roksyreads's reviews
295 reviews

Stand and Defend by Sloane St. James

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

Strong and Wild by Sloane St. James

dark emotional sad 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

4.0

Before We Came by Sloane St. James

adventurous emotional 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

4.0

This book really surprised me. I've never read a sports romance before, and I'm not normally one for contemporary fiction of any kind, but I picked this up on a whim through KU and thought I'd give it a go. Less than 24 hours later, I'm glad I gave it a chance. The writing isn't groundbreaking, but it's easy and enjoyable to read. The core cast of characters are genuinely loveable and they grow a lot throughout. There's plenty of plot both overarching and sub, and the romance is steamy AF as well as being genuinely emotional. 

One thing that did bother me is that this is repeatedly called a second-chance romance; it's listed as one of the main tropes, but it doesn't really fit. The FMC and MMC are childhood friends and are 7 and 8 when circumstances force them apart: they're literally children. So if you're looking for a story of where the FMC/MMC have a relationship that broke down for x, y, or z reason and then they come back together, this won't be it. However, there's still plenty of angst, mutual pining, and chemistry, partnered with a thrilling mystery and forced proximity.

Barbarian's Touch by Ruby Dixon

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

This was my favourite IPB story so far. I loved the dynamic between the FMC and MMC and how natural their romance felt. Each FMC has been unique in how they've tackled the challenges of their new lives, and Lila is no exception; it was rewarding to see her embrace her identity and ultimately thrive. 

Barbarian's Mate by Ruby Dixon

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

Barbarian's Prize by Ruby Dixon

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-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

3.25

Ice Planet Holiday by Ruby Dixon

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

Earthcore by Scott Sigler

adventurous dark mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

3.0

Solid action and character writing are highlights of the story, but it was much, much longer than it needed to be. I really had to push myself to finish the last third of the book, which was disappointing. 

The epilogue has set up a sequel that follows directly on from this novel's events, but I have no intention of continuing at this time. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Car accident, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Torture, and Violence

A Soul to Heal by Opal Reyne

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful medium-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

3.0

I'll preface this by saying that I am both fat and struggle with extensive mental health issues. It was refreshing to see a genuine representation of the challenges that mental health brings, as well as to read about an actually fat FMC being and ultimately feeling sexy in her own body. 

That being said, I didn't love this story. I liked it well enough, and there's definitely some sweet and spicy moments, but I could happily have skipped it. After reading CWs, I'd actually intended to skip it because some of the main plot points were related to a topic that doesn't remotely interest me, but I also read the author's comments regarding that topic, which was described as funny, cute, and interesting, as well as being vital for lore/plot of the rest of the series. I've not yet tested the truth regarding it being vital, but I can say that I wish I'd taken the chance and skipped it. It wasn't funny, cute, or interesting for me, and has borderline put me off the rest of the series. 

I initially gave the book 3.5 stars, but after significant reflection, I realised that I was really overstating my enjoyment. Realistically, it's probably more of a 2.5, maybe a 3 on my personal rating scale. 

Hell Divers by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I decided to give Hell Divers a go on a whim after seeing it recommended on Audible. It's a fascinating and unique take on a post apocalyptic world setting and the human will to survive, with a solid cast of characters and a dark, gritty storyline. This was my first time reading a story from this author, and I was impressed by his narrative style, especially how well he handled action sequences. Whilst this is the first of an extensive 10 book (so far) series, this first story does wrap up comfortably for those like me who aren't sure about commiting to the long haul.