sultrytartreviews's reviews
438 reviews

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

emotional funny hopeful medium-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

4.5

All Cats Welcome by Susin Nielsen

4.0

A Dish Best Served Hot by Natalie Caña

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

4.5

I loved the second book in this series! Neither second chance or military MCs are typically my preferred tropes. But damn does Caña tell a story well. I loved seeing an MC who worked closely with her community and was tough. Bonus points that Rosie was an agreeable child character and acted her age. There was mental health rep of various kinds included, check warnings of this is a trigger for other readers. Pappo is such a great character, I loved laughing along with his antics (especially the epilogue). 

I've Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb

4.5

On Sleepy Hill by Patricia Hegarty

5.0

Beautiful illustrations mixed with page cut outs make for a unique book experience. The book is sweet and easy for bed, but the pictures allow for a larger age range and more interaction from young readers. 

What Is a Narwhal? by Ginger Swift

fast-paced

4.5

Meet the Mushrooms! by Sonali Fry

3.5

Not gonna lie, mainly got this for the pictures/vibes. It matches my kid’s nursery. The art is very cute but there isn’t much of a story. I like that the cut outs of the pages are a unique take, at least. 

Eye Candy by Esme Brett

funny lighthearted 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

4.0

This story was fun and I thought shows amazing potential for Brett’s future writing. The characters were quirky and unique. I liked the side friends who will be appearing in book two. I am always obsessed with a cinnadaddy—Gimmie that uptight boy who starts unraveling and dirty talking when he meets that special person. 

The MCs are chaos, which I adored, I just expected more deep conversations with them because they are also both emotionally intelligent. I think that was a bit of a let down as far as relationship development. I was also left wishing the on & off again parts of the relationship made more sense. They felt a bit under developed for me. 

The idea of a main character bath ✨Sent me✨ I can’t wait for Lyssa’s book!

Mother of Pearl: A Sapphic Sugar Baby Romance by A.A. Fairview
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.

Writing wasn’t very good and I didn’t really like the characters. It was hard to stay interested. The steamy scenes could have potentially been not, but I didn’t think the MCs connected-at all-and the sex just came out of no where. Zero build up. 

Daughter of The Darkened City by Willow Quinn
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.

I really wanted to get into this book, but I just couldn’t vibe. I really didn’t get very far, but I was pretty confused (I guess is the best way to put it?). The prologue seemed unnecessary, nothing really happened. All of Enid’s chapters that I read felt like I was missing a lot of background story (potentially that’s because I didn’t read the first book?). But it was frustrating going straight into that and feeling like I was on unsure footing. I didn’t have the patience currently to stick this out and see if it got better.