Maddy
Review of Craving the Chase by Syn Blackrose
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Craving the Chase by Syn Blackrose has a few elements that I appreciated, such as the characters meeting right away, making it a short and quick read. However, there are several aspects that fell flat for me. First, Chase's disdain for his job made me, a future therapist, feel somewhat depressed. It was clear early on that this book would be more focused on smut than the story itself. The dialogue is simple, and the “incredible chemistry” between the characters, despite one being a killer, felt a bit forced and annoying. Noah's way of speaking, especially when he says “baby,” is cringeworthy, as is the nickname “my shadow.” The idea of leaving your job and friends to be with someone is concerning and borders on portraying an abusive relationship. Perhaps dark romances just aren't for me, as I don't read them often. I couldn't get past the trope of being inexplicably attracted to someone who kills people, with a submissive streak that seemed out of place and uncomfortable. This book, unfortunately, did not resonate with me.
Book Review: Cair by Eryn Hawk
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
Eryn Hawk's “Cair” is a cute but ultimately underwhelming read. While the story has its charming moments, it struggles with character depth and engagement. Luca and Cair, the main characters, both lack the complexity needed to make them truly memorable. Cair, in particular, is supposed to appear charming, but his personality borders on annoying, detracting from the overall enjoyment. One particularly bothersome aspect was Cair's use of “pet” as a pet name for Luca. This term felt out of place and detracted from their interactions, making it difficult to invest in their relationship fully. Although there were a few funny moments scattered throughout the book, they weren't enough to keep the story from feeling like a chore to finish. “Cair” didn't stand out as anything special. It's a light read with some cute elements, but it falls short of delivering a compelling and engaging narrative. Recommended only for those looking for a quick, lighthearted read without high expectations.
Book Review: Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Annie Proulx's “Brokeback Mountain” is a profoundly moving and beautifully written short story that leaves a lasting impact. Despite its brevity, the novel packs an emotional punch, capturing the deep and often tragic love between its two protagonists. The story is incredibly sad, and it resonated deeply with me, making me cry three separate times. The authenticity and raw emotion in Proulx's writing make it clear that this could have been a true story for many individuals, adding to the poignancy of the narrative. Reading “Brokeback Mountain” without having seen the movie meant the ending came as a surprise, which only heightened the emotional experience. The sense of loss and yearning is palpable, yet I find solace in believing that, in another life, these characters found each other again. Proulx's ability to convey such a powerful story in so few pages is a testament to her skill as a writer. “Brokeback Mountain” is a beautifully written and heart-wrenching read, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a deeply emotional and unforgettable story.
Book Review: Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Jane Seville's “Zero at the Bone” is a gripping and emotionally charged read that captivates from the first page. The writing style is fantastic, drawing you into the world of the characters with ease and authenticity. The hardships faced by the characters are portrayed genuinely, avoiding any sense of cheesiness and instead evoking real empathy and connection. The chemistry between Jack and D is palpable and adds a layer of intensity to the narrative. While D's tendency to be withdrawn and hide his feelings can be frustrating at times, it is entirely in line with his character and adds depth to his journey. Watching him grow and evolve throughout the story is one of the book's highlights. Although the epilogue felt a bit lengthy, this may be due to a personal preference for concise conclusions. Despite this, the investment in the story remained strong, with each chapter ending in a way that left me eager for more. Overall, “Zero at the Bone” is a compelling read that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Seville's ability to create realistic characters and a captivating storyline makes this book a must-read for fans of emotional and intense narratives. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a powerful and engaging story.
Book Review: Us (Him, #2) by Sarina Bowen
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
“Us,” the sequel to “Him,” proved to be a disappointing follow-up for me. The story felt boring and uneventful, lacking the engaging elements that made the first book enjoyable. One major issue I had was with Jamie's mom and family. Their presence came across as annoying and overly intrusive, which might stem from my general dislike of big families. Additionally, Wes's character was too much of a pushover, which detracted from the dynamic I appreciated in the first book. I also didn't connect with Jamie as a character, particularly in how his depression was represented. The portrayal felt lacking and didn't resonate with me, making it hard to empathize with his struggles. Overall, finishing this book was a challenge, and I nearly gave up on it entirely. “Us” failed to live up to its potential, earning it a mere 2 out of 5 stars from me.
Book Review: Hell & High Water by Charlie Cochet
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
“Hell & High Water” by Charlie Cochet is an engaging and well-crafted novel that deserves high praise for its character development and intriguing world-building. Cochet introduces readers to the unique concept of Therians, a refreshing and fascinating addition to the urban fantasy genre. This inventive element sets the stage for a gripping story that keeps you invested from start to finish.
One of the standout features of this book is the well-developed and likable characters. The dynamic between the two main love interests is especially compelling, with just the right amount of tension to keep readers eagerly turning pages. The chemistry within the THIRDS team is another highlight, adding depth and a sense of camaraderie that enriches the narrative. While the mystery element may not be the central focus and can be somewhat predictable, it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Instead, it provides a backdrop that allows the characters and their relationships to shine. Cochet strikes a fine balance between action, romance, and world-building, ensuring that the story remains captivating throughout. “Hell & High Water” is a thoroughly enjoyable read, offering a blend of excitement, romance, and an inventive take on the urban fantasy genre. It's a book that keeps you hooked with its engaging storyline and memorable characters. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fresh and entertaining read.
Book Review: For the Fans by Nyla K.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
I wanted to like “For the Fans,” but it felt like every trope was thrown in for fun, making the story feel overstuffed. The book went on about 100 pages too long, which dragged the pacing and made it less enjoyable overall. Avi and Kyran were okay as characters but came across as somewhat shallow. Kyran's constant rage felt unrealistic, even with his past trauma, and Avi was annoying at times. These character issues made it hard to fully invest in their story. Ultimately, I believe people mainly like this book for the spice rather than the plot or character development. While it had potential, “For the Fans” fell short for me, earning a 3 out of 5 stars.
Book Review: Brothers of the Wild North Sea by Harper Fox
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
This series had historical and paranormal elements that made it really enjoyable. The unlikely and different pairing of a monk and a Viking really stood out for me. Both characters had so much depth and complexity that you could feel for them. I cried for them, which is a sign I was emotionally invested. I do enjoy an enemies-to-lovers story, and Fen and Kai got an ending that they both deserved. Overall, this book was a great read, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars.