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thesmutsister_emma's reviews
371 reviews
Perfect Strangers by J.T. Geissinger
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Case of the Intoxicated Emma in the Car Accident
So the whole thing with the reason people who are intoxicated in car wrecks walking away because they don’t see the wreck coming and people who are sober being more injured because they were tensed in anticipation? Yeah, this was the opposite. Delta warned me about this one so much I pretty much was tense the whole book waiting for shit to be horrible and hit the fan, then when it did I looked around and went “Oh. This isn’t so bad.” WITH THAT BEING SAID… holy hell.
The Characters
Olivia: My badass baby. Boy do I love the woman. If anyone could sum up Delta in a fictional character, it would bee Olivia (and I mean this in the best of ways, my love.) I truly love Olivia and her attitude so so so much. She's so perfect. I can't express it more.
James: If I don't get my own James, I'm rioting in hell. That's all I have.
The Tropes
- [✔️] instalust
- [✔️] no strings attached
- [✔️] single POV
- [✔️] alpha male
- [✔️] erotic thriller
- [✔️] PLOT TWISTS!!!
Things I Loved
Quite literally everything. This book has no faults.
Things I Didn't Love
That D had me so scared I barely flinched at the twist
The Final Verdict
Brace yourself for impact with this one. It's wonderful but shit's going to hurt. Just don't come for me and be sure to read the epilogue .
So the whole thing with the reason people who are intoxicated in car wrecks walking away because they don’t see the wreck coming and people who are sober being more injured because they were tensed in anticipation? Yeah, this was the opposite. Delta warned me about this one so much I pretty much was tense the whole book waiting for shit to be horrible and hit the fan, then when it did I looked around and went “Oh. This isn’t so bad.” WITH THAT BEING SAID… holy hell.
The Characters
Olivia: My badass baby. Boy do I love the woman. If anyone could sum up Delta in a fictional character, it would bee Olivia (and I mean this in the best of ways, my love.) I truly love Olivia and her attitude so so so much. She's so perfect. I can't express it more.
James: If I don't get my own James, I'm rioting in hell. That's all I have.
The Tropes
- [✔️] instalust
- [✔️] no strings attached
- [✔️] single POV
- [✔️] alpha male
- [✔️] erotic thriller
- [✔️] PLOT TWISTS!!!
Things I Loved
Quite literally everything. This book has no faults.
Things I Didn't Love
That D had me so scared I barely flinched at the twist
The Final Verdict
Brace yourself for impact with this one. It's wonderful but shit's going to hurt. Just don't come for me and be sure to read the epilogue .
Liars Like Us by J.T. Geissinger
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
5.0
This is an ARC I received from Valentine PR and J.T. Geissinger in exchange for a review. This will not be affecting my review in any way.
I'm Just Like You, You're Just Like Me
Okay, look. Do not come for me for this one. Have y'all read Marriage for One? If you have, imagine a darker, better version of it and you've got this beauty. I was so obsessed with this book. I have been in such a slump this year and it has been so depressing but I had this book done in less than 24 hours once I got through it.
The Characters
Emery: I love Emery so much. For her to have as much anxiety as she does, she has a pretty level head and I could relate to a lot of her thoughts and concerns most the time. She and I were on the same page pretty much all of the book. I would love to know more about the bookstore though. It seems like it is something I would adore.
Callum: Callum, bless his heart. He was unapologetically himself the whole time and refused to be anything but. It's something that I love in a morally grey character. A lot of people write morally grey characters and flip them on their heads once the FMC falls in love with them, but not J.T. She curates these men and makes them the idea of perfection in terms of being morally grey. That's what Callum was.
Tropes
- [✔️] billionaire
- [✔️] marriage of convenience
- [✔️] dark romance
- [✔️] morally grey MMC
- [✔️] badass FMC
- [✔️] MMC obsessed
Things I Loved
I loved so so much about this book. It is going to be easier to say I enjoyed the whole thing than it is to be able to attempt to express everything I loved about the book.
Things I Didn't Love
My only bone to pick would be that I was able to "call" a lot of the twists and turns, but that could be that marriage of convenience with a man obsessed is one of my favorite tropes (thanks Ella Maise for that one, you created that monster.) I did love the ending of it thought. It was something I did not see coming and was a wonderful twist to the story.
The Final Verdict
Marriage of convenience fans, this one is for you. Especially if you like the darker, spicier side of things. I think this book was specifically curated to be a new comfort read for me.
I'm Just Like You, You're Just Like Me
Okay, look. Do not come for me for this one. Have y'all read Marriage for One? If you have, imagine a darker, better version of it and you've got this beauty. I was so obsessed with this book. I have been in such a slump this year and it has been so depressing but I had this book done in less than 24 hours once I got through it.
