my fav Omegaverse (Lola and the Millionaires- you need to check it out!), Thora Woods definitely holds her own!

Lavender and Lighting is the sequel to the Lilacs and Leather that follows Lydia and the rest of Pack Sinclair as they navigate their relationships, deal with drama and trauma. There was a lot I loved about this book: more Lex & Lydia (FF for life), non stop action, and new characters that made me smile- I'm looking at you cinnamon roll body guard. 

But oh man friends, check your triggers and cw then get ready for some over the top drama and trauma. Yep. I'm saying the same phrase again because this book had a lot of it. I feel like when it gets to the point that you have to hire a bodyguard to protect the main character (and she's not a world leader) then it's going to be too much for me. 

This book checked a lot of boxes for me and overall I liked it. But I didn't love a lot of the action/plot points. Plus you've been warned: there is a CLIFFHANGER of epic proportions. Gotta know what happens next!

Soul Eater by Lily Mayne

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I read this one on a whim after hearing about it from one of my fav bookstagrammers (@romantically_inclined). I went in not really knowing anything. I had no idea it was dystopian or that the hero would be such an adorable cinnamon roll or that I would be treated to a wonderfully well put together story in a weird apocalyptic hellscape that would be so dang compelling. 

I'm not really sure what category this book fits into, but for being so dark (check your content warnings, friends!), this book was also so heart meltingly sweet. Will be starting the next book in 10... 9... 8... 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture, War, Murder, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood

Rake I'd Like to F... by Adriana Herrera, Joanna Shupe, Nicola Davidson, Eva Leigh, Sierra Simone

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-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

Oh boy. How do they keep putting out such awesome short stories that make me feel things? Not only are they heart warming (some of the stories verge on adorable), but also they pack some serious heat! My favs of the bunch are from Sierra Simone, Adriana Herrera and Nicola Davidson. But all of these stories are bound to leave you hot, bothered and wishing for a Rake. 

Cannot wait for the Villains!

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous challenging dark tense 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

5.0

I don't know how to categorize this book and I don't think anyone should because it is a mind-blowing, genre defying, wonder of a read. If the ending doesn't leave you desperate for more, I'm not sure if you have a soul. You should pick it up immediately. Check out @laurenbooksit on Instagram for a more in depth review!

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

emotional tense fast-paced

5.0

This series is one of my favorites in YA. The whole thing from start to finish is *chef's kiss*. Neal Shusterman is a master and this series will take you for a wild wonderful ride. 

The Sumage Solution by Gail Carriger, G.L. Carriger

4.0

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

4.0