bbyghoulreads's reviews
483 reviews

Zodiac Academy: Live and Let Lionel by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

These authors tease me constantly with little glimpses into the world without giving me the final book. I’ve been waiting for SO LONG, and this just made that need come back with a bang.

A collection of short stories / bonus chapters with commentary from the absolute worst (fuck u Lionel). 

Game of Hate and Lies by LJ Andrews

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

GAH this one made me cry so much

FIGHT FOR YOUR MAN GIRLIE - the poor boy’s been through enough! 

Loved seeing some of my faves from the first 3 books appear, I love an ensemble cast. 

Night of Masks and Knives by LJ Andrews

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

I really love this series - and this was an amazing start to the next part of the journey. 

I’m always here for a shadow man, and Kase doesn’t disappoint! 

I definitely should’ve reviewed this when I first read it because ya girl can’t remember a damn thing about the plot of the individual books now oops 😬 

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Reviewing smut is always funny because what can I really say other than HOT! 

I loved these characters and I think this one has my favourite plot line so far, I love a tournament. And the twist on the Achilles story was really fun. 

Neon Gods by Katee Robert

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

My foray into audiobooks continues - and this was HOT.

A modern Hades and Persephone retelling, I enjoyed the reimagining of a familiar tale. The relationship which develops between the pair was lovely, and so hot. I’ve read minimal exhibition based romances, but this was done well, I think Katee Robert always handles kink in such a fun way. Looking forward to reading the rest of these!

Crown of Blood and Ruin by LJ Andrews

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

I hadn’t realised that this 9 book series (so far, I think) was broken into stories about different characters. So this third book was a thrilling conclusion to the first part of these linked tales. I’m really looking forward to the next leg of the journey and seeing what the Eastern kingdom has in store for our characters.

Court of Ice and Ash by LJ Andrews

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Still enjoying the series, I love an ensemble cast, secret identities and a bit of angst. This story has the right level of humour and charm mixed with violent twists of fate to keep you hooked. 

Curse of Shadows and Thorns by LJ Andrews

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Thoroughly enjoyed this one! Deception, sarcasm, rivalry - what more could I want. Chuck in a sexy mysterious forbidden love interest? Sold.

This was a fun start to a series, looking forward to continuing it! Predictable twist, but it’s a popular trope for a reason. 

Crown of Stars and Fate by Alexis Calder

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

This series has a great premise, and I’m definitely enjoying it - however I don’t feel the same love for the characters as I do with other romantasy books, and the writing style leaves a little to be desired.

Will definitely continue the series, but not a favourite.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

Read and annotated this as part of our round robin - I enjoyed it just as much on this re-read, I think it’s a beautiful story and the stream of consciousness style of writing really illustrates how exhausting it can be to be neurodivergent.

Literally every adult sucks tho xo