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shomla_msawesomesaucey's Reviews (185)
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
TW: Rape, misogyny, and explicit content.
I gave this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I listened to the audiobook for this book and thought the narrator did a good job portraying the characters and giving us the atmosphere of the book.
I really enjoyed this book! This is a historical romance so it does have a predictable ending but the HEA was well deserved. This one is about about Maryann, who is deemed a "wallflower" and hasn't found a husband who will love her for who she is and won't put her in a cage and stifle her freedom. Nicholas is a Marquess who is known as a rake but uses his reputation to seek revenge for a childhood love that was wronged. But once they meet and get tangled in each other's business, sparks fly and chemistry ensues.
The chemistry between Maryann and Nicholas is A+! Wow, the interactions between these two were the best parts of the story. Every time these two are on the page together, you can't look away. I thought the progression from attraction to sexual attraction to love was great and I thought it felt natural. The sexual attraction and tension between these two, I felt it! Besides this, I think their relationship progression was great. The way they confided in each other with their secrets and really came to trust and care for one another! I really felt it. Their declarations of love for one another was so sweet too.
I think Stacy Reid is really great at writing emotional scenes and the steamy ones too which is A+. I really for sure read more from her. The tropes in this book are friends to lovers, relationship of convenience, tortured hero, bold girl, brute guy. So if you like any of those tropes, this book is for you!
I gave this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I listened to the audiobook for this book and thought the narrator did a good job portraying the characters and giving us the atmosphere of the book.
I really enjoyed this book! This is a historical romance so it does have a predictable ending but the HEA was well deserved. This one is about about Maryann, who is deemed a "wallflower" and hasn't found a husband who will love her for who she is and won't put her in a cage and stifle her freedom. Nicholas is a Marquess who is known as a rake but uses his reputation to seek revenge for a childhood love that was wronged. But once they meet and get tangled in each other's business, sparks fly and chemistry ensues.
The chemistry between Maryann and Nicholas is A+! Wow, the interactions between these two were the best parts of the story. Every time these two are on the page together, you can't look away. I thought the progression from attraction to sexual attraction to love was great and I thought it felt natural. The sexual attraction and tension between these two, I felt it! Besides this, I think their relationship progression was great. The way they confided in each other with their secrets and really came to trust and care for one another! I really felt it. Their declarations of love for one another was so sweet too.
I think Stacy Reid is really great at writing emotional scenes and the steamy ones too which is A+. I really for sure read more from her. The tropes in this book are friends to lovers, relationship of convenience, tortured hero, bold girl, brute guy. So if you like any of those tropes, this book is for you!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I gave this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Wow, what a way to start off a new series! The characters, the story, the setting! Also, Rick's writing!
I loved that we started right off into the action whereas in the first book of PJ&O, it took us a bit of time to get into it, which is understandable. I think Rick built a trust with his readers and trusts us to get into the story right away. I love that in this book and series it seems, we are diving deeper into the world of PJ&O, along with diving deeper into Greek and some Roman mythology. I love that there are Greek gods and goddesses and their Roman counterparts and it's the same with the demigods.
Our trio for this book are Jason, Piper and Leo. I will say, that Piper is half Cherokee and Leo is Latinx, so I appreciate that we are getting some diversity in our characters. I also appreciate the multiple POVs we get, each for our trio. It really helps to connect with each character and understand their motives and thinking. The depth in which Rick gave each of these characters and the backstories given were amazing. Jason, Piper and Leo each got their own backstory and character arc and it was great. I think there was also more maturity, which is a great progression, in Rick's writing this time. There were topics and elements in this story that were complex and what you wouldn't expect to be discussed based on the previous series. It's a lot more darker and there is much more gravitas in this one. The foreshadowing and plot twists in this one were really great and just made reading this book much more enjoyable.
I also loved that we got to see characters we've been with in PJ&O and we went back to Camp Half Blood! I really missed it there. We also got a new prophecy and a new big bad to deal with. The plot points may be formulaic (go to camp, get a prophecy, get a quest, defeat the bad guy of the book) but I am okay with it because it has become a comfort for me to be in the same type of story settings and whatnot.
I really really enjoyed this start to this new series and a continuation in the world of PJ! It's really awesome and I can't wait to dive into the next books.
Wow, what a way to start off a new series! The characters, the story, the setting! Also, Rick's writing!
I loved that we started right off into the action whereas in the first book of PJ&O, it took us a bit of time to get into it, which is understandable. I think Rick built a trust with his readers and trusts us to get into the story right away. I love that in this book and series it seems, we are diving deeper into the world of PJ&O, along with diving deeper into Greek and some Roman mythology. I love that there are Greek gods and goddesses and their Roman counterparts and it's the same with the demigods.
