shelf_possesed's reviews
54 reviews

Brutal Ambition by Sam Mariano

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

Didn't love it. Didn't hate it. The FMC was a pushover, but the plot had a few surprises that I didn't see coming. 

I'll Be Seeing You by E.A. Buckingham-Young

dark emotional 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

This book is exactly what I look for in romantic suspense. No complaints. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

Red Kingdom by Rachel L. Demeter

adventurous dark emotional 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

I love a good retelling, and this one did not disappoint. There are elements of the fairytale woven into a fresh plot with rich character development. The chemistry between the MFC and the MMC leads to an attraction that is forbidden but undeniable. It's a delicious slow burn, so don't expect the spice to singe the pages from beginning to end. It's definitely plot forward. Demeter is a talented storyteller. I enjoyed every page.

The Art of Awkward Affection by Alina Jacobs

funny lighthearted 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

If you are looking for a lighthearted, rom-com with good character development and enough plot to hold it together, you can't go wrong with this one. 

Caged by Clarissa Wild

dark slow-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

2.5

I almost DNF'd this one multiple times. The plot derailed at about 60% and never made it back onto the tracks. Some research into law enforcement procedures and the court system would have kept my eyes from rolling back in my head. 

The Wildflower by J.L. Beck

dark medium-paced

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

3.0

This one was a missed opportunity. The end of the first book should have been the push Bel needed to bury the bookworm and grow a pair. There were hints throughout that promised more but her actions were still that of a dependent and submissive woman who craved respect and equality in her relationship but was too scared to break the cycle and channel her inner badass. Instead of a "wildflower," she was more of a shrinking violet. 

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

adventurous 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? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

WTF did I just read? I'm going to have to let the words marinate for a bit before I answer that question. Penelope Douglas is a master storyteller. Her plots are always fresh, edgy, and tense with more than a few surprises. The pages turn themselves. There were a few scenes that I felt were unnecessary and one where my eyes nearly rolled back in my head (Yeah Penelope, I'm talking about the sauna), but it wouldn't be a Penelope Douglas without a little shock and awe thrown in with the spice. I truly hate it when I figure out the plot three chapters in. I never have to worry about that with this author. As long as she keeps writing them, I will keep reading them, even if I have to skim through a little ick.

Darling Venom by Parker S. Huntington

dark emotional 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

5.0

This is by far my favorite read this year. It has all the feels. Having had a SIL who committed suicide, I almost DNF'd it a few chapters in. I am so glad that I didn't. Yes, it's a raw and emotional look at the devastation left in the wake of tragedy, but it also takes a deep dive into the beauty of forgiveness. Between the stages of grief, there's well-timed humor sprinkled among the pages. Connections are made and bonds are strengthened. Reflection leads to growth, healing, gratitude, and hope for those left to pick up the pieces. 

Sinful Vows by Lilian Harris

dark emotional medium-paced

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

2.0

I am surprised that I didn't DNF this one. I was all set up for dark, tense, and emotional, but it just couldn't deliver. Strong start. Weak finish. The shock and horror of the subject matter was out of sync with the character and plot development. Not a fan.

The Wolf in the Watchtower by Sue Wilder

adventurous dark emotional 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? It's complicated

4.5

I loved this book! The author weaves strands from popular myths and legends into the story to build a mysterious fantasy world shrouded in secrecy and veiled from humans. It's medium paced with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers intrigued. There is a deep connection between the MFC and the MMC that is present. Their relationship is complicated. It is epic in nature and remains mostly unexplored, at least during the first book, so if you are looking for more spice than plot, this one isn't for you.

The FMC, Noa, believes herself to be flawed and damaged beyond repair. Without a wolf, she has been living in the human world, isolated and left without the protection of a pack. She knows there is something powerful that inhabits the wolf-shaped void inside her and fears it. Stalked by an unknown source and plagued by visions, she hopes to find sanctuary on lands controlled by her grandfather's pack. Not knowing what she is or what she is capable of leads to conflict and growing suspicion among members. The MMC is Grayson. As the pack's Alpha, he recognizes her power and the potential for it to be weaponized by those who would exploit it. To protect his pack, he offers her his protection in exchange for her loyalty and cooperation. 

Like all good fantasies, there is a quest with all the adventure and excitement to go along with it. The first book ends in a cliffhanger. I would have appreciated reading more from Grayson's POV, thus the 4.5 instead of 5.0, but I can't wait to read the second one.