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all_plot_and_bothered's Reviews (89)
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Spice: 2 đśď¸
Tropes:
- Dark Academia
- Magic College
- Witches & Warlocks
- Elemental Magic
- Enemies(ish) to Lovers
- Lost/Locked Memories
- "Who hurt you?"
- Slow Burn
- "F*ck it"
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Jaymin Eve for the ARC! I was dying to get my hands on this book, and the scream I scrumpt when I got the email saying I was approved for it. Now that I'm salivating to continue this story, I realize that I just set myself up for an even longer wait for book 2. Totally worth it!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Jaymin Eve could write the phonebook, and I would read it. The way she weaves her stories never fails to draw me in, and Spellcaster was no exception. I devoured this book. The beginning was a bit slow for me, but I understand that there was a world that needed building, and things started to pick up within a few chapters.
Spellcaster centers around 22 year old Paisley Hallistar, the youngest in a family of witches and warlocks, as she begins her freshman year at Weatherstone College, an elite magical college. When she arrives, she learns that Logan Kingston, the son of her family's enemy, has transferred to Weatherstone and will be beginning classes as well. But she and Logan weren't always enemies, even if she can't remember her former childhood friend, and it's hard to tell if he just wants her or wants her dead. He is broody and dangerous but oddly obsessive and protective, and the pull she feels toward him is hard to deny. The tension and chemistry between these two is delicious, and the mystery surrounding Logan, their connection, and his true intentions is intriguing. They have that push and pull that I love to see, and I couldn't get enough.
Two of the things that Jaymin excels at are family/found family and strong female friendships, and that was evident again in this book. Paisley's dynamic with her family is so sweet and fun. They are so loving and supportive, while, in true sibling fashion, trading barbs and knowing just what buttons to push. I adore their relationships. And it wouldn't be a Jaymin book without a supporting cast of ride-or-die girlfriends. Their banter and conversations were often times hilarious, other times sweet, but almost always relatable (at least to my former 22 year old self). Given one of the revelations at the end of the book, which I had to admit I saw coming, I'm curious to find out what happens to their friend group in the aftermath.
Add in the interesting magical system, suspense, dark vibes, bizarre monster attacks, scheming & intrigue, and the questions surrounding Paisley's magic, and Spellcaster is as addictive as it is entertaining. The plot-twist at the end left me reeling and counting the days until the next book is out. Another hit by Jaymin Eve, who continues to cast her spell on me.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Tropes:
- Dark Academia
- Magic College
- Witches & Warlocks
- Elemental Magic
- Enemies(ish) to Lovers
- Lost/Locked Memories
- "Who hurt you?"
- Slow Burn
- "F*ck it"
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Jaymin Eve for the ARC! I was dying to get my hands on this book, and the scream I scrumpt when I got the email saying I was approved for it. Now that I'm salivating to continue this story, I realize that I just set myself up for an even longer wait for book 2. Totally worth it!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Jaymin Eve could write the phonebook, and I would read it. The way she weaves her stories never fails to draw me in, and Spellcaster was no exception. I devoured this book. The beginning was a bit slow for me, but I understand that there was a world that needed building, and things started to pick up within a few chapters.
Spellcaster centers around 22 year old Paisley Hallistar, the youngest in a family of witches and warlocks, as she begins her freshman year at Weatherstone College, an elite magical college. When she arrives, she learns that Logan Kingston, the son of her family's enemy, has transferred to Weatherstone and will be beginning classes as well. But she and Logan weren't always enemies, even if she can't remember her former childhood friend, and it's hard to tell if he just wants her or wants her dead. He is broody and dangerous but oddly obsessive and protective, and the pull she feels toward him is hard to deny. The tension and chemistry between these two is delicious, and the mystery surrounding Logan, their connection, and his true intentions is intriguing. They have that push and pull that I love to see, and I couldn't get enough.
