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scoodle42's reviews
755 reviews
Forever Tru by K.C. Mills
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
Tru is a photographer, hired to a do a last minute job for Cassius Avery, producer extraordinaire. But a rocky beginning has her never really wanting to see him again, despite her attraction. But Cash is just as attracted... and he isn't going away.
I love this book. I love that the characters had so much nuance, so many reasons why they were the people they were. And that the author took the time to let that unfold. They were complicated people, but their love was easy--it's my favorite kind of romance, really. Tru held back, but she had good reason, and going at her pace paid off for her. Cash was focused and intentional without being pushy, and he was honest about every part of his situation. His struggles with loving wholly were felt, but I wish he'd been able to vent some of the resentment for BOTH his parents. His mothers choices were her own, but the way she still clung to Cash made those choices continue to affect him and I wish she would have owned that. His father got off easy considering, but i was happy he was able to be honest after so many years.
Cash making the hard choices for his daughter and laying his cards on the table for his ex were key parts of him that I appreciated as the story went on. Tru's family dynamic was less complicated, but still impactful. It was a nice balance after everything Cash had going on. Dro deserved worse. I love to see controlling men get put in their place. The families joining was a nice touch and I love that they knew it was right and went with it.
This story was unexpected, in the best possible way. It had wonderful pacing, and I was happy Cash and Tru kept it together. It made things balanced. Loved.
I love this book. I love that the characters had so much nuance, so many reasons why they were the people they were. And that the author took the time to let that unfold. They were complicated people, but their love was easy--it's my favorite kind of romance, really. Tru held back, but she had good reason, and going at her pace paid off for her. Cash was focused and intentional without being pushy, and he was honest about every part of his situation. His struggles with loving wholly were felt, but I wish he'd been able to vent some of the resentment for BOTH his parents. His mothers choices were her own, but the way she still clung to Cash made those choices continue to affect him and I wish she would have owned that. His father got off easy considering, but i was happy he was able to be honest after so many years.
Cash making the hard choices for his daughter and laying his cards on the table for his ex were key parts of him that I appreciated as the story went on. Tru's family dynamic was less complicated, but still impactful. It was a nice balance after everything Cash had going on. Dro deserved worse. I love to see controlling men get put in their place. The families joining was a nice touch and I love that they knew it was right and went with it.
This story was unexpected, in the best possible way. It had wonderful pacing, and I was happy Cash and Tru kept it together. It made things balanced. Loved.
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage and Abortion
Her Solid Ground by Shameka S. Erby
- 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
All I See Is You by Nek Mills
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
3.5
3.5 rounded up for Goodreads
Dyson's life was taken from him by his own mother's selfishness and he was sent away. But Aubrie never forgot how he helped her when he could. And now he's home. All he wants is to build a life for himself. But he sees Aubrie again. And he knows she needs to be part of that life.
This was a cute story. Aubrie and Dyson were destined to be in each other's orbit and I loved that. The family drama was big and sometimes overshadowed the romance in this for me, but it was engaging and compelling enough to follow along. I love that she worked with plants and food and it connected back to Xavier and Xander, along with the truck driving. The only thing that stuck in my craw was that it was framed as a marriage of convenience but it didn't really need to be. By the time she needed him as a husband, they had pretty much fallen for each other already. And then they both expressed that they had feelings for each other, and wanted to be together, but after the wedding, Aubrie was still in her head about being his "friend," as though they hadn't already passed that. It was... a little confusing. But it was a cute story, nonetheless.
Dyson's life was taken from him by his own mother's selfishness and he was sent away. But Aubrie never forgot how he helped her when he could. And now he's home. All he wants is to build a life for himself. But he sees Aubrie again. And he knows she needs to be part of that life.
This was a cute story. Aubrie and Dyson were destined to be in each other's orbit and I loved that. The family drama was big and sometimes overshadowed the romance in this for me, but it was engaging and compelling enough to follow along. I love that she worked with plants and food and it connected back to Xavier and Xander, along with the truck driving. The only thing that stuck in my craw was that it was framed as a marriage of convenience but it didn't really need to be. By the time she needed him as a husband, they had pretty much fallen for each other already. And then they both expressed that they had feelings for each other, and wanted to be together, but after the wedding, Aubrie was still in her head about being his "friend," as though they hadn't already passed that. It was... a little confusing. But it was a cute story, nonetheless.
