Scan barcode
ronniereadsbooks's reviews
173 reviews
Love Sky by MAME
dark
emotional
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Violence
Synopsis:
After Praphai helps Sky escape a street race, they share a night together. While Phai thought it could lead to something more, Sky felt it was a means to an end. Phai infatuation with Sky leads him to find ways to put himself in Sky’s life. Will Sky’s guarded nature warm to his pursuer or will he be hurt again like he was in the past?
Review:
I started this after watching “Love In The Air” and falling in love with PhaiSky’s story. It was so good. In reading “Love Sky” I got more depth to what was happening in the show though I will say it was a faithful adaptation. The book however feels less rushed. Sky’s tragic backstory and Phai care hit me like a brick wall! This was definitely worth the read. Plus, the spicy scenes served a purpose to move the story along. Now I need to go and rewatch their story in the drama!
Change World, Vol. 1 by Yuu Minaduki
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Alpha's Son by Penny Jessup
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I haven’t been this engrossed in a book in a while. It had me from the very first page to the last. The story of a someone who didn’t want a mate to finding their mate is someone they did not expect. I admit there were several tropes in this. The best friend secretly wants the main character as their mate, the scorned character with a “rough” life turns villainous to get what they want. The sacrificing character who feels like they must leave their lover in order to protect them. While tropey, I ate this book up and can’t wait for the sequel. I need to know how Max and Jasper’s story ends. And who will Katie choose.
Idol Minds by KT Salvo
adventurous
emotional
fast-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 discovered this book via an instagram ad. Over the past few years, I’ve developed a growing love for k-pop. And if you follow this page, you know I love queer books. This combination of the two had me so enthralled. I loved every moment of it. Not only was it spicy, but it gave a view into the world of k-pop that we don’t always see. Public image is so important. Tae Hyun is seemingly the perfect idol who walked away from it all. Jason Park is a Hollywood bad boy on the verge of his next scandal. When the two meet, sparks fly and a time bomb begins its countdown. I appreciate how there were no throwaway characters in this. The seemingly side character in the begin ends up playing a major role in the plot of this story. If you like K-pop and queer media, I suggest giving it a read.
Sidebar: I’m definitely a fan of KT Salvo, not just because of the book, but also because of they post about the same kpop survival shows and BLs I’m watching!
Sidebar: I’m definitely a fan of KT Salvo, not just because of the book, but also because of they post about the same kpop survival shows and BLs I’m watching!
Storming (The Coven of Zora: Book 2) by L.D. Valentine
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-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
After reading book 1 of this series, I immediately purchased book 2. In Storming, we follow Adam, the boyfriend of Xavier the main protagonist of book 1. While Xavier was insecure, Adam is a full blown hot mess with issues he doesn’t let himself or others know about. He puts on a put together face when inside, he’s dealing with an inner turmoil that puts his entire team at risk. When Xavier is taken and used against the team, Adam’s only thought is to save his boyfriend and it clouds his every decision even to the point of hurting others. I appreciated that there was so much more the Adam than book 1 let’s on. I also appreciated the commentary on how breaking generational curses, though necessary, isn’t always easy. Highly recommend this series and can’t wait for book 3 and hopefully a future installment focused on my fave character, Justin!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
Rising by L. D. Valentine
adventurous
emotional
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
first discovered this book series when @ldvalentine89 popped up on my tiktok feed! He had me at queer witches who are (mostly) BIPOC! And I have to say I haven’t had a book I devoured like this since the All For The Game series. It kept me on my toes the entire time. None of the characters are one dimensional. They all play a role and serve a purpose. Because it’s an ensemble cast though we follow Xavier most closely, there is a character for everyone to connect with. For me, it’s mostly Justin. Black, sassy, and from New Orleans…that sounds oddly familiar. It’s a fun ride that also pulls at your heartstrings with tales of past trauma, difficulties with self love, and navigating the expectations of others! I highly recommend this book! If you like queer stories, fantasy, and supporting Black authors, buy this book now!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Torture
Damien's Secret 2: The Dark Side by Sunni T. Connor
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After reading Damien’s Secret, I was left with so many questions. I couldn’t understand why Dawn hated Damien nor could I completely wrap my head around this ending. Those questions were answered in part 2. With the subtitle “The Dark Side”, this really was dark. I mean violent, aggressive, graphic. While I enjoyed the continuation of the story, some of the graphic parts had me questioning why. What purpose does this serve? It was shocking. I have to admit, I did not see the twist at the end. It was a true revelation of a secret that made everything make more sense. This book isn’t for the feint of heart. CW: SA, violence, murder, torture and more things. Read if you’re ok with these, but be warned it can be a rough ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Torture, Blood, and Death of parent
The Houseplant: A Short Story by Jeremy Ray
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Review: I received an e-copy of this book a whole ago form the author! I took some time to read it over the weekend and found myself so engaged. The personification of the house plant was perfect. Though short, there is a clear growth of the plant from disregarding and fearing humans to developing love for its caretakers. It was really interesting to see how the plants deals with the loss of a loved one. I definitely recommend folks to give this short story a read!