Two of the things that Jaymin excels at are family/found family and strong female friendships, and that was evident again in this book. Paisley's dynamic with her family is so sweet and fun. They are so loving and supportive, while, in true sibling fashion, trading barbs and knowing just what buttons to push. I adore their relationships. And it wouldn't be a Jaymin book without a supporting cast of ride-or-die girlfriends. Their banter and conversations were often times hilarious, other times sweet, but almost always relatable (at least to my former 22 year old self). Given one of the revelations at the end of the book, which I had to admit I saw coming, I'm curious to find out what happens to their friend group in the aftermath.
Add in the interesting magical system, suspense, dark vibes, bizarre monster attacks, scheming & intrigue, and the questions surrounding Paisley's magic, and Spellcaster is as addictive as it is entertaining. The plot-twist at the end left me reeling and counting the days until the next book is out. Another hit by Jaymin Eve, who continues to cast her spell on me.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Tropes:
- Teenage Beauty Queens
- Pageant Drama
- Whodunnit Mystery
- Drop Dead Gorgeous Vibes
- Young Adult/New Adult
- Lite Romance
- đŤ Spice
What happens when pageants are life but competing may risk yours? If youâre a contestant in the Miss Friendly Pageant, winning the crown is worth the risk. And if a few contestants get knocked out of the running, youâre just that much closer to the crown.
In the small town of Friendly, TN, girls grow up training for and dreaming of winning the famous Miss Friendly pageant. Itâs the most coveted title in town, and girls will do anything to win it. This year, someone seems to be taking that to heart by sabotaging the pageant and contestants at every turn. June Bell is a pageant legacy, a favorite to win, and the prime suspect. With the town against her, she must find the real culprit, clear her name, and most importantly, win her crown.
What unfolds delivers all the drama you would expect from teenage beauty queens, pageant moms, and small towns. Thereâs plenty of banter, southern charm, and humor (some of it dark). Add in a an element of whodunnit mystery and some sweet romance, and I found myself flipping the pages and wishing for some popcorn. Pretty Perfect is quick, fun, and entertaining, and definitely worth the read!
- Teenage Beauty Queens
- Pageant Drama
- Whodunnit Mystery
- Drop Dead Gorgeous Vibes
- Young Adult/New Adult
- Lite Romance
- đŤ Spice
What happens when pageants are life but competing may risk yours? If youâre a contestant in the Miss Friendly Pageant, winning the crown is worth the risk. And if a few contestants get knocked out of the running, youâre just that much closer to the crown.
In the small town of Friendly, TN, girls grow up training for and dreaming of winning the famous Miss Friendly pageant. Itâs the most coveted title in town, and girls will do anything to win it. This year, someone seems to be taking that to heart by sabotaging the pageant and contestants at every turn. June Bell is a pageant legacy, a favorite to win, and the prime suspect. With the town against her, she must find the real culprit, clear her name, and most importantly, win her crown.
What unfolds delivers all the drama you would expect from teenage beauty queens, pageant moms, and small towns. Thereâs plenty of banter, southern charm, and humor (some of it dark). Add in a an element of whodunnit mystery and some sweet romance, and I found myself flipping the pages and wishing for some popcorn. Pretty Perfect is quick, fun, and entertaining, and definitely worth the read!
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Tropes:
- Fated Mates
- Hurt/Comfort
- Lost Heir
- Obsessed Hero
- Touch Her and D!âŹ
- Morally Grey Hero
- Found Family
- Prophecy/Chosen One
Spice: 2-2.5 đśď¸
Dacre is forever Daddy. Thatâs it. Thatâs my review.
Ok. So maybe I should keep going since that doesnât quite do justice to this final installment in The Veiled Kingdom series. But itâs still true.
If you loved that Verena showed tremendous character growth and started to come into her own in the first two books, and wondered how Dacreâs obsessive, filthy, and swoony self could get any better, then prepare yourself. Because they just took it a whole other level in The Rivaled Crown.
