southern_bookbabe's reviews
154 reviews

Where the Marigolds Grow by Megan Langsdorf

hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

3.75

This is very much giving small town Hallmark romance 🥰 This book was a great palate cleanser with just good wholesome romance. It did move a little fast in my opinion almost giving an instalove trope which is lot my favorite. Something they bothered me was that they never shared a kiss. The first kiss we read about is in the epilogue which is not realistic in my opinionfoe two people in love. I’m really looking forward to Clara and Levi’s story. Clara is my kinda girl 😉☺️

Satan's Affair by H.D. Carlton

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I think this is my introduction into dark romance and I don’t know whether to be intrigued or appalled! But either way I enjoyed it and clearly need therapy because I enjoyed it so much! 😂🤦🏽‍♀️

The Mixtape by Brittainy C. Cherry

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

4.5

This was such a great story of overcoming tragedy and depression. I was able to relate to a lot of the struggles of the FMC being a single mom myself and it definitely brought up some emotions in that regard. Emery and Oliver needed each other to work through their issues and I’m so glad they were able to work through them together! 

One By One by Freida McFadden

dark mysterious tense

4.5

Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan

emotional inspiring reflective tense slow-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

4.5

So this last book of the Hoops
Series started slow for me. I loved Lotus from book one because she was such a firecracker and didn’t take any BS so I was excited to see how her and Keenan’s story would play out. I did appreciate how patient and supportive he was with her while she worked through her trauma. It was much needed for her to be able to love herself and him correctly. The last 2 hours are what really brought it home for me. 

The Family She Found by Lauren Lacey

adventurous emotional fast-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

4.0

I enjoyed the 2nd book in the Black Summer Island series. Marlowe and Kai are literally MADE FOR EACH OTHER! They balance each other in such a beautiful way. They needed each other to help one another heal from their past traumas and learn how to love and be in a healthy relationship. 

A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

Listen! If you’re ever looking for a palate cleanser, LAUGH OUT LOUD pick me up THIS IS THE BOOK!! I literally LAUGHED OUT LOUD for most of the book! It was fun, witty, SPICY 🥵, and well put together. This is my first MQ read but it DEFINITELY won’t be my last! I loved this one!

The Break She Needed by Lauren Lacey

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-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

4.0

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

funny inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m officially in my cowboy romance era and moving to Wyoming. 🥰🤪

Forbidden Fruit by S. Trout

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

4.5

I’m a sucker for a forbidden romance and this one was no different!!! Olivia and Tomas’ chemistry was on point from the time she walked in the classroom and didn’t slow down AT ALL! I definitely wasn’t expecting the thriller type storyline but it fit well in the story though I felt it was a little drawn out. That ending though 🤯🤯🤯 can’t wait for book 2!