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scoodle42's reviews
755 reviews
Like I Want You by Shantaé
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-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? No
3.75
Kia and Jrue meet and immediately rub each other the wrong way. But part of it is this physical attraction they can't shake. So they decide to work out their annoyance with a FWB arrangement, only it's not so easy keeping their emotions out of it.
I liked this story. Kia was a successful woman, who was simply trying to find someone to be vulnerable with and shielded herself when it proved to be too hurtful. Jrue was a man surrounded by love, but also the pain that humans inflict in the name of love and so he wanted no parts. Guarded meets nonchalant and the result is two people who couldn't stop being affected if they wanted to. It was a pretty well written fall from denial into love and I was interested almost the entire time. The book had a good supporting cast and the MCs really developed in a way that seemed realistic and grounded. I appreciated their arcs and the way they opened up from when the book started. Their rhythm was so easy and it felt good to be a part of it. I like the strides Jrue was able to make with his family and Kia's commitment to getting back to herself.
I will say that though the banter was nice, I wasn't sold on their chemistry the whole time. In some places, Jrue was a little too rude for me and Kia's animosity seemed misplaced and very jarring. The third act dragged a bit and by the time Kia was running scared I was expecting it. Also, the side plot with her ex went on entirely too long. I just didn't understand the author's need to have that hang on. But it rounded out okay. Good read.
I liked this story. Kia was a successful woman, who was simply trying to find someone to be vulnerable with and shielded herself when it proved to be too hurtful. Jrue was a man surrounded by love, but also the pain that humans inflict in the name of love and so he wanted no parts. Guarded meets nonchalant and the result is two people who couldn't stop being affected if they wanted to. It was a pretty well written fall from denial into love and I was interested almost the entire time. The book had a good supporting cast and the MCs really developed in a way that seemed realistic and grounded. I appreciated their arcs and the way they opened up from when the book started. Their rhythm was so easy and it felt good to be a part of it. I like the strides Jrue was able to make with his family and Kia's commitment to getting back to herself.
I will say that though the banter was nice, I wasn't sold on their chemistry the whole time. In some places, Jrue was a little too rude for me and Kia's animosity seemed misplaced and very jarring. The third act dragged a bit and by the time Kia was running scared I was expecting it. Also, the side plot with her ex went on entirely too long. I just didn't understand the author's need to have that hang on. But it rounded out okay. Good read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Death of parent
Forever My Lady by Olivia Linden
emotional
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
3.25
Chelle and Remy were young lovers who imagined forever. But a misunderstanding tore them apart. Now their college friend group is getting together for a wedding, and it might be time for them to have it out, after all these years.
I love when stories connect to music. That was my favorite part of this. Taking that walk down memory lane with so much music that I knew was fun. Chelle and Remy were pretty cute. I like their chemistry, and their banter. I like the way they took care of each other. Their passion was pretty nice. And I love the way their story continued after the wedding weekend so you could see how they settled into life together. Dredging up the past was no fun but they did it, to get to something much better. The reunion was pretty nice. It was front loaded with flashbacks but it was enough to let you know what was going on, and then the present was the focus. That balance was key.
I will say the friend group felt awkward for me. I know there are going to be more hookups, but I didn't vibe with them like I thought I would. Also, the side story with Chelle's ex was a bit of confusion for me. She makes it clear she's not getting back with him, but also spends the weekend acting like she's considering it, and then seems to feel a way when his situation comes to light. but if this is a man you don't want, why do you care? That vexed me. Seemed unnecessary, like it was just for ego stroke. But mostly, I enjoyed this. See you in the next one.
I love when stories connect to music. That was my favorite part of this. Taking that walk down memory lane with so much music that I knew was fun. Chelle and Remy were pretty cute. I like their chemistry, and their banter. I like the way they took care of each other. Their passion was pretty nice. And I love the way their story continued after the wedding weekend so you could see how they settled into life together. Dredging up the past was no fun but they did it, to get to something much better. The reunion was pretty nice. It was front loaded with flashbacks but it was enough to let you know what was going on, and then the present was the focus. That balance was key.
I will say the friend group felt awkward for me. I know there are going to be more hookups, but I didn't vibe with them like I thought I would. Also, the side story with Chelle's ex was a bit of confusion for me. She makes it clear she's not getting back with him, but also spends the weekend acting like she's considering it, and then seems to feel a way when his situation comes to light. but if this is a man you don't want, why do you care? That vexed me. Seemed unnecessary, like it was just for ego stroke. But mostly, I enjoyed this. See you in the next one.
Capone III by Jahquel J.
