pastelpageturner's reviews
807 reviews

emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

If you like the cheesy Hallmark movies where the two leads have feelings for each other and everyone but them can see then this is for you!

Before I get further in my review I want to be transparent I was given an ARC from the author but it DOES NOT affect my opinion.

Now, I am a lover of Hallmark movies, so having Patrick and Victoria push their feelings down for the sake of their friendship was a delight even if I wanted to whack them both on the head at times. The friends-to-lovers, he fell first, and getting the then and now was my cup of tea if I didn’t have adult responsibilities I would have had this book read in a day. I adore their characters grow from teens to adults. It showed how complex relationships can be at all stages (even how friendships and parent connections can be a hell of a ride too).

I found the side characters great. They helped move the story along and didn’t have me skipping paragraphs to get back to our main leads. Jessica is my favorite. She was along with me on this ride.

The reason I gave only 4/5 was the pacing and how things unfolded. I felt what some two characters did were obvious it took from the moment when it was revealed. I wasn’t able to feel the impact the character did. While I do not see it as a huge glaring flaw and would suggest this to others I know that those who read similar books often might feel equal as I do. I understand why the hints were placed but I believe there could have been ways to pave the way where we the reader could have been hit with the blow too.

Other than that, adored how Patrick and Vic came to be. From their first meet to finally being endgame it was a ride. Super grateful I was able to experience it before others so I can tell all my other romance girlies they need to pick this up. It’s one of those reads that will have you kicking your feet and wanting to throw the book, which for me means it was great if I go through a range of emotions.

Content Warnings

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was the first dark romance that was suggested by my sister (by suggested I mean she told me there was accidental cannibalism and I unfortunately am what “Curiosity Killed the Cat” is about). I was not disappointed. I was locked in at the start with how Sloane and Rowan meet. He fell first. Hard. I have the second book on hold and I am not patiently waiting.

PLEASE pay attention to the trigger list. Do not downrate this book because you didn’t. She lists everything.

Anyway, I was hooked at their meeting and his dishing out the challenge. Everything Rowan does for Sloane had me swooning. I would dismiss his murderous tendencies. It’s minor when he clearly shows how much he cares without admitting how he feels. Sloane gradually meets him which makes it all the better (bonus Rowan doesn’t mind losing to her because he thrives on the challenge).

There were times I forgot this was about two people who murdered people. I was wrapped up in the slow-burn romance where these two fools could be honest about how they go about their business but couldn’t be open about their feelings even though both were sending signals. I enjoyed how this took place over some time. It wasn’t a few months. It made their connection feel sincere. Even if they had not come together as a couple they would have stayed friends. Maybe I could even say it’s kind of friends to lovers? I will say that.

I was not upset about the ice cream. I giggled. Well, I was giggling about the whole scene because of Rowan. I could not even be shocked. I don’t think I would have even without the pre-apology. Might have done a harder double take but again Rowan in the moment with Sloane teasing him made it less appalling. I would not like to have said ice cream.

I’ll finish gushing about these two. Listening to the dual narrator audio makes the experience even better. If I was going to recommend it to someone I would tell them to opt into that. It pulls you in deeper into their twisted little romance. I might listen again next year.

Content Warnings

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

I went in blind to this as an audiobook. It was a recommended read from previous thrillers and I am not at all disappointed. Whenever I thought I knew what was going on the plot would turn. I was kept guessing until the very end.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

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funny hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced