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megthecatlady's reviews
165 reviews
Cupids Peak by Lee Jacquot
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Lee has done it again! If you're looking for a quick, spicy, second-chance, hockey player romance, this book is for you!
It's a short read so obviously there wasn't a *ton* of character development, but we do see the main female character step out of her comfort zone. This was a very low angst holiday read.
It's a short read so obviously there wasn't a *ton* of character development, but we do see the main female character step out of her comfort zone. This was a very low angst holiday read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Dom by S.J. Tilly
dark
emotional
fast-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? Yes
4.0
I don't think I will ever not love anything S.J. Tilly writes. Her stories, the spice, the characters are all amazing. I will say this was probably my least favorite book in the series so far, but it was still pretty dang good!!! There were just a few nonconsensual things (nothing sexual) that happen in this book that really bothered me. Nero was unhinged, but Dom just does whatever the hell he wants. That is totally fine for his character and something I would expect from a mafia kingpin. This book wasn't rated 4-stars because I found him unlovable. I actually found both main characters to have depth and I went back and forth on my feelings for Dom throughout the book, which is exactly what Val did too. S.J. did an amazing job writing his character and making me share feelings with the FMC throughout the book. There were times in this book that I almost cried with Val because I was so hurt or frustrated for/with her. I definitely recommend the entire Alliance Series thus far to those who enjoy mafia romances. You won't be disappointed!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Fatphobia and Pregnancy
Additional CWs/potential spoilers birth control tampering and drugging of the FMC
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I really loved the character development of Lina and loved how much we got to know about Aaron as the story unfolded. The spicy scenes, as well as the rest of the book, were so well written. The plot is medium paced but the romance is a slooooow burn, I usually don't like that but it really worked in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
King by S.J. Tilly
adventurous
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? Yes
4.5
SJ has done it again! I swear I will never not be a fan of her books. I was hoping to see more King and Nero banter in King's book, and SJ Tilly did not disappoint. I loved King and Savannah's story. I loved how much of a badass Savannah was and her development throughout the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Torture and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Trafficking
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
5.0
I honestly didn't know what to expect going into this book. I remember watching Jennette on iCarly and thinking she always seemed so fun; I would have never imagined that behind her acting skills was a suffering child. This book made me laugh, tear up, and reflect on my own life and relationship with food. Her story was an inspiring 'it gets better" tale but also paired with a real, raw story that also notes that "it gets better, but it's really fucking hard." I loved this book and I'm so glad Jennette narrorated it, I think her voice telling us about her life really adds to the overall story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Eating disorder, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
Two for Tacos by Lasairiona McMaster
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love Lasairiona's writing so freaking much. This book was such a sweet way to end the Minnesota Snow Pirates series and introduce the Cedar Rapids Racoons. I devoured this in one sitting. I also appreciate the detail and care she uses in her spicy scenes. She is definitely in my top three favorite authors. I'm so excited to read the Raccoons series and her new Protocol series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Twisted Hate by Ana Huang
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I found this book to be my least favorite of the Twisted series so far (I have not read Twisted Lies yet). I think these characters just fell flat for me. I didn't really see much character development other than changing their views on each other/relationships. I feel like the relationship between Josh and Alex in this book had more depth than the main characters' relationship.
Typically books like this make me feel something. I didn't really feel any emotions for either of these characters throughout their various situations. I will say, I enjoyed the last 8% or so of the book, the ending was nice.
This book isn't terrible by any means, it just didn't grip me and consume my thoughts like a lot of books do. Alex and Ava from book one still live in my head rent free from time to time. It just missed a lot of marks for me.
Also regarding Josh doing the unforgivable thing:
He reacted exactly the way I expected him to given what we know about his history and his feelings about it. I don't feel like Jules "forgave him too quickly" because how he reacted made sense and she knew she fucked up in the first place. Is what he did really shitty? Yes, of course. But she also did a pretty shitty thing so I think they're even in that regard. I'm not sure why everyone made such a big deal about that part in their reviews because honestly none of it was shocking/appalling to me. If we want realistic characters we have to expect them to act in ways that we do not always agree with.
Typically books like this make me feel something. I didn't really feel any emotions for either of these characters throughout their various situations. I will say, I enjoyed the last 8% or so of the book, the ending was nice.
This book isn't terrible by any means, it just didn't grip me and consume my thoughts like a lot of books do. Alex and Ava from book one still live in my head rent free from time to time. It just missed a lot of marks for me.
Also regarding Josh doing the unforgivable thing:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Violence
Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Too much of a cheesefest for me.
Nero by S.J. Tilly
dark
emotional
fast-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
5.0
This was my sixth book by S.J. Tilly, prior to this I read her Darling Lake Series (small-town contemporary romance) and her Sleet Series (hockey rom-com). I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of a mafia romance from her. After reading this book I think it is safe to say she is a writing genius. Her ability to go from creating the cinnamon roll/golden retriever men to writing dark and broody alphaholes is amazing. I was in love with Nero from the beginning (though that probably says more about my brain than her writing lol).
I absolutely LOVED this story. I loved Nero and Payton's relationship, I loved the pacing, I loved Payton's ability to be an independent badass but to also recognize that she doesn't always need to be that way. My heart ached for her during multiple scenes in this book. I am not a crier, but some scenes almost brought me to tears due to the overwhelm of emotions. Payton was extremely relatable and S.J. did an amazing job conveying the emotions Payton and Nero felt throughout the book.
For those wondering about the spice: it's there, it's detailed, it's pretty frequent. There's also fluff to go along with it!
I wish I could give this book a higher rating, I loved it so much. If you're a mafia romance person I definitely recommend checking this book out.
PS, we get glimpses of King in this book, and I am so freaking excited to read his book and the rest of this series.
I absolutely LOVED this story. I loved Nero and Payton's relationship, I loved the pacing, I loved Payton's ability to be an independent badass but to also recognize that she doesn't always need to be that way. My heart ached for her during multiple scenes in this book. I am not a crier, but some scenes almost brought me to tears due to the overwhelm of emotions. Payton was extremely relatable and S.J. did an amazing job conveying the emotions Payton and Nero felt throughout the book.
For those wondering about the spice: it's there, it's detailed, it's pretty frequent. There's also fluff to go along with it!
I wish I could give this book a higher rating, I loved it so much. If you're a mafia romance person I definitely recommend checking this book out.
PS, we get glimpses of King in this book, and I am so freaking excited to read his book and the rest of this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Gore, Sexual assault, and Kidnapping
Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Fiction audiobooks may not be for me. I thought I'd give it a try but I think I prefer reading fiction vs listening to it. I didn't love that the characters read each others' dialogue within their own chapters; FMC reading MMC dialogue and vice versa.