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sleepy_bookworm's reviews
183 reviews
It Hurts Me by Penelope Sky
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
I had high hopes that this book would be better written than the first three, because the third one actually wasn't too bad. However, I cannot force myself to read any further. Life is too short to read books we don't enjoy, and unlike the others, I find myself not caring about the plot or what happens to the mfc. I have another book from this author on my tbr that I will try at one point, but this whole series is a no for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
mysterious
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
4.0
This was a completely new genre for me and I am not disappointed. I really liked the tie in to present day and how her POV wrapped it all up in the end, though it might not have been entirely necessary. I loved the themes of feminine empowerment, friendship, and independence. There was a slight mystery aspect to the book, but I don't think I'd consider it a historical mystery by any means. I feel like the word "tincture" was used wayyyy too often.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder
Moderate: Miscarriage, Death of parent
Minor: Pedophilia, Suicide
Mountain Boss by S.J. Tilly
emotional
funny
fast-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
Another great book from S. J. Tilly! I really wanted to punch Sterling in the face in the beginning of the book. He really came around, and the character growth on both ends was great to see. There were times I wanted to cry along with Courtney. There is a very light stalking theme but I wouldn't really call it a stalker romance. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Body shaming, Stalking, Abandonment
Stone Cold Hearted by Adaline Winters
dark
emotional
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 loved this book so much, either just as much or more than the last one. Hunter was amazing helping Ellie come out of her shell. Ellie was amazing period. She was so strong, and I absolutely loved her bluntness throughout the book. I'm so excited there will be another book in this series. I feel like it might be Mark x Rose but I'm also hoping Jonathan gets his own story at some point. I think there's a lot to unpack there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny, Trafficking, Stalking
Minor: Rape, Suicide attempt
Riding the Pine by Lasairiona McMaster
emotional
medium-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
5.0
I love Athena, I love Scott, and the entire de la Peña family. The character development for Scott and Athena was pretty good.
There is a very graphic rape scene in this book, if that is a trigger for you, please take the warning seriously. I thought I was going to get bothered and have to stop reading, but I didn't. I almost cried, but I knowing that characters thoughts throughout to and with less of a focus on the physical things being done, it was okay (though that is still brought up).
I love the found family aspect of this book for Scott and I loved that everyone rallied around each other. I'm wondering if we will get an Artemis book, maybe in a different series? If I could change anything, I would change that the bi characters always have someone else brought in the bedroom with them. Like yes I love the openness of the characters and it's portrayed really well, ethical non-monogamy is great! However, there are those of us bi people who are in relationships who don't feel like we are "missing out" by not being with a different gender than the one we are currently partnered with. That's just my two cents on the topic though.
There is a very graphic rape scene in this book, if that is a trigger for you, please take the warning seriously. I thought I was going to get bothered and have to stop reading, but I didn't. I almost cried, but I knowing that characters thoughts throughout to and with less of a focus on the physical things being done, it was okay (though that is still brought up).
I love the found family aspect of this book for Scott and I loved that everyone rallied around each other. I'm wondering if we will get an Artemis book, maybe in a different series? If I could change anything, I would change that the bi characters always have someone else brought in the bedroom with them. Like yes I love the openness of the characters and it's portrayed really well, ethical non-monogamy is great! However, there are those of us bi people who are in relationships who don't feel like we are "missing out" by not being with a different gender than the one we are currently partnered with. That's just my two cents on the topic though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Vomit
Minor: Infidelity
Vipers and Virtuosos by Sav R. Miller
dark
emotional
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
I really want to love Aiden James but some of the stuff he did was kind of irredeemable to me. Like sure I get it, heat of the moment, he didn't have specific information, yadda yadda.
However, he literally SA'd Riley - even if she "liked it" because her body reacted. It feels like so many SA survivors are discredited because their body made them react a certain way. She even said no at one point. That gave me the ick. Also the whole lotion thing?? What the f. Idk maybe I'm too much of a stickler for consent in dark romances.
I did like the suspense aspect of it but it felt like that plot point kinda flowed in and out and wasn't really a constant like your expect from a more traditional romantic suspense. I did like the relationship between Riley and Boyd growing, and I loved Fiona as a side character. I would have loved to have had more details on the Caleb situation because that feels like it was concluded really abruptly behind the scenes. Overall this was an enjoyable story, but there were some things I could not get past.
I did like the suspense aspect of it but it felt like that plot point kinda flowed in and out and wasn't really a constant like your expect from a more traditional romantic suspense. I did like the relationship between Riley and Boyd growing, and I loved Fiona as a side character. I would have loved to have had more details on the Caleb situation because that feels like it was concluded really abruptly behind the scenes. Overall this was an enjoyable story, but there were some things I could not get past.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Stalking
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt
Minor: Drug abuse, Abandonment
It Ruins Me by Penelope Sky
dark
tense
fast-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
Okay so this book has probably been the best in the series so far. There is still awkward dialogue, but Scarlett actually had somewhat of an inner monologue and that was nice to see. She also had a spine and character development. I'm not sure if we see much character development from Axel. Maybe a bit with his rage, but I think he's pretty true to himself throughout the first three books. I'm under the impression the next books are about a different couple, so hopefully the momentum of each book improving stays!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Violence, Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy
It Breaks Me by Penelope Sky
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I can't decide if I like this series. It definitely has enough plot to keep me intrigued, and this book was better than the first. The dialogue is still awkward in places and Scarlett is kind of naive. I guess if you live a sheltered life that's what happens though. I don't know. Let's see what book 3 has in store.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Alcohol
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Infidelity, Murder
It Kills Me by Penelope Sky
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The dialogue was so awkward but after a time it grew on me. It's still odd and really repetitive at times. I hated Scarlett's dad but I know I'm supposed to so that's fine. Scarlett lacks an internal monologue that consists of her own thoughts and feelings until basically the end of the book. At least we got to see some depth from Axel.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, so I will read the next one. I'm told they get better as they go, which I hope is the case because this story has a lot of potential. Overall, it did keep me entertained despite my annoyance at parts of it.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, so I will read the next one. I'm told they get better as they go, which I hope is the case because this story has a lot of potential. Overall, it did keep me entertained despite my annoyance at parts of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence
Minor: Rape
Business Casual by B.K. Borison
funny
lighthearted
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 freaking love Charlie. I love him so much and I am so mad that he had to feel the things he felt. His character development was amazing though and I'm so happy he had Inglewild and the entire Porter family behind him.
Nova also had her fair share of character development and that was awesome to see too. I really enjoyed getting to know both of these characters better. Also the ADHD and migraine rep was great. Also note, the toxic relationship is not between main characters.
I will miss Inglewild and seeing all the characters there, but I am so happy I went on this journey.
Nova also had her fair share of character development and that was awesome to see too. I really enjoyed getting to know both of these characters better. Also the ADHD and migraine rep was great. Also note, the toxic relationship is not between main characters.
I will miss Inglewild and seeing all the characters there, but I am so happy I went on this journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Chronic illness, Mental illness