bibliomania143's reviews
121 reviews

A Curse of Breath and Blood by K.W. Foster

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad 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? Yes

5.0

"A Court of Thorns and Roses" meets "Six of Crows"—but with its own fierce heart and haunting magic.
“A queen turned mercenary. A long-lost love. An ancient evil reborn.”

Okay but… WOW.
This book swept me off my feet and threw me into a whirlwind of emotions I wasn’t ready for.

Meet Aelia—the Mind Breaker, the Traitorous Queen, the Queen of the Dead, the King Killer 👑⚔️. Honestly, can a girl catch a break? Her journey is as brutal as it is beautiful, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

Then there’s Caiden Stormweaver—ever the gentleman, still holding love for Aelia despite the stormy past between them. The chemistry? Undeniable.
That one bargain—to erase all memories of their relationship once their mission is complete? Yeah… I wish they didn’t have to make it, but it added so much depth and heartbreak. ❤️‍🔥

And just when you think your heart has chosen a side—enter Tharan Greenblade.
That auburn-haired softie with a heart of gold had me absolutely melting 🥺. The way he treats Aelia—with kindness, understanding, and no judgment—made me fall hard. I adored every single moment he was on the page.

Also, can we talk about the side characters? Amolie, Roderick, and Lucius ✨—they added such richness to the story.
But Gideon (her ex-husband), Erissa, and Baylis? Oh, the rage they made me feel. How can people be this cruel? 🤬

This book was a wild, emotional rollercoaster—
From heartbreak 💔 and fury, to healing, hope, and fierce love ❤️. The world-building? Stunning. The action? Intense. The growth, especially Aelia’s, was everything. And that ending? I need the next book yesterday.

If you’re into thrilling fantasy romance with morally grey characters, slow-burn tension, found family feels, and save-the-world stakes 🌍✨, please add this to your TBR immediately.
You won’t regret it.

Story Of My Life by Lucy Score

funny lighthearted relaxing 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

🚨 THE BEST SMALL-TOWN ROMANCE ALERT! 🚨

I’m officially obsessed with this book! If you’re looking for the PERFECT small-town romance, look no further because Story Lake is where it’s at. Seriously, I would move there in a heartbeat! The people, the cozy vibes, the lake, and yes—the non-stop gossip—make this place feel so real. It’s one of those fictional towns you just want to live in!

Cam and Hazel have me in a CHOKEHOLD! The banter? 🔥 The chemistry? Off the charts. And don’t even get me started on Jealous Cam—SO GOOD. Plus, that grand gesture?? I’m still swooning! The brothers’ dynamic is everything—like, their family group chat literally had me cracking up.

This book had me smiling, giggling, and blushing the entire time. I swear, it’s impossible not to fall in love with every single thing about it. Also, shoutout to Goose—the town bald eagle—who’s the cutest and funniest little troublemaker ever. 😂

AND can we talk about the renovation trope? Yesss! Watching Heart House transform was SO satisfying, and seeing how Story Lake came together in the end made my heart so full. I totally get it when the author said this series is like a love letter to everyone who dreams of moving to a fictional town. I felt that.

If you love small-town vibes, spice, banter, family drama, quirky characters, and a whole lot of heart—READ THIS! 💕

PS: The whole romance author as the main character gave such a cool glimpse into an author’s life! It was fascinating and super entertaining—like getting an insider’s view while still being wrapped up in all the romance feels.

Curses of Lavender by Isabella Stofka

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

A Whimsical Journey of Love, Friendship, and Courage

Wow, I just finished this book, and I’m honestly in love! First off, can we talk about that cover? It’s absolutely gorgeous—the lavender tones and the whole vibe just pulled me right in.

One of my favorite parts has to be the animal companions. It’s such a cute idea, and I loved how every character had their own unique companion. Thicket’s bond with Kiwi was just the sweetest, especially when Kiwi interacted with Elian—it made my heart melt. Plus, Elian himself? Ugh, so patient and caring with Thicket. I genuinely felt like they were meant for each other.

The way the story played with the contrast between the dream world and the real world was so intriguing. I kept wondering why Thicket couldn’t leave town, no matter how hard she tried. It broke my heart to see dream Thicket misunderstood, but once the curse unraveled, it all made sense. The storytelling was so clever, and I loved how everything clicked into place by the end. The way she smells lavender while in dream world? So clever! 

I also really enjoyed other characters—Marcellus, Bern, and Lotta. Their friendship brought so much warmth to the story, and I loved how they stuck together through everything. It was just so heartwarming. Thicket & Marcellus bantering was just so funny.

The whole adventure felt so immersive, like I was right there with them through every step. The action scenes were exciting, and the whole idea of animal controlling and Sleeping Beauty retelling was pure magic.

