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briarsinthereads's reviews
190 reviews
Hate That Blooms by Izzy Ravas
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
『Writing:』5/5
『Spice:』4.5/5
『Tension:』5/5
『Sad:』4/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'<br>
❥ stepbrothers ;)
❥enemies to lovers
❥found family
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Reina - cro
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
When Gabriela’s dad and Joaquin’s mom leave their families for each other, Joaquin takes it upon himself to make Gabriela pay - even though she’s dealing with the same stuff he is. The toughest part for him is the fact he’s been in love with her since they were kids. He and his friends bully her relentlessly while she tries to juggle everything on her plate- including raising an autistic 3 year old.
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Gabriela - soft girl. Too much on her for an 18 year old but she does the thing!
Joaquin- I’d kick this man in the shin so hard if I could but also like ayeee
Reya- sweet baby angel princess sent straight from heaven
❣ Quotes❣
• “Even when it hurt, I loved you.”
• “She’s my something to eat, pendejo.”
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
-the autism rep. As a neurodivergent person, Izzy nailed some of the things that help when the brain gets a lil too spicy.
-the rawness of the emotions. There’s a particular scene where everything hits Joaquin and it broke me lmao
-the found family element
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
Make sure you check your TW for this book. It is heavy and emotional.
This was the first book I read of Izzy’s and I’ll absolutely be reading more.
『Spice:』4.5/5
『Tension:』5/5
『Sad:』4/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'<br>
❥ stepbrothers ;)
❥enemies to lovers
❥found family
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Reina - cro
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
When Gabriela’s dad and Joaquin’s mom leave their families for each other, Joaquin takes it upon himself to make Gabriela pay - even though she’s dealing with the same stuff he is. The toughest part for him is the fact he’s been in love with her since they were kids. He and his friends bully her relentlessly while she tries to juggle everything on her plate- including raising an autistic 3 year old.
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Gabriela - soft girl. Too much on her for an 18 year old but she does the thing!
Joaquin- I’d kick this man in the shin so hard if I could but also like ayeee
Reya- sweet baby angel princess sent straight from heaven
❣ Quotes❣
• “Even when it hurt, I loved you.”
• “She’s my something to eat, pendejo.”
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
-the autism rep. As a neurodivergent person, Izzy nailed some of the things that help when the brain gets a lil too spicy.
-the rawness of the emotions. There’s a particular scene where everything hits Joaquin and it broke me lmao
-the found family element
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
Make sure you check your TW for this book. It is heavy and emotional.
This was the first book I read of Izzy’s and I’ll absolutely be reading more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, Blood, Medical content, Stalking, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4/5
0 spice
This book needs a TW, DETAILED HOSPICE CARE, FINAL MOMENTS, AND GRIEF. Slight mention of animal abuse.
I do not recommend reading if hospice or a loved one’s passing and final moments will affect you.
“Dealing with the impending death of her grandmother” doesn’t let you know that it is VERY DETAILED hospice care and her passing. I thought maybe it would be a light hearted short read, but instead the descriptions of being with her grandmother as she passed and their last loving actions together has my chest squeezing as every detail of my moms passing came flashing into my brain.
The book overall was decent. Quick read & provides what the collection is about- meet cutes. The plot twist made my jaw actually drop, so I’m rounding up from 3.5 to 4 stars. The writing was well done.
The narrators for the audio book did great work.
The amount of times the word “d**k guillotine” was used made me laugh.
0 spice
This book needs a TW, DETAILED HOSPICE CARE, FINAL MOMENTS, AND GRIEF. Slight mention of animal abuse.
I do not recommend reading if hospice or a loved one’s passing and final moments will affect you.
“Dealing with the impending death of her grandmother” doesn’t let you know that it is VERY DETAILED hospice care and her passing. I thought maybe it would be a light hearted short read, but instead the descriptions of being with her grandmother as she passed and their last loving actions together has my chest squeezing as every detail of my moms passing came flashing into my brain.
The book overall was decent. Quick read & provides what the collection is about- meet cutes. The plot twist made my jaw actually drop, so I’m rounding up from 3.5 to 4 stars. The writing was well done.
The narrators for the audio book did great work.
The amount of times the word “d**k guillotine” was used made me laugh.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Death, and Medical content
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
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
『Writing:』5/5
『Spice:』4.5/5
『Tension:』3/5
『Sad:』2/5
『Funny:』5/5
『Narration:』10000/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'<br>
❥ stalker romances
❥ black cat X morally gray golden retriever
❥ dark rom com
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Aly the trauma nurse discovered masktok and it rewired her brain. When she screenshots her favorite masker and sends it to her occasional hookup, he informs her he’s seeing someone - and masks aren’t his thing at all. He casually brings it up to his roommate, Josh, who laughs it off. Then he does what any sane person would do - stalks Aly, hacks into every bit of information on her, breaks into her house, befriends her cat, and then waits for her.
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Aly - very much the black cat character. I love her.
