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shanaetheflyest's reviews
831 reviews
Accidental Arrangements by Alexandra Warren
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn’t really like Accidental Arrangements because the story was far too long and drawn out for no reason, the characters were stereotypical, and the characters weren’t likable at all. The FMC, Jules, was manic with her mood swings and it made her challenging to root for. Because I didn’t like her, I didn’t want her to win and it made me want to bail on this story multiple times. There was also a lot of internal dialogue that I found myself skimming.
The real story is the MMC, Levi’s sister Lily and Levi’s agent Damien. But we didn’t get that story.
The real story is the MMC, Levi’s sister Lily and Levi’s agent Damien. But we didn’t get that story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
The Perfection of a Moment by Kimberly Brown
This quote sums up the vibe of The Perfection of a Moment by Kimberly Brown. As usual there is positive representation of the African Diaspora, her characters are always empowered, educated, family oriented, and community-driven. In some of the Jareau Family books, Brown deals with very heavy subject matter and she has even written what I would consider dark romances. So, if you've read her books before and that's what you're used to from her, The Perfection of a Moment is the exacttt opposite. There is no drama, no fighting, no difficult subject matter - it's just a beautiful love story and I really enjoyed it. The story of Ximena and Hiram is one that I am certain I will remember.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? N/A
5.0
Ximena has my full and undivided attention. I'm not perfect, but she'll always get the best parts of me.
This quote sums up the vibe of The Perfection of a Moment by Kimberly Brown. As usual there is positive representation of the African Diaspora, her characters are always empowered, educated, family oriented, and community-driven. In some of the Jareau Family books, Brown deals with very heavy subject matter and she has even written what I would consider dark romances. So, if you've read her books before and that's what you're used to from her, The Perfection of a Moment is the exacttt opposite. There is no drama, no fighting, no difficult subject matter - it's just a beautiful love story and I really enjoyed it. The story of Ximena and Hiram is one that I am certain I will remember.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
I Could Fall in Love by Kimberly Brown
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
4.0
I enjoyed Kimberly Brown's I Could Fall In Love.
In I Could Fall In Love, we meet Lavish Chamberlin celebrating her divorce in New Orleans, LA. Lavish, who grew up in foster care, is celebrating her freedom after an abusive marriage to the world's worst husband when she meets a billionaire's playboy son, Mitchell Keonig. Mitchell's life is mostly meaningless - he runs businesses he isn't too passionate about and is just looking for his next hookup. Mitchell is in New Orleans partying away his own troubles - his sick father, Xavier, has threatened to write him out of his will if Mitchell doesn't get married. Something in Lavish calls out to Mitchell and he is immediately drawn to her. After getting to know one another, they realize they both could benefit from a marriage of convenience with a little forced proximity.
So begins the whirlwind romance with ups and downs and challenges only two people attracted to one another yet bound by a contract could endure.
The characters are well developed and the story, though relatively short, is full of engaging twists, some totally unexpected. Kimberly Brown takes you on a fun and emotional ride that wraps up so nicely. One of my favorite things about Kimberly Brown's books is that she does a good job at writing complex characters and she tells sensitive stories with so much care.
I highly recommend I Could Fall In Love.
In I Could Fall In Love, we meet Lavish Chamberlin celebrating her divorce in New Orleans, LA. Lavish, who grew up in foster care, is celebrating her freedom after an abusive marriage to the world's worst husband when she meets a billionaire's playboy son, Mitchell Keonig. Mitchell's life is mostly meaningless - he runs businesses he isn't too passionate about and is just looking for his next hookup. Mitchell is in New Orleans partying away his own troubles - his sick father, Xavier, has threatened to write him out of his will if Mitchell doesn't get married. Something in Lavish calls out to Mitchell and he is immediately drawn to her. After getting to know one another, they realize they both could benefit from a marriage of convenience with a little forced proximity.
So begins the whirlwind romance with ups and downs and challenges only two people attracted to one another yet bound by a contract could endure.
The characters are well developed and the story, though relatively short, is full of engaging twists, some totally unexpected. Kimberly Brown takes you on a fun and emotional ride that wraps up so nicely. One of my favorite things about Kimberly Brown's books is that she does a good job at writing complex characters and she tells sensitive stories with so much care.
I highly recommend I Could Fall In Love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Misogyny, Rape, Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Love Me As I Am: A Billionaire/BBW Love Story by Robin
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Love Me As I Am by Robin could be a lot better than it actually is. When you get beyond the continuity errors and weird misogyny, from a female writer no less, there's an interesting story there. However, I just don't feel that the author put much into the book.
We meet Lonii, a BBW who's used to men loving her in private but being ashamed of her in public. Lonii doesn't care though, after she gets her heart broken for the last time, Lonii decides to focus on herself and level up. When she gets the opportunity to work as a full-time live-in nanny for the rich and attractive Chief Prince, get a six-figure salary, and move into his palace outside of the city, Lonii takes it - no questions asked. But her decision makes an frenemy out of her closest cousin, Khema, and best friend Nina. As she becomes engrossed in her job, falling in love with the Prince children and getting closer to their billionaire father, Chief, Lonii gets more than just her dream job...she gets a new lease on life.
There were a few twists thrown into the story but I'm not confident that they really added anything aside from making the characters stereotypes. I understand that this is urban romance, but that doesn't mean the characters have to be underdeveloped or stereotypical without any real resolution.
All in all, Love Me As I Am is a quick read that I'd recommend to anyone who really loves urban lit.
Spice: 🥵🥵
We meet Lonii, a BBW who's used to men loving her in private but being ashamed of her in public. Lonii doesn't care though, after she gets her heart broken for the last time, Lonii decides to focus on herself and level up. When she gets the opportunity to work as a full-time live-in nanny for the rich and attractive Chief Prince, get a six-figure salary, and move into his palace outside of the city, Lonii takes it - no questions asked. But her decision makes an frenemy out of her closest cousin, Khema, and best friend Nina. As she becomes engrossed in her job, falling in love with the Prince children and getting closer to their billionaire father, Chief, Lonii gets more than just her dream job...she gets a new lease on life.
There were a few twists thrown into the story but I'm not confident that they really added anything aside from making the characters stereotypes. I understand that this is urban romance, but that doesn't mean the characters have to be underdeveloped or stereotypical without any real resolution.
All in all, Love Me As I Am is a quick read that I'd recommend to anyone who really loves urban lit.
Spice: 🥵🥵
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gun violence, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
Holding Back the Years by Kasha Thompson
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.75
Holding Back the Years starts off kinda slow for me but as a new fan of Kasha Thompson’s books, Figure of Speech and Sight Unseen are amazing, I decided to stick with it believing that it would pick up.
I didn’t know where the story of Seraphina and August would take me as a reader but in the end I was pleasantly surprised by the characters, their development, and the story in general.
While I wasn’t sold on the chemistry between Seraphina and August, the secondary story connecting the two was really interesting and kept me hooked.
I recommend Holding Back the Years for anyone looking for a good read with some funny moments.
Spice: 🥵🥵
I didn’t know where the story of Seraphina and August would take me as a reader but in the end I was pleasantly surprised by the characters, their development, and the story in general.
While I wasn’t sold on the chemistry between Seraphina and August, the secondary story connecting the two was really interesting and kept me hooked.
I recommend Holding Back the Years for anyone looking for a good read with some funny moments.
Spice: 🥵🥵
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Terminal illness, and Dementia
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, and War
Love's Neutral Zone by Love Belvin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Boring and I hate the writing.
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
4.75
In This Could Be Us (TCBU), book 2 of Kennedy Ryan’s “Skyland Series,” we meet Soledad Barnes, super mom from Before I Let Go (BILG) book 1 of the series.
In TCBU, Soledad goes through a phenomenal change to become a true powerhouse.
Where BILG, is about trusting a past version of yourself to prepare you for your future, TCBU is about creating a new version of yourself to move beyond past versions of yourself and trusting that new version to carry you into your future.
At the heart of it all, TCBU has two great love stories: the FMC’s love of herself and the blossoming relationship between the FMC and MMC.
Diverse and beautifully written, This Could Be Us is hopeful and inspiring and challenging. Kennedy Ryan has done it again.
In TCBU, Soledad goes through a phenomenal change to become a true powerhouse.
Where BILG, is about trusting a past version of yourself to prepare you for your future, TCBU is about creating a new version of yourself to move beyond past versions of yourself and trusting that new version to carry you into your future.
At the heart of it all, TCBU has two great love stories: the FMC’s love of herself and the blossoming relationship between the FMC and MMC.
Diverse and beautifully written, This Could Be Us is hopeful and inspiring and challenging. Kennedy Ryan has done it again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Minor: Cancer, Confinement, Infidelity, Racism, Terminal illness, Medical content, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity and Sexual content
Jardel by A.H. Cunningham
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:
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Emotional abuse, Grief, Alcohol, and Deportation
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
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:
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.
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:
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
Graphic: Grief and Abandonment
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical content, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Addiction, Chronic illness, Infertility, Miscarriage, Racism, Self harm, Suicide, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail