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vicktorea's reviews
443 reviews
In Silence She Screams by Amo Jones
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
like me with home design, Amo Jones has the vision but very poor execution - the smut was good but even some of those MMF threesome scenes had really had me doing mental gymnastics to figure out what positions they were in and I shouldn't have to think that hard about smutty scenes, nor have to wait to the end to see what exactly was going on plotwise. sometimes this works and i usually do well with flashbacks but i had no idea what was going on here and didn't care enough about the characters to find out (she could also work on her characterization because the description of the FMC's body was the most unrealistic shit I've ever read).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
medium-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
1.0
lmaooo this was so bad
I can't believe I wasted my time with this hoping the ending would redeem the absolutely terrible FMC.
I listened to this via Libby and thought it was the narration style (the narrator themselves was fine - except for the fact that they didn't change their voice to differentiate between characters) that was ruining this because the narrator read the FMC as a petulant, bratty little twat. I figured with different narration, she could've been someone more dark instead of entitled brat but she was actually just an entitled brat. I had no clue why she wanted to kill the king...just because she wanted power? like ok? no backstory that the king or his fam had done something to her? It was stupid.
The writing wasn't good either. From the character/location descriptions, this was set in an older time but then there were characters who said "go get your man!" ....pls say sike. The FMC was also made out to be this largely sexually empowered woman that everyone loved once she came to Court. The first part is fine - I liked that this had a focus on sexual liberation among women and that women were worth more than who they slept; however, there was nothing really likeable about the FMC so idk why the other women hung on her every word. It was like the author wanted to write this eDgY, SnArKy character who was sUpEr PoPuLaR, but it just came across as childish.
Also, things wrapped up way too easily - the girl came to Court with the intention of killing the king and then got mad at HIM for banishing her bc she had initially planned on killing him......like bitch get a grip.
Anyway this sucked. 1 star for the sexual empowerment for women.
I can't believe I wasted my time with this hoping the ending would redeem the absolutely terrible FMC.
I listened to this via Libby and thought it was the narration style (the narrator themselves was fine - except for the fact that they didn't change their voice to differentiate between characters) that was ruining this because the narrator read the FMC as a petulant, bratty little twat. I figured with different narration, she could've been someone more dark instead of entitled brat but she was actually just an entitled brat. I had no clue why she wanted to kill the king...just because she wanted power? like ok? no backstory that the king or his fam had done something to her? It was stupid.
The writing wasn't good either. From the character/location descriptions, this was set in an older time but then there were characters who said "go get your man!" ....pls say sike. The FMC was also made out to be this largely sexually empowered woman that everyone loved once she came to Court. The first part is fine - I liked that this had a focus on sexual liberation among women and that women were worth more than who they slept; however, there was nothing really likeable about the FMC so idk why the other women hung on her every word. It was like the author wanted to write this eDgY, SnArKy character who was sUpEr PoPuLaR, but it just came across as childish.
Also, things wrapped up way too easily - the girl came to Court with the intention of killing the king and then got mad at HIM for banishing her bc she had initially planned on killing him......like bitch get a grip.
Anyway this sucked. 1 star for the sexual empowerment for women.
Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
good audio experience!
I listened to this via Audible and I loved how it was produced! The female narrator only reads her parts and the male narrator only reads his parts so you never hear the female narrator making her pitch lower to sound like the MMC (and vice versa). I loved that!
Unfortunately everything else wasn’t mindblowing so I’m returning it for my credit back. That said, the story’s want bad, it just wasn’t amazing IMO.
I liked the mafia aspects of the story and kept wanting to see how things would play out in that respect in terms of the relationship between the FMC and MMC. I liked their romance and the spicy parts were hot & steeeeaaammmyy but I didn’t like the pacing of their romance. It felt too insta-love-y IMO and although lots of time passed throughout the book - it didn’t feel that way. Everything felt like it took place in a month or two even though it expanded across the better part of a year.
There were aspects of the writing I found a bit annoying too - sometimes it felt like the author was trying too hard to make her characters funny. Sometimes it would work and seem natural and other times it felt very cringey. I liked Sloan the most (the FMC’s bestie) so I might read book two just for her but I’m not sure yet.
Overall, a pretty good action-y packed mafia romance!
I listened to this via Audible and I loved how it was produced! The female narrator only reads her parts and the male narrator only reads his parts so you never hear the female narrator making her pitch lower to sound like the MMC (and vice versa). I loved that!
Unfortunately everything else wasn’t mindblowing so I’m returning it for my credit back. That said, the story’s want bad, it just wasn’t amazing IMO.
I liked the mafia aspects of the story and kept wanting to see how things would play out in that respect in terms of the relationship between the FMC and MMC. I liked their romance and the spicy parts were hot & steeeeaaammmyy but I didn’t like the pacing of their romance. It felt too insta-love-y IMO and although lots of time passed throughout the book - it didn’t feel that way. Everything felt like it took place in a month or two even though it expanded across the better part of a year.
There were aspects of the writing I found a bit annoying too - sometimes it felt like the author was trying too hard to make her characters funny. Sometimes it would work and seem natural and other times it felt very cringey. I liked Sloan the most (the FMC’s bestie) so I might read book two just for her but I’m not sure yet.
Overall, a pretty good action-y packed mafia romance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, Murder
In Peace Lies Havoc by Amo Jones
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
potential
I liked the premise of this! A sexy, eerie, travelling show; it sounded cool - and it was for the first bit. But then it felt like it was trying to do too much. There lots of flash backs and puzzle pieces that didn’t quite fit together but felt like the author was forcing them to fit together.
It was pretty steamy and had potential for scenes that could’ve elevated the steam and sensuality that the author didn’t take advantage of. They’re little voyeurs and exhibitionists but we barely got any of that.
I also feel like this didn’t dive deep enough into the side characters - some of them seemed interesting and I wanted more of them. I was more intrigued by them than the MMC. Usually I love a moody, broody man but he fell flat to me. The FMC was good but the writing at times made her seem a bit cringe - the writing itself at times was cringe. This started of strong but just ended weakly for me.
I’m intrigued enough to look into the other two books in the series though! Hopefully they get better!
I liked the premise of this! A sexy, eerie, travelling show; it sounded cool - and it was for the first bit. But then it felt like it was trying to do too much. There lots of flash backs and puzzle pieces that didn’t quite fit together but felt like the author was forcing them to fit together.
It was pretty steamy and had potential for scenes that could’ve elevated the steam and sensuality that the author didn’t take advantage of. They’re little voyeurs and exhibitionists but we barely got any of that.
I also feel like this didn’t dive deep enough into the side characters - some of them seemed interesting and I wanted more of them. I was more intrigued by them than the MMC. Usually I love a moody, broody man but he fell flat to me. The FMC was good but the writing at times made her seem a bit cringe - the writing itself at times was cringe. This started of strong but just ended weakly for me.
I’m intrigued enough to look into the other two books in the series though! Hopefully they get better!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Trafficking
Pretty Girls Make Graves by Steffanie Holmes
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
1.75
not the FMC falling for the guy who let his friends literally (not figuratively) piss on and participated in the act. pathetic. Do better romance authors - why would anyone wanna be with this kind of bully?
also, why did the author have their English characters talking like that (like something out of the great gatsby) like I promise you no one in 21st century Britain talks like that; it (along with the horrendous British accents) was embarrassing. The FMC was also a sell out - she really lowkey wanted to be part of the society making her life a living hell under the guise that she was trying to get in with them to “soLvE hEr ROoMaTeS MuRdEr”. Honestly that was the only thing that kept me going with this - and then it left off on a cliffhanger and I really don’t care enough to see what happens next.
also, why did the author have their English characters talking like that (like something out of the great gatsby) like I promise you no one in 21st century Britain talks like that; it (along with the horrendous British accents) was embarrassing. The FMC was also a sell out - she really lowkey wanted to be part of the society making her life a living hell under the guise that she was trying to get in with them to “soLvE hEr ROoMaTeS MuRdEr”. Honestly that was the only thing that kept me going with this - and then it left off on a cliffhanger and I really don’t care enough to see what happens next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Sexual content, Murder
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
just couldn't get into it - a shame because the audio narration was really good!
Twisted Loyalties by Cora Reilly
Did not finish book. Stopped at 70%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 70%.
there's so much inner dialogue in this and it makes the book feel so slow. The FMC is also annoying "i was worthless and he made me feel worth something" - pathetic. nothing was really holding my interest except the MMC (loved his narration) but it didn't feel like i was getting enough of him.
Complicated Hearts Duet Part 2 by Ashley Jade
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
i think I'm out of my Ashley Jade chokehold era.
she writes great MMC's (I'd def read more MM [dark] romances from her) but her FMC's suck. Breslin was so annoying - i really didn't give af about what happened to her or her past trauma and she really ruined the story for me; she just made it so unenjoyable that i found myself skimming (skipping) over her chapters. I just wanted Landon & Asher together.
the steam was good but there was so much bi-erasure and it really did my head in (although i think the author did this purposely because the MMC's knew they were bi, but there were too many characters who were like "well if you like the same sex you MUST be gay" like pls say sike).
