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andthensarahread's reviews
101 reviews
Stranded with Scrooge: A Semi-Royal Holiday Novella by Maude Winters, Maude Winters
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Plot: 4
Engagement: 4.25
Characters: 4
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.13/5
Review: I received a copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was a really quick, easy to read novella. It started with a kind of a not so cute Meet-Cute with two strangers trapped in an airport when they can't get flights out for Christmas. They both are a judgmental of each other after making assumptions, but end up seeing their true personalities. Cue some rom com fun!! I actually thought it was a sweet story and I found the chemistry between Nira & Auggie was heartwarming.
There was some light spice nearing the end. It didn't get wildly graphic, but definitely steamy.
My only gripe is that the end seemed weirdly abrupt, which I should have perhaps expected with a shorter story, but still. I just wanted it a bit more fleshed out in the end.
Read if you like: rom com, short and sweet, enemies to lovers, light spice
Engagement: 4.25
Characters: 4
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.13/5
Review: I received a copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was a really quick, easy to read novella. It started with a kind of a not so cute Meet-Cute with two strangers trapped in an airport when they can't get flights out for Christmas. They both are a judgmental of each other after making assumptions, but end up seeing their true personalities. Cue some rom com fun!! I actually thought it was a sweet story and I found the chemistry between Nira & Auggie was heartwarming.
There was some light spice nearing the end. It didn't get wildly graphic, but definitely steamy.
My only gripe is that the end seemed weirdly abrupt, which I should have perhaps expected with a shorter story, but still. I just wanted it a bit more fleshed out in the end.
Read if you like: rom com, short and sweet, enemies to lovers, light spice
Verity by Colleen Hoover
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Plot: 4.75
Engagement: 5
Characters: 5
Style: 4.5
Overall Rating: 4.81/5
Review: Brrrooooooooooo. Where do I begin? That was....nuts 🤣🤣🤣. I'm stuck between wildly disturbed and extremely impressed. That plot though. That twist though. I'm crying and laughing right now. I should have gone to bed hours ago, but I couldn't put this down. I think it broke my brain. Normally, I'm decent at guessing the endgame, but not this time. This is the most incoherent review ever, but trust me when I say READ THIS BOOK. Well done @colleenhoover *Starts the slow clap*
Engagement: 5
Characters: 5
Style: 4.5
Overall Rating: 4.81/5
Review: Brrrooooooooooo. Where do I begin? That was....nuts 🤣🤣🤣. I'm stuck between wildly disturbed and extremely impressed. That plot though. That twist though. I'm crying and laughing right now. I should have gone to bed hours ago, but I couldn't put this down. I think it broke my brain. Normally, I'm decent at guessing the endgame, but not this time. This is the most incoherent review ever, but trust me when I say READ THIS BOOK. Well done @colleenhoover *Starts the slow clap*
Wahala by Nikki May
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Plot: 4.5
Engagement: 3.75
Characters: 5
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.38/5
Review: To start out, I found some difficulty in the language differences, not only with the smattering of Nigerian words/phrases, but also the French in Boo's section, and the British English throughout. Luckily, this was not so much that it was unbearable, but it did slow me down at times. I found it very slow to build that "can't-put-it-down" feeling, but once that point in the book hit me, I finished it in a couple of hours. What this book lacked in engagement, it more than made up for in plot and characters. The characters were interesting, varied, lovable but flawed, and relatable. It ended up really tugging at the ol' heartstrings by the end and I wished I had more story after it was over! I want to know what happens next, I'm invested in these ladies!! On a personal level, I felt connected to the multiracial characters and each of their feelings regarding their heritage. The style was interesting, alternating from the perspective of each of the three main characters. It gave the reader inside knowledge of parts of the manipulation, but also kept you guessing at the motivations. Overall, I ended up enjoying this book a lot. Not at all what I expected: mystery, drama, tested friendships, tested relationships. I'm thinking of buying this book hardcopy because I liked it so much!