Lore and Lust by Karla Nikole
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
4.75
Synopsis:
Haruka is a purebred vampire living in seclusion in England. When he is called to oversee the bonding ceremony between two vampires, he is tasked with bringing along the only other purebred vampire nearby. With Nino, there is an instant connection that Haruka doesn’t want to acknowledge. He finds himself falling more and more risking vulnerability and discovering more about vampire culture along the way.
Review:
I must finish this series! Lore and Lust keep me engaged and yearning for more. Slow burn novels run the risk of being too slow losing the reader along the way. Karla’s writing is so effortless that I was able to keep pace and dive into the story. I’m so excited to see more of Haruka and Nino’s story. I’m left with questions about the vanishing, Yuma, and the truth about vampire bonding. Good thing books 2 & 3 will be in my possession!
Haruka is a purebred vampire living in seclusion in England. When he is called to oversee the bonding ceremony between two vampires, he is tasked with bringing along the only other purebred vampire nearby. With Nino, there is an instant connection that Haruka doesn’t want to acknowledge. He finds himself falling more and more risking vulnerability and discovering more about vampire culture along the way.
Review:
I must finish this series! Lore and Lust keep me engaged and yearning for more. Slow burn novels run the risk of being too slow losing the reader along the way. Karla’s writing is so effortless that I was able to keep pace and dive into the story. I’m so excited to see more of Haruka and Nino’s story. I’m left with questions about the vanishing, Yuma, and the truth about vampire bonding. Good thing books 2 & 3 will be in my possession!
An Unexpected Kind of Love by Hayden Stone
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
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
4.0
When Aubrey Barnes took over his family’s book store. He didn’t think it would be a struggle. After a heartbreak and a chance encounter with handsome actor Blake Sinclair, Aubrey gets an opportunity to save his shop and another chance at love. But is he ready to take that risk?
Review:
I have to admit it took me a while to read this book. Mostly because life was busy. However, once I was in it, I was in it. Not to mention, 3 chapters in and you’re already in full on oral sex mode. This reads as a typical mlm romcom which is part of the enjoyment. You see Aubrey’s insecurities and past heartbreak impact what could be with Blake. However, Blake has his own baggage that comes up in an unexpected way. I will say, I enjoy sex scenes as much as the next person, but part of me feels like some of the sex in this didn’t really serve a purpose besides the characters having sex. How is sex moving the story forward and deepening the characters’ relationship? All in all, if you like mlm romance, you should enjoy #AnUnexpectedKindOfLove
Review:
I have to admit it took me a while to read this book. Mostly because life was busy. However, once I was in it, I was in it. Not to mention, 3 chapters in and you’re already in full on oral sex mode. This reads as a typical mlm romcom which is part of the enjoyment. You see Aubrey’s insecurities and past heartbreak impact what could be with Blake. However, Blake has his own baggage that comes up in an unexpected way. I will say, I enjoy sex scenes as much as the next person, but part of me feels like some of the sex in this didn’t really serve a purpose besides the characters having sex. How is sex moving the story forward and deepening the characters’ relationship? All in all, if you like mlm romance, you should enjoy #AnUnexpectedKindOfLove
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content