The Characters
Emery: I love Emery so much. For her to have as much anxiety as she does, she has a pretty level head and I could relate to a lot of her thoughts and concerns most the time. She and I were on the same page pretty much all of the book. I would love to know more about the bookstore though. It seems like it is something I would adore.
Callum: Callum, bless his heart. He was unapologetically himself the whole time and refused to be anything but. It's something that I love in a morally grey character. A lot of people write morally grey characters and flip them on their heads once the FMC falls in love with them, but not J.T. She curates these men and makes them the idea of perfection in terms of being morally grey. That's what Callum was.
Tropes
- [✔️] billionaire
- [✔️] marriage of convenience
- [✔️] dark romance
- [✔️] morally grey MMC
- [✔️] badass FMC
- [✔️] MMC obsessed
Things I Loved
I loved so so much about this book. It is going to be easier to say I enjoyed the whole thing than it is to be able to attempt to express everything I loved about the book.
Things I Didn't Love
My only bone to pick would be that I was able to "call" a lot of the twists and turns, but that could be that marriage of convenience with a man obsessed is one of my favorite tropes (thanks Ella Maise for that one, you created that monster.) I did love the ending of it thought. It was something I did not see coming and was a wonderful twist to the story.
The Final Verdict
Marriage of convenience fans, this one is for you. Especially if you like the darker, spicier side of things. I think this book was specifically curated to be a new comfort read for me.
The Reaper by RuNyx
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Audiobook Review
Empty Head, No Thoughts
Can I remember most of this book? No. Should I have read all of this together to prevent this? Probably. Does it matter at all? Nope.
Considering I've already done a character breakdown on these two in my review for The Predator, I am only going to do a plot review and then do my final thoughts.
I loved the plot surrounding this book. It was so neat following Morana and Tristan on their way to try to figure out what was going on in their world during this time. There are still a few loose ends that I am hoping get tied up eventually but don't look like they will be. I'm super excited to continue reading and listening to this series. I'm hoping that eventually I am able to own all the books in physical copy like I do Gothikana because I adore RuNyx's writing.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed the first book or enjoy mafia romance with a strong FMC, you are most certain to enjoy this book. I cannot wait to continue the series.
Empty Head, No Thoughts
Can I remember most of this book? No. Should I have read all of this together to prevent this? Probably. Does it matter at all? Nope.
Considering I've already done a character breakdown on these two in my review for The Predator, I am only going to do a plot review and then do my final thoughts.
I loved the plot surrounding this book. It was so neat following Morana and Tristan on their way to try to figure out what was going on in their world during this time. There are still a few loose ends that I am hoping get tied up eventually but don't look like they will be. I'm super excited to continue reading and listening to this series. I'm hoping that eventually I am able to own all the books in physical copy like I do Gothikana because I adore RuNyx's writing.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed the first book or enjoy mafia romance with a strong FMC, you are most certain to enjoy this book. I cannot wait to continue the series.
I'll Always Be With You by Monica Murphy
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This will not affect my review. Thank you to Monica Murphy and Valentine PR for allowing me the chance to read this. TW: Discussions of ED
Does Lightening Strike twice?
So last summer I read A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime and became obsessed with it. Delta was going to even go as far as recreating the painting for me at one point (still waiting on that by the way, Love.) I got part of the way through Things I Wanted to Say, But Never Did but had to put it down due to outside circumstances. This is the first Monica Murphy I have gotten through since A Million Kisses... so the question is, does lightening strike twice? Let's talk about it.
The Characters
Carolina: Carolina is my favorite kind of character. A lot of subtleties that were put in play with her character were my favorites. The way we saw her transform from who she is when she first meets West to who she is by the end of the epilogue was something I enjoyed so much because it wasn't just over the head. It was very gradual change that happened slowly over the course of the book and I loved it.
West: I didn't connect with West as much I initially expected I would. I have the feeling my attachment to Crew was due to his treatment of Wren (and how similar some situations I have with Wren are.) West had to go through so much so fast and honestly I'm just glad things ended up okay for the sweet baby. He honestly needed it after everything that happened and that he went through.
Things I Loved
I loved most everything except...
Things I Didn't Love
How casual eating disorders were thrown around. They are such a minor part of the plot, but it is just thrown around twice then never acknowledged again. A lot of dancers go through EDs because of the strenuous work they have to do and it is something that is almost made light of at one point in the book. It is used as a jab rather than as something to be seriously worried about in dancers.
