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nicolehitchcock's reviews
24 reviews
Coincidentally Kismet by Kelli Cooke
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to like this book so badly but I just couldn’t. I was excited about this premise but it fell short in execution for me. My biggest issues are with how the story is written.
The story revolves around Will and Cam, two characters whose second chance romance is meant to sweep readers off their feet. However, their interactions often feel forced and unrealistic. Dialogue, which should bring the characters to life, comes across as unnatural. Real people don’t interact this way.
One of the most glaring issues is the characterization of Will. While many readers enjoy the emotional depth of male characters written by women, Will and his friends are not written in a realistic way.
The structural choice to retell key interactions from both Will and Cam’s perspectives in back-to-back chapters also hampers the pacing. While dual perspectives can be a powerful storytelling tool, here it often feels repetitive, with readers re-reading the same dialogue and scenes with minimal new insights.
If you enjoy second chance romances, you can definitely give this a try. It just fell flat for me.
Does It Hurt? by H.D. Carlton
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Book of Asmodeus by Crede Axton
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Books of Asmodeus presents an ambitious premise: an angel drawn to darkness who falls in love with the prince of demons. On paper, this should offer a compelling blend of forbidden romance and epic conflict. Unfortunately, this story left much to be desired.
One of the book’s biggest challenges lies in its chaotic structure. The narrative jumps between perspectives and plot points too abruptly, making it difficult to follow the story’s trajectory or feel grounded in the world. The plot itself also falters. Scenes that should carry emotional weight often feel hollow and lack the necessary build-up to leave a lasting impact.
The characters suffer from a lack of development. The angel and the demon prince, the story’s emotional core, never fully come alive on the page. Their motivations are hinted at but rarely explored in depth, which leaves their relationship feeling rushed and fake.
For readers looking for character depth, clarity, and a strong narrative arc, this novel may prove more frustrating than rewarding.
Nightshade by Autumn Woods
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
Nightshade is a gripping romantic mystery filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged from start to finish. The story follows Ophelia and Alex, two characters who begin as enemies but gradually fall in love. Their dynamic is compelling, and while some of the plot twists are predictable, others come as genuine surprises, adding to the book’s intrigue.
The characters are fairly well developed, making their journey from rivalry to romance believable and enjoyable. However, while the storytelling is strong, the writing style didn’t entirely resonate with me. Despite this, the novel delivers on suspense and emotion, making it a worthwhile read for fans of romantic mysteries.
If you enjoy stories with enemies-to-lovers romance, unexpected twists, and a blend of mystery and passion, Nightshade is worth picking up.
🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.5
Brynne Weaver delivers another spicy romance with Leather and Lark. The story is filled with surprises, character growth, and just the right amount of angst. While it may not surpass the brilliance of Butcher and Blackbird, it still stands strong as a compelling read.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its character development. I love a strong and deep man, and Lachlan is just that! I fell in love with Lark in Butcher and Blackbird and I couldn’t wait to read her story. Even the side characters were well developed and left you invested in their wellbeing.
The plot twist, while a bit predictable, doesn’t diminish the emotional payoff of the climax. Even though I saw it coming, I was still on the edge of my seat, biting my nails.
If you’re a fan of witty romances where passion and obsession collide, Leather and Lark is a must-read. It might not top Butcher and Blackbird, but it’s another excellent addition to Weaver’s repertoire, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. Highly recommended!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Child abuse
Never Broken by Everly Claire
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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? N/A
4.25
Never Broken is a bold exploration of a reimagined world where the eradication of poverty comes at a chilling cost: institutionalized slavery. The premise alone sets the stage for a gripping narrative that delves into complex moral questions but the forbidden romance is what I came for.
The story centers on the unlikely connection between a slave boy and Louisa, the privileged daughter of his master. Through their evolving dynamic, Clair masterfully blurs the lines between power and love, forcing readers to grapple with the uncomfortable realities of this dystopian society. One of the book’s most striking elements is its ambiguity—it’s difficult to pinpoint who the true villain is.
I highly recommend Never Broken to those who enjoy stories that challenge societal norms and feature forbidden love.
🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Torture, and Classism
Trials of the Order by S.E. Schaefer
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Trials of the Order was so good! I received this as an ARC and it’s one of my favorite books that I’ve read recently!
It’s a heartbreaking tale of growth, loyalty, and betrayal that lingers with you long after the final page. Though it starts out slow paced, it builds into a whirlwind of action and emotion that will leave you fully invested in the story.
It’s easy to fall in love with Varine, a strong heroine whose journey is as frustrating as it is inspiring. I am invested in her character and I hope to see more character development from the next book!
Take my advice and push through the beginning because boy does it take off midway through! From that moment, the stakes rise, the tension tightens, and the emotion deepens. Schaefer writes a gripping narrative that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
The ending leaves you gasping and yearning for more. Trials of the Order is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy and strong FMC. Hoping for some spice in book two!
Brutal Obsession by S. Massery
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
5.0