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tdotrenae's reviews
142 reviews
My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein
funny
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? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC ! OK, I will admit that I did not really think I was going to like this book at the beginning. The book reads like the inner monologue of someone who has ADHD mildly and who get stuck in their own head as life is happening around them.
Meet Connie/Hazel, who has SWORN off nice guys and believes they are all deep down terrible people, and her neighbor, Henry Beckett, who is burly, soft, gentle giant and a genuinely good and kind human. They find themselves in a fake marriage and stuck in a writing retreat for two weeks together sharing one bed. This book had so many of my favorite tropes: cinnamon roll mmc, forced proximity, one bed, fake marriage, slow burn, and a hint of grumpyxsunshine. But a lot of it just fell really flat for me. I think had it not been written via Connie/Hazel’s inner monologue, I might’ve liked it a lot more. There are parts of like the first 50% that I was like Connie is insufferable. I do like Hazel a little bit more. I feel like the last 30% really made me rate this book differently.
I will say that it feels kinda bittersweet that probably the best written smutty scenes were in here, because it takes so damn long to get to them! Like trudging thru the dark, muddy, abyss of Connie’s/Hazel’s inner monologue to finally see the light of the smut. Now, Miss Charlotte, you definitely can write some spicy scenes. And I think having the book read as Hazel’s in her monologue really worked here.
I would say this book is a book for vibes not as much logic. There are things that Connie/Hazel does that straight up don’t make any sense (see the idea of Hazel using the name, Connie to like avoid who she is/was). Overall, it’s OK! You might like it, you might not. I will say that the spice in this book makes it 100% worth the read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Cursing
Burden of Love by MYA
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.25
Well, I was not expecting this book to be sooo good! I literally stayed up half the night to finish it! Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for providing the e-advance reader copy of this book!
I feel like the premise and the entire book was so captivating! It's kinda like a forbidden romance with a twist? I also loved that the characters were like mid-level adults, vs. people in their 20s. This book had a lot of subplots that I just adored in addition to the main story of Talia and Maddox falling in love. Like the young lawyer trying to prove herself at her father's law firm, Maddox's past, family dynamics, Career vs. Living Your best life, etc. etc. I feel like each of the minor plots made sense and made the story enjoyable. I feel like this book was kinda all over the place in the best way. Like I never really knew what was going to happen in my opinion, but in a good way.
The only thing I did not like was how quickly Maddox's past and decisions were wrapped into nice, neat bow. I wished there was just a tiny bit more push back/conflict there - not necessarily with Talia, but just from the other characters. I will say there were points I was annoyed with Talia, but like I also understood where she was coming from!
I will definitely be reading more from this author!
I feel like the premise and the entire book was so captivating! It's kinda like a forbidden romance with a twist? I also loved that the characters were like mid-level adults, vs. people in their 20s. This book had a lot of subplots that I just adored in addition to the main story of Talia and Maddox falling in love. Like the young lawyer trying to prove herself at her father's law firm, Maddox's past, family dynamics, Career vs. Living Your best life, etc. etc. I feel like each of the minor plots made sense and made the story enjoyable. I feel like this book was kinda all over the place in the best way. Like I never really knew what was going to happen in my opinion, but in a good way.
The only thing I did not like was how quickly Maddox's past and decisions were wrapped into nice, neat bow. I wished there was just a tiny bit more push back/conflict there - not necessarily with Talia, but just from the other characters. I will say there were points I was annoyed with Talia, but like I also understood where she was coming from!
I will definitely be reading more from this author!
One by One by Freida McFadden
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
My jaw is quite literally still on the ground because what was this book (in a good way!)! This story follows Claire as she, her husband, her husband's best friend, his wife, her best friend and her best friend's boyfriend. Now I will say that Claire is one of those main characters in a book where you feel like they are a little annoying, childish, and unreliable, but like captivating all at the same time. There’s just something really good about a book when the main character isn’t particularly likable. This book was very shocking. I had no idea what was going to happen honestly. I really had no expectations for this book, and it was a fun fast book. I also really enjoy the narrator for the audiobook. I felt like she did a great job as Claire’s voice.
I truly enjoyed the dual POV! I thought that the plot twist I did not see coming at all! I also thought that the book hooked me in very early in sort of unfolded that sort of like an onion where every chapter you got like a little bit more information about Claire (and her friends) and Anonymous.
This is not my typical genre, and I felt like it was really a good baby step into like psychological thrillers with a plot twist. There were parts where I was literally gagged and was so interested to see how this was going to play out.! I feel like every revelation and plot twist I was SHOOK! This is my first book by the author, and I would definitely pick up another one immediately!
