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littleredmacks's reviews
482 reviews
Loki: Where Mischief Lies by Mackenzi Lee
adventurous
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? Yes
3.5
I feel like this was a fun story and a great way to get more Loki in my life. However, I do wish we had tackled this with more of a depth and nuance given the topics that were tackled.
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
The world in this book was beautifully crafted, and the lore and fairytales woven into the narrative were captivating. I found myself more intrigued by the legends and backstory than the actual barely there plot itself.
While I can appreciate the sapphic romance and the broader themes of antisemitism explored in this book, the characters, especially Lorelei, felt incredibly flat. Lorelei came across as a two dimensional character who seemed to be nothing but anger. While I understand that she had a lot to be angry about, nobody is that one dimensional. Even in her inner monologue, when she describes Sylvie, there's a sense of bitterness ('like of course she's effortlessly beautiful') and it become quite repetitive. I was hoping for moments of vulnerability, joy or passion, but instead the entire story felt clouded by her anger, especially as the book is told from her POV.
I was more than halfway through the story and still didn't feel any real connection between Sylvie adn Lorelei and was completely uninvested in the aforementioned barely there plot. The expedition was lackluster and considering there was so much depth to the backstory I found myself disappointed in what I was being given.
Ultimately, I switched from the physical book to strictly audio just to finish the story. While the world building and writing style were so well done, the lack of emotional depth and connection left me disappointed in this story. I felt like I couldn't even properly appreciate it when the two FMCs get together.
While I can appreciate the sapphic romance and the broader themes of antisemitism explored in this book, the characters, especially Lorelei, felt incredibly flat. Lorelei came across as a two dimensional character who seemed to be nothing but anger. While I understand that she had a lot to be angry about, nobody is that one dimensional. Even in her inner monologue, when she describes Sylvie, there's a sense of bitterness ('like of course she's effortlessly beautiful') and it become quite repetitive. I was hoping for moments of vulnerability, joy or passion, but instead the entire story felt clouded by her anger, especially as the book is told from her POV.
I was more than halfway through the story and still didn't feel any real connection between Sylvie adn Lorelei and was completely uninvested in the aforementioned barely there plot. The expedition was lackluster and considering there was so much depth to the backstory I found myself disappointed in what I was being given.
Ultimately, I switched from the physical book to strictly audio just to finish the story. While the world building and writing style were so well done, the lack of emotional depth and connection left me disappointed in this story. I felt like I couldn't even properly appreciate it when the two FMCs get together.
Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn't realize this was a spin off novella, but honestly, I don't think you need to have read the original work to understand this one. Although, I felt as though this story was missing some crucial elements so maybe I'm wrong.
The premise was interesting, a cursed population and a girl trying to save them with science instead of magic. I still couldn't help but feeling like the character development was lacking, especially in regards to the romance. I struggled to understand why the MMC fell for the FMC. The chemistry felt rushed and there wasn't enough build up between them to feel authentic.
On the other hand, it was a quick read and I did like the representation of women in STEM. I'd have liked way less focus on the romance and more on this side of the story, especially considering her sister was sick and that's why she's working on a cure. I feel like it has potential but was trying to juggle too much for a novella.
The premise was interesting, a cursed population and a girl trying to save them with science instead of magic. I still couldn't help but feeling like the character development was lacking, especially in regards to the romance. I struggled to understand why the MMC fell for the FMC. The chemistry felt rushed and there wasn't enough build up between them to feel authentic.
On the other hand, it was a quick read and I did like the representation of women in STEM. I'd have liked way less focus on the romance and more on this side of the story, especially considering her sister was sick and that's why she's working on a cure. I feel like it has potential but was trying to juggle too much for a novella.
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
2.5
The Perfect Marriage started off strong with a rollercoaster of twists that had me intrigued, but unfortunately, the excitement quickly wore off as I started to pick apart the plot. While the mystery kept me engaged for a while, there were several issues that ultimately left me disappointed.
The biggest flaw was the wife's death. If she was stabbed 37 times, how did her husband not notice the blood when he left? This was a major plot hole for me, and it just didn’t make sense. Had she been killed by overdose or some other method, I could have accepted it, but with that level of violence, the blood should have been impossible to overlook. And had he left BEFORE she was killed, I could even overlook that, but it was stated he left AFTER she was killed. The fact that this wasn’t addressed more clearly left me frustrated and confused.
Then there’s Scott, who was supposedly suspended but somehow kept working and then was suspended again. The inconsistency in his storyline made no sense, and it really threw me off. I couldn’t wrap my head around how that was supposed to work.
I also had a hard time with the wife’s perspective. Her representation of her husband made me immediately suspicious, and I thought she might be involved in the crime. But then her POV was written in a way that misled the reader—making me second-guess everything and feel like I had been lied to. When the big reveal came, I was left feeling misled and disappointed. It just didn’t feel satisfying or well-executed.
Overall, The Perfect Marriage had potential, but it ultimately fell flat. The plot holes, inconsistencies, and misleading writing really hurt the overall experience, and by the end, I couldn’t help but feel let down. I had high hopes, but this one just didn’t deliver for me.
The biggest flaw was the wife's death. If she was stabbed 37 times, how did her husband not notice the blood when he left? This was a major plot hole for me, and it just didn’t make sense. Had she been killed by overdose or some other method, I could have accepted it, but with that level of violence, the blood should have been impossible to overlook. And had he left BEFORE she was killed, I could even overlook that, but it was stated he left AFTER she was killed. The fact that this wasn’t addressed more clearly left me frustrated and confused.
Then there’s Scott, who was supposedly suspended but somehow kept working and then was suspended again. The inconsistency in his storyline made no sense, and it really threw me off. I couldn’t wrap my head around how that was supposed to work.
I also had a hard time with the wife’s perspective. Her representation of her husband made me immediately suspicious, and I thought she might be involved in the crime. But then her POV was written in a way that misled the reader—making me second-guess everything and feel like I had been lied to. When the big reveal came, I was left feeling misled and disappointed. It just didn’t feel satisfying or well-executed.
Overall, The Perfect Marriage had potential, but it ultimately fell flat. The plot holes, inconsistencies, and misleading writing really hurt the overall experience, and by the end, I couldn’t help but feel let down. I had high hopes, but this one just didn’t deliver for me.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was a deeply emotional read for me, especially given my current circumstances. Anything dealing with death lately really pulls on my heartstrings, so I was prepared for an emotional journey. But even with that this book really delivered on the feels. The slow-burn was so beautifully crafted and had the perfect build up. All the moments really felt earned.
That said, the beginning of the book was a bit slow for me and took some time to really get into the rhythm of the story. But once it did pick up, it did so with intensity. I do have the lingering question about her deadline? Her boss was, for obvious reasons, not in the office, but it just seemed weird that no one followed up with her AT ALL, especially given the 24 hour timeline. It almost felt like the deadline moved or wasn't really as pressing as it was meant to be. Not sure, but still bugged about it honestly.
The book was still a rollercoaster of emotions and definitely brought on tears. It was sappy and corny but in the best way. There's this charm to it that makes it difficult not to love.
That said, the beginning of the book was a bit slow for me and took some time to really get into the rhythm of the story. But once it did pick up, it did so with intensity. I do have the lingering question about her deadline? Her boss was, for obvious reasons, not in the office, but it just seemed weird that no one followed up with her AT ALL, especially given the 24 hour timeline. It almost felt like the deadline moved or wasn't really as pressing as it was meant to be. Not sure, but still bugged about it honestly.
The book was still a rollercoaster of emotions and definitely brought on tears. It was sappy and corny but in the best way. There's this charm to it that makes it difficult not to love.
But Not Too Bold by Hache Pueyo
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I’ll be honest—I’ve never really read this genre before, so I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself into when I picked up But Not Too Bold. That said, I found it to be an interesting experience. The book brings a lot to the table, particularly with its sapphic elements, which I really enjoyed.
That being said, I’m realizing that this genre may not be for me, and that’s totally okay. While I appreciated the depth and heart of the story, I just didn’t connect with it in the way I expected. It’s clear that many will love it, especially if you’re a fan of character-driven narratives with strong romantic elements.
Overall, it was a good read and I’m glad I gave it a try, even if it’s not my go-to genre. If you enjoy sapphic romance and exploring identity in a unique context, this book is definitely worth checking out!
