Scan barcode
michcamcam's reviews
22 reviews
Grave Mistakes by Ivy Asher, Raven Kennedy
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Delta was the main reason why I loved this book. She was funny and there were so many times when I would drop my phone to roll and laugh. I did not find her monologues annoying, I find her thought process interesting. Despite her quirkiness, she was not obnoxious when having to deal with certain situations, and I loved that.
Now, the heroes, Rafferty, Jerif, Echo, and Crux were interesting at first. I hoped that they were more complex but they were not. It was obvious that Delta was the main focus of this book.
I do not mind the Chosen One trope if it is executed well. There was enough mystery and hints to assume that Delta was an ultra-powerful being and I have no complaints with that as well.
There is not much plot in this, and it was more character-driven which I always enjoy anyway, so there was that.
This book ended with a cliffhanger and an intense scene. I was devouring it like I was starved and my heart was pounding. I could say that this book ended where it should be. It was perfect.
I gave this book a 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Though I gave high scores on some areas such as Characters, Ambience, Writing Style, Intrigue, and Enjoyment, the remaining parts such as Plot and Logic were given lower scores.
This was one of the closest to a 5-star I could give if only the plot were more intriguing and the heroes had a little more personality.
I also read the next book but, I did not like it just as much as this one. So I decided to separate the two since I really really loved this book.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
Now, the heroes, Rafferty, Jerif, Echo, and Crux were interesting at first. I hoped that they were more complex but they were not. It was obvious that Delta was the main focus of this book.
I do not mind the Chosen One trope if it is executed well. There was enough mystery and hints to assume that Delta was an ultra-powerful being and I have no complaints with that as well.
There is not much plot in this, and it was more character-driven which I always enjoy anyway, so there was that.
This book ended with a cliffhanger and an intense scene. I was devouring it like I was starved and my heart was pounding. I could say that this book ended where it should be. It was perfect.
I gave this book a 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Though I gave high scores on some areas such as Characters, Ambience, Writing Style, Intrigue, and Enjoyment, the remaining parts such as Plot and Logic were given lower scores.
This was one of the closest to a 5-star I could give if only the plot were more intriguing and the heroes had a little more personality.
I also read the next book but, I did not like it just as much as this one. So I decided to separate the two since I really really loved this book.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
Shattered Rhythm by Blake Black
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
It started out great with a flashback/nightmare then proceeded to tell me the heroine’s whole morning routine. Yeah, no. Maybe I’ll pick this book up again next time.
Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I will start by saying that this book was one of those hate-to-love kinds. I really cannot believe that I enjoyed it despite the numerous groans and frustrated screams I did. Was it the smut? Was it the mind-numbing scenes I couldn’t believe I was reading? Because it sure as hell was not the plot nor the characters.
Each time I read dark romance, I always prepare myself for a ton of suspension of disbelief. I would also remind myself what I was getting into. But, oh boy, Den of Vipers still made my eyebrow twitch despite all that.
When I first read it, I loved it. It was the time when I was binge-reading dark and mafia romance so that might be the reason. Since I was already in that headspace, I only got to compare it to the similar tropes I was already reading. But, for the second and third time, I was confused about why I loved it.
Despite that, I need to give credit where credit is due. This book stayed in my head for so long. Each time I read a mafia romance after, I would compare it to this. Each time I would encounter obsessive, insane, completely unhinged alphaholes, I would compare it to this. Its craziness stuck in my head, and I consider that impressive since I read a lot. If a book does that to me, then, they did a good job.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
Each time I read dark romance, I always prepare myself for a ton of suspension of disbelief. I would also remind myself what I was getting into. But, oh boy, Den of Vipers still made my eyebrow twitch despite all that.
When I first read it, I loved it. It was the time when I was binge-reading dark and mafia romance so that might be the reason. Since I was already in that headspace, I only got to compare it to the similar tropes I was already reading. But, for the second and third time, I was confused about why I loved it.
Despite that, I need to give credit where credit is due. This book stayed in my head for so long. Each time I read a mafia romance after, I would compare it to this. Each time I would encounter obsessive, insane, completely unhinged alphaholes, I would compare it to this. Its craziness stuck in my head, and I consider that impressive since I read a lot. If a book does that to me, then, they did a good job.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
Stolen Trophy by Kendra Moreno, K.A. Knight
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wish I liked this book but I didn’t.
The plot might have been great if the characters held up to the expectations. This is like Den of Vipers but with a rich heroine. There were a lot of similarities between the characters of both books but Stolen Trophy’s felt lesser.
Sure, the characters might have great backstories to show their intent and motivation, but it still felt lacking and somewhat juvenile. I did not feel like they were all grown adults even though some were already in their 30s.
Also, when the men all finally came to terms with their feelings for Genevieve, they all became stale. I cannot justify the sudden change in personality even if I already have some suspension of disbelief.
I think I only finished the book for the smut and not much else.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
The plot might have been great if the characters held up to the expectations. This is like Den of Vipers but with a rich heroine. There were a lot of similarities between the characters of both books but Stolen Trophy’s felt lesser.
Sure, the characters might have great backstories to show their intent and motivation, but it still felt lacking and somewhat juvenile. I did not feel like they were all grown adults even though some were already in their 30s.
Also, when the men all finally came to terms with their feelings for Genevieve, they all became stale. I cannot justify the sudden change in personality even if I already have some suspension of disbelief.
I think I only finished the book for the smut and not much else.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
Faking with Benefits by Lily Gold
The smut on this book is also the best among the Lily Gold books I read. And I do not mind a sequel, I just want to see more from these characters. Despite my swooning and giggling, I also cried my eyes out. The guys should have groveled like hell, but, I was not in the mood to read a heavily angsty novel so I still find it okay.
Final thoughts: If you love a good romcom, this one’s for you. If you love perfectionist women with chaotic men, this one’s for you.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I am obsessed with this book! Perhaps it is because I relate to Layla about needing to be in control of every aspect of my life, needing to stick with my plans, even the list making it’s just on point! Also, Zack, Luke, and Josh being emotionally constipated men felt like a reflection of what kind of guys I mostly attract… I feel seen and I don’t know if I like it.
The smut on this book is also the best among the Lily Gold books I read. And I do not mind a sequel, I just want to see more from these characters. Despite my swooning and giggling, I also cried my eyes out. The guys should have groveled like hell, but, I was not in the mood to read a heavily angsty novel so I still find it okay.
Final thoughts: If you love a good romcom, this one’s for you. If you love perfectionist women with chaotic men, this one’s for you.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
Three Swedish Mountain Men by Lily Gold
Anyway, this is another great short read from Lily Gold. I enjoyed the different relationship development of Daisy with Eli, Riven, and Cole. They were given their own timelines which fit their personalities and their compatibility with their girl.
I give this one a four-star rating for making me incredibly mad and sad. The focus of the book is more on the characters so I could understand that we just glossed over their back stories. Also, while I do love a good grovel from the heroes when they inevitably fucked up, this is one of those when I don’t think a long grovel is needed.
Final thoughts: Definitely will recommend! I think I liked this one better than Triple-Duty Bodyguards from the same author.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Not gonna lie, I loved how we were just thrown right in the middle of an accident as an introduction to our heroine, Daisy. I was like, “what the f*ck is going on?!”
Anyway, this is another great short read from Lily Gold. I enjoyed the different relationship development of Daisy with Eli, Riven, and Cole. They were given their own timelines which fit their personalities and their compatibility with their girl.
I give this one a four-star rating for making me incredibly mad and sad. The focus of the book is more on the characters so I could understand that we just glossed over their back stories. Also, while I do love a good grovel from the heroes when they inevitably fucked up, this is one of those when I don’t think a long grovel is needed.
Final thoughts: Definitely will recommend! I think I liked this one better than Triple-Duty Bodyguards from the same author.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
Triple-Duty Bodyguards by Lily Gold
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love the banter on this! Everything was alright, but the characters and the dialogue were what I loved the most.
I adore Briar Saint as the heroine, and I like that she is consistent throughout the whole book. Matthew Carter, Kenta Li, and Glen Smith were also amazing. Ex-SAS military turned bodyguards who went through a very traumatic experience on their last tour. Matthew is the mandatory H with the trauma baggage, Kenta is the one who holds them all together, and Glen is the quiet supportive one. I would also give points to how the guys’ relationships are portrayed. We love to see supportive and openly affectionate manly men. But I was also left wanting more from them! Briar is the main focus of the story, but I would love to see more from the guys.
This is why I barely read standalone! I believe that lovable characters should be given more spotlight. Those cannot be fully portrayed in standalone books. But alas, we need to try or we’ll miss out on all the fun.
I adore Briar Saint as the heroine, and I like that she is consistent throughout the whole book. Matthew Carter, Kenta Li, and Glen Smith were also amazing. Ex-SAS military turned bodyguards who went through a very traumatic experience on their last tour. Matthew is the mandatory H with the trauma baggage, Kenta is the one who holds them all together, and Glen is the quiet supportive one. I would also give points to how the guys’ relationships are portrayed. We love to see supportive and openly affectionate manly men. But I was also left wanting more from them! Briar is the main focus of the story, but I would love to see more from the guys.
This is why I barely read standalone! I believe that lovable characters should be given more spotlight. Those cannot be fully portrayed in standalone books. But alas, we need to try or we’ll miss out on all the fun.
Anyway, back to the topic at hand.
The plot was just fine. Predictable, nothing major, but the characters made up for all its faults.
What I didn’t like was the stalker’s POV. He’s not that interesting to have dedicated chapters of his own. Perhaps that was the point? And the reason for it is to build further resentment for him. But eh, not for me.
Last thought: I would read Triple Duty Bodyguards again if I wanted something short and sweet. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a snarky heroine and embodies real bad bitch energy.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
What I didn’t like was the stalker’s POV. He’s not that interesting to have dedicated chapters of his own. Perhaps that was the point? And the reason for it is to build further resentment for him. But eh, not for me.
Last thought: I would read Triple Duty Bodyguards again if I wanted something short and sweet. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a snarky heroine and embodies real bad bitch energy.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
Dead End by Penn Cassidy, Madeline Fay
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Beauty So Golden by Lilith Vincent
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
This is more like a short story than anything else and is said to be loosely based on Rapunzel—but not really. Sure, there’s a tower, an evil mother, a princess with a golden hair and her prince(s). But that’s about it.
The characters are great. Though we only have a short time to be with Keenan, Blaize, Dexer—the Ledger brothers—and Rue, we still got decent characters. We have the usual H archetypes: the leader, the hater, and the one who pushes the others to get on with the program. Our h isn’t so bad either. Though you might consider her real close to a Mary Sue.
There’s no need to be highly critical or to nitpick with this one. It’s a short read, it (somewhat) scratch the itch, it did its job. I was craving for more Apocalypse and Dystopian RH when I stumbled upon this, so that contributed to my final rating.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
The characters are great. Though we only have a short time to be with Keenan, Blaize, Dexer—the Ledger brothers—and Rue, we still got decent characters. We have the usual H archetypes: the leader, the hater, and the one who pushes the others to get on with the program. Our h isn’t so bad either. Though you might consider her real close to a Mary Sue.
There’s no need to be highly critical or to nitpick with this one. It’s a short read, it (somewhat) scratch the itch, it did its job. I was craving for more Apocalypse and Dystopian RH when I stumbled upon this, so that contributed to my final rating.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
My Rotten Love Life by Lyra Winters
emotional
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.0
Another apocalyptic whychoose! The drama did a great job in frustrating the hell out of me. I fucking hate cheaters, and Tori is a better human being than me. If I were her I’d leave the traitors to be buffet for the zombies.
Anyway, I appreciate the author having a heroine with somewhat similar position as I do. It felt personal—and fucking sucks—but it helped me feel great about myself. Our worth as women are not measured by our ability to bear children. I wish every women out there lots and lots of love in your lives.
On the other hand, I would love to explore the heroes—Micah, Nathan and Calix—more. But, since this is only a short story, they’re alright. I guess. It did its job. It’s quick and easy, somewhat forgettable but there’s nothing wrong with that.
This book has a different premise which stood out from other standalone Apocalyptic RH I encountered. And I enjoyed it. Nothing too complicated, just a feel-good type of read.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads
Anyway, I appreciate the author having a heroine with somewhat similar position as I do. It felt personal—and fucking sucks—but it helped me feel great about myself. Our worth as women are not measured by our ability to bear children. I wish every women out there lots and lots of love in your lives.
On the other hand, I would love to explore the heroes—Micah, Nathan and Calix—more. But, since this is only a short story, they’re alright. I guess. It did its job. It’s quick and easy, somewhat forgettable but there’s nothing wrong with that.
This book has a different premise which stood out from other standalone Apocalyptic RH I encountered. And I enjoyed it. Nothing too complicated, just a feel-good type of read.
Blog / Tumblr | Instagram | GoodReads