Take a photo of a barcode or cover
thesmutsister_emma's reviews
371 reviews
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Song: Two Black Cadillac's by Carrie Underwood
For the Love of Murder Suspects
This is about to be a half assed review of mine if y'all have ever seen one but let's just roll with it. I binged this book mainly in one day.
The Favorite Quote
Y'all, hell if I know. I binged this book so fast.
The Characters
Sarah Morgan: Girl boss all the way, bitch.
Adam Morgan: Bless his poor heart.
The Things I Loved
I loved the twists and turns throughout this one. The possibilities of who did it and trying to figure it out was so fun. I loved how we aren't completely sure of anyone the whole way through until the very end.
The Things I Didn't Love
Can't talk about it.
The Final Thoughts
If you want a murder mystery, for sure stop by this one.
For the Love of Murder Suspects
This is about to be a half assed review of mine if y'all have ever seen one but let's just roll with it. I binged this book mainly in one day.
The Favorite Quote
Y'all, hell if I know. I binged this book so fast.
The Characters
Sarah Morgan: Girl boss all the way, bitch.
Adam Morgan: Bless his poor heart.
The Things I Loved
I loved the twists and turns throughout this one. The possibilities of who did it and trying to figure it out was so fun. I loved how we aren't completely sure of anyone the whole way through until the very end.
The Things I Didn't Love
Can't talk about it.
The Final Thoughts
If you want a murder mystery, for sure stop by this one.
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.25
The Song: The Man by Taylor Swift
Sleep is Always they Answer
Don't let the amount of time it took to read this feel you, viewers. Work has been super busy and I haven't been able to listen, but I'm getting back on track.
I also want to start doing a different set up for my reviews so bear with me while I get that formatting sorted out.
The Favorite quote
"When I don't want to deal with something, sleep is the answer. Always."
The Characters
Max: Sweet, sweet Max. I could not have loved you more, even in your stupidest moments.
Lina: Lina, baby. I am so so glad you found someone to be your safe space. It is important to me that everyone find their safe space.
The Things I Loved
I loved the way that Max became Lina's safe space. It meant so much to me as someone who is "super emotional" and working not to be. I want someone that I can cry in front of and not worry about how they are going to react to the tears. I want a Max.
The Things I Didn't Love
It took a lot of reminding for me to remember that Max was the reason for Lina and Andrew's failed wedding. If it weren't for being reminded of this, the way Lina treated Max a large part of this book bothered me. I honestly wanted to see them reconcile a lot sooner, but when keeping that in mind, I could understand and get behind it.
The Final Thoughts
Once I finally got through the book, I adored it so much. The representation was beautiful and I adore Mia Sosa's writing. I fully plan on reading her entire backlog.
Up Next
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Sleep is Always they Answer
Don't let the amount of time it took to read this feel you, viewers. Work has been super busy and I haven't been able to listen, but I'm getting back on track.
I also want to start doing a different set up for my reviews so bear with me while I get that formatting sorted out.
The Favorite quote
"When I don't want to deal with something, sleep is the answer. Always."
The Characters
Max: Sweet, sweet Max. I could not have loved you more, even in your stupidest moments.
Lina: Lina, baby. I am so so glad you found someone to be your safe space. It is important to me that everyone find their safe space.
The Things I Loved
I loved the way that Max became Lina's safe space. It meant so much to me as someone who is "super emotional" and working not to be. I want someone that I can cry in front of and not worry about how they are going to react to the tears. I want a Max.
The Things I Didn't Love
It took a lot of reminding for me to remember that Max was the reason for Lina and Andrew's failed wedding. If it weren't for being reminded of this, the way Lina treated Max a large part of this book bothered me. I honestly wanted to see them reconcile a lot sooner, but when keeping that in mind, I could understand and get behind it.
The Final Thoughts
Once I finally got through the book, I adored it so much. The representation was beautiful and I adore Mia Sosa's writing. I fully plan on reading her entire backlog.
Up Next
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
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
I'm Not a Romantasy Girlie, BUT...
I do have massive FOMO and Y'ALL. The FOMO was BIG with this one.
The Tropes
- [✔️] war college
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] rival families
- [✔️] powerful fmc
- [✔️] shadow daddy
The Characters
Violet: Girlie-pop, you badass bitch. I love you. You also can be so fucking dense. Not realizing your power after the first kiss? Bitch please. You have got to get out more.
Xaden: No thoughts outside hi shadow daddy.
The Things I Loved
Shadows. Dragons. Enemies to lovers. What was there not to love?
The Things I Didn't Love
I've truly got nothing y'all.
