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nerdishreader's reviews
38 reviews
What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods
GIRLLLLLL
SCREAMINGGGGG
Overall- ★★★★★
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Yes. Yes. Yes. I literally have no other words. One thing I will say is that the plot was painstakingly obvious but the execution was amazing. No complaints at all.
He leveled a look that did nothing to ease her distrust, something in his eyes twinkling knowingly.
He was far enough away that it was impossible he’d heard her.
Right.
GIRLLLLLL
"Loyalty isn’t worth having if it doesn’t extend both ways,”
"Does that go for honesty as well?”
SCREAMINGGGGG
Overall- ★★★★★
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Pedophilia
When He Takes by Gabrielle Sands
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Fake dating turned into forced marriage for her protection. Love that.
I had high hopes starting this one but I feel like I'm 15 again reading a mafia wattpad story. LIke Alessio is literally a wattpad inspired episode character and you can't convince me otherwise.
Blake was conflicted with her feelings toward Nero (for obvious reasons of course) and the shit he put her through. She wanted to escape the criminal life but at the same time, was concerned that she'd lose her moral compass the longer she was exposed to that world. But she endured because she wanted Nero safe, so she played into it.
Initially I was really excited to see Blake grow into the role of being a badass Mafia mommy, even if it was just a ploy. It didn't go the way I thought it would've but given her characteristics and the things she went through during childhood, I understand why she didn't.
HOWEVER. The entire ploy with Nero, the Italians and the bratva was extremely underwhelming. I expected more and I fear it did not live up to expectations. It felt stale, it was boring the way everything unraveled and concluded. And at this point, I skimmed the rest of the book to the ending.
---
"You can hate me. You can wish me dead. But you will never threaten to hurt yourself again. If you do anything to put yourself in harm’s way, I swear to God, Blake, I will build a cage and lock you in it" Bro thinks he's Lestat
Overall- ★★★
I had high hopes starting this one but I feel like I'm 15 again reading a mafia wattpad story. LIke Alessio is literally a wattpad inspired episode character and you can't convince me otherwise.
Blake was conflicted with her feelings toward Nero (for obvious reasons of course) and the shit he put her through. She wanted to escape the criminal life but at the same time, was concerned that she'd lose her moral compass the longer she was exposed to that world. But she endured because she wanted Nero safe, so she played into it.
Initially I was really excited to see Blake grow into the role of being a badass Mafia mommy, even if it was just a ploy. It didn't go the way I thought it would've but given her characteristics and the things she went through during childhood, I understand why she didn't.
HOWEVER. The entire ploy with Nero, the Italians and the bratva was extremely underwhelming. I expected more and I fear it did not live up to expectations. It felt stale, it was boring the way everything unraveled and concluded. And at this point, I skimmed the rest of the book to the ending.
---
"You can hate me. You can wish me dead. But you will never threaten to hurt yourself again. If you do anything to put yourself in harm’s way, I swear to God, Blake, I will build a cage and lock you in it" Bro thinks he's Lestat
Overall- ★★★
When He Desires by Gabrielle Sands
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was actually a really good twist on the fake dating trope. Mafioso on the run is something you ain't see often, however I wish that the circumstances in which they "fake dated" were different but it worked for the story.
Was a decent read, nothing outstanding but it wasn't horrible either.
---
"I know my place, baby. It’s kneeling at your feet.” Love a man that knows his place. So submissive and breedable, even though he's a whore.
Overall-◆◆◆◆
Was a decent read, nothing outstanding but it wasn't horrible either.
---
"I know my place, baby. It’s kneeling at your feet.” Love a man that knows his place. So submissive and breedable, even though he's a whore.
Overall-◆◆◆◆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Pedophilia
Minor: Gore
Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a cute little pick-me-up for me to reset in the midst of heavy fantasies.
The plot was obviously predictable and there was no angst or conflict but regardless everything was executed perfectly and the smuttttt. Who knew shy, nerdy Cal had it in him.
"I wanted... I wanted this. Him." well baby shit I want him too.
In all my years of reading I had never actually taken the moment to sit down and analyze poetry but my god I'm inspired.
Overall- ★★★★
The plot was obviously predictable and there was no angst or conflict but regardless everything was executed perfectly and the smuttttt. Who knew shy, nerdy Cal had it in him.
"I wanted... I wanted this. Him." well baby shit I want him too.
In all my years of reading I had never actually taken the moment to sit down and analyze poetry but my god I'm inspired.
Overall- ★★★★
Seeing Red by Bailey Hannah
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love him. Like I've never been attached to a MMC like this. He's everything and more. His thoughtfulness. His attentiveness. The way he reassures her even when they werent dating. I'm not a fan of small town romances or cowboys- I usually avoid these type of books but im here for the pregnancy trope. But aahhhhhhh he's so perfect I want one.
And I understand that she doesn't want to rush into a relationship with chase purely because of the child because let's be honest, we all know how that turns out. So I like that she's talking her time making her decision even though shes leading him on, self sabotaging and treating him like shit but my god do I feel bad for him. Like why am I sitting here felling sorry for a man of all people.
""And it fucking sucks to know I maybe had all of that before I opened my mouth and suggested something as laughable as—” His voice falters with a flustered, sharp inhale. A fist comes up to cover his mouth, and he exhales hard through his nose." SOMEBODY FUCKING SEDATE ME I LOVE WHEN MEN CRY
Blair and Denny have my heart, they're such amazing friends
On another note, "little spud" made me cringe I hated it.
Overall- ★★★★
And I understand that she doesn't want to rush into a relationship with chase purely because of the child because let's be honest, we all know how that turns out. So I like that she's talking her time making her decision even though shes leading him on, self sabotaging and treating him like shit but my god do I feel bad for him. Like why am I sitting here felling sorry for a man of all people.
""And it fucking sucks to know I maybe had all of that before I opened my mouth and suggested something as laughable as—” His voice falters with a flustered, sharp inhale. A fist comes up to cover his mouth, and he exhales hard through his nose." SOMEBODY FUCKING SEDATE ME I LOVE WHEN MEN CRY
Blair and Denny have my heart, they're such amazing friends
On another note, "little spud" made me cringe I hated it.
Overall- ★★★★
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, and Abortion
War by Laura Thalassa
adventurous
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Yea so no. This left a bitter taste in my mouth, especially given everything Palestinian people have been going through for decades. Like girl you could've at least pretended to give some semblance of a flying fuck about Palestinian people and write a heartfelt dedication to them. And why do I feel like if I research this author all I'd find is problematic shit.
The plot was promising but fell short with the whole push and pull that happened for over 60% of the book. Though i liked the fact that War remained headstrong in his decision and "cause" (which was actually pointless and not explained well but I digress). The pacing was fine until the pregnancy which, the trope was fine but everything was rushed and boring from then. And I hated the whole "you must surrender to me" bit because hello???
AND OH MY GOSHHH THE WRITING. There were multiple moments where I considered DNFing because of the cringe. I'm very picky with writing and how things are depicted and this just wasn't it.
"Holy balls!" "Holy fucking balls!" the constant use of "BOOM" to signify the detonation of bombs. Are you a child? Where's the creativity?
And that ending like girl if you knew he was incapable of dying why in the flying fuck would you risk the lives of you and your child to "save" him. HE WAS FINE. And spoiler alert! She killed them both. He had to bargain with his brother to bring them back to life.
And it's hinted throughout the book that she misses her family and she hoped that her mother and sister were at least alive- they were separated while trying to flee and her father was killed when the first horseman showed up.
War even stated that he'd like to help her find her family if in fact they were alive. So to jump years into the future when she, War and their daughter randomly show up on her mom's doorstep is..... lazy? boring? disappointing? a choice? especially when loss of family is a major theme in this book.
And don't even get me started on that reunion. Like this man was literally part of the cause of the Genocide of your people, caused you to be separated from your daughter for years, your husband was killed and you just accepted him into family within 5 minutes of meeting him? LAZY WRITING.
This should've all happened over the span of at least 5 chapters not 5 paragraphs (an exaggeration).
Overall - ★★
The plot was promising but fell short with the whole push and pull that happened for over 60% of the book. Though i liked the fact that War remained headstrong in his decision and "cause" (which was actually pointless and not explained well but I digress). The pacing was fine until the
AND OH MY GOSHHH THE WRITING. There were multiple moments where I considered DNFing because of the cringe. I'm very picky with writing and how things are depicted and this just wasn't it.
"Holy balls!" "Holy fucking balls!" the constant use of "BOOM" to signify the detonation of bombs. Are you a child? Where's the creativity?
And it's hinted throughout the book that she misses her family and she hoped that her mother and sister were at least alive- they were separated while trying to flee and her father was killed when the first horseman showed up.
War even stated that he'd like to help her find her family if in fact they were alive. So to jump years into the future when she, War and their daughter randomly show up on her mom's doorstep is..... lazy? boring? disappointing? a choice? especially when loss of family is a major theme in this book.
And don't even get me started on that reunion. Like this man was literally part of the cause of the Genocide of your people, caused you to be separated from your daughter for years, your husband was killed and you just accepted him into family within 5 minutes of meeting him? LAZY WRITING.
