shawnthulhu's reviews
185 reviews

Double Pucked by Lauren Blakely

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

It was a cute little romance. The spice could have been hotter. It felt like wattpad fanfiction but not in a way I hated. 

Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White

adventurous dark emotional sad 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

4.5

ARC Copy via NetGalley

As a gay trans man who lives in rural Appalachia, I had high hopes for this book. Miles is a wonderful character. I immediately saw myself in him and his struggles in growing up in this area. I feel like folks are going to say that the book is too politicized, but around here our very existence is politicized. I like that the book didn't shy away from that and made these politics a special interest for Miles. I loved his family dynamic. That's how holler folk are. Family comes first and family history is important. 

*spoilers from here on out*

I enjoyed the first half more than the second half, if I am being honest. I didn't like Cooper. I emphasize with him and his struggles, but I just didn't like him. He felt manipulative and patronizing towards Miles and I'm not sure if that was the intention or just the vibes I got. I knew his fate from a mile away. Doomed character if I ever saw one. Honestly, I kind of wished that Cooper didn't exist in a way. I feel it would have been more impactful for Miles to have done this on their own or with their family (though I understand why they kept their family out of it). I think the better move would have been for Miles to have let Paul run after their heart to heart and instead of Cooper being the reveal at the end, it was Paul. Kind of like a whole, you can't run from this. Noah would have gotten the same info and I think that would have been a better tie in overall. It might be pretentious of me to say that or think that so I apologize of it was. 

I liked Dallas. I think they were a cool character and that they gave Miles something to fight for that wasn't revenge. Kind of a, do it the right way vibes. The ending felt rushed. It felt like lighting a match and dropping it in gasoline. I liked parts of it. I liked the frenetic energy, but I dunno... it felt like it needed more. 

I'm glad the dog lived. 

I'm happy there was a happy ending. 

It was a solid read. I look forward to readong a finalized version and I appreciate what the author was doing. There are queer Appalachian folks who have been here and who will always be here and it hard sometimes, but we keep fighting. 

Neon Gods by Katee Robert

adventurous emotional mysterious 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

There's a reason why this book gets the praise it does. It really is a wonderful retelling. Persephone really feels like her own character and that she doesn't just exist for Hades. I like that she's capable and smart. Definitely a good read if you are looking for a sexy morally gray romance. 

Pucking Wild by Emily Rath

emotional funny inspiring 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

3.75

This book was really cute and I liked it a lot. I really love these two together. It felt very natural and I liked the way that Tess learns to save herself by letting other people in. 

Shots and Barbs by Lily Mayne

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

Hallmark but make it monster men. I love this series. It's so lighthearted and wonderful. 

Impromptu Match by Lily Mayne

funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.75

This book is so cute and light hearted. I highly recommend giving it a read. It made me giggle and it was spicy. I love Taylor and Holt so much. 

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous emotional inspiring tense slow-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

This book deserves all the hype it's given. Amazing. Wonderful. 10/10

Boy Issues by Morticia Knight

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It was alright. 

The Brothers Next Door by Terry Towers

lighthearted fast-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? It's complicated

2.75

The book started out rough, but gained its footing. The author really tried to use every word for penis there was. It was cute. The Craig subplot was entirely not needed. Worth a read. 

Claimed by the Orc Prince by Lionel Hart

hopeful lighthearted 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

3.0

It was alright. It got better as the book progressed. It does end on a cliffhanger.