Posts

A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars
This book was nothing short of amazing. I absolutely LOVED IT. It’s very entertaining and well written. From the beginning of the book, Rhia’s personality is on full display. Her boldness and bluntness is so evident from the first chapter. I spent the entire book rooting for her and the prince. I 100% am adding this author to my top 5 author list.

View all my reviews

Chasing Redemption (The Quimby Grove Series Book 2) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Chasing Redemption (Quimby Grove #2)Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5 Stars
This was my first read of the series and it was good! At first I felt like the book was too fast paced, but it slowed down and got really good at the end. Max is such a lovable character. I’m not really into the surprise pregnancy troupe, but it was done very well in this book. Based on this book, I’m guessing each book is about different characters of the same friend group. I love books like that and will be reading book one and book two.

View all my reviews

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3/5 Stars
This was my first read by this author and it was okay. The beginning seemed too fast paced for the plot. Towards the end it got better but seemed rushed due to the length of the book. Carmen and Patty were my favorites. I would’ve loved for the book to have been longer with more character development.

View all my reviews

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5 stars
This is my first read in this series and it’s a great standalone! This book reminds me of a behind the scenes look into how TV shows like Married at First Sight are done. It would actually make for a great drama TV series or movie. It was such a fun read and I found myself chuckling along with Abi. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

View all my reviews

Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5 stars
This was my first book of 2023 and it is such a cute story. I love second chance romances and small towns and this book has both. Not only does Ginny’s relationship with her dad pull at my heart strings, Max is such a loveable character. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait for more!

View all my reviews

Revenge Never Rests (Tallie Brown Suspense Book 2) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Revenge Never RestsRevenge Never Rests by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.2/5 Stars
This was my first book by the author and in the series. I wasn’t lost at all reading this book which I really liked. I also liked how straightforward the storyline is. The beginning of the book is enough to pull you in but it doesn’t beat around the bush with action. I’m so glad I was able to add this to my read list for this year!

View all my reviews

Beast (Popov Bratva Book 5) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Beast (Popov Bratva #5)Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.7/5 Stars
This was my 2nd book in this series. Thief was the first book I read and this book was just as good. I love how the book was written and the first few chapters give some great insight on Adrik. The flashback portions weren’t distracting or misplaced and really help us learn why Adrik is the way he is. This series is so good and the books being able to be read as standalone books is refreshing.

View all my reviews

Thief (Popov Bratva Book 4) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Thief (Popov Bratva #4)Thief by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5 Stars
This was my first book in the series and it was so good! This is a book that can be read as a standalone, but reading the previous books will give insight to who is who in this book. Leah has an authentic vulnerability that I just loved reading about and so did Dom towards the end. I was very excited to see the next book is about Adrik!

View all my reviews

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.7/5 Stars
This is a quick, Christmas romance! It’s so good and the characters are easy to love. It’s a look into the professional athlete world and it gives a taste of what it’s like to sacrifice everything to be the best. I love that Sienna & Connor compliment each other in a realistic way. This book made me want to take a winter getaway to the slopes!

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.8/5 Stars
This was such a fun read! I was instantly capitulated by the different character dynamics. I love when it’s the man who’s the major romantic. This movie reminded me of a steamy version of a hallmark movie. It was such a light, airy read. Very well written and entertaining.

View all my reviews

National Parks: An Angsty Second Chance Multicultural Romance by Laikyn Meng – Review By Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

National ParksNational Parks by Laikyn Meng
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3/5 stars
This was my first read by this author. The story line has potential to be very solid but the writing style didn’t mesh with me well. I felt like sometimes the word choices tried to be too unique and deep which lost me. The beginning of the book didn’t match the rest of the chapters to me and left me confused when I started reading the rest of the beginning.

View all my reviews

Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance Series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance #2)Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5/5 Stars
This was my first read in this series and I wasn’t lost. This book was a quick read, and could pose as a stand alone. At times I felt like I was reading a romance about high schoolers and not adults. The way situations were handled and reacted to, didn’t match the character’s ages in my opinion. It’s a cute romance, but I wish the main characters were more mature.

View all my reviews

Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Revenge HoneymoonRevenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.7/5 Stars
This was my first read by this author and it was okay. I expected more of a fun, comedy banter feel to the story than there was. I did like that it’s written in 3rd person. The book did make me want to take a cruise!

View all my reviews

The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 Stars
This book was so cute! The tradition that the group of friends started by watching rom-come every night made me want ti start doing that with my group of friends! Ryan is definitely written for the female gaze with the way he expresses himself and shares his feelings. I’m glad Lisa allowed herself to enjoy their love despite what she’s been through!

View all my reviews

A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 Stars
This is my first read by the author and I liked it. The first journal entry in the first chapter was so raw it drew me in. I will say after that I struggled to stay drawn in but the end of the book hooked me back in. This story is such a heartwarming story overall. Carina is very relatable and the way she handles grief is touching.

View all my reviews

A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.3/5 Stars
This was such a good way for multiple cute stories to collide! I really enjoyed the different stories and the way they were written. Each story was written differently, but so well. Each seemed like a hallmark story on the pages.

View all my reviews

Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 2) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #2)Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5 Stars
This is the second book in this series and it’s just as good! This book picks right up where book one left off which I enjoyed. There wasn’t any time passing or anything that put space between book one and this one. Because I read book one, I wasn’t lost at all but new readers might be. This book is just as well written and entertaining. The only thing is Chloe & Quintus’ romance isn’t dealt with as much as I would like. Other than that, this book is so good and I can’t wait for book 3.

View all my reviews

Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Cooked: The Chef Blows Her LidCooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.2/5 Stars
This was my first read by the author and I enjoyed it! The characters are so likable, except Olivia’s ex husband and her mom at first. This book gave me a little dive into the cooking world. I also enjoyed how Olivia was a strong main character. She communicated what she needed without hesitation, even if it was hard or uncomfortable. This story is easy to read and dive into!

View all my reviews

Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Hate You Later (Lit Lovers, #1)Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 Stars
This book was an easy read, enemies to lovers comedy. I did find it to be a little hard to get into at the beginning but after I got through a couple of chapters, I liked it. Georgia & Hudson are both likable characters, but I wish they had more natural chemistry. I enjoyed their pets being an added element to the story. It gave an additional I didn’t know the story needed!

View all my reviews

Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5 Stars
This was my first book by this author and hi really enjoyed it! I was drawn to the book because of the main characters culture, but I loved how well written it was! This book takes on family expectations, romance, disappointments in life, and adds a twist of magic. Not only is this book entertaining, it also captures some of the difficulties of being a young adult trying to establish your own lifestyle. I definitely want to read more by this author!

View all my reviews

Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Sessrumnir (Antipodes #5)Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.4/5 Stars
This was my first read of the series and by the author. I do think in order to be fully emerged into this world, you will need to have read books 1-4 to completely understand what’s going on. However, I did enjoy reading this book! The characters were relatable and realistic in the way they handled the situations thrown at them.

View all my reviews

We Blend (Falling for the Rockstar’s Daughter Book 1) by Willa Drew – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

WE Blend (Falling for the Rockstar's Daughter Series #1)WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.2/5 Stars
This is my first read by these authors and it was a good introduction to their work! Wil & Melodie’s romance was very well written and had some depth even though they’re young. The consistency of the music industry being mentioned was nice because it really puts you inside of the book. I enjoyed reading about what it’s like to be famous and rich, yet want to hide from that world. Not only does this book do a great job at keeping you engaged, the ending makes you excited to read more!

View all my reviews

Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.7/5 stars
This book has the potential to be good but I didn’t enjoy the speed of it. It starts out as sort of a slow burn, then escalates very quickly. It almost seems like an unreal timeline between the first few chapters and the middle of the book. I would’ve liked more depth in the beginning or a smoother transition between the main characters romance.

View all my reviews

I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 Stars
This is a second chance romance between a small group of friends that began in high school. Josh & Mavis have history and a love that can’t be quenched. Things take a turn when Mavis forms a relationship with Josh’s twin brother, Austin. Once Josh’s divorce is final, he decides to fight for his true love Mavis which unravels drama, secrets, and heartbreak. This book was cute and clean. I would’ve liked more depth to Josh & Mavis, but overall this is a sweet romance.

View all my reviews

Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5/5 stars
This book is my first read by the author and it was okay. The characters seemed older than they were, but that could be because they were wealthy. The storyline had a solid idea, I just don’t think it was executed well. The book was very predictable and I could tell what was going to happen next consistently. The parent’s reaction seemed unrealistic but it helped keep the main idea of the book flowing.

View all my reviews

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 Stars
This book is a retelling of the Cinderella and it’s pretty interesting. As an adult reading it, I had to remind myself that this book is meant for YA to not be too critical of it. This retelling of the classic story was one I haven’t seen before. It features a famous high school student and a student who works at a funeral home. I do think that it’ll be interesting to see how book two can continue on the story with the way this book ended. I’m not sure how the ending can be concluded in book two when the focus is on different characters. But I am interested in seeing!

View all my reviews

The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.4/5 Stars
This is a box set of three books all taking place in the 1960’s. At first I thought the time period would cause me not to connect with the books, but I was wrong! Each story is very well written and the time period has no effect on the love stories taking place. This is my first read by the this author and I wasn’t disappointed.

View all my reviews

The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

The Letter CarrierThe Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it! I haven’t read any historical fiction books about WWII that don’t take place in Germany. It was refreshing to hear about how France was also impacted. The thing I loved about this book is how the details are so clear, but the book isn’t overwhelming traumatizing like previous WWII books I have read. This is a great read if you want another perspective of how the Nazis impacted another country outside of Germany.

View all my reviews

The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.3/5 stars
This was my first read by this author and I had higher hopes for this book. The description is written so well, but I feel like the book could’ve been better. There are parts that had me racing to see what was next, but there are also parts that didn’t fit in the book to me. I wish the ending was better with more excitement. The beginning of the book reminded me of a lifetime movie but then it just started going all sorts of directions.

View all my reviews

Stitch by Stitch by Marie-Therese Hernon – Review by Daryian Lucas

/0 Comments/in /by

Stitch by StitchStitch by Stitch by Marie-Thérèse Hernon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.3/5 stars
This book starts off with a bang. Early on we’re given the background to be able to understand the dynamics of the relationships Elizabeth has around her. This book takes on. Some pretty intense situations for a woman to go through. It is very well written and does a great job of keeping you engaged.

View all my reviews