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the_rabble's reviews
124 reviews
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
A good follow up to Deliah Green Doesn't Care.
2 POV, wlw bad first impression romcom with home design, reality TV, and a lot of tarot. Those trepidatious about Astrid taking the MC/POV slot should feel fine picking this up- it works. (Bonus Points: Astrid is a narrator who owns her shit a lot better than book 1's Claire.)
Solid prose, good sex scenes. Emotional beats are good. Both main characters are well fleshed out.
The background vibe of both books re: the core group of in this series thus far is "semi-reformed mean girls"/"queer sorority house alums" and that's not energy I'm familiar with in the wild, so there's some stuff that's probably going over my head and just not hitting.
Narrator - Kirsten DiMercurio does a great job. Particularly on the two POV characters having unique voices.
The only thing that's a little odd isn't on her- the type of rich lady the Parker-Green family is on paper and this in audio has a real east coast blue blood frame that's kind of hard to find- let alone maintain- in exurban Oregon. We have rich fucks, but it's a different, more Nike/landed gentry flavored rich fuck.
That and a rogue society page reference (which is not a thing in the PNW) make it feel like the author wanted the setting to be Connecticut, but Oregon was gayer. Which is fine, but there were little discordant moments that stacked.
On the plus side for setting, the "hotel"/house they work on did seem like a dope craftsman style home and I appreciated the author lightly dunking on how trendy redos fuck those places up fast.
She also does a good job on some small town set pieces that felt really natural.
2 POV, wlw bad first impression romcom with home design, reality TV, and a lot of tarot. Those trepidatious about Astrid taking the MC/POV slot should feel fine picking this up- it works. (Bonus Points: Astrid is a narrator who owns her shit a lot better than book 1's Claire.)
Solid prose, good sex scenes. Emotional beats are good. Both main characters are well fleshed out.
The background vibe of both books re: the core group of in this series thus far is "semi-reformed mean girls"/"queer sorority house alums" and that's not energy I'm familiar with in the wild, so there's some stuff that's probably going over my head and just not hitting.
Narrator - Kirsten DiMercurio does a great job. Particularly on the two POV characters having unique voices.
The only thing that's a little odd isn't on her- the type of rich lady the Parker-Green family is on paper and this in audio has a real east coast blue blood frame that's kind of hard to find- let alone maintain- in exurban Oregon. We have rich fucks, but it's a different, more Nike/landed gentry flavored rich fuck.
That and a rogue society page reference (which is not a thing in the PNW) make it feel like the author wanted the setting to be Connecticut, but Oregon was gayer. Which is fine, but there were little discordant moments that stacked.
On the plus side for setting, the "hotel"/house they work on did seem like a dope craftsman style home and I appreciated the author lightly dunking on how trendy redos fuck those places up fast.
She also does a good job on some small town set pieces that felt really natural.
Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.
Present tense writing style wasn't for me at the moment.
The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Strong finish. May be my favorite in the trilogy.
It'll put you through a lot of big feelings and ends the series in a satisfying way.
With the final book completing the set, I understand why it gets reread frequently.
It'll put you through a lot of big feelings and ends the series in a satisfying way.
With the final book completing the set, I understand why it gets reread frequently.
The Girl in The Tower by Katherine Arden
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book slaps.
Magic horses, frost demons, and that pinpoint frustration of a moment that is a young woman going through the inevitable "MAN, the patriarchy is such a goddamn raw deal!!" and trying to figure out what she's going to do or not do about it.
It's such a specific feeling and moment of coming of age as an adult and Arden nails it.
The second book delivers on the promise of the first. All the table setting was done in The Bear and the Nightingale so The Girl in the Tower soars.
Book is 3rd person in Vasya's POV, with some 3rd person omniscient scenes, usually Morozko.
Speaking of Morozko, Arden nails the tension and affection between he and Vasya. Excellent example of how to write an immortal/force of nature drawn to a mortal (who is very aware of the dynamic and her own youth.)
The story spends a lot of time out of the forest and into the lands of men (towns, cities) in this one, and it starts out less magical- which can be grim. Luckily, the Chyerti are never far and Arden flexs her folklore muscles as well as her devastating realistic ground floor history muscles.
Who I Wouldn't Rec This To:
Really young kids and pregnant people, probably. There's a graphic,scary pregnancy scene. And a lot of non sexual nudity.
