aebennettwrites's reviews
282 reviews

Spellbound by Allie Therin

5.0

Ack! My first review on Goodreads and I can't say enough about this book. Therin's character development is amazing! I was instantly drawn into the intrigue and I was rooting for Arthur and Rory the entire time. Really can't wait for the second book in this series!

Riders on the Storm: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Novel by Rob Blackwell

5.0

I'm not normally into Westerns (it's just not my genre) but this one works well. There was enough horror mixed in to keep me on the edge of my seat. (I made the mistake of starting it at night, during a thunderstorm, and I don't want to put any spoilers here but I got kinda freaked out ... in a good way!) Blackwell paced this book well, too. He revealed just enough about each character to keep me wanting more and there's more than one big reveal at the end. I really hope we get another Jules Castle book in the future!

Something Human by A.J. Demas

5.0

As someone who's been fascinated with ancient history for most of my adult life, this book hit the mark. Demas is fantastic at world-building and really hones in on details that really brought me into the story. (It is very clear Demas did a lot of research for this book which, as a history major, I appreciate.) The relationship between the two main characters - Adares and Run - was realistic and sweet. I'm definitely planning to read more from this author!

Crush, Interrupted by Zaida Polanco

5.0

I was having a crappy week and Polanco popped up in my Twitter feed offering this book for free and I'm so glad I clicked. This romance is tender, low-key, and just what I needed to cheer up. I was looking for a well-crafted HEA and I got one! Get it, Rosie!

Little Paranoias: Stories by Sonora Taylor

5.0

Horror isn't my go-to genre ... but if Taylor writes more, it just might be! This collection was enjoyable and creepy and ... agh! the twists at the end of some of the stories really caught me off guard! ('Stick Figures', lookin' at you ...) Pick this one up even if horror isn't your thing. You'll be happy you did!

Pride by Ibi Zoboi

5.0

Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorite stories of all time ... and this modern, poignant adaptation stayed true to the original plot points while also making relevant commentary. Zoboi also does an excellent job with scene-setting and the descriptions of the neighborhoods in the book. Even if you're not a fan of Jane Austen, you should pick this one up!

Enchantée by Gita Trelease

4.0

This book is an entertaining historical fiction with a bit of magic thrown in. The characters you are supposed to like are likable and the characters you're supposed to despise are, well, despicable. I had hoped for a few additional twists and turns (hence 4/5 stars) but I would recommend this to anyone who's looking to get lost for an afternoon.

Starcrossed by Allie Therin

5.0

This was such a fun follow-up to Spellbound! Therin is fantastic at character development and I'm continuing to root for Rory and Arthur all the way. Therin is also great at pulling you into the roaring 1920s. I cannot WAIT for the third book in this series. If you're looking for a sweet romance, this is for you!

Lord Heliodor's Retirement by Amy Rae Durreson

5.0

This sweet, fantasy romance was a pleasure to read. It's short (I read it in an afternoon) but well worth anyone's time. A lovely second-chance romance that takes place in a well-developed, fantastical world.

Mages & Mechanisms by Devin Harnois

4.0

Amazon randomly recommended this book to me and I'm glad I clicked! This story is super cute and this was a fun read. I would have liked a bit more world building and the prose is a bit too casual/close to our vernacular for me (it sometimes pulled me out of the world a bit) but overall I enjoyed this. Jak and Leander are good characters and I'll probably pick up book 2 at some point.