I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait for the next part! If you’re into fairytale retellings where the heroine saves herself, adorable animal companions, and an adventure full of loyalty and love, this book is an absolute must-read. Highly recommend it!

The Proposal by Adriana Locke

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-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

Breaking News: Rugby’s Bad Boy Marries His Best Friend’s Little Sister

I am OBSESSED with this book! Seriously, how much cuter could it get? I had no idea what I was signing up for, but wow—this was sweet, sexy, and packed with the kind of tension that keeps you glued to the pages. Blakely and Renn completely stole my heart. And Renn? Swoon! Yet another perfect book boyfriend—kind, thoughtful, utterly devoted to his girl, and willing to do anything for her. Meanwhile, Blakely is just as amazing—confident, sexy, and knows exactly what she wants (even when things don’t go as planned).

The story kicks off in Las Vegas, where Blakely and her bestie, Ella, are celebrating her 30th birthday. Enter Brock (Blakely’s brother) and his best friend, Renn. Fast forward to the next morning, and—oops—they’re married! Neither of them remembers how it happened, and instead of rushing for an annulment, they decide to entertain a 90-day marriage of convenience. Now, the real question: will they fall in love or walk away once the time is up? You’ll have to read to find out!

I devoured this book in a single day—it had me that hooked from the start! The sexual tension? Off the charts. And once they finally give in? Whew! Pure fire. The spice was chef’s kiss perfection. I also loved Ella and Brock, and of course, the entire Brewer family (except the father—what a jerk).

If you love sports romance, sizzling chemistry, a swoon-worthy book boyfriend, and the friends-to-lovers trope, then this book is absolutely for you. Highly recommend!

The Elf Witch by Jacquelyn Gilmore

challenging dark mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ?! 🤯

I swear, if I could reach into this book and strangle Kiran, I would. The number of times I had to physically stop myself from screaming in frustration is indescribable. This story had me absolutely fuming on behalf of Imani because, my god, can this girl catch a break?! Just one moment of peace—was that too much to ask?!

From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The suspense? Unbearable. The way events kept unfolding, one after another, dragging me deeper into the story—I was there, living it alongside Imani. The tension, the betrayals, the secrets… it was everything.

And Kiran? Don’t even get me started. My emotions toward this man were a rollercoaster. One second, I wanted to strangle him, the next, I was absolutely swooning. He’s infuriating, he’s magnetic, and somehow, I couldn’t get enough of him. Imani and Kiran’s dynamic was so intense, so real, that I felt every ounce of their love, their hate, their everything. And the other characters? So intriguing.

And that ending?! Baby, I was spiraling. The twist completely wrecked me. This book took me on an emotional warzone, and I loved every second of it. The world-building? Phenomenal. I admit it was quite intense in the beginning with all the world building but once you get the hang of it you are in it. The different creatures, the powers, the magic—it was all so intricately crafted and utterly fascinating. The way this ended I'M DYING to read the next part!

If you love dark fantasy, true enemies-to-lovers, betrayals, secrets, and morally grey characters who make you question your sanity, READ THIS BOOK. I highly recommend it!

The Best Mistake by Nina Rey

emotional 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

4.0

"Two years ago, he would’ve been the shoulder she’d lean on. Now, he’d gladly step aside and watch her fall."

Kamila Morales is done trusting the wrong people. After a disastrous sophomore year and a failed situationship, she threw herself into therapy and self-defense classes, determined to make her junior year amazing. With her best friends by her side and a vow to stay single, she’s ready for a fresh start. But just when everything seems to be going right, her past crashes back into her life, bringing all the pain she thought she left behind.

Cameron Kahlo is finally at Driscoll University, focused on his goals—get his degree and avoid his ex-best friend/his ex’s twin sister at all costs. But fate clearly has other plans because not only is Kamila in the same place, but they’re also forced to work together. And avoiding someone is pretty damn hard when all the tension between you is unresolved as hell.

This book had everything—drama, spice, and a suspenseful past that had me dying to know what happened. The dual timeline added so much depth, and the little snippets from the past? Obsessed. I knew Ana was a snake from the start, and my hatred for her only grew with every chapter. The things she did? Infuriating. But Kamila standing up for herself in the end? So satisfying. Mental health comes first, and I loved how she chose herself.

Now, let’s talk about the spice—Cam and Kam? Whew. The tension, the angst, the heat—it was all so freaking good! And Kam’s friends? Loved them. The way they always had each other’s backs was everything.

If you love college romance with plenty of spice, drama, and a touch of mystery, you need to read this! And guess what? It’s release day today! Go grab your copy! 🎉

If You Give a CEO a Chance by Ann Einerson

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The perfect farewell to the Aspen Grove series.

