Take a photo of a barcode or cover
sleepy_bookworm's reviews
186 reviews
Keres by Sadie Kincaid
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? It's complicated
4.5
I'm so sad I'm done reading about the Moretti's! Keres was such a rollercoaster. Be sure to check your TWs on this one, it covers some heavy stuff (not that the other books didn't). I really loved the character development Keres went through and her relationship with her men. I also liked, as always with this series, that the broody men's icy exteriors melt. I had mixed feels about our main characters through much of the book, but it is such a good story and every action from the characters has a purpose, even if I didn't always like it. I loved this series and will continue reading works from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Kidnapping, Murder
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual violence, Trafficking, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement
Risk by Briana Michaels
fast-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
I was waiting for a third act break up and it didn't happen!!!! That will always give a book a super high rating for me. I loved Mason and Leah. The family drama was so real. I also loved that there was no gross shaming of Leah/her jobs from Mason or his friends. We love sex positive main characters! All in all I really appreciated the books in this series. The focus on different kinks in each book was so good. Also, potential spoiler of you want to go in blind: this book's kink is voyeurism/exhibitionism
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Classism
Lorenzo by Sadie Kincaid
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This might be my favorite book from this series. Sadie Kincaid ripped my heart out, put it back together, then ripped it out again before giving an HEA and it was an amazing ride. The book deals with some difficult topics so definitely check the TWs but I love Mia and Lorenzo's love. I was skeptical about this book at first since we met Anya in the previous two books, but gosh this book was so well done. Mia is an amazing character and the author did great describing Lorenzo's emotions (even if he was too stubborn to admit them to himself at times). I would rate this one higher than 5 stars if possible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault
Minor: Rape, Violence, Pregnancy
Broken Bayou by Jennifer Moorhead
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow, wow, wow!!
First of all, this author did an amazing job. I never would have guessed this was her debut novel. Secondly, the twists in this book!!! If I didn't have a job and other adult responsibilities I could have easily devoured this book in one day. There was never a point where I wanted to stop reading. I'm also impressed with how much psychology knowledge was in this book, as a psych major and current school psychologist I appreciated the accuracy. Also the deep dives into character traumas?? This author 10000% knows what she's doing. All the characters were so well-rounded. I'm so glad I picked this book as one of my Amazon First Reads. I definitely recommend this book and am excited to see what else the author comes up with!
First of all, this author did an amazing job. I never would have guessed this was her debut novel. Secondly, the twists in this book!!! If I didn't have a job and other adult responsibilities I could have easily devoured this book in one day. There was never a point where I wanted to stop reading. I'm also impressed with how much psychology knowledge was in this book, as a psych major and current school psychologist I appreciated the accuracy. Also the deep dives into character traumas?? This author 10000% knows what she's doing. All the characters were so well-rounded. I'm so glad I picked this book as one of my Amazon First Reads. I definitely recommend this book and am excited to see what else the author comes up with!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Gun violence, Self harm
Minor: Suicide, Death of parent
Obey by Lasairiona Lewis
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 think I'd be hard pressed to find a book by this author I didn't love. The responsible kink, the strong female lead, the whole storyline, it was all *chef's kiss.*
I loved Talia's character development and that we got to see her relationship with her parents evolve. I love how sweet and soft Jagger was with her even though he was a "grumpasauras" to the outside world. I think these two will have a special place in my heart for a long time. Also, do yourselves a favor and read the bonus scene 🥵
I loved Talia's character development and that we got to see her relationship with her parents evolve. I love how sweet and soft Jagger was with her even though he was a "grumpasauras" to the outside world. I think these two will have a special place in my heart for a long time. Also, do yourselves a favor and read the bonus scene 🥵
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Death, Grief
Not What She Seems by Yasmin Angoe
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book had a ton of inner monologue and took until about 40% to really get into the nitty gritty of the mysteries. There were multiple mysteries in this book but all of them had pretty predictable endings except for one or two events that could be considered shocking to some. I stuck with this book because the plot moved along enough to keep me interested in what would happen to 30% (my typical dnf mark if I'm not feeling a book). I wouldn't recommend this one to anyone seeking a mystery/thriller. Also, the mother of the main character had more character development than the main character herself. She had virtually none throughout the book. Very meh overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Suicide, Grief
Minor: Domestic abuse
Joey by Sadie Kincaid
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
We love a book with a strong female lead! Joey gives her brother's a run for their money and I'm freaking here for it. I had mixed feelings about her in Dante, but after reading her story I have nothing but respect for the Mafia Queen.
As far as character development, Joey's was the best. I didn't feel like Max had too much, he mostly stayed the same. I do think Dante went through some and maybe even Loz but I don't really know much about him to say for sure. In Joey and Dante's book he seems stoic but a "go with the flow" guy at the same time.
There is a plot twist in this book and a scene that had my heart racing, but there is an HEA as promised. I'm looking forward to reading about Lorenzo and learning more about the man of few words and grumpy looks.
As far as character development, Joey's was the best. I didn't feel like Max had too much, he mostly stayed the same. I do think Dante went through some and maybe even Loz but I don't really know much about him to say for sure. In Joey and Dante's book he seems stoic but a "go with the flow" guy at the same time.
There is a plot twist in this book and a scene that had my heart racing, but there is an HEA as promised. I'm looking forward to reading about Lorenzo and learning more about the man of few words and grumpy looks.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer
Stay by Briana Michaels
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a very cute, fun, fast read! If you love a low angst second chance romance this one's for you! It's also filled with kinks! It did leave me wanting to know more about Reid and what his deal is though - even though he's a very minor character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Control by Lasairiona Lewis
emotional
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
Lasairiona never disappoints. After reading Two for Boarding I was so excited to dive into the Protocol series and I want to devour more of her writing!!! Especially about kink!! This book has been by far one of the best represations of BDSM and kink dynamics I have read. While it is obviously not a "how to" manual by any means, it is the realest I think one could get from a work of fiction and I appreciate that so much.
Thor was everything you could ever want in a Dom, Adi was such a great character as well. I also loved being introduced to other characters in the Protocol world, and of course seeing Austin and Kenzie come back - I'm curious if we will see them throughout the series.
In the beginning the author notes to pretend we haven't read Austin and Kenzie's book because somethings may not add up. However, I didn't have that feeling at all. I'm not sure if it's because it has been a while since I read Two for Boarding or what, but nothing egregious stood out to me, and I enjoyed their roles in this story. 15/10 would recommend. Onto the next!
Thor was everything you could ever want in a Dom, Adi was such a great character as well. I also loved being introduced to other characters in the Protocol world, and of course seeing Austin and Kenzie come back - I'm curious if we will see them throughout the series.
In the beginning the author notes to pretend we haven't read Austin and Kenzie's book because somethings may not add up. However, I didn't have that feeling at all. I'm not sure if it's because it has been a while since I read Two for Boarding or what, but nothing egregious stood out to me, and I enjoyed their roles in this story. 15/10 would recommend. Onto the next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual harassment
Twisted Lies by Ana Huang
dark
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
5.0
First of all, I love that we have a character with anxiety. I feel like Stella portrayed a representation of it so accurately. Secondly, I was so nervous to start this book because of my feelings toward Twisted Hate. However, I am happy to say this is probably my favorite book in the series next to Twisted Love. I really enjoyed the mystery aspects in this story as well. I'm looking forward to reading Dante's story in King of Wrath.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Kidnapping, Stalking, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness, Violence, Murder
Minor: Suicide, Dementia, Pregnancy