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so_many_books's reviews
837 reviews
Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Cry Wolf by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-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
5.0
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
Thrown to the Wolves by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love Cooper and Oliver's story. The way it grows through the series is kidna perfect, and I fell in love with these too over and over again.
Thrown to the Wolves challenges Cooper and Oliver's relationship on a brand new level. So far, we get to see them fall for each other, we get to see Ollie meeting Cooper's family, and now it's time to dig into Ollie's past and meet his wolf family.
To say the least, Cooper is nervous.
The book amazingly shows Cooper's insecurities and also implicitly Oliver's, too, through this grave and peaceful visit turned crazy adventure.
Because obviously Cooper cannot enter a new place without stepping right in the middle of a dramatic mystery (that usually includes murder).
The plot is wonderfully built with twists and turns and high stake situations. There is also an underlying plot of emotional and relationship growth for our MC and his love interest.
The murder mystery is intriguing and keeps the reader guessing. You can try to solve the mystery, but it's not easy with all the hidden agendas of several parties.
Cooper navigating the myriad of personalities that is the Park pack is admirable. Especially that his welcome is not the warmest as the human mate of Olliver.
We also finally get a glimpse into who Olliver was when he was still part of the pack. It's dark and hearttouching, but it also builds the trust between Cooper and him once he's brave enough to reveal it.
I could rave about this series forever, so I'm going to stop here. Trust me, the plot and character development are so worth it.
The audiobook narration is awesome!
Thrown to the Wolves challenges Cooper and Oliver's relationship on a brand new level. So far, we get to see them fall for each other, we get to see Ollie meeting Cooper's family, and now it's time to dig into Ollie's past and meet his wolf family.
To say the least, Cooper is nervous.
The book amazingly shows Cooper's insecurities and also implicitly Oliver's, too, through this grave and peaceful visit turned crazy adventure.
Because obviously Cooper cannot enter a new place without stepping right in the middle of a dramatic mystery (that usually includes murder).
The plot is wonderfully built with twists and turns and high stake situations. There is also an underlying plot of emotional and relationship growth for our MC and his love interest.
The murder mystery is intriguing and keeps the reader guessing. You can try to solve the mystery, but it's not easy with all the hidden agendas of several parties.
Cooper navigating the myriad of personalities that is the Park pack is admirable. Especially that his welcome is not the warmest as the human mate of Olliver.
We also finally get a glimpse into who Olliver was when he was still part of the pack. It's dark and hearttouching, but it also builds the trust between Cooper and him once he's brave enough to reveal it.
I could rave about this series forever, so I'm going to stop here. Trust me, the plot and character development are so worth it.
The audiobook narration is awesome!
The Wolf at Bay by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? No
5.0
The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I've been trying to come up with a meaningful review, but I can only say that this book, along with the whole series, is the most perfect paranormal/urban fantasy/murder mystery I've read in a long while. I can only compare it to TJ Klune's Green Creek series, and just because of the wolves.
The Wolf at the Door is an exciting, angsty, suspenseful mystery with wolf shifters, a slightly awkward agent and his temporary partner who happens to be a wolf shifter himself. The story is engaging and captivating. The characters are far from perfect but very very lovable and fun. The mystery is definitely mysterious and we are kept on our toes the whole time. The world building is slow but it suits the story (throughout the whole series).
Copper might be one of my favourite main characters. He's a complex person with heavy and substantial baggage, a chip on his shoulder, and an urge to prove himself competent and useful. But he's also smart, quick-thinking and a lot reckless. He's interpersonal skills are not the best and he's attmpts at romance need some work. Yet, I couldn't help but adore him.
Along with Oliver Park, his wolf shifter partner, they make an unlikely but very efficient (well, mostly) pair of investigators. Even though their friendship starts out haltingly because they're the first human-shifter partnership. And also because of Copper's mistrust, the bureau's mistreatment of wolves and their fledgling attraction.
Without spoiling anything, I just want to say that this is a really well-written book and series and it's definitely on my regular re-read list.
The narrator took a little but of getting used to, just because he's talking a bit faster than usual. However, I ended up liking him a lot.
The Wolf at the Door is an exciting, angsty, suspenseful mystery with wolf shifters, a slightly awkward agent and his temporary partner who happens to be a wolf shifter himself. The story is engaging and captivating. The characters are far from perfect but very very lovable and fun. The mystery is definitely mysterious and we are kept on our toes the whole time. The world building is slow but it suits the story (throughout the whole series).
Copper might be one of my favourite main characters. He's a complex person with heavy and substantial baggage, a chip on his shoulder, and an urge to prove himself competent and useful. But he's also smart, quick-thinking and a lot reckless. He's interpersonal skills are not the best and he's attmpts at romance need some work. Yet, I couldn't help but adore him.
Along with Oliver Park, his wolf shifter partner, they make an unlikely but very efficient (well, mostly) pair of investigators. Even though their friendship starts out haltingly because they're the first human-shifter partnership. And also because of Copper's mistrust, the bureau's mistreatment of wolves and their fledgling attraction.
Without spoiling anything, I just want to say that this is a really well-written book and series and it's definitely on my regular re-read list.
The narrator took a little but of getting used to, just because he's talking a bit faster than usual. However, I ended up liking him a lot.
Dead Serious Halloween edition by Vawn Cassidy
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This short halloween story for the Dead Serious series is just what I need after finishing the series. Our beloved characters are all here for a Halloween adventure, which is rather different than we're used to.
Letting loose a bunch of fairytale creatures in Whitchapel is not in Tristan's plans for Chan's Halloween party, but it does end up happening through a large, heavy and ancient book.
After that, chaos ensues and everyone needs to get involved to save Tristan and Aiden.
I loved this little snippet. It's a great transition to the author's new series which I can't wait to read.
Letting loose a bunch of fairytale creatures in Whitchapel is not in Tristan's plans for Chan's Halloween party, but it does end up happening through a large, heavy and ancient book.
After that, chaos ensues and everyone needs to get involved to save Tristan and Aiden.
I loved this little snippet. It's a great transition to the author's new series which I can't wait to read.
Rani Choudhury Must Die by Adiba Jaigirdar
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I can definitely say that I am not the target audience of this book (I'm an adult), but I do think this is a solid contemporary YA read with great representation and cultural aspects.
Rani and Meghna are ex-best friends who reconnect when they find out their boyfriend is the same person and who cheated on them both. They team up to get revenge and beat him in a young scientist exhibition. They want to create an app that can be used to catch cheaters and provide mental health advice.
Unfortunately, Meghna's character is quite annoying. She hates Rani for a reason that is not explained enough to justify the level of hatred coming from Meghna.
Rani is a lovely character who tries to be the voice of reason in many situations to counteract Meghna's fire and stubbornness.
Their reconnection through the revenge plot is the main focus of the book. Their friendship needs healing, and they slowly start to trust each other once again.
The sapphic romance plot is a bit out of the blue at the end, but I did see some very subtle signs we're heading that way, mostly in Rani who's lesbian coded (it's not stated in the book) and who has a thing for Meghna from the beginning even if she doesn't recognize it.
A big part of the story is the Bangladeshi representation. Both Rani and Meghna are very proud of their Bengali origins, and their culture plays a significant role in how they act. The parental expectations, the common discrimination against them because they are dark skinned, and much more. These themes are significant but not overpowering in the book, which is still very much lighthearted.
There are great side characters in the book, too, who mostly try to be the voice of reason.
One thing that I couldn't really get behind is that two bright and talented young women decide to get revenge on a boy throwing away their great ideas about climate change and their culture. It's does not paint the best picture of women in STEM.
Overall, an entertaining read.
Rani and Meghna are ex-best friends who reconnect when they find out their boyfriend is the same person and who cheated on them both. They team up to get revenge and beat him in a young scientist exhibition. They want to create an app that can be used to catch cheaters and provide mental health advice.
Unfortunately, Meghna's character is quite annoying. She hates Rani for a reason that is not explained enough to justify the level of hatred coming from Meghna.
Rani is a lovely character who tries to be the voice of reason in many situations to counteract Meghna's fire and stubbornness.
Their reconnection through the revenge plot is the main focus of the book. Their friendship needs healing, and they slowly start to trust each other once again.
The sapphic romance plot is a bit out of the blue at the end, but I did see some very subtle signs we're heading that way, mostly in Rani who's lesbian coded (it's not stated in the book) and who has a thing for Meghna from the beginning even if she doesn't recognize it.
A big part of the story is the Bangladeshi representation. Both Rani and Meghna are very proud of their Bengali origins, and their culture plays a significant role in how they act. The parental expectations, the common discrimination against them because they are dark skinned, and much more. These themes are significant but not overpowering in the book, which is still very much lighthearted.
There are great side characters in the book, too, who mostly try to be the voice of reason.
One thing that I couldn't really get behind is that two bright and talented young women decide to get revenge on a boy throwing away their great ideas about climate change and their culture. It's does not paint the best picture of women in STEM.
Overall, an entertaining read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Gaslighting, and Classism
The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Welcome to Christmas Falls, Season 2. A collection of holiday romances set in the holiday themed town of Christmas Falls staring with The Snuggle is Real.
When you mix a small town, the holidays, a bit of found family, a cute puppy and romance, you get this sweet and cosy story.
In this book, Ford and Mason find their holiday romance and little family over Christmas.
Mason is the director of the town's charity foundation, helping families in need over the holidays. He's good at his job and he tries to help everyone, even those who don't want to admit they need a little help because of their pride.
Ford unexpectedly ends up with his stepdaughter over the holidays, while her mom is in rehab. And while he managed on his own, taking on a 7-year-old and making sure she has a life and holidays she deserves is not easy.
Most of the story is about Mason trying to help out Ford and helping him make awesome and sweet memories with Charlie. There are lots of cosy moments between these three and the nosy and well-meaning residents of the small town. It definitely brings the holiday vibes we all need sometime.
Mason and Ford become quick friends and it's kinda adorable seeing the slowly fall for each other over decoring cookies and multiple christmas trees and unplanned date-like occasions.
I quite enjoyed two thirds of the story bit once the romance heated up it became a jumbled mess. Unfortunately, the intimate moments aren't well written and the fast pace of the romantic relationship after the slowly building friendship in the first half is quite jarring actually. It's mismatched. The last 30% disappointed me a bit, so it didn't end on a high note.
However, I'm still smiling over the lovely side characters. Charlie obviously has a big part in the story, and her antics as a child are a bright spot in the book. Peppermint Bark, the dog with the most ridiculous name ever, is a riot and Dottie, the stereotypical knitting grandma with a bit of a matchmaking side is just plain sweet.
I also very much enjoyed seeing characters from the first season of this series and glimpses into what's to come in the other books coming very soon.
Overall, this is a pretty good holiday romance, especially is you like interconnected standalone series.
When you mix a small town, the holidays, a bit of found family, a cute puppy and romance, you get this sweet and cosy story.
In this book, Ford and Mason find their holiday romance and little family over Christmas.
Mason is the director of the town's charity foundation, helping families in need over the holidays. He's good at his job and he tries to help everyone, even those who don't want to admit they need a little help because of their pride.
Ford unexpectedly ends up with his stepdaughter over the holidays, while her mom is in rehab. And while he managed on his own, taking on a 7-year-old and making sure she has a life and holidays she deserves is not easy.
Most of the story is about Mason trying to help out Ford and helping him make awesome and sweet memories with Charlie. There are lots of cosy moments between these three and the nosy and well-meaning residents of the small town. It definitely brings the holiday vibes we all need sometime.
Mason and Ford become quick friends and it's kinda adorable seeing the slowly fall for each other over decoring cookies and multiple christmas trees and unplanned date-like occasions.
I quite enjoyed two thirds of the story bit once the romance heated up it became a jumbled mess. Unfortunately, the intimate moments aren't well written and the fast pace of the romantic relationship after the slowly building friendship in the first half is quite jarring actually. It's mismatched. The last 30% disappointed me a bit, so it didn't end on a high note.
However, I'm still smiling over the lovely side characters. Charlie obviously has a big part in the story, and her antics as a child are a bright spot in the book. Peppermint Bark, the dog with the most ridiculous name ever, is a riot and Dottie, the stereotypical knitting grandma with a bit of a matchmaking side is just plain sweet.
I also very much enjoyed seeing characters from the first season of this series and glimpses into what's to come in the other books coming very soon.
Overall, this is a pretty good holiday romance, especially is you like interconnected standalone series.
