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books_i_love2000's reviews
109 reviews
Drawn To Darkness by Michelle Heard
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a fast-paced book with a lot of action and a fairly big amount of plot.
Although it was a part of a series, the standalone aspect felt well deserved and each of the characters that I met I could get a sense of their personality and in future I'd look at reading each characters standalone novel as well.
I enjoyed the fast pace of this. A lot was happening but it didn't feel rushed per se. It was a relatively short book and it didn't feel like any detail was cut to make for it.
I only wish that there had been a slightly longer final chapter and epilogue to explore Eden's thoughts more about her change of circumstances.
Overall this was a great mafia romance read. I already know I enjoy this authors work and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Favourite Quote - Yeah. I have no idea how Eden will react to hearing I'm a mafia boss, but that's a problem for later in the relationship.
Favourite Character - Frankie
Although it was a part of a series, the standalone aspect felt well deserved and each of the characters that I met I could get a sense of their personality and in future I'd look at reading each characters standalone novel as well.
I enjoyed the fast pace of this. A lot was happening but it didn't feel rushed per se. It was a relatively short book and it didn't feel like any detail was cut to make for it.
I only wish that there had been a slightly longer final chapter and epilogue to explore Eden's thoughts more about her change of circumstances.
Overall this was a great mafia romance read. I already know I enjoy this authors work and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Favourite Quote - Yeah. I have no idea how Eden will react to hearing I'm a mafia boss, but that's a problem for later in the relationship.
Favourite Character - Frankie
Love Letters and Thirst Tonics by Hailey Blackwood
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was such a cute romantasy read. Fiella and Redd's relationship was fun to see develop as they both got to know one another not just in person but also via the letters they had no clue the other was writing. That was a nice touch as it really helped to show their personalities.
The overarching plot about the magical mishaps was fairly low stakes but quite interesting to see what would be the next disaster to occur.
One small drawback for me was it did feel like everything was resolved quite quickly when it came to the end and that the relationship moved forwards fairly quickly as well. I prefer it a tad more detailed and lengthly.
Overall though a really cute read with lots of personable characters. It had me laughing the whole way through and picking just one favourite quote will be difficult.
Favourite Quote - I would have to keep my guard up-a woman like Fiella was bound to rip a man to shreds.
Favourite Character - Redd
The overarching plot about the magical mishaps was fairly low stakes but quite interesting to see what would be the next disaster to occur.
One small drawback for me was it did feel like everything was resolved quite quickly when it came to the end and that the relationship moved forwards fairly quickly as well. I prefer it a tad more detailed and lengthly.
Overall though a really cute read with lots of personable characters. It had me laughing the whole way through and picking just one favourite quote will be difficult.
Favourite Quote - I would have to keep my guard up-a woman like Fiella was bound to rip a man to shreds.
Favourite Character - Redd
Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
F1 and romance. What more can you want in a book? There were sparks flying everywhere and the tension was palpable.
The relationship between the two was really fun to read as it developed and the side characters relationships with the main couple were well fleshed out as well.
The timing across the whole racing season was nicely spaced making for a good flow.
My one minor negative point was a lot of information could occasionally be given all at once and I feel this sometimes detracted when it could have been revealed a bit more organically in conversations between characters rather than as an inner monologue.
But overall, a good F1 romance and I loved the grumpy x sunshine vibes.
Favourite Quote - I'd never considered arson before I found myself living in a motorhome with Harper James.
Favourite Character - Harper
The relationship between the two was really fun to read as it developed and the side characters relationships with the main couple were well fleshed out as well.
The timing across the whole racing season was nicely spaced making for a good flow.
My one minor negative point was a lot of information could occasionally be given all at once and I feel this sometimes detracted when it could have been revealed a bit more organically in conversations between characters rather than as an inner monologue.
But overall, a good F1 romance and I loved the grumpy x sunshine vibes.
Favourite Quote - I'd never considered arson before I found myself living in a motorhome with Harper James.
Favourite Character - Harper
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
So, this books was decent, nothing too bad about it but I just feel like it had been majorly hyped up and then it didn't really live up to those expectations.
The list of warning at the start had me expecting a lot and I feel like most warning, although valid, weren't really mentioned much more than half a chapter and I was anticipating them to be more prominent topics.
The romance between Rowan and Sloane did feel genuine and I enjoyed how that played out. The comedy aspect as well was also quite good.
But in general, I feel like although this was an okay book. It just didn't really wow me in any regard.
