sshelbyreadss's reviews
476 reviews

Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
Did not finish book. Stopped at 68%.

The pace felt slowww. I was hoping for more action. This seemed more character based than plot based with a lot of attention to the details orchestrating the action then the actual action. There’s also a lot of emphasis on Rosalyn’s attraction to devroe. 

I tried to put myself in my teenager shoes for this one, but I just couldn’t do it anymore. I felt like I had to discipline myself to sit down and read as far as I did. 

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

This book will scratch your itch if you’re looking for a cheesy shifter romance. 

This book was okay. If you want to read the words “scent,” “knot,” and “slick,” repeatedly…then this is the book for you. 

I am just not in to the animal-based romances. There is a lot of smelling that goes on and it is just not my cup of tea. If you want to get in touch with your animal instincts while getting spicy, more power to you! But like I said, not for me! 

Overall, the plot and events seemed predictable. I knew the Happily Ever After was coming, but the steps along the way were obvious as well. 

I feel like, generally, fake dating requires some miscommunication and a real third act break up and that’s what we got. 

*review also (will be) submitted on Edelweiss. 

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

4.0

Damn! 

Polyamorous vampires turn on their narcissistic sire to reclaim their freedom. 

Teacher of the Year by M.A. Wardell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.

I am not feeling this. The meet cute was not very cute. Also not into klutzy main characters - I don’t know but some of the descriptions of the first klutzy things are like too much? Maybe I am just in a slump and I can’t be pleased. As a parent, I also get the certain vibes when reading about other parents/children in books…like the author is not a parent and doesn’t actually know what it’s like. As a parent, I’m very particular about this lol 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous fast-paced

0.0

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson

challenging dark mysterious fast-paced

5.0

This is one of those books that should be listened to! The audiobook was absolutely incredible. Challenging material and a propulsive plot. 

Obsidian Feathers by N. Cáceres
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

The descriptions in this book are a little too much. Too flowery? Like it’s trying to hard. The book is pretty long too and I don’t know if i can make it through it. If i was reading an audiobook I might be able to overlook it by speeding it up…but I just can’t with the physical book. 

And I don’t know if some of the descriptions are supposed to be funny or not, which makes me feel awkward. 

I personally don’t enjoy fated mates. The insta/love and destiny of it just aren’t for me. 

Block Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 41%.

This book seems kind of fatphobic and I don’t like it. Was hoping that when we jumped to present day Banner had grown to love and accept herself and was really disappointed to find she’d joined weight watchers. 

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

dark emotional inspiring medium-paced

5.0

I did not expect a book with a cover like this to destroy me emotionally and then put me back together. Holy hell. 

Content warnings: rape, intimate partner violence, financial/emotional manipulation, domestic violence, murder. 

Until You by Catharina Maura
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.

I wasn’t feeling this one. The conflict just isn’t for me. I like the off limits trope, but I did not dig the hidden online identity one (no one quite does it like A Cinderella Story!).