Peeps having a moment of big gender dysphoria symptoms. This is one of those stories with "women have it so bad the relief offered by presenting as a dude is intoxicating" moments. Arden doesn't seem to be alluding to gender dysphoria in any way- Vasya likes her body and is comfortable with it. She is dealing with not fitting into rigid gender roles and there are a few moments she talks about "staying a boy" - which read as accessing privilege not identity, but could feel shitty if you're having a rough stretch.
Magic horses, frost demons, and that pinpoint frustration of a moment that is a young woman going through the inevitable "MAN, the patriarchy is such a goddamn raw deal!!" and trying to figure out what she's going to do or not do about it.
It's such a specific feeling and moment of coming of age as an adult and Arden nails it.
The second book delivers on the promise of the first. All the table setting was done in The Bear and the Nightingale so The Girl in the Tower soars.
Book is 3rd person in Vasya's POV, with some 3rd person omniscient scenes, usually Morozko.
Speaking of Morozko, Arden nails the tension and affection between he and Vasya. Excellent example of how to write an immortal/force of nature drawn to a mortal (who is very aware of the dynamic and her own youth.)
The story spends a lot of time out of the forest and into the lands of men (towns, cities) in this one, and it starts out less magical- which can be grim. Luckily, the Chyerti are never far and Arden flexs her folklore muscles as well as her devastating realistic ground floor history muscles.
Who I Wouldn't Rec This To:
Really young kids and pregnant people, probably. There's a graphic,
Peeps having a moment of big gender dysphoria symptoms. This is one of those stories with "women have it so bad the relief offered by presenting as a dude is intoxicating" moments. Arden doesn't seem to be alluding to gender dysphoria in any way- Vasya likes her body and is comfortable with it. She is dealing with not fitting into rigid gender roles and there are a few moments she talks about "staying a boy" - which read as accessing privilege not identity, but could feel shitty if you're having a rough stretch.
Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Everyone is kind of an asshole in this one.
3 POVs, spicy, reunited exes plus friends to lovers, but it's all in the lower city of Olympus- rEaLm Of HaDeS.
Outside of the trio of POVs, it's really hard to like anyone or the lower city- which was fairly charming in Neon Gods. And within the trio, also kind of hard to be too amped about the individuals and their choices bc of the other stuff going on.
If you're reading Dark Olympus for the sex stuff and kink, go forth- this book delivers on a perfectly adequate MMF sex dynamic. If you're reading for the continuing citywide plot or past characters- manage your expectations.
It's not that nothing happens, it's that people start making choices. [Ending]And some of those choices are extremely shitty, out of character, and mean. I kinda wanted to change my Neon Gods rating for introducing me to this setting's Persephone and Hades, who are real shitheels in this one. Very little Hermes. And Ariadne, who's been a joy in other books, is everyone's punching bag for some reason?
As someone who's just read the books, it seems like there was a lot of relevant plot info that was probably in short stories I haven't read.Hades has a secret dad who is a secret king and now Hades is kind of a weirdo who breaks his word?
If you're just reading for sexiness, you may just want to read internet smut. It's a lot of edging and power dynamics.
Sex scenes were fine, intimacy was rushed but felt natural, even if the emotional beats didn't totally hit logically. Everything is moving forward.
(Also, the cringe of two terrible diminutive pet names being said back to back is real.)
3 POVs, spicy, reunited exes plus friends to lovers, but it's all in the lower city of Olympus- rEaLm Of HaDeS.
Outside of the trio of POVs, it's really hard to like anyone or the lower city- which was fairly charming in Neon Gods. And within the trio, also kind of hard to be too amped about the individuals and their choices bc of the other stuff going on.
If you're reading Dark Olympus for the sex stuff and kink, go forth- this book delivers on a perfectly adequate MMF sex dynamic. If you're reading for the continuing citywide plot or past characters- manage your expectations.
It's not that nothing happens, it's that people start making choices. [Ending]
As someone who's just read the books, it seems like there was a lot of relevant plot info that was probably in short stories I haven't read.
If you're just reading for sexiness, you may just want to read internet smut. It's a lot of edging and power dynamics.
Sex scenes were fine, intimacy was rushed but felt natural, even if the emotional beats didn't totally hit logically. Everything is moving forward.