Our trio for this book are Jason, Piper and Leo. I will say, that Piper is half Cherokee and Leo is Latinx, so I appreciate that we are getting some diversity in our characters. I also appreciate the multiple POVs we get, each for our trio. It really helps to connect with each character and understand their motives and thinking. The depth in which Rick gave each of these characters and the backstories given were amazing. Jason, Piper and Leo each got their own backstory and character arc and it was great. I think there was also more maturity, which is a great progression, in Rick's writing this time. There were topics and elements in this story that were complex and what you wouldn't expect to be discussed based on the previous series. It's a lot more darker and there is much more gravitas in this one. The foreshadowing and plot twists in this one were really great and just made reading this book much more enjoyable.
I also loved that we got to see characters we've been with in PJ&O and we went back to Camp Half Blood! I really missed it there. We also got a new prophecy and a new big bad to deal with. The plot points may be formulaic (go to camp, get a prophecy, get a quest, defeat the bad guy of the book) but I am okay with it because it has become a comfort for me to be in the same type of story settings and whatnot.
I really really enjoyed this start to this new series and a continuation in the world of PJ! It's really awesome and I can't wait to dive into the next books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I am not an own voices reviewer so please check out various Chinese reviewers, bloggers, booktubers and bookstagrammers for a more honest and comprehensive review.
I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
This story is truly an inspirational story for and about immigrant families who have to leave everything in their home country and start anew in a different one. It's especially difficult if the new country's culture and language is completely different than the home country. I totally identified with Mia and her family's struggle with assimilation and learning English because my family immigrated here and had to do the same.
Mia is such an amazing character. The amount of optimism and conviction she has as a 10 year old is super inspiring and how she thought of different ways to help people was so inspiring. This story filled me with such joy and anger at times (due to events in the story), it's so good. I'm so amazed that Kelly Yang could write so much depth and complexities in a story that stars a ten year old! The nuances and takes on racism, prejudice, the immigrant struggle is really on par with what you could expect in a novel targeted towards a young adult audience.
I loved the found family aspect that Mia found with the motel community (weeklies, people who came in and out of the motel, the neighboring businesses, etc). I think this would be such a good read for kids because then they could step in the shoes of their classmates and friends who have gone through the immigrant experience and just open up their minds.
I can't recommend this book enough and I think everyone should read it!
I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
This story is truly an inspirational story for and about immigrant families who have to leave everything in their home country and start anew in a different one. It's especially difficult if the new country's culture and language is completely different than the home country. I totally identified with Mia and her family's struggle with assimilation and learning English because my family immigrated here and had to do the same.
Mia is such an amazing character. The amount of optimism and conviction she has as a 10 year old is super inspiring and how she thought of different ways to help people was so inspiring. This story filled me with such joy and anger at times (due to events in the story), it's so good. I'm so amazed that Kelly Yang could write so much depth and complexities in a story that stars a ten year old! The nuances and takes on racism, prejudice, the immigrant struggle is really on par with what you could expect in a novel targeted towards a young adult audience.
I loved the found family aspect that Mia found with the motel community (weeklies, people who came in and out of the motel, the neighboring businesses, etc). I think this would be such a good read for kids because then they could step in the shoes of their classmates and friends who have gone through the immigrant experience and just open up their minds.
I can't recommend this book enough and I think everyone should read it!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am not an own voices reviewer so please check out various Black reviewers, bloggers, booktubers and bookstagrammers for a more comprehensive and honest review.
I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. This was a fun and cute romance. I thought the main characters chemistry and banter was A+. They were so funny. This one was an enemies turned friends to lovers trope and it was great. I thought the transition between the different phases in the relationship were natural and didn't feel rushed.
So if you like, short cute romances that have feeling and banter and funny moments, this is it!
I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. This was a fun and cute romance. I thought the main characters chemistry and banter was A+. They were so funny. This one was an enemies turned friends to lovers trope and it was great. I thought the transition between the different phases in the relationship were natural and didn't feel rushed.
So if you like, short cute romances that have feeling and banter and funny moments, this is it!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
I am not an own voices reviewer so please check out various Black reviewers, bloggers, booktuber and bookstagrammers for a more comprehensive and honest review.
I have this book a 4.25 out of 5 stars.
I really enjoyed reading this book. What first caught my eye was the title and the cover. Like Black witches? Sign me up! I thought this was a great book that really read like a cozy mystery/paranormal romance. Which in my opinion, is a fantastic combination. I enjoyed the witchy elements, and the mystery elements. I loved that Adrian’s character was part of a paranormal buster duo like Buzzfeed Unsolved. He did remind me of Shane with his skepticism.
I think the strongest part of this story is the budding romance between our main characters, Selene and Adrian. They were so cute together and the chemistry was sizzling! Those kiss scenes were hot! Although, it was insta-lovey at first, their feelings and attraction towards one another built as the story progressed. I loved how Adrian was protective of Selene and defended her to the towns people and how irresistible he found her.
