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tdotrenae's reviews
130 reviews
Situationship by E. M. Wilson
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As somebody who identifies heavily with Teagan, I really enjoyed this book! Teagan tries so hard to be perfect, keep everything together, be ambitious, and keep her friend group together all in the midst of planning a wedding for one friend, there’s just one problem Heath. Heath is devastatingly handsome and Teagan’s nemesis for reasons unknown until the end of the book! They start to hook up during the summer as stress relief for both of them!
I know it’s classified as erotica, but there’s definitely a romance story running at the same time! Think like equal parts erotica and romance - there is a lot of sex and spice, BUT ALL so well done. Heath and Teagan’s banter at first was kinda stale but got better throughout the story as they spent more time together. I also really liked how the story/plot was written. Like the big reveal of WHYYYYY Heath and Teagan were enemies was beautifully done and like what a plot twist! I was not expecting that at all!
The only things that didn’t work for me were at one point, I did get a HEAVY amount of second hand embarrassment at one point, but that’s might be a personal issue. I also felt like the issues with the friend group being homophobic and racist should’ve been resolved different with even more confrontation. I also felt like Teagan’s parents were too accepting of her blow up, I would’ve enjoyed a little more friction, but alas!
Overall, would recommend for a reader who is looking for ALOT of spice with like a good helping of romance, who enjoys enemies to lovers with a plot twist, lowkey annoying/unlikeable main character (Teagan) and good banter. Thank you so much NetGalley and the Publisher for this early ARC in exchange for a review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, and Abortion
Minor: Ableism
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow this was such a beautiful and heartbreaking story. Woodson is a powerful author and story teller and omg the narration by all of the voice actors was stunning! I would 100% recommend reading the audiobook because each characters voice needs to be felt. It’s pretty short but so impactful
The book travels back and forth between characters and time. The story is told from various perspectives, Melody, her parents and her grandparents, who are all each connected and disconnected with each other. A harrowing and emotional depiction of motherhood and fatherhood, generational trauma, emotional well being and trying to figure out who you are over a lifetime.
I will be purchasing this book to own as apart of my library but what a beautiful story. I will be thinking about this story forever.
The Kiss Bet Volume One: A Webtoon Unscrolled Graphic Novel by Ingrid Ochoa
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
Oh my goodness! I saw the cover and I just knew I had to read it! Thank you so much to NetGalley and Webtoon Unscrolled for this e-ARC! All opinions are mine! 4.5/5, rounded up to 5 stars!
So the story starts off with Sara Lin who just turned 18 and is trying to accomplish having her first kiss! It is so adorable, definitely a younger young adult/high school book. Although to me, the characters feel more in middle school/early high school. That being said, I really enjoy all of the characters. I think they are so quirky and fun and adorable! I especially love Sara Lin’s dad, he’s a hoot just like my dad!
I’m really interested to see how the story continues! I feel like this book is a hodgepodge of different romance tropes for highschoolers, such as grumpyxsunshine, cute boy next-door, and the best friend!
Honestly, only thing I did not like leaving on a cliffhanger, but I recently learned that the story has continued well beyond where it’s at right now, so I’m excited to keep reading and getting to know Sara Lin and her friends ! also, I just kind of wish that there were a bit more diversity in the characters, but hopefully as a story continues and we meet more people it will be more diverse!
So the story starts off with Sara Lin who just turned 18 and is trying to accomplish having her first kiss! It is so adorable, definitely a younger young adult/high school book. Although to me, the characters feel more in middle school/early high school. That being said, I really enjoy all of the characters. I think they are so quirky and fun and adorable! I especially love Sara Lin’s dad, he’s a hoot just like my dad!
I’m really interested to see how the story continues! I feel like this book is a hodgepodge of different romance tropes for highschoolers, such as grumpyxsunshine, cute boy next-door, and the best friend!