Favourite Quote - “I’m scared of you destroying me. Me destroying you.”
Favourite Character - Rowan
The list of warning at the start had me expecting a lot and I feel like most warning, although valid, weren't really mentioned much more than half a chapter and I was anticipating them to be more prominent topics.
The romance between Rowan and Sloane did feel genuine and I enjoyed how that played out. The comedy aspect as well was also quite good.
But in general, I feel like although this was an okay book. It just didn't really wow me in any regard.
Favourite Quote - “I’m scared of you destroying me. Me destroying you.”
Favourite Character - Rowan
Collided by Lauren Asher
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
I love an F1 romance and this one did not disappoint. It had friends to lovers, heartbreak, family drama, comedy and the tension between the two was everything.
The plot was solid and the backstory was set up well and didn't feel like info-dumping.
Character development was great and I always love a dual pov when I'm reading a romance just to get all the story so that was a nice touch.
I feel like the ending could have been a bit longer and a tad more detail in it but nevertheless the ending was well wrapped up. There was also a 14 years later epilogue which I always love when they include them so that's a bonus in my books.
A lovely read for if you love F1 and looking forward to reading the next 2 books in the series.
Favourite Quote - Screw platonic, I want catastrophic.
Favourite Character - James
Stitches and Sparks by E.A Brady
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.0
This was a cute case of near enough insta-love done well. I knew from the start going in that they'd be pining all over one another and safe to say that didn't disappoint.
The back story on both of them felt well rounded and the chemistry between them as they explored a relationship was great.
The plot was fairly fast paced which fit well with the book but sometimes did feel a bit jumpy in places. Especially as I feel if there was a bit more time in the book some side characters could be explored a bit more seeing as they are the hook to reading about them in their own books.
However the story overall was a nice, quick read and the epilogue with a one year later scenario was a special touch as I always love to see further down the line.
I'm hoping to read more of this series as it comes out, I'm curious to see which characters from this book are chosen to have their own romances put down on paper.
Favourite Quote - "I'm not an animal, Mia. I might not decorate but I know how to make a bed."
Favourite Character - Aunt Claire
The back story on both of them felt well rounded and the chemistry between them as they explored a relationship was great.
The plot was fairly fast paced which fit well with the book but sometimes did feel a bit jumpy in places. Especially as I feel if there was a bit more time in the book some side characters could be explored a bit more seeing as they are the hook to reading about them in their own books.
However the story overall was a nice, quick read and the epilogue with a one year later scenario was a special touch as I always love to see further down the line.
I'm hoping to read more of this series as it comes out, I'm curious to see which characters from this book are chosen to have their own romances put down on paper.
Favourite Quote - "I'm not an animal, Mia. I might not decorate but I know how to make a bed."
Favourite Character - Aunt Claire
A Good Place to Hide a Body by Laura Marshall
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This book was phenomenal.
It truly had me hooked wondering what was going on as it started with a jump forwards before going back to the present day to see the build up. I had so many preconceptions and guesses that were then totally smashed to pieces as things were unveiled.
The tension build up was amazing as I was left anxiously turning the page wondering how they were going to get away with it and the plot twists were stunning.
Character development throughout felt really well done as information was slowly dropped in and I felt that the pacing was great to keep me invested yet not so quick that I felt rushed.
This was a really fun read. A really great mystery that adds in plenty of humour the further in you get.
Favourite Quote - I've been googling rigor Mortis. It's wildly incriminating should I ever be investigated for Coopers death, but if I am, the fact he's under my parents patio will be more of a giveaway, so I don't worry too much.
Favourite Character - Sissy
It truly had me hooked wondering what was going on as it started with a jump forwards before going back to the present day to see the build up. I had so many preconceptions and guesses that were then totally smashed to pieces as things were unveiled.
The tension build up was amazing as I was left anxiously turning the page wondering how they were going to get away with it and the plot twists were stunning.
Character development throughout felt really well done as information was slowly dropped in and I felt that the pacing was great to keep me invested yet not so quick that I felt rushed.
This was a really fun read. A really great mystery that adds in plenty of humour the further in you get.
Favourite Quote - I've been googling rigor Mortis. It's wildly incriminating should I ever be investigated for Coopers death, but if I am, the fact he's under my parents patio will be more of a giveaway, so I don't worry too much.
