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poonwithplot's Reviews (133)
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was graced with a copy to ARC read curtesy of The Smuthood.
With that being said, this review is my own honest opinion about Rink Rash by Santana Knox.
Fuuck.
Talk about themes that hit close to home.
I definitely feel like I need to start off with a warning: check your triggers. With the theme being addiction, I feel extremely inclined to warn that this could be intense for those who struggle, or with loved ones who struggle.
WITH THAT BEING SAID: Let's get into it.
(The vague version ♡)
Santana wrote these emotions so well, my heart broke and healed and broke and healed throughout the whole gd story.
There was scenes that I couldn't help but have a good cry. I knew this was going to be gritty, but this pulled my heart out hip-checked it into oblivion.
I enjoyed every single character, and have a huge appreciation for how wonderfully the dynamics are written (especially with the amount of personalities involved).
The angsty (and very well fought) romance between Havoc and Maddox gave me everything. The SCENES. HELLO? A chefs kiss (honestly, maybe even more?? Because ommphh)
I LOVE. LIVE FOR: The fact that there were some physical aversions that were RESPECTED and didn't really CHANGE for the benefit if furthering the romance throughout the story. My respect for this being represented in a story.
This was a pretty quick, but deeply emotional read. It was vulnerable, raw, and I hated to have to put down. This story consumed my mind from beginning to end- and I just needed to know what happened. There was some plot points that had my jaw on the floor- but this HEA really warmed my heart ♡
This is an open-door sapphic sport (roller derby) romance, with explicit scenes intended for an older audience.
Other tropes include:
♡ Found Family
♡ Rivals to Lovers
♡ Only I can hurt her
♡ Stone Top
♡ SIMMABMH (iykyk)
Please take the trigger warnings and authors notes seriously.
With that being said, this review is my own honest opinion about Rink Rash by Santana Knox.
Fuuck.
Talk about themes that hit close to home.
I definitely feel like I need to start off with a warning: check your triggers. With the theme being addiction, I feel extremely inclined to warn that this could be intense for those who struggle, or with loved ones who struggle.
WITH THAT BEING SAID: Let's get into it.
(The vague version ♡)
Santana wrote these emotions so well, my heart broke and healed and broke and healed throughout the whole gd story.
There was scenes that I couldn't help but have a good cry. I knew this was going to be gritty, but this pulled my heart out hip-checked it into oblivion.
I enjoyed every single character, and have a huge appreciation for how wonderfully the dynamics are written (especially with the amount of personalities involved).
The angsty (and very well fought) romance between Havoc and Maddox gave me everything. The SCENES. HELLO? A chefs kiss (honestly, maybe even more?? Because ommphh)
I LOVE. LIVE FOR: The fact that there were some physical aversions that were RESPECTED and didn't really CHANGE for the benefit if furthering the romance throughout the story. My respect for this being represented in a story.
This was a pretty quick, but deeply emotional read. It was vulnerable, raw, and I hated to have to put down. This story consumed my mind from beginning to end- and I just needed to know what happened. There was some plot points that had my jaw on the floor- but this HEA really warmed my heart ♡
This is an open-door sapphic sport (roller derby) romance, with explicit scenes intended for an older audience.
Other tropes include:
♡ Found Family
♡ Rivals to Lovers
♡ Only I can hurt her
♡ Stone Top
♡ SIMMABMH (iykyk)
Please take the trigger warnings and authors notes seriously.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L Wang.
I had an idea of what I was in store for, But holy smokes was I taken on a ride.
Right out the gate, the emotions on the page are felt in an absolutely captivating prologue that does an excellent job of setting the world and story up. In no life did I think a story would have me ugly SOBBING before 6 am. (Criminal, honestly.)
As impartial as I am to first person POV, M.L Wang's style of writing crafted the world so beautifully, so emotionally RAW that I couldn't help but be completely immersed in the story.
Sciona's and Thomil's perspectives were so brilliantly balanced that as a reader, I felt like I got to experience both of their souls on this journey.
Blood Over Bright Haven tackles some pretty serious, and scarily relevant topics in such an engaging and passionate way.
Feminine Rage, Oppression, Misogyny, Discrimination, Conspiracy, (And WAY more dark stuff, PLEASE check your trigger warnings) all entwined in a political intrigue, magic, dark fantasy world.
Yet the story remains so intricate and beautiful, with some of the most riveting dialogue I've ever experienced in a story.
The magic system in this world is genuinely interesting, and the setting is just as infuriating as it is captivating.
Miss m'am can WRITE a character. THIS is a strong FMC. And proves that a main character doesn't have to be so likable to be loved, yet doesn't feel deep-seated in subconscious misogyny. More often than not, we are served with a "Strong" female lead that softens over time, and it feels more like submission. While we see glimpses of that softness with Sciona, her strength and resolve remain steady as she grows. Sciona's "soft" does not reflect submission, but accountability. THAT truly is a work of art.
In conclusion, I have never cried so much over a book. THIS right here- is the Brave New World of our time.
THIS. Is an absolute masterpiece and something everyone should experience. I may truly never be the same again.
10/5 stars. By far the top read of 2025- and absolutely my favorite YA read to date.
One thing I will say about this book- I did not, and will not see this book as a romance. While there is a love interest, it's giving Stockholm syndrome. So. there's that.
I had an idea of what I was in store for, But holy smokes was I taken on a ride.
Right out the gate, the emotions on the page are felt in an absolutely captivating prologue that does an excellent job of setting the world and story up. In no life did I think a story would have me ugly SOBBING before 6 am. (Criminal, honestly.)
As impartial as I am to first person POV, M.L Wang's style of writing crafted the world so beautifully, so emotionally RAW that I couldn't help but be completely immersed in the story.
Sciona's and Thomil's perspectives were so brilliantly balanced that as a reader, I felt like I got to experience both of their souls on this journey.
Blood Over Bright Haven tackles some pretty serious, and scarily relevant topics in such an engaging and passionate way.
Feminine Rage, Oppression, Misogyny, Discrimination, Conspiracy, (And WAY more dark stuff, PLEASE check your trigger warnings) all entwined in a political intrigue, magic, dark fantasy world.
Yet the story remains so intricate and beautiful, with some of the most riveting dialogue I've ever experienced in a story.
The magic system in this world is genuinely interesting, and the setting is just as infuriating as it is captivating.
Miss m'am can WRITE a character. THIS is a strong FMC. And proves that a main character doesn't have to be so likable to be loved, yet doesn't feel deep-seated in subconscious misogyny. More often than not, we are served with a "Strong" female lead that softens over time, and it feels more like submission. While we see glimpses of that softness with Sciona, her strength and resolve remain steady as she grows. Sciona's "soft" does not reflect submission, but accountability. THAT truly is a work of art.
In conclusion, I have never cried so much over a book. THIS right here- is the Brave New World of our time.
THIS. Is an absolute masterpiece and something everyone should experience. I may truly never be the same again.
10/5 stars. By far the top read of 2025- and absolutely my favorite YA read to date.
One thing I will say about this book- I did not, and will not see this book as a romance. While there is a love interest, it's giving Stockholm syndrome. So. there's that.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Fire In The Sky: Sophie Jordan
☆☆☆/5 Stars.
I'll admit- I knew nothing. 0 about this book when I got into it- with the exception of dragons.
With as little info to give away the plot as possible, let's get into it. ••••
The introduction to our FMC, the world, and the setting is rather slow in pace. I would even be bold enough to say that the repetition throughout the book is.. tiresome. At best. I did, however- find the plot to be interesting enough to hold my attention. •••
There is one particular scene in this book that almost put me out entirely (This will have a second review containing potential spoilers where I elaborate on this scene specifically.)•••
The enemies - to - lovers trope wasn't putting in alot of work in this read. I was very underwhelmed, even rolling my eyes at how fast being literal enemies just went with the wind. ••••
Overall- I found the plot to be interesting enough to me that I wanted to push through. There were some elements to this book that I have found unique enough to want to read the next.
This book does end on a touch of a cliffhanger.
