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ariannaisbooked's reviews
423 reviews
One Touch by Lena Hendrix
emotional
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
5.0
One Touch might just be my favorite of Lena's books that I've read so far!
Lemme just say that the tropes in this book are some of my all time favorites & especially when they're mixed together like this! Like ex-boyfriend's brother AND brother's best friend?! AND grumpy x sunshine?!
I was a little surprised that there wasn't a lottt more tension with the ex-boyfriend's brother situation. But don't worry, there's still plenty of tension & angst throughout the book! I love that we get to see so much of the side characters as well! The chickens having such a prominent role in this series? Hilarious! Beakface sure did raise some hell & had me laughing out loud as I was reading.
Perhaps my favorite thing with series of interconnected standalones like this are the little nods you get to the previous & upcoming couples' stories as well!
Features:
- grumpy x sunshine
- ex-boyfriend's brother
- brother's best friend
- small town romance
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers
Thank you so much to Lena Hendrix for sending me an early copy to read!
Lemme just say that the tropes in this book are some of my all time favorites & especially when they're mixed together like this! Like ex-boyfriend's brother AND brother's best friend?! AND grumpy x sunshine?!
I was a little surprised that there wasn't a lottt more tension with the ex-boyfriend's brother situation. But don't worry, there's still plenty of tension & angst throughout the book! I love that we get to see so much of the side characters as well! The chickens having such a prominent role in this series? Hilarious! Beakface sure did raise some hell & had me laughing out loud as I was reading.
Perhaps my favorite thing with series of interconnected standalones like this are the little nods you get to the previous & upcoming couples' stories as well!
Features:
- grumpy x sunshine
- ex-boyfriend's brother
- brother's best friend
- small town romance
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers
Thank you so much to Lena Hendrix for sending me an early copy to read!
Wolf by Kat Blackthorne
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
Perhaps my favorite thing of this entire book is when Wolfgang is in his wolf form & wags his tail while looking at Blythe. It's the tiniest detail but omg I was giggling out of pure excitement when it happened because it's just so dang cute!
I loved seeing Wolf's perspective, especially in regards to his relationships with the other Halloween Boys. He really is the sweetest of them all (unless something threatens those he cares about).
The way Wolf went from "I want your first real time with me to leave you feeling loved and secure in my feelings for you, Blythe." to giving her a h a n d necklace & k n o t t i n g her? HOT. And chapter 19?! ALSO HOT. The spice in this book is immaculate, especially because we get so many variations of pairings within the group AND group activities!
Overall, the stakes did feel a little subdued in this book compared to Ghost & Dragon but I know for a fact that Devil's book is going to have me quaking in my boots from how intense it will be.
Rewrite Our Story by Kat Singleton
emotional
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
5.0
This. Book. HURTS.
I didn't realize that this book dealt with parental loss in such great detail. The first handful of chapters give you an idea of Cade & Mare's long lost relationship but it goes into intense detail about grieving the loss of Cade & Pippa's mother. I really struggled through this section & could only read a chapter at a time for the first handful of chapters.
The romance between Cade & Mare is so beautiful yet so riddled with pain. I love the dual timeline & being able to experience their feelings as both teenagers & adults! It heightens the emotions even more, which I didn't think would be possible for this book. The side characters are just as incredible and I can't wait for Pippa's story!
Tropes:
- small town
- cowboy x author
- first love, second chance
- best friend's older brother
Thank you to Kat Singleton for sending me an advanced copy to read!
I didn't realize that this book dealt with parental loss in such great detail. The first handful of chapters give you an idea of Cade & Mare's long lost relationship but it goes into intense detail about grieving the loss of Cade & Pippa's mother. I really struggled through this section & could only read a chapter at a time for the first handful of chapters.
The romance between Cade & Mare is so beautiful yet so riddled with pain. I love the dual timeline & being able to experience their feelings as both teenagers & adults! It heightens the emotions even more, which I didn't think would be possible for this book. The side characters are just as incredible and I can't wait for Pippa's story!
Tropes:
- small town
- cowboy x author
- first love, second chance
- best friend's older brother
Thank you to Kat Singleton for sending me an advanced copy to read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
The first 5 to 7 chapters explain the loss of Cade & Pippa's mother and the grieving process that they experience along with Mare (the FMC). It's very difficult to read if you've experienced that kind of loss.
Echoes of You by Catherine Cowles
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
I'm officially obsessed with this series, okay?! The stories are so captivating & keep me on my toes from cover to cover.
This book didn't have as much of a mystery element like Whispers of You did, but the stakes were just as high. I could really empathize with Maddie & her need to escape an abusive ex. And the way Nash treated her? Incredible. We all need someone to look out for us the way that Nash looks out for Maddie.
And their communication skills? SEXY. No miscommunication & third act breakup here!
These two have been friends since childhood & it has everything I love about the childhood friends to lovers trope. There's so much tension in the "I love them so much but there's no way they love me back like that" thought process they both go through. The way they'd both give their life to save the other just melts my heart every time.
I love how much we get to see of the side characters, especially the Hartley family! They're truly a ride or die clan & once someone's been accepted into their fold, they instantly have everyone's unyielding support.
And the audiobook narrators? They SLAYED. Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon always do a fabulous job & they just fit these characters so well!
Thank you so much to Catherine Cowles for sending me an early copy to read & review! All thoughts & opinions are my own.
This book didn't have as much of a mystery element like Whispers of You did, but the stakes were just as high. I could really empathize with Maddie & her need to escape an abusive ex. And the way Nash treated her? Incredible. We all need someone to look out for us the way that Nash looks out for Maddie.
And their communication skills? SEXY. No miscommunication & third act breakup here!
These two have been friends since childhood & it has everything I love about the childhood friends to lovers trope. There's so much tension in the "I love them so much but there's no way they love me back like that" thought process they both go through. The way they'd both give their life to save the other just melts my heart every time.
I love how much we get to see of the side characters, especially the Hartley family! They're truly a ride or die clan & once someone's been accepted into their fold, they instantly have everyone's unyielding support.
And the audiobook narrators? They SLAYED. Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon always do a fabulous job & they just fit these characters so well!
Thank you so much to Catherine Cowles for sending me an early copy to read & review! All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
WOW, this is such an emotional ride!
This is a coming of age story about Coley, a seventeen year old who just tragically lost her mother & had to go live with her father who she hasn't seen or heard from in over a decade. She befriends Sonya & they get close very quickly. Everyone who's loved Coley has left & Sonya's never been with a girl before. They must navigate all these big experiences and emotions as they prepare for their senior year of high school.
Girls Like Girls is based on Hayley Kiyoko's song & music video of the same name. I absolutely lost my mind when I saw it was becoming a book! The song & music video came out the same summer I came out as bisexual so it's always had a special place in my heart 🤍 I honestly had no idea what the book would be about but absolutely loved it! My experience with realizing my sexuality and coming out couldn't have been more different than Coley & Sonya's experiences but so many young people go through the things that these two go through. And that makes books like this one SO important.
I am so happy for the teenagers that get to read books like this while they're on their own journey of self-discovery!
Content warning:
- loss of a parent
- suicide (happened prior to events of the book but mentioned often)
This is a coming of age story about Coley, a seventeen year old who just tragically lost her mother & had to go live with her father who she hasn't seen or heard from in over a decade. She befriends Sonya & they get close very quickly. Everyone who's loved Coley has left & Sonya's never been with a girl before. They must navigate all these big experiences and emotions as they prepare for their senior year of high school.
Girls Like Girls is based on Hayley Kiyoko's song & music video of the same name. I absolutely lost my mind when I saw it was becoming a book! The song & music video came out the same summer I came out as bisexual so it's always had a special place in my heart 🤍 I honestly had no idea what the book would be about but absolutely loved it! My experience with realizing my sexuality and coming out couldn't have been more different than Coley & Sonya's experiences but so many young people go through the things that these two go through. And that makes books like this one SO important.
