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csmoke85's reviews
179 reviews
How to Leave the House: A Novel by Nathan Newman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Not feeling it.
Rouge by Mona Awad
dark
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
This is the second book I have read by Mona Awad. Her take on feminine chaos is exceptional, especially in this book. This story depicts how women hold themselves to beauty standards and the lengths they will go to obtain it. Written in parts and transitioning from the main characters past to present, this story is written to keep you engaged. The somewhat whimsical thoughts of the main character are entertaining, I enjoyed this read.
Craigslist Confessional: A Collection of Secrets from Anonymous Strangers by Helena Dea Bala
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This book was a moving collection of real life confessions. Many of them are sad, and I found myself crying more than once. I think most people will find something relatable in at least one of these stories. This is not a book I will forget reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest and Pedophilia
Moderate: Rape, Suicide, and Violence
Minor: Infidelity, Mental illness, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Bloodguard by Cecy Robson
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was a really good book. If you like Romantasy, then I highly recommend reading Bloodguard. Great characters, and an incredible journey from beginning to end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Cursing, Sexual content, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Child death, Gore, Torture, Blood, and Death of parent
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
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? It's complicated
5.0
I loved that this story was about a necromancer and a phantom, playing hunger games in a haunted mansion. Plus the spicy scenes were spicing. Great ending, and excellent plot twist. This was a delightful paranormal romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, and Violence
Boy Parts by Eliza Clark
dark
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
Irina likes to take photos of non conventionally pretty boys. Her photos are provocative, and she has a kink that involves female rage. I loved this book. Irina was unhinged and you couldn’t tell her anything about herself. A baddie with a drug problem, and her passion for choking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne M. Valente
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I wasn’t quite sure where this story was leading to, but once I figured it out I loved it. The end was a wonderful plot twist. I also really enjoyed the way the earlier chapters started, as if rules of the HOA. The apple themed chapter names were also very clever. Great short, dark read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
A truly magical story, I really enjoyed this book. Beautifully written, I felt like I was there with Marigold the entire time. I would recommend this book to fellow magic and witch lovers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Violence
Marked by Kristin Cast, P.C. Cast
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Blood