I truly enjoyed the dual POV! I thought that the plot twist I did not see coming at all! I also thought that the book hooked me in very early in sort of unfolded that sort of like an onion where every chapter you got like a little bit more information about Claire (and her friends) and Anonymous.
This is not my typical genre, and I felt like it was really a good baby step into like psychological thrillers with a plot twist. There were parts where I was literally gagged and was so interested to see how this was going to play out.! I feel like every revelation and plot twist I was SHOOK! This is my first book by the author, and I would definitely pick up another one immediately!
The Duchess Charade by Emily E.K. Murdoch
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
Firstly, Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harlequin -Romance (the publisher) for this e-advance reader copy! I have not read a historical fiction book in a while, and this definitely scratched that itch for me! This was in the okay to good range for me!
This book is about two main characters really trying to find themselves and just so happen to be in a fake engagement with one another due to happenstance and serendipity! I feel like both main characters are so likeable and cute! Sylvia is feisty and speaks her mind freely, while Teddy is thoughtful, and their banter is so sweet. Gosh and when they both finally stopped playing around and just fell in love - *chef’s kiss!* so so good.
I won’t say that this is ground-breaking literature, but I did find it cute and endearing. I think I just wanted a little more romance to follow such a beautifully done build up.
This is a great palette cleanser if you are hoping to get into a new genre! I found myself laughing out loud and giggling with Teddy and Sylvia throughout the book.
You could do damage by K.C. Mills
adventurous
tense
fast-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
OMG This was soooo GOODT! I'm not even sure where to start with this book review! Firstly, thank you to Netgalley and BlackOdsessy for providing this e-ARC. I literally inhaled this book over two days and every moment was enticing.
Kincaid is sort of like a Black, mafia, high ranking man who lives a billionaire lifestyle oscillating between legit and illegal jobs. He is a STRONG male lead and oh so dreamy. He definitely gives "Don't touch my wife," and "I will literally kill for her," vibes. While Nair is a struggling young lady, who happens upon the contract/job of a lifetime with Kincaid after their paths cross unintentionally. Nair is also a strong character and does not back down from Kincaid, even when he's so used to being the boss. I love their love story and them falling in love was so precious and intentional. Also Kincaid's YEARNING for Nair - phew chef's kiss.
One thing that didn't necessarily work for me was the descriptions of the characters. I couldn't really picture them in my head, so i kinda improvised the character descriptions.
The only thing I did not like was the HOLY CLIFFHANGER! I have so much to say about that! Like Nair knows good and well that Caid would never lie to her and why would she believe this random woman who came out of no where?! Like I would say it would've been more believable if it came from Alia! Gosh! They better figure it out in part two - which i need to read IMMEDIATELY!!
Kincaid is sort of like a Black, mafia, high ranking man who lives a billionaire lifestyle oscillating between legit and illegal jobs. He is a STRONG male lead and oh so dreamy. He definitely gives "Don't touch my wife," and "I will literally kill for her," vibes. While Nair is a struggling young lady, who happens upon the contract/job of a lifetime with Kincaid after their paths cross unintentionally. Nair is also a strong character and does not back down from Kincaid, even when he's so used to being the boss. I love their love story and them falling in love was so precious and intentional. Also Kincaid's YEARNING for Nair - phew chef's kiss.
One thing that didn't necessarily work for me was the descriptions of the characters. I couldn't really picture them in my head, so i kinda improvised the character descriptions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Abandonment
One in a Million by Beverley Kendall
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Firstly thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for getting me this advance reader copy!
I feel like the story started off so strong and alluring to me! The surprise baby trope with a unique twist was fun. Like the whole premise of like the fertility clinic mix up was everything! I was hooked from the first chapter. I actually really like Myles and Whitney too! I felt like they had good chemistry and were really selling the enemies to lovers story to me! The tension was chefs kiss!
And then… it kinda fell flat for me. I guess I just wanted more? Like the drama was alright at best and so was the plot twist but like I wasn’t floored and I also felt like the ending/epilogue was too much. Like everything just tied up neatly in a bow. Like I just felt like it was super random time hop and like would’ve liked to experienced a little more of Whitney and Myles before the HEA.
Something that did not work for me was how Whitney often just folded when she was very upset with Myles. I often felt frustrated because I take her as a very strong willed, independent, Black woman who’s highly successful and then at the slightest reasoning from Myles, she just was like “oh OK it’s fine.” And the same for Myles! Like I get being in love, but both of them needed to stand up. It’s giving unrealistic.
Overall it was good ish! I definitely enjoyed the first half more than the second but like maybe give it a try. 🤔
Love on the Rebound by Aries Skye
emotional
reflective
- 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
4.0
This book was stressful but like in the best way. This story follows Kinston and Angela who we met briefly in Love on the Ninth Floor. First of all, I am loving books where the characters are interconnected. This is the second book in the Richard sister's chronicles. I was impressed at how this felt different and familiar to the first all in one.
Kinston Jordan is ONE OF THE BEST book baes out there. He's got the good looks, the yearning, the intentionality, the pursuing without being creepy. Like Mr. Jordan, similar to his brother, got it going on.
Angela at some points, was a little annoying to me. She did have alot of past trauma from her previous relationship with Nigel, and so I tried to give her grace. But I feel like a good portion of the book was her figuring out how to be with Kinston and overcome the negative messaging from her ex. I also think that Angela was such a real character, and like really highlighted how hard it is sometimes to work on yourself.
This book had DRAMA - like up and down, and around the world! I honestly did not think they were going to get an HEA, especially as the last twist was a big one. Overall, I enjoyed the book and cannot wait to read the next one! I would recommend this book for someone who loves Black romances, with plenty of spice AND drama. I honestly feel like reading this was like recapping the craziest few weeks with a friend over facetime!
Kinston Jordan is ONE OF THE BEST book baes out there. He's got the good looks, the yearning, the intentionality, the pursuing without being creepy. Like Mr. Jordan, similar to his brother, got it going on.
Angela at some points, was a little annoying to me. She did have alot of past trauma from her previous relationship with Nigel, and so I tried to give her grace. But I feel like a good portion of the book was her figuring out how to be with Kinston and overcome the negative messaging from her ex. I also think that Angela was such a real character, and like really highlighted how hard it is sometimes to work on yourself.
This book had DRAMA - like up and down, and around the world! I honestly did not think they were going to get an HEA, especially as the last twist was a big one. Overall, I enjoyed the book and cannot wait to read the next one! I would recommend this book for someone who loves Black romances, with plenty of spice AND drama. I honestly feel like reading this was like recapping the craziest few weeks with a friend over facetime!
Token by Beverley Kendall
emotional
fast-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? No
3.5
I mean... I did pick up the book solely on the cover and the title. It was okay. It did take me like several chapters to decide if I was going to DNF it or not. I feel like it was just okay, good enough LOL.
What worked for me - I think that the tension between Kennedy and Nate was to die for! Like the sexual tension and the enemies to lovers factor really worked for them. I love the way that the author wrote and revealed their history. Kennedy and Nate's flirty banter and steamy spice scenes were to die for! I also really enjoyed all the side characters as well. Everyone was rich and interesting, including even the bad guys. I also even like that there was a subtle hint at the beginning about a "bad guy," that comes up later. I mean, if fmc is going to fall for a white man, at least he's rich and semi-"doing the work," and becoming increasingly racial conscious - although, I might be a biased because I study these things.
What didn't work for me - uhhh this Black woman being light skinned and blue/grey eyes just did not work for me. Especially when I feel like, the points she was trying to make as diversity champion would've felt more impactful, if it was a darker skinned Black woman. I feel like this book was trying to be deep, in a like "white gaze way." I also felt like some of the pacing of Kennedy's and Nate's relationship did not make sense - like for her to put up such a fight with them being together, it felt a little anti-climactic for me for them to just "oh now were dating." I also did not like how Kennedy's company was addressing DEI in these companies to fix it - it was such surface level work and like not at all how actual DEI companies run!
Also, like wtf does this even mean?? “I would do this for any best friend of mine whose brother needed a Black female beard."
and finally, I'm just going to address the fmc - Kennedy... Now, just because this white man has How to be Anti-racist and James Baldwin on his shelves, we should NOT be throwing our panties at him! LIKE BE SOOOO FOREAL. BE SERIOUS! You literally work for a DEI company and this makes you bend?!?! phew chile.
Now all that being said, i am going to give Beverley Kendall's next book a try too. So, like maybe I would recommend this book for like a surface level read, just don't think too much about everything.
What worked for me - I think that the tension between Kennedy and Nate was to die for! Like the sexual tension and the enemies to lovers factor really worked for them. I love the way that the author wrote and revealed their history. Kennedy and Nate's flirty banter and steamy spice scenes were to die for! I also really enjoyed all the side characters as well. Everyone was rich and interesting, including even the bad guys. I also even like that there was a subtle hint at the beginning about a "bad guy," that comes up later. I mean, if fmc is going to fall for a white man, at least he's rich and semi-"doing the work," and becoming increasingly racial conscious - although, I might be a biased because I study these things.