(Also, the cringe of two terrible diminutive pet names being said back to back is real.)
The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.25
Excellent book for 20something workaholics and people who have maybe accidentally prioritized work over the rest of their lives or other flavors of "I'm being responsible" avoidant-type risk mitigation.
2 POV, spicy, tale of using fake dating to recover from a couple low stakes whoopsies.
Characters from Worst Best Man are back, but nothing feels too much like a weird cameo or untrue to the characters growth in that book. It's still fun to hang out with the family at the center.
POV Characters: Dean was incredibly likeable in Sosa's Worst Best Man but takes a beat to warm up in this one. He's a Big Law K-thru-JD and that vibe is what you're swimming in for a good chunk of the book- his arc's primary antagonist is a gunner in his firm.
Solange is immediately an incredibly fun POV character. Her stream of consciousness and frankness make her a very fun romance protagonist. It gives straight Brazilian milennial Gideon the Ninth.
Ending: I hope we see more of Brandon.Him being a chaotic bisexual Puck fucking ruled at the end. Act 3 miscommunication being a cheeky plot from a platonically lovely scamp should be a thing more often.
2 POV, spicy, tale of using fake dating to recover from a couple low stakes whoopsies.
Characters from Worst Best Man are back, but nothing feels too much like a weird cameo or untrue to the characters growth in that book. It's still fun to hang out with the family at the center.
POV Characters: Dean was incredibly likeable in Sosa's Worst Best Man but takes a beat to warm up in this one. He's a Big Law K-thru-JD and that vibe is what you're swimming in for a good chunk of the book- his arc's primary antagonist is a gunner in his firm.
Solange is immediately an incredibly fun POV character. Her stream of consciousness and frankness make her a very fun romance protagonist. It gives straight Brazilian milennial Gideon the Ninth.
Ending: I hope we see more of Brandon.
A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
Cute! Extremely charming "roadtrip for science (and lust love?)" story.
Double POV, spicy, story about an insomniac rake bullied into escorting a geologist spinster to Scotland.
This is the second Dare book I've read with an archetype (rake) that just wants to be a straight up soft boy. It works.
Minerva is a fun character. No baby fever out of nowhere. Very science focused. Down to jokes about licking rocks. A little bit of "not like other girls"ing occurs, but the second main character, Collin, often comes in with the "wait a minute," so that's nice.
Collin is a sweet character with a lot of good reasons and bad experiences. He's got jokes and bits and that's a good time.
The prose and dialogue in this are good. There are some plot elements that are a little unresolved, but it doesn't hurt much. Ending is great, but leaves you wanting more of this couple.
Sex Scenes - hot. Dare does use baffling language ocassionally (shoutout to "globes".) But this one has a few scenes that are pretty unique and excellent.
Double POV, spicy, story about an insomniac rake bullied into escorting a geologist spinster to Scotland.
This is the second Dare book I've read with an archetype (rake) that just wants to be a straight up soft boy. It works.
Minerva is a fun character. No baby fever out of nowhere. Very science focused. Down to jokes about licking rocks. A little bit of "not like other girls"ing occurs, but the second main character, Collin, often comes in with the "wait a minute," so that's nice.
Collin is a sweet character with a lot of good reasons and bad experiences. He's got jokes and bits and that's a good time.
The prose and dialogue in this are good. There are some plot elements that are a little unresolved, but it doesn't hurt much. Ending is great, but leaves you wanting more of this couple.
Sex Scenes - hot. Dare does use baffling language ocassionally (shoutout to "globes".) But this one has a few scenes that are pretty unique and excellent.
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's good!
A couple of 20somethings fall in love in DC. She (Wedding Planner) has a big 1st gen Brazilian family, he (Ad Bro) has a brother who left her at the alter and blamed it on him. Hijinx ensue when they are assigned a work project together.
Spicy, 2 POVs, lots of weddings.
I didn't get the logic of our lady MC wanting to sanitize her personal life, but she has moments she shines. Our dude MC is a softie and a scamp, which is a combo I love no matter the gender.
A couple of 20somethings fall in love in DC. She (Wedding Planner) has a big 1st gen Brazilian family, he (Ad Bro) has a brother who left her at the alter and blamed it on him. Hijinx ensue when they are assigned a work project together.
Spicy, 2 POVs, lots of weddings.
I didn't get the logic of our lady MC wanting to sanitize her personal life, but she has moments she shines. Our dude MC is a softie and a scamp, which is a combo I love no matter the gender.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-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
3.75
Good time, killer prose, academic nonsense
Single POV, spicy, tale of demisexual people pleasing and self acceptance.
The POV main character, Elsie, is incredibly well written. The voice may be one of the strongest I've read in a while. (I also listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a fantastic job, so that could also be part of it.)
The second main character, Jack, is a little more opaque. Compelling, appropriately hot, mildly unapproachable, but you don't get a lot on his interior life or development. The opacity creates a couple swoony scenes and a few sort of patronizing scenes. He's a cutie, but the vulnerability is select in contrast to the open nerve narrative and story you get from Elsie.
The sex scenes are amazing. Hazelwood writes excellent genital physics and those scenes are where the characters square up on emotional intimacy.
Single POV, spicy, tale of demisexual people pleasing and self acceptance.
The POV main character, Elsie, is incredibly well written. The voice may be one of the strongest I've read in a while. (I also listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a fantastic job, so that could also be part of it.)
The second main character, Jack, is a little more opaque. Compelling, appropriately hot, mildly unapproachable, but you don't get a lot on his interior life or development. The opacity creates a couple swoony scenes and a few sort of patronizing scenes. He's a cutie, but the vulnerability is select in contrast to the open nerve narrative and story you get from Elsie.
The sex scenes are amazing. Hazelwood writes excellent genital physics and those scenes are where the characters square up on emotional intimacy.
When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
Fucking flawless. Immediately endearing tale of two cheerfully loveable characters.
Single POV, spicy, upbeat. Protagonists in their 30s, one is fat, both are very hot.
[ 🌌 Bisexual Reader Seal of the Double-Crush Achieved ]
I've never read Stein before, but am adding her to my list of romance authors to devour a back catalogue.
I had such a good time with this book. You're in it from jump. The banter pops. The ending is well done- despite pulling off some trickier choices(a time jump) that have challenged other authors. Endings are hard and she stuck the landing- so good. 🙌
Halfway through I had to go, "wait, is this single POV?" bc Stein fleshes out and communicates Alfie's actions and motivations so clearly. Sometimes there's a deficit in progressing emotional intimacy without dual POV- it's so artfully not the case here.
Narrator: Emily Spowage killed it. She skipped doing voices for the most part on dialogue, but the read on the plot prose and internal monologue was perfect.
Also, some of the hottest sex scene reads I've heard. Which is a hell of a vibe switch from the pitch perfect bouncy rom-com prose she nails mere seconds prior.
Who I Wouldn't Rec This Book To: I love it. It hit me perfectly and has an excellent message. So it's a short list.
The only reason not to read it would be if you had an issue with some set dressing around celebrity culture or extreme wealth - our boy Alfie is a soccer boy with a brawler history, and paparazzi do show up for a scene or two.
Typically, the wealth & spectacle are turnoffs for me but you end up loving these characters so fast, those factors barely register.
Single POV, spicy, upbeat. Protagonists in their 30s, one is fat, both are very hot.
[ 🌌 Bisexual Reader Seal of the Double-Crush Achieved ]
I've never read Stein before, but am adding her to my list of romance authors to devour a back catalogue.
I had such a good time with this book. You're in it from jump. The banter pops. The ending is well done- despite pulling off some trickier choices
Halfway through I had to go, "wait, is this single POV?" bc Stein fleshes out and communicates Alfie's actions and motivations so clearly. Sometimes there's a deficit in progressing emotional intimacy without dual POV- it's so artfully not the case here.
Narrator: Emily Spowage killed it. She skipped doing voices for the most part on dialogue, but the read on the plot prose and internal monologue was perfect.
Also, some of the hottest sex scene reads I've heard. Which is a hell of a vibe switch from the pitch perfect bouncy rom-com prose she nails mere seconds prior.
Who I Wouldn't Rec This Book To: I love it. It hit me perfectly and has an excellent message. So it's a short list.
The only reason not to read it would be if you had an issue with some set dressing around celebrity culture or extreme wealth - our boy Alfie is a soccer boy with a brawler history, and paparazzi do show up for a scene or two.
Typically, the wealth & spectacle are turnoffs for me but you end up loving these characters so fast, those factors barely register.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse