Scan barcode
torireadswhat's reviews
120 reviews
The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
It seemed only right that my first book if 2023 was to wrap up a series I loved in 2022!
This was such a fun read! A very risky gamble for Avery Kylie Grambs. The Hawthorne brothers and everyone we loved (and hated) makes an appearance in this book and what a treat it was. The mystery had me hooked from the beginning.
I might be in the minority on this, but I couldn't care less which Hawthorne ended up with, that was at the back of my mind with all of the other drama happening - especially in this book!
If you like a fast-paced, page-turning, mystery then this series is for you! I stumbled upon a blurb for The Brothers Hawthorne and I may have already pre-ordered...
This was such a fun read! A very risky gamble for Avery Kylie Grambs. The Hawthorne brothers and everyone we loved (and hated) makes an appearance in this book and what a treat it was. The mystery had me hooked from the beginning.
I might be in the minority on this, but I couldn't care less which Hawthorne ended up with, that was at the back of my mind with all of the other drama happening - especially in this book!
If you like a fast-paced, page-turning, mystery then this series is for you! I stumbled upon a blurb for The Brothers Hawthorne and I may have already pre-ordered...
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have to give Jean Hanff Korelitz credit for writing a story within a story, making them both compelling to read. I was more drawn to Crib than I was to The Plot, but it all came together in the end.
I've developed a habit of listening to my book club picks as opposed to reading the physical book. I have to say, I was wildly uninterested in the first half of the book. I know it was important information to set the scene for all of the stories, and it did pay off in the end.
When things picked up, I found myself more interested in the story. I anticipated the twist early on, but the stories still kept me hooked because I wanted to know how things would play out. I do love unreliability when it comes to stories, it can be so difficult to portray, but this book got it right.
I don't know what it says that I'm kind of rooting for Jake come the end of the book, especially because he stole someone else's writing to begin with, but man...
I've developed a habit of listening to my book club picks as opposed to reading the physical book. I have to say, I was wildly uninterested in the first half of the book. I know it was important information to set the scene for all of the stories, and it did pay off in the end.
When things picked up, I found myself more interested in the story. I anticipated the twist early on, but the stories still kept me hooked because I wanted to know how things would play out. I do love unreliability when it comes to stories, it can be so difficult to portray, but this book got it right.
I don't know what it says that I'm kind of rooting for Jake come the end of the book, especially because he stole someone else's writing to begin with, but man...
Saint by Sierra Simone
dark
emotional
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
Another forbidden romance down! Aiden Bell is the most complex Bell brother from this series so imagine my surprise when I find out the Jordan Belfort-esque man becomes a monk! (We could take some time to talk about my major character flaw of not reading the blurbs before I read the book, but where's the fun in that)?
Out of the published books, this one had the most emotion. His struggles with Elijah and his mental health were complex and intertwined in ways I didn't think I would like, but I ended up really enjoying this story!
I notice that my complaint with this book is much of the same with the first book, Priest - we didn't get much out of the non-Bell romance companion. I could sit here and talk about how his career was the catalyst for their relationship, how he mentioned experiencing burnout in his field, but that's about it. I did enjoy the conversations between the two characters about Aiden's chosen path and him challenging the reasons along the way.
This book is spicy. But it's not immediate, so there is a bit of a slow burn, but oh God, it is worth it!
Out of the published books, this one had the most emotion. His struggles with Elijah and his mental health were complex and intertwined in ways I didn't think I would like, but I ended up really enjoying this story!
I notice that my complaint with this book is much of the same with the first book, Priest - we didn't get much out of the non-Bell romance companion. I could sit here and talk about how his career was the catalyst for their relationship, how he mentioned experiencing burnout in his field, but that's about it. I did enjoy the conversations between the two characters about Aiden's chosen path and him challenging the reasons along the way.
This book is spicy. But it's not immediate, so there is a bit of a slow burn, but oh God, it is worth it!
Sinner by Sierra Simone
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
Sean Bell, what can I say about you?? After reading Priest, it was nice to get an in-depth picture of the sheer debauchery this man is truly capable of. As a reader, we find out right off the bat this Bell brother is filthy, and he knows it. He holds no shame with it either.
Aside from his perfectly foul mouth, it was a pleasant surprise to read about his struggle with his faith and his role within his family. His relationship with Zenny is... damn. I love a forbidden romance, but to know that she's known this man her entire life, and then seeks him out to help her live her life before she takes her vows to the church, incredible.
I loved that we got to know more of Zenny in comparison to our female love interest in Priest. Zenny is written as strong, determined, independent, and thoughtful. I always hesitate when reading a POC written by a white author, but Simone did a wonderful job writing Zenny - I want to be Zenny.
Aside from his perfectly foul mouth, it was a pleasant surprise to read about his struggle with his faith and his role within his family. His relationship with Zenny is... damn. I love a forbidden romance, but to know that she's known this man her entire life, and then seeks him out to help her live her life before she takes her vows to the church, incredible.
I loved that we got to know more of Zenny in comparison to our female love interest in Priest. Zenny is written as strong, determined, independent, and thoughtful. I always hesitate when reading a POC written by a white author, but Simone did a wonderful job writing Zenny - I want to be Zenny.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Suicide, Child abuse, and Racism
Priest by Sierra Simone
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I have never wanted to be someone's Little Lamb more in my entire life. I started another Sierra Simone series and just never went back to it - no real reason as to why, but I know I'll be finishing this one!