Josh - I’m kinda biased bc my husband is a Josh, but whew lawd the sense of humor on this character and his whole vibe is just immaculate.
❣ Quotes❣
Literally the whole book. There are 927364 things to quote in this book. I listened to it at work and would literally burst out laughing.
'*•.¸♡ favorite thing ♡¸.•*'
The humor was my favorite part of the whole thing. It is very much my humor.
→ things I didn't like ←
No feedback here! I loved the book.
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
Listen to the audio book. TRUST ME. Go get it right now, shoo shoo.
『Spice:』4.5/5
『Tension:』3/5
『Sad:』2/5
『Funny:』5/5
『Narration:』10000/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'<br>
❥ stalker romances
❥ black cat X morally gray golden retriever
❥ dark rom com
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Aly the trauma nurse discovered masktok and it rewired her brain. When she screenshots her favorite masker and sends it to her occasional hookup, he informs her he’s seeing someone - and masks aren’t his thing at all. He casually brings it up to his roommate, Josh, who laughs it off. Then he does what any sane person would do - stalks Aly, hacks into every bit of information on her, breaks into her house, befriends her cat, and then waits for her.
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Aly - very much the black cat character. I love her.
Josh - I’m kinda biased bc my husband is a Josh, but whew lawd the sense of humor on this character and his whole vibe is just immaculate.
❣ Quotes❣
Literally the whole book. There are 927364 things to quote in this book. I listened to it at work and would literally burst out laughing.
'*•.¸♡ favorite thing ♡¸.•*'
The humor was my favorite part of the whole thing. It is very much my humor.
→ things I didn't like ←
No feedback here! I loved the book.
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
Listen to the audio book. TRUST ME. Go get it right now, shoo shoo.
Content Warnings
There are a ton of TW.
Bouquets & Buckles by Elliott Rose
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Perfect Gift by Clio Evans
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Cry for Krampus by Aiden Pierce
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
A Mating of Convenience by Dakota Cockaday
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
『Writing:』5/5
『Spice:』4.5/5
『Funny:』3.5/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'
❥ shifter romance
❥br33d!ng
❥mafia romance with a twist
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Emily is a HEAVILY pregnant woman who owns her floral shop. After finding out that she's the owner and not the person they went there to shake down, Easton realizes oops - she's his mate! When Emily's deadbeat ex starts coming around again, Easton's danger alarm goes up and he jumps into action to protect her. Can he do that without letting her know she's his fated mate?
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
Kevin, especially. Other than that - I liked the twist on the mafia trope!
→ things I didn't like ←
Sometimes I wanted to sit Emily down and force her to be more confident. How didn't she know he was obsessed with her?! GIRL. But it's okay because she's great and the book was a+
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
This was a fun read! I love Dakota's books and will continue to support her and all of her weird little mind concoctions. <3
『Spice:』4.5/5
『Funny:』3.5/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'
❥ shifter romance
❥br33d!ng
❥mafia romance with a twist
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Emily is a HEAVILY pregnant woman who owns her floral shop. After finding out that she's the owner and not the person they went there to shake down, Easton realizes oops - she's his mate! When Emily's deadbeat ex starts coming around again, Easton's danger alarm goes up and he jumps into action to protect her. Can he do that without letting her know she's his fated mate?
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
Kevin, especially. Other than that - I liked the twist on the mafia trope!
→ things I didn't like ←
Sometimes I wanted to sit Emily down and force her to be more confident. How didn't she know he was obsessed with her?! GIRL. But it's okay because she's great and the book was a+
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
This was a fun read! I love Dakota's books and will continue to support her and all of her weird little mind concoctions. <3
Tips and Trysts by Rebecca Kinkade
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
<br><br>
『Writing:』5/5
『Spice:』5/5
『Tension:』5/5
『Funny:』5/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'<br>
❥ goody two shoes / bad girl
❥ camgirl x politician
❥ hilarious banter
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Cora and Everett are mortal enemies. Ish. Maybe not....
When Everett finally caves and tells her he wants her, Cora doesn't just hand it over ezpz. She makes that man WORK for it! And pay for it, too.
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Cora- STRONG FMC! I love that she's so secure in her s3xual!ty, her career, and that she's proud of her heritage.
Everett - I didn't think I'd like him, honestly. I was in fact - wrongobongo.
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
BANTERBANTERBANTER! This book had my laughing and carrying my book around to read things to my husband and stare at him until he laughed like I did.
→ things I didn't like ←
n/a
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
I'd vote for Everett I'm js. The storyline is strong and the pacing is fantastic. I loved the characters, the plot, the setting, everything! RK is such a fun author and a pretty awesome person, too. I'd absolutely recommend this book to my audience!
『Writing:』5/5
『Spice:』5/5
『Tension:』5/5
『Funny:』5/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'<br>
❥ goody two shoes / bad girl
❥ camgirl x politician
❥ hilarious banter
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Cora and Everett are mortal enemies. Ish. Maybe not....