What didn't work for me - uhhh this Black woman being light skinned and blue/grey eyes just did not work for me. Especially when I feel like, the points she was trying to make as diversity champion would've felt more impactful, if it was a darker skinned Black woman. I feel like this book was trying to be deep, in a like "white gaze way."
Also, like wtf does this even mean?? “I would do this for any best friend of mine whose brother needed a Black female beard."
and finally, I'm just going to address the fmc - Kennedy... Now, just because this white man has How to be Anti-racist and James Baldwin on his shelves, we should NOT be throwing our panties at him! LIKE BE SOOOO FOREAL. BE SERIOUS! You literally work for a DEI company and this makes you bend?!?! phew chile.
Now all that being said, i am going to give Beverley Kendall's next book a try too. So, like maybe I would recommend this book for like a surface level read, just don't think too much about everything.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism
Frenemies with Benefits by Synithia Williams
challenging
inspiring
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? No
4.25
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this one! I am a huge fan of Synithia and the happenings of Peachtree Cove! I could not wait to get my hands on this one and get to know Tracey and Brian.
This was the perfect and most realistic slow burn enemies to lovers I've ever read. I really liked both of the main characters a lot. I also felt like the conflicts in the story made sense and were believable! I feel like the pacing worked well for me and getting to know their backstories helped tremendously - I am one of those nosy readers who want to know *ALL* the lore behind characters. I was not sure how I felt about Brian in the previous books, but babyyyy he definitely redeemed himself for me and was the perfect gentlemen and friend - inside and outside of the bedroom.
Honestly, I think what was the most meaningful take away from this book and story for me, is that it is never too late to start again and reinvent yourself. One thing that Tracey and I have in common is that we both kinda got stuck in one version of ourselves, and then one day, an inflection point changed everything. I also loved how realistic it was about how hard it is to beat old habits, especially habits of being one version of yourself for so long. I loved that Tracey had her friends supporting her along the way too. That was beautiful, we all need people in our lives to remind of us who we really are, not just who we are pretending to be.
My only qualm is that I wish Brian and Tracey got a little more story time to just be blissfully a couple, without all the drama that they were experiencing.
Overall, I would recommend this book to folks looking for small town, Black romance with a strong and vulnerable fmc and a mmc who is able to be firm and strong for her in all the best ways.
This was the perfect and most realistic slow burn enemies to lovers I've ever read. I really liked both of the main characters a lot. I also felt like the conflicts in the story made sense and were believable! I feel like the pacing worked well for me and getting to know their backstories helped tremendously - I am one of those nosy readers who want to know *ALL* the lore behind characters. I was not sure how I felt about Brian in the previous books, but babyyyy he definitely redeemed himself for me and was the perfect gentlemen and friend - inside and outside of the bedroom.
Honestly, I think what was the most meaningful take away from this book and story for me, is that it is never too late to start again and reinvent yourself. One thing that Tracey and I have in common is that we both kinda got stuck in one version of ourselves, and then one day, an inflection point changed everything. I also loved how realistic it was about how hard it is to beat old habits, especially habits of being one version of yourself for so long. I loved that Tracey had her friends supporting her along the way too. That was beautiful, we all need people in our lives to remind of us who we really are, not just who we are pretending to be.
My only qualm is that I wish Brian and Tracey got a little more story time to just be blissfully a couple, without all the drama that they were experiencing.
Overall, I would recommend this book to folks looking for small town, Black romance with a strong and vulnerable fmc and a mmc who is able to be firm and strong for her in all the best ways.
Isaac's Song by Daniel Black
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Wowowwowowow. What a beautiful story and book. I have been so excited about reading this since I read don’t cry for me last year by Dr. Daniel Black. Dr. Black is one of my favorite authors and I love nearly everything that he has written. I only say nearly because I haven’t read everything. lol
I don’t really have the most beautiful words to describe the story, but it is the perfect sequel to don’t cry for me. We get to understand and experience Isaac, after the passing of his father and the aftermath. I felt like this book did a good job of not leaning too much on the prequel while being its own entity in a book. I wish that Isaac’s therapist was my therapist because wow she really earned her money! So insightful. I feel like this is a book that I’m going to have to read every few years to get something else from it because I read for the first time and I feel like there’s so much more. I highlighted it so much and took so much from this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia
Minor: Death of parent