An Encore of Roses by S.T. Gibson
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
This is a great conclusion to A Dowry of Blood. I loved seeing these characters grow apart and find their own way in the world only for them to grow back together again. It was quite beautiful.
Switching up the POV threw me off a bit but I loved seeing Alexi's thought process, especially after seeing how Constanta believed he thought about her.
Switching up the POV threw me off a bit but I loved seeing Alexi's thought process, especially after seeing how Constanta believed he thought about her.
The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
This book is a beautifully crafted fantasy novel that intertwines magic, romance, and feminist themes in a way that feels intentional and though provoking. The idea that women must give up their magic upon marriage by wearing a collar is portrayed in this heartbreaking way. We see women who have been conditioned by society and are all too happy to don the collar because they have been taught their entire life that this is their purpose. I feel like anyone who has left a strict religious upbringing (specifically christianity as that's all I can really speak to) may find this particularly resonant - the idea that a woman's role is to be a good wife, have babies, and obey her husband. And because this is framed as a calling from god we are all to happy to play our part. But then we have Beatrice and her friend who reject this path. They want their magic and a life free from the control of a man.
One of the things I appreciated the most about the MMC was that he doesn't immediately abandon his ingrained beliefs. I feel like many romance novels can rush the transformation of the characters, turning the love interest into a perfect ally overnight. But this felt more realistic. So, while the two were very much in insta love they still had to overcome his ingrained biases which led to many meaningful conflicts. This slower shift in his character arc felt much more authentic.
Now, as I said, it is a bit insta love. However, it works here (and this is coming from someone who hates insta love). They are instantly drawn to each other but they still struggle with the relationship (which I feel is part of why it works). The FMC is resistant to marriage, even with this man who she very much likes and wouldn't be unhappy with. However, she still wants to do magic and he initially struggles to grasp why this matters. Their love story isn't just about their chemistry but about learning, understanding, and making choices that go beyond their relationship to challenge the world around them.
This book deserves so much more attention. It is such a compelling, emotionally rich story that challenges societal norms. This is only my second C.L. Polk book, but I can confidently say that I am a fan of this author.
One of the things I appreciated the most about the MMC was that he doesn't immediately abandon his ingrained beliefs. I feel like many romance novels can rush the transformation of the characters, turning the love interest into a perfect ally overnight. But this felt more realistic. So, while the two were very much in insta love they still had to overcome his ingrained biases which led to many meaningful conflicts. This slower shift in his character arc felt much more authentic.
Now, as I said, it is a bit insta love. However, it works here (and this is coming from someone who hates insta love). They are instantly drawn to each other but they still struggle with the relationship (which I feel is part of why it works). The FMC is resistant to marriage, even with this man who she very much likes and wouldn't be unhappy with. However, she still wants to do magic and he initially struggles to grasp why this matters. Their love story isn't just about their chemistry but about learning, understanding, and making choices that go beyond their relationship to challenge the world around them.
This book deserves so much more attention. It is such a compelling, emotionally rich story that challenges societal norms. This is only my second C.L. Polk book, but I can confidently say that I am a fan of this author.
Gaza Writes Back by Refaat Alareer
challenging
emotional
reflective
This story is a powerful collection of short stories that can easily be read over time (ie one short story a day) and capture the resilience, grief, and resistance of life under occupation. Each story offers a deeply personal glimpse into the struggles of Palestinians.
One of the stories contains the quote "History is always repeating itself, not necessarily in the same form, but it brings the same deformity to us." We continue to bear witness to these stories and yet the oppression evolves and persists.
This story is a must read for anyone who believes in amplifying silenced voices.
One of the stories contains the quote "History is always repeating itself, not necessarily in the same form, but it brings the same deformity to us." We continue to bear witness to these stories and yet the oppression evolves and persists.
This story is a must read for anyone who believes in amplifying silenced voices.
Dear God. Dear Bones. Dear Yellow. by Noor Hindi
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
These poems were powerful and it challenges you to sit with the discomfort, grief and anger. I shed more than one tear.
As a side note, why is it that every poetry ebook, the format is wonky? I would recommend a physical copy if you can.
As a side note, why is it that every poetry ebook, the format is wonky? I would recommend a physical copy if you can.