book_lover_irl's reviews
433 reviews

Not a Hero by Cherise Sinclair

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dark tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Story: 4.25 stars
Spice: 2 stars (barely)
Narration / Voice Actors: 1 star

Loved the storyline and characters but the narration was AWFUL.

I highly recommend “reading” the book, instead of listening to it. Both the male and female voice actors made the characters sound flat. In particular, the male narrator made these ridiculously growl-y and gravelly snarls of a voice for a few characters. Super irritating. Skip the audiobook and go for the hard copy. 
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In It to Win It by Kelly Jamieson

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hopeful lighthearted relaxing
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I can tell I've been in a reading slump recently and need to mix it up with a new genre after this read. The story was fun and light hearted, an easy read that wasn't overly emotional. Yet I didn't really enjoy it. I think I must need to jump into something that isn't a steamy rom com because I was extremely bored throughout. Any suggestions for an earth shattering read that will re-ignite my book loving heart?

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: 
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Hockey / Sports, Spicy

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh…  bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?
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Seducing The Boss by Mari Carr

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lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

Super short and sickly sweet story. 100% predictable with zero surprises. Easy read. Didn't "love" it because of the predictability.
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Scooter by Marie James

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Given the super dark nature of the topics discussed in this novel, it's hard to give it a higher rating. Reader, beware.  Make sure you check the content warnings before you dive in to this story. I've read several Cerberus MC novels and although most of their stories cover hard topics, this story takes TWs to a whole new level.

On to the actual review -- I enjoyed the patience and dedication of the MMC to his new love interest. I like that consent was front and center in the conversations characters had about their relationships and intimate interactions. I appreciated the FMCs feisty attitude.

Having said that, it was disappointing that the FMC seemed to wake up one day and "vow" to miraculously be cured of her past trauma, be able to work through her cPTSD overnight and without any professional help (refused counseling, refused meds, for the most part never discussed her horrific experiences). I recognize this is a smutty romance novel and not a high literary work of fiction. It was just disheartening to see such an unrealistic portrait of healing from severe physical and mental traumas.

If you can handle the TW topics and set aside judgment about the FMCs miraculously ability to be "healed" overnight by the dedication and love of a fabulous man, then I encourage you to read this story. It's entertaining if you go into it with open eyes.
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Tug by Marie James

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dark sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Triad and sex club? Yes please. I enjoyed Tug's story more than I've enjoyed many of the Cerberus MC books recently. 
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Enjoying the Show by Marie Harte

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

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Bad Boss by Stella Rhys

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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

3.75

Enjoyable with lovable characters. Decent but predictable plot, but let's face it - when you read as many deliciously smutty novels as I do, the storylines and tropes tend become repetitive. Good pacing and wonderful spice. Narrators voices a little less than ideal but still worth listening / readinG
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Rocker by Marie James

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.25

Meh. I've read several of the books in the Cerberus MC series now. This one fell a little flat for me. True to form of all MC members, Rocker and Jinx were insanely overprotective. The novel gave off stalker vibes with their inability to give FMC the briefest of reprieves from their nonstop. Not highly recommended. I encourage you to pick a different novel from the Cerberus MC series.
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Twisted by Emily McIntire

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
I had high hopes for this novel. The premise of a modern day retelling of Aladdin sounded great and the Never After series is so highly lauded. However I just couldn’t get into the novel. The FMC was so incredibly whiny. Her insistence at not telling her dad her real feelings was obnoxious at best. Only made it through chapter 11 (of 40-some) when I decided to call it quits. I’ll try a different book from the series and hopefully like it better. 
Dominic by Marie James

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dark tense medium-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

3.0

Lots of trigger warnings. Make sure you carefully review them prior to starting this book. 

Super dark and twisted kinky. Unlike the other 4 Cerberus MC books I’ve read so far. Not sure how to rate it given how conflicted I am with the topics it touches on. 
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