The Final Verdict
If you enjoy any type of romantasy and want a pet dragon, get on the waitlist of this book right fucking now
I do have massive FOMO and Y'ALL. The FOMO was BIG with this one.
The Tropes
- [✔️] war college
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] rival families
- [✔️] powerful fmc
- [✔️] shadow daddy
The Characters
Violet: Girlie-pop, you badass bitch. I love you. You also can be so fucking dense. Not realizing your power after the first kiss? Bitch please. You have got to get out more.
Xaden: No thoughts outside hi shadow daddy.
The Things I Loved
Shadows. Dragons. Enemies to lovers. What was there not to love?
The Things I Didn't Love
I've truly got nothing y'all.
The Final Verdict
If you enjoy any type of romantasy and want a pet dragon, get on the waitlist of this book right fucking now
Their Freefall At Last by Julie Olivia
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
This is an ARC I received from the author in exchange for an honest review. This will not change my opinion.
Upending My Non-Crying Streak
Julie, I knew it would be you that did it. New meds have made this whole crying thing a little hard. Despite this, I sobbed like I used to over this book. A solid 10-15% of this book was spent in tears. Those of you who are emotional readers, be sure to have a glass of water nearby.
The Tropes
- [✔️] small town romance
- [✔️] angst
- [✔️] mutual pining
- [✔️] "we were inevitable"
- [✔️] childhood best friends
The Characters
Ruby: Are we going to discuss the similarities between Ruby and I with the exception of build and eye color? Nope. Is that all I have on her character? Yep.
Bennett: I thought Bennett was going to be my favorite, but he was so frustrating the whole book that I think Orsen wins that spot. With that aside, I did love Bennett when he wasn't being dumb.
The Things I Loved
Bennett's mother. Holy shit I think she was my favorite side character through the whole book.
The Things I Didn't Love
Jolene. She shouldn't have done that to Bennett's momma and maybe she wouldn't be sitting here.
The Final Verdict
What a perfect ending to a series, GOD I loved it. I cannot suggest this book more highly. It will probably wind up being my favorite book of the month and maybe in my top 10 for the year. We'll see.
Upending My Non-Crying Streak
Julie, I knew it would be you that did it. New meds have made this whole crying thing a little hard. Despite this, I sobbed like I used to over this book. A solid 10-15% of this book was spent in tears. Those of you who are emotional readers, be sure to have a glass of water nearby.
The Tropes
- [✔️] small town romance
- [✔️] angst
- [✔️] mutual pining
- [✔️] "we were inevitable"
- [✔️] childhood best friends
The Characters
Ruby: Are we going to discuss the similarities between Ruby and I with the exception of build and eye color? Nope. Is that all I have on her character? Yep.
Bennett: I thought Bennett was going to be my favorite, but he was so frustrating the whole book that I think Orsen wins that spot. With that aside, I did love Bennett when he wasn't being dumb.
The Things I Loved
Bennett's mother. Holy shit I think she was my favorite side character through the whole book.
The Things I Didn't Love
Jolene. She shouldn't have done that to Bennett's momma and maybe she wouldn't be sitting here.
The Final Verdict
What a perfect ending to a series, GOD I loved it. I cannot suggest this book more highly. It will probably wind up being my favorite book of the month and maybe in my top 10 for the year. We'll see.
Twisted by Emily McIntire
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Some Voices Do It For Me
But Sandi Hunts was not it. Now... Marcio Catalano does.
The Tropes
- [✔️] dual pov
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] age gap
- [✔️] father's best friend
The Characters
Yasmin: Yasmin is such a strong character and I loved her so much. She was someone who I felt like I could find myself looking up to because of her fire. She inspired something in me and gave me things to hold onto as a woman who is typically rather docile. I need to take a few pages out of her book and allow myself to stand up for myself in a way that I know Yasmin would have.
Julian:
The Things I Loved
I loved the book beyond belief and adored the audiobook.
The Things I Didn't Love
Literally just the accents.
The Final Verdict
If accents bother you, do not listen to the audiobook. Sandi did wonderful accents, but Marcio did not do any and it bothered me to no end. Despite this, if you love hearing a delicious man saying filthy things, you might need to give the audiobook a try. Whether you listen to the audiobook or you read it, you need to consume this book in some way shape or format before the end of the year. I feel like anyone who enjoys retellings will enjoy this book.
But Sandi Hunts was not it. Now... Marcio Catalano does.