This book also left a few unanswered questions -did Landon just never speak to his family again? wtf happened to Preston?? Kyle just running around at large??
giving it three stars although it's more like a 2.5-2.75 because there were moments that made me emotional and really had me on the edge of my seat.
she writes great MMC's (I'd def read more MM [dark] romances from her) but her FMC's suck. Breslin was so annoying - i really didn't give af about what happened to her or her past trauma and she really ruined the story for me; she just made it so unenjoyable that i found myself skimming (skipping) over her chapters. I just wanted Landon & Asher together.
the steam was good but there was so much bi-erasure and it really did my head in (although i think the author did this purposely because the MMC's knew they were bi, but there were too many characters who were like "well if you like the same sex you MUST be gay" like pls say sike).
This book also left a few unanswered questions -
giving it three stars although it's more like a 2.5-2.75 because there were moments that made me emotional and really had me on the edge of my seat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Cursing, Homophobia, Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence, Mental illness, Death of parent
Complicated Hearts by Ashley Jade
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
She captivates me, frustrates me. You complicate me, fascinate me
I liked this! Ashley jade has me in a chokehold lately. I really like the Bi/Queer rep in the books I’ve read from her this far and this book really exemplified how real bi-erasure is. The homo/biphobia in this really angered me (bc why tf wouldn’t it? Bigotry is disgusting idgaf what your beliefs are, you can always treat people with respect) esp coming from young people - like wtf?? I guess I always kind of considered my (and younger) generation to be more open-minded and accepting of people but, as a minority myself, I should know that that’s a very naïve way of thinking.
Asher struggling to figure out his sexuality and coming to terms with it had my heart aching for him but I was so glad he had support from his brother - I really liked their relationship even tho Preston got himself entangled in some messed up situations. I loved how Landon was such a contrast from that - he kinda went with the flow regarding his sexuality and I liked that he had the confidence to do so. I also liked the chronic illness (diabetes) rep we got with Landon (this really resonated with me as I have family members with diabetes) as well as the disability (hearing impairment) rep, esp since he was such a great musician! As a (former) musician (I’ll use that term very loosely - I took piano lessons for a decade and still enjoy playing every now & then), I connected with Landon and his passion for music. Also loved the hot nerd vibes from him - he’s def my fav 🥰.
What I didn’t like? Breslin. I hope the two guys find love and leave her out of it (I know that’s not going to happen but I’m excited to get to the drama in part two!
I read this in part via Kindle Unlimited and Audiobook (via Libby) and enjoyed the male narration (Teddy Hamilton always does a great job 🥵) but I didn’t care for the female narration - it literally felt like she was just reading blandly off a script.
I liked this! Ashley jade has me in a chokehold lately. I really like the Bi/Queer rep in the books I’ve read from her this far and this book really exemplified how real bi-erasure is. The homo/biphobia in this really angered me (bc why tf wouldn’t it? Bigotry is disgusting idgaf what your beliefs are, you can always treat people with respect) esp coming from young people - like wtf?? I guess I always kind of considered my (and younger) generation to be more open-minded and accepting of people but, as a minority myself, I should know that that’s a very naïve way of thinking.
Asher struggling to figure out his sexuality and coming to terms with it had my heart aching for him but I was so glad he had support from his brother - I really liked their relationship even tho Preston got himself entangled in some messed up situations. I loved how Landon was such a contrast from that - he kinda went with the flow regarding his sexuality and I liked that he had the confidence to do so. I also liked the chronic illness (diabetes) rep we got with Landon (this really resonated with me as I have family members with diabetes) as well as the disability (hearing impairment) rep, esp since he was such a great musician! As a (former) musician (I’ll use that term very loosely - I took piano lessons for a decade and still enjoy playing every now & then), I connected with Landon and his passion for music. Also loved the hot nerd vibes from him - he’s def my fav 🥰.
What I didn’t like? Breslin. I hope the two guys find love and leave her out of it (I know that’s not going to happen but I’m excited to get to the drama in part two!
I read this in part via Kindle Unlimited and Audiobook (via Libby) and enjoyed the male narration (Teddy Hamilton always does a great job 🥵) but I didn’t care for the female narration - it literally felt like she was just reading blandly off a script.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse
Lessons in Corruption by Giana Darling
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
It was nothing really about the plot that stirred me away from this(I was actually pretty intrigued by it); I just don’t think Giana Darling’s writing (maybe just [hopefully] in this book bc I’d like to read her others) is for me. The way she wrote King’s (and even Zeus’s) dialogue was just so cringe to me 🥴 everything ended in “…in’” (i.e. fuckin’, suckin’) like just write it out properly 😭 it made the characters sound like hicks in my head and I just couldn’t get past it.
I know this series can be read as standalone but also links to the other books so maybe I’ll pick up another one!
I know this series can be read as standalone but also links to the other books so maybe I’ll pick up another one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content