Caught in the Sweetest Yearning by Jade Royal
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Ginger just wants to be able to carry cubs for the man she loves. But after another failed attempt and the ultimate betrayal from him, she's flailing, with no answers to the question of how her animal is turning into something she can barely control, or whether she'll get the family she's always wanted. Enter Gemini, a saber tooth and the last of his kind, who needs a special mate to help him balance his immense power before it kills him.
I loved this book so much. Seeing the personalities of Gemini and Ginger clash and then blend was a great journey. The added twist of cat shifters not giving in to mating was something I didn't expect--why make them fated if they can just refuse? But it played nicely into Ginger's bratty personality and Gemini's need for control. I like that he refused to rush her even when it was hurting him, and how she learned to calm his animal and ease his pain. That was love. The way he indulged her and forced himself to be patient, and the way Ginger claimed her place with him, even when her emotions still had a ways to go made me smile. Ginger charming every one in his life was no less than I expected and the way he protected her at all costs was no less than I expected of him. Great story.
I loved this book so much. Seeing the personalities of Gemini and Ginger clash and then blend was a great journey. The added twist of cat shifters not giving in to mating was something I didn't expect--why make them fated if they can just refuse? But it played nicely into Ginger's bratty personality and Gemini's need for control. I like that he refused to rush her even when it was hurting him, and how she learned to calm his animal and ease his pain. That was love. The way he indulged her and forced himself to be patient, and the way Ginger claimed her place with him, even when her emotions still had a ways to go made me smile. Ginger charming every one in his life was no less than I expected and the way he protected her at all costs was no less than I expected of him. Great story.
Nothing but the Wolf in Me by Nikki Clarke
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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
Valeena is trying to escape her old life by any means necessary. And when she opens her door for an injured wolf she immediately refers to as "Puppy," she has no idea what she's in for. Godwin is an injured shifter, who ends up on Valeena's steps in his wolf form. And now that he knows she's his mate, he knows he has to get her to love the man the way she already loves his wolf.
Valeena and Godwin had chemistry you could see and feel. I love their passion together, the way they rode for each other. Valeena was hard to convince, but with her backstory, you could understand her skepticism. Godwin was as charming as his wolf, and the way he protected Valeena was swoony, even after he knew she didn't exactly need him to. Valeena was tough and bad enough to fight beside her man and I loved that too. Finding out about her latent wolf was a nice twist I didn't see coming and I loved the reunion with her sister.
Valeena and Godwin had chemistry you could see and feel. I love their passion together, the way they rode for each other. Valeena was hard to convince, but with her backstory, you could understand her skepticism. Godwin was as charming as his wolf, and the way he protected Valeena was swoony, even after he knew she didn't exactly need him to. Valeena was tough and bad enough to fight beside her man and I loved that too. Finding out about her latent wolf was a nice twist I didn't see coming and I loved the reunion with her sister.
Gifting Her A Baby by Simone Sims
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
How far would you go in the name of friendship? Davis De La Cruz is about to find out. When he surprises his best friend's widow at her new loft, he's shocked to find her latest project isn't a new art series, but making a baby on her own. When he learns his friend's dying wish was for Davis to be her sperm donor, he finds himself making an unorthodox offer.
Monica Simmons is preparing to spend the holidays holed up in her place picking out potential donors. When Davis surprises her, he not only throws her Christmas plans into wack, but her entire life. Are these new feelings for her close friend just a side effect of the holiday spirt or something even scarier?
Monica Simmons is preparing to spend the holidays holed up in her place picking out potential donors. When Davis surprises her, he not only throws her Christmas plans into wack, but her entire life. Are these new feelings for her close friend just a side effect of the holiday spirt or something even scarier?
For My Wolves by Nikki Clarke
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
Samiah and Cree are as close as close can be. But Cree hasn't gotten his dream world confirmation that Samiah is his true mate so he's afraid to mark her as his, fearing he'll give his all to Samiah and then be fated to someone else. So she leaves, because she's tired of him holding back and she thinks she has a way to fix it. Fari follows, determined to show Samiah he sees and wants her, even if Cree won't.
