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shanaepraystoo's Reviews (925)
emotional
funny
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
I didn’t know what to expect from Kami Holt’s Take Me Away. This is one of the best contemporary romance novels I’ve read this year. With strong development, lovable characters, and an engaging storyline, I couldn’t put the book down. The MMC is slightly unhinged, but he’s funny and likable. There’s a little family drama, but it advances the story. I’d read more from Kami Holt in the future and I highly recommend this book, especially if you like urban contemporary romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infidelity
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Abandonment
Minor: Addiction, Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hmmm...I had high hopes for Capone II after reading the first book. It ended with a crazy cliffhanger that made you want to pick up book 2. But Capone II just wasn't worth the read. I'm not sure how the author got 3 books and a spinoff out of this set of characters. The FMC Erin is absolutely NOTHING like what you expected in Capone II. In Capone I, Erin is headstrong and independent, she's determined to do things the right way, the legal way. She doesn't want herself, her brother, or her cousin involved in any of the street stuff that's all around them. She's looking for ways to move herself and her brother out of the 'hood. In Capone II, she's weak, she's scared, and she's accepting a really dangerous lifestyle because...she's in love? An insta-love that hasn't even been fully described by the author? The story is so far from what the original premise was: Capone, a kingpin, falls for his worker/brother-in-law Naheim's ex-girlfriend - can Capone respect his new brother and his sister, while seeking the love he so secretly desires? Capone II is about...man I don't even know what it's about. It's just weird drama-filled situation followed by a plot hole after drama-filled situation. I'm not finishing the series because I've found all of the characters unlikable and the story uninteresting. I really wished this Delgato Family Series was better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
Minor: Miscarriage, Rape, Grief, Death of parent
funny
inspiring
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
Hate Our Love by Kay Shanee is my first read for the author and it was a pretty decent story. There's very good character development and good storytelling that leads to a heartwarming ending. Unfortunately, the book is not a 5 star read for me because I found the FMC, Jahzara Franklin very immature and irresponsible, especially for an older and pregnant character, and I think this type of messaging isn't what we need for those who are more likely to read this type of book. Dakari Bentley, the MMC, is the ideal book bae, but I found his short temper, inability to manage his anger, and communication issues problematic, so for every likable trait he had, there was a negative one that canceled it out.
I listened to Hate Our Love on audiobook and I think Winston James and Anna Lynn Wright did a pretty good job, so I'd listen to another book narrated by either of them in the future for sure.
I recommend Hate Our Love to anyone who likes an engaging story with good pacing and a heartwarming ending.
I listened to Hate Our Love on audiobook and I think Winston James and Anna Lynn Wright did a pretty good job, so I'd listen to another book narrated by either of them in the future for sure.
I recommend Hate Our Love to anyone who likes an engaging story with good pacing and a heartwarming ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Pregnancy
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Saved By A Billionaire 2 is a solid book with serious dark themes. I wasn't expecting this urban fiction novel to be dark romance, but here we are. The MMC, Amos Duke, is still strong, sensitive, and protective - everything you expect in an urban fiction's MMC. His character changes significantly from Stolen By A Billionaire and Saved By A Billionaire 1 - the result of love, I suppose. For me, however, it became harder and harder to picture him as a hardened assassin as the book went one.
The story takes a really dark turnas the FMC reveals that she's an addict, relapses, and then enters rehab . It switches in some ways from dark urban romance to dark urban fiction with a women's fiction twist. Though it was unexpected, the story itself was well written with strong character development.
The FMC and the MMC go through a lot to get to the HFN ending and as a reader, there's nothing in the book that reveals that this will happen and I valued that in Miss J.'s writing.
I recommend the entire Duke Family Series from Miss J. Make sure you're in a healthy mental space for the books, however, as they can be really triggering. However, they're well written and engaging from start to finish.I hope there's an additional story about the potential double wedding for Urvi/Val and Ananias and Christina and Amos. I look forward to reading future books written by Miss J.
The story takes a really dark turn
The FMC and the MMC go through a lot to get to the HFN ending and as a reader, there's nothing in the book that reveals that this will happen and I valued that in Miss J.'s writing.
I recommend the entire Duke Family Series from Miss J. Make sure you're in a healthy mental space for the books, however, as they can be really triggering. However, they're well written and engaging from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Rape, Sexual content, Grief, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Alcohol
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
At times I felt that Saved By A Billionaire dragged on and I wondered how the story would end. OMG. I did NOT expect this ending or this cliffhanger. Christina Chase is a dynamic and complicated FMC, while the MMC, Amos Duke, has had a complex childhood that makes him the ideal partner for a FMC like Christina. Challenging, dark, and sad at times, Saved By A Billionaire is none of what I expected, honestly. But the engaging, medium paced story was exactly what I needed.
The audiobook is pretty good. Even though I'm not a huge fan of Morae Brehon, the female narrator, the story is engaging enough that it is easy to ignore.