Engagement: 3.75
Characters: 5
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.38/5
Review: To start out, I found some difficulty in the language differences, not only with the smattering of Nigerian words/phrases, but also the French in Boo's section, and the British English throughout. Luckily, this was not so much that it was unbearable, but it did slow me down at times. I found it very slow to build that "can't-put-it-down" feeling, but once that point in the book hit me, I finished it in a couple of hours. What this book lacked in engagement, it more than made up for in plot and characters. The characters were interesting, varied, lovable but flawed, and relatable. It ended up really tugging at the ol' heartstrings by the end and I wished I had more story after it was over! I want to know what happens next, I'm invested in these ladies!! On a personal level, I felt connected to the multiracial characters and each of their feelings regarding their heritage. The style was interesting, alternating from the perspective of each of the three main characters. It gave the reader inside knowledge of parts of the manipulation, but also kept you guessing at the motivations. Overall, I ended up enjoying this book a lot. Not at all what I expected: mystery, drama, tested friendships, tested relationships. I'm thinking of buying this book hardcopy because I liked it so much!
Love is an Art by Kathy Strobos
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Plot: 3.75
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4
Style: 4
Overall Rating: 3.94/5
Review: I received a copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have read another book in this series (My Book Boyfriend). I felt Love is an Art was less captivating overall. I'm not as into art as I am with books, so there was a disconnect on that. I also had a harder time connecting to the characters and felt their conflict was a little forced. It seemed silly that they both were dumped unceremoniously and had the same "trauma" over that, but Zeke still wanted to break it off with Tessa over something minor in my opinion.
It was nice to see a continuation/further story with this friend group. It just didn't catch me like the other book did. Still looking forward to more New York Spark series.
It was overall a light, quick romance. Read if you like: rom com, clean/closed door romance.
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4
Style: 4
Overall Rating: 3.94/5
Review: I received a copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have read another book in this series (My Book Boyfriend). I felt Love is an Art was less captivating overall. I'm not as into art as I am with books, so there was a disconnect on that. I also had a harder time connecting to the characters and felt their conflict was a little forced. It seemed silly that they both were dumped unceremoniously and had the same "trauma" over that, but Zeke still wanted to break it off with Tessa over something minor in my opinion.
It was nice to see a continuation/further story with this friend group. It just didn't catch me like the other book did. Still looking forward to more New York Spark series.
It was overall a light, quick romance. Read if you like: rom com, clean/closed door romance.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.25
Plot: 4.5
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4.75
Style: 4
Overall Rating: 4.31/5
Review: Without going into too much personal detail, I definitely identified with portions of this book. Outside of that, it was a heartfelt, emotional story about knowing your worth, living life to its fullest, not giving up on love, and cherishing your loved ones.
At the start, I wasn't super invested and I had a hard time connecting. When we really get to the heart of the story, though, I ended up loving the depth of the characters. The family dynamics, sibling relationship, and healing of their connections was beautiful.
The secondary story with Benji also ended up tugging the heartstrings, though I felt it was predictable.
Overall, Florence's relationship with her father and the family dynamics explored in this book are what really hooked me and made me emotionally invested.
"I began to realize that love wasn’t dead, but it wasn’t forever, either. It was something in between, a moment in time where two people existed at the exact same moment in the exact same place in the universe."
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4.75
Style: 4
Overall Rating: 4.31/5
Review: Without going into too much personal detail, I definitely identified with portions of this book. Outside of that, it was a heartfelt, emotional story about knowing your worth, living life to its fullest, not giving up on love, and cherishing your loved ones.
At the start, I wasn't super invested and I had a hard time connecting. When we really get to the heart of the story, though, I ended up loving the depth of the characters. The family dynamics, sibling relationship, and healing of their connections was beautiful.
The secondary story with Benji also ended up tugging the heartstrings, though I felt it was predictable.
Overall, Florence's relationship with her father and the family dynamics explored in this book are what really hooked me and made me emotionally invested.
"I began to realize that love wasn’t dead, but it wasn’t forever, either. It was something in between, a moment in time where two people existed at the exact same moment in the exact same place in the universe."
Addicted to the Ruin by Rosa Lee
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Plot: 4
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4.25
Style: 4
Overall Rating: 4.06/5
Review: This is the sequel to a book I previously read, Addicted To The Pain. As I said last time, the dark smut is not my norm. I do appreciate that both these books have an interesting plot/story and are well written! They are heavy on the smut with lots of darker elements, which is not a bad thing. If that's your genre of choice, you will love Rosa Lee's books.
