book_rascal's reviews
90 reviews

Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 
 
This is book two of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. The more I think about this story, the more confused I become. I’m gonna be honest, I have no idea what to say. This book is hectic as hell. There are a lot of characters and storylines going on and it’s hard to keep up. Some of the characters were in the first book and some are new. Because the story is so chaotic it is hard to follow, but the love of the great characters is what keeps you reading. Somehow, I can’t stop reading this series even though I am confused.  
I just don’t know?????????? 
It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 
 
This is the 7th book in the Bridgerton series and is Hyacinth Bridgerton’s story.  
Hyacinth hasn’t really given men a chance when it comes to love. Lady Danbury likes Hyacinth and they seem very much alike. Lady Danbury would like for Hyacinth to marry her favorite grandson Gareth St. Clair. Hyacinth likes him and wants to give him a chance. They have to work together to solve a mystery and feeling develop. They seem like a perfect match but he has a secret that could keep them apart. Compromise and honesty are the only things that can keep them together. Of course, it works out very nicely.  
Another nice Bridgerton book!!! 
Daughters of Men by J. Martain

Go to review page

challenging slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

 This was a strange book and I’m not sure I understood fully what was going on. Some humans were experimented on by aliens causing strange abilities. Lila has always been able to see little things flying out of herself and others that she called Angels. Sal is a alien who was sent to watch for anomalies in humans. They meet and eventually he explains why and what to her. There is talk of alternative worlds that I didn’t really understand but I believe this book just wasn’t for me. It was well written so others may be able to get into and understand it better. 
All The Feels by Olivia Dade

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 
Alex is a actor on a tv show that is coming to an end. The showrunner Ron is a jerk who gets angry at Alex for his misbehavior and punishes him by having his cousin Lauren babysit Alex till the show finishes. Lauren is not the best-looking person and gets picked on for her looks. Alex starts to enjoy her company and begins to like her. His feelings get stronger and Lauren becomes attracted to him also. They have some things to overcome so they can be together.  
This was the funniest thing I’ve read in a while! I laughed out loud and I hope no one heard me. If you enjoy funny romance then this is the book for you. 
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

 
This is another sweet and spicy Bridgerton book. I like a good friend to lovers' trope and this gives it. Francesca is widowed early on and goes into a depression. Her and her husband's best friend and cousin Michael has been in love with Francesca since he met her. When her husband dies, he inherits the title but feels guilty for it and for his feelings for her. Years later Francesca decides that she wants to remarry because she wants a baby. Michael wants to be that guy but it takes a lot of persuasion to get her to agree.  
What can I say except this is another Bridgerton story that fits into that mold. It’s very enjoyable and if you like the rest of the series you will like this. 
The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 
This is only the second book I’ve read of this author and I am hooked. The book takes place in two timelines and multiple points of view. Vi and her brother Eric live with their grandmother who is a brilliant psychiatrist who works with the mentally ill. One day the grandmother brings home a girl named Iris who is one of her patients. The girl acts strange and Vi takes on the task of helping her to behave normal. Vi and Eric are fascinated by monsters and bring Iris into their monster group. Soon Vi starts getting suspicious about what her grandmother is doing at the institution.  
Lizzy is a monster hunter and is always traveling, on the hunt for monsters. The monster she really wants to catch is her sister. Girls have been going missing for years and she believes her sister is responsible. Her hunt is dangerous but she is determined.  
I figured out one of the twists but the ending got me. There is a lot of tension and it made me anxious to see what was next. This is a good one!  
To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 
This is the 5th book in the Bridgerton series starring Eloise and her love story. Eloise starts writing Sir Phillip after his wife died and they carried on writing to each other for about a year. He writes to her asking her to visit to see if they are compatible for marriage. Eloise has been lonely watching her family getting married and wants someone of her own. She sneaks away and goes to see him just leaving her mother a note. They of course fall in love but there is some drama before they get to the alter.  
I am loving all of the books in this series. I have grown to love the Bridgerton family and am now working my way through them. Great for fans of romance! 
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 
This is the second book in this series. Personally, I liked it more than the first one. Things really start happening and it gets exciting. Poppy and Hawk have to travel to Atlantia to get married. Some are against it but Hawk is determined and thinks everyone will get over it.  
Poppy is experiencing changes in her powers and her relationship with Hawk. She wins the approval of some of his people by using her powers to heal. She is apprehensive about the marriage and how her powers are growing. 
Things get exciting in this book and I’m here for. There is action and romance that keeps you hanging on. Their banter and romance are great. I definitely recommend! 
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

 
I believe this is the 3rd Bridgerton book. I got into the series after watching the two seasons on Netflix. So far, I have really enjoyed them.  
This is Benedict and Sophie’s story. Sophie is the bastard of an Earl and is hated by her stepmother. Basically, hers is a Cinderella story right down to the ball and servitude to her stepmother and two stepsisters. Sophie meets Benedict at a ball then disappears.  Benedict looks for her everywhere but she has vanished. Two years later they meet under totally different circumstances and he doesn’t recognize her.  
This is a romance so you can guess the ending. The book was very funny and sweet. They had good chemistry and I enjoyed their banter. Romance readers everywhere should read this series.  
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

Go to review page

dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

3.5

 
This book is about the double murder of Brenda and Erica Lafferty in 1984. Brenda was married to Allen Lafferty and Erica was their fifteen-month-old daughter. Allen's brother Ron was angry with Brenda because she had helped his wife escape the abusive relationship with him. Ron and his brother Dan had become fundamentalist Mormons and believed God was telling them to kill Brenda and Erica so they did. 
This book goes into detail about the Mormon religion from the very beginning to today, as well as details about the murderer's state of mind. I definitely learned a lot. The murder was horrifying, slitting a baby's throat is monstrous. Both men were found guilty but there isn’t a punishment severe enough for these bastards.  
If you are interested in true crime and/or the history of the Mormon religion this is the book for you. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings