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thesmutsister_emma's reviews
356 reviews
Their Freefall At Last by Julie Olivia
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
This is an ARC I received from the author in exchange for an honest review. This will not change my opinion.
Upending My Non-Crying Streak
Julie, I knew it would be you that did it. New meds have made this whole crying thing a little hard. Despite this, I sobbed like I used to over this book. A solid 10-15% of this book was spent in tears. Those of you who are emotional readers, be sure to have a glass of water nearby.
The Tropes
- [✔️] small town romance
- [✔️] angst
- [✔️] mutual pining
- [✔️] "we were inevitable"
- [✔️] childhood best friends
The Characters
Ruby: Are we going to discuss the similarities between Ruby and I with the exception of build and eye color? Nope. Is that all I have on her character? Yep.
Bennett: I thought Bennett was going to be my favorite, but he was so frustrating the whole book that I think Orsen wins that spot. With that aside, I did love Bennett when he wasn't being dumb.
The Things I Loved
Bennett's mother. Holy shit I think she was my favorite side character through the whole book.
The Things I Didn't Love
Jolene. She shouldn't have done that to Bennett's momma and maybe she wouldn't be sitting here.
The Final Verdict
What a perfect ending to a series, GOD I loved it. I cannot suggest this book more highly. It will probably wind up being my favorite book of the month and maybe in my top 10 for the year. We'll see.
Upending My Non-Crying Streak
Julie, I knew it would be you that did it. New meds have made this whole crying thing a little hard. Despite this, I sobbed like I used to over this book. A solid 10-15% of this book was spent in tears. Those of you who are emotional readers, be sure to have a glass of water nearby.
The Tropes
- [✔️] small town romance
- [✔️] angst
- [✔️] mutual pining
- [✔️] "we were inevitable"
- [✔️] childhood best friends
The Characters
Ruby: Are we going to discuss the similarities between Ruby and I with the exception of build and eye color? Nope. Is that all I have on her character? Yep.
Bennett: I thought Bennett was going to be my favorite, but he was so frustrating the whole book that I think Orsen wins that spot. With that aside, I did love Bennett when he wasn't being dumb.
The Things I Loved
Bennett's mother. Holy shit I think she was my favorite side character through the whole book.
The Things I Didn't Love
Jolene. She shouldn't have done that to Bennett's momma and maybe she wouldn't be sitting here.
The Final Verdict
What a perfect ending to a series, GOD I loved it. I cannot suggest this book more highly. It will probably wind up being my favorite book of the month and maybe in my top 10 for the year. We'll see.
Twisted by Emily McIntire
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
Some Voices Do It For Me
But Sandi Hunts was not it. Now... Marcio Catalano does.
The Tropes
- [✔️] dual pov
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] age gap
- [✔️] father's best friend
The Characters
Yasmin: Yasmin is such a strong character and I loved her so much. She was someone who I felt like I could find myself looking up to because of her fire. She inspired something in me and gave me things to hold onto as a woman who is typically rather docile. I need to take a few pages out of her book and allow myself to stand up for myself in a way that I know Yasmin would have.
Julian:
The Things I Loved
I loved the book beyond belief and adored the audiobook.
The Things I Didn't Love
Literally just the accents.
The Final Verdict
If accents bother you, do not listen to the audiobook. Sandi did wonderful accents, but Marcio did not do any and it bothered me to no end. Despite this, if you love hearing a delicious man saying filthy things, you might need to give the audiobook a try. Whether you listen to the audiobook or you read it, you need to consume this book in some way shape or format before the end of the year. I feel like anyone who enjoys retellings will enjoy this book.
But Sandi Hunts was not it. Now... Marcio Catalano does.
The Tropes
- [✔️] dual pov
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] age gap
- [✔️] father's best friend
The Characters
Yasmin: Yasmin is such a strong character and I loved her so much. She was someone who I felt like I could find myself looking up to because of her fire. She inspired something in me and gave me things to hold onto as a woman who is typically rather docile. I need to take a few pages out of her book and allow myself to stand up for myself in a way that I know Yasmin would have.
Julian:
The Things I Loved
I loved the book beyond belief and adored the audiobook.
The Things I Didn't Love
Literally just the accents.
The Final Verdict
If accents bother you, do not listen to the audiobook. Sandi did wonderful accents, but Marcio did not do any and it bothered me to no end. Despite this, if you love hearing a delicious man saying filthy things, you might need to give the audiobook a try. Whether you listen to the audiobook or you read it, you need to consume this book in some way shape or format before the end of the year. I feel like anyone who enjoys retellings will enjoy this book.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Do I Know What I'm Doing? The Answer is No.