I would reccomend this book to someone who is either new to fantasy, or prefers a light, easy read and no complex world building. ••• I would also like to mention to check the trigger warnings and there is some disturbing content, as well as note that this is an explicit open-door Romantasy.
☆☆☆/5 Stars.
I'll admit- I knew nothing. 0 about this book when I got into it- with the exception of dragons.
With as little info to give away the plot as possible, let's get into it. ••••
The introduction to our FMC, the world, and the setting is rather slow in pace. I would even be bold enough to say that the repetition throughout the book is.. tiresome. At best. I did, however- find the plot to be interesting enough to hold my attention. •••
There is one particular scene in this book that almost put me out entirely (This will have a second review containing potential spoilers where I elaborate on this scene specifically.)•••
The enemies - to - lovers trope wasn't putting in alot of work in this read. I was very underwhelmed, even rolling my eyes at how fast being literal enemies just went with the wind. ••••
Overall- I found the plot to be interesting enough to me that I wanted to push through. There were some elements to this book that I have found unique enough to want to read the next.
This book does end on a touch of a cliffhanger.
I would reccomend this book to someone who is either new to fantasy, or prefers a light, easy read and no complex world building. ••• I would also like to mention to check the trigger warnings and there is some disturbing content, as well as note that this is an explicit open-door Romantasy.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Knot Just For Show takes us on a Reality TV based adventure where Ursula jumps all in to find her pack in the most un-traditional way possible (thanks, bestie).
Will she be able to build-a-pack without her omega senses leading the way?
I'd like to start off hot by sayin: The humor in this book checked soo many boxes I felt like it was catered for *me*, ya'll.
I was chuckling, snorting, kickin' my feet, gasping- you name it. THE PUNS, PLEASE. 😭💀 sent me to the damn moon.
ANYWAY.
Ursula is hilarious. Relatable.
I felt for her, I laughed with her. I admired her, because *apparently* I love a vocal gal who knows wtf she wants (iykwim) 😏
The Pack
For the sake of not giving too much away- I will say this:
The pack is delicious. Scrumptious. Delectable. The diverse designations was entirely new for me, and I ate it up.
The broad difference in personalities was so interesting that I really was like 🧐 but the way everyone comes together (ha) is beautiful.
"We found it. No matter how difficult, no matter how complicated, we found each other. We have found home."
(This quote *moved* me. I yearn for this kind of love.)
This is a great cozy, happy, low-stress read with a unique plot that offers up a good variety of characters and personalities. The humor was a hit for me, as well as the relatable struggles. I absolutely reccomend for anyone already familiar with the omegaverse and how the dynamics work.
This is a standalone book in the Hollywood Omegas world. I did *knot* (ha) read the first one, and can vouch you will not be missing any story if you start here.
Will she be able to build-a-pack without her omega senses leading the way?
I'd like to start off hot by sayin: The humor in this book checked soo many boxes I felt like it was catered for *me*, ya'll.
I was chuckling, snorting, kickin' my feet, gasping- you name it. THE PUNS, PLEASE. 😭💀 sent me to the damn moon.
ANYWAY.
Ursula is hilarious. Relatable.
I felt for her, I laughed with her. I admired her, because *apparently* I love a vocal gal who knows wtf she wants (iykwim) 😏
The Pack
For the sake of not giving too much away- I will say this:
The pack is delicious. Scrumptious. Delectable. The diverse designations was entirely new for me, and I ate it up.
The broad difference in personalities was so interesting that I really was like 🧐 but the way everyone comes together (ha) is beautiful.
"We found it. No matter how difficult, no matter how complicated, we found each other. We have found home."
(This quote *moved* me. I yearn for this kind of love.)
This is a great cozy, happy, low-stress read with a unique plot that offers up a good variety of characters and personalities. The humor was a hit for me, as well as the relatable struggles. I absolutely reccomend for anyone already familiar with the omegaverse and how the dynamics work.
This is a standalone book in the Hollywood Omegas world. I did *knot* (ha) read the first one, and can vouch you will not be missing any story if you start here.