The audiobook is pretty good. Even though I'm not a huge fan of Morae Brehon, the female narrator, the story is engaging enough that it is easy to ignore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Stalking
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Fatphobia, Rape, Grief, Abandonment, Alcohol
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Stolen By A Billionaire series is a wild, drama filled ride that is engaging from beginning til end! I was actually a bit sad when the story ended because I wanted so more. Miss J did a great job crafting these characters and writing this story. I love Ananias Duke! My goodness. I am so ready for the second part of the series, Saved By A Billionaire, because I want to learn more about the Duke Family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Medical content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Blood, Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Rape, Sexism, Violence, Abortion, Toxic friendship
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
Everyone on Black BookTok has been talking about Jahquel J. and her Delgato Family series, which features a trilogy of books for the MMC Capone and another set of 3 books for a different MMC, Cappadonna. When I found out that Jahquel J. had released book 3 of the Cappadonna series and I hadn't even started on the first book of the first series Capone, I quickly moved the books up on my TBR.
And it was 100% worth it.
OMG.
These books are full of drama with some really well written characters. I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 of the Capone series and am eager to start book 2. I hope that Jahquel keeps the same energy with book 2. I highly recommend Capone to anyone who enjoys urban fiction, urban romance, the billionaire trope, and action packed stories.
And it was 100% worth it.
OMG.
These books are full of drama with some really well written characters. I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 of the Capone series and am eager to start book 2. I hope that Jahquel keeps the same energy with book 2. I highly recommend Capone to anyone who enjoys urban fiction, urban romance, the billionaire trope, and action packed stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship
Minor: Child abuse, Drug use, Gun violence
dark
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
OMGGGG. Stolen By A Billionaire is what a dark kidnapped to lovers story is supposed to be! There is so much drama and the book keeps you engaged. With POVs from the FMC, MMC, and the FMC's husband, you get a real page turner that is difficult to put down.
The characters, though not entirely diverse, are dynamic and well-written with enough background to give readers insight into the minds/personalities of the characters. The MMC, Ananias Duke, is everything you want in a billionaire romance. I also loooovvveee the grumpy-sunshine trope and he's just the right amount of grumpy for me.
The FMC, Urvi Valentine Samuels/Warren, is a smart, loyal spitfire who readers will be able to identify with and want to root for. Though challenging to read at some points, the villain of the entire story, who just so happens to be the FMC's husband, Kamani Warren, has his POV shared...it's enough to make you want to jump through the book, ok?
I highly recommend Stolen By A Billionaire to anyone who likes dark romances, the kidnapping trope, or engaging stories with multiple POVs. I did not know what to expect from Stolen By A Billionaire, to be honest it isn't my typical read, however, I like the author, so I went out on a limb to read it and I wasn't disappointed at all. I'm ready to start reading book 2 because the cliffhanger in this book is intense!
Note: I listened to Stolen By A Billionaire on audiobook. The narrators, Morae Brehon, Leon Nixon and Benjamin Charles, do a pretty good job with the story and it's easy to get lost in the book thanks to them.
The characters, though not entirely diverse, are dynamic and well-written with enough background to give readers insight into the minds/personalities of the characters. The MMC, Ananias Duke, is everything you want in a billionaire romance. I also loooovvveee the grumpy-sunshine trope and he's just the right amount of grumpy for me.
The FMC, Urvi Valentine Samuels/Warren, is a smart, loyal spitfire who readers will be able to identify with and want to root for. Though challenging to read at some points, the villain of the entire story, who just so happens to be the FMC's husband, Kamani Warren, has his POV shared...it's enough to make you want to jump through the book, ok?
I highly recommend Stolen By A Billionaire to anyone who likes dark romances, the kidnapping trope, or engaging stories with multiple POVs. I did not know what to expect from Stolen By A Billionaire, to be honest it isn't my typical read, however, I like the author, so I went out on a limb to read it and I wasn't disappointed at all. I'm ready to start reading book 2 because the cliffhanger in this book is intense!
Note: I listened to Stolen By A Billionaire on audiobook. The narrators, Morae Brehon, Leon Nixon and Benjamin Charles, do a pretty good job with the story and it's easy to get lost in the book thanks to them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Abortion, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Violence, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol
Minor: Drug abuse, Medical content, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Classism
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I expected The Matrimony to be a complex story about the aftermath of a marriage of convenience. I got that somewhat but not as much as I expected. I think the author relied heavily on spicy scenes but didn’t explore why the couple from The Vow relied on sex to solve problems instead of talking about them. The story is good, though repetitive at times.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and these narrators are much better than the ones from The Vow.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and these narrators are much better than the ones from The Vow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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:
N/A
The Vow is my second read from D. Rose and she is quickly becoming a favorite! I think The Vow was engaging with diverse and well developed characters - even though it is a fairly short book. I am excited to read book 2 in the series and highly recommend the story to anyone looking for a light hearted story with a FMC who is being properly loved.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Grief, Toxic friendship