the_shelfrighteous_writer's reviews
57 reviews

Divine Awakening by JoAnna Grace

Go to review page

emotional slow-paced

3.0

While this is only a prequel, I was still very confused.  I wasn't sure where the book was going, other than Avery's intense feelings for Rhys. 

I wasn't a fan of this novella, though I am intrigued by the characters and looking forward to reading more of this series.
All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ALL SYSTEMS RED is my first read by Martha Wells and was not what I expected. I picked it up after a recommendation from a friend on Bookstagram, only intending to test it out to see if my husband would enjoy reading it. What happened instead is that I was sucked into the story of a sentient android that sarcastically (and internally) calls itself "Murderbot". 

Murderbot is a security android (SecUnit) for the Company and travels to survey planets with humans. When strange things start happening, this self-hacked SecUnit takes it upon itself to protect the humans in its charge. 

Without revealing too much, this book has plenty of action, fantastic character relationships (even as the SecUnit wants only to be left alone to watch their TV serials), and has intrigued me to the point of wanting to binge-read the entire series. 

I will say, even with the title "Murderbot Diaries", I was surprised by how this book ended. I look forward to reading more of Martha Wells's books.
Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster, Melissa Foster

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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? No

5.0

>>> A huge thank you to Melissa Foster and NetGalley for my eARC of this incredible friends-to-lovers romance. Of course, all thoughts included in this review are entirely my own!

Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I loved how things progressed with twice-divorced, Nicole and her adventure buddy, Declan. 

The banter between these two is INSANELY hilarious (and spicy, from time to time). I loved the welcoming, small town community that Nic becomes a part of. I would move to Chatemup in a heartbeat! 

Declan is a sexy, self-proclaimed hot mess and white knight to all in need. Even though both he and Nic say they aren't looking for a relationship, the chemistry between them is undeniable. 

I loved the inside look at a writer's lifestyle, too. As a wannabe author, I could picture myself writing in a cozy little coffeeshop in a quaint beach town. 

The main reason I picked this book up was how Melissa described it on Instagram. Loosely based on her summer of 2021? Yes, please! But then I fell in love with Nic and Declan, and they won me over like any other hero/heroine she's written. 

I love love LOVED this book and highly recommend it to all Melissa Foster fans (and all romance fans, as well!). Go out and get a copy NOW! You won't regret it 😘
His Wicked Ways by Melissa Foster

Go to review page

challenging emotional 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

5.0

Right away, we are introduced to Blaine the non-romantic, closed-off harda** biker. He helps Reese out of a bad spot she gets in, acknowledges an attraction, but knows she won’t be able to handle his idea of fun in the bedroom.

But, then he starts falling for her (stubbornly refusing to see it as that, of course). I swear these are my favorite romances … the ones where the hero or heroine denies the attraction until they can’t deny it anymore.

As he opens up to Reese, I also loved watching how he interacted with Colette (Reese’s younger sister). He treated her like his own little sibling right from the beginning, welcoming not only Reese into his family, but Colette as well. This is the Wicked way of life and I love it!

Even though Blaine says he’s not romantic, the little things he does for Reese scream the opposite. There is a mushy heart at the center of this badass biker.

If this book taught me anything, it’s that I’m not ready to parent a teenager. Oh my gosh, I struggled with Colette’s snarky (read: bitchy) teenage attitude. In the beginning, she’s a serious attitude-wielding teenager. BUUUTTT (you knew that one was coming), I liked watching her open up throughout the book. And as she found friends within the Dark Knights family, she really grew into a snarky, sweet teenager. I look forward to seeing more of her in the future.

I’ve read books by Melissa before that had disability reps in them and it was nice to see how she wove dyslexia into Colette’s story. It tied back to Zander and Zeke all over again (and we all know I love those two boys!) but it was nice to see how Zeke stepped in and offered help to Colette so she didn’t feel like an outsider.

I never would have thought of audiobooks as a way to help dyslexic people enjoy reading, though it’s just one more reason why I absolutely love them and believe they are TOTALLY real books!

I love the Dark Knights motorcycle club so much!! And the best part about HIS WICKED WAYS was seeing them all come together (200+ people, if I read right) to celebrate their president (Preacher – that’s Blaine’s dad)’s birthday. So many family and close friends of the family. All strong, broody bikers … and of course, a cake-sneaking Grandpa!

The Wickeds embraced Reese and her sister like it was the most natural thing in the world. I especially loved Blaine’s sister, Madigan, and his mother, Reba.

I’m not sure what it is about the older generation when Melissa writes them (think: Bra Brigade from Silver Island 🤣) but I adore the grandparents! I adored Gramps and all his sugary shenanigans. What really stood out to me, though, was the way he talked about his late wife. There is so much emotion and love there! The advice he gives Blaine (who is trying to work through his overly emotional attachment to Reese) is perfect and had me in tears.
Cowboy's Christmas Girlfriend by Leslie North

Go to review page

emotional 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

4.0

This is the first book I've read and reviewed using the CAWPILE system so here goes ... 

Characters - I enjoyed Will and Suzanna, though I wasn't overly invested in them. I adored the twins and my heart broke for them losing their mother at such a young age. Will's big family was a plus for me, as I'm a huge fan of large families. 

Atmosphere - the atmosphere of the ranch was done really well. I would have liked a bit more descriptions. For a novella-length book, it was good and I could (almost) picture myself there. 

Writing Style - I always love Leslie North's writing style, though the romancy bits were quick. I think this speaks more to the types of steamy books I've been reading lately, and less to her writing style. Not quite as good as the Sheikh romances, but still really good. 

Plot - The plot was sound. The only thing I would have liked to see was the interview - it's such a big deal for Suzanna and the whole reason she's on the ranch with Will in the first place. Then it's time for the interview and we jump right over it. I loved the Christmas Games - definitely a competitive family and a very intriguing way to celebrate the holidays.

Intrigue - Most of the time, Leslie North's books can be read in a day for me. None of them are terribly long. This one took me a few days and I was interested in what would happen but not quite hooked or on the edge of my seat. Still a good read. 

Logic - Everything made sense here. The characters acted as I would expect for their personalities. 

Enjoyment - Yes, I enjoyed this one. It's a sweet fake-dating holiday romance and one I would recommend to readers looking for something similar.
Nimue: Freeing Merlin by Ayn Cates Sullivan

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
I love the idea of Arthur and Nimue but could not get into this book.

The story was dry, with inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story (like Mom, Mother, Diana ... pick a name for the mother, please!). 

I couldn't connect with Nina, the main character, as she felt one-dimensional. 

It's obvious the author knows a lot about Arthurian Legends, Celtic mythology and Merlin ... but for the most part, it felt like I was reading a textbook with someone's journal loosely slapped on top of it.

Great possibility, poor execution. 

DNF-ed at 32%


The Faerie Games by Michelle Madow

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.
For fans of The Hunger Games, this book will be great. It's got a fight to the death (though this time it's her birth father kidnapping her and volunteering her to fight) and even a possible crush in there. But I didn't like The Hunger Games. I thought it was boring. Unfortunately, minus the addition of magic, this book is very similar. I just can't get into it.