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thesmutsister_emma's reviews
371 reviews
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
Sometimes Mainstream Wins
I was scared to read this book at first. I had seen so many people ranting and raving about it that I didn't think I would like it. I thought it was going to be like the Off Campus series or basically anything by She Who Must Not Be Named (the one that coined that phrase and also the one that got me back into reading.) Despite this, I took a leap of faith and I am oh so glad I did.
The Characters
Georgie: okay, first of all... ow. That fucking hurt as someone who just moved home to live with her parents that was supposed to be a temporary move but the longer I'm here the more I realize maybe I don't want to leave (but at least get out of the house.) I also have no idea who I am and am trying to figure that out. If I find a fanfic under my bed I wrote, I'm calling it quits. Like, that's it.
In all actuality, I loved Georgie and the mess that she was. She did so well as a "messy" FMC and that's coming from someone who is the "messy" friend in every story. I have had so many experiences like Georgie where people have asked me what I'm doing since I've gotten back and I've just kind of shrugged. It was comforting seeing someone who mirrors me finding everything she deserved. She was such a strong character and it was so nice to see that she didn't have to change anything about herself to receive this love.
Levi: Levi, precious bean. I love you so much more than I can express. You have made it onto the book boyfriend list. Once again, what is it with me and the super traumatized ones? Did I want to see him and his father come to blows? Hell yes. Did I want his face to get fucked up? No, so beggars can't be choosers.
Things I Loved
I loved everything about this book, truly and honestly.
Things I Didn't Love
If I figure it out, y'all will be the first ones to know. I'll alert the press, pinky swear.
The Final Verdict
This is definitely one that needs to go on anyone's TBR who enjoys small town contemporary romance. I cannot give it enough praise or stars.
I was scared to read this book at first. I had seen so many people ranting and raving about it that I didn't think I would like it. I thought it was going to be like the Off Campus series or basically anything by She Who Must Not Be Named (the one that coined that phrase and also the one that got me back into reading.) Despite this, I took a leap of faith and I am oh so glad I did.
The Characters
Georgie: okay, first of all... ow. That fucking hurt as someone who just moved home to live with her parents that was supposed to be a temporary move but the longer I'm here the more I realize maybe I don't want to leave (but at least get out of the house.) I also have no idea who I am and am trying to figure that out. If I find a fanfic under my bed I wrote, I'm calling it quits. Like, that's it.
In all actuality, I loved Georgie and the mess that she was. She did so well as a "messy" FMC and that's coming from someone who is the "messy" friend in every story. I have had so many experiences like Georgie where people have asked me what I'm doing since I've gotten back and I've just kind of shrugged. It was comforting seeing someone who mirrors me finding everything she deserved. She was such a strong character and it was so nice to see that she didn't have to change anything about herself to receive this love.
Levi: Levi, precious bean. I love you so much more than I can express. You have made it onto the book boyfriend list. Once again, what is it with me and the super traumatized ones? Did I want to see him and his father come to blows? Hell yes. Did I want his face to get fucked up? No, so beggars can't be choosers.
Things I Loved
I loved everything about this book, truly and honestly.
Things I Didn't Love
If I figure it out, y'all will be the first ones to know. I'll alert the press, pinky swear.
The Final Verdict
This is definitely one that needs to go on anyone's TBR who enjoys small town contemporary romance. I cannot give it enough praise or stars.
The Predator by RuNyx
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.75
Audiobook Review
Quick! What Color Are His Eyes
Okay, but seriously, what was His full name again? Roll credits!
Now that I'm done, this was one of the best books that sucked me in in a while (other than Pucking Around by Emily Rath but I'm still working on that one). It was something I was able to get wrapped up in and was especially easy with it being an audiobook. I could just turn it on and work on things around the house or make stuff while listening. AND IF I DIDN'T CRY LIKE A DAMN BABY DURING CHAPTER 17, HOLY SHIT.
The Characters
Morana: Can we please give it up for possibly the baddest batch I have ever read about? I honest to god loved this woman. I loved the growth she showed during her time on the page and holy hell was she just a badass in general. I honest to god would just read a whole book about her and her car. I will never get over this woman. And somehow, the fact that she thought Tristan only hated her just grated me but maybe that's me being me with way too much experience.
Tristan: Tristan, sweet, precious Tristan. What is it with me and all the permanently damaged men? Why am I obsessed with all of them? If someone knows, please call my therapist. Despite my love for him, if I could throttle him, I still would.
Things I Loved
Everything. Honest to god. No faults.
Things I Didn't Love
If I come up with any, y'all will be the first to know.
The Final Verdict
If my dark romance bitches who have been putting this off do not get your asses to KU and read this book right fucking now I will be disowning you.
Quick! What Color Are His Eyes
Okay, but seriously, what was His full name again? Roll credits!
Now that I'm done, this was one of the best books that sucked me in in a while (other than Pucking Around by Emily Rath but I'm still working on that one). It was something I was able to get wrapped up in and was especially easy with it being an audiobook. I could just turn it on and work on things around the house or make stuff while listening. AND IF I DIDN'T CRY LIKE A DAMN BABY DURING CHAPTER 17, HOLY SHIT.
The Characters
Morana: Can we please give it up for possibly the baddest batch I have ever read about? I honest to god loved this woman. I loved the growth she showed during her time on the page and holy hell was she just a badass in general. I honest to god would just read a whole book about her and her car. I will never get over this woman. And somehow, the fact that she thought Tristan only hated her just grated me but maybe that's me being me with way too much experience.
Tristan: Tristan, sweet, precious Tristan. What is it with me and all the permanently damaged men? Why am I obsessed with all of them? If someone knows, please call my therapist. Despite my love for him, if I could throttle him, I still would.
Things I Loved
Everything. Honest to god. No faults.
Things I Didn't Love
If I come up with any, y'all will be the first to know.
The Final Verdict
If my dark romance bitches who have been putting this off do not get your asses to KU and read this book right fucking now I will be disowning you.
Uphill Battle by Alice Duke
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is an ARC I received in exchange for an honest review. This will not change my review
It's Me, Hi. I'm the Problem. It's Me
Song for the Book: "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift
I genuinely liked this book! I feel like it is definitely one that will wind up being a comfort read at some point or another. I want to read the rest of this series desperately now!!!
The Characters
Ada: Ada's character is one that meant a lot to me. I could see a lot of what little relationship I have with my father in hers with her father (the stressful parts that is). I applaud her for being able to do what she did for her dad for so long because I would not have been able to do it at all. I loved our introduction to Ada and the vibes she gives off throughout the book. She is a badass FMC and Alice makes this clear to us from page one.
Nicola: Nikola. poor Nikola. See, buddy, you're the reason there's Taylor Swift here. You sweet, summer child. You try so hard and get so far but you literally are your own anti-hero. You assume too much and you know what they say about assuming... it's not good. so work on it bubs. You'll get there. Until then, let Ada take reigns
Things I Loved
I really enjoyed the pacing and how what I thought I saw coming was actually not that. I enjoyed the storyline about Ada and her father as well as Nikola and his parents. I felt like they were very important to who they were as characters.
Things I Didn't Love
I wanted more to go into the representation of Ada's character. A lot of times, I forgot she was Black and that bothers me. I loved how the mention at the beginning of Black mothers' mortality rates during childbirth was brought up. I wish in her descriptions that she had been described more about her skin color not so much in a fetishization way, but in representation. I also understand wanting to have that representation but not wanting to take over Black spaces or tell Black stories. There is a fine line to walk, I just feel the author could have gotten closer to it.
The Final Verdict
I really enjoyed this book, I just wish the representation had been more clear at times. Otherwise, it was a wonderful read!
It's Me, Hi. I'm the Problem. It's Me
Song for the Book: "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift
I genuinely liked this book! I feel like it is definitely one that will wind up being a comfort read at some point or another. I want to read the rest of this series desperately now!!!
The Characters
Ada: Ada's character is one that meant a lot to me. I could see a lot of what little relationship I have with my father in hers with her father (the stressful parts that is). I applaud her for being able to do what she did for her dad for so long because I would not have been able to do it at all. I loved our introduction to Ada and the vibes she gives off throughout the book. She is a badass FMC and Alice makes this clear to us from page one.
Nicola: Nikola. poor Nikola. See, buddy, you're the reason there's Taylor Swift here. You sweet, summer child. You try so hard and get so far but you literally are your own anti-hero. You assume too much and you know what they say about assuming... it's not good. so work on it bubs. You'll get there. Until then, let Ada take reigns
Things I Loved
I really enjoyed the pacing and how what I thought I saw coming was actually not that. I enjoyed the storyline about Ada and her father as well as Nikola and his parents. I felt like they were very important to who they were as characters.
Things I Didn't Love
I wanted more to go into the representation of Ada's character. A lot of times, I forgot she was Black and that bothers me. I loved how the mention at the beginning of Black mothers' mortality rates during childbirth was brought up. I wish in her descriptions that she had been described more about her skin color not so much in a fetishization way, but in representation. I also understand wanting to have that representation but not wanting to take over Black spaces or tell Black stories. There is a fine line to walk, I just feel the author could have gotten closer to it.
The Final Verdict
I really enjoyed this book, I just wish the representation had been more clear at times. Otherwise, it was a wonderful read!
Kisses From Cupid by Kenna Bellrae
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is an ARC I read in exchange for an honest review. This will not change my review on this book.
I Need Therapy
I realized this a long time ago, thus me being in therapy since I was in like. 5th grade. But the way this one began? ...Fuckkkk
I am so in love with these two it isn't even funny dude. Like fuck.
I'm not going to review this my normal way, as this is a follow up to All Hallows' Haunt but I will still give my two cents on it! (Duh)
Things I Loved
I loved the smut. Holy fuck, I loved the smut. Kenna is up there with Sierra Simone in terms of how well she writes smut to me and fuck. Also, I loved just everything that Ev did for Sienna on Valentine's Day. It was disgustingly cute and I loved it.
Things I Didn't Love
I honestly don't have any complaints about this book. I just can't place my finger why it isn't a 5 star. It should be.
The Final Verdict
God tier smut, everyone needs to read it. Come get it when it gets dropped, please god.
I Need Therapy
I realized this a long time ago, thus me being in therapy since I was in like. 5th grade. But the way this one began? ...Fuckkkk
I am so in love with these two it isn't even funny dude. Like fuck.
I'm not going to review this my normal way, as this is a follow up to All Hallows' Haunt but I will still give my two cents on it! (Duh)
Things I Loved
I loved the smut. Holy fuck, I loved the smut. Kenna is up there with Sierra Simone in terms of how well she writes smut to me and fuck. Also, I loved just everything that Ev did for Sienna on Valentine's Day. It was disgustingly cute and I loved it.
Things I Didn't Love
I honestly don't have any complaints about this book. I just can't place my finger why it isn't a 5 star. It should be.
The Final Verdict
God tier smut, everyone needs to read it. Come get it when it gets dropped, please god.
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
This is an ARC I read in exchange for an honest review. This will not change my review on this book.
Thank Fuck For That
Do not let the amount time it took me to get through this fool you. I adored this book and love Sarah Adams's books. This was a great read to get me on the track of getting over my reading slump. I cannot wait for release day on May 1st! I want to shoutout NetGalley, Sarah, and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
The Characters
Annie: Annie was honestly great. I loved how she didn't back down about how she felt about the way she was being treated. I loved how she went through her grieving process and accepted herself after doing so.
Will: Will was so precious, even as frustrated I got with him at times. He was infuriating, yet I loved him nonetheless.
Things I Loved
I loved the way this set up other books fro the series, as well as the way it handled grief and the way parents' actions impact us long into adulthood. Maybe someone should tell my father this...
Things I Didn't Love
I honestly didn't realize this was a closed door book, which is on me but I loved it nonetheless. I also feel like the back and forth went on for just a tad bit too long. By the end, I was just ready for the 3rd act breakup (which thank fuck for that, didn't happen) so they could get together.
The Final Verdict
This is such a comfort read, especially if you want angst and fluff with your romcom. It's something I recommend to all fluff readers.
Thank Fuck For That
Do not let the amount time it took me to get through this fool you. I adored this book and love Sarah Adams's books. This was a great read to get me on the track of getting over my reading slump. I cannot wait for release day on May 1st! I want to shoutout NetGalley, Sarah, and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
The Characters
Annie: Annie was honestly great. I loved how she didn't back down about how she felt about the way she was being treated. I loved how she went through her grieving process and accepted herself after doing so.
Will: Will was so precious, even as frustrated I got with him at times. He was infuriating, yet I loved him nonetheless.
Things I Loved
I loved the way this set up other books fro the series, as well as the way it handled grief and the way parents' actions impact us long into adulthood. Maybe someone should tell my father this...
Things I Didn't Love
I honestly didn't realize this was a closed door book, which is on me but I loved it nonetheless. I also feel like the back and forth went on for just a tad bit too long. By the end, I was just ready for the 3rd act breakup (which thank fuck for that, didn't happen) so they could get together.
The Final Verdict
This is such a comfort read, especially if you want angst and fluff with your romcom. It's something I recommend to all fluff readers.
Feral by Rory Ireland, Tate Monroe
3.0
This is What I Get For Procrastinating
I cannot remember a single thing from this book. Not a thing. At all. Review written 10 days after finishing the book.
I cannot remember a single thing from this book. Not a thing. At all. Review written 10 days after finishing the book.
Bunny and the Bear by Eve Langlais
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
This has woman written by a man all over it. The way the FMC is described and acts, there's no way it's not true.
Savage Bonds by J. Bree
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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
I Don't Know Where the Last One Ended or This One Began
Don't ask me what the plot of this one is because I could not tell you other than the fact that Gryphon moved up considerably on my like scale (not that he wasn't high enough already) and that Oli became considerably less obnoxious. I actually enjoyed her character in this one.
The Characters
Oli: Now that I somewhat understand her character more, I'm enjoying her character a lot more. It took a lot for me to like her because she was so hypocritical and just was annoying with the savior complex. Even if it had been a man doing this same thing, I still would have complained about him the whole time.
Literally Everyone Else: Gryphon is literally my favorite, as well as Gabe. In my eyes, these two can do no wrong.I knew someone was going to betray the group, and I figured it would be Atlas, which is why he is not listed. Even as I am in the third book writing this, I am still extremely hesitant to trust him. Nox needs to get his shit together. He's getting obnoxious. I haven't liked him since the beginning, a little too much bully for my taste, but especially now. I really love the way things are finally turning out with the whole group though.
Things I Loved
I loved how Gryphon changed and how he is dealing with everything going on, as well as how he is responding to Oli. I really love how Oli's secrets are being shown and how we are finally starting to understand that she really was trying to protect the group (even if the exhausting repetition of it in the first book pissed me off.)
Things I Didn't Love
I still am not a fan of Nox, and I'm still ready for everything with Oli to be out in the open so that we can just get to our happily ever after.
The Final Verdict
For the most part, this is no longer a bully romance. If you are needing a reason to keep going, hold onto that and onto the fact that Gryphon is my absolute favorite now.
Don't ask me what the plot of this one is because I could not tell you other than the fact that Gryphon moved up considerably on my like scale (not that he wasn't high enough already) and that Oli became considerably less obnoxious. I actually enjoyed her character in this one.
The Characters
Oli: Now that I somewhat understand her character more, I'm enjoying her character a lot more. It took a lot for me to like her because she was so hypocritical and just was annoying with the savior complex. Even if it had been a man doing this same thing, I still would have complained about him the whole time.
Literally Everyone Else: Gryphon is literally my favorite, as well as Gabe. In my eyes, these two can do no wrong.
Things I Loved
I loved how Gryphon changed and how he is dealing with everything going on, as well as how he is responding to Oli. I really love how Oli's secrets are being shown and how we are finally starting to understand that she really was trying to protect the group (even if the exhausting repetition of it in the first book pissed me off.)
Things I Didn't Love
I still am not a fan of Nox, and I'm still ready for everything with Oli to be out in the open so that we can just get to our happily ever after.
The Final Verdict
For the most part, this is no longer a bully romance. If you are needing a reason to keep going, hold onto that and onto the fact that Gryphon is my absolute favorite now.
Sweet Vengeance by Viano Oniomoh
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
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
5.0
I Crave Violence
I knew going into this book I would end up loving it. It was only a matter of time until I got to it to be able to read it. I didn't realize it would become one of my favorite reads of February.
The Characters
Joy: I loved Joy's character so fucking much, y'all. I needed to see someone who went through what I went through and had the same reactions as I did. It was so comforting to realize I am not the only one who got stuck on one particular part of the grieving process. I loved her resilience and the way she carried herself and cared for herself through all of this.
Malachi: Sweet, precious Malachi. I loved this demon so much it wasn't even funny. I'm still debating whether or not I want to put him on the book partners list. He deserves it for sure with the way he cherished Joy and cared for her through all of her grieving process.
Things I Loved
I honestly loved everything about this book and don't know that there was anything I didn't like. It was so wonderful and it portrayed the grieving process in such a real manner. I really appreciated that Joy didn't regret her decision and that there was no moment of being the "bigger person" in this because it would have felt so empty. It was something I appreciated experiencing and being able to feel valid in my decision to hold onto my anger.
Things I Didn't Love
I don't think there was anything I didn't like about this book.
The Final Verdict
I cannot express enough how much you need to get on top of this read. Be sure to check your trigger warnings, but if you are comfortable reading this content, then do not hesitate to pick up a copy of this.
I knew going into this book I would end up loving it. It was only a matter of time until I got to it to be able to read it. I didn't realize it would become one of my favorite reads of February.
The Characters
Joy: I loved Joy's character so fucking much, y'all. I needed to see someone who went through what I went through and had the same reactions as I did. It was so comforting to realize I am not the only one who got stuck on one particular part of the grieving process. I loved her resilience and the way she carried herself and cared for herself through all of this.
Malachi: Sweet, precious Malachi. I loved this demon so much it wasn't even funny. I'm still debating whether or not I want to put him on the book partners list. He deserves it for sure with the way he cherished Joy and cared for her through all of her grieving process.
Things I Loved
I honestly loved everything about this book and don't know that there was anything I didn't like. It was so wonderful and it portrayed the grieving process in such a real manner. I really appreciated that Joy didn't regret her decision and that there was no moment of being the "bigger person" in this because it would have felt so empty. It was something I appreciated experiencing and being able to feel valid in my decision to hold onto my anger.
Things I Didn't Love
I don't think there was anything I didn't like about this book.
The Final Verdict
I cannot express enough how much you need to get on top of this read. Be sure to check your trigger warnings, but if you are comfortable reading this content, then do not hesitate to pick up a copy of this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence