shanaetheflyest's reviews
784 reviews

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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? Yes

3.75

After really enjoying The Neighbor Favor, I just knew I had to read the second book in the series, The Partner Plot. I preordered this book so fast!

I was very excited to read about Violet and Xavier. The Partner Plot starts off very strong and Kristina Forest does a great job at capturing the love between the two characters. And she does a great job and showing that love grow. But her character development is the highlight of the book to me.

Watching Xavier go from overly confident teenage basketball protege to small town English teacher made me feel immensely for the character, for his dream deferred. The way Forest depicts Violet grappling with heartache, desire and work-life balance while living her dream is…ah, chef’s kiss. Soooo relatable. I also really appreciated the chemistry between Xavier and Violet. Kristina Forest does a great job with these romance novels. I love the sisters.

In the middle, before Xavier and Violet really get back together, I found myself just reading to finish the book, it was a little boring. And I feel that the confession and ending were rushed. So, to me, it’s not quite a 4 star book but very close.

I am excited for book 3 in the series and want to know more about Iris and Angel. I think that one will be a lot of fun.

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Jardel by A.H. Cunningham

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challenging dark emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.25

I've read a little bit of A.H. Cunningham's work, specifically, Alight, Plié, and A Turn In the Air. From her books, three things are very clear: A.H. Cunningham cares deeply for her characters, takes her stories seriously, and is determined to write the most diverse characters in erotica/romance today. Nothing about her stories is stereotypical or normal. She manages to take some of the most complex intimate interpersonal issues and make them easy to digest, understand and relate to. I appreciate Cunningham so much for this.

Now, onto my review of Jardel. Cunningham maintains her commitment to depicting characters of the African Diaspora in unique and sentimental ways. Building from the world created with Wicked Moves, we learn more about Sal's brothers, specifically Jardel and the love of his life, Solange.

I had no idea what to expect based on the synopsis and a significant portion of the book, at 25 or 30% is a bit mysterious - you're not sure what Jardel is keeping from Solange and vice versa. However, once we get over that hurdle, it is smooth sailing. We get progressive characters, a good storyline, and lots of spice!

I really enjoyed Jardel, here is one of my favorite quotes from Jardel in the book:

I know I'm not easy, but I want you in my life, and I know you've never asked me to change, but I want to adjust. For me. Because I deserve growth, and we belong to each other.

The love story that blooms between Jardel and Solange is summed up in this quote:

"Watching her was like stepping outside to my garden under the setting sun after a grueling day, being in complete peace and tranquility in my element.

While Cunningham manages to portray the FMC, Solange, who desires ethical non-monogamy (ENM) as submissive in many ways to her "alpha" partner, Jardel, with quotes, like, "There was a time to push and a time to yield...", Cunningham still portrays her as a self-assured, progressive, woman who acknowledges "I shouldn't and wouldn't forget the power I had..."

If you're looking for an emotional erotic romance, I highly recommend Jardel. The story is beautifully written with well-developed and diverse characters that are sure to open your mind up about interpersonal relationships, therapy, finding solace, and authenticity in relationships.

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A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

I just finished A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. When I read the last words on the page of acknowledgements, I closed the book and held it to my chest.

What an incredible journey? What a magnificent story?

My little reader heart is so full.

Immediately Tia Williams pulls you into the story and you want nothing but the best for the FMC, Ricki Wilde. Then she takes you on a different journey and you're hopeful for the MMC Ezra. Through the pages, Williams unfurls a magical tale of love and loss that you just cannot put down.

About 40% into the story, readers learn that Ricki and Ezra have so much in common and one quote really sums it up:

"I'm afraid that I don't belong anywhere. Do you ever feel like that?"
"Every day," he admitted. "I look like something I'm not. And I never feel at home."

Ricki struggling to define herself outside of her family's daunting legacy. Ezra struggling to create a legacy for himself, despite losing his entire family. Two beautiful people looking for home.

Williams doesn't just rest on the fact that A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is just a fantastical story. No no no. She just has to make you feel it with every bit of your being with the most beautiful writing I've ever seen in a romance novel. Ezra is the ideal MMC:

Contemplatively, Ezra slowly ran his fingers along his jaw. "You live as long as I do, you think you've felt all the feelings, seen everything there is to see. It's hard to be surprised. But, Ricki, I've never experienced anything like you. You knock me senseless."

"For a long time, i thought I knew what my calling was. My grand purpose. But when I met Ricki, I knew I was wrong. I was a fool, thinking I was born to do anything grander than loving her."

I mean...what?!

But just when you think A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is all heavy feelings and flowery language, it gets really funny, too. Ezra's puns, Ricki's random facts, Ms. Della's sense of humor, and, even, Tuesday - they're all hoots.

The characters have so much depth, are so well written, and are incredibly diverse. For the entire 340 page ride, you find yourself rooting for everyone's success. And in the end, with the epilogue, which is just so perfect, you find that everything works out perfectly.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is beautiful, captivating, thought-provoking and emotionally charged. This might possibly be the best romance novel I've ever read and, somehow, it manages to top Seven Days In June, which I thought was spectacular. Tia Williams has become a must-read author for me. Her work is just getting better and better.