Okay, fated mates in a poly romance was unexpected but I liked it. I like the push and pull of the three of them, and the way their dynamic felt. I also like how they each had a way of calming the other, tempering the connection between them so that it was just right for all of them. They were very passionate and I appreciated that aspect, as well as the intrigue surrounding Samiah wanting to know more about her wolf genes. Cree's past coming into play made me feel for him, and I gave his character grace once I saw where his fear stemmed from. The instances where the two wolves caught a scent and had to follow were surprising and real and I was worried about their bond with Samiah. That was an interesting plot point for sure. Fari was intense and protective, and Cree was cool and nurturing. It was what Samiah needed, for both her heart and mind to mature.
I knew nothing she was doing would work out the way she wanted and I was frustrated with her youthful stubbornness and recklessness, so that dinged her armor a bit for me. Also, I enjoy poly romances where the participants settle into the dynamicwith confidence, knowing they'll get what they need. And though I liked Fari and Cree, there were too many instances where they had a competitive edge with each other, where they treated Samiah like something to win. I didn't like that. But I enjoyed this book a lot.
Okay, fated mates in a poly romance was unexpected but I liked it. I like the push and pull of the three of them, and the way their dynamic felt. I also like how they each had a way of calming the other, tempering the connection between them so that it was just right for all of them. They were very passionate and I appreciated that aspect, as well as the intrigue surrounding Samiah wanting to know more about her wolf genes. Cree's past coming into play made me feel for him, and I gave his character grace once I saw where his fear stemmed from. The instances where the two wolves caught a scent and had to follow were surprising and real and I was worried about their bond with Samiah. That was an interesting plot point for sure. Fari was intense and protective, and Cree was cool and nurturing. It was what Samiah needed, for both her heart and mind to mature.
I knew nothing she was doing would work out the way she wanted and I was frustrated with her youthful stubbornness and recklessness, so that dinged her armor a bit for me. Also, I enjoy poly romances where the participants settle into the dynamicwith confidence, knowing they'll get what they need. And though I liked Fari and Cree, there were too many instances where they had a competitive edge with each other, where they treated Samiah like something to win. I didn't like that. But I enjoyed this book a lot.
Knight: Barron Family Saga by ML Bash
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
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
Knight Barron wants his arranged marriage to turn into something real. And with his careful treatment of Novalie, it might be possible. But as they're getting to know each other, Casmi enters their lives, broken and trapped. And they both agree she means enough for them to help. But could she mean more?
I love that this is an original concept kind of plot for me. It took elements of things that were very familiar and put them in a whole new way. Knight Barron is definition of a gangster and a gentleman. He did not play about his family. He stood on business with his wife, and kept everyone to the standard he set in terms of respecting her, and made heads roll when necessary. But he was so kind, and soft his women. He tempered himself and opened his heart first, asking Novalie to follow his example instead of demanding her submission. He modeled how he wanted their relationship to be from the start and I loved that.
The story stumbled a tiny bit when the feelings for Casmi came into play but it recovered nicely, and I like that there was room for all three overlapping relationships, as well as the new group dynamic. Casmi's past added a good layer of intrigue and triumph for her character and it was nice to see her come into herself again, and find family. The Barrons are great co-stars in this and I enjoyed the dynamic. Very lovely.
I love that this is an original concept kind of plot for me. It took elements of things that were very familiar and put them in a whole new way. Knight Barron is definition of a gangster and a gentleman. He did not play about his family. He stood on business with his wife, and kept everyone to the standard he set in terms of respecting her, and made heads roll when necessary. But he was so kind, and soft his women. He tempered himself and opened his heart first, asking Novalie to follow his example instead of demanding her submission. He modeled how he wanted their relationship to be from the start and I loved that.
The story stumbled a tiny bit when the feelings for Casmi came into play but it recovered nicely, and I like that there was room for all three overlapping relationships, as well as the new group dynamic. Casmi's past added a good layer of intrigue and triumph for her character and it was nice to see her come into herself again, and find family. The Barrons are great co-stars in this and I enjoyed the dynamic. Very lovely.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Rook: Barron Family Saga by ML Bash
emotional
funny
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
Rook and Bishop are next up to get married, per family rules. At a wedding for someone else, things get out of hand and the groom ends up dead by Rook's hand. To fix the situation, Rook decides to forgo picking his own wife and take the grooms place... in exchange for Bishop getting to choose who he really wants.