The Final Verdict
I'm going to have to go with a hard somewhat on this. Did I become as utterly obsessed with this as I did last summer with A Million Kisses? No. Is it still a 4 .5🌟 read I will be screaming about from rooftops? Absolutely. Is the only reason I was more obsessed with A Million Kisses due to the personal relations to Wren that I felt? Probably. All of this aside, I loved this book and cannot wait to add a physical copy to my collection (yes, it was that good.)If you're looking for a badass FMC with a MMC who is there and the FMC's biggest cheerleader despite the grumpy exterior, this one is for you. Monica Murphy has me wrapped around her finger at this point and honest to fuck I will probably own everything in this series by the end of it all.
Does Lightening Strike twice?
So last summer I read A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime and became obsessed with it. Delta was going to even go as far as recreating the painting for me at one point (still waiting on that by the way, Love.) I got part of the way through Things I Wanted to Say, But Never Did but had to put it down due to outside circumstances. This is the first Monica Murphy I have gotten through since A Million Kisses... so the question is, does lightening strike twice? Let's talk about it.
The Characters
Carolina: Carolina is my favorite kind of character. A lot of subtleties that were put in play with her character were my favorites. The way we saw her transform from who she is when she first meets West to who she is by the end of the epilogue was something I enjoyed so much because it wasn't just over the head. It was very gradual change that happened slowly over the course of the book and I loved it.
West: I didn't connect with West as much I initially expected I would. I have the feeling my attachment to Crew was due to his treatment of Wren (and how similar some situations I have with Wren are.) West had to go through so much so fast and honestly I'm just glad things ended up okay for the sweet baby. He honestly needed it after everything that happened and that he went through.
Things I Loved
I loved most everything except...
Things I Didn't Love
How casual eating disorders were thrown around. They are such a minor part of the plot, but it is just thrown around twice then never acknowledged again. A lot of dancers go through EDs because of the strenuous work they have to do and it is something that is almost made light of at one point in the book. It is used as a jab rather than as something to be seriously worried about in dancers.
The Final Verdict
I'm going to have to go with a hard somewhat on this. Did I become as utterly obsessed with this as I did last summer with A Million Kisses? No. Is it still a 4 .5🌟 read I will be screaming about from rooftops? Absolutely. Is the only reason I was more obsessed with A Million Kisses due to the personal relations to Wren that I felt? Probably. All of this aside, I loved this book and cannot wait to add a physical copy to my collection (yes, it was that good.)If you're looking for a badass FMC with a MMC who is there and the FMC's biggest cheerleader despite the grumpy exterior, this one is for you. Monica Murphy has me wrapped around her finger at this point and honest to fuck I will probably own everything in this series by the end of it all.
Mother's Day Inn by Lee Jacquot
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
Someone Please Turn the Shower Off
I'm so serious. Someone turn the shower off. In all seriousness, I absolutely adored this book. It was amazing the whole way through and through. If I were old enough of Theo, I would most definitely be adding him to the book partner list. A girl can hope.
The Characters
Olivia: I adored Olivia and the way she cared for her daughter. It was clear who was number one in her life, and it was obviously her daughter. Her insecurities and fears aside, she was such a strong character and it was wonderful seeing. I loved the way she allowed herself to work through her own fears in her own way even if Theo was there holding her hand.
Theo: Theo, Theo, Theo. If love spells were ethical, and you weren't fictional, I would be stealing you without a doubt. I fell in love with Theo from the very first moment we read from his perspective. I truly wish this had been a full length book because I was dying for more Theo and more of him with Olivia and his little beaver.
Things I Loved
I loved everything about this book through and through.
Things I Didn't Love
The length, honestly. That is my only complaint.
The Final Verdict
If you do not go read this at this very moment, we are no longer book besties. I am so in love with this book it isn't funny. I loved every single second of this book and wish it was longer. I could have done with a 500 page book or more. If you enjoy age gaps and want the woman to be the older in the gap, this is the perfect book for you.
I'm so serious. Someone turn the shower off. In all seriousness, I absolutely adored this book. It was amazing the whole way through and through. If I were old enough of Theo, I would most definitely be adding him to the book partner list. A girl can hope.
The Characters
Olivia: I adored Olivia and the way she cared for her daughter. It was clear who was number one in her life, and it was obviously her daughter. Her insecurities and fears aside, she was such a strong character and it was wonderful seeing. I loved the way she allowed herself to work through her own fears in her own way even if Theo was there holding her hand.
Theo: Theo, Theo, Theo. If love spells were ethical, and you weren't fictional, I would be stealing you without a doubt. I fell in love with Theo from the very first moment we read from his perspective. I truly wish this had been a full length book because I was dying for more Theo and more of him with Olivia and his little beaver.
Things I Loved
I loved everything about this book through and through.
Things I Didn't Love
The length, honestly. That is my only complaint.
