chantelbecky's reviews
57 reviews

Threshold by Jordan L. Hawk

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

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Widdershins by Jordan L. Hawk

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book has been on my TBR list for ageeeees, and I’m so happy I decided to finally pick it up. I really wish these books had better covers, because the look of the current ones are probably the reason why I put reading this off for so long. So don’t let that deter you if you’re thinking about starting this series.

The book itself is pretty well paced, there are some slow parts but they were mostly necessary to explain the complexities of the plot. The characters were interesting, the spice had feeling to it, and the motives made sense. I’m excited to see where the rest of the book in the series go! 
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The Inside Edge by Ashlyn Kane

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 70%.
The plot felt a little hollow. The characters were well developed but were difficult to connect with. I really wanted to like this story but I simply couldn't get into it. 
Scoring Position by Ashlyn Kane, Morgan James

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emotional hopeful slow-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

3.0

I liked this book, but it fell a little short compared to the others. However, it was still a good read that had me up until 5 am. The plot just felt oddly rushed and slow at the same time. I would have loved to spend a little more time with the characters off the rink. I know it's a book about hockey, but this one seemed to have a bit more technical jargon that had me skimming a few sections. That's just a personal preference, though. I'm sure those who know hockey a bit better enjoyed those bits! Either way, I still had fun spending time with Nico and Ryan!
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The Geek Who Saved Christmas by Annabeth Albert

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Fun, Christmas, cute, and steamy. Perfect for a light and easy holiday read. 
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The Right Wrong Number by Katie Warren

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emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This book started strong and then lost me in the middle somewhere. I wish the characters had more time to be developed so a real connection between the reader and the characters could be made, but there simply wasn't enough time for that. Some of the MC's issues were glossed over and incomplete. He wasn't likeable, which disappointed me; I was looking forward to this one. 
The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book left me feeling warm and fuzzy and wanting more. Despite being filled with thrill and action, the cozy banter between these two had me smiling the whole time. The best way to describe this book would be if a 'coffee shop AU' merged wonderfully with a 'highway robbery AU'—an unpredictable thrill through and through.
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Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-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

3.75

This book was a surprisingly pleasant read. I didn't think I'd ever read a Hockey Romance and actually enjoy it, but here we are. I couldn't put the book down, and that's primarily to do with the loveable characters. Now, the plot of the book itself is a bit bland. However, the characters are what make it what it is. They each carry enough backstory and interest that they can hold their own and leave you wanting to know more about them.
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Best Supporting Actor by Joanna Chambers, Sally Malcolm

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 I can say with full confidence that I will 100% be rereading this book. It was just that good. 

Compared to the others in the series, I'd say Best Supporting Actor does carry a bit more of a slow burn, with that said, the pining and angst is to die for. The characters are unique and bounce off each other beautifully, making the dialogue and any scene staring the two of them (which in all honesty is most of the book) incredibly entertaining. 

Beyond the characters the general plot, the authors of this book have done an amazing job of exploring the complexities of sexual relationships and how past toxic relationships can affect current ones. The characters struggle in ways that are real and true, and that's something to be apricated, especially when it comes to romance novels.
Jay's struggle to "perform" in the bedroom is an obviously common thing that happens to a lot of people, but this is the first time I've actually seen something like this talked about and explored in a novel. It was incredibly refreshing to see and make the characters that much more believable as complex human beings.

Overall, I loved this book. I loved the characters. I loved the plot. I wish I could read it for the first time again. 
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A Husband for Hartwell by J.A. Rock, Lisa Henry

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I was a bit disappointed with this book. It was fun, but the plot was a bit bland and felt a tad rushed. However, It was a fun read if you're looking for something light and easy. 

I did appreciate the concept of queer relationships being relatively normal in a historical piece, but that was the only new and thrilling thing that kept me reading. The characters are likeable but not loveable. 
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