rileys417's reviews
782 reviews

Gravity by Tal Bauer

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Pleasantly surprised!!! 

I feel like I always am hesitant with Tal’s books but I have only ever had good experiences. 

I thought it was SO cute and heart warming. 

It was a very short journey from friends to lovers, it’s almost insta love. But the chemistry and friendship was so strong. 

I loved the found family in the hockey team. 

Bryce and Hunter were written in the stars. Bryce was so down bad for Hunter, and while hunters infatuation may have started as a hero worship type the two quickly fell into place and became each others forever. 

Wild Side by Elsie Silver

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Dare I say, this was perfect. 

I never wanted this story to end. 

I absolutely loved the chemistry and dynamic between Rhys and Tabitha (and how cute was Milo calling her his tabby cat) 

Rhys was perfection. The perfect husband. He’s mine and I love him. 

I think Rhys and Tabitha made the best of a bad situation, but in doing so found love and family in each other. It was beautiful and wonderful. 

Hardwood by K.M. Neuhold

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I still like the later in life love happening (44 and 40), it’s a nice change of pace. 

I also liked the difference in appearance, Everett is conventionally attractive and Watson is more on the plus size. 

I thought the relationship dynamic was sweet, I liked the friends first but sort of pining for the other. 

The whole “in the closet even though the rest of my friends are all gay” thing was a bit much but we overlook it. 

The flash mob was SO. CRINGE. But alas. 

His Tesoro by Emilia Rossi

dark slow-paced

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

1.0

Almost DNF’d so many times, and probably should have. 

This was soooooo cringe. The dialogue was childish, the MC’s were childish. 

Lex by Cora Rose

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.75

With the mixed reviews I really wasn’t sure how I’d feel, but I had a good time!! 

While slightly morally grey, Lex is just a lonely boy looking for love. 

William, we didn’t see really much character growth or personality but I think he loved Lex and had a slightly unhealthy obsession. Co-dependency am I right.

This series is definitely one you have to be in the mood for and not to take too seriously. 

Luke by Cora Rose

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.25

I loved Luke, I thought he was so so sweet. 
Mildly nuts with just latching himself onto Elliot but this series is over the top and we got that 

I appreciated the transgender representation. While it’s hard to say if done well, from my perspective as a cis woman, it seemed to be represented respectfully and with care. 

That being said; Elliot frustrated me. He pushed Luke away a LOT and while I can sort of see why from being hurt in a past relationship, still isn’t fair to Luke

The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

I think if I read this 10 years ago I would have felt different, but I did not enjoy either MC’s. 

I appreciate and love the disability representation, but as a whole I did not vibe with the story. 

I liked the authors voice but unfortunately not much else. 

Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta

3.5

Way more romance and swoon than I was expecting! 

But like….🥛🥛 

Nailed by K.M. Neuhold

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

A cute enemies to lovers, neighbours romance. 

I liked how Stone pushed Dare’s buttons with mostly harmless taunts. 

Was it weird when he got a tattoo of a man’s dog when they weren’t even together? Sure. But that’s stone. He doesn’t beat bushes (IYKYK) 

Puck Around and Find Out by Sarah Blue

funny lighthearted 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

Cute and spicy omegaverse hockey romance!