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Erin is a bus driver, trying to raise her teenage brother after her parents die tragically in a murder-suicide. She doesn't have time for anything but making sure he's okay. But then she runs into a childhood love, and get swept away by his brother-in-law, Capone Delgato. And the rollercoaster begins.
So I'm going to hide this for spoilers because I'm putting the same review in all three installments of this book. I like Capone and his ways. He's tough, but still fair. Very self-aware and very together. But can get unhinged when he needs to. He's a good father and devoted to his brother and the business. I love how Erin makes a way. She was a nag, like older sisters can be, but in a good way. I like that she cared for her brother the way she did. The two of them together are funny and wild. Their passion is great and i love the way Capone made Erin's family his and rode for them. Erin had her stubborn moments but she couldn't deny where she was loved and protected and I like that too. I like the alopecia and chronic illness rep although it didn't seem to serve any real purpose in terms of the character development. Sometimes it felt like something just thrown in and you couldn't see where it contributed to their nuance as individuals or even how it affected their love and the way they performed love. It would have been nice to have more tie-in. Although the issues with the pregnancy and their baby having Down's Syndrome felt like something that gave the story solid emotional weight, and their feelings about it were written well.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Capone II by Jahquel J.
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Erin is a bus driver, trying to raise her teenage brother after her parents die tragically in a murder-suicide. She doesn't have time for anything but making sure he's okay. But then she runs into a childhood love, and get swept away by his brother-in-law, Capone Delgato. And the rollercoaster begins.
So I'm going to hide this for spoilers because I'm putting the same review in all three installments of this book. I like Capone and his ways. He's tough, but still fair. Very self-aware and very together. But can get unhinged when he needs to. He's a good father and devoted to his brother and the business. I love how Erin makes a way. She was a nag, like older sisters can be, but in a good way. I like that she cared for her brother the way she did. The two of them together are funny and wild. Their passion is great and i love the way Capone made Erin's family his and rode for them. Erin had her stubborn moments but she couldn't deny where she was loved and protected and I like that too. I like the alopecia and chronic illness rep although it didn't seem to serve any real purpose in terms of the character development. Sometimes it felt like something just thrown in and you couldn't see where it contributed to their nuance as individuals or even how it affected their love and the way they performed love. It would have been nice to have more tie-in. Although the issues with the pregnancy and their baby having Down's Syndrome felt like something that gave the story solid emotional weight, and their feelings about it were written well.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Capone by Jahquel J.
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.0
Erin is a bus driver, trying to raise her teenage brother after her parents die tragically in a murder-suicide. She doesn't have time for anything but making sure he's okay. But then she runs into a childhood love, and get swept away by his brother-in-law, Capone Delgato. And the rollercoaster begins.
So I'm going to hide this for spoilers because I'm putting the same review in all three installments of this book. I like Capone and his ways. He's tough, but still fair. Very self-aware and very together. But can get unhinged when he needs to. He's a good father and devoted to his brother and the business. I love how Erin makes a way. She was a nag, like older sisters can be, but in a good way. I like that she cared for her brother the way she did. The two of them together are funny and wild. Their passion is great and i love the way Capone made Erin's family his and rode for them. Erin had her stubborn moments but she couldn't deny where she was loved and protected and I like that too. I like the alopecia and chronic illness rep although it didn't seem to serve any real purpose in terms of the character development. Sometimes it felt like something just thrown in and you couldn't see where it contributed to their nuance as individuals or even how it affected their love and the way they performed love. It would have been nice to have more tie-in. Although the issues with the pregnancy and their baby having Down's Syndrome felt like something that gave the story solid emotional weight, and their feelings about it were written well.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Jaiden's loss of Joi and the baby was another solid storyline that added to the plt without taking too much attention away. Jaiden's growth as a character was pretty great as well. And the way things wrapped with him killing Timmy was a nicely done piece of the story arc. Ella's story started as something relevant and good addition, but just became an annoyance for me after a while. And between Ella and Tash's constant presence, Capone's insistence on not getting into women's business was a flimsy excuse for letting someone knowingly play your sister. That took him down in my estimation. Cappadonna too, for having Naheim's back and not his own sister's. That confused and annoyed me. It took away from who the author made the brothers out to be.
The war and the street shit they were fighting was enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat and it rounded out in a nice way. There was a lot going on, but not so much you couldn't keep track and you knew who you were rooting for. I will say there got to be too many POVs for me after a while, but I like that I didn't see any of the cliffhangers coming. Also, while I know it made for great drama, Naheim and Capri's side story was boring and kinda predictable. They took up like a third of book three and after a while I didn't care, about them or Kincaid. They were all moving reckless and so sloppy and I gave them all the side eye mostly.
