You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
taliyahslibrary's reviews
53 reviews
Until I Get You by Claire Contreras
dark
emotional
tense
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
Red Roses & Black Dahlias by Macy T. Riosa
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.75
Cruel King by Rina Kent
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
UMMMMMM HOW DO YOU REVIEW A BOOK THAT IS ABSOLUTELY PREFECT
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Don't Let Me Fall by Kelsie Rae
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.75
This was one of my most anticipated reads I’m not gonna say I’m disappointed but it definitely didn’t live up to my expectations.
What through me off is how fast paced it is. This book takes place over the course of months, but as I was reading, I didn’t know how much time passed in between each chapter. It wasn’t until one of the characters would mention how long it had been, that I would understand why the progression in the relationship was reasonable. So most of the time, it felt like the relationship was moving too quickly. I definitely think if the time frame was more clear, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
Aside from that, I LOVED the flirty banter between Ashlyn & Colt. I was so giddy any time they interacted.
I was expecting drama from the start and that’s exactly what I got. Especially those early on chapters...OOF IM BLUSHING. The tension was so good!
My favorite part of this book is how Colt helped Ashlyn find her voice. After YEARS of being manipulated and undervalued by her ex, Logan, Ashlyn had lots of unlearning to do. She had to get rid of the habit of excusing bad behavior. A big part of this book is how much Logan didn’t pay attention to her. BUT FROM THE BEGINNING Colt showed Ashlyn how much she DESERVED to be paid attention to *ahh i’m swooning*.
Colt is introduced as the “bad boy” but as I continued reading, it was clear that was all a facade. I actually don’t think he has a bad bone in his body. He is so incredibly protective. Always standing up for the underdog. Colt had a lot of guilt eating up at him. Ashlyn showed him that he deserved better for himself. That he didn’t have to be guilty for living out his dreams & being happy. She constantly encouraged to pursue those things.
Overall this story was very enjoyable. Definitely recommend for a quick read!
What through me off is how fast paced it is. This book takes place over the course of months, but as I was reading, I didn’t know how much time passed in between each chapter. It wasn’t until one of the characters would mention how long it had been, that I would understand why the progression in the relationship was reasonable. So most of the time, it felt like the relationship was moving too quickly. I definitely think if the time frame was more clear, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
Aside from that, I LOVED the flirty banter between Ashlyn & Colt. I was so giddy any time they interacted.
I was expecting drama from the start and that’s exactly what I got. Especially those early on chapters...OOF IM BLUSHING. The tension was so good!
My favorite part of this book is how Colt helped Ashlyn find her voice. After YEARS of being manipulated and undervalued by her ex, Logan, Ashlyn had lots of unlearning to do. She had to get rid of the habit of excusing bad behavior. A big part of this book is how much Logan didn’t pay attention to her. BUT FROM THE BEGINNING Colt showed Ashlyn how much she DESERVED to be paid attention to *ahh i’m swooning*.
Colt is introduced as the “bad boy” but as I continued reading, it was clear that was all a facade. I actually don’t think he has a bad bone in his body. He is so incredibly protective. Always standing up for the underdog. Colt had a lot of guilt eating up at him. Ashlyn showed him that he deserved better for himself. That he didn’t have to be guilty for living out his dreams & being happy. She constantly encouraged to pursue those things.
Overall this story was very enjoyable. Definitely recommend for a quick read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Death of parent
Midnight Kisses by Jeanine Bennedict
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
5.0
To say I wasn’t prepared for this book is an understatement.
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I definitely wasn’t expecting for it to still my heart either.
Greta & Otis are everything.
It’s funny bc I didn’t realize the chokehold they had on me til I finished the book. Like I had no idea what to with myself after I finished that epilogue. Literally no clue.
At first I was worried bc they’re emotional connection was definitely a slow burn. I’m someone that needs to feel that strong connection between the characters, in order to fully enjoy the story. So I was very hesitant when that wasn’t being delivered initially. But the beauty of Greta & Otis’ relationship is that it’s gradual. As the reader, you get to see all the ways they’re similar before they open up to each other. So even though they weren’t actually sharing intimate information with each other you could see how perfect they were for one another.
They’re playful banter was so fun. The way they just got each other of the bat * squeals just thinking about it*. They’re chemistry is truly unmatched!
They were constantly towing the line of “more than friends less lovers” & I loved every bit of it.
I loved how we also focused on their individual growth. Because they both had toxic attributes that they would sometimes take out on each other. So their break was definitely necessary. I loved how we got intimate look on that journey as well.
Otis. OH MY GOSH. He was such a refreshing mmc to read about. He didn’t have that toxic masculinity mindset. He is the definition of boy obsessed. And he wasn’t ashamed admit it. Yes, he had his moments but for the most part he’s was absolutely swoon worthy. From his cooking & cleaning to being so down to do whatever Greta wanted. Ultimately he just wanted to be around her.
& Greta!!! IM OBSESSED. I love that girl so much. She just has “that’s my girl” energy (iykyk). She’s such a complex character. I loved getting to peel back all those layers. Greta has very nonchalant attitude but she’s someone that feels so deeply. She cares so much about the people in her close knit circle. She’s was just hurting...(ahhh not me tearing up). I actually related to her a lot - which is probably why she means so much to me. I mentioned this before but her healing journey specially hit hard. I was a mess by the end of the book. No literally I couldn’t stop crying. I had to take a break from reading. It was painful to read but incredibly beautiful.
I genuinely believe that everyone needs to read this book. It’s flirty and fun but emotional and impactful. Greta & Otis will stick with me forever 🤍
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I definitely wasn’t expecting for it to still my heart either.
Greta & Otis are everything.
It’s funny bc I didn’t realize the chokehold they had on me til I finished the book. Like I had no idea what to with myself after I finished that epilogue. Literally no clue.
At first I was worried bc they’re emotional connection was definitely a slow burn. I’m someone that needs to feel that strong connection between the characters, in order to fully enjoy the story. So I was very hesitant when that wasn’t being delivered initially. But the beauty of Greta & Otis’ relationship is that it’s gradual. As the reader, you get to see all the ways they’re similar before they open up to each other. So even though they weren’t actually sharing intimate information with each other you could see how perfect they were for one another.
They’re playful banter was so fun. The way they just got each other of the bat * squeals just thinking about it*. They’re chemistry is truly unmatched!
They were constantly towing the line of “more than friends less lovers” & I loved every bit of it.
I loved how we also focused on their individual growth. Because they both had toxic attributes that they would sometimes take out on each other. So their break was definitely necessary. I loved how we got intimate look on that journey as well.
Otis. OH MY GOSH. He was such a refreshing mmc to read about. He didn’t have that toxic masculinity mindset. He is the definition of boy obsessed. And he wasn’t ashamed admit it. Yes, he had his moments but for the most part he’s was absolutely swoon worthy. From his cooking & cleaning to being so down to do whatever Greta wanted. Ultimately he just wanted to be around her.
& Greta!!! IM OBSESSED. I love that girl so much. She just has “that’s my girl” energy (iykyk). She’s such a complex character. I loved getting to peel back all those layers. Greta has very nonchalant attitude but she’s someone that feels so deeply. She cares so much about the people in her close knit circle. She’s was just hurting...(ahhh not me tearing up). I actually related to her a lot - which is probably why she means so much to me. I mentioned this before but her healing journey specially hit hard. I was a mess by the end of the book. No literally I couldn’t stop crying. I had to take a break from reading. It was painful to read but incredibly beautiful.
I genuinely believe that everyone needs to read this book. It’s flirty and fun but emotional and impactful. Greta & Otis will stick with me forever 🤍
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Addiction and Death
Black Ties and White Lies by Kat Singleton
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Playing Hard to Get by Monica Murphy
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
just putting on pause for now! coming back to it soon 😊
The Brightest Light of Sunshine by Lisina Coney
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
4.25
WOW. JUST WOW.
I just finished reading, my feelings are still very fresh so bare with me.
I had a feeling this book would be special but I wasn’t ready for it to steal my heart. Grace & Cal mean so much to me. I genuinely love them with everything in me. I’ll forever be grateful to Lisina for writing such an beautiful story.
While Grace is such a delicate character at the beginning of this book, she’s also incredibly strong willed. We start off with her being afraid to break out of her shell but being determined to do so anyways.
Cal is literally such a sweetheart. While protective, he’s incredibly patient & gentle. I think he’s the most dependable character I’ve ever read about. His selflessness is beyond compare! We really get to see it especially in his relationship with his little sister, Maddie.
Maddie is one of my favorite aspects in this book. Not only is she adorable but the girl brings Cal & Grace together in ways she doesn’t even realize. She brought a much needed lightheartedness to the story. I loved every awkward question she made Cal answer concerning his relationship with Grace. Grace & Maddie’s relationship is so cute! Grace was always looking out for Maddie’s best interest. 100% willing to be there for her when she needed it. Genuinely any scene with Maddie warmed my heart.
