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karenmsecrest's reviews
296 reviews
No Ordinary Duchess by Elizabeth Hoyt
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Oof. Did not realize this was #3 in a series until I was 1/4 of the way through, and totally in the dark on many of the characters and back story. Definitely need to read the first books. There are too many characters with too much history to appreciate what is going on. It’s a bummer because the story about the main characters, Julian and Elspeth, is a good stand alone… but assassins and dead siblings and “Wise Women” feels rushed and didn’t make sense to me (a chaotic reader).
The submissive storyline was interesting and spicy. But I was too distracted by the characters and relationships I didn’t have context for, and couldn’t keep names and characters straight. Definitely NOT a standalone.
The submissive storyline was interesting and spicy. But I was too distracted by the characters and relationships I didn’t have context for, and couldn’t keep names and characters straight. Definitely NOT a standalone.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
This book is too good to review. An Appalachian David Copperfield; equal parts heartbreaking, funny, tragic, tender, and always compelling.
The writing, the characters, the setting, the storytelling. I couldn't stop reading, even when I was afraid of what would come next. It's beautiful.
Great books tell stories that help readers see new perspectives. This is a great book.
The writing, the characters, the setting, the storytelling. I couldn't stop reading, even when I was afraid of what would come next. It's beautiful.
Great books tell stories that help readers see new perspectives. This is a great book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Drug use, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
This book has plenty of heavy content (drug abuse, neglect, domestic violence, poverty, etc), but there isn't any sexual abuse/assault on page. There are references to characters trading sex for money off page, and allusions to prostitution.
A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh
Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.
Oof. 1990s. Consent issues and everything is a misunderstanding because there is zero communication.
The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain
Medium-high spice: open door, sometimes in the room.
emotional
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
3.75
Loved the behind-the-scenes details of cookbook writing, ghostwriting, and chef life.
This is a contemporary romance that checks all the contemporary boxes:
This is a contemporary romance that checks all the contemporary boxes:
- Therapy
- Hero and heroine have baggage (she’s a young widow with shitty parents, he’s an adult who struggled with dyslexia and also has shitty parents)
- Representation: religion, LGBTQIA+, size (curvy heroine, short hero), cultural, gender, mental health, neurodiverse
- Pets (heroine has a cat with special needs)
- Found family
Medium-high spice: open door, sometimes in the room.
The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A Hallmark movie type of book. Closed door. Sweet story. I cried a little bit.
The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Every Duke Has His Day by Suzanne Enoch
slow-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
3.0
It's fine. Cute plot about mistaken dog identities. The most memorable characters are the dog napper and his girlfriend. Writing this review two months after reading it... and I can't remember enough to provide more details.
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Third in the Murderbot series. This book builds on the events of the first, and I had to go back and re-read #1.
Love the audiobook. Love the narrator. Love Murderbot.
Love the audiobook. Love the narrator. Love Murderbot.
All Systems Red (Dramatized Adaptation) by Martha Wells
fast-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
4.25
Background sounds! Music! Multiple narrators! This version of the audiobook was a little more action packed than the regular version. Highly recommend.
I don't typically read Sci-Fi, but the blend of space and pop culture is surprisingly fun and delightful. This is the first in the series, and a must read before moving on to the rest of the series. (Full disclosure: this is a re-read. I started reading book 3 this month, and had to go back and listen to this one again to understand and appreciate the later books.)
I don't typically read Sci-Fi, but the blend of space and pop culture is surprisingly fun and delightful. This is the first in the series, and a must read before moving on to the rest of the series. (Full disclosure: this is a re-read. I started reading book 3 this month, and had to go back and listen to this one again to understand and appreciate the later books.)
A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The one about the corpse with a convoluted back story.
Loved the early books in this series, but Veronica is kind of a dick. I'll keep reading for Stoker and random acts of taxidermy. The reason for the crime was a little confusing, but a satisfying resolution nonetheless.
Loved the early books in this series, but Veronica is kind of a dick. I'll keep reading for Stoker and random acts of taxidermy. The reason for the crime was a little confusing, but a satisfying resolution nonetheless.