Honestly, only thing I did not like leaving on a cliffhanger, but I recently learned that the story has continued well beyond where it’s at right now, so I’m excited to keep reading and getting to know Sara Lin and her friends ! also, I just kind of wish that there were a bit more diversity in the characters, but hopefully as a story continues and we meet more people it will be more diverse!
Love in Bloom by Lucy Eden
challenging
lighthearted
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
4.25
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the audiobook for a review. I definitely enjoyed this one more than I thought I would! This was such a fun read! The narrator was amazing! I felt every moment in this book!
There was soooo much going on in this book, there was family trauma & drama, small town romance & secrets, city girl meets country(ish) guy, a meddling ex-boyfriend, and standing up for yourself and your community. Emma and Dan are literally so stinking cute! It was a very cute read, with so much romantic and sexual tension, that was perfectly done! Dan was such a good man, and patient. I feel like everything in the story made sense - a cozy romance with low stakes and medium spice. I really like Lucy's style and writing!
I did truly not like the third act break up/drama, but like it also worked so well, that it made it hard for me to dislike it too much, especially since it brought so many of the side characters together. I also feel like I should highlight the side characters in this book were EVERYTHING! Sometimes side characters fall short, but every single one of them was vibrant and fun to get to know!
Honestly, my favorite part literally how Dan and Emma met. Such a cute and funny meeting! Would recommend for a winter cozy read by the fire, because I was HOOKED from the beginning!
There was soooo much going on in this book, there was family trauma & drama, small town romance & secrets, city girl meets country(ish) guy, a meddling ex-boyfriend, and standing up for yourself and your community. Emma and Dan are literally so stinking cute! It was a very cute read, with so much romantic and sexual tension, that was perfectly done! Dan was such a good man, and patient. I feel like everything in the story made sense - a cozy romance with low stakes and medium spice. I really like Lucy's style and writing!
I did truly not like the third act break up/drama, but like it also worked so well, that it made it hard for me to dislike it too much, especially since it brought so many of the side characters together. I also feel like I should highlight the side characters in this book were EVERYTHING! Sometimes side characters fall short, but every single one of them was vibrant and fun to get to know!
Honestly, my favorite part literally how Dan and Emma met. Such a cute and funny meeting! Would recommend for a winter cozy read by the fire, because I was HOOKED from the beginning!
Stuck in the Country with You by Zuri Day
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and author for the ARC for a review. I am not sure how I feel about this one! I will say the premise and the cover, instantly drew me in! I feel like there was so much potential between Jaxson and Genesis's history, city girl meets country neighbor, grumpy x sunshine, but sometimes the story felt like a report rather than getting to experience things with the characters. There were parts that were funny and made me laugh, and other parts, where I was like please be serious. I really enjoyed the characters, especially the side characters like Miss Hazel and two jealous and childish uncles.
I really liked Jaxson's character, like that was a good man, Savannah! He was steadfast and patient, even when Genesis did not deserve it! I did like the chemistry between him and Gen, but sometimes there are times where, Genesis is so grumpy it is unbearable over some family drama, that's not even hers to own. I also feel like the pacing is ALL over the place, sometimes it's like months of gaps between situations. I also feel at times like how the age gap was discussed was GROSS - like "oh he was in high school, but so mature," made me want to barf.
I wanted to like this so much, but it fell a little short of my expectations. I think that it could work for some people as a quick and easy read! Probably really good as an audiobook too.
I really liked Jaxson's character, like that was a good man, Savannah! He was steadfast and patient, even when Genesis did not deserve it! I did like the chemistry between him and Gen, but sometimes there are times where, Genesis is so grumpy it is unbearable over some family drama, that's not even hers to own. I also feel like the pacing is ALL over the place, sometimes it's like months of gaps between situations. I also feel at times like how the age gap was discussed was GROSS - like "oh he was in high school, but so mature," made me want to barf.
I wanted to like this so much, but it fell a little short of my expectations. I think that it could work for some people as a quick and easy read! Probably really good as an audiobook too.
Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
I really loved this one! This book feels like a love letter to Detroit and Black teens who are multifaceted. It is a beautiful and hard hitting love story that follows Prince and Dani as they both navigate their passions and senior year. Prince loves all things music and love, while Dani is more practical loves her books. Honestly, I feel like Prince and Dani were great matches for each other as they were both super patient which in some ways is a little unrealistic for teenagers, but my goodness. The book is beautifully written and navigates complex topics such as trauma, caretaking as a young person, peer influences (both negative and positive), and really finding out who you are for yourself without outside influences. I want to say the thought that went into these dates were so amazing! There are people in real life who can’t even plan that good of dates, and so to imagine two teenagers planning such beautiful dates makes my heart swoon. I really enjoyed getting to have both of their point of views. I feel like that really helped the story. I also loved how much emphasis there was on friendship and how the love in friendship can carry you through even the toughest of times. My only issue is that I wanted to stay with Dani and Prince a little longer. 💕
The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Hmm. I liked this one enough. I really like the dual POV between Maddie and Theo and I really like the idea that all of these wedding stories are place in the same universe. This was the first one I read in the series. I feel like both Maddie and Theo are super interesting character, both have interesting jobs and really care about each other, even if they both are in denial. I do enjoy how the book ended and how all their lying was for literally no reason at all. LOL.
Things I wish that were different: I wished there was more depth to Theo's and Maddie's mutual hate for each other. Like if we're going to do enemies to lovers, like lets REALLY DO IT. I also think pizza was mentioned wayyyyy too much.
I feel like i wanted to like this one more, but it was just okay. :)
Things I wish that were different: I wished there was more depth to Theo's and Maddie's mutual hate for each other. Like if we're going to do enemies to lovers, like lets REALLY DO IT. I also think pizza was mentioned wayyyyy too much.
I feel like i wanted to like this one more, but it was just okay. :)
The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Honestly, I don't think I've read anything like this book (in the best way!). For context, I have not read the Raybearer series (yet), but I am told that this story does have some spoilers for Raybearer and Redemptor. First of all, the cover is STUNNING! Like my goodness, I have never seen something so captivating.
This book follows Small Sade, who accidentally binds herself to the Crocodile, a powerful being! I think this quote is so powerful and also serves as the premise of this book: ""Why not shape the world you live in instead of just existing inside it?"
This book touches on everything: oppression, societal pressures, privilege, socioeconomic differences, disability (and lack of accessibility), LGBT+ issues, maternal health, past trauma, and so much more. There's quite a few trigger warns at the beginning so be mindful of that.
Every single one of the characters are vibrant and lovely, and people you want to keep around. Every character has such depth and I just want to read about them forever. There's a huge component of found family AND romance that is not just sugar cookies and rainbows. The Crocodile is so swoon worthy, like wow. He's trying his best, which sometimes gets him into trouble.
Like, wow. I am speechless honestly. I know that it is categorized as a YA book, but I would definitely put it on the adult side of the spectrum for sure. There's just so much to love about this book. I don't have the beautiful language to inspire you to read like the author, but PLEASE RUN AND PICK THIS ONE UP. I cant wait to read this one again!
This book follows Small Sade, who accidentally binds herself to the Crocodile, a powerful being! I think this quote is so powerful and also serves as the premise of this book: ""Why not shape the world you live in instead of just existing inside it?"
This book touches on everything: oppression, societal pressures, privilege, socioeconomic differences, disability (and lack of accessibility), LGBT+ issues, maternal health, past trauma, and so much more. There's quite a few trigger warns at the beginning so be mindful of that.
Every single one of the characters are vibrant and lovely, and people you want to keep around. Every character has such depth and I just want to read about them forever. There's a huge component of found family AND romance that is not just sugar cookies and rainbows. The Crocodile is so swoon worthy, like wow. He's trying his best, which sometimes gets him into trouble.
Like, wow. I am speechless honestly. I know that it is categorized as a YA book, but I would definitely put it on the adult side of the spectrum for sure. There's just so much to love about this book. I don't have the beautiful language to inspire you to read like the author, but PLEASE RUN AND PICK THIS ONE UP. I cant wait to read this one again!
Church Girl by Naima Simone
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.75
thank you thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC! It was sooo good! I read this in a day! This short and spicy book is about Von Howard and Aaliyah Montgomery! Von is a successful tattoo artist and single father to the most precious little girl Gia, in desperate need of a nanny and in the thick of beef with his ex wife. And that’s where Aaliyah comes in! After leaving her fiancé at the alter, and escaping her parents’ rule over her life, she find herself living in Chicago!
I really loved the characters in this book, even the side ones! I felt like they were so real. There’s alot of character development with both of our main characters with them being vulnerable and open to changing. I loved the grumpy-ish x sunshine trope and the reasonable age gap troupe - where both were done in a way that wasn’t cringey. I loved the dual povs and how much tension was between Aaliyah and Von. And the spicy scenes were beautifully done and well written.
Not to be dramatic, but this book really healed a part of me that I didn’t know was hurting. Similar to Aaliyah, I feel like in the last year I’ve been really freeing myself from others expectations and obligations and phew the growing pains associated with finding yourself. Only thing I wanted was it to be a little longer with Von and Aaliyah’s relationship once everything resolved or like an epilogue or something! I just wanted to stay with them longer lol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual assault
A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley
lighthearted
tense
slow-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
4.5
Okay - let's jump straight into it! First and foremost, thank you to Jamie Wesley for writing this book, and thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC of the book.
Secondly, I am giving this book a 4.5 out 5. I loved the first book (Fake It til You Bake it), and I was sooooo excited to get my hands on the second book! I really enjoyed getting to know August and Sloane. August Hodges is a pro-football player who loves staying in the background, however, after a very feminist rant that goes viral, he is thrown into social media fame. While Sloane is Donovan Bell's younger sister, trying desperately to stay out her older brother's shadow and make a name for herself. And then after several years of avoiding each other, their worlds collide and force them into close proximity with one another.
What I loved the most was the building up of their chemistry from tentative people with history to like the sweetest slow burn love that one could MUSTER! I was screaming by time they finally both jumped into the deep in together. This book is much more straight forward in comparison to the first, but in a good way. This book covers a sweet, slow burn romance, gentrification, toxic masculinity, found family, healing from past hurt, second chance romance, and a super cute HEA.
0.5 subtracted because I just wanted even more from August and Sloane. I just wanted to be able to experience a little more of their relationship. I just wanted to hang out with them a little more... otherwise, I enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend this book for folks who love standalone books that are set in the same universe as others, slow burn and second chance romance, super-hot pro football player who's quiet, but kinda a yapper around his girl.
Secondly, I am giving this book a 4.5 out 5. I loved the first book (Fake It til You Bake it), and I was sooooo excited to get my hands on the second book! I really enjoyed getting to know August and Sloane. August Hodges is a pro-football player who loves staying in the background, however, after a very feminist rant that goes viral, he is thrown into social media fame. While Sloane is Donovan Bell's younger sister, trying desperately to stay out her older brother's shadow and make a name for herself. And then after several years of avoiding each other, their worlds collide and force them into close proximity with one another.
What I loved the most was the building up of their chemistry from tentative people with history to like the sweetest slow burn love that one could MUSTER! I was screaming by time they finally both jumped into the deep in together. This book is much more straight forward in comparison to the first, but in a good way. This book covers a sweet, slow burn romance, gentrification, toxic masculinity, found family, healing from past hurt, second chance romance, and a super cute HEA.
0.5 subtracted because I just wanted even more from August and Sloane. I just wanted to be able to experience a little more of their relationship. I just wanted to hang out with them a little more... otherwise, I enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend this book for folks who love standalone books that are set in the same universe as others, slow burn and second chance romance, super-hot pro football player who's quiet, but kinda a yapper around his girl.