Take a photo of a barcode or cover
scoodle42's reviews
760 reviews
Worth The Risk by A.C. Taylor
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Ausha and Messiah are best friends who both yearned to be more. And now that Ausha's finally unattached, it feels like maybe they can be. Except... Messiah doesn't do relationships. He's a playboy through and through, who never wants a woman's heart in his hands. But can he switch it up for Ausha?
I enjoyed the way the author tried to give a little kick to the friends to lovers dynamic, but the drama was a bit much, and some of it felt forced. I did like Messiah confronting his past, and focusing on Ausha, wanting to be "better" for her. But he'd left such a mess in his wake, and just kept compounding it. It felt like he wanted to be different, but expected his past to just disappear. I think Ausha moved from one thing to another too fast for me, and I didn't understand her actions at times.
I didn't like the way Messiah's brother approached their relationship--he didn't feel like his brother to me. He didn't seem to have any grace for him (whether you think he deserved it or not, if anyone was going to have some, you'd think it'd be his brother). I didn't like this character at all. Overall, though the writing was compelling, this story was all over the place, trying to make too many things happen at once and it showed.
I enjoyed the way the author tried to give a little kick to the friends to lovers dynamic, but the drama was a bit much, and some of it felt forced. I did like Messiah confronting his past, and focusing on Ausha, wanting to be "better" for her. But he'd left such a mess in his wake, and just kept compounding it. It felt like he wanted to be different, but expected his past to just disappear. I think Ausha moved from one thing to another too fast for me, and I didn't understand her actions at times.
I didn't like the way Messiah's brother approached their relationship--he didn't feel like his brother to me. He didn't seem to have any grace for him (whether you think he deserved it or not, if anyone was going to have some, you'd think it'd be his brother). I didn't like this character at all. Overall, though the writing was compelling, this story was all over the place, trying to make too many things happen at once and it showed.
Passport to Love by Lanette
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Gianna finds out the worst secret and it shatters her seven-year relationship. She and her three best friends agree to take a vacation to help her have some fun and move on, and then she meets Xander. Suddenly Xander and his friends are going on the trip too, and these guys are determined to show these girls a good time. But could it be more than a vacation?
I enjoyed Gianna and Xander. I like the ease and playfulness they had, the way they communicated. I like the chemistry and their passion was on point. Their journey had me invested, and I wanted to see what happened with them.
However, the side quests with the rest of the friends (Khalil and Aria, Ashton and Leilani, and Nasir and Delilah) although romantic in their own way, often felt like a distraction from Xander and Gianna. They were only sporadic glimpses, so you couldn't invest in them because you didn't spend enough time with them, so they started to feel like chapters you go through just to get back to the "real" story. I didn't feel like I needed them if I wasn't going to get the full feel of them. I also think this could have used some more editing--errors and inconsistencies kinda took me out of the story at times. But solid story.
I enjoyed Gianna and Xander. I like the ease and playfulness they had, the way they communicated. I like the chemistry and their passion was on point. Their journey had me invested, and I wanted to see what happened with them.
However, the side quests with the rest of the friends (Khalil and Aria, Ashton and Leilani, and Nasir and Delilah) although romantic in their own way, often felt like a distraction from Xander and Gianna. They were only sporadic glimpses, so you couldn't invest in them because you didn't spend enough time with them, so they started to feel like chapters you go through just to get back to the "real" story. I didn't feel like I needed them if I wasn't going to get the full feel of them. I also think this could have used some more editing--errors and inconsistencies kinda took me out of the story at times. But solid story.
A Perfect Melody by Monae Nicole
inspiring
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
3.0
Amias is an artist, who meets Bliss at the club where she works. He finds out she can sing, and he puts her on. Suddenly her world is changing, maybe faster than she can keep up with, and Amias wants to be a part of it. But is it all too much?
Okay, I like the premise of this story. Bliss' background build was nice and I thought it really gave her layers. Her best friend carrying her through it all was nice too; I love seeing strong friendships. Amias and Bliss felt good at first, and the bumps they went through felt real, and organic to the story. I did like how they built their relationship and knew when to slow down and scale back.
