You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

illmaticiyanna's reviews
88 reviews

Rhythm's Blues by Kimberly Brown

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

This was just a good love story. Rhythm and Channing had chemistry but they really look the time to know each other before moving forward. Prince Cole was sick to his stomach his girl moved on, like he wasn’t out here doing wrong first. Men can never take it like they dish it lol. But this was great and no third act break up so even better!
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This is my second S.A Cosby book and wow, he knows how to tell such a vivid story that just feels alive. This could easily be an amazing movie with no changes necessary. Buddy Lee and Ike are some of my favorite characters, their banter and growth as they learn from their past mistakes on their journey of vengeance. I can’t even pick a quote cause there are so many great moments in this book. I shed tears at the end, but is this the biggest shocking mystery? No, but the journey to the truth is one of the best you can read.
In This Moment by K. Lashaun

Go to review page

emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

To start, Verse was that man and is in my top 10 of book boyfriends! His entire persona and how he carried himself with such confidence cause he earned his right to be so confident. Garryn had her insecurities that came from a jealous mother who abandoned her for a new husband. How they met was so hilarious but showed her determination to do well in her professional career, which is what I think really made Verse like her. They were such a great match and you felt the connection in the pages. 

Also Keem better have a love story as well as a second chance romance with Gia and Israel. All of the side characters were great and even if not in the book often they were still developed well. My heart broke for Onyx, give him a love story too. Shoot  give all the characters their happy ending!
At the End of It All by Rae Lyse

Go to review page

dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes

3.0

I think this was a very well written romance. However, the relationship was centered around Ace “raising “ his little lady to be grown. Even though he was not that mature in itself. Ace battled alcoholism and grief while dealing with a scandal that ruined his reputation and potential to make it to the NBA. Instead of dealing with any of his demons, he found his home in Phat. A girl who was struggling with being the caretaker for a sick mother and try to better herself by getting her education. 

I think separately they are strong and well thought out characters, but when the romance between them started. It was obsessive and just an odd dynamic in my opinion. I did like the end of this story and was happy they were getting some form of happy ending.
Though, Cree definitely could’ve did the same think that Phat did and getting Cheyenne to tell the truth. Cree was bad friend to me cause she always knew that Ace didn’t do anything.
Maybe this book missed the mark for me. Also was very long and felt never ending in the middle part of the book.
Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Go to review page

adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No

4.0

 This book felt realistic like way realistic. If superheroes were to exist today this is exactly how I would imagine they would be and how they gained powers. Loved the story telling of this book and pacing. The back and forth timeline made the stakes seem high and all the characters were fleshed out well in this. Eli and Victor were flawed in their own goals but they stood firm on them. I honestly think they should’ve just smooched in college and the tension would be gone.
Luca by Grey Huffington

Go to review page

dark lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

So this was a good romance and Luca was everything a book boyfriend should be. Like he had major BDE, he was thoughtful and took care of everything to elevate his women. But damn, this was the fastest love I have seen, then on top of that I have no clue what made them fall so fast. Like wasn’t no magical conversation they were just in love! I still enjoyed this read a bunch but wish the MC were elaborated on a bit more!
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Go to review page

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A

4.75

This was a journey. I wasn’t sure of how this book would read, if it would be confusing. But l loved it, each chapter took you through an adventure of a different character the descendant of the last. 

It hurt to see some characters not know their past while others did, this book was an amazing depiction on how slavery destroyed heritage and cultures. But how every person decisions affects the next generation. A really great book
Married to the Alien Cowboy by Ursa Dax

Go to review page

3.75

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Go to review page

funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No

3.0

I was a little disappointed in this book. The description made it seem very hilarious as this group solved a crime. But I felt the characters were lacking. Also the constant switching of POVs while being in 3rd person made this a hard for me to lock in on.
Spin 'Bout You by BriAnn Danae

Go to review page

hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

This was a very quick read. But Jarod and Grayce were super cute and I love an instant connection read!