To get my negatives out of the way, I only have one. I don't know why I didn't vibe with Poppy, but I couldn't stand her at times, especially towards the end of the book. I'm not naïve when it comes to the miscommunication trope, but most of their conflict could have been avoided if she was willing to open up about her feelings. If Poppy and Tyler both opened up about their feelings, they could have avoided a lot of conflict. I suspect my disdain for Poppy is because we only got little snippets of her POV. But honestly, looking back, I think I would like her less than I do now if we did get to read from her perspective. I also wasn't too into the big time jump towards the end of the book. I understand that those things are meant to drive the plot forward, but meh.
But TYLER BELL? FATHER BELL? DAYUM. The absolute filth that came out of this man's mouth was unexpected but so enjoyable. I like an out-of-the-box forbidden romance. He delivers as a character. It was interesting to hear how he came into the clergy and the innerworkings of the Catholic church. I'm excited to devour this series.
Forgive me Father for I
To get my negatives out of the way, I only have one. I don't know why I didn't vibe with Poppy, but I couldn't stand her at times, especially towards the end of the book. I'm not naïve when it comes to the miscommunication trope, but most of their conflict could have been avoided if she was willing to open up about her feelings. If Poppy and Tyler both opened up about their feelings, they could have avoided a lot of conflict. I suspect my disdain for Poppy is because we only got little snippets of her POV. But honestly, looking back, I think I would like her less than I do now if we did get to read from her perspective. I also wasn't too into the big time jump towards the end of the book. I understand that those things are meant to drive the plot forward, but meh.
But TYLER BELL? FATHER BELL? DAYUM. The absolute filth that came out of this man's mouth was unexpected but so enjoyable. I like an out-of-the-box forbidden romance. He delivers as a character. It was interesting to hear how he came into the clergy and the innerworkings of the Catholic church. I'm excited to devour this series.
Forgive me Father for I
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
5.0
Do you ever finish a book and feel satisfied at the ending? That's how I feel about Behind Closed Doors. I went into this book blind and I was pretty pleased with my decision.
This book doesn't pack a lot in terms of action. You find out everything you need to know about the main characters pretty early on. The layout of the book was pretty interesting, with it alternating between past and present. It does seem to cross paths with an event that helped it flow nicely.
My only complaint is that I wish there was more on-page development with Esther. But I do understand why she took a backseat role to the overall story.
But this book is emotionally driven, leaving me on the edge and anxious to finish the it. I have never hated a character in a book more. I would say there are some pretty strong trippers for psychological abuse, and animal neglect/abuse so proceed with caution
This book doesn't pack a lot in terms of action. You find out everything you need to know about the main characters pretty early on. The layout of the book was pretty interesting, with it alternating between past and present. It does seem to cross paths with an event that helped it flow nicely.
My only complaint is that I wish there was more on-page development with Esther. But I do understand why she took a backseat role to the overall story.
But this book is emotionally driven, leaving me on the edge and anxious to finish the it. I have never hated a character in a book more. I would say there are some pretty strong trippers for psychological abuse, and animal neglect/abuse so proceed with caution
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa
4.0
If you like the modern whodunnit, this will be right up your alley! It took me a bit longer than usual to finish this one - it was hard to buy into at first. There are a lot of characters so I would recommend reading the physical/ebook over listening to the audiobook.
I'm not sure if it was intentional for our author to write as much humor into the supporting characters as she did, but I found it quite enjoyable I mean I don't know what I would do if my former best friend was marrying my ex-boyfriend!
The twists that come with this book are both expected and unexpected. It's not all what is seems at first glance. A great beach read if you ask me!
I'm not sure if it was intentional for our author to write as much humor into the supporting characters as she did, but I found it quite enjoyable I mean I don't know what I would do if my former best friend was marrying my ex-boyfriend!
The twists that come with this book are both expected and unexpected. It's not all what is seems at first glance. A great beach read if you ask me!
The Summer Proposal by Vi Keeland
4.0
Vi Keeland books are always quick and enjoyable for me. This one was no different. I'm still on the fence on my feelings toward a seasonal fling type relationship, but this one had some interesting twists that kept me interested.
The main male character is witty, funny, and charming. The female main character was okay - I found myself annoyed by her situation. I have a theory that if most romance characters started going to therapy, some of the trivial conflict could be avoided.
But that's not really fun, is it?
The main male character is witty, funny, and charming. The female main character was okay - I found myself annoyed by her situation. I have a theory that if most romance characters started going to therapy, some of the trivial conflict could be avoided.
But that's not really fun, is it?
Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris
slow-paced
4.25
This audiobook got me through my workday.
While a bit predictable for some parts, I was still anxious to uncover all of the information. Since I listened to the book, I think that provided more entertainment for me. Had I read the book, I would have probably had a different opinion.
If you enjoy unreliable/downright hate-worthy characters, I think you'll like this one. But don't be surprised if you end up feeling sorry for more than one person by the end of it.
While a bit predictable for some parts, I was still anxious to uncover all of the information. Since I listened to the book, I think that provided more entertainment for me. Had I read the book, I would have probably had a different opinion.
If you enjoy unreliable/downright hate-worthy characters, I think you'll like this one. But don't be surprised if you end up feeling sorry for more than one person by the end of it.
Give Me More by Sara Cate
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
4.0
I'm still kind of new to Sara Cate, but dang does she keep things spicy!
This is my favorite of the series so far, the dynamics between the main characters added the depth the story needed. It's nice to see some familiar characters mentioned in the earlier books.
This is my favorite of the series so far, the dynamics between the main characters added the depth the story needed. It's nice to see some familiar characters mentioned in the earlier books.