When Everett finally caves and tells her he wants her, Cora doesn't just hand it over ezpz. She makes that man WORK for it! And pay for it, too.
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Cora- STRONG FMC! I love that she's so secure in her s3xual!ty, her career, and that she's proud of her heritage.
Everett - I didn't think I'd like him, honestly. I was in fact - wrongobongo.
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
BANTERBANTERBANTER! This book had my laughing and carrying my book around to read things to my husband and stare at him until he laughed like I did.
→ things I didn't like ←
n/a
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
I'd vote for Everett I'm js. The storyline is strong and the pacing is fantastic. I loved the characters, the plot, the setting, everything! RK is such a fun author and a pretty awesome person, too. I'd absolutely recommend this book to my audience!
Prey for Rabbit by Aiden Pierce
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
<br><br>
『Writing:』5/5
『Spice:』5/5
『Tension:』5/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'<br>
❥ kn0tt!ng
❥ primal play
❥size difference
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : maroon five - animal
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Every year, there are three sacrifices that the bunny shifter burrow make to the wolves. (wtf, right?) and Ruth seems to be the only one to realize that this tradition is pretty sh!tty and that opinion compounds when she's chosen as a sacrifice. Carver is the wolf shifter who takes them to set them up in the woods, happy to keep this job because his wolf doesn't speak to him yet. Until Ruth. (wtf, right?)
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Ruth - absolute grade A badass. She's not afraid to speak her mind!
Carver - I'm not sure if it's Carver or Carver's wolf that makes him a toxic dreamboat.
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
I loved that Ruth wasn't a sit back and take it kinda gal. (Well.... you know what I mean.) She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and let her opinion be known.
→ things I didn't like ←
N/A, I loved it.
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
Prey for Rabbit is a fun quick read that hits the nail on a lot of heads! If you're looking for a quick read that will make you require a spray bottle full of water, this is the read for you. Aiden is a great author and she definitely didn't threaten to take my soul if I didn't say all this.
(She actually didn't - she's a rad person who writes great books and you should check out more of them!)
『Writing:』5/5
『Spice:』5/5
『Tension:』5/5
『Overall:』5/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'<br>
❥ kn0tt!ng
❥ primal play
❥size difference
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : maroon five - animal
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Every year, there are three sacrifices that the bunny shifter burrow make to the wolves. (wtf, right?) and Ruth seems to be the only one to realize that this tradition is pretty sh!tty and that opinion compounds when she's chosen as a sacrifice. Carver is the wolf shifter who takes them to set them up in the woods, happy to keep this job because his wolf doesn't speak to him yet. Until Ruth. (wtf, right?)
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Ruth - absolute grade A badass. She's not afraid to speak her mind!
Carver - I'm not sure if it's Carver or Carver's wolf that makes him a toxic dreamboat.
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
I loved that Ruth wasn't a sit back and take it kinda gal. (Well.... you know what I mean.) She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and let her opinion be known.
→ things I didn't like ←
N/A, I loved it.
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
Prey for Rabbit is a fun quick read that hits the nail on a lot of heads! If you're looking for a quick read that will make you require a spray bottle full of water, this is the read for you. Aiden is a great author and she definitely didn't threaten to take my soul if I didn't say all this.
(She actually didn't - she's a rad person who writes great books and you should check out more of them!)
DEMI by Patricia Carrigan
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
『Writing:』5/5
『Spice:』4/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'
❥ paranormal romance
❥fall / Halloween reads
❥shadow daddies
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Morgan works and lives with her Grandma in a tea and healing shop, where she uses her gift to help people grieve easier. Her world starts to drastically change when Less comes around.
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Morgan - sassy! She's also not super young like a lot of FMC are
Less - shadow daddy. protective.
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
I love how much research the author did into practices and how she explained all of it. I liked that it was a paranormal world that was very down to earth still.
→ things I didn't like ←
The pacing was interesting at times
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
I would recommend this to my audience/friends! Patricia has a beautiful mind and I can't wait to see what all she comes up with!
『Spice:』4/5
'*•.¸♡ read this if you like ♡¸.•*'
❥ paranormal romance
❥fall / Halloween reads
❥shadow daddies
｡･ﾟﾟ･Quick Plot･ﾟﾟ･｡
Morgan works and lives with her Grandma in a tea and healing shop, where she uses her gift to help people grieve easier. Her world starts to drastically change when Less comes around.
*+:｡.｡ Characters ｡.｡:+*
Morgan - sassy! She's also not super young like a lot of FMC are
Less - shadow daddy. protective.
'*•.¸♡ things I liked ♡¸.•*'
I love how much research the author did into practices and how she explained all of it. I liked that it was a paranormal world that was very down to earth still.
→ things I didn't like ←
The pacing was interesting at times
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶Summary︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
I would recommend this to my audience/friends! Patricia has a beautiful mind and I can't wait to see what all she comes up with!