sb_037's reviews
72 reviews

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

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3.0

A YA gothic novel that falls flat. The FMC is both pathetic and frustrating. I understand what the author was trying to do, however, the “women are inferior” world building was done in a poor, unconvincing manner. The take away was that surviving is just as valid or important as fighting back; I value this perspective but Effy was a wet rag. Also, the romance was hastily built a not believable.
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers

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3.75

True to its plot and main character, the prose of this novel is absolutely decadent. I learned many new words and recommend reading this on an e-reader or kindle to look them up in an unobtrusive manner. However, even though the book is short (~250 pages) it was a drag to read with the story excessively meandering. Rating is purely because of the ornate language.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood

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3.5

Was enjoying the read and would say it was a 4 star “light romance” up until the 80% mark when the miscommunication trope just ruined it. It was so obvious that
the two of them were mates and for the FMC to actually believe the lie was incomprehensible and frustrating.
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

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3.75

Deeply human characters but wanted to see more moments of indigenous joy. 
Gothikana by RuNyx

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2.5

It barely scratched the itch but it did meet minimum requirements so I have to give it some credit. It falls victim to so many cliches that make it hard to get fully immersed. Also is it a romance? Or is it smut? Because it felt like it couldn’t choose. There was the potential to make it good smut but then the story got coy. 
Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

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

4.0