Dacre is OBSESSED with Verena. He covets and worships her. He believes in her and holds her together until she can find that same strength and faith in herself again. He is her anchor that keeps her from losing herself. And he literally threatens to burn it all down for her. Ask me to show you a man that stands behind his woman no matter the cost, and I will give you Dacre.
And find her strength she does. Verena finally embraces all that she is and could be. She stops hiding, stops running, and takes back control of her fate from the men who have tried to control it, to control her. Seeing her truly become the bad@ss we caught glimpses of in the first two books was a beautiful thing.
That doesnât mean things are at all easy for our MCs, and I didnât expect them to be. I did, however, think I knew somewhat how this story would go. I was wrong. We got a prophecy I was not expecting, along with some pretty major plot twists and reveals. It is a fast paced and wild ride, and I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. There was still a lot to get through in this book, but all of the threads were tied up nicely in a satisfying and exciting way.
Parts of this book broke me. Parts of it enraged me. And others touched my heart. But all of it engaged me. The Rivaled Crown was a fitting and fulfilling conclusion to this series that I love.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
- Fated Mates
- Hurt/Comfort
- Lost Heir
- Obsessed Hero
- Touch Her and D!âŹ
- Morally Grey Hero
- Found Family
- Prophecy/Chosen One
Spice: 2-2.5 đśď¸
Dacre is forever Daddy. Thatâs it. Thatâs my review.
Ok. So maybe I should keep going since that doesnât quite do justice to this final installment in The Veiled Kingdom series. But itâs still true.
If you loved that Verena showed tremendous character growth and started to come into her own in the first two books, and wondered how Dacreâs obsessive, filthy, and swoony self could get any better, then prepare yourself. Because they just took it a whole other level in The Rivaled Crown.
Dacre is OBSESSED with Verena. He covets and worships her. He believes in her and holds her together until she can find that same strength and faith in herself again. He is her anchor that keeps her from losing herself. And he literally threatens to burn it all down for her. Ask me to show you a man that stands behind his woman no matter the cost, and I will give you Dacre.
And find her strength she does. Verena finally embraces all that she is and could be. She stops hiding, stops running, and takes back control of her fate from the men who have tried to control it, to control her. Seeing her truly become the bad@ss we caught glimpses of in the first two books was a beautiful thing.
That doesnât mean things are at all easy for our MCs, and I didnât expect them to be. I did, however, think I knew somewhat how this story would go. I was wrong. We got a prophecy I was not expecting, along with some pretty major plot twists and reveals. It is a fast paced and wild ride, and I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. There was still a lot to get through in this book, but all of the threads were tied up nicely in a satisfying and exciting way.
Parts of this book broke me. Parts of it enraged me. And others touched my heart. But all of it engaged me. The Rivaled Crown was a fitting and fulfilling conclusion to this series that I love.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Torture
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, War
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Rating: 5 âď¸
Spice: 2.5-3 đśď¸
Narration: 5 đď¸
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Fake Relationship
- Marriage of Convenience
- Hurt/Comfort
- Big Family Dynamics
- "My Wife"
- Dual POV, Duet Narration
Trigger/Content Warning: Potential triggers include grief, loss of parent, cheating (not by MC), and a mother giving up/abandoning baby.
This book hit me in all the feels and threw me into a major book slump. It is such a great ending to the Wilder Family series. Itâs emotional, sweet, spicy, and wonderfully angsty. The chemistry and tension between Anya and Parker is off the charts, and their path to healing and love is raw and compelling. The big family dynamics that has been a staple of the series continues in this book, and that unwavering support, love, and connection between the whole cast of characters has made this series one of my favorites. I loved getting to revisit some the Ward family as well. Closing this final chapter in their stories feels like saying goodbye to family, but what a beautiful goodbye it was â¤ď¸
Spice: 2.5-3 đśď¸
Narration: 5 đď¸
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Fake Relationship
- Marriage of Convenience
- Hurt/Comfort
- Big Family Dynamics
- "My Wife"
- Dual POV, Duet Narration
Trigger/Content Warning: Potential triggers include grief, loss of parent, cheating (not by MC), and a mother giving up/abandoning baby.