Favourite Character - Sissy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Drug use
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was wild! The Gresham family are the sort who will buy a house in the Bahamas just because it was easier than trying to make a reservation at a resort. They're rich, rich. Except due to the crazy spending it turns out they're not in fact rich, rich. But soon to be insolvent. The ensuing affairs of Rufus' mum trying to set him up with all a manner of billionaires all whilst he's making puppy dog eyes at his childhood best friend is everything.
I do admit the start was a bit of a slow burner for me. There was a slot of characters being introduced and the time jump to past and present didn't help. But once I was through that it was such a fun read.
I did guess as to the ending as it wasn't the most high class mystery but the book promised lies and weddings and it did 100% deliver on them.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this author when I get the chance and would absolutely read this book again!
Favourite Quote - "In all my years living in England, I've never once set foot in an Accessorize!"
"That's because you're a snob. There's a very nice one on High Street Ken."
Favourite Character - Martha
I do admit the start was a bit of a slow burner for me. There was a slot of characters being introduced and the time jump to past and present didn't help. But once I was through that it was such a fun read.
I did guess as to the ending as it wasn't the most high class mystery but the book promised lies and weddings and it did 100% deliver on them.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this author when I get the chance and would absolutely read this book again!
Favourite Quote - "In all my years living in England, I've never once set foot in an Accessorize!"
"That's because you're a snob. There's a very nice one on High Street Ken."
Favourite Character - Martha
The Dinner by Herman Koch
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.0
I read the adult easy-read version on the fact that this was the only copy I could get ahold of easily. So I feel that in the simplification of the text that some nuances may have been left out but overall this was still a decent read.
It was definitely an easy read and I do wonder how the original would compare. I enjoyed the story and the questions I had after each new section of the book. I feel the mystery aspect and that only small snippets were revealed at each section made it engaging.
The characters were intriguing as you learnt more and I enjoyed the story as told from Paul's viewpoint.
All of my critiques revolve mostly around how I would like some more details and to know more about the characters but I feel that this isn't so much of a genuine critique with this being the easy-read version.
Overall, I'd definitely read again, hopefully I can find a full copy of it. And I'd really like to see the film version that's been made as well.
Favourite Quote - I looked at my wife. I was so proud of her. She's beautiful when she's angry.
Favourite Character - Claire
It was definitely an easy read and I do wonder how the original would compare. I enjoyed the story and the questions I had after each new section of the book. I feel the mystery aspect and that only small snippets were revealed at each section made it engaging.
The characters were intriguing as you learnt more and I enjoyed the story as told from Paul's viewpoint.
All of my critiques revolve mostly around how I would like some more details and to know more about the characters but I feel that this isn't so much of a genuine critique with this being the easy-read version.
Overall, I'd definitely read again, hopefully I can find a full copy of it. And I'd really like to see the film version that's been made as well.
Favourite Quote - I looked at my wife. I was so proud of her. She's beautiful when she's angry.
Favourite Character - Claire
Teddy by Emily Dunlay
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
3.0
This was confusing. Good. But confusing. I just felt like what I read didn't quite match up with what I was expecting having read the blurb.
There was what was in the blurb, but also a lot more focus on politics and less about what I thought would be a major cheating scandal and the fall out of that. So I feel like I kind of started on the wrong foot reading this when I was ready for a romantic drama with focus on the affair rather than this drama that was engaging but not necessarily what I would say was the focus.
I did really enjoy the writing style and flow. I found it engaging and fun to read and the pacing was great. However by the end chapter and epilogue it did slightly feel as if they had run out of words and needed to suddenly wrap everything up. There was a lot of plot twists and information at the end that you never really get to sit and take in before the book is finished.
Overall, although I did enjoy this once I got going, I felt confused at the plot when I started and the ending felt rushed.
Favourite Quote - I can be awfully naïve for such a practiced liar.
Favourite Character - Teddy
There was what was in the blurb, but also a lot more focus on politics and less about what I thought would be a major cheating scandal and the fall out of that. So I feel like I kind of started on the wrong foot reading this when I was ready for a romantic drama with focus on the affair rather than this drama that was engaging but not necessarily what I would say was the focus.
I did really enjoy the writing style and flow. I found it engaging and fun to read and the pacing was great. However by the end chapter and epilogue it did slightly feel as if they had run out of words and needed to suddenly wrap everything up. There was a lot of plot twists and information at the end that you never really get to sit and take in before the book is finished.
Overall, although I did enjoy this once I got going, I felt confused at the plot when I started and the ending felt rushed.
Favourite Quote - I can be awfully naïve for such a practiced liar.
Favourite Character - Teddy