I also enjoyed Noelle’s character who is Selene’s BFF and fellow witch. I loved how she stuck with Selene through and through even if they have their disagreements. I didn’t really enjoy Eddie’s character though because he was pushy and somewhat forcing certain views of his onto Adrian. Also he had an issue with Selene which is an underlying message about racism and how Black women are seen through the lens of White society. Like the town's whole issue with Selene and her family had an underlying tone and message about how White people view Black people (i.e. criminal and evil).
So if you like paranormal interracial romances with Black witches and messages throughout and some fun, this is for you! Can't wait for the sequel!
I have this book a 4.25 out of 5 stars.
I really enjoyed reading this book. What first caught my eye was the title and the cover. Like Black witches? Sign me up! I thought this was a great book that really read like a cozy mystery/paranormal romance. Which in my opinion, is a fantastic combination. I enjoyed the witchy elements, and the mystery elements. I loved that Adrian’s character was part of a paranormal buster duo like Buzzfeed Unsolved. He did remind me of Shane with his skepticism.
I think the strongest part of this story is the budding romance between our main characters, Selene and Adrian. They were so cute together and the chemistry was sizzling! Those kiss scenes were hot! Although, it was insta-lovey at first, their feelings and attraction towards one another built as the story progressed. I loved how Adrian was protective of Selene and defended her to the towns people and how irresistible he found her.
I also enjoyed Noelle’s character who is Selene’s BFF and fellow witch. I loved how she stuck with Selene through and through even if they have their disagreements. I didn’t really enjoy Eddie’s character though because he was pushy and somewhat forcing certain views of his onto Adrian. Also he had an issue with Selene which is an underlying message about racism and how Black women are seen through the lens of White society. Like the town's whole issue with Selene and her family had an underlying tone and message about how White people view Black people (i.e. criminal and evil).
So if you like paranormal interracial romances with Black witches and messages throughout and some fun, this is for you! Can't wait for the sequel!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am not an own voices reviewer so please check out various Chinese reviewers, bloggers, booktubers and bookstagrammers for a more comprehensive and honest review.
I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
Although I do like the story of Romeo & Juliet, that's not what grabbed me about this story. What grabbed me was the idea of disease that stains people with madness, where they claw out their own throat and 1920s era gangsters.
I enjoyed the story, although it was up and down with the pacing and flow of the story. At times, it was fast paced with the action and down when there were lulls in between. I think this story was more plot driven and less character driven and that's why I have rated it 3 stars. I thought the plot was really intriguing and held my interest, which I can't say for a lot of books. And the descriptions of the scenes with gore and the bugs were really great because I was grossed the heck out. I could really imagine and feel what these people were going through when gripped with the "madness" and those bugs sounded nasty!
I'll say for this being a Romeo and Juliet retelling, the romance was the weakest point. There was tension between Roma and Juliette but I don't think the chemistry was there, or at least I didn't feel it. The romance did not grip me as I thought it would have because I usually eat up the forbidden lovers trope and I didn't eat this one up. By the time we get to a climax to this romance, we're 3/4 of the way into the book. I also felt that the build up to the sequel was lack luster. We only get a hint of it in the last two pages of the book which doesn't really excite me for it.
I think the strong parts are the plot, setting, time, the political intrigue and the mystery/thriller element of this madness that is spreading. So if you like those things, I think this book will be for you.
I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
Although I do like the story of Romeo & Juliet, that's not what grabbed me about this story. What grabbed me was the idea of disease that stains people with madness, where they claw out their own throat and 1920s era gangsters.
I enjoyed the story, although it was up and down with the pacing and flow of the story. At times, it was fast paced with the action and down when there were lulls in between. I think this story was more plot driven and less character driven and that's why I have rated it 3 stars. I thought the plot was really intriguing and held my interest, which I can't say for a lot of books. And the descriptions of the scenes with gore and the bugs were really great because I was grossed the heck out. I could really imagine and feel what these people were going through when gripped with the "madness" and those bugs sounded nasty!
I'll say for this being a Romeo and Juliet retelling, the romance was the weakest point. There was tension between Roma and Juliette but I don't think the chemistry was there, or at least I didn't feel it. The romance did not grip me as I thought it would have because I usually eat up the forbidden lovers trope and I didn't eat this one up. By the time we get to a climax to this romance, we're 3/4 of the way into the book. I also felt that the build up to the sequel was lack luster. We only get a hint of it in the last two pages of the book which doesn't really excite me for it.
I think the strong parts are the plot, setting, time, the political intrigue and the mystery/thriller element of this madness that is spreading. So if you like those things, I think this book will be for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Deadnaming, Drug use, Misogyny, Transphobia
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated