beckyray14's reviews
83 reviews

You Had Me at Hola, by Alexis Daria

emotional reflective 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

3.75

There were so many great things about it. The duel story of the actors and the TV show thier shooting. The realistic family dynamics and issues presented and I LOVED that at the end the epilogue was that they both ended up in therapy and were working on the individual issues that caused their relationship so much strife. Multiple times I caught myself thinking he needs therapy for this. He has PTSD or she needs therapy to figure out why she feels addicted to love. And the end the author gives them that and they're better for it! That was great.

The Princess Trap, by Talia Hibbert

hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

This is my first Talia Hibbert and it was just perfection. Everything about it from the sexy prince, to the representation, to the authentic black experiences down to Reubens filthy dirty talk was just perfect. Gah I cannot believe I waited this long to finally get into Talia and now I don't know if I can stop. 70% of the way through this book I texted 4 of my friends that they need to move this up or add it to their TBRs.  

I wish that Cherry had become a princess mainly because I think a black princess would be amazing and wonderful. And that Reuben deserved to be king and free his country from the manical dickhead that is his brother. BUT I suppose we can assume that he will take the crown after his brother dies. 😋

Blood Oath, by Raye Wagner, Kelly St. Clare

dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

This book has a great plot but it gets lost in the authors writing style. I think they focused too much on the dungeon instead of the world building. Everything else gets muddled.

The Queen's Line, by Kathryn Moon

mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

This book reminds me of the Queen Takes series, which I really love. It starts off in a strange way and you immediately get thrust into this world. And at first it feels like it needs a bit more fleshing out, or realism or something. But then before you know it youre involved and invested and caring for Bryony and the guys. Each is as likeable as she is.

The Wrong Bride, by Catharina Maura

emotional medium-paced

3.5

At first I was not sure how this book was going to get to where it was going...but it did. Then I was shocked at how emotional this book actually made me feel. I really did feel Ravens plight,  and her awkwardness. How uncomfortable and the level of second hand embarrassment she must feel. It was there that the book got me. What didnt feel as convincing was the romantic parts of Ares and Ravens relationship. It teased us with a good communication trope and transparency but Raven never really grew or changed until the last literal 5% of the book. I wish this book ended with more oomph. The ending wasnt satisfactory for me.

Sleet Kitten, by S.J. Tilly

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This is a fun, cute little read. It was instalove but done really really well. 2 chili peppers worth of spice. Did I love this book? No. But it was so enjoyable to read.

The Princess's Chosen, by Kathryn Moon

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This installment was a little bit more political intrigue. We see the princess learning to play the game. You can also feel the stakes being raised. However the pacing of this one is slower than the first and some parts you just want to skip through because by now Im more interested in the plot and the machinations of the council and court than her harem. There are quite a few intrigues still left open. Let alone the fact that she hasnt been crowned queen yet.

Lola & the Millionaires: Part Two, by Kathryn Moon

emotional 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

4.0

Lola & the Millionaires: Part One, by Kathryn Moon

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

Pleasing Mr. Parker, by Elle Nicoll

funny 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

5.0

Cute! I really resonated with Maria, also being a person who likes to have a plan and be in control of the outcome. I love a dual POV and I think this one was really really well done. Griffen and Maria are a good match and you can really see that almost immediately. I like the way that even their trust issues mirror each other. This book had the perfect amount of spice, praise, and everything.