Scan barcode
thereadinghammock's reviews
579 reviews
Knot My Type by Evie Mitchell
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
4.0
Books are a fantastic way to be able to explore new things in a safe, accessible, and non-committal way. Shibari and rope play has never been super high on my list of "kinks I'd like to explore," but reading about someone else's exploration into learning more about it gave me at least a bit more insight into the overall appeal of the scene from the comfort of my own car (since I mostly listen to audiobooks on my work commute).
I loved Frankie's openness and efforts to talk things through as openly and honestly with Jay from day one. Jay took her refreshing candor in stride and did his best to match her, and pretty darn well for someone with as rocky an emotional past as he had (from growing up in the foster system to the ex who absolutely gutted him). I appreciated Frankie's friends, all of whom are truly ride-or-die for each other in the best of ways. I look forward to reading their books in the rest of the All Access series.
Overall, as a non-disabled reader, the focus on Frankie's capabilities as a woman in a wheelchair was enlightening and just really cool to read. The accessible adaptations to the things I take for granted as an able-bodied person were interesting and never really focused on in a way that fetishized or glamourized her life in a wheelchair, but instead just told it like it is and the things that make up her everyday life. And I appreciated when she called Jay out for his ableist thinking, which also called me out as a reader to rethink my assumptions!
I loved Frankie's openness and efforts to talk things through as openly and honestly with Jay from day one. Jay took her refreshing candor in stride and did his best to match her, and pretty darn well for someone with as rocky an emotional past as he had (from growing up in the foster system to the ex who absolutely gutted him). I appreciated Frankie's friends, all of whom are truly ride-or-die for each other in the best of ways. I look forward to reading their books in the rest of the All Access series.
Overall, as a non-disabled reader, the focus on Frankie's capabilities as a woman in a wheelchair was enlightening and just really cool to read. The accessible adaptations to the things I take for granted as an able-bodied person were interesting and never really focused on in a way that fetishized or glamourized her life in a wheelchair, but instead just told it like it is and the things that make up her everyday life. And I appreciated when she called Jay out for his ableist thinking, which also called me out as a reader to rethink my assumptions!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Cancer, Abandonment, and Alcohol
The Stand-In by Lily Chu
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
Picked this audiobook on a whim, because who doesn't love a free audiobook? I loved Phillipa Soo's performance narrating Gracie's over-the-top adventure as A-list Chinese actress Wei Fangli's body double while the actress performs in a Toronto stage play. Suffering from "exhaustion" Fangli feels she needs a break, and who better to make the required appearances in the city than this average Jane who just happens to look almost identical to her? What could go wrong?
Gracie is delightfully relatable. Just trying to get by, not feeling much direction in her life, and struggling to pull her life together, one failed task manager/to do list/organizer app at a time. Her skepticism is very warranted, but her need t prove Sam Yao wrong--that she CAN pull this off, is also something I can relate to as well. I appreciated the caregiver representation of Gracie's role in trying to care for her aging, and declining mother, suffering from dementia. That even during the height of her Fangli performance, she still makes time to go check in on her mother when she's having a bad day. I also thought the representation of mental health struggles, for both Fangli and Gracie was poignant and well handled. Everyone's journey is their own, but someone's bravery in sharing their story or path to progress can help inspire someone else to take the first steps.
I did NOT see the sisters plot twist coming AT ALL!! When I tell you I screeched in the car as Gracie started piecing the puzzle together. If I had been anywhere in public, people would have thought I was having a fit. I was also a little disappointed that the story was a closed door romance, as I am quite accustomed and look forward to the spice in my novels, however, I quite enjoyed the rest of the story, despite the glossing over of the sexy time between Gracie and Sam.
