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cluckieduck's reviews
291 reviews
Clean Finish by Lily Mayne
funny
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
4.25
Holy hot for teacher Lily, what a great second entry to this fun series!
This really was just perfectly sweet and adorable. Larkin & Seb are two delightful little love-muffins. While I enjoyed Impromptu Match, my major complaints were that it bordered on too much sex and was towing the line of being too juvenile in its humour. While this one does have a lot (like, A LOT a lot) sex and Lark is on the young side, I felt it was toned down and fit in this book better.
I also liked that the cast of wrestlers didn't feature as much in this one either - we were able to just focus on the main couple and really got to see their bond solidify. Though, I did enjoy getting to see a different side of Holt - his fondness for Lark was lovely, and he actually gave good advice ;)
Holt snorted an exasperated laugh and reached across the bar to pat my arm. "Oh, Lark."
"What?" Heat flooded my cheeks.
"I'd just forgotten how clueless we can all be at your age."
Seeing Lark come into his own, supported by Seb's patience and unrequited love, was delightful. All in all, a lovely, sweet addition to this lighthearted series. Sometimes you just need to get away from the angst!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This really was just perfectly sweet and adorable. Larkin & Seb are two delightful little love-muffins. While I enjoyed Impromptu Match, my major complaints were that it bordered on too much sex and was towing the line of being too juvenile in its humour. While this one does have a lot (like, A LOT a lot) sex and Lark is on the young side, I felt it was toned down and fit in this book better.
I also liked that the cast of wrestlers didn't feature as much in this one either - we were able to just focus on the main couple and really got to see their bond solidify. Though, I did enjoy getting to see a different side of Holt - his fondness for Lark was lovely, and he actually gave good advice ;)
Holt snorted an exasperated laugh and reached across the bar to pat my arm. "Oh, Lark."
"What?" Heat flooded my cheeks.
"I'd just forgotten how clueless we can all be at your age."
Seeing Lark come into his own, supported by Seb's patience and unrequited love, was delightful. All in all, a lovely, sweet addition to this lighthearted series. Sometimes you just need to get away from the angst!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Beyond the Sea by Keira Andrews
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
Underwhelming and cliched GFY romance.
I’ve really enjoyed the previous 2 KA books (Honeymoon for One & Kidnapped by the Pirate), so was looking forward to another highly rated story but boy did this not work for me.
I’ve really enjoyed the previous 2 KA books (Honeymoon for One & Kidnapped by the Pirate), so was looking forward to another highly rated story but boy did this not work for me.
So cringey and off-putting unfortunately, and don’t even get me started on the caricature that is Troy’s Phillipina mother. The survival scenes were interesting but became much too repetitive. I enjoyed their developing friendship and sexual tension, but once it became romantic the GFY trope went a bit too heavy handed and wasn’t very believable. Maybe, possibly this would have worked better as a novella because there was certainly a lot of filler that just dragged the story down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Blood, Medical content, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical trauma, and Death of parent
Washed Up (With A Kraken) by L.E. Eldridge
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
A delightfully fun little read - perfect for the summer!
Low angst little romp that was sweet, fluffy, and all things cute. Both the MCs were lovely and I appreciated the plus size and non binary rep. While it’s fated mates/insta love-y, I found there was enough time spent cementing their friendship first before delving into the monster smut.
Only complaint is that it wrapped up a bit too quickly for my liking. I felt the ending was rushed (and came with some increasingly obvious spelling/grammar issues), and could have used a few more chapters to solidify their HEA, especially with some detail on how Quinn’s old “regular” life wrapped up.
Low angst little romp that was sweet, fluffy, and all things cute. Both the MCs were lovely and I appreciated the plus size and non binary rep. While it’s fated mates/insta love-y, I found there was enough time spent cementing their friendship first before delving into the monster smut.
Only complaint is that it wrapped up a bit too quickly for my liking. I felt the ending was rushed (and came with some increasingly obvious spelling/grammar issues), and could have used a few more chapters to solidify their HEA, especially with some detail on how Quinn’s old “regular” life wrapped up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Fatphobia, Violence, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Loving Logan by Sammi Cee
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
A quick, cute read.
Sweet little story with just enough substance to hook you in and keep your attention, but there was just something about the writing style that didn’t flow well for me, especially around the dialogue. I found myself having to reread certain passages to decipher who was speaking (especially when the extended families were involved), but that may just be a me thing.
