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scoodle42's reviews
751 reviews
Being Merry by Meka James
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.0
Lennox is pressured by her meddling sister to let Noelle, her sister's friend and coworker, stay in her home temporarily. But she's attracted to Noelle when she doesn't want to be, and Noelle brings the spirit of Christmas Lennox is trying to deny. The clash is epic. Can they find a common ground?
I loved Noelle and her optimism. I rooted for her and her holiday outfits from page one. Lennox was sexy as a grump, but she was a little too mean to Noelle for me to give her full leeway. Lol. She apologized, and the romance bloomed in a way you could feel and I appreciated that. They were passionate and when they let their guards down, it was sweet and real. It was a good time. But Lennox's attitude almost made me tap out, lol. Good thing it turned around.
I loved Noelle and her optimism. I rooted for her and her holiday outfits from page one. Lennox was sexy as a grump, but she was a little too mean to Noelle for me to give her full leeway. Lol. She apologized, and the romance bloomed in a way you could feel and I appreciated that. They were passionate and when they let their guards down, it was sweet and real. It was a good time. But Lennox's attitude almost made me tap out, lol. Good thing it turned around.
Drinks With Umbrellas by Tuesday Harper
adventurous
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? No
4.0
Olivia books an impromptu vacation and runs into Michelle, the antithesis of her scheduled, regulated personality. But nothing can last past this temporary reprieve. Can it?
This was a nice short about opening your mind and heart to the possibilities. I liked that Michelle was so flighty and fun, but still grounded in reality. Olivia learned to focus on her own happiness, which is always a valuable lesson, even when you're falling in love. Nice story.
This was a nice short about opening your mind and heart to the possibilities. I liked that Michelle was so flighty and fun, but still grounded in reality. Olivia learned to focus on her own happiness, which is always a valuable lesson, even when you're falling in love. Nice story.
Summers: A Holiday Novella by M. Monique
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
My favorite family is back and on a holiday vacation! The Summers clan is in the mountains, reconnecting as couples before the full force of the family joins them. And if there's one thing you can never doubt, it's their commitment to each other.
I love this update on my faves! Seeing them keep their passion alive, and grow their families was a nice glimpse. I missed them, and this bought them right back to me, lol. The bit of drama heightened the story, but didn't ruin the romance or the holiday. And the glimpse into August was great! Loved this.
I love this update on my faves! Seeing them keep their passion alive, and grow their families was a nice glimpse. I missed them, and this bought them right back to me, lol. The bit of drama heightened the story, but didn't ruin the romance or the holiday. And the glimpse into August was great! Loved this.
Being Hospitable by Meka James
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
KiKi and Charley are brand new roommates, and Charley's got a secret--she wants KiKi, BAD. But Kiki is her older brother's best friend and that means hands off. But can Charley change her mind?
Okay so this was fast paced and very sexy, just like I like them. It was fun seeing Kiki try to resist, and even more fun seeing Charley go after what she wanted. The two of them were passionate together and I like the idea of Charley moving in and speeding things up with her and Kiki. Charley was adorable in her optimism and Kiki was hilarious trying to be a grouch, knowing it wouldn't work. I loved this.
Okay so this was fast paced and very sexy, just like I like them. It was fun seeing Kiki try to resist, and even more fun seeing Charley go after what she wanted. The two of them were passionate together and I like the idea of Charley moving in and speeding things up with her and Kiki. Charley was adorable in her optimism and Kiki was hilarious trying to be a grouch, knowing it wouldn't work. I loved this.
Always Coming Back to You by Tuesday Harper
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Whitley and Jay have a complicated past. And now that Whitley's moving into the house, and will have to see Jay all the time, her feelings come rushing back. But can they get past what happened before, and learn to trust with Jay's track record with women?
Okay, so I will admit that all three books still having everyone's point of view started giving me soap opera vibes and by this book, it was a little tiring. I don't know that I think the other roommates having whole chapters was necessary. But I will say that Lee and Jay had the roughest road and the most challenging emotional hurdles. I felt for Lee trying to trust because of Jay's previous womanizing and I felt for Jay trying to believe in Lee after she was pushed away so completely. Their story had the greatest emotional weight. And I loved the payoff. Jay committing to changing and Lee committing to growing was romantic in it's simplicity and I wanted to see them work it out. I will say that Lee was really immature and we don't really see her work through that in a way that feels satisfying. Its mostly an apology and some lip service. but if any two deserved an HEA after a struggle, it was these two. Good story.
Okay, so I will admit that all three books still having everyone's point of view started giving me soap opera vibes and by this book, it was a little tiring. I don't know that I think the other roommates having whole chapters was necessary. But I will say that Lee and Jay had the roughest road and the most challenging emotional hurdles. I felt for Lee trying to trust because of Jay's previous womanizing and I felt for Jay trying to believe in Lee after she was pushed away so completely. Their story had the greatest emotional weight. And I loved the payoff. Jay committing to changing and Lee committing to growing was romantic in it's simplicity and I wanted to see them work it out. I will say that Lee was really immature and we don't really see her work through that in a way that feels satisfying. Its mostly an apology and some lip service. but if any two deserved an HEA after a struggle, it was these two. Good story.
Tangled in the Sheets: An Erotic Lesbian Romance by Tuesday Harper
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Marshawn and Priscilla stumbled into liking one another in the wake of being friends. But with Marshawn being the ex of her BFF and roommate, Priscilla can't go down that road. Can she?
Okay, so this one had more depth for me and I liked it. Priscilla and Marshawn were complicated, but not unnecessarily. I love the way Marshawn evolved from the previous story. I like how she acknowledged that she was going about things wrong and handled herself. I also love how she stood on business about what she took before and what she deserved later. She was honest and always passionate about Priscilla and I loved her honesty. I will say sometimes she was doing a little too much, but I understood.
Priscilla was a character at a crossroads and it wasn't without reason, but after a while i wanted her to take her own advice about standing up for what she wanted and knew she deserved. Her mixed signals with Marshawn annoyed me and I was happy when she finally got it together. I will say this story had more Fallon and Whitney than I was expecting (or wanted0, but it was nice to see how their relationship was progressing. And it set a nice backdrop for Priscilla and Marshawn's angst about whether they could get to that point. This was my favorite of the three.
Okay, so this one had more depth for me and I liked it. Priscilla and Marshawn were complicated, but not unnecessarily. I love the way Marshawn evolved from the previous story. I like how she acknowledged that she was going about things wrong and handled herself. I also love how she stood on business about what she took before and what she deserved later. She was honest and always passionate about Priscilla and I loved her honesty. I will say sometimes she was doing a little too much, but I understood.
Priscilla was a character at a crossroads and it wasn't without reason, but after a while i wanted her to take her own advice about standing up for what she wanted and knew she deserved. Her mixed signals with Marshawn annoyed me and I was happy when she finally got it together. I will say this story had more Fallon and Whitney than I was expecting (or wanted0, but it was nice to see how their relationship was progressing. And it set a nice backdrop for Priscilla and Marshawn's angst about whether they could get to that point. This was my favorite of the three.
Naked in Your Bedroom: An Erotic Lesbian Romance (The Bedroom Trilogy Book 1) by Tuesday Harper
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Fallon has a crush on her best friend Whitney. But she's not even supposed to be thinking about relationships. Meanwhile, Whitney has been sidelined from her basketball career with an injury and is dong everything she can to get back. So she's off commitment and oblivious to Fallon's feelings. Or is she?
Fallon and Whitney were a complicated piece. This story had a lot of emotional heft; the two of them had much more push and pull than I was expecting. The struggle of wondering if your friend even likes the way you're presenting is a problem I didn't foresee and I loved that aspect of the story because it gave me something I hadn't read before. Them being roommates with two other women who were privy to everything made for great drama--I actually liked that too.
I understood Whitney's passion and her insistence on blocking things out to heal, but I liked that she was able to let herself go with Fallon, and relax. Fallon was way more sensitive than she let on. I identified with that and appreciated it. I will say that Whitney's cavalier treatment of her feelings surprised me (I mean, they ARE supposed to be friends) and turned me off a bit. By the time they got right I had almost stopped rooting for them, lol. But it turned out okay. I don't know that I needed the other roommates weighing in so much (like in the way of having their own chapters), but it was nice to get a full picture of the house. And the in-between drama let you know there's more coming.
Fallon and Whitney were a complicated piece. This story had a lot of emotional heft; the two of them had much more push and pull than I was expecting. The struggle of wondering if your friend even likes the way you're presenting is a problem I didn't foresee and I loved that aspect of the story because it gave me something I hadn't read before. Them being roommates with two other women who were privy to everything made for great drama--I actually liked that too.
I understood Whitney's passion and her insistence on blocking things out to heal, but I liked that she was able to let herself go with Fallon, and relax. Fallon was way more sensitive than she let on. I identified with that and appreciated it. I will say that Whitney's cavalier treatment of her feelings surprised me (I mean, they ARE supposed to be friends) and turned me off a bit. By the time they got right I had almost stopped rooting for them, lol. But it turned out okay. I don't know that I needed the other roommates weighing in so much (like in the way of having their own chapters), but it was nice to get a full picture of the house. And the in-between drama let you know there's more coming.
The hood flower girl: a novella by M. Monique
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Poppi and Memphis have been circling each other for years. Poppi fears Memphis' intense energy, and Memphis doesn't want to keep putting himself out there for her rejection. But during his sister's bachelorette weekend, things take a turn, finally.
Poppi and Memphis were chaotic and passionate in the best way. I like the idea of them always being meant to be. Memphis was intense, but it was his protector/ provider instincts and those made his intensity romantic, in a sense. I loved the way he loved on his mother and sister, and how he showed up for Hood, even without her knowing. He sought to see inside of her, and know her heart. Poppi stood on business about her loves the entire way. Them hands were lethal and she wasn't afraid to throw them, lol. I love that she sold flowers--her demeanor juxtaposed against the delicate environment she wrapped herself in gave her a depth I appreciated. Nikki and Boston were great side characters and I loved the lead in to their story. This was a fun time, a lighthearted love story that didn't take itself too seriously. And with M. Monique's signature writing style, it was magic. I was satisfied with this series. The characters gave me all I needed--laughs, romance, emotion, passion, intensity, and history. Great job.
Poppi and Memphis were chaotic and passionate in the best way. I like the idea of them always being meant to be. Memphis was intense, but it was his protector/ provider instincts and those made his intensity romantic, in a sense. I loved the way he loved on his mother and sister, and how he showed up for Hood, even without her knowing. He sought to see inside of her, and know her heart. Poppi stood on business about her loves the entire way. Them hands were lethal and she wasn't afraid to throw them, lol. I love that she sold flowers--her demeanor juxtaposed against the delicate environment she wrapped herself in gave her a depth I appreciated. Nikki and Boston were great side characters and I loved the lead in to their story. This was a fun time, a lighthearted love story that didn't take itself too seriously. And with M. Monique's signature writing style, it was magic. I was satisfied with this series. The characters gave me all I needed--laughs, romance, emotion, passion, intensity, and history. Great job.
KHARMA by Shon
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Kharma and Dakota are promised to each other, as a power play for both their families--business is business. But Kharma wants no parts of her soon-to-be husband. Dakota is intrigued by his wife, and he refuses to give up.
I giggled so much reading this. Dakota is marshmallow man for his wife, but when it was time to match her energy, he did it effortlessly. The way he smoothly let her know that he was no pushover made me blush, and I loved seeing the way Kharma soaked it up. Dakota took the time to learn her while she was avoiding him, so she never saw him coming once he was fully loaded. I love that element of surprise. Kharma's mission was a noble one, while impulsive--it was made for her. And knowing Dakota didn't want to change her added some romantic heft to this even though it was short. And my goodness they were hot. If there's one thing Shon knows how to convey it's chemistry and once you read how they were together, there was no doubt it was love. Great story.
I giggled so much reading this. Dakota is marshmallow man for his wife, but when it was time to match her energy, he did it effortlessly. The way he smoothly let her know that he was no pushover made me blush, and I loved seeing the way Kharma soaked it up. Dakota took the time to learn her while she was avoiding him, so she never saw him coming once he was fully loaded. I love that element of surprise. Kharma's mission was a noble one, while impulsive--it was made for her. And knowing Dakota didn't want to change her added some romantic heft to this even though it was short. And my goodness they were hot. If there's one thing Shon knows how to convey it's chemistry and once you read how they were together, there was no doubt it was love. Great story.
Roomie, Lover, Friend: A New Hope Novel by Shon
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? No
5.0
Blair is about to be homeless. Forced to find a new place because her ex switched up after she fell on hard times, she downloads an app to look for a roommate. And knocks right on Elijah's door. But it's the wrong door. And while she's only looking to mitigate the embarrassment, Elijah wants her to stay.
I loved this book. One of my favorites from Shon. Her rhythm and and cadence are unmatched and the way she pulls you into her character's thoughts makes you feel like you're there with them. Blair and Elijah were so sweet and so right for each other. The push and pull of both of them denying their feelings was a nice angst, but you got relief quickly. Elijah was strong and very self-aware, and I love the way he protected Blair from the moment he offered his home. Blair got dealt a bad hand but her bounce back was amazing to see and you rooted for her, with and besides Elijah. Their passion filled the pages without being over the top and I love the way the author wrote their chemistry. Leading into physical connection was a great anticipatory ride and the moment they went there, Shon's writing took you all the way there and it was riveting as always. The side characters added some good heft to the personalities of our mains and the supermarket scene was gold. Wonderful book.
I loved this book. One of my favorites from Shon. Her rhythm and and cadence are unmatched and the way she pulls you into her character's thoughts makes you feel like you're there with them. Blair and Elijah were so sweet and so right for each other. The push and pull of both of them denying their feelings was a nice angst, but you got relief quickly. Elijah was strong and very self-aware, and I love the way he protected Blair from the moment he offered his home. Blair got dealt a bad hand but her bounce back was amazing to see and you rooted for her, with and besides Elijah. Their passion filled the pages without being over the top and I love the way the author wrote their chemistry. Leading into physical connection was a great anticipatory ride and the moment they went there, Shon's writing took you all the way there and it was riveting as always. The side characters added some good heft to the personalities of our mains and the supermarket scene was gold. Wonderful book.