The Tropes
- [✔️] dual pov
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] age gap
- [✔️] father's best friend
The Characters
Yasmin: Yasmin is such a strong character and I loved her so much. She was someone who I felt like I could find myself looking up to because of her fire. She inspired something in me and gave me things to hold onto as a woman who is typically rather docile. I need to take a few pages out of her book and allow myself to stand up for myself in a way that I know Yasmin would have.
Julian:
The Things I Loved
I loved the book beyond belief and adored the audiobook.
The Things I Didn't Love
Literally just the accents.
The Final Verdict
If accents bother you, do not listen to the audiobook. Sandi did wonderful accents, but Marcio did not do any and it bothered me to no end. Despite this, if you love hearing a delicious man saying filthy things, you might need to give the audiobook a try. Whether you listen to the audiobook or you read it, you need to consume this book in some way shape or format before the end of the year. I feel like anyone who enjoys retellings will enjoy this book.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Do I Know What I'm Doing? The Answer is No.
So evidently, no one informed me I wasn't supposed to read this before I read Caraval but here we are and I have spoilers evidently? Did I enjoy this book nonetheless? Hell yes. I need to get my hands on the second book (and probably the Caraval series) as soon as possible.
The Tropes :
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] romantasy
- [✔️] wounded hero
- [✔️] single POV
The Characters
Evangeline: girlie pop was amazing and I love her so much. Her capability to continue to have compassion for everyone around her (until proven otherwise is needed) is admirable.
Jacks: I can't look at apples the same now. And for once in my adult life, I'm going after the blonde.
The Things I Loved
I loved the way this world is, despite being lost frequently.
The Things I Didn't Love
I didn't like not knowing a lot of what was happening within the universe but that was my own fault.
The Final Verdict
Be sure you read Caraval first
So evidently, no one informed me I wasn't supposed to read this before I read Caraval but here we are and I have spoilers evidently? Did I enjoy this book nonetheless? Hell yes. I need to get my hands on the second book (and probably the Caraval series) as soon as possible.
The Tropes :
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] romantasy
- [✔️] wounded hero
- [✔️] single POV
The Characters
Evangeline: girlie pop was amazing and I love her so much. Her capability to continue to have compassion for everyone around her (until proven otherwise is needed) is admirable.
Jacks: I can't look at apples the same now. And for once in my adult life, I'm going after the blonde.
The Things I Loved
I loved the way this world is, despite being lost frequently.
The Things I Didn't Love
I didn't like not knowing a lot of what was happening within the universe but that was my own fault.
The Final Verdict
Be sure you read Caraval first
My Dark Romeo by L.J. Shen, Parker S. Huntington
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.
LJ Shen is a sack of shit human 🩷
Forbidden Hearts by Corinne Michaels
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? Yes
4.25
This book was an ARC I received from Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review. This will not change my review.
I Can't
I just can't. I'm not a fan of cop romances at all and yet here I am giving this 4 stars as if that wasn't even there. I don't remember putting in for this ARC (which is how we wound up with this opener) but I loved it so much nonetheless.
The Tropes
• age gap
• small town
• dual pov
• single dad/nanny
• dad's coworker
• enemies to lovers(ish)
• man obsessed
• small town antics
Things I Loved
I loved the way Olivia always came first no matter what in the relationship. It was Olivia then themselves at all times and I adored it.
Things I Didn't Love
Honestly, simply the cop part. It felt ick. And the recklessness of his gun being with him at the end. I know that's rich coming from someone who enjoys mafia romances, but if this is supposed to be contemporary, that situation will make me uncomfortable every time.
The Final Verdict
Calling all small town romance lovers. This one's for y'all. This is for all the girls who have made the mistake of loving someone because they fulfilled needs for the time being and now think it will never happen again. This one is for the hopeless romantics. This one is for just about everyone.
I Can't
I just can't. I'm not a fan of cop romances at all and yet here I am giving this 4 stars as if that wasn't even there. I don't remember putting in for this ARC (which is how we wound up with this opener) but I loved it so much nonetheless.
The Tropes
• age gap
• small town
• dual pov
• single dad/nanny
• dad's coworker
• enemies to lovers(ish)
• man obsessed
• small town antics
Things I Loved
I loved the way Olivia always came first no matter what in the relationship. It was Olivia then themselves at all times and I adored it.
Things I Didn't Love
Honestly, simply the cop part. It felt ick. And the recklessness of his gun being with him at the end. I know that's rich coming from someone who enjoys mafia romances, but if this is supposed to be contemporary, that situation will make me uncomfortable every time.
The Final Verdict
Calling all small town romance lovers. This one's for y'all. This is for all the girls who have made the mistake of loving someone because they fulfilled needs for the time being and now think it will never happen again. This one is for the hopeless romantics. This one is for just about everyone.