It’s always so refreshing to read romances about health relationships. Ones that are built on communication. Cal always made it a point to make sure he & Grace we’re on the same page. If they weren’t, he encouraged a conversation about whatever they were dealing with. Because of this, Grace learned to do the same when Cal wanted to revert back to handling things on his own. Watching both of them grow & learn to depend one another was truly rewarding.
I just finished reading, my feelings are still very fresh so bare with me.
I had a feeling this book would be special but I wasn’t ready for it to steal my heart. Grace & Cal mean so much to me. I genuinely love them with everything in me. I’ll forever be grateful to Lisina for writing such an beautiful story.
While Grace is such a delicate character at the beginning of this book, she’s also incredibly strong willed. We start off with her being afraid to break out of her shell but being determined to do so anyways.
Cal is literally such a sweetheart. While protective, he’s incredibly patient & gentle. I think he’s the most dependable character I’ve ever read about. His selflessness is beyond compare! We really get to see it especially in his relationship with his little sister, Maddie.
Maddie is one of my favorite aspects in this book. Not only is she adorable but the girl brings Cal & Grace together in ways she doesn’t even realize. She brought a much needed lightheartedness to the story. I loved every awkward question she made Cal answer concerning his relationship with Grace. Grace & Maddie’s relationship is so cute! Grace was always looking out for Maddie’s best interest. 100% willing to be there for her when she needed it. Genuinely any scene with Maddie warmed my heart.
It’s always so refreshing to read romances about health relationships. Ones that are built on communication. Cal always made it a point to make sure he & Grace we’re on the same page. If they weren’t, he encouraged a conversation about whatever they were dealing with. Because of this, Grace learned to do the same when Cal wanted to revert back to handling things on his own. Watching both of them grow & learn to depend one another was truly rewarding.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Sexual assault, and Abandonment
The Rise of an Heiress by Paulina Pany
dark
mysterious
tense
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
I loved the plot of this book. I’ve read many mafia books or even just dark romance books in general & this one is very unique in comparison. I will say I’ve seen it done in movies, so the whole “lost princess” bit is familiar but I still LOVED how it was executed here.
I’m obsessed with how much of bad a** Anya is. She is a force to be reckoned with. When she finally accepts the title she was meant to inherit...GURLLL I literally got chills. And Nico. Oh my gosh. Don’t get me started. I LOVE HIM SM. Yes, he’s possessive like every other mafia man but he has a lightheartedness to him that is very refreshing. He gives possessive golden retriever vibes. The way he created a safe space for Anya to be who she genuinely was at her core and the fact that he accepted ALL of her had me swooning. I love how while Nico warships the ground Anya walks, Anya still values and respects Nico as her partner.
I absolutely loved the familial relationships in this book. Anya’s relationship with her family is EVERYTHING. I loved how her & her father interacted. While he treats her with a gentleness, he trained her to be the leader she is. And her brother and sister. You could feel the love they had for her -& her them- coming off the pages. The loyalty between the three of them is palpable. I felt the same about Nico’s family as well. The way they had his back when it came to protecting Anya, is my favorite thing ever.
I truly believe this series has so much potential. Like I think this could be the beginning of the next “it” mafia series. And I’m so excited to see where part two takes us!!!
I’m obsessed with how much of bad a** Anya is. She is a force to be reckoned with. When she finally accepts the title she was meant to inherit...GURLLL I literally got chills. And Nico. Oh my gosh. Don’t get me started. I LOVE HIM SM. Yes, he’s possessive like every other mafia man but he has a lightheartedness to him that is very refreshing. He gives possessive golden retriever vibes. The way he created a safe space for Anya to be who she genuinely was at her core and the fact that he accepted ALL of her had me swooning. I love how while Nico warships the ground Anya walks, Anya still values and respects Nico as her partner.
I absolutely loved the familial relationships in this book. Anya’s relationship with her family is EVERYTHING. I loved how her & her father interacted. While he treats her with a gentleness, he trained her to be the leader she is. And her brother and sister. You could feel the love they had for her -& her them- coming off the pages. The loyalty between the three of them is palpable. I felt the same about Nico’s family as well. The way they had his back when it came to protecting Anya, is my favorite thing ever.
I truly believe this series has so much potential. Like I think this could be the beginning of the next “it” mafia series. And I’m so excited to see where part two takes us!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Child death, Drug use, and Kidnapping
Minor: Cancer