teereadsbooks's reviews
442 reviews

Not All Himbos Wear Capes by C. Rochelle

adventurous dark emotional funny 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? Yes

4.25

I don't think I have ever had more completely ridiculous fun while reading a book than I did with this one. This book is bonkers, but in the best possible way. Butch and Xan are totally oblivious in their own ways, and it's hilarious. The banter is top-notch, especially amongst the Suarez siblings. I look forward to seeing more of them in this series. The universe this story is set in is quite intriguing. And let me tell you, the spice was spicing. Butch and Xan definitely have an interesting dynamic, and I'm here for it. They're supposed to be a hero and a villain, but maybe they aren't so different after all. They just fit. If you want a silly book with plenty of spice, then this one is for you.

Mistletoe & Mishigas by M.A. Wardell

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.75

This was such a cute, cozy, warm and fuzzy read. I love Sheldon so much. He is such a unique and powerful personality, I hate anyone who wants to push that down in him. The author really approached Sheldon and Theo's individual struggles with such respect and grace. He handled their portrayal so well. Both these characters are so loveable for their own reasons and I am here for it. Also, M.A. Wardell really served some top-tier smut. For such a cute book, things got pretty dirty at times in the best possible way. I really loved how Sheldon and Theo grew on each other and supported one another. They really were friends as their relationship grew. That's what they both needed first. Overall, I just really enjoyed this read so much and I'm so in love with this series. The writing is great, the story is so well done, and the characters are wonderful. Now, I'm curious about that date our loveable and chaotic principal, Kent, went on with the mysterious Vincent. Definitely looking forward to the next book!

Work: Strictly Professional by Jesse H. Reign

emotional medium-paced

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

4.25

So, this was not what I expected, but in a good way. When we learn a bit about Derek MacAvoy from Miller in Rent: Paid In Full, I was expecting more toxicity from him in his own story. It was not at the level I would have thought. I will say, with Derek and Miller, "like father, like son" is a very fitting phrase. This story was unexpectedly sweet, and I got a lot more emotional and relationship growth between Wyn and Derek in this book than I experienced in book one. Also, I love Wyn so much. His quirks and awkwardness are just so relatable. I also quite liked the more in-depth look we got into Derek's internal struggles. It all really changes how you see him from what we know from book one. And just like book one, the shenanigans that ensue with Derek's logic to throw money at what he wants is ridiculous, but i love it. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and just had a lot of fun. 

Whiskey & Sin: An Omegaverse Novel by Emily Rath

challenging dark emotional slow-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

3.5

I have conflicted feelings about this book. Overall, the plot and writing are good, but there are a few pieces and parts that I struggled with. Like the fact that the character that is essentially sold into slavery and trafficked is black. That just didn't sit right with me. Also, the first time Bear and Silas get down and dirty is during Silas's heat. The romance did not exist there. I like what was trying to be done here, but it just didn't vibe quite right for me. Overall, I enjoyed most of it. Emily Rath is a great storyteller, and that didn't lack here. The characters have layers and depth, but the approach could have definitely been a little different. This is a story that I didn't hate, but I just didn't love either.

Drama Queen by Charlie Novak

emotional funny lighthearted medium-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

4.25

This is such a cute and sweet book overall, with a few serious and meaningful moments. I love Bubblegum Galaxy/Rory so much. I really enjoyed the backdrop of drag performance and the role Bubblegum Galaxy played there. There's an awesome found family aspect with the drag community, which I adore. It was great seeing the unconditional love and support Rory had with his family. This book is fluffy and doesn't take itself too seriously, but I liked the subjects it touched on and the growth that West especially experienced throughout the story. Rory and West had a rather interesting meet cute, and the rest of their relationship developed rather organically after that. All in all, I really enjoyed myself and just had so much fun reading this book.

Exasperating by Onley James

dark emotional 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? Yes

3.75

3.75 stars 

I was here for this one, until about halfway through. I love both Calder and Robby's characters. Their relationship and character growth and development is great. The spice is nice. But the story felt off. It confused me at times. I was super intrigued by the cult aspect of the story, but the execution felt a little messy and disorganized. I was also a bit disappointed by the epilogue. It felt like it came out of nowhere. I was not at all expecting Robby to take that path. Nothing like that was ever mentioned throughout the story. I wanted to like this more because I love these characters, but the overarching story just didn't do them justice. I will say, I did enjoy the friendship that grew with Robby, Charlie, and Wyatt. Here's to hoping for redemption in the next book.

Captivating by Onley James

dark emotional 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

4.75

4.75 stars

Oh, this was a wild ride. This book is emotional, intense, and a bit twisty. I found Shep's character quite fascinating since he is a high functioning sociopath in a romance novel. It's interesting how the author approached that aspect of the story. The dynamic between Shep and Elijah is definitely unique. Elijah isn't scared away by Shep's diagnosis reveal but embraces it as something else to love about Shep. They just work well together. I mean, not everyone would be super thrilled by the present Shep gives Elijah at the end, but Elijah is over the moon about it. I really enjoyed this one. I think this is my favorite I the series so far. If a quirky but slightly dark and twisty romance is your thing, then definitely check this one out.

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

I'm not typically a non-fiction reader, but this is definitely an exception. This memoir is so powerful and emotional. It addresses the author's experiences being black and queer and how those identities intersect. It shows the struggles as well as the joy in those identities. How the world sees them and how they grew to be their most authentic self unapologetically. This is a coming of age tale that feels like it should be essential reading for all. I loved this book and its impact. It's a quick read, but it packs a punch in the best possible way. I definitely recommend this to anyone and everyone.

The (Fake) Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky

emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.0

This was such a cute read. There was instant chemistry between Holden and Leo. I usually dislike when romance is too insta-lovey, but I didn't feel the cringe here. Holden and Leo were great for each other. They were friends as well as romantic interests. I also really enjoyed the premise here. I was never one to watch and enjoy Supermarket Sweep, but I could appreciate the inspiration behind it in this story. I also felt the author handled the subject of grief very well and found it extremely relatable. There is no real getting over grief, or making it easier over time, just allowing it to become less sharp over time and not have it overwhelm you. I really liked watching Holden's healing journey there. All in all, this is just a simple, cute, and fun read with some good emotion. Definitely worth the read.

Intoxicating by Onley James

emotional medium-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

4.5

This one is full of all sorts of emotions. Wyatt really has gone through it. This story is pretty intense at times and hits right in the feels, but the blooming relationship between Wyatt and Linc is so heartwarming. There may be a big focus on the whole daddy kink aspect, but they both really take care of each other. They are what the other deserves in the best possible way. I liked how everything ended, but I will admit the climax of everything felt like it happened and was over pretty quickly. I wanted to savor it for a bit. That said, I really enjoyed this read. So far, I have loved everything I have read from Onley James, and this was no exception.