Gracie is delightfully relatable. Just trying to get by, not feeling much direction in her life, and struggling to pull her life together, one failed task manager/to do list/organizer app at a time. Her skepticism is very warranted, but her need t prove Sam Yao wrong--that she CAN pull this off, is also something I can relate to as well. I appreciated the caregiver representation of Gracie's role in trying to care for her aging, and declining mother, suffering from dementia. That even during the height of her Fangli performance, she still makes time to go check in on her mother when she's having a bad day. I also thought the representation of mental health struggles, for both Fangli and Gracie was poignant and well handled. Everyone's journey is their own, but someone's bravery in sharing their story or path to progress can help inspire someone else to take the first steps.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Racism, Sexual harassment, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent
How To Marry A Marble Marquis by C.M. Nascosta
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Do you love Bridgerton and other regency romance stories? Did you also love the animated TV show Gargoyles as a kid? Do you love CM's signature blend of plucky heroines, witty banter, and spice that won't quit? Then you're going to LOVE this book!
Orphaned with two younger sisters to worry after, Eleanor Eastwick fears she has dashed her chances of finding a decent match within the Ton, so The Monster's Ball is her last hope of securing a suitable husband to secure her future, as well as her two sisters. Trough the connections of a close family friend sponsoring her current season, she finds herself in the company of notorious rake Silas Stride, Marquis of Basingstone, a deviously handsome gargoyle, which if The High Tea society papers are to be believed, has slept with at least half the ladies of the Ton. But she has a plan. As long as she sticks to the plan, her sister's prospects will be fine. Right?
I felt for Eleanor as she tumbled her way to finding a solution to save her family's prospects after the loss of her parents. Silas was divine in his smugness, and I couldn't wait for him to see him so helplessly in love with Eleanor. And of course, the all star supporting cast--Maris is a queen and should be respected as such. Kestin and his sister, the ever patient and loyal house staff. Even Cadmus Stride, the sneak peak of whom we only got in letters, but will get more of in To Ravish a Rogue this fall! CM built us a marvelous world of loveable characters, decadent décor, and such a glorious grovel that you can't help but savor that moment with Eleanor in the final chapters.
I can't wait to get more stories the Talons & Temptations universe!
Orphaned with two younger sisters to worry after, Eleanor Eastwick fears she has dashed her chances of finding a decent match within the Ton, so The Monster's Ball is her last hope of securing a suitable husband to secure her future, as well as her two sisters. Trough the connections of a close family friend sponsoring her current season, she finds herself in the company of notorious rake Silas Stride, Marquis of Basingstone, a deviously handsome gargoyle, which if The High Tea society papers are to be believed, has slept with at least half the ladies of the Ton. But she has a plan. As long as she sticks to the plan, her sister's prospects will be fine. Right?
I felt for Eleanor as she tumbled her way to finding a solution to save her family's prospects after the loss of her parents. Silas was divine in his smugness, and I couldn't wait for him to see him so helplessly in love with Eleanor. And of course, the all star supporting cast--Maris is a queen and should be respected as such. Kestin and his sister, the ever patient and loyal house staff. Even Cadmus Stride, the sneak peak of whom we only got in letters, but will get more of in To Ravish a Rogue this fall! CM built us a marvelous world of loveable characters, decadent décor, and such a glorious grovel that you can't help but savor that moment with Eleanor in the final chapters.
I can't wait to get more stories the Talons & Temptations universe!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Grief
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
While I usually enjoy meandering story telling and have no issues jumping back and forth between storylines within a novel, the pacing and format of January's chapters and Yule Ian's were so jarring for me and I found myself struggling for much of the first half of the book. Once the stories began to converge, however, I was all in. I LOVED being able to piece mysteries together just before they were revealed (sometimes a chapter or two ahead of January's revelations). As someone who often guesses wrong in "whodunit" stories, it makes me feel like an accomplished sleuth. I especially loved the emphasis on the power of words in this story. Between how January wrote as a storyteller, and the power they have as blessings within the City of Nin, such as tattoos marking life milestones and blessings stitched into ship sails.
I went into this book with high enough expectations to have been a bit nervous. I enjoyed Once & Future Witches, and my sister had finished this book before me and praised it as having a Starless Sea vibe (while still being quite it's own book). When someone compares a book to one of your all time favorites, the worry of disappointment is high. After a bit of a slow start, I was quite pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed TTDOJ!