Overall, not a bad series. I don't know if I want to take the ride with Cappadonna though. This was a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Death of parent
Contains drug dealing, street wars and violent retaliation
Inflamed In His Love by Tay Mo'Nae
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Tripp is a fireman who needs a nanny. Brylee is a daycare teacher whose school burned down in a fire so she needs a job. But what happens when it turns into more?
This was such a sweet story. I love a fireman romance, and a nanny romance, lol. Tripp was written really well--he was a man with a lot on his plate and he balanced well. He was dependable and giving, even when it could cost him. He dealt with a lot but he handled it like an adult and took responsibility for his choices. I love when he stopped holding back with Brylee and reached for his own happiness. His relationship with his daughter was super cute and gave all the feels, and I loved his funny and supportive family. Brylee was made for mothering and I love how that showed. She was soft and sweet, but still willing to stand up for herself and her feelings. I like how she lived her life on her terms. Her past with her parents was a tough once, but she was able to wade through and I loved how she never apologized for feeling her feelings.
Brylee and Tripp together were great and the chemistry was there. I love the way they connected and the passion was written fully and well.
I did have some issues with the way addiction was spoken of and treated in the book--some of the language made me a tad uncomfortable. Addiction is so much more complex than what we can write sometimes. I would have loved to see more nuance in those conversations. And I really would have loved to see Tripp get some help or support for his codependency; it's not just addicts who need to quit. Overall, a good read.
This was such a sweet story. I love a fireman romance, and a nanny romance, lol. Tripp was written really well--he was a man with a lot on his plate and he balanced well. He was dependable and giving, even when it could cost him. He dealt with a lot but he handled it like an adult and took responsibility for his choices. I love when he stopped holding back with Brylee and reached for his own happiness. His relationship with his daughter was super cute and gave all the feels, and I loved his funny and supportive family. Brylee was made for mothering and I love how that showed. She was soft and sweet, but still willing to stand up for herself and her feelings. I like how she lived her life on her terms. Her past with her parents was a tough once, but she was able to wade through and I loved how she never apologized for feeling her feelings.
Brylee and Tripp together were great and the chemistry was there. I love the way they connected and the passion was written fully and well.
I did have some issues with the way addiction was spoken of and treated in the book--some of the language made me a tad uncomfortable. Addiction is so much more complex than what we can write sometimes. I would have loved to see more nuance in those conversations. And I really would have loved to see Tripp get some help or support for his codependency; it's not just addicts who need to quit. Overall, a good read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse and Abandonment
And Then There Was Passion by Asia Monique
challenging
emotional
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
June Hanson meets Calix Moore in a bar and has an unforgettable one night stand. Two months later, even after a fake name and an agreement to never seeing each other again, he's back in her life, at her distillery, with the same look in his eyes. But this time, he won't be so easy to get rid of.
Calix and June were as beautiful a love story as I've ever read. It was so soft, and so warm. It wrapped around you, it held you. It was amazing. The writing was smooth, almost velvety, but still intense when it needed to be. I love the way Asia explores tough topics in an intentional and careful way. You feel the emotion you're supposed to feel, but you're not overwhelmed by it. June is a warrior, a fierce protector of others, who doesn't want to be seen as a burden and I think it's a personality Black women can relate to and connect with. Calix was made to be her soft place to land. He was faithful to what he felt for her, even when he thought he wouldn't have her again. The two of them were honest with each other always, and I love how the author added the moments when even though they were honest, they felt like lying would be easier--it helped to humanize them and give them nuance. June's past and Calix's willingness to be her shield captured my heart. He was romance personified, because romance is about paying attention and he always saw the things June found it hard to admit. And she was the affection and reassurance that he could do the things he was so unsure of. The way they protected one another was my favorite part. He was safety, and she was love.
The families were written so well, and I was eager for them to mix and give each other more. I loved the glimpses of August and his life with Couri, but this story was firmly about June and I was happy about that.
Added to this romance, June and Calix were sexy and very passionate in the best of ways. They brought out the best in each other, and I love that he was a good enough lover that June could let go. It makes for the best heat. June and Calix drifted into my heart, and it'll be a while before I let them go.
Calix and June were as beautiful a love story as I've ever read. It was so soft, and so warm. It wrapped around you, it held you. It was amazing. The writing was smooth, almost velvety, but still intense when it needed to be. I love the way Asia explores tough topics in an intentional and careful way. You feel the emotion you're supposed to feel, but you're not overwhelmed by it. June is a warrior, a fierce protector of others, who doesn't want to be seen as a burden and I think it's a personality Black women can relate to and connect with. Calix was made to be her soft place to land. He was faithful to what he felt for her, even when he thought he wouldn't have her again. The two of them were honest with each other always, and I love how the author added the moments when even though they were honest, they felt like lying would be easier--it helped to humanize them and give them nuance. June's past and Calix's willingness to be her shield captured my heart. He was romance personified, because romance is about paying attention and he always saw the things June found it hard to admit. And she was the affection and reassurance that he could do the things he was so unsure of. The way they protected one another was my favorite part. He was safety, and she was love.
The families were written so well, and I was eager for them to mix and give each other more. I loved the glimpses of August and his life with Couri, but this story was firmly about June and I was happy about that.
Added to this romance, June and Calix were sexy and very passionate in the best of ways. They brought out the best in each other, and I love that he was a good enough lover that June could let go. It makes for the best heat. June and Calix drifted into my heart, and it'll be a while before I let them go.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse and Death of parent
The Perfection of a Moment by Kimberly Brown
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Hiram and Ximena have a serendipitous meeting in the park, thanks to her dog Homer and the sparks are instant. Can you meet your soulmate on a whim?
This was a smooth and easy love story, where you got experience the couple in full and I loved every second of it. This book was engaging, captivating, and just plain good. The way you could feel and sense the chemistry is a testament to the author's amazing pen and storytelling ability. I love that this book took me on a journey with them. Two artists, showing each other the parts the rest of the world don't see, and falling deeper with every reveal. I love that Ximena was a dog mommy and then they became a family, lol. Hiram's constant support and encouragement gave me so many emotions, and Ximena's humor and heart were the stars of the show. The supporting cast was great--KB knows how to write a loving family. I love how Hiram and Ximena took their time, but still didn't hold back. They made space for one another and it was patient and intentional. Oh, and the Jareau cameo was nice too. Wonderful book.
This was a smooth and easy love story, where you got experience the couple in full and I loved every second of it. This book was engaging, captivating, and just plain good. The way you could feel and sense the chemistry is a testament to the author's amazing pen and storytelling ability. I love that this book took me on a journey with them. Two artists, showing each other the parts the rest of the world don't see, and falling deeper with every reveal. I love that Ximena was a dog mommy and then they became a family, lol. Hiram's constant support and encouragement gave me so many emotions, and Ximena's humor and heart were the stars of the show. The supporting cast was great--KB knows how to write a loving family. I love how Hiram and Ximena took their time, but still didn't hold back. They made space for one another and it was patient and intentional. Oh, and the Jareau cameo was nice too. Wonderful book.
Savor Me by ShanicexLola
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
5.0
Daevon and Nijea are gamers who follow each other's social media and unbeknownst to each other, both are harboring a secret crush. When Daevon says he's sending the weekend in her city, Nijea gets brave and offers to show him around. But Daevon surprises her with plans of his own.
This was such a cute story. Very sweet, but rooted in something we all recognize. I love the gamer aspect and the way the two of them really paid attention to each other. Daevon following her Twitter and doing the things she liked was a great date idea and I love when a man shows initiative. Nijea was a great character, reaching for her goals and independent to a fault, but accepting help with grace and embracing her family's love. I love that Daevon had just as big a crush on her as she had on him and saw her as the one to be cherished and sought after. They were pretty sexy too. I also loved how the story ended on a HEA that was real, with them navigating the long distance, but committed to staying together. Such a sweet story.
This was such a cute story. Very sweet, but rooted in something we all recognize. I love the gamer aspect and the way the two of them really paid attention to each other. Daevon following her Twitter and doing the things she liked was a great date idea and I love when a man shows initiative. Nijea was a great character, reaching for her goals and independent to a fault, but accepting help with grace and embracing her family's love. I love that Daevon had just as big a crush on her as she had on him and saw her as the one to be cherished and sought after. They were pretty sexy too. I also loved how the story ended on a HEA that was real, with them navigating the long distance, but committed to staying together. Such a sweet story.
Elevator Pitch by Evelyn Leigh
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-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
4.25
Selah is piecing her life back together after leaving an abusive relationship and using the SoulBlend app to find fun, casual dating partners to complete her list of new experiences. Then she meets her neighbor Greyson, owner and developer of SoulBlend who, after a failed marriage, believes in happily ever after for everyone else, but not for himself. And the two meet in an elevator, and the spark is instant.
This was a very sexy, sometimes irreverent, good time. It was so super cute and very fun. Selah is neurodivergent and risk averse, but so brave and so very aware. I loved her spirit, loved how playful and quirky she was. Her fears were real, and easy to understand and I loved to see her make strides. Greyson was the stuff book boyfriends are made of. Not just fine and smooth with his delivery, but self-aware and pretty emotionally intelligent. Watching him rebuild his faith in himself was very enjoyable. He falls first, it's very obvious and he is down bad--him and his dog, lol. I loved them blending families with their pets. The banter was really great. The book had short chapters and a really rhythmic cadence so it was an easy read. Selah and Greyson peeled back layers and I love how they got to know each other, learned each other, and fell into a comfortable routine with each other. I love the glimpses of Greyson's culture, and that the author provided a key. I also loved Selah's love of music and how it was so deeply personal to her. The incorporation of family and friends was pretty well done.
This book was super hot and Greyson's Dom energy paired with Selah's bratty personality was so good. I like the passion between them and love that it was so potent, and believable. They were overdosing on "good girl" just a tiny bit, but I still loved the way they connected physically. The edging, and the use of toys showed diversity in the sex scenes--I enjoyed that. And I enjoyed watching them fall apart for each other. The way Greyson fed her desires, indulged her, and kept himself unselfish was beautiful. I also love the way he was eager to learn from her; a good man knows what he doesn't know.
I will say that the internal monologues were sometimes a bit of a ramble, and there were places where I thought the showing vs. telling was off (places where the conversation was described instead of just writing the actual dialogue). Also, while I enjoyed the steady normalness that Greyson's friends offered, Selah's friend group sometimes felt like the author was trying too hard to make them "quirky,' or "eccentric." I didn't really vibe with them. Also, for Selah to be so risk averse and working so hard to create boundaries, her insistence on continuing to date (or at least using the app to date) seemed counterintuitive considering she wasn't having fun, and kept getting treated poorly. I found myself wondering why she bothered. The only other point of contention was the "fake girlfriend" angle for Greyson's ex's wedding. At that point, they were actively seeing each other. I didn't understand why they defined it as a "fake" date when they were actually dating. That part didn't make sense.
Overall, I enjoyed this so much and I love Selah and Greyson. Good job. Thank you to the author and Good Girls PR for the ARC and the opportunity to review
This was a very sexy, sometimes irreverent, good time. It was so super cute and very fun. Selah is neurodivergent and risk averse, but so brave and so very aware. I loved her spirit, loved how playful and quirky she was. Her fears were real, and easy to understand and I loved to see her make strides. Greyson was the stuff book boyfriends are made of. Not just fine and smooth with his delivery, but self-aware and pretty emotionally intelligent. Watching him rebuild his faith in himself was very enjoyable. He falls first, it's very obvious and he is down bad--him and his dog, lol. I loved them blending families with their pets. The banter was really great. The book had short chapters and a really rhythmic cadence so it was an easy read. Selah and Greyson peeled back layers and I love how they got to know each other, learned each other, and fell into a comfortable routine with each other. I love the glimpses of Greyson's culture, and that the author provided a key. I also loved Selah's love of music and how it was so deeply personal to her. The incorporation of family and friends was pretty well done.
This book was super hot and Greyson's Dom energy paired with Selah's bratty personality was so good. I like the passion between them and love that it was so potent, and believable. They were overdosing on "good girl" just a tiny bit, but I still loved the way they connected physically. The edging, and the use of toys showed diversity in the sex scenes--I enjoyed that. And I enjoyed watching them fall apart for each other. The way Greyson fed her desires, indulged her, and kept himself unselfish was beautiful. I also love the way he was eager to learn from her; a good man knows what he doesn't know.
I will say that the internal monologues were sometimes a bit of a ramble, and there were places where I thought the showing vs. telling was off (places where the conversation was described instead of just writing the actual dialogue). Also, while I enjoyed the steady normalness that Greyson's friends offered, Selah's friend group sometimes felt like the author was trying too hard to make them "quirky,' or "eccentric." I didn't really vibe with them. Also, for Selah to be so risk averse and working so hard to create boundaries, her insistence on continuing to date (or at least using the app to date) seemed counterintuitive considering she wasn't having fun, and kept getting treated poorly. I found myself wondering why she bothered. The only other point of contention was the "fake girlfriend" angle for Greyson's ex's wedding. At that point, they were actively seeing each other. I didn't understand why they defined it as a "fake" date when they were actually dating. That part didn't make sense.
Overall, I enjoyed this so much and I love Selah and Greyson. Good job. Thank you to the author and Good Girls PR for the ARC and the opportunity to review