The Final Verdict
If you do not go read this at this very moment, we are no longer book besties. I am so in love with this book it isn't funny. I loved every single second of this book and wish it was longer. I could have done with a 500 page book or more. If you enjoy age gaps and want the woman to be the older in the gap, this is the perfect book for you.
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
Two Hockey Players, One Puck
Teehee, see what I did there? I quoted the book. I have a lot of thoughts and opinions on this one so strap in everyone. This one is going to be a doozy.
The Characters
Rachel: Girlie pop, holy shit I want to be you when I grow up. that's all I got. No other words. I can't form any more
Jake: Damn fucking golden retriever, with the nothing behind the eyes and everything. Little precious bug that knows nothing but give love. And it's too sweet for my sweet tooth somehow, holy shit.
Caleb: If the man got any grumpier, he'd mirror a villain in terms of personality and we all know how I feel about the villains. They're my favorite ones. I feel bad for it, but Caleb and Ilmari are making the book boyfriend list but not Jake. I just don't think I could take all of Jake all the time. I need the two antisocial ones so that my social battery wouldn't drain.
Ilmari:If I could kidnap a giant, this would bee the one. If y'all catch a man getting kidnapped on Christmas with his or Caleb's description, mind your own business. They're going to a loving home. I also just really want to know what this man reads.
Things I Loved
The smut to plot ratio was perfection. It was probably the reason for my first complaint in the next section, but still. I also just loved the dynamic in general and loved everything we were given about this crew. It was honestly so cozy and I adored it. If I could have read this in a few different books, I would have gotten through them a lot faster I think.
Also, THE HOCKEY ASPECT. This is only my second sport romance about my sport and boy, did Emily deliver. She fedme through these Stanley Cup Playoffs. Postseason is already fun, but this made it so much better because Emily truly knew what she was doing talking about hockey.
Things I Didn't Love
Okay, I have two bones to pick with Emily over this one and that's it. Number one, why the fuck was it so long. 750 pages for a sport romance??? GIRLLLL. That's a hefty boi. Like, I probably could have gotten through it in normal time if it was a normal sized book, but fuck man. I struggled for a minute there.
Bone number two: in the prequel novella, Rachel is mentioned multiple times to be plus size or at least curvy, but not once in this book were we led to believe this. My very first highlight and note were literally talking about how she put on a youth size crop top or made a youth size a shirt a crop top. Y'ALL. That would not be happening for someone who is plus size or curvy. That shit would be riding up wayyyy too much.
The Final Verdict
If you're not scared of the length, do it. I loved it once I got back into it and read the whole second half in the span of 2 days.
Teehee, see what I did there? I quoted the book. I have a lot of thoughts and opinions on this one so strap in everyone. This one is going to be a doozy.
The Characters
Rachel: Girlie pop, holy shit I want to be you when I grow up. that's all I got. No other words. I can't form any more
Jake: Damn fucking golden retriever, with the nothing behind the eyes and everything. Little precious bug that knows nothing but give love. And it's too sweet for my sweet tooth somehow, holy shit.
Caleb: If the man got any grumpier, he'd mirror a villain in terms of personality and we all know how I feel about the villains. They're my favorite ones. I feel bad for it, but Caleb and Ilmari are making the book boyfriend list but not Jake. I just don't think I could take all of Jake all the time. I need the two antisocial ones so that my social battery wouldn't drain.
Ilmari:If I could kidnap a giant, this would bee the one. If y'all catch a man getting kidnapped on Christmas with his or Caleb's description, mind your own business. They're going to a loving home. I also just really want to know what this man reads.
Things I Loved
The smut to plot ratio was perfection. It was probably the reason for my first complaint in the next section, but still. I also just loved the dynamic in general and loved everything we were given about this crew. It was honestly so cozy and I adored it. If I could have read this in a few different books, I would have gotten through them a lot faster I think.
Also, THE HOCKEY ASPECT. This is only my second sport romance about my sport and boy, did Emily deliver. She fedme through these Stanley Cup Playoffs. Postseason is already fun, but this made it so much better because Emily truly knew what she was doing talking about hockey.
Things I Didn't Love
Okay, I have two bones to pick with Emily over this one and that's it. Number one, why the fuck was it so long. 750 pages for a sport romance??? GIRLLLL. That's a hefty boi. Like, I probably could have gotten through it in normal time if it was a normal sized book, but fuck man. I struggled for a minute there.
Bone number two: in the prequel novella, Rachel is mentioned multiple times to be plus size or at least curvy, but not once in this book were we led to believe this. My very first highlight and note were literally talking about how she put on a youth size crop top or made a youth size a shirt a crop top. Y'ALL. That would not be happening for someone who is plus size or curvy. That shit would be riding up wayyyy too much.
The Final Verdict
If you're not scared of the length, do it. I loved it once I got back into it and read the whole second half in the span of 2 days.