Sweet little story with just enough substance to hook you in and keep your attention, but there was just something about the writing style that didn’t flow well for me, especially around the dialogue. I found myself having to reread certain passages to decipher who was speaking (especially when the extended families were involved), but that may just be a me thing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Undertow by Sam Mariano
dark
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I went into this one blind, and to its detriment I think. While I enjoyed it for the most part, a CW for the dub/non-con aspect would have been appreciated. I just felt icky after their first sexual encounter with all the no's she was throwing out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
The concept of this one was really interesting - that mother trees communicate to others through neuropathways similar to humans.
But I’m not sure what exact I’m supposed to be getting out of reading this. And what is it supposed to be? A memoir? A scientific journal? Her writing isn’t good enough to keep me engaged in either direction. It’s either swaths of dull dialogue or swaths of information overload that’s too scientific for a layman to be engaged with.
Anyways, sad to be giving up but I’ve dedicated enough of my time already and I can’t see it getting any better after 6 chapters of this.
But I’m not sure what exact I’m supposed to be getting out of reading this. And what is it supposed to be? A memoir? A scientific journal? Her writing isn’t good enough to keep me engaged in either direction. It’s either swaths of dull dialogue or swaths of information overload that’s too scientific for a layman to be engaged with.
Anyways, sad to be giving up but I’ve dedicated enough of my time already and I can’t see it getting any better after 6 chapters of this.
Captivated by Eve Dangerfield, Tessa Bailey
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Weak ending aside, I really enjoyed this one! Pretty fluffy for a CNC relationship too. I found both MCs engaging and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content, Stalking, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Excrement
Return to Monte Carlo by Cate C. Wells
dark
fast-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
1.0
Bad, Cate. Bad.
I don’t even know what I’ve just read, but it’s truly awful. Both the MCs absolutely suck and I don’t know what either sees in the other outside of their shared love for rough sex?! All the whining and whinging, and not communicating with one another…I haven’t read any harlequins from the 80s so can’t speak to this supposed influence, but all I can say is that I really, really did not like it.
I don’t even know what I’ve just read, but it’s truly awful. Both the MCs absolutely suck and I don’t know what either sees in the other outside of their shared love for rough sex?! All the whining and whinging, and not communicating with one another…I haven’t read any harlequins from the 80s so can’t speak to this supposed influence, but all I can say is that I really, really did not like it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Misogyny, Dementia, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Vomit, Car accident, and Sexual harassment
The Sixty/Forty Rule by Ellie K. Wilde
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
<b>“Ten out of ten times, I’d willingly choose to be with you.”</b>
Okay, this was really sweet. Could have used some polishing, but for a debut self-published novel that the author never intended on letting see the light day, I say well done.
Jude is the queen of self-sabotage and I felt it was a very authentic portrayal throughout her insecurities and angst. Theo’s an absolute dreamboat of thoughtfulness, patience, and compassion.
<b>She opens up in smaller ways that feel so much sweeter knowing how hard she has to work at it. I don’t need her to love me yet. I just need her to keep trying.</b>
This is marketed as an enemies-to-lovers but that’s entirely misguided on Jude’s part because Theo is absolutely smitten! Their snark and banter is delightful, and the tension throughout is 🔥.
I do agree with others that the ending was a bit rushed. While the HEA is there, there are definitely some plot points that should get some sort of resolution.
Okay, this was really sweet. Could have used some polishing, but for a debut self-published novel that the author never intended on letting see the light day, I say well done.
Jude is the queen of self-sabotage and I felt it was a very authentic portrayal throughout her insecurities and angst. Theo’s an absolute dreamboat of thoughtfulness, patience, and compassion.
<b>She opens up in smaller ways that feel so much sweeter knowing how hard she has to work at it. I don’t need her to love me yet. I just need her to keep trying.</b>
This is marketed as an enemies-to-lovers but that’s entirely misguided on Jude’s part because Theo is absolutely smitten! Their snark and banter is delightful, and the tension throughout is 🔥.
I do agree with others that the ending was a bit rushed. While the HEA is there, there are definitely some plot points that should get some sort of resolution.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Death, Car accident, and Alcohol
Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong
It was also fun to see the reverse side of the writing/publishing world, especially knowing that Kelley has gone through this herself. She manages to still touch on some hard truths surrounding sexism, racism, and internalized misogyny while keeping the balance of of a good-natured rom-com.
While there is a sort-of 3rd act breakup stemming from some miscommunication (my least favourite trope), it's actually handled like the adults they are (!) which I appreciated.
All in all, this was a quick, easy read with dynamic characters, witty banter, and a fabulous Yukon backdrop. Kudos, Kelley - keep the rom-coms coming!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
Kelley Armstrong is one of my favourite authors, and was really my introduction to the romance genre beginning with her Otherworld series, so when I saw the chance to get an ARC of her first foray into the rom-com genre I jumped onboard so quickly. This was like the rom-com of all rom-coms for me - I was just smiling from start to finish!
This book hooked me with a banger of a first line - "'I need a penis,' Daphne said." See, Daphne's got a bit of a conundrum - her YA dystopian romance book isn't selling. Well, it wasn't, until she had a wine-related epiphany and decided to tweak her cover letter to focus more on the survivalism aspect and less on the romance. Oh yeah, and submit it under a male pseudonym. Lo and behold, she receives a $500k offer on the book and now the publishers want her to do some press. But how will Daphne, aka Zane Remington, do that? In steps hired 'actor' Chris. After a rather delightful meet-cute misunderstanding, Daphne & Chris team up to tackle this grande facade.
I loved both MCs. Daphne is competent, savvy, and a badass living off-grid in the Yukon. Chris is...not that. He's totally out of his depth with this assignment which makes for some hilarious interactions during the beginning of their relationship. He's basically the dude playin' the dude, disguised as another dude! While he may not be the outdoorsy Zane Remington, he is the perfect book boyfriend - he's thoughtful, funny, glowed up from geek to chic during college but still identifies as the geek, and he bakes.
While Chris bumped up his resume to accept the position as Zane Remington, I was happy that didn't keep this from Daphne for too long, as it helped solidify their relationship, allowing them to become quick friends, and soon to be lovers. They have excellent chemistry, and while I was slightly miffed about the choice to fade to black, it didn't make me like it any less because them just being together and interacting was enough for me. I mean:
This book hooked me with a banger of a first line - "'I need a penis,' Daphne said." See, Daphne's got a bit of a conundrum - her YA dystopian romance book isn't selling. Well, it wasn't, until she had a wine-related epiphany and decided to tweak her cover letter to focus more on the survivalism aspect and less on the romance. Oh yeah, and submit it under a male pseudonym. Lo and behold, she receives a $500k offer on the book and now the publishers want her to do some press. But how will Daphne, aka Zane Remington, do that? In steps hired 'actor' Chris. After a rather delightful meet-cute misunderstanding, Daphne & Chris team up to tackle this grande facade.
I loved both MCs. Daphne is competent, savvy, and a badass living off-grid in the Yukon. Chris is...not that. He's totally out of his depth with this assignment which makes for some hilarious interactions during the beginning of their relationship. He's basically the dude playin' the dude, disguised as another dude! While he may not be the outdoorsy Zane Remington, he is the perfect book boyfriend - he's thoughtful, funny, glowed up from geek to chic during college but still identifies as the geek, and he bakes.
While Chris bumped up his resume to accept the position as Zane Remington, I was happy that didn't keep this from Daphne for too long, as it helped solidify their relationship, allowing them to become quick friends, and soon to be lovers. They have excellent chemistry, and while I was slightly miffed about the choice to fade to black, it didn't make me like it any less because them just being together and interacting was enough for me. I mean:
He took her hands in his. "I'm not asking you to commit to anything. I Just need you to be open to the idea that this is more than a fling...nothing can be certain. That'd be like writing a book and deciding it's going to be an instant bestseller. But you wrote it in hopes it would be the start of something real. A possible new direction for your life...that's all this is, our first chapter. Pen to paper with the hope of finishing the story." He met her gaze. "Do you want to start a story with me, Daphne?"
It was also fun to see the reverse side of the writing/publishing world, especially knowing that Kelley has gone through this herself. She manages to still touch on some hard truths surrounding sexism, racism, and internalized misogyny while keeping the balance of of a good-natured rom-com.
While there is a sort-of 3rd act breakup stemming from some miscommunication (my least favourite trope), it's actually handled like the adults they are (!) which I appreciated.
All in all, this was a quick, easy read with dynamic characters, witty banter, and a fabulous Yukon backdrop. Kudos, Kelley - keep the rom-coms coming!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content