Scan barcode
megthecatlady's reviews
163 reviews
Friends in Napa by Sheila Yasmin Marikar
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
I really tried to get into this book. I DNF at 30% because the descriptions were so much. Like wayyy too many unnecessary details. There is a scene in a Michelin star restaurant and we get 1-2 pages on the backstory of the chef who isn't even a main character. I was hoping for more of a mystery vibe based on the description. Instead it was a lot of 30-somethings with dysfunctional relationships for several chapters.
His Tesoro by Emilia Rossi
dark
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
5.0
Oh my gosh. If I could give this book a higher rating I so would. I already know it's going to live rent free in my head forever.
I loved that we were given Sofiya, a badass main character who happens to have EDS and a not great home life. I felt like the author did really well highlighting how EDS or any chronic illness can impact one's life and relationships, but it was by far not what defined Sofiya. I especially appreciated the wheelchair scene with Mateo and Angelo (even though Mateo was kind of a butthead about it). I have heard that is an issue that those who use mobility aids, especially wheelchairs, have to deal with a lot and I'm glad it was included in this book.
I love, love, loved the progression of Sofiya and Mateo's relationship, and I enjoyed how involved the side characters were as well. I thought all the main and side characters were fleshed out really well, and I appreciated that Sofiya and Mateo were not the only ones we ever saw interacting. I feel like sometimes Mafia books only focus on the two MCs forgetting that the characters likely have friends and others in their lives who influence them.
100/5 stars, I am so happy I heard about this book. I am looking forward to the rest of this series. I will also be checking out the author's other works under her penname, Emilia Emerson.
I loved that we were given Sofiya, a badass main character who happens to have EDS and a not great home life. I felt like the author did really well highlighting how EDS or any chronic illness can impact one's life and relationships, but it was by far not what defined Sofiya. I especially appreciated the wheelchair scene with Mateo and Angelo (even though Mateo was kind of a butthead about it). I have heard that is an issue that those who use mobility aids, especially wheelchairs, have to deal with a lot and I'm glad it was included in this book.
I love, love, loved the progression of Sofiya and Mateo's relationship, and I enjoyed how involved the side characters were as well. I thought all the main and side characters were fleshed out really well, and I appreciated that Sofiya and Mateo were not the only ones we ever saw interacting. I feel like sometimes Mafia books only focus on the two MCs forgetting that the characters likely have friends and others in their lives who influence them.
100/5 stars, I am so happy I heard about this book. I am looking forward to the rest of this series. I will also be checking out the author's other works under her penname, Emilia Emerson.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Medical content, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Torture, Trafficking, and Sexual harassment
Flip by Briana Michaels
lighthearted
fast-paced
- 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
This book was such a fun read! Trey's dirty talk was exquisite. Despite this being a relatively short read with a ton of spice, we did see Erin's character develop from single mom with the world on her shoulders to her understanding that it's okay to let others help. Given the way this book started, I was expecting it to be heavier on the kink exploration, but that mostly stayed pretty stagnant throughout the book. It did not make the explicit scenes any less spicy though. Sidenote: Erin likes to be called certain names during spicy times that some readers may find offensive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Death of parent
Lighting the Lamp by Lasairiona McMaster
emotional
hopeful
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
This book hit me right in the feels so many times. There was no miscommunication, no third act break up, no petty fights. It was all so real. I so appreciate Lasairiona McMaster for writing a book like this. I feel like sports injuries and the toll they take on those who have them are not discussed very much. Also, the PCOS rep was great! I loved so many things about this book. There were also time when Raffi's dirty talk made me feel like that Blanche Devereaux meme lol. If you're a fan of single parent, second chance, and found family romances, this one's for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness and Medical content
Minor: Abortion and Pregnancy
Little Sunshine by Layla Frost
dark
emotional
medium-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
4.0
I am so so happy that Little Dove did not end up being a standalone. I really enjoyed getting glimpses of Juliet and Maximo.
I felt for Mila. My upbringing was not at all the same (fortunately) but I do suffer from hyper independence at times. Ash seemed a bit gruffer than I remember Maximo being, but it has been some time since I read Little Dove so maybe I'm not remembering everything. Mila's character development was wonderfully written and I really enjoyed watching her gain the strength she needed to come out of her shell and just be. Ash was a possessive alpha-hole we all love (or maybe you don't, in which case, this book is not for you). The dirty talk in this book was fantastic.
This was a great story and I can't wait to read Little Goddess.
I felt for Mila. My upbringing was not at all the same (fortunately) but I do suffer from hyper independence at times. Ash seemed a bit gruffer than I remember Maximo being, but it has been some time since I read Little Dove so maybe I'm not remembering everything. Mila's character development was wonderfully written and I really enjoyed watching her gain the strength she needed to come out of her shell and just be. Ash was a possessive alpha-hole we all love (or maybe you don't, in which case, this book is not for you). The dirty talk in this book was fantastic.
This was a great story and I can't wait to read Little Goddess.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent and Pregnancy
Crashing the Net by Lasairona McMaster
emotional
medium-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
This book was so good!! Low angst, no miscommunication trope, and no third act break up! Lasairiona has done it again! Im glad Apollo's book followed Ares's story. I dont think I could have read about someone else while worrying about Apollo. This is probably the best friends to lovers story I haver ead thus far. Howver, thefr were a few things that took me out of the story. Tori being described as Savannah's best friend even though we were introduced to Tori in Ares and Eloise's book and she is canonically Eloise's best friend. Also the name Lincoln Scott appearing really threw me off when the Raccoons weren't even plsying the Snow Pirates. If the continuity errors were cleaned up this would easily be a five star read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
Nate is like the perfect book boyfriend. The way he supported Anastasia through everything, and their whole relationship 🥺 I loved that there was no third act break up and no miscommunication trope. This book was everything I didn't know I needed in a romance novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Eating disorder and Mental illness
Minor: Infidelity
It Ends With Violence by Elle Thorpe
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this series! However, I felt like the ending was kind of rushed. I liked that we got to see the people from the other books at the end. However, I feel like there wasn't closure with Scythe/Vincent's mom and the "family business." I was left wondering where he stood with it all.
<Spoiler> and did War step down as prez? Or was Bliss the new Fancy? Was Hawke all in or was he resentful/mad at War? Also Bliss didn't really seem to need to take the time to process that she knows who murdered her brother? I would have liked answers to these questions to feel like the whole series was wrapped up, but maybe they'll make an appearance in Rebel's books? I don't know I just feel like there were a few things that were brushed over to end the series. It was still good, Bliss continued to grow, the relationships in this book seemed to grow stronger which was nice to see.
<Spoiler> and did War step down as prez? Or was Bliss the new Fancy? Was Hawke all in or was he resentful/mad at War? Also Bliss didn't really seem to need to take the time to process that she knows who murdered her brother? I would have liked answers to these questions to feel like the whole series was wrapped up, but maybe they'll make an appearance in Rebel's books? I don't know I just feel like there were a few things that were brushed over to end the series. It was still good, Bliss continued to grow, the relationships in this book seemed to grow stronger which was nice to see.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Trafficking and Pregnancy
Minor: Gun violence
Half the Battle by Elle Thorpe
dark
emotional
medium-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
5.0
I went into this book fully prepared to hate Scythe, and I did... For half a second. Learning about his actions and seeing his character development made me love him just as much as the other characters. Bliss's continued growth and ability to regain her confidence has been great as well, I enjoy seeing that just as I enjoy seeing her relationships with the other characters grow. So much happened in this book, and that cliffhanger at the end!! I'm really sad that I have to work in the morning because I would love nothing more than to start book 3 right now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Drug use and Rape
Start a War by Elle Thorpe
dark
tense
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
5.0
I cannot believe I waited so long to read this book! I love the character development Bliss had. I am eager to see how the relationships among the men play out - that could get pretty tricky. Vincent's sweetness and War's dirty talk are *chef's kiss* I am going to immediately dive into book #2 now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Minor: Murder