I will that though the premise was good, so many things happened with Bliss in her new world of music that didn't make sense it threw me off kilter. I'm not expecting anyone to have in-depth knowledge of the music industry, but some of this was a search engine away; having more of it grounded in the reality of that world would have made the story more cohesive, and it would have had more flow and continuity.
Okay, I like the premise of this story. Bliss' background build was nice and I thought it really gave her layers. Her best friend carrying her through it all was nice too; I love seeing strong friendships. Amias and Bliss felt good at first, and the bumps they went through felt real, and organic to the story. I did like how they built their relationship and knew when to slow down and scale back.
I will that though the premise was good, so many things happened with Bliss in her new world of music that didn't make sense it threw me off kilter. I'm not expecting anyone to have in-depth knowledge of the music industry, but some of this was a search engine away; having more of it grounded in the reality of that world would have made the story more cohesive, and it would have had more flow and continuity.
Take Me Away by Kami Holt
emotional
funny
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? No
3.0
Icelynn and Dash met on a winter night near Christmas when he was down and out. She helped him, and they connected over the holiday. Years later, Dash is on top, and all his dreams have come true. But then he sees Icelynn again--and realizes he has one more dream. Her.
I loved the connection between Ice and Dash. I think they had great chemistry and their passion was great. I loved Dash's unhinged moments and he added a comic relief I thought was great to the story. I like the way Ice fell in love with Dash and his daughter, and how they both stepped in to parent when it was needed for the other children. Ice's parents were definitely the villains and I harbor great anger toward her stepmother especially.
I will say there were some errors in the text and some obvious inconsistencies in the writing. Ice's backstory didn't add up in some places, the fiancée's motivation didn't ring true for me. Also, the drawn out breakup seemed unnecessary considering she fixed the issue right away, and I didn't understand why it went on so long.
I loved the connection between Ice and Dash. I think they had great chemistry and their passion was great. I loved Dash's unhinged moments and he added a comic relief I thought was great to the story. I like the way Ice fell in love with Dash and his daughter, and how they both stepped in to parent when it was needed for the other children. Ice's parents were definitely the villains and I harbor great anger toward her stepmother especially.
I will say there were some errors in the text and some obvious inconsistencies in the writing. Ice's backstory didn't add up in some places, the fiancée's motivation didn't ring true for me. Also, the drawn out breakup seemed unnecessary considering she fixed the issue right away, and I didn't understand why it went on so long.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship
Aisle Be Yours by Nina High
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
Claire and Deion are seatmates on a long flight, and no-nonsense Claire doesn't have time for foolishness, but she can't help but be pulled in by his fun and charming demeanor. But could possibly last past the flight?
Okay, so this was an enjoyable short. I liked Claire and Deion. I like the opposites attract dynamic of one of them being the grounding presence, and the other being the fun factor. It makes for great couples and these two have great chemistry. Their banter was funny and engaging--I did almost feel like there was too much of it; I was eager for their real conversations-but that just means I was invested in them. Super cute. I love love.
Okay, so this was an enjoyable short. I liked Claire and Deion. I like the opposites attract dynamic of one of them being the grounding presence, and the other being the fun factor. It makes for great couples and these two have great chemistry. Their banter was funny and engaging--I did almost feel like there was too much of it; I was eager for their real conversations-but that just means I was invested in them. Super cute. I love love.
Love Me Not by Ayla Cox
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
Cassia exposed her cheating ex and boss in a red carpet storm of fury, and years later, still can't live down the infamy, although it hasn't done anything for her struggling career. When she's asked to do a podcast on where she is now, she enlists the help of Malik, her tattoo artist and best friend, as a fake boyfriend so she doesn't still look so scorned. But what if he's not faking?
This was a wonderful story. I love Cass's spunk and personality, her vulnerability and fearlessness, and her hope. She was well-rounded and full of beauty, even in her stubbornness. Malik was stalwart, faithful, and so supportive. He smoldered in the best way, and I love the way he made any and everything happen for Cass. His devotion was adorable and although she calls him a puppy for his abject adoration, he was a big dog when it was time to be one. Their chemistry and passion wrapped me up; I didn't want to let them go, and I love how honest they were about their feelings.
The confrontation with her past had me worried for Cass, because she was a track star when it came to her emotions, but she proved me wrong and I loved that. Good book.