<spoilers>I nearly cried at the Scaller family reunion on the pier. My heart breaking for Yule Ian, warring with the guilt of leaving his daughter behind, against his will, but reuniting with his wife after nearly 20 years apart. With Adelaide, letting him stew in his grief for just a moment, before gesturing to January and Bad, limping their way down the dock to celebrate the family reunion they never thought was possible. I also love the open door left for us, the reader, as January reveals her story is the one she wrote for Samuel, to help him remember. And I truly hope January is able to find Jane and write her a way home too.
I went into this book with high enough expectations to have been a bit nervous. I enjoyed Once & Future Witches, and my sister had finished this book before me and praised it as having a Starless Sea vibe (while still being quite it's own book). When someone compares a book to one of your all time favorites, the worry of disappointment is high. After a bit of a slow start, I was quite pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed TTDOJ!
<spoilers>I nearly cried at the Scaller family reunion on the pier. My heart breaking for Yule Ian, warring with the guilt of leaving his daughter behind, against his will, but reuniting with his wife after nearly 20 years apart. With Adelaide, letting him stew in his grief for just a moment, before gesturing to January and Bad, limping their way down the dock to celebrate the family reunion they never thought was possible. I also love the open door left for us, the reader, as January reveals her story is the one she wrote for Samuel, to help him remember. And I truly hope January is able to find Jane and write her a way home too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Blood, Confinement, Abandonment, Animal cruelty, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Self harm, Gaslighting, and Classism
Minor: Misogyny, Stalking, Animal death, and Self harm
Green-Eyed Monster by Elsie Winters
- 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? No
4.5
I enjoyed this teaser novella as an introduction to the world of The Boundlands This novella introduces us to Hyrak and Solandis, a mixed race orc and sylvan who have an adorable meet-cute during an explosive moment at one of the lab buildings on their college campus. We follow their early courtship from meeting, to pining for each other while finding every opportunity to spend time together (while not admitting they have feelings), to a date night-turned-sexy romp "and we're dating now." I enjoyed the dual perspective and look forward to seeing these characters again (even as supporting cast) in Leviathan's Song!
Earth Wolf & Fire by Maggie Francis
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
I loved seeing Tate, Seb, Cora, and Desi's pack grow with the return of childhood summer friend Ulla! Ulla's nature witch powers intrigued me so much, and watching how they grew so quickly once she was introduced to Tate as her mate! Their "audiences" were both hilarious and shocking. I can't imagine finding new "friends" every time I was getting busy (ok maybe I can--cats do hate closed doors). I was so here for how on board both Ulla and Tate were for their bond. Their internal monologues were hilarious as they just couldn't stay away from each other.
Desi's big vision was wild and spooky at first, and I appreciated the seriousness the whole pack took with it and trying to decode it's meaning to help Ulla. I loved the text banter among the group too; like I feel like I've had so many of those text exchanges!
Ulla's reveal at being a LITERAL fairy princess was a bit of a shock! I assumed that since she was adopted, her power as nature witch was entirely plausible; and I loved how wonderfully supportive her parents are, despite having no magical abilities themselves. But I did not see the Fae wars plot point coming at all but I'm here for it. I love Eliza Falls and the wonderful, magical small town vibe it has!
Desi's big vision was wild and spooky at first, and I appreciated the seriousness the whole pack took with it and trying to decode it's meaning to help Ulla. I loved the text banter among the group too; like I feel like I've had so many of those text exchanges!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Bullying
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.
Not only is the misogyny of the 1950s/1960s a major contextual element, but the way the story is being told just isn't jiving with me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Gaslighting
Moderate: Grief, Cancer, Sexism, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, and Abandonment
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Oh Danica Brown, what ever are we going to do with her? Literal cinnamon roll Zafir drops into her lap and she can't see the forest for the trees because past relationship trauma has her head so twisted around that she can't get out of her own way and allow him to love her! The mental health rep of Zaf dealing with his anxiety, grief, and panic/anxiety attacks and creating Tackle It to help young men overcome the social stigma of "having emotions"--be still my heart! Rugby thighs and a heart of gold?? Dani's growth through her relationship with Zaf, him always meeting her where she is at that time, never expecting more from her than she can give him, and her big romantic gesture moment to win him back was so sweet. I also loved her 1 year anniversary gift to him, secretly getting his romance novels signed by the authors was such a delight!!