A criticism I have for this one is the storyline with Lark/Rook and their father felt rushed through. After the build up in the first book, I expected there to be more of that plot in this book. Otherwise, I love the characters, the steam is very steamy, and the relationships are complex and interesting.
Read if you like: enemies to lovers, reverse harem, why choose, shared trauma, taboo.
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4.25
Style: 4
Overall Rating: 4.06/5
Review: This is the sequel to a book I previously read, Addicted To The Pain. As I said last time, the dark smut is not my norm. I do appreciate that both these books have an interesting plot/story and are well written! They are heavy on the smut with lots of darker elements, which is not a bad thing. If that's your genre of choice, you will love Rosa Lee's books.
A criticism I have for this one is the storyline with Lark/Rook and their father felt rushed through. After the build up in the first book, I expected there to be more of that plot in this book. Otherwise, I love the characters, the steam is very steamy, and the relationships are complex and interesting.
Read if you like: enemies to lovers, reverse harem, why choose, shared trauma, taboo.
The Mistake and the Lycan King by Asha Nyr
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Plot: 4.5
Engagement: 4.5
Characters: 4.25
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.38/5
Review: ARC review for OOTB
@orderofthebookish
This was a decent fantasy adventure, steamy romance, and novel with difficult subject matter rolled into one. There are trigger warnings that I would highly recommend noting. At the end, the author does give backstory as to the reasons for writing this book as well as her motivations and interpretations. This definitely helped tie up the events of the book by seeing them from the author's perspective.
Outside of some of the more difficult themes, the story was interesting and creative. I enjoyed the lore of the gods, the shifter's relationship with their wolves, and the mind link. I loved the relationship between Ragna and her mini-pack. The action was good as well.
If you like spicy steamy descriptions, you're in luck, there's quite a bit of that here and it's well written.
Though I found it difficult to like certain characters and their choices, I think the book does a good job of wrapping that up. And just gonna throw this in: I adore Beta!
Read if you like: romantasy, strong FMC, high steam/spice, action/adventure, lycans/shifters.
Engagement: 4.5
Characters: 4.25
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.38/5
Review: ARC review for OOTB
@orderofthebookish
This was a decent fantasy adventure, steamy romance, and novel with difficult subject matter rolled into one. There are trigger warnings that I would highly recommend noting. At the end, the author does give backstory as to the reasons for writing this book as well as her motivations and interpretations. This definitely helped tie up the events of the book by seeing them from the author's perspective.
Outside of some of the more difficult themes, the story was interesting and creative. I enjoyed the lore of the gods, the shifter's relationship with their wolves, and the mind link. I loved the relationship between Ragna and her mini-pack. The action was good as well.
If you like spicy steamy descriptions, you're in luck, there's quite a bit of that here and it's well written.
Though I found it difficult to like certain characters and their choices, I think the book does a good job of wrapping that up. And just gonna throw this in: I adore Beta!
Read if you like: romantasy, strong FMC, high steam/spice, action/adventure, lycans/shifters.
If Cats Disappeared From The World by Genki Kawamura
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Plot: 4
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4
Style: 3.75
Overall Rating: 3.94/5
Review: I have read a few books this year that center around death and/or deals with "The Devil". This book was somewhat reminiscent of Addie Larue or Before The Coffee Runs Cold, only more of a quick read and a little less on the emotional side. Overall, I did enjoy it. I think the most poignant parts were in the self-reflection near the end, especially in the interactions with Cabbage.
This is a pretty short and quick read. As such, there's less time to get to know our main character and become emotionally invested in his life or death. The relationship with the cat and the memories and feelings around that are what really help this book. Still, it felt a bit unfinished or like it could have stood to push the emotions a bit more.
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4
Style: 3.75
Overall Rating: 3.94/5
Review: I have read a few books this year that center around death and/or deals with "The Devil". This book was somewhat reminiscent of Addie Larue or Before The Coffee Runs Cold, only more of a quick read and a little less on the emotional side. Overall, I did enjoy it. I think the most poignant parts were in the self-reflection near the end, especially in the interactions with Cabbage.