This should've all happened over the span of at least 5 chapters not 5 paragraphs (an exaggeration).
Overall - ★★
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Genocide, Gore, Sexual assault, Violence, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
When He Reads To Me by T.L. Smith
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
DNF 10% in. Just wasn't for me
Left Field Love by C.W. Farnsworth
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
5.0
Ok It seems like everything I read from this author is amazing.
I love everything about this book. EVERYTHING.
I was unsure about the direction that the book was going in when we were introduced to the main characters in high school but I loved what CW did.
I appreciate the fact that it wasn't the generic 'they meet in high school and fell inlove -> we see how their relationship plays out throughout > they graduate and attend different colleges but split up because of jealousy issues and long distance.'
I love the fact that even though there wasn't really a major conflict that happened, the story wasn't stagnant or boring. And what's even better is the fact that there was no third act breakup/ cheating or other women drama. Like it's so overdone, I'm over it.
Lennon and Caleb's relationship was no way near perfect but I love how they loved each other. I love how their insecurities and flaws in their relationship and themselves were portrayed. I loved that he fell first, I loved how he always tried his best to reassure her and show her how appreciated she was. I loved how we saw how flawed and broken she was and how she realized that she wasn't fair to him at times, especially when she never made an effort to show interest in his hobby.
And the communication>>>>>>>>
Overall- ★★★★★
I love everything about this book. EVERYTHING.
I was unsure about the direction that the book was going in when we were introduced to the main characters in high school but I loved what CW did.
I appreciate the fact that it wasn't the generic 'they meet in high school and fell inlove -> we see how their relationship plays out throughout > they graduate and attend different colleges but split up because of jealousy issues and long distance.'
I love the fact that even though there wasn't really a major conflict that happened, the story wasn't stagnant or boring. And what's even better is the fact that there was no third act breakup/ cheating or other women drama. Like it's so overdone, I'm over it.
Lennon and Caleb's relationship was no way near perfect but I love how they loved each other. I love how their insecurities and flaws in their relationship and themselves were portrayed. I loved that he fell first, I loved how he always tried his best to reassure her and show her how appreciated she was. I loved how we saw how flawed and broken she was and how she realized that she wasn't fair to him at times, especially when she never made an effort to show interest in his hobby.
And the communication>>>>>>>>
Overall- ★★★★★
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.25
I'm always down for a cute little dark fantasy moment, and what better than a necromancer as the main character.
I'm unsure what to give as a rating. While the book was fantastically written and very well thought out, it was very much predictable. There was not one thing I was not able to guess during my time reading.
Though I did have fun deciphering the clues before each game.
I wish we had seen more of Blackwell and Orphie as Salem and Orphie before the book ended. But it is what it is.
Overall- ★★★★
I'm unsure what to give as a rating. While the book was fantastically written and very well thought out, it was very much predictable. There was not one thing I was not able to guess during my time reading.
Though I did have fun deciphering the clues before each game.
I wish we had seen more of Blackwell and Orphie as Salem and Orphie before the book ended. But it is what it is.
Overall- ★★★★
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Death of parent
Moderate: Self harm
Anathema by Keri Lake
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
5.0
I literally have no words.
This is my first time reading a book from this author and my god. I'm obsessed and I want more.
One thing I will say- and it's an oversight on my part for not reading the TWs- the amount of sexual harassment, sexual assult, mentions of rape and misogyny. Holy shit.
Other than that, I loved everything about this book. It was literally perfect. The plot, characters, world building, the tension, and creativity behind everything. I felt like everything that happened, every piece of dialogue, every character we saw mattered and served a purpose.
I'm excited to see Maeve and Zevander continue to get to know each other, for her bond with him and her creature to grow (I can't remember his name). For some reason I feel like her sister and his brother might be a thing in the future.
Can't wait to see what happens next and I'll quite literally read anything Keri's hands touch.
This is my first time reading a book from this author and my god. I'm obsessed and I want more.
One thing I will say- and it's an oversight on my part for not reading the TWs- the amount of sexual harassment, sexual assult, mentions of rape and misogyny. Holy shit.
Other than that, I loved everything about this book. It was literally perfect. The plot, characters, world building, the tension, and creativity behind everything. I felt like everything that happened, every piece of dialogue, every character we saw mattered and served a purpose.
I'm excited to see Maeve and Zevander continue to get to know each other, for her bond with him and her creature to grow (I can't remember his name). For some reason I feel like her sister and his brother might be a thing in the future.
Can't wait to see what happens next and I'll quite literally read anything Keri's hands touch.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Gore, and Incest
Minor: Pregnancy