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businesswife's reviews
193 reviews
Hoax by Valeriia Miller
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️4 / 5
This features many explicit scenes with lots of detailed language. This book is heavier on the spice, but the plot is still there and doing something interesting. I don't know that this book was kinky to me, but others might find it kinky.
TLDR: The plot of this book is really twisty and tense. I blew through the last 30% in a single sitting because I needed to know what was happening. I'm surprised that both characters who I felt a little meh about in the beginning grew on me as much as they did. And although I don't know that I would say I'm a dark romance reader this one kept me VERY invested.
Plot: Okay, this book has so much going on. There is a very compelling and complicated mystery going on throughout the entire book. There is interesting and wild paranormal encounters that happen to mostly Maeve but also Kaden. The town that this mostly takes place is is CREEPY AF. It also really hits on the small conservative religious towns have a creepy air to them that worked so well here. I only downed this to 4.75 and not 5 stars for me because I think them being enemies for so long frustrated me when the reason is a little weak in the end.It felt like Maeve should have known that Kaden wanted to leave the town more than anything to find out what happened to his mom and brother. It really seemed like they both had the same aspirations and went about it the same way so it didn't make a ton of sense to me why she hated him at the beginning. And, the only other issue I had with this is while the spice is well written, fits the characters well, and is is hot it sometimes felt like there was so much of it that it took away from the plot. As 2 people so dedicated to the mystery taking place they dedicate a lot of time to sleeping together. But, totally personal opinion.
Characters: Love a changing perspective novel that uses it as well as this one does. There is no going back over anything that has happened it seamlessly progresses the narrative with both characters when it would be more helpful to see it from one rather than the other. I like Kaden, the portrayal of his very bad anxiety is so nice in such a strong and otherwise very masculine man is something I haven't seen before. He also has a migraine disorder which I also haven't seen a lot of rep for before and appreciated. Maeve I also grew to like, she is very prickly but through the narrative you understand why and see he develop and deal with her trauma and her responses to her trauma and upbringing and she is also a very strong character who learns to let people in and I appreciated that.
World: The world building is great. Being from a small town I love reading about small conservative towns. This one uses the small town almost as another main character. The town itself felt like it had personality and it's own mood swings and creepy factor that helped with tension and general vibe overall.
I was given a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review!
This features many explicit scenes with lots of detailed language. This book is heavier on the spice, but the plot is still there and doing something interesting. I don't know that this book was kinky to me, but others might find it kinky.
TLDR: The plot of this book is really twisty and tense. I blew through the last 30% in a single sitting because I needed to know what was happening. I'm surprised that both characters who I felt a little meh about in the beginning grew on me as much as they did. And although I don't know that I would say I'm a dark romance reader this one kept me VERY invested.
Plot: Okay, this book has so much going on. There is a very compelling and complicated mystery going on throughout the entire book. There is interesting and wild paranormal encounters that happen to mostly Maeve but also Kaden. The town that this mostly takes place is is CREEPY AF. It also really hits on the small conservative religious towns have a creepy air to them that worked so well here. I only downed this to 4.75 and not 5 stars for me because I think them being enemies for so long frustrated me when the reason is a little weak in the end.
Characters: Love a changing perspective novel that uses it as well as this one does. There is no going back over anything that has happened it seamlessly progresses the narrative with both characters when it would be more helpful to see it from one rather than the other. I like Kaden, the portrayal of his very bad anxiety is so nice in such a strong and otherwise very masculine man is something I haven't seen before. He also has a migraine disorder which I also haven't seen a lot of rep for before and appreciated. Maeve I also grew to like, she is very prickly but through the narrative you understand why and see he develop and deal with her trauma and her responses to her trauma and upbringing and she is also a very strong character who learns to let people in and I appreciated that.
World: The world building is great. Being from a small town I love reading about small conservative towns. This one uses the small town almost as another main character. The town itself felt like it had personality and it's own mood swings and creepy factor that helped with tension and general vibe overall.
I was given a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual content, Blood, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicide, Vomit, and Death of parent
There is a lot of religious trauma, and abuse talked about and dealt with in this book by both main characters.
The Prince's Dearest Guards by Beau Van Dalen
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
I am just not as into reading erotica as I thought I was. I love erotica in my manga but this just isn't my thing.
