shelf_possesed's reviews
54 reviews

Wait For It by Mariana Zapata

emotional funny sad slow-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

This one moves a little slow in places. Hang with it, it's worth it. The author nails the concept of family. 

All the Little Raindrops by Mia Sheridan

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Chills and suspense? Yes, please! I could not put this book down. It was a psychological mindfuck heavy on the Criminal Mind vibes with a hint of Saw. I read it in one day. I got absolutely nothing else done, and I don't regret it.

Hard Nox by Jolie Vines

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

4.0

This one is definitely character driven and on the slow side of medium paced. The characters are well developed, loveable, and realistically imperfect. The plot revolves around the MC's working through their own personal flaws and unique challenges with a focus on trying to figure out who they are and what they want out of life, so they can find their own brand of HEA. Insight is also given into the relationship dynamic of minor characters who are the focus of later books. I typically prefer reads that are plot forward and edgy, but if you are looking for sweet with complex characters and a side of spice, you will probably enjoy this series. I recommend reading in order. 

Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills

dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Raw, emotional, and beautiful. I couldn't put it down. 

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for cover art and stamped edges, so I had high hopes going in. I made it through Part I. The character list is extensive. Diversity takes center stage. Depth was sacrificed in an effort to check all the boxes. World building and story structure need some work. The exposition should be over and done by the end of Part I, but it's still unclear what Graves wants Kierse to steal.

Letters to Molly by Devney Perry

emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.0

I read this one in a day. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great book, but it's emotionally draining. I didn't want to put it down because I was afraid I wouldn't pick it back up. 

Some marriages are healthy. Some marriages are toxic. Some start out healthy but can become toxic for any number of reasons. Molly and Finn were destined to go the distance until life happened. A family tragedy, the pressures of building a business, and the responsibilities of homeownership and parenting led to a breakdown in communication which spiraled into resentment, distrust, and disrespect that bordered on emotional abuse. 

As much as I loved their story, in real life, this would have been one that  probably wouldn't have recovered. There is never one thing or event that ends a relationship. It's a progression that causes the foundation to crumble under the weight of all the baggage that has been heaped on top of it. Sometimes  that baggage is just too much or too damaging to unpack without professional help. If both aren't committed to working through it and saving what's left with the intention of building a stronger marriage, it's time to let go altogether or form a different type of relationship. 

Six years is a stretch. Six months would have been more realistic. I thought Perry did an amazing job breaking it down and connecting the dots, but the ending was a Hail Mary. 

The Birthday List by Devney Perry

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Perry never disappoints. Cole and Poppy's story is a sweet one with all the feels. It's sad, but also reflective and full of hope. Jimmy and Randall add some much needed and well-timed comic relief. Grumpy Old Men starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon has nothing on those two.

Firefly Effect by K.K. Allen

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Driftwood Daffodil by T.L. Hodel

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Beware! This trilogy isn't complete, so if you are a binge reader like me, you may want to wait. I'm typically not into bully romances but it's plot forward with complex, morally gray characters that you will either love to hate or hate to love. I want to be Nova when I grow up. There were times when her sarcastic, dry humor and her ZFG attitude had me ROFL. The pages turn themselves. I would have given it 5 stars, but it truly needs another round of editing.

The Devil Wears Black by L.J. Shen

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

The second chance romance is my least favorite of all tropes., but I loved this one. If not for the heaviness of the subject matter, I would call it a rom-com. Great character development and humor made a difficult topic light and bearable. I can always depend on this author for top-tier writing and a fresh spin on classic tropes.