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readclever's reviews
337 reviews
Crimson Mage by Dorothy Dreyer
5.0
Mystic, murder, mages
4.5 stars.
Intertwined magic and tech society that's been defined by corporate giants. Where good and evil slide through the millenia.
I really loved this book. Purchased for a readathon, the story provided a lot of intrigue and decisions. It reads like mini series, where you can imagine how India was transformed in this new world. To fit a new Asian continent that limits power to only the corrupted. The subplot isn't even a subplot. More like a dual story line with a deep fated mates element.
I bought the next book in the story, even though I'm notoriously frugal. I took off half a star for the abrupt ending since I'd expected a little more resolution. It's a bit short as well. But the mark deduction has noting to do with storytelling or writing. I can't wait to read all seven.
4.5 stars.
Intertwined magic and tech society that's been defined by corporate giants. Where good and evil slide through the millenia.
I really loved this book. Purchased for a readathon, the story provided a lot of intrigue and decisions. It reads like mini series, where you can imagine how India was transformed in this new world. To fit a new Asian continent that limits power to only the corrupted. The subplot isn't even a subplot. More like a dual story line with a deep fated mates element.
I bought the next book in the story, even though I'm notoriously frugal. I took off half a star for the abrupt ending since I'd expected a little more resolution. It's a bit short as well. But the mark deduction has noting to do with storytelling or writing. I can't wait to read all seven.
I Think I Might Want You by Christina C. Jones
3.0
Not bad
Jemma and Levi didn't quite mesh with me as characters. I didn't see the love, more like lust. Second chances usually work when characters work together. This story felt more like friends with benefits since the chemistry was lower than the previous two books. Jemma didn't seem ready for love.
A bit sad since I loved the Love sisters as a series and I was looking forward to Jemma's story. Kind of reminded me of Carrie Bradshaw.
I'd say a solid three stars. I loved all the side characters. Levi felt a bit of a blank canvas. Missing that spark beyond artist. I needed to feel his urgency beyond muse status. The connections were surface level and missing that "I get you" moment.
Jemma and Levi didn't quite mesh with me as characters. I didn't see the love, more like lust. Second chances usually work when characters work together. This story felt more like friends with benefits since the chemistry was lower than the previous two books. Jemma didn't seem ready for love.
A bit sad since I loved the Love sisters as a series and I was looking forward to Jemma's story. Kind of reminded me of Carrie Bradshaw.
I'd say a solid three stars. I loved all the side characters. Levi felt a bit of a blank canvas. Missing that spark beyond artist. I needed to feel his urgency beyond muse status. The connections were surface level and missing that "I get you" moment.
The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow
4.0
I wasn't certain how to rate the book since I waffled back and forth based on what I didn't like. But a couple days later and I still think this is a solid book. The romance wasn't as high as I'd have liked--too instalovey. A bit of too fated mates at 17. Yet I appreciated the twists and nods at the end. I'm hoping for a second in the series because there's so much left to do in the storyline.
I'll also say the audiobook was really well done. I liked the narrators and how they helped lift up some pretty repetitious lines and decisions. I had issues with the cultural touchstones being all over the place as nerd cred, but I liked how Dow worked in new points based on reader known ones. Cleary written post-2016 election, the politics felt raw and real. And considering the intended audience, it probably felt wonderful to be seen.
In short: I enjoyed the book. I liked Ellie and M0Rr1S, the way they went together. I will say the audiobook was a bit too long given the length of the book. But it was a terrific deal and worth it.
Recommend this book if you want something somewhere between then, now, and maybe.
I'll also say the audiobook was really well done. I liked the narrators and how they helped lift up some pretty repetitious lines and decisions. I had issues with the cultural touchstones being all over the place as nerd cred, but I liked how Dow worked in new points based on reader known ones. Cleary written post-2016 election, the politics felt raw and real. And considering the intended audience, it probably felt wonderful to be seen.
In short: I enjoyed the book. I liked Ellie and M0Rr1S, the way they went together. I will say the audiobook was a bit too long given the length of the book. But it was a terrific deal and worth it.
Recommend this book if you want something somewhere between then, now, and maybe.
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
5.0
Binti was a journey into a tilted Afrofuturism and cultural exploration that I absolutely wasn't expecting. Binti is strong in her knowledge of her Himba community, world, and even universe. Her name is longer but the core of her is a mix of heritage and drive. A very intriguing storyline.
I listened to the audiobook to get the African names and words correctly. I knew I would read them wrong as an American. And the narrator, Robin Miles, made me slowdown the speed to really enjoy the world that Okorafor created. Miles voice work shines as she easily delineates character vocal needs between each other.
Internal landscapes offer a rich view of growing up as someone seen lesser but knowing they're not. Of being discontent in a prescribed role. Of wanting to see the world, even knowing peril is a strong possibility. Of facing danger head on...and surviving.
Some truths are universal but how someone may arrive at them is not.
Loved how the alienness translated to the experience of many very real African people's lived experiences. There was no hardship in understanding the underlying subtext in conservations between Okwu and Binti. As a white woman, I can't and don't experience the level of othering that Binti receives from the Khoush majority or the Meduse. So many of the two's conversations were absolutely vital in understanding how one moves from a singular community to a plural community that doesn't necessarily see the inevitable code switching. Even in 'civilized' outer space.
Very easy to see how and why the author won awards. A top read for 2021 so far. Great introduction to Nnedi Okorafor. Can't wait to read more.
I listened to the audiobook to get the African names and words correctly. I knew I would read them wrong as an American. And the narrator, Robin Miles, made me slowdown the speed to really enjoy the world that Okorafor created. Miles voice work shines as she easily delineates character vocal needs between each other.
Internal landscapes offer a rich view of growing up as someone seen lesser but knowing they're not. Of being discontent in a prescribed role. Of wanting to see the world, even knowing peril is a strong possibility. Of facing danger head on...and surviving.
Some truths are universal but how someone may arrive at them is not.
Loved how the alienness translated to the experience of many very real African people's lived experiences. There was no hardship in understanding the underlying subtext in conservations between Okwu and Binti. As a white woman, I can't and don't experience the level of othering that Binti receives from the Khoush majority or the Meduse. So many of the two's conversations were absolutely vital in understanding how one moves from a singular community to a plural community that doesn't necessarily see the inevitable code switching. Even in 'civilized' outer space.
Very easy to see how and why the author won awards. A top read for 2021 so far. Great introduction to Nnedi Okorafor. Can't wait to read more.
Hot on the Ice by Anna Sugden
3.0
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Anna Sugden for the opportunity to review a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
Lily needs an investor for her growing chocolate business. Dante wants to earn back the trust he broke years ago. Why not help a former flame out with a worthwhile business?
I loved that Lily was a chocolatier with expansion plans. Knowing exactly what she likes based on customer feedback and potential investor interest. Plus, she constantly communicates with business partner Amy on any decision instead of miscommunication. A rarity in this book.
Food is a shared experience with Lily and Dante. There's one scene with a family recipe that made me heart happy. Perfect for the just post Valentine lull. There's something intimate in handing down tips and recipes to someone you love. Makes me root for a couple.
I gave the book a low three stars because there was too much plot and not enough romance. Don't get me wrong, I love some hockey talk. But some of the other plots cluttered the story. Too many moving parts. I felt like some of the reconnection was missing that spark and sizzle. Instead readers are constantly reminded of Dante's constant memories. Very Gordon Bombay.
I wanted a bit more bonding during tumultuous times. When your villain has a definite stalker edge plus frightening ambition, perfect bonding opportunities appear. But remain underutilized. Plus, Dante felt a little too pushy at times. I prefer honest groveling. Bone deep "I'm so sorry baby please forgive me by letting me show you I understand" groveling. It's not just grand gestures. Another level of emotional intimacy in listening to your partner.
That's not to say I disliked the book. I did! I loved the side characters. I'm invested in Noah and Jessie's story. I just wasn't as invested in Dante. And the writing style was very clunky at times with random bouts of filler or too much tell without show. Perhaps this would have been a second in a series instead of the first. Lily's friendships helped make me enjoy the book, though. They clearly were willing to take Dante to task when necessary. Even his friends and coworkers.
Lily needs an investor for her growing chocolate business. Dante wants to earn back the trust he broke years ago. Why not help a former flame out with a worthwhile business?
I loved that Lily was a chocolatier with expansion plans. Knowing exactly what she likes based on customer feedback and potential investor interest. Plus, she constantly communicates with business partner Amy on any decision instead of miscommunication. A rarity in this book.
Food is a shared experience with Lily and Dante. There's one scene with a family recipe that made me heart happy. Perfect for the just post Valentine lull. There's something intimate in handing down tips and recipes to someone you love. Makes me root for a couple.
I gave the book a low three stars because there was too much plot and not enough romance. Don't get me wrong, I love some hockey talk. But some of the other plots cluttered the story. Too many moving parts. I felt like some of the reconnection was missing that spark and sizzle. Instead readers are constantly reminded of Dante's constant memories. Very Gordon Bombay.
I wanted a bit more bonding during tumultuous times. When your villain has a definite stalker edge plus frightening ambition, perfect bonding opportunities appear. But remain underutilized. Plus, Dante felt a little too pushy at times. I prefer honest groveling. Bone deep "I'm so sorry baby please forgive me by letting me show you I understand" groveling. It's not just grand gestures. Another level of emotional intimacy in listening to your partner.
That's not to say I disliked the book. I did! I loved the side characters. I'm invested in Noah and Jessie's story. I just wasn't as invested in Dante. And the writing style was very clunky at times with random bouts of filler or too much tell without show. Perhaps this would have been a second in a series instead of the first. Lily's friendships helped make me enjoy the book, though. They clearly were willing to take Dante to task when necessary. Even his friends and coworkers.
I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones
5.0
Heart and heat.
All the love for Jac, Kadan, and Miss Thing. A wonderful story with a lot of heart and laugh out loud moments. I wasn't even made about the fast time line, unusual for me.
Writing style and atmosphere was great. A lot of fun and joy. Appreciated how different the characters were from one another. High marks. All around. I rarely give 5 stars. This book earned it.
All the love for Jac, Kadan, and Miss Thing. A wonderful story with a lot of heart and laugh out loud moments. I wasn't even made about the fast time line, unusual for me.
Writing style and atmosphere was great. A lot of fun and joy. Appreciated how different the characters were from one another. High marks. All around. I rarely give 5 stars. This book earned it.
Oops! by Alexandra Warren
5.0
Questions and hearts
Camryn was everything in this book. Asking the right questions and waiting for truthful answers. She didn't wait around for things to get done.
Maverick was almost too perfect until he wasn't. The connection felt real since they worked towards their HEA. Not a lot of major miscommunication. Which was nice.
Finished the book in a day. Was so good I couldn't put it down.
Camryn was everything in this book. Asking the right questions and waiting for truthful answers. She didn't wait around for things to get done.
Maverick was almost too perfect until he wasn't. The connection felt real since they worked towards their HEA. Not a lot of major miscommunication. Which was nice.
Finished the book in a day. Was so good I couldn't put it down.
Complacent: A Building 402 Novella by Alexandra Warren
4.0
Humor and heart
Cute look into apartment life with a young married couple. Big plans, dreams and worries abound when photography keeps a husband away from his wife.
Definitely high heat moments but a nice look into a new setting. I appreciated how easily Warren wove stories together that I hadn't read into this one.
Fun, easy to read novella. Witty with solid humor and heart.
Cute look into apartment life with a young married couple. Big plans, dreams and worries abound when photography keeps a husband away from his wife.
Definitely high heat moments but a nice look into a new setting. I appreciated how easily Warren wove stories together that I hadn't read into this one.
Fun, easy to read novella. Witty with solid humor and heart.
Shutout by Jami Davenport
I gave up on this book 24% off. I can't offer a rating because the hero (Easton) was absolutely immature, still 20% in. Caroline had a huge life changing event and all Easton does is center himself. I couldn't read anymore of his screaming. At 23, it's understandable he's not perfect. But he had zero redeemable quality as a bachelor.
I love a hockey romance. This wasn't one of them.
I love a hockey romance. This wasn't one of them.
The Wedding Game by Meghan Quinn
I love Meghan Quinn normally. This wasn't the book for me since I DNFed at 13%. Alec, the hero, was a bitter, judgmental jerk who said some pretty misogynist comments to the heroine Luna. At their meet cute at The Wedding Game set. A show they both want to win for their respective brother. Who wouldn't want a penthouse in Manhattan??
Luna seemed a bit too quirky. I love a crafty heroine. They're awesome and shows a different side of what interests a character. The ideas and a modest 10k budget should have made me like Luna. Unfortunately, she kept breaking pretty solid boundaries whenever she felt necessary. Not my jam. Too obviously different than Alec's stoic hatred of marriage based on parent issues.
Not to mention the weird fetishization of Declan, the heroine's future brother-in-law. Declan is Chinese-American and it's mentioned quite a bit. Luna's brother Cohen is this super construction worker trope but has zero depth. Which is a problem throughout the book.
Thaddeus, Alec's brother, is coded as super effeminate and hysterical for wanting a big wedding. Yet is presented as heterosexual with a pretty bland future wife. For a show based on a game show I would love to watch, I expected much more.
The weird writing, editorial, and general plot tone are making me hesitant to read Quinn again. Which is a pity since I normally love her and was excited to read this book to start March off right.
Luna seemed a bit too quirky. I love a crafty heroine. They're awesome and shows a different side of what interests a character. The ideas and a modest 10k budget should have made me like Luna. Unfortunately, she kept breaking pretty solid boundaries whenever she felt necessary. Not my jam. Too obviously different than Alec's stoic hatred of marriage based on parent issues.
Not to mention the weird fetishization of Declan, the heroine's future brother-in-law. Declan is Chinese-American and it's mentioned quite a bit. Luna's brother Cohen is this super construction worker trope but has zero depth. Which is a problem throughout the book.
Thaddeus, Alec's brother, is coded as super effeminate and hysterical for wanting a big wedding. Yet is presented as heterosexual with a pretty bland future wife. For a show based on a game show I would love to watch, I expected much more.
The weird writing, editorial, and general plot tone are making me hesitant to read Quinn again. Which is a pity since I normally love her and was excited to read this book to start March off right.