Therapy Game Restart, Vol. 4 by Meguru Hinohara
emotional
hopeful
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
I think I have rated all of Therapy Game and Restart 5 starts because this is one of my favorite manga series of all time. These characters live in m head rent free and I love how real their relationships and troubles are. The side characters and plots outside their relationship are also very realistic. As well as Shizuma and Minato's traumas because of their pasts. These men have been through a lot and they are bringing all of that to this new relationship and trying their best to make the best out of their lives and live authentically together. This series also means so much to me as a queer person, there is a lot of beautiful representation in this and I adore how much they deal with wanting to be accepted but also living proudly and the struggle that can be in a conservative environment. UGH this is such a great series ans the spice is GREAT!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Therapy Game Restart, Vol. 3 by Meguru Hinohara
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is still my favorite series but I will say this is a tough one. The boys are in a tough place ATM. Minato especially. He hits a full breaking point and there is a some not great stuff that happens between them that is upsetting because you know they love each other and its hard to see them both struggling like this. I am so hoping things really turn around they already are by the end of this volume. I just wish them the world and they're learning how to communicate. Minato does hurt Shizuma in this volume and he feels horrible and doesn't realize he's doing it at the time. They talk about it and deal with it but this is a rough volume.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Physical abuse and Toxic relationship
Minor: Medical content
Link Click, Volume 2 by Li Haoling
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is exactly what I was hoping for in getting volume 2. Volume 1 was very episodic and this whole volume was a deep dive into one very complicated case. You get to see a lot more of the characters and their interactions with each other which I love. There is so much cool stuff about the powers the boys use and I just love this series. I also love the Aloha Comics versions, they're beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Grief
The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All, Vol. 1 by Sumiko Arai
funny
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? Yes
5.0
A short and super cute read. The art style of this manga are everything it was hyped up to be. The strong lime green and black are sooo cute I have never seen a style like it before and I loved it. The references and vibes throughout to 90s-2000s rock were amazing. The styles of the characters clothing and hair are so fun. Also to have such a shy but cool character and a anxious and outgoing, they are so cute! I loved them both. And Mitsuki is everything. I am gender queer and her vibes are so good! I love her style and attitude. Anyway! Obsessed with this!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Guardian: Zhen Hun (Novel) Vol. 1 by priest
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Supernatural creatures working for a detective unit in the police force? Hell yea. This is so fun. Zhao Yunlan is in charge of a special division Ministry of Public Security that deals with paranormal and strange incidents that happen that the police aren't equipped for. And, he's a bit of a lady killer but for hot guys. So, while on a case when he runs into very attractive but cold professor Shen Wei he wants him bad. This is a great investigations story with a fun splash of romance that I enjoyed a lot and I look forward to continuing soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Violence, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Slavery
The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
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? No
5.0
This series is so good. Deka is a badass FMC who is coming into her power in book two. She is uncovering so much about the world she is living in, the Gods, and about herself. This is such a spectacular look at faith and what it can do to people. I also love how it allows these young women to be angry and messy. There is such a diverse set of experiences in this from backgrounds, families, and sexuality. Also just when you think you know whats going on, you don't which I love in a book series. The world that is laid out is also so rich and beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Homophobia and Pregnancy
The Dragon's Betrothed, Vol. 1 by Meguru Hinohara
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
4.75
This is a super cute series! I love Meguru Hinohara's art and stories (see also Therapy Game and Secret XXX). This one also has a dragon boy and some fairy tale vibes where the local legend is very real and our main character is now involved.
Our main character, Chiharu is a writer who has pretty bad self esteem and depression and is getting away from the big city and returning to where he grew up when he meets Rin, a super cute, and bumbling boy who doesn't seem to know how to be normal. Rin also doesn't know quite how to take a hint when Chiharu tells him he's not interested in men. When Rin tells him they are betrothed things only get more complicated.
I love this series. There is only 2 out so far and I am not sure if she will continue it but I hope she does because I love it!
Our main character, Chiharu is a writer who has pretty bad self esteem and depression and is getting away from the big city and returning to where he grew up when he meets Rin, a super cute, and bumbling boy who doesn't seem to know how to be normal. Rin also doesn't know quite how to take a hint when Chiharu tells him he's not interested in men. When Rin tells him they are betrothed things only get more complicated.
I love this series. There is only 2 out so far and I am not sure if she will continue it but I hope she does because I love it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Death
Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, Vol. 2 by Yuji Kaku
adventurous
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
See review for book 1 of the series, these are all going to be pretty high star reviews, I love this series, and the anime
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Murder