I’m absolutely in awe of this book. Every single detail had me falling head over heels—Harrison and Fallon’s banter? Chef’s kiss—funny, sharp, and so damn good. The demon cat? ICONIC. He has a whole personality, and I was cackling every time he appeared. And the storyline? Absolute perfection. I had a smile on my face throughout the book! 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I adore the Stafford family. Johanna and her meddling in her children’s love lives? Elite behavior. And the fact that the book closes with a bonus epilogue from her POV? The most perfect, heartwarming way to end this series.

Now, let’s talk about Harrison. This man is everything—so thoughtful, so sweet, and don’t even get me started on his Christmas gifts to Fallon. I legit teared up because how can a man be this good?! Fallon is his perfect match, challenging him at every turn, and their prank war? HILARIOUS. Also, the Stafford family group chat? Peak entertainment. I loved every second of it.

And the spice? Just right. (Also, that chocolate-covered strawberries scene? Whew.)

Overall, this book is everything. It’s the best in every way, and I’m already missing the Stafford family so much. It’s bittersweet knowing this series has come to an end, but if you love enemies to lovers, second-chance romance, and banter that will have you grinning like an idiot, this one is highly recommended!

Two souls by Ashley Kathleen

challenging emotional tense 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

4.0

"Anger might be their greatest work of art yet."

This one was intense! Both Wren and Everett are carrying so much emotional baggage—family issues, past trauma—but watching them grow and heal throughout the book was honestly beautiful. The college setting, the Two Souls project, and the whole artistic angle? Loved it! Everett stole my heart with how patient and understanding he was toward Wren. No matter what he’s been through, he never lets it make him cold. And Wren? She’s been through so much, but her growth was one of my favorite parts of the book. Also, their friend group? Absolute gems. The way they became family to each other just made everything even better.

The story kicks off with Wren and Everett meeting at a college party, and let’s just say—sparks fly fast. They have a one-night stand, but it’s clear from the start that it’s more than just that. What follows? Full-on sworn enemies mode. But fate (and their art project) forces them to work together. With their pride set aside and their hearts on the line, they have to decide: run from it or stay and fight for something real.

I really enjoyed this book! Some of the intense moments were a lot for me, but overall, it was such a gripping read. And can we talk about how Everett kept the secret tattoo? Obsessed! If you love intense romances, college settings, hate-to-want-you, and he falls first tropes, you need to pick this one up.

Once Upon a Rose by Gabrielle Landi

lighthearted relaxing 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

5.0

"A cursed lord, a feisty librarian, and their disguised pet dragon."

This book was such an adorable and refreshing read! After diving into heavier, more intense stories, Once Upon A Rose felt like the perfect comfort read. It was light, heartwarming, and exactly what I needed. I adored both Beatrice and Alexander—their dynamic was so enjoyable, and watching their relationship unfold was just chef’s kiss. And let’s not forget the cutest little scene-stealer, baby dragon Rose!

The story follows a cursed lord whose top priority is protecting his estate and people. To do that, he needs to marry—immediately. Enter Beatrice, the sharp-witted librarian working for him. With no other choice, he offers her a marriage of convenience, but there’s one problem: the curse keeps him from revealing the truth. Meanwhile, Beatrice is effortlessly charming everyone in the estate, including the man who swore he wouldn’t fall for her. But as their feelings deepen, so does the danger. Can they outsmart the most powerful sorcerer in the Northlands, or will Beatrice lose the man she’s coming to love?

If you’re a fan of:
❤️ Marriage of Convenience
❤️ Beauty and the Beast Retellings
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamics

Then this book is absolutely for you! Add it to your TBR—you won’t regret it!

Strange Sweetness by Taahesi B. Williams

challenging 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

4.5

"He's strange, and she's sweet—what happens when the two collide?"

Carmen, the infamous "maneater" of Eden University, has spent years ruling the social scene—until her boyfriend, Micah, publicly humiliates her by breaking up with her in the middle of class. Determined to swear off men, she tries to stick to her resolution... but self-control has never been her strong suit. Not to mention, the judgmental voices in her head won’t let her forget a single mistake.

Enter Theodore Clayton—a former football star turned brooding, tattooed wallflower with dangerously good looks. He’s back at university only because of a deal with his father, and he’s the last person Carmen should be drawn to. But if there’s one thing about Carmen, it’s that she’s always full of surprises.

I really enjoyed this book! Carmen’s decision-making and behavior were questionable at times, but the author gave a fair warning—these are dumb college kids, after all, and that made it more realistic. Despite the length, I was never bored because the drama and chaos kept me entertained. The two voices in Carmen’s head? Absolutely hilarious. They added such a unique touch to the narration, and I loved that.

Now, let’s talk about Theodore—what a dream book boyfriend! He’s understanding, caring, and the way he respects women? Chef’s kiss. Some moments hurt on his behalf, but I loved how everything unfolded, and the way it ended has me even more intrigued.

Overall, I adored this book. If anything in this review piqued your interest, you need to check it out! For a debut novel, this was seriously impressive.