This was a wonderful story. I love Cass's spunk and personality, her vulnerability and fearlessness, and her hope. She was well-rounded and full of beauty, even in her stubbornness. Malik was stalwart, faithful, and so supportive. He smoldered in the best way, and I love the way he made any and everything happen for Cass. His devotion was adorable and although she calls him a puppy for his abject adoration, he was a big dog when it was time to be one. Their chemistry and passion wrapped me up; I didn't want to let them go, and I love how honest they were about their feelings.
The confrontation with her past had me worried for Cass, because she was a track star when it came to her emotions, but she proved me wrong and I loved that. Good book.
Beautiful Onyx Array: A Queer Black Romance by Aricka Alexander
hopeful
fast-paced
3.0
Onyx and Arya are best friends turned lovers, turned exes, turned friends with benefits. Arya loves Onyx and only wants her, but Onyx is fighting demons and can't commit because of her issues. Can they find a way to be together?
Okay, I will say that Onyx and Arya together were very passionate, and once they got over the hump, were very loving in their relationship. I did like their dynamic, and their connection with each other. I also liked the way Onyx protected Arya, and fought for her happiness.
I will say I didn't care for Onyx only straightening up out of desperation and the fear of someone else, and not for her own reasons. I'll also say that while I enjoyed Maddox's character, I don't really see what he brought to the story. He seemed to be introduced as a person who was going to shift the dynamic between Onyx and Arya but he didn't. And his side story didn't have enough to be interesting. Also, a threesome isn't nearly as sexy when only one person wants it and the other two are just going along to make her happy.
Okay, I will say that Onyx and Arya together were very passionate, and once they got over the hump, were very loving in their relationship. I did like their dynamic, and their connection with each other. I also liked the way Onyx protected Arya, and fought for her happiness.
I will say I didn't care for Onyx only straightening up out of desperation and the fear of someone else, and not for her own reasons. I'll also say that while I enjoyed Maddox's character, I don't really see what he brought to the story. He seemed to be introduced as a person who was going to shift the dynamic between Onyx and Arya but he didn't. And his side story didn't have enough to be interesting. Also, a threesome isn't nearly as sexy when only one person wants it and the other two are just going along to make her happy.
Sunflower by Aricka Alexander
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-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
3.75
Autumn is a single mom, focused on creating a good life with her mom and daughter despite the constant disappointment from her ex. She meets Winter, first as a neighbor, then as her child's teacher, and sparks fly.
This was a solid read. I enjoyed Autumn and Winter. I loved the support of family on both sides, and the way they explored their feelings so readily with one another. Autumn's daughter was adorable and the side plot with her father was emotional and lent some layers to Autumn's story. I liked the progressiveness of the school, and the way Autumn and Winter treated their budding relationship with care. They also had great passion and I enjoyed that.
This was a solid read. I enjoyed Autumn and Winter. I loved the support of family on both sides, and the way they explored their feelings so readily with one another. Autumn's daughter was adorable and the side plot with her father was emotional and lent some layers to Autumn's story. I liked the progressiveness of the school, and the way Autumn and Winter treated their budding relationship with care. They also had great passion and I enjoyed that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Fall Into You by Georgina Kiersten
emotional
hopeful
fast-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? No
3.5
Imari is trying to start a brand new life away from the fiancée she left and her mother's disappointment when she runs into Cassidy, her best friend from childhood. Imari is happy restarting their friendship, but the way Cassidy looks at her makes her think there could be something more... and maybe there always was.
This was a really cute short. I love the plus size representation and Imari's real struggles to come into her own and claim her self-confidence. Cassidy was easy to fall for, and Imari needed easy after what she'd gone through. It was nice seeing them come together and build on their old for something new. I wish they had been a little more developed and I think the writing itself could use some fine tuning, but it was a good, short, story.
This was a really cute short. I love the plus size representation and Imari's real struggles to come into her own and claim her self-confidence. Cassidy was easy to fall for, and Imari needed easy after what she'd gone through. It was nice seeing them come together and build on their old for something new. I wish they had been a little more developed and I think the writing itself could use some fine tuning, but it was a good, short, story.
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.