This book hit me in all the feels and threw me into a major book slump. It is such a great ending to the Wilder Family series. Itâs emotional, sweet, spicy, and wonderfully angsty. The chemistry and tension between Anya and Parker is off the charts, and their path to healing and love is raw and compelling. The big family dynamics that has been a staple of the series continues in this book, and that unwavering support, love, and connection between the whole cast of characters has made this series one of my favorites. I loved getting to revisit some the Ward family as well. Closing this final chapter in their stories feels like saying goodbye to family, but what a beautiful goodbye it was â¤ď¸
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Infidelity, Death of parent
Minor: Terminal illness, Abandonment
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Rating: 5 âď¸
Spice: 3 đśď¸
Tropes:
- Fated Mates
- Obsessive/Possessive Alphas
- Why Choose
- Nicknames
- Touch Her and đ
- A/B/O elements but not omega verse
If you want to know why I am forever a Jaymin Eve fangirl, read this book. Well, read A Curse of Fate first, and then read this book. I. AM. OBSESSED. And I am in love with these characters. Emme is funny, sweet, feisty, and a hot mess in the best way. And Jaymin did not lie when she said the MMCs were a buffet of alpha personalities. She has given us the Hunter, the Cinnamon Roll, the Lumbersnack, and the Stalker, and they are all delicious. Even Finley, who still needs a hug and a face punch. In this book, we learn more about why our grouchy bear is so broken. We also get more from Sladeâs POV, and I loved it! Itâs no wonder Emme doesnât stand a chance against these alphas đŤ
I devoured this book, just like I did the first one. Now, Iâm stuck hanging on the cliff until book 3 is out in June. But I wouldnât have it any other way. In Jaymin I trust, and I canât wait to continue this series!
If you like shifter romances with a dominant/possessive alpha, a cinnamon roll alpha with a praise kink, a scary (to everyone but her) shifter with stalker tendencies, a grouchy lumbersnack, one feisty female that can brings them all to their knees, intrigue, mystery, spice, plot twists, and all the feels, then this series is for you!
Spice: 3 đśď¸
Tropes:
- Fated Mates
- Obsessive/Possessive Alphas
- Why Choose
- Nicknames
- Touch Her and đ
- A/B/O elements but not omega verse
If you want to know why I am forever a Jaymin Eve fangirl, read this book. Well, read A Curse of Fate first, and then read this book. I. AM. OBSESSED. And I am in love with these characters. Emme is funny, sweet, feisty, and a hot mess in the best way. And Jaymin did not lie when she said the MMCs were a buffet of alpha personalities. She has given us the Hunter, the Cinnamon Roll, the Lumbersnack, and the Stalker, and they are all delicious. Even Finley, who still needs a hug and a face punch. In this book, we learn more about why our grouchy bear is so broken. We also get more from Sladeâs POV, and I loved it! Itâs no wonder Emme doesnât stand a chance against these alphas đŤ
I devoured this book, just like I did the first one. Now, Iâm stuck hanging on the cliff until book 3 is out in June. But I wouldnât have it any other way. In Jaymin I trust, and I canât wait to continue this series!
If you like shifter romances with a dominant/possessive alpha, a cinnamon roll alpha with a praise kink, a scary (to everyone but her) shifter with stalker tendencies, a grouchy lumbersnack, one feisty female that can brings them all to their knees, intrigue, mystery, spice, plot twists, and all the feels, then this series is for you!
I held off on starting Fourth Wing because I was skeptical that it could really live up to all of the hype. I finally gave it a go, and let me tell you, it absolutely did. And I totally get it now - all of the praise, all of the recommendations, all of the book hangovers. It really is that good. It has enemies-to-lovers (one of my favorite tropes), found family, character growth, secrets, betrayal, intrigue, romance, and spice, and wraps some things up while ending with a cliffhanger that makes you eager for Book 2. As soon as I finished, I immediately pre-ordered Iron Flame. Could I wait to get to the end? No. As soon as I did, was I sad that it was over? Yes. If youâre questioning this book like I was, donât. Just read it. You will be so glad that you did.
3.5 âď¸. Set in a world where humans are enslaved to dragons, The Flaming Prophecy is a tale of forced proximity and forbidden love with a slow burn and plenty of angst. At times, the book was a little slow and the internal dialogue a bit repetitious, but the story was interesting and the main characters were compelling. There were some grammatical errors and inconsistencies with descriptions (e.g., a few times the FMCâs eyes were referred to as green when the rest of the time they were grey), but nothing that really detracted from the book. There was some spice, which Iâd rate at
Get ready for an emotional roller coaster and a plot twist at the end that will leave you reeling.
Star Spear picks up right where Sun Serpent left off in the aftermath of Calâs admission of deceit and vow to do whatever it takes to win back Elyriaâs trust. The slooow burn continues from book 1 as well, but it allows time for you to see Cal fight hard for his girl, Elyria understand and come to terms with what happened and her true feelings, and their connection deepen.
There are some pacing issues, but the story really picks up in the second half. The relationship development finally pays off, and the MCs really start to engage with the antagonist. The impending battle take place, where you meet an unexpected and totally loveable side kick. After an emotionally charged sequence and the twist ending, you will be itching to get your hands on book 3.
Star Spear gifts you with groveling, tension, romance, magic, action, love, and heartbreak, and is a great second outing for Geneva Monroe.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Star Spear picks up right where Sun Serpent left off in the aftermath of Calâs admission of deceit and vow to do whatever it takes to win back Elyriaâs trust. The slooow burn continues from book 1 as well, but it allows time for you to see Cal fight hard for his girl, Elyria understand and come to terms with what happened and her true feelings, and their connection deepen.
There are some pacing issues, but the story really picks up in the second half. The relationship development finally pays off, and the MCs really start to engage with the antagonist. The impending battle take place, where you meet an unexpected and totally loveable side kick. After an emotionally charged sequence and the twist ending, you will be itching to get your hands on book 3.
Star Spear gifts you with groveling, tension, romance, magic, action, love, and heartbreak, and is a great second outing for Geneva Monroe.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The best way I can describe Kingdom of Flames & Flowers is Cinderella meets The Bachelor meets the Hunger Games, but this is no fairytale. In the kingdom of Barcenea, a reaping is held every 5 years where females from each quarter are chosen and brought to the Seat, where there is a competition/selection process that gives these lower born girls the chance to marry nobles. It sounds nice, but there are secrets and dangers that belie this fairytale story.
Mari, our FMC, hails from the mud quarter - a poor and brutal section of the kingdom, where the people are starving, violence is common, women are mistreated, and all manners of things are stolen. Mari is reaped during during the year when the Prince will be selecting a bride, and the stakes are higher than ever. She quickly figures out that not only are things not what they seem to be, they are downright deadly.
Let me just say that I adore Mari and her character growth throughout the book. She is strong willed, a fighter, protective, and somewhat innocent/naive in spite of her experience. When we first meet Mari, she is essentially an illiterate beggar (like all the others in her quarter), but she is fighting not to become yet another victim of her circumstances. She goes in to the process just wanting a better life for herself and her mother. However, the more she sees, the more she begins to question things and refuse to accept the status quo. In doing so, she becomes determined to make things better not just for herself, but for all her people, even if she doesnât know how just yet.
The MMCs (there are 2) on the other hand - that remains to be seen. They are hot, seem to care about Mari, and definitely give off some touch her and be unalived vibes, but there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding them and their knowledge of/part in things. I have a feeling there are some significant revelations and growth ahead for these 2, and Iâm definitely curious to see how it goes.
As far a spice goes, Iâd rate this book as a 1-2. There are a few steamy moments and one open door scene.
Kingdom of Flames & Flowers was the first Raven Storm Iâve read, but it definitely wonât be the last. This book gave me magick and curses, dragons, plot twists (both expected and unexpected), passion, secrets and suspense, and a FMC I could absolutely root for, and I canât wait for the next one in this series!
I received a free, advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Mari, our FMC, hails from the mud quarter - a poor and brutal section of the kingdom, where the people are starving, violence is common, women are mistreated, and all manners of things are stolen. Mari is reaped during during the year when the Prince will be selecting a bride, and the stakes are higher than ever. She quickly figures out that not only are things not what they seem to be, they are downright deadly.
Let me just say that I adore Mari and her character growth throughout the book. She is strong willed, a fighter, protective, and somewhat innocent/naive in spite of her experience. When we first meet Mari, she is essentially an illiterate beggar (like all the others in her quarter), but she is fighting not to become yet another victim of her circumstances. She goes in to the process just wanting a better life for herself and her mother. However, the more she sees, the more she begins to question things and refuse to accept the status quo. In doing so, she becomes determined to make things better not just for herself, but for all her people, even if she doesnât know how just yet.
The MMCs (there are 2) on the other hand - that remains to be seen. They are hot, seem to care about Mari, and definitely give off some touch her and be unalived vibes, but there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding them and their knowledge of/part in things. I have a feeling there are some significant revelations and growth ahead for these 2, and Iâm definitely curious to see how it goes.
As far a spice goes, Iâd rate this book as a 1-2. There are a few steamy moments and one open door scene.
Kingdom of Flames & Flowers was the first Raven Storm Iâve read, but it definitely wonât be the last. This book gave me magick and curses, dragons, plot twists (both expected and unexpected), passion, secrets and suspense, and a FMC I could absolutely root for, and I canât wait for the next one in this series!
I received a free, advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
As a fan of the first edition of the Age of Vampires series, I was anxious to read the re-vamp (pun intended) to see what changes had been made, and I am loving it so far! The heart of the story is the same, but we're getting more grit, more hate/hate to want you, more tension, and more spice, and I am here for it all.
Immortal Prince picks right up where Eternal Reign left off, but also gives us some of the history behind how the vampires and slayers came to be and the journey that has followed. We get flashbacks from Erik's and Magnar's POV, while Callie and Montana continue to advance the present-day story. The background and insight that comes with the flashback chapters really serves to add depth to the characters of Magnar and the vampire siblings, especially Erik, and makes us realize the villains may not be who we originally thought. The action also picks up in Immortal Prince (in more ways than one) as Montana is pulled deeper into vampire politics and as Callie and Magnar continue their quest to the blood bank. Tragedy occurs and revelations are made that test both of the sisters, and both are pushed to make life-altering decisions.
In true twisted sisters fashion, they take us on an emotional rollercoaster full of twists and turns, humor, angst, and romance. This story is enthralling, with strong female leads, broody, morally grey MMCs, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, forced proximity, and a deliciously tense slow burn. Even knowing what (likely) happens next, I cannot wait to dive into Book 3!
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Immortal Prince picks right up where Eternal Reign left off, but also gives us some of the history behind how the vampires and slayers came to be and the journey that has followed. We get flashbacks from Erik's and Magnar's POV, while Callie and Montana continue to advance the present-day story. The background and insight that comes with the flashback chapters really serves to add depth to the characters of Magnar and the vampire siblings, especially Erik, and makes us realize the villains may not be who we originally thought. The action also picks up in Immortal Prince (in more ways than one) as Montana is pulled deeper into vampire politics and as Callie and Magnar continue their quest to the blood bank. Tragedy occurs and revelations are made that test both of the sisters, and both are pushed to make life-altering decisions.
In true twisted sisters fashion, they take us on an emotional rollercoaster full of twists and turns, humor, angst, and romance. This story is enthralling, with strong female leads, broody, morally grey MMCs, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, forced proximity, and a deliciously tense slow burn. Even knowing what (likely) happens next, I cannot wait to dive into Book 3!
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.