This is a pretty short and quick read. As such, there's less time to get to know our main character and become emotionally invested in his life or death. The relationship with the cat and the memories and feelings around that are what really help this book. Still, it felt a bit unfinished or like it could have stood to push the emotions a bit more.
Aris and the Obsidian Door by E.M. Leander
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5
Plot: 4.75
Engagement: 4.5
Characters: 4.75
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.56/5
Review: On one hand, I love ARC reading because I get to know what happens before everyone else. On the other hand, now I'm just eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story!!
If you haven't read book 1 (Wren and the Tarnished Tiger), there may be some mild spoilers ahead.
This is a dual POV fantasy/adventure with some romance elements. Book 2 I felt was more focused on the building of the relationship and romantic tension between Wren and Aris. Wren is learning more about her magic and how to control it. Aris is all in for Wren, but has some worries about how she'll accept his past. Personally, I am team Aris, so I was glad to have very little Leo in this book. Leo's secondary plot (we hear a little in this book) is interesting, I have some theories!
I enjoyed the new characters and the team of mages and shields on the journey that we get to know more. There were definitely some surprising/difficult moments. Very curious to see this play out. Overall, this is a really enjoyable fantasy series that's engaging and easy to read. I liked book 2 even more than the first!
Engagement: 4.5
Characters: 4.75
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.56/5
Review: On one hand, I love ARC reading because I get to know what happens before everyone else. On the other hand, now I'm just eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story!!
If you haven't read book 1 (Wren and the Tarnished Tiger), there may be some mild spoilers ahead.
This is a dual POV fantasy/adventure with some romance elements. Book 2 I felt was more focused on the building of the relationship and romantic tension between Wren and Aris. Wren is learning more about her magic and how to control it. Aris is all in for Wren, but has some worries about how she'll accept his past. Personally, I am team Aris, so I was glad to have very little Leo in this book. Leo's secondary plot (we hear a little in this book) is interesting, I have some theories!
I enjoyed the new characters and the team of mages and shields on the journey that we get to know more. There were definitely some surprising/difficult moments. Very curious to see this play out. Overall, this is a really enjoyable fantasy series that's engaging and easy to read. I liked book 2 even more than the first!
Bittersweet Breadcrumbs by Aster Rye
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Plot: 4.5
Engagement: 4.25
Characters: 4.25
Style: 4.75
Overall Rating: 4.44/5
Review: This book had a little fantasy and magic, a little romance, a little mystery and it was a fun easy read!
I have read A Simple Tale of Water and Weeping (a novel by Kami King Larsen-Aster Rye is a pen name) and I absolutely loved that book. I love this author's writing style!
The main story with Doria and Miles and the mysterious bookstore kept me guessing as to what was going on. I really like a mystery I can't solve immediately. I thought this one was well done. I also really liked the multiple books that were included as part of what Doria was reading over the course of the book. Stories within a story! As a fun addition, Doria reads one short story that references another of this author's works that I'd previously read.
This is relatively tame on the spice scale for most of the book, but does have a sexy scene near the end. This will be continued in a second book, so don't expect a full resolution.
Read if you like romance, with some magic/fantasy, a mysterious MMC, and cynical FMC.
Engagement: 4.25
Characters: 4.25
Style: 4.75
Overall Rating: 4.44/5
Review: This book had a little fantasy and magic, a little romance, a little mystery and it was a fun easy read!
I have read A Simple Tale of Water and Weeping (a novel by Kami King Larsen-Aster Rye is a pen name) and I absolutely loved that book. I love this author's writing style!
The main story with Doria and Miles and the mysterious bookstore kept me guessing as to what was going on. I really like a mystery I can't solve immediately. I thought this one was well done. I also really liked the multiple books that were included as part of what Doria was reading over the course of the book. Stories within a story! As a fun addition, Doria reads one short story that references another of this author's works that I'd previously read.
This is relatively tame on the spice scale for most of the book, but does have a sexy scene near the end. This will be continued in a second book, so don't expect a full resolution.
Read if you like romance, with some magic/fantasy, a mysterious MMC, and cynical FMC.