I am so happy for the teenagers that get to read books like this while they're on their own journey of self-discovery!
Content warning:
- loss of a parent
- suicide (happened prior to events of the book but mentioned often)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Grief, and Death of parent
The main character loses her mother to suicide before the events of the book. There are several mentions of what happened & how the main character was the one to find her mother. The grief process is re-visited throughout the book in relation to losing her mother.
The Fae Princes by Nikki St. Crowe
adventurous
dark
medium-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
5.0
This was such an incredible end to the Vicious Lost Boys series!
Pan has his shadow back, Winnie is still learning to manage the shadow, and Tinker Bell is back and out for revenge in this installment of the vicious Lost Boys series. This book focuses more on Winnie's relationship with Bash and Kas, while they're dealing with their desire to get their wings back after being banished from the fae court.
I absolutely love Peter Pan re-imaginations & this series is such a good one! I love the dynamics between all of the characters, especially as we learn more about each of them & see their relationships develop.
Pan has his shadow back, Winnie is still learning to manage the shadow, and Tinker Bell is back and out for revenge in this installment of the vicious Lost Boys series. This book focuses more on Winnie's relationship with Bash and Kas, while they're dealing with their desire to get their wings back after being banished from the fae court.
I absolutely love Peter Pan re-imaginations & this series is such a good one! I love the dynamics between all of the characters, especially as we learn more about each of them & see their relationships develop.
My Alien Prince by Reverie Harwood
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
If you liked Ice Planet Barbarians, then I think you'll like this book!
Katy's fiancé never showed for their wedding and it was near impossible for her to go back to work as a wedding photographer after. She's down and out, financially and emotionally. Until her sister, Sara, starts the process to apply for an Earth-sponsored year cultural exchange on planet Xavia. Katy couldn't let her go alone so across the galaxies they go. Upon arrival, the women are informed that they're being dropped on this planet to help repopulate the dying Xavian people. After being duped by the government, Katy doesn't easily trust the men on Xavia even though she's wildly attracted to her host, Prince Drex. But what will happen when she's in close proximity to Prince Drex all day, every day?
I really enjoyed this book! It's a quick & fun read with some interesting alien anatomy 👀 It's told in dual POV between Katy & Drex, which makes it interesting to see his side of their interactions. However, after some scenes in one character's POV, it would switch to the other character's POV & completely re-tell the scene with their own thoughts / feelings. This made some of the book very repetitive. Also, the ending seemed rushed compared to the rest of the book. Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline and I'm interested to see where the series goes from here!
Thank you to NetGalley and Reverie Harwood for allowing me to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Katy's fiancé never showed for their wedding and it was near impossible for her to go back to work as a wedding photographer after. She's down and out, financially and emotionally. Until her sister, Sara, starts the process to apply for an Earth-sponsored year cultural exchange on planet Xavia. Katy couldn't let her go alone so across the galaxies they go. Upon arrival, the women are informed that they're being dropped on this planet to help repopulate the dying Xavian people. After being duped by the government, Katy doesn't easily trust the men on Xavia even though she's wildly attracted to her host, Prince Drex. But what will happen when she's in close proximity to Prince Drex all day, every day?
I really enjoyed this book! It's a quick & fun read with some interesting alien anatomy 👀 It's told in dual POV between Katy & Drex, which makes it interesting to see his side of their interactions. However, after some scenes in one character's POV, it would switch to the other character's POV & completely re-tell the scene with their own thoughts / feelings. This made some of the book very repetitive. Also, the ending seemed rushed compared to the rest of the book. Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline and I'm interested to see where the series goes from here!
Thank you to NetGalley and Reverie Harwood for allowing me to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Black Ties and White Lies by Kat Singleton
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
OHMYGOD THIS BOOK 🔥🥵🔥
I've really enjoyed the other books that I've read by Kat Singleton so when I first heard about this one, I knew I had to read it! It has all of the best tropes: billionaire, ex-boyfriend's hot older brother, workplace, fake dating, playboy turned simp for her, & one bed. There's spice, tension, & lots of emotions that all come together to form one of my early favorites of the year!
Thank you so much to Kat Singleton for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Receiving an early copy has in no way influenced my review or enjoyment of the book.
I've really enjoyed the other books that I've read by Kat Singleton so when I first heard about this one, I knew I had to read it! It has all of the best tropes: billionaire, ex-boyfriend's hot older brother, workplace, fake dating, playboy turned simp for her, & one bed. There's spice, tension, & lots of emotions that all come together to form one of my early favorites of the year!
Thank you so much to Kat Singleton for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Receiving an early copy has in no way influenced my review or enjoyment of the book.
Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters
emotional
funny
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
5.0
An incredible sapphic romance with mature characters & significant of character development!
Rose is a business consultant by day & an anonymous ASMR artist by night. Ash is a director who quit directing movies after experiencing a major traumatic accident & has settled for directing commercials. The two women first meet beside a dumpster when Rose is trying to lure one of her rogue pugs out from behind it & Ash is leaving her filming studio. Everything changes when Ash's assistant secretly hires Rose to help Ash let loose & develop the perfect pitch for a queer indie film.
It was so refreshing to read a romance with such mature characters, even thought they were both still working through their own issues. I screamed from excitement when I realized that there was no miscommunication trope in the book. Every time I expected them to walk away from each other during a tense scene, they stayed & talked through it together. It's been such a long time since I've read a book where this happens & I absolutely loved it! This was such an enjoyable book to read & I can't wait to read more books from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and Karelia Stetz-Waters for allowing me to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review! Receiving this ARC has in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings on the book.
Rose is a business consultant by day & an anonymous ASMR artist by night. Ash is a director who quit directing movies after experiencing a major traumatic accident & has settled for directing commercials. The two women first meet beside a dumpster when Rose is trying to lure one of her rogue pugs out from behind it & Ash is leaving her filming studio. Everything changes when Ash's assistant secretly hires Rose to help Ash let loose & develop the perfect pitch for a queer indie film.
It was so refreshing to read a romance with such mature characters, even thought they were both still working through their own issues. I screamed from excitement when I realized that there was no miscommunication trope in the book. Every time I expected them to walk away from each other during a tense scene, they stayed & talked through it together. It's been such a long time since I've read a book where this happens & I absolutely loved it! This was such an enjoyable book to read & I can't wait to read more books from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and Karelia Stetz-Waters for allowing me to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review! Receiving this ARC has in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings on the book.
Flawless by Elsie Silver
emotional
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
5.0
I'm honestly shocked that I liked this book as much as I did!
My friends have raved about this book (& the rest of the series) but I just didn't think cowboys were my thing. But apparently I can make exceptions just like Rhett can make an exception for whipped cream (if you know, you know).
Elsie Silver picked out the absolute perfect narrators for the audiobook! Sebastian York & Emma Wilder did such an incredible job bringing these characters to life!
The book's cover is absolutely beautiful but gives me engagement photo vibes so I was expecting it to be much less spicy than it was. It wasn't anything wild but the night that Rhett taught Summer about the hat rule?! LAWD HAVE MERCY.
My friends have raved about this book (& the rest of the series) but I just didn't think cowboys were my thing. But apparently I can make exceptions just like Rhett can make an exception for whipped cream (if you know, you know).
Elsie Silver picked out the absolute perfect narrators for the audiobook! Sebastian York & Emma Wilder did such an incredible job bringing these characters to life!
The book's cover is absolutely beautiful but gives me engagement photo vibes so I was expecting it to be much less spicy than it was. It wasn't anything wild but the night that Rhett taught Summer about the hat rule?! LAWD HAVE MERCY.