So evidently, no one informed me I wasn't supposed to read this before I read Caraval but here we are and I have spoilers evidently? Did I enjoy this book nonetheless? Hell yes. I need to get my hands on the second book (and probably the Caraval series) as soon as possible.
The Tropes :
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] romantasy
- [✔️] wounded hero
- [✔️] single POV
The Characters
Evangeline: girlie pop was amazing and I love her so much. Her capability to continue to have compassion for everyone around her (until proven otherwise is needed) is admirable.
Jacks: I can't look at apples the same now. And for once in my adult life, I'm going after the blonde.
The Things I Loved
I loved the way this world is, despite being lost frequently.
The Things I Didn't Love
I didn't like not knowing a lot of what was happening within the universe but that was my own fault.
The Final Verdict
Be sure you read Caraval first
So evidently, no one informed me I wasn't supposed to read this before I read Caraval but here we are and I have spoilers evidently? Did I enjoy this book nonetheless? Hell yes. I need to get my hands on the second book (and probably the Caraval series) as soon as possible.
The Tropes :
- [✔️] enemies to lovers
- [✔️] romantasy
- [✔️] wounded hero
- [✔️] single POV
The Characters
Evangeline: girlie pop was amazing and I love her so much. Her capability to continue to have compassion for everyone around her (until proven otherwise is needed) is admirable.
Jacks: I can't look at apples the same now. And for once in my adult life, I'm going after the blonde.
The Things I Loved
I loved the way this world is, despite being lost frequently.
The Things I Didn't Love
I didn't like not knowing a lot of what was happening within the universe but that was my own fault.
The Final Verdict
Be sure you read Caraval first
My Dark Romeo by L.J. Shen, Parker S. Huntington
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.
LJ Shen is a sack of shit human 🩷
Forbidden Hearts by Corinne Michaels
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
This book was an ARC I received from Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review. This will not change my review.
I Can't
I just can't. I'm not a fan of cop romances at all and yet here I am giving this 4 stars as if that wasn't even there. I don't remember putting in for this ARC (which is how we wound up with this opener) but I loved it so much nonetheless.
The Tropes
• age gap
• small town
• dual pov
• single dad/nanny
• dad's coworker
• enemies to lovers(ish)
• man obsessed
• small town antics
Things I Loved
I loved the way Olivia always came first no matter what in the relationship. It was Olivia then themselves at all times and I adored it.
Things I Didn't Love
Honestly, simply the cop part. It felt ick. And the recklessness of his gun being with him at the end. I know that's rich coming from someone who enjoys mafia romances, but if this is supposed to be contemporary, that situation will make me uncomfortable every time.
The Final Verdict
Calling all small town romance lovers. This one's for y'all. This is for all the girls who have made the mistake of loving someone because they fulfilled needs for the time being and now think it will never happen again. This one is for the hopeless romantics. This one is for just about everyone.
I Can't
I just can't. I'm not a fan of cop romances at all and yet here I am giving this 4 stars as if that wasn't even there. I don't remember putting in for this ARC (which is how we wound up with this opener) but I loved it so much nonetheless.
The Tropes
• age gap
• small town
• dual pov
• single dad/nanny
• dad's coworker
• enemies to lovers(ish)
• man obsessed
• small town antics
Things I Loved
I loved the way Olivia always came first no matter what in the relationship. It was Olivia then themselves at all times and I adored it.
Things I Didn't Love
Honestly, simply the cop part. It felt ick. And the recklessness of his gun being with him at the end. I know that's rich coming from someone who enjoys mafia romances, but if this is supposed to be contemporary, that situation will make me uncomfortable every time.
The Final Verdict
Calling all small town romance lovers. This one's for y'all. This is for all the girls who have made the mistake of loving someone because they fulfilled needs for the time being and now think it will never happen again. This one is for the hopeless romantics. This one is for just about everyone.
Perfect Strangers by J.T. Geissinger
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-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
5.0
The Case of the Intoxicated Emma in the Car Accident
So the whole thing with the reason people who are intoxicated in car wrecks walking away because they don’t see the wreck coming and people who are sober being more injured because they were tensed in anticipation? Yeah, this was the opposite. Delta warned me about this one so much I pretty much was tense the whole book waiting for shit to be horrible and hit the fan, then when it did I looked around and went “Oh. This isn’t so bad.” WITH THAT BEING SAID… holy hell.
