readtomea97's reviews
132 reviews

Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney

challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.0

I initially wanted to DNF after the first 10% because Quinn and Carter were both really annoying. I thought I was going to be able to predict how this would go but I was pleasantly surprised in comparison to my initial thoughts. Yes the romance was somewhat predictable at a certain point but I liked how we got to see growth from both of them throughout. Themes of racism, micro aggressions, friendship, mental health, and self-love/self-hate played a huge role in this story. My only critique or a request rather is I wish that Livie got her own story. I want to know more about her and her mom’s relationship and who Livie is in depth. Really both her and Carter’s backstory really intrigued me. Hopefully there’s a follow up to this. 

Unlock My Heart by Symone West

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I genuinely wanted to DNF at the beginning because Hazel was getting on my nerves, and London was too pushy with Hazel. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being confident and flirty, but even if you don’t believe her, why keep flirting with a woman who has told you repeatedly she doesn’t like women. It can give off the impression you’re trying to force it on them. After a certain point you can obviously tell Hazel was attracted but she wasn’t ready to accept and you kept trying. Off that alone, I initially did not care for London. 

However I liked the way they opened up to each other, and how both of them had things they needed to work through to be ready to love each other. In the end, I really enjoy how this played out and the growth you saw in both women. 

Twist Her by Terri Ronald

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

I'll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone
Did not finish book. Stopped at 75%.

This book bored me to death… I wanted to DNF at 30% then again at 45% but I said I would keep pushing just to see if we get somewhere in the story. No I can’t do it anymore… extremely disappointed. DNF’ing at 75%

fast by Millie Belizaire

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was such a tough read, but I’m so glad I made it through. I needed to hear Caprice’s story. 

Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad tense slow-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

4.0

Only giving this 4 stars because there were times where I got lost or zoned out to what was happening but overall I really enjoyed this story

Lady Venom Takes a Mistress by Kat Blackthorne

adventurous dark funny 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? It's complicated

4.0

I’m usually not a fan of dark romance but I can genuinely say this pleasantly surprised me. It wasn’t too cringe aside from the snake tongue LOL. But overall I really enjoyed this sapphic retelling of beauty and the beast.

Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

4.5

Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney

challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-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? It's complicated

3.75