If Only In Our Dreams by Fae Quin
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.75
This is the sweetest story with the softest characters. Every chapter is full of hope and joy and aching pain. But as the book sais “Good things can be scary,” ... And sometimes they can be downright painful.”
Returning to Bellville for the holidays has been the highlight of my bookish holiday season for the past two years. The Christmas Daddies series brings this soft joy that is hard to describe.
In If Only In Our Dreams, a third Montgomery brother, Ben finds his happy ending with the closed-off superstar, Robin 'Trashmouth' Johnson.
Their meetcute on a plane back to Bellville is as sweet as they both are. Though none of them shows their soft side to just anybody.
Ben is the quiet and serious Montgomery brother who only shows his sweet side to his twin toddler daughters. But Robin brings out his 'teddy bear' side, making him incredibly soft for the fragile man.
Robin is a rocket artist with years of success and touring behind him. But it took its toll on him, and now he's bone-tired, burnt out, and lonely. He just wants to spend time with his brother and nephew, Miles and Bubba, before the holidays. But he finds peace in the arms of Ben and amongst the nosy and well-meaning residents of the small Vemont town.
There are many many sugary, sweet, heartwarming moments in this book. There are heartbreaking ones, too. Seeing Robin learning to trust and finally taking happy moments for himself ached in the best way possible. I am so happy for him. And Ben? Ben's been lonely, too, though he might not have realized it before. But caring for Robin, making sure he's rested and happy lit a fire under him, and it made me so happy.
Their slightly awkward, funny, and soft moments together literally destroyed me. How can they be so cute?
And spicy. Oh, the spice is spicing in this one, for sure. But like in life, they are the perfect match in bed, too, with an added layer of emotional connection.
I have to say, though, that the twins are the heroes of this book. Two four-year-old goth toddlers who roast adults left and right and are miniature mob-bosses of the swear-jar maffia. They are adorable and funny, and the way both Ben as their dad and Robin as their newest friend behaves with them melted my heart.
All in all, this book (and this series) is what I want when it comes to holiday romances. Sweet holiday moments, a dash of that holiday spirit, lots of soft moments, and a good amount of humour.
Give me more, please. I need Bubba and Jeremy's childhood best friends to lovers story like yesterday.
Returning to Bellville for the holidays has been the highlight of my bookish holiday season for the past two years. The Christmas Daddies series brings this soft joy that is hard to describe.
In If Only In Our Dreams, a third Montgomery brother, Ben finds his happy ending with the closed-off superstar, Robin 'Trashmouth' Johnson.
Their meetcute on a plane back to Bellville is as sweet as they both are. Though none of them shows their soft side to just anybody.
Ben is the quiet and serious Montgomery brother who only shows his sweet side to his twin toddler daughters. But Robin brings out his 'teddy bear' side, making him incredibly soft for the fragile man.
Robin is a rocket artist with years of success and touring behind him. But it took its toll on him, and now he's bone-tired, burnt out, and lonely. He just wants to spend time with his brother and nephew, Miles and Bubba, before the holidays. But he finds peace in the arms of Ben and amongst the nosy and well-meaning residents of the small Vemont town.
There are many many sugary, sweet, heartwarming moments in this book. There are heartbreaking ones, too. Seeing Robin learning to trust and finally taking happy moments for himself ached in the best way possible. I am so happy for him. And Ben? Ben's been lonely, too, though he might not have realized it before. But caring for Robin, making sure he's rested and happy lit a fire under him, and it made me so happy.
Their slightly awkward, funny, and soft moments together literally destroyed me. How can they be so cute?
And spicy. Oh, the spice is spicing in this one, for sure. But like in life, they are the perfect match in bed, too, with an added layer of emotional connection.
I have to say, though, that the twins are the heroes of this book. Two four-year-old goth toddlers who roast adults left and right and are miniature mob-bosses of the swear-jar maffia. They are adorable and funny, and the way both Ben as their dad and Robin as their newest friend behaves with them melted my heart.
All in all, this book (and this series) is what I want when it comes to holiday romances. Sweet holiday moments, a dash of that holiday spirit, lots of soft moments, and a good amount of humour.
Give me more, please. I need Bubba and Jeremy's childhood best friends to lovers story like yesterday.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders