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alxisrae's reviews
64 reviews
Of Snow and Sapphire by K.C. Silver
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
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? No
4.75
THIS STORY! Guys…I was so happy to get this ARC and spent my entire day off reading. It’s the story of Ludella and Zimyn - the Queen of the Snow Court and the Captain of her Royal Guard. The two have been best friends since childhood and over time those feelings only have grown stronger.
The mutual pining and longing that’s going on with these two are FELT through the pages. You’re able to feel the ache they have because they are unable to be together. A Queen of the Snow Court, Ludella must find a consort to strengthen her Kingdom. A choice that would bring tension and angst between the two friends. It being a novella there is only one “spicy” scene, which I appreciated more so cause they felt natural and not forced. And it was written and described beautifully
I loved Ludella! Her quick whip and sarcasm was something I simply adored. Her strength is admirable since she is a Queen being obviously undermined by the men of her court (pg 66 is a great example). Belvan …idk why but I just imagined the actor that played Peter Bealish in GoT the entire time lol. And the twists and the ending…DID NOT see that coming!!
The mutual pining and longing that’s going on with these two are FELT through the pages. You’re able to feel the ache they have because they are unable to be together. A Queen of the Snow Court, Ludella must find a consort to strengthen her Kingdom. A choice that would bring tension and angst between the two friends. It being a novella there is only one “spicy” scene, which I appreciated more so cause they felt natural and not forced. And it was written and described beautifully
I loved Ludella! Her quick whip and sarcasm was something I simply adored. Her strength is admirable since she is a Queen being obviously undermined by the men of her court (pg 66 is a great example). Belvan …idk why but I just imagined the actor that played Peter Bealish in GoT the entire time lol. And the twists and the ending…DID NOT see that coming!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Violence, Death of parent, and Death
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
3.75
Now I have tried 2 other times to read this book and at 75% I wanted to DNF it for a 3rd time.
Now it isn’t cause it’s a bad story. It’s not. It’s a cute, entertaining historical romance….EOD I’m glad I stuck through
(Slight spoilers, but also not really)
…BUT there was something that I just couldn’t seem to enjoy this as much as Kate and Anthony’s or Sophie and Benedict’s. And I think my problem is Colin? This ongoing quip of being a constantly hungry and quickly angered man wasn’t a good taste in my mouth. It didn’t take much for Colin’s temper to come out - so much so that we’re reminded constantly as a reader that this “isn’t the Colin that Penelope knew…”. His temper gave me the ick - ESPECIALLY when he seemed to take it out on Penelope the most.
Now I love Eloise and Pens friendship in this book than I do on the show. Eloise on the show can be a little annoying and frustrating at times. This book let me see and appreciate their friendship.
The spicy moments in this book were only a couple of scenes but you were able to feel how feral Colin was for Penelope. I will say once that man saw her, and really saw her, he fell and he fell hard and fast. The man couldn’t control himself. The relationship of Colin and Pen improved with each chapter once Colin was able to get past his jealousy/ego. The ending really redeemed Colin as he stood by his wife. It was lovely.
Now it isn’t cause it’s a bad story. It’s not. It’s a cute, entertaining historical romance….EOD I’m glad I stuck through
(Slight spoilers, but also not really)
…BUT there was something that I just couldn’t seem to enjoy this as much as Kate and Anthony’s or Sophie and Benedict’s. And I think my problem is Colin? This ongoing quip of being a constantly hungry and quickly angered man wasn’t a good taste in my mouth. It didn’t take much for Colin’s temper to come out - so much so that we’re reminded constantly as a reader that this “isn’t the Colin that Penelope knew…”. His temper gave me the ick - ESPECIALLY when he seemed to take it out on Penelope the most.
Now I love Eloise and Pens friendship in this book than I do on the show. Eloise on the show can be a little annoying and frustrating at times. This book let me see and appreciate their friendship.
The spicy moments in this book were only a couple of scenes but you were able to feel how feral Colin was for Penelope. I will say once that man saw her, and really saw her, he fell and he fell hard and fast. The man couldn’t control himself. The relationship of Colin and Pen improved with each chapter once Colin was able to get past his jealousy/ego. The ending really redeemed Colin as he stood by his wife. It was lovely.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
Minor: Body shaming
The Pleasure Protocol by Kat Alexander, Darcy Romaine
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Pleasure Protocol introduces us to our couple Nikolai and Corinne. He is a billionaire and she is an escort - the two of them introduced due to Nikolai needing a date for an event. Right off the bat the chemistry between these two is hoooot.
Corinne is confidence and sex appeal really shines through the page. I really, really liked her. Nikolai is a kinky Dom, that goes to church on Sunday, and acts of service is his love language. There is this air about Nikolai that you can sense - he’s dominate while still being tentative…..BDE as Elijah would say! It wasn’t hard to find these two lovable and to root for them!
With good chemistry between your couple, you’re going to get hot fuck smut! And this book didn’t disappoint. I had to walk away sometimes because these two were just 🔥. The dirty talk 👏🏽👏🏽. I am a reader that goes feral for some good dirty talk. The scenes never felt forced and always made sense - ITS PORN WITH A PLOT!!!
Also the communication between these two *chefs kiss*
Even the side characters were great. Indali was my favorite!!!!!!!!
I didn’t want this book to end, I couldn’t put it down. I was mad when I had to. I woke up early this morning before work to finish it!
Corinne is confidence and sex appeal really shines through the page. I really, really liked her. Nikolai is a kinky Dom, that goes to church on Sunday, and acts of service is his love language. There is this air about Nikolai that you can sense - he’s dominate while still being tentative…..BDE as Elijah would say! It wasn’t hard to find these two lovable and to root for them!
With good chemistry between your couple, you’re going to get hot fuck smut! And this book didn’t disappoint. I had to walk away sometimes because these two were just 🔥. The dirty talk 👏🏽👏🏽. I am a reader that goes feral for some good dirty talk. The scenes never felt forced and always made sense - ITS PORN WITH A PLOT!!!
Also the communication between these two *chefs kiss*
Even the side characters were great. Indali was my favorite!!!!!!!!
I didn’t want this book to end, I couldn’t put it down. I was mad when I had to. I woke up early this morning before work to finish it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Twisted Games by Ana Huang
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Drug abuse, Child abuse, Death of parent, Grief, Domestic abuse, and Alcoholism
A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
Sera and Nyktos taking the trope of two idiots in love to a new level. This entire series/franchise has a clutch on me. It was repetitive at times, especially Sera’s inner thoughts. But honestly I can relate. I have repeatedly told myself negatives about myself no matter how I was told different. And honestly the whole “Nyk can’t love” is bullshit cause 👀 lbffr
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Cursing
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Sexual content, Murder, and Grief
Minor: Emotional abuse and Death of parent
Her Greatest Mistake by Hannah Cowan
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Violence
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
emotional
funny
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Child abuse, Violence, and Murder
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I really enjoyed this book for it being my first “horro” genre book. The ending was just perfect, to me, and the entirely wrapped up the “house” and Louise’s history and trauma coming to a close. 5 stars because Pupkin was too scary good!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Body horror, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Cursing
Minor: Child death
Ranger by Dr. Rebecca Sharp
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Stalking and Violence
Minor: Kidnapping