The Characters
Olivia: My badass baby. Boy do I love the woman. If anyone could sum up Delta in a fictional character, it would bee Olivia (and I mean this in the best of ways, my love.) I truly love Olivia and her attitude so so so much. She's so perfect. I can't express it more.
James: If I don't get my own James, I'm rioting in hell. That's all I have.
The Tropes
- [✔️] instalust
- [✔️] no strings attached
- [✔️] single POV
- [✔️] alpha male
- [✔️] erotic thriller
- [✔️] PLOT TWISTS!!!
Things I Loved
Quite literally everything. This book has no faults.
Things I Didn't Love
That D had me so scared I barely flinched at the twist
The Final Verdict
Brace yourself for impact with this one. It's wonderful but shit's going to hurt. Just don't come for me and be sure to read the epilogue .
So the whole thing with the reason people who are intoxicated in car wrecks walking away because they don’t see the wreck coming and people who are sober being more injured because they were tensed in anticipation? Yeah, this was the opposite. Delta warned me about this one so much I pretty much was tense the whole book waiting for shit to be horrible and hit the fan, then when it did I looked around and went “Oh. This isn’t so bad.” WITH THAT BEING SAID… holy hell.
The Characters
Olivia: My badass baby. Boy do I love the woman. If anyone could sum up Delta in a fictional character, it would bee Olivia (and I mean this in the best of ways, my love.) I truly love Olivia and her attitude so so so much. She's so perfect. I can't express it more.
James: If I don't get my own James, I'm rioting in hell. That's all I have.
The Tropes
- [✔️] instalust
- [✔️] no strings attached
- [✔️] single POV
- [✔️] alpha male
- [✔️] erotic thriller
- [✔️] PLOT TWISTS!!!
Things I Loved
Quite literally everything. This book has no faults.
Things I Didn't Love
That D had me so scared I barely flinched at the twist
The Final Verdict
Brace yourself for impact with this one. It's wonderful but shit's going to hurt. Just don't come for me and be sure to read the epilogue .
Liars Like Us by J.T. Geissinger
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is an ARC I received from Valentine PR and J.T. Geissinger in exchange for a review. This will not be affecting my review in any way.
I'm Just Like You, You're Just Like Me
Okay, look. Do not come for me for this one. Have y'all read Marriage for One? If you have, imagine a darker, better version of it and you've got this beauty. I was so obsessed with this book. I have been in such a slump this year and it has been so depressing but I had this book done in less than 24 hours once I got through it.
The Characters
Emery: I love Emery so much. For her to have as much anxiety as she does, she has a pretty level head and I could relate to a lot of her thoughts and concerns most the time. She and I were on the same page pretty much all of the book. I would love to know more about the bookstore though. It seems like it is something I would adore.
Callum: Callum, bless his heart. He was unapologetically himself the whole time and refused to be anything but. It's something that I love in a morally grey character. A lot of people write morally grey characters and flip them on their heads once the FMC falls in love with them, but not J.T. She curates these men and makes them the idea of perfection in terms of being morally grey. That's what Callum was.
Tropes
- [✔️] billionaire
- [✔️] marriage of convenience
- [✔️] dark romance
- [✔️] morally grey MMC
- [✔️] badass FMC
- [✔️] MMC obsessed
Things I Loved
I loved so so much about this book. It is going to be easier to say I enjoyed the whole thing than it is to be able to attempt to express everything I loved about the book.
Things I Didn't Love
My only bone to pick would be that I was able to "call" a lot of the twists and turns, but that could be that marriage of convenience with a man obsessed is one of my favorite tropes (thanks Ella Maise for that one, you created that monster.) I did love the ending of it thought. It was something I did not see coming and was a wonderful twist to the story.
The Final Verdict
Marriage of convenience fans, this one is for you. Especially if you like the darker, spicier side of things. I think this book was specifically curated to be a new comfort read for me.
I'm Just Like You, You're Just Like Me
Okay, look. Do not come for me for this one. Have y'all read Marriage for One? If you have, imagine a darker, better version of it and you've got this beauty. I was so obsessed with this book. I have been in such a slump this year and it has been so depressing but I had this book done in less than 24 hours once I got through it.
The Characters
Emery: I love Emery so much. For her to have as much anxiety as she does, she has a pretty level head and I could relate to a lot of her thoughts and concerns most the time. She and I were on the same page pretty much all of the book. I would love to know more about the bookstore though. It seems like it is something I would adore.
Callum: Callum, bless his heart. He was unapologetically himself the whole time and refused to be anything but. It's something that I love in a morally grey character. A lot of people write morally grey characters and flip them on their heads once the FMC falls in love with them, but not J.T. She curates these men and makes them the idea of perfection in terms of being morally grey. That's what Callum was.