Okay, so Rook setting this all in motion for Bishop made me love him. The way he went in for his twin, the way they held each other down was a key favorite in this book. Rook has a bad temper and an even worse mouth--you can guess I loved him the most, lol. I like the way he stood up for himself and made no apologies for who he was or wanted to be. He also stood on business about his wife. He never allowed anyone to disrespect her, and when he was wrong, he pushed back until he got it right. Winnie was a stubborn, hothead, just like her new husband, lol. She had a goal in mind and didn't let anything distract her. I like the chemistry they had, the way they circled each other, and collided in the most passionate way. I also like how there were relatable ups and downs. Because of their beginning, the way wasn't smooth and the author never shied away from that, nor did any of it feel overdone. But the loyalty Winnie was able to inspire in Rook was a great turning point, because it spoke directly to his love language. The drama with Winnie's family was a great emotional piece and Winnie getting to express her anger was top tier. I can't wait to buy the paperback and read it again.
Okay, so Rook setting this all in motion for Bishop made me love him. The way he went in for his twin, the way they held each other down was a key favorite in this book. Rook has a bad temper and an even worse mouth--you can guess I loved him the most, lol. I like the way he stood up for himself and made no apologies for who he was or wanted to be. He also stood on business about his wife. He never allowed anyone to disrespect her, and when he was wrong, he pushed back until he got it right. Winnie was a stubborn, hothead, just like her new husband, lol. She had a goal in mind and didn't let anything distract her. I like the chemistry they had, the way they circled each other, and collided in the most passionate way. I also like how there were relatable ups and downs. Because of their beginning, the way wasn't smooth and the author never shied away from that, nor did any of it feel overdone. But the loyalty Winnie was able to inspire in Rook was a great turning point, because it spoke directly to his love language. The drama with Winnie's family was a great emotional piece and Winnie getting to express her anger was top tier. I can't wait to buy the paperback and read it again.
A Wolf is a Wolf by Nikki Clarke
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Byron has been captured. And though he knows the people who've taken him want to use his shifter biology for evil experimentation, the doctor they've sent in to test and observe him doesn't know that. Or at least, she pretends not to. Byron can't help but hope Aida truly is innocent... because she's his mate. The second one in his lifetime.
I loved this book. Byron was such a grown and sexy character, calm and reassuring, protective and self-aware. Even when things were dire or dangerous, he had full confidence in his wolf and his ability to keep Aida from harm, or avenge her when that wasn't possible. I loved the mood he brought to the story. Aida struggles spoke to my heart, but her commitment to correcting her course and to helping Byron was admirable. I loved that she was a mama bear who growled when she needed to, and that she and her daughter were able to get over their hurdles.
Byron and Aida's passion was explosive and it was my favorite of this series. Byron coming to her in the dream place and showing her physical affection he couldn't in the lab still gave you the satisfaction of seeing their heat. I loved them both getting a second chance at a soulmate. The trip back to the pack surprised me; I wasn't expecting the awkwardness they faced, especially with Byron's son. But he had an explanation and I felt bad for him being fooled. Valeena's attitude stunk and I was glad I read the books in order bc I didn't like her in this one, lol. But I was glad things worked out in the end, even though part of me wanted them to stay where they had the most loving welcome. Aida's past did get a little convoluted for me, but once she revealed all she went through, my heart clenched even more. I felt this one all the way through. Loved it.
I loved this book. Byron was such a grown and sexy character, calm and reassuring, protective and self-aware. Even when things were dire or dangerous, he had full confidence in his wolf and his ability to keep Aida from harm, or avenge her when that wasn't possible. I loved the mood he brought to the story. Aida struggles spoke to my heart, but her commitment to correcting her course and to helping Byron was admirable. I loved that she was a mama bear who growled when she needed to, and that she and her daughter were able to get over their hurdles.
Byron and Aida's passion was explosive and it was my favorite of this series. Byron coming to her in the dream place and showing her physical affection he couldn't in the lab still gave you the satisfaction of seeing their heat. I loved them both getting a second chance at a soulmate. The trip back to the pack surprised me; I wasn't expecting the awkwardness they faced, especially with Byron's son. But he had an explanation and I felt bad for him being fooled. Valeena's attitude stunk and I was glad I read the books in order bc I didn't like her in this one, lol. But I was glad things worked out in the end, even though part of me wanted them to stay where they had the most loving welcome. Aida's past did get a little convoluted for me, but once she revealed all she went through, my heart clenched even more. I felt this one all the way through. Loved it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Forced institutionalization