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bookishkellyn's reviews
338 reviews
A Snow Man's Haven by Nek Mills
hopeful
tense
2.0
Tragedy and a second chance creates an opening for Haven and her daughter (Harmonie) to experience something like a Christmas fantasy with Halo. This book was ridiculous, and I mean that with all offense. The story had my interest in the beginning, but the dialogue and characters’ actions just became more unbelievable as it went on. There were also quite a few noticeable errors. The only reason I didn’t DNF is because the book was so short.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Torture and Pregnancy
Narration After Dark by Nalo J. Stewart
adventurous
hopeful
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The first scene drew me in immediately and made me wish this book was also available in audio format. It was fast-paced (probably because Tré was a familiar face who was already introduced within In The Shadows), and the writing was creative. It’s basically two books in one–a friends to lovers romance between Tré and Genesis ‘Ginny’ and the audiobook she’s narrating for work. Side stories about the main characters ate down too. Very few minor errors that I can’t take points off for.
In The Shadows by Nalo J. Stewart
mysterious
tense
- 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
4.0
Kamau is a recovering addict with a good sense of danger, a new job, and a crush on his beautiful co-worker, Kaleedah. More than fondness brings them together when they’re forced to figure out who has it out for them and why. I was definitely surprised by the villain, just a little disappointed at the villain reveal itself. A character summarizing the events that occurred as a “BET version of a Lifetime movie” at the end was accurate. The character development and suspense build up was great though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Stalking
Moderate: Addiction and Death
Minor: Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
By Chance by Tracy Gray
reflective
relaxing
- 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
Kirbie and Chance (her celebrity athlete crush) clash in the aftermath of a one-night stand. Accidental pregnancy trope with a spotlight on the benefits of therapy. There were some redundant parts, but it was a great follow-up to Cross’d Up where Kirbie was originally introduced as Gensie’s best friend. The writing is good enough that it could be read as a standalone, because it’s more of a spin-off than sequel.
Cross'd Up by Tracy Gray
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Predictable but good. Cross is like Michael Jordan before he became a basketball legend, and Gensie is the pretty tomboy who comes into his orbit bringing stability. Good friends before lovers vibes with an emotionally intelligent MMC that reminded me of another one of my favorite reads, Love In The Outfield by Kaylyn. The scene where he reassures her and talks her through it…perfection.
Results of a Broken Heart by Iesha Bree
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Cute read but it was a bit much near the end. Miscommunication, near death experiences, and a loose end or two. I also couldn’t take the audacity her ex had seriously.
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage
You Give Good Love by Nika P.
tense
2.0
Imagine meeting a tall, handsome, rich, kind man you’re mutually attracted to at a Valentine’s Day gala who does you a solid by offering family protection through marriage and your first stipulation is no sex? Couldn’t be me. It felt like the author’s writing regressed since Eli was introduced in Romping Around the Christmas Tree. He still brought the same comedic relief here, but the plot just didn’t make sense or maybe the author lacked the range to tackle serious topics in a small format.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Stalking
Moderate: Cancer, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape and Pregnancy
Romping Around the Christmas Tree by Nika P.
funny
hopeful
relaxing
4.0
There were a few times where juvenile dialogue and errors made it feel like an amateur effort but thought was put into the plot, and the drama had me thinking, “Where is security?” This was an entertaining seasonal novella that served as a great palete cleanser.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer, Emotional abuse, and Violence
Away From the Sun by Whitney D. Grandison
dark
mysterious
- 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
3.5
Ashton finds her place with the in-crowd, and her vulnerability draws her to Adrian–a person of interest in a missing girl’s case. Because it’s not always the (cute but mysterious) boyfriend who did it, right? It reads like a dark Lifetime teen movie. You have to suspend your disbelief a bit to get into the storyline, but the culprit reveal is worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Drug use and Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Restore Me by J.L. Seegars
challenging
hopeful
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The author’s writing reminded me of Kennedy Ryan’s, but I still couldn’t wait to get this book over with. I can get with an enemies to lovers trope, but the basis of the animosity has to make sense to me and theirs didn’t. While there were other layers to the story, Dom and Sloane’s initial dynamic was really enforcing that ‘boys are mean to you because they like you’ vibe that I hate, and even the following passion and pleasure couldn’t really make me forget that.
The plot dragged and didn’t have to be 400+ pages. I had to start skimming through some parts to get past the oversentimental dialogue, excessive smut, and miscommunication but liked the ending.
The plot dragged and didn’t have to be 400+ pages. I had to start skimming through some parts to get past the oversentimental dialogue, excessive smut, and miscommunication but liked the ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Death, Miscarriage, Violence, Car accident, and Sexual harassment