Tropes
- [✔️] billionaire
- [✔️] marriage of convenience
- [✔️] dark romance
- [✔️] morally grey MMC
- [✔️] badass FMC
- [✔️] MMC obsessed
Things I Loved
I loved so so much about this book. It is going to be easier to say I enjoyed the whole thing than it is to be able to attempt to express everything I loved about the book.
Things I Didn't Love
My only bone to pick would be that I was able to "call" a lot of the twists and turns, but that could be that marriage of convenience with a man obsessed is one of my favorite tropes (thanks Ella Maise for that one, you created that monster.) I did love the ending of it thought. It was something I did not see coming and was a wonderful twist to the story.
The Final Verdict
Marriage of convenience fans, this one is for you. Especially if you like the darker, spicier side of things. I think this book was specifically curated to be a new comfort read for me.
The Reaper by RuNyx
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Audiobook Review
Empty Head, No Thoughts
Can I remember most of this book? No. Should I have read all of this together to prevent this? Probably. Does it matter at all? Nope.
Considering I've already done a character breakdown on these two in my review for The Predator, I am only going to do a plot review and then do my final thoughts.
I loved the plot surrounding this book. It was so neat following Morana and Tristan on their way to try to figure out what was going on in their world during this time. There are still a few loose ends that I am hoping get tied up eventually but don't look like they will be. I'm super excited to continue reading and listening to this series. I'm hoping that eventually I am able to own all the books in physical copy like I do Gothikana because I adore RuNyx's writing.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed the first book or enjoy mafia romance with a strong FMC, you are most certain to enjoy this book. I cannot wait to continue the series.
Empty Head, No Thoughts
Can I remember most of this book? No. Should I have read all of this together to prevent this? Probably. Does it matter at all? Nope.
Considering I've already done a character breakdown on these two in my review for The Predator, I am only going to do a plot review and then do my final thoughts.
I loved the plot surrounding this book. It was so neat following Morana and Tristan on their way to try to figure out what was going on in their world during this time. There are still a few loose ends that I am hoping get tied up eventually but don't look like they will be. I'm super excited to continue reading and listening to this series. I'm hoping that eventually I am able to own all the books in physical copy like I do Gothikana because I adore RuNyx's writing.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed the first book or enjoy mafia romance with a strong FMC, you are most certain to enjoy this book. I cannot wait to continue the series.
I'll Always Be With You by Monica Murphy
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This will not affect my review. Thank you to Monica Murphy and Valentine PR for allowing me the chance to read this. TW: Discussions of ED
Does Lightening Strike twice?
So last summer I read A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime and became obsessed with it. Delta was going to even go as far as recreating the painting for me at one point (still waiting on that by the way, Love.) I got part of the way through Things I Wanted to Say, But Never Did but had to put it down due to outside circumstances. This is the first Monica Murphy I have gotten through since A Million Kisses... so the question is, does lightening strike twice? Let's talk about it.
The Characters
Carolina: Carolina is my favorite kind of character. A lot of subtleties that were put in play with her character were my favorites. The way we saw her transform from who she is when she first meets West to who she is by the end of the epilogue was something I enjoyed so much because it wasn't just over the head. It was very gradual change that happened slowly over the course of the book and I loved it.
West: I didn't connect with West as much I initially expected I would. I have the feeling my attachment to Crew was due to his treatment of Wren (and how similar some situations I have with Wren are.) West had to go through so much so fast and honestly I'm just glad things ended up okay for the sweet baby. He honestly needed it after everything that happened and that he went through.
Things I Loved
I loved most everything except...
Things I Didn't Love
How casual eating disorders were thrown around. They are such a minor part of the plot, but it is just thrown around twice then never acknowledged again. A lot of dancers go through EDs because of the strenuous work they have to do and it is something that is almost made light of at one point in the book. It is used as a jab rather than as something to be seriously worried about in dancers.
The Final Verdict
I'm going to have to go with a hard somewhat on this. Did I become as utterly obsessed with this as I did last summer with A Million Kisses? No. Is it still a 4 .5🌟 read I will be screaming about from rooftops? Absolutely. Is the only reason I was more obsessed with A Million Kisses due to the personal relations to Wren that I felt? Probably. All of this aside, I loved this book and cannot wait to add a physical copy to my collection (yes, it was that good.)If you're looking for a badass FMC with a MMC who is there and the FMC's biggest cheerleader despite the grumpy exterior, this one is for you. Monica Murphy has me wrapped around her finger at this point and honest to fuck I will probably own everything in this series by the end of it all.
Does Lightening Strike twice?
So last summer I read A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime and became obsessed with it. Delta was going to even go as far as recreating the painting for me at one point (still waiting on that by the way, Love.) I got part of the way through Things I Wanted to Say, But Never Did but had to put it down due to outside circumstances. This is the first Monica Murphy I have gotten through since A Million Kisses... so the question is, does lightening strike twice? Let's talk about it.
The Characters
Carolina: Carolina is my favorite kind of character. A lot of subtleties that were put in play with her character were my favorites. The way we saw her transform from who she is when she first meets West to who she is by the end of the epilogue was something I enjoyed so much because it wasn't just over the head. It was very gradual change that happened slowly over the course of the book and I loved it.
West: I didn't connect with West as much I initially expected I would. I have the feeling my attachment to Crew was due to his treatment of Wren (and how similar some situations I have with Wren are.) West had to go through so much so fast and honestly I'm just glad things ended up okay for the sweet baby. He honestly needed it after everything that happened and that he went through.
Things I Loved
I loved most everything except...
Things I Didn't Love
How casual eating disorders were thrown around. They are such a minor part of the plot, but it is just thrown around twice then never acknowledged again. A lot of dancers go through EDs because of the strenuous work they have to do and it is something that is almost made light of at one point in the book. It is used as a jab rather than as something to be seriously worried about in dancers.
The Final Verdict
I'm going to have to go with a hard somewhat on this. Did I become as utterly obsessed with this as I did last summer with A Million Kisses? No. Is it still a 4 .5🌟 read I will be screaming about from rooftops? Absolutely. Is the only reason I was more obsessed with A Million Kisses due to the personal relations to Wren that I felt? Probably. All of this aside, I loved this book and cannot wait to add a physical copy to my collection (yes, it was that good.)If you're looking for a badass FMC with a MMC who is there and the FMC's biggest cheerleader despite the grumpy exterior, this one is for you. Monica Murphy has me wrapped around her finger at this point and honest to fuck I will probably own everything in this series by the end of it all.
Mother's Day Inn by Lee Jacquot
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
Someone Please Turn the Shower Off
I'm so serious. Someone turn the shower off. In all seriousness, I absolutely adored this book. It was amazing the whole way through and through. If I were old enough of Theo, I would most definitely be adding him to the book partner list. A girl can hope.
The Characters
Olivia: I adored Olivia and the way she cared for her daughter. It was clear who was number one in her life, and it was obviously her daughter. Her insecurities and fears aside, she was such a strong character and it was wonderful seeing. I loved the way she allowed herself to work through her own fears in her own way even if Theo was there holding her hand.
Theo: Theo, Theo, Theo. If love spells were ethical, and you weren't fictional, I would be stealing you without a doubt. I fell in love with Theo from the very first moment we read from his perspective. I truly wish this had been a full length book because I was dying for more Theo and more of him with Olivia and his little beaver.
Things I Loved
I loved everything about this book through and through.
Things I Didn't Love
The length, honestly. That is my only complaint.
The Final Verdict
If you do not go read this at this very moment, we are no longer book besties. I am so in love with this book it isn't funny. I loved every single second of this book and wish it was longer. I could have done with a 500 page book or more. If you enjoy age gaps and want the woman to be the older in the gap, this is the perfect book for you.
I'm so serious. Someone turn the shower off. In all seriousness, I absolutely adored this book. It was amazing the whole way through and through. If I were old enough of Theo, I would most definitely be adding him to the book partner list. A girl can hope.
The Characters
Olivia: I adored Olivia and the way she cared for her daughter. It was clear who was number one in her life, and it was obviously her daughter. Her insecurities and fears aside, she was such a strong character and it was wonderful seeing. I loved the way she allowed herself to work through her own fears in her own way even if Theo was there holding her hand.
Theo: Theo, Theo, Theo. If love spells were ethical, and you weren't fictional, I would be stealing you without a doubt. I fell in love with Theo from the very first moment we read from his perspective. I truly wish this had been a full length book because I was dying for more Theo and more of him with Olivia and his little beaver.
Things I Loved
I loved everything about this book through and through.
Things I Didn't Love
The length, honestly. That is my only complaint.
The Final Verdict
If you do not go read this at this very moment, we are no longer book besties. I am so in love with this book it isn't funny. I loved every single second of this book and wish it was longer. I could have done with a 500 page book or more. If you enjoy age gaps and want the woman to be the older in the gap, this is the perfect book for you.