I loved seeing peeks at Chloe and Red's ongoing happiness and getting a few glimpses at Eve before we get to her book next. I almost wish there had been a bit more Gigi, since she's always a wild ride for advice, but I have a feeling we'll get a bit more of her in Eve's book, since I think she still lives at home with Gigi.
I loved seeing peeks at Chloe and Red's ongoing happiness and getting a few glimpses at Eve before we get to her book next. I almost wish there had been a bit more Gigi, since she's always a wild ride for advice, but I have a feeling we'll get a bit more of her in Eve's book, since I think she still lives at home with Gigi.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, and Grief
Minor: Infidelity
Faith & the Dead End Devils by Kathryn Moon
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
No one writes Omegaverse quite like K.Moon. Just being able to create such a robust universe, one that is easy to stumble into some pretty heavy misogyny or controversial tropes, and she navigates it so, so, well. Faith picks up just about where we left Bad Alpha off, finding Faith and the Dead End Devils MC panicking about what to do with a feral omega and a club of "I've barely ever seen an omega, let alone been allowed to be near one" group of (mostly) Alphas. From the get go, things are going to be tense, to say the least.
Bear is immediately a favorite. He's everything one could want in a protector and just seems like an absolute sweetheart of a brick wall. Chance took a while to grow on me. The chip on his shoulder seemed like a canyon, and I was nervous he was going to be a weak link in the storytelling for me. But once alone, and given even a modicum of support and real purpose, he developed into such a great compliment to Bear in Faith's growing pack. King, while not my favorite of Faith's alphas, came around for me eventually, albeit reluctantly much like the man himself. I think it's much of the same issue I had with Scorch in Baby's book, but thankfully he didn't hold out nearly as long.
Ghost though...that asshole managed to make me fall in love with him in 10 pages or less. I really didn't trust him, thought he was a total sleaze bag, but then he comes in at the 11th hour and I think I texted my friends I was buddy reading with "Godsdammit, Ghost!?! How dare!!" What a perfect addition to Faith's pack.
I'm so sad this is going to be K.Moon's last Sweetverse for a while, but I look forward to someday getting back to revisit some of the new characters she teased at the end there!
Bear is immediately a favorite. He's everything one could want in a protector and just seems like an absolute sweetheart of a brick wall. Chance took a while to grow on me. The chip on his shoulder seemed like a canyon, and I was nervous he was going to be a weak link in the storytelling for me. But once alone, and given even a modicum of support and real purpose, he developed into such a great compliment to Bear in Faith's growing pack. King, while not my favorite of Faith's alphas, came around for me eventually, albeit reluctantly much like the man himself. I think it's much of the same issue I had with Scorch in Baby's book, but thankfully he didn't hold out nearly as long.
Ghost though...that asshole managed to make me fall in love with him in 10 pages or less. I really didn't trust him, thought he was a total sleaze bag, but then he comes in at the 11th hour and I think I texted my friends I was buddy reading with "Godsdammit, Ghost!?! How dare!!" What a perfect addition to Faith's pack.
I'm so sad this is going to be K.Moon's last Sweetverse for a while, but I look forward to someday getting back to revisit some of the new characters she teased at the end there!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, and Trafficking
Moderate: Grief, Medical trauma, and Physical abuse
Stalked by the Kraken by Lillian Lark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I love the bathhouse universe the Lillian has introduced us to in this book. Sex positive, rebounding from a bad relationship, and a little hint of mystery all featuring fun and unique characters I still want to learn more about. Gideon was quite intense from the jump, but mellowed out once he actually started speaking to Rose. I appreciated Rose's hang ups and anxiety about match making after her own match turned into such a clusterfuck. That would shake anyone's confidence!! Her cousin and brother were also so sweet and I look forward to seeing them pop up here and there in future books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Trafficking, Stalking, and Infertility