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sshelbyreadss's reviews
476 reviews
Until I Get You by Claire Contreras
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
This was excellent and I had the best time! I loved it. The sports part of this sports romance was pretty minimal - I would have been okay with more, but the plot did great without it!
I usually CANNOT STAND the miscommunication trope, but it was done so well! My justification for hating miscommunication in romance is that usually the reasoning for it is really weak (or flat out silly in some cases), but the strength of the reason really made this trope hold up in this book! I also felt like the possessive trope was really well done. I've read a couple books where the possessive partner came across as really icky (even misogynistic and scary), but I felt possessiveness really worked in this story especially when it was paired with Lyla being stalked by another person. Lockland's possessiveness was a comfort and freedom to her, while in contrast, her stalker's possessiveness was sick and twisted burden.
I love books that surprise me and this book took two tropes that I normally don't like and turned it into a 5 star read for me!
Content warnings: rape on page, stalking, intimidation, and rape by a family friend (not the romantic partner), death of a mother, murder and cover-up of a close friend by stalker, explicit sex.
I usually CANNOT STAND the miscommunication trope, but it was done so well! My justification for hating miscommunication in romance is that usually the reasoning for it is really weak (or flat out silly in some cases), but the strength of the reason really made this trope hold up in this book! I also felt like the possessive trope was really well done. I've read a couple books where the possessive partner came across as really icky (even misogynistic and scary), but I felt possessiveness really worked in this story especially when it was paired with Lyla being stalked by another person. Lockland's possessiveness was a comfort and freedom to her, while in contrast, her stalker's possessiveness was sick and twisted burden.
I love books that surprise me and this book took two tropes that I normally don't like and turned it into a 5 star read for me!
Content warnings: rape on page, stalking, intimidation, and rape by a family friend (not the romantic partner), death of a mother, murder and cover-up of a close friend by stalker, explicit sex.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Stalking, and Murder
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Apparently I am a hockey romance girlie. I had a great time reading this.
I loved the inclusion of therapy and healthy communication. Too often romance books rely on miscommunication as a plot device and I am not a fan. I loved that the conflicts that happened were during their relationship and that they worked through them and grew together.
I loved the inclusion of therapy and healthy communication. Too often romance books rely on miscommunication as a plot device and I am not a fan. I loved that the conflicts that happened were during their relationship and that they worked through them and grew together.
The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
The vibes were off and the reviews I read confirmed it. I thought this was enemies to lovers and only one of them views the other as their enemy. Also why are they called witch walkers?
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was so amazing. The start felt slow, but that’s because of the immaculate world-building that set the groundwork for the masterful political and personal challenges that took place.
Anequs is without a doubt, the most lovely, fierce, and true character. I love her strength and conviction and how she refuses to bend to the colonizers who seek to subdue her.
This book is rich and full and beautiful and I loved it so so much.
Anequs is without a doubt, the most lovely, fierce, and true character. I love her strength and conviction and how she refuses to bend to the colonizers who seek to subdue her.
This book is rich and full and beautiful and I loved it so so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Genocide and Violence
Minor: Sexism
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
2/27/24 updated review:
This was absolutely incredible and I’m so glad that I waited and listened to it on audio because the narration was stunning and was the perfect medium for this story. Blown away by this precise condemnation of the capitalist prison industrial complex.
2023 note:
I got wrapped up in other books, but I want to come back to this one. Hoping it comes out in audio!
This was absolutely incredible and I’m so glad that I waited and listened to it on audio because the narration was stunning and was the perfect medium for this story. Blown away by this precise condemnation of the capitalist prison industrial complex.
2023 note:
I got wrapped up in other books, but I want to come back to this one. Hoping it comes out in audio!
One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy by Carol Anderson
challenging
informative
slow-paced
4.0
A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair
I am no longer into this story line and just don’t have it in me to power through. At 11% I’ve failed to be interested in the continuation of Keeras story and I’m not gonna force it.