Content Warnings

Dear Vicky by Octavia Grant

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.

Seems like you have to suspend reality to believe this book, which is unfortunate because the synopsis was realistic...enough. I try to read at least 30% of a book before deciding to bail on it. This one just barely made the cut off. The obsessive character is there, his manic behaviors are there, but something about the book was too off putting for me. I'm not taking in this kind of drama and negativity.

Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get From Where You Are to Where You Want To Be by Tunde Oyeneyin

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

I do not use Peloton and I have zero interest in any cycling classes. But my book club, comprised of me and my two best friends, decided to read Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get From Where You Are to Where You Want To Be. I went in blindly, knowing nothing about Tunde Oyeneyin.

I love memoirs, they're one of my favorite types of books. As a memoir, Speak is strong, well-written, and easy to digest. As a self-help guide, Speak is insightful and relatable. I learned a lot from Tunde Oyeneyin and I've been very inspired by her journey, from fitness to managing loss and grief to her thoughts on love and relationships.

I recommend Speak to everyone who enjoys memoirs, self-help books, and tales of growth from individuals who overcome a lot to achieve greatness.

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A Justified Love Affair: A Billionaire Baby Romance Spin-Off by Kimberly Brown

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emotional funny hopeful relaxing 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? Yes

4.25

I wasn’t crazy about The Expiration Date, the first book featuring the characters in A Justified Love Affair, but it’s a Kimberly Brown book, so I had to read it.

I actually enjoyed A Justified Love Affair way more than the other Billionaire Baby book by Brown. I could feel the chemistry between Racine and Emmanuel, the story made more sense to me, and I really liked Emmanuel as a MMC.

Even though there’s pregnancy drama, side chicks, and lots of cheating, the story between the FMC and MMC is sweet and romantic. I really enjoyed the story.

Content Warnings

The Expiration Date by Kimberly Brown

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The Expiration Date by Kimberly Brown is a funny second chance surprise baby billionaire romance story with a HFN ending. Now, I am not a big fan of surprise baby trope, but a second chance romance will get me every time, so I took the chance on this one. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MMC, Sully, and the FMC, Audrey, until Audrey’s pregnancy but I think it added to the overall story as well as the character development of both the MMC, who falls quickly, and the FMC, who is the love em and leave em type. The characters are diverse and likable, there is not much triggering drama, and the storytelling is good. This is a nice relaxing read.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Content Warnings

Loving a Legend by Jaimsss P.

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 82%.

DNF'd at 80% in.

I was really enjoying Loving A Legend and then the MMC, Aaron's long lost sister showed up at his barbershop the same day that he and the FMC, Crissy, finally got together. And it has been downhill ever since. I am not sure why a character like Aaron would want a long-lost sister or would've been open to having permanent custody of a sibling he did not know. Especially when you consider that the MMC is a product of rape.

As the book progressed, I failed to feel the connection between the FMC and MMC. The author did a better job of describing the couple as a pair of pining lovers, but as an actual intimate couple, everything fell flat. Even though I've made it so far in the book and I'd usually finish reading at this point, I've lost all interest in the story and the characters.

Content Warnings

Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control by Ryan Holiday

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4.0

Bookmarked by Bella Jay

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I wasn't quite sure what to expect of Bookmarked by Bella Jay. I recently read 12:01 by the author and was so impressed that I figured I should delve into the rest of her catalog.

While I thought the synopsis left quite a bit to my imagination, it definitely hooked me. I am glad that I read Bookmarked, but there are a few things about the book that left me disappointed.

I'll start with my likes:

I could literally feel the chemistry between the FMC, Brooklin, and the MMC, Elgin.
The storyline was very realistic.
The spice was off the charts - it wasn't 12:01 levels, but very close.
Despite her lack of communication skills, I really liked the FMC.
The MMC was a great book bae.
The book is very funny, I found myself smiling throughout the book.

Now, for my dislikes:

I hate when the biggest problem in a romance novel is a lack of communication, it gets so frustrating to read.
Though the characters are diverse, not stereotypical in any way, and I did find them likable, I do not think there was enough character development for me.
While I did not expect a happy ending, the author makes it clear that there will not be one, I don't feel we got an ending at all with the constant calls for a "sequel" between the two characters and the FMC's move to Barcelona. There was an unnecessary cliffhanger to me.
The main problem in the book centers the FMC's feelings of self-doubt and lack of knowledge of self, you get to about 70% in the book before it becomes clear that this is the reason for the divorce, which is very frustrating.
The FMC has serious issues that are not explored and are obvious to the reader -- how could her intimate partner not see them?

All in all, I think that Bookmarked is a beautiful love story about what happens when a woman does not take the time to find herself before committing to someone or something else. Bookmarked is sad but charming, handling some really serious issues about self-image, self-love, growth, and development in Black female characters (a subject all too often ignored in romance novels).

I really enjoyed Bookmarked and am still impressed by Bella Jay's writing. If you're looking for a spicy book featuring a book nerd and a funny MMC, I highly recommend Bookmarked.

Content Warnings

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shanaetheflyest's reviews 784 reviews

shanaetheflyest's reviews
784 reviews