Scan barcode
book_worm_haven's reviews
145 reviews
Black Ties and White Lies by Kat Singleton
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.75
I’ve thought really hard about how to rate this book honestly. It was such a great experience, it had one of my favorite trope (fake dating) and I absolutely loved the dynamic between Beck and Margo which is why I originally gave it a 4⭐️
But you can count on me to overthink every single detail of the book for days. At the end of the day, some things I just couldn’t just go past.
First of all I believe some dialogues were just too far out. It’s a work of fiction so of course characters are going to act and say things no one would actually say in real life BUT it still needs to be coherent, why would a guy who doesn’t want you to know just how much he really wants you talk about bending you over and f*ck you on the first encounter. I mean I loved that part, but it would’ve made more sense later in the book.
Still with the dialogues, there were too much repetition, we got it when they said it the first time, no need for them to repeat it a thousand times, these shouldn’t have gotten past editing but what do I know.
So yeah, my picky literary ass had to nitpick on every single detail, but it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t 🤷🏼♀️
But you can count on me to overthink every single detail of the book for days. At the end of the day, some things I just couldn’t just go past.
First of all I believe some dialogues were just too far out. It’s a work of fiction so of course characters are going to act and say things no one would actually say in real life BUT it still needs to be coherent, why would a guy who doesn’t want you to know just how much he really wants you talk about bending you over and f*ck you on the first encounter. I mean I loved that part, but it would’ve made more sense later in the book.
Still with the dialogues, there were too much repetition, we got it when they said it the first time, no need for them to repeat it a thousand times, these shouldn’t have gotten past editing but what do I know.
So yeah, my picky literary ass had to nitpick on every single detail, but it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t 🤷🏼♀️
The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.5
They say to go out with a bang, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes understood the assignment. What an Ending?? I had my doubts, because I wondered what this book could possibly be about, but I was not disappointed in the least.
This book kept me on my toes, me and my book bestie kept coming up with the most far fetched theories about the kidnappers and never in a million years would I have been able to guess that plot twist
Also, Mr Hawthorne was one sick bastard, the reason he left everything to Avery, I kept thinking it was out of guilt and with good intentions, boy was I wrong. This shit blew my mind.
Anyway, let us move from the dead psychopath. Remember when I say I didn’t like Thea? Well I like her better than Eve that’s for sure. Grayson was such a dumb fool other that dead girl doppelgänger it was painful to watch. The secondhand embarrassment I got from reading his shenanigans scarred me for life.
How do you even trust a girl called EVE??? Haven’t your read the Bible? You should have known better young man! As always my boy Jameson didn’t waver, he was perfection from the beginning to the end, cementing the fact that he was the only right option since day one.
I cried a tiny bit over my baby Xander, once again like too many times in that book, Tobias Tattersall Hawthorne has proven to be a total nut job. But I’m glad Xander got reunited with his dad and that the man is as much of a weirdo as his offspring.
Anyhow I’m so proud of my queen Avery. The badassery that was showcased here? That’s a tale that should be passed down from generation to generation. THEY GOT SERVED. Her mind?? A jewel. I worship the ground she walks on. LONG LIVE THE HEIRESS.
I am so sad that I have to say goodbye to these characters, but everything good must eventually come to an end. It was a wild ride, one I absolutely do not regret getting on. Thank you Ms Barnes for an amazing adventure 🤍
This book kept me on my toes, me and my book bestie kept coming up with the most far fetched theories about the kidnappers and never in a million years would I have been able to guess that plot twist
Anyway, let us move from the dead psychopath. Remember when I say I didn’t like Thea? Well I like her better than Eve that’s for sure. Grayson was such a dumb fool other that dead girl doppelgänger it was painful to watch. The secondhand embarrassment I got from reading his shenanigans scarred me for life.
How do you even trust a girl called EVE??? Haven’t your read the Bible? You should have known better young man! As always my boy Jameson didn’t waver, he was perfection from the beginning to the end, cementing the fact that he was the only right option since day one.
I cried a tiny bit over my baby Xander, once again like too many times in that book, Tobias Tattersall Hawthorne has proven to be a total nut job. But I’m glad Xander got reunited with his dad and that the man is as much of a weirdo as his offspring.
Anyhow I’m so proud of my queen Avery. The badassery that was showcased here? That’s a tale that should be passed down from generation to generation. THEY GOT SERVED. Her mind?? A jewel. I worship the ground she walks on. LONG LIVE THE HEIRESS.
I am so sad that I have to say goodbye to these characters, but everything good must eventually come to an end. It was a wild ride, one I absolutely do not regret getting on. Thank you Ms Barnes for an amazing adventure 🤍
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Adult/minor relationship, and Kidnapping
Minor: Violence
The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
Ms Barnes did it AGAIN! If that woman came to me and asked for my first born, you know what I’d say? Yes. Without hesitation. Yes. How was this book even better than the first one???
I practically read it in one sitting, I was enthralled. Every turn and twist got me GASPING. This woman did not take writing that trilogy lightly, she’s out for our throats!
I absolutely love to see Avery Character development, to see her gain confidence and settle into her title of Heiress. I love that she learns to want from life and to go after what she wants. We really see her fight against everything she believed to be true, every belief she built her life on, and we finally see her letting go and that was beautiful to witness.
Another thing that made me eat that book and leave no CRUMBS was that we got to see her relationship with Jameson FLOURISH
I said it in my previous review, I don’t care much for Grayson, I’ve been on Jameson’s Team ever since he appeared. Granted he had some mishaps but he is brave enough to accept that he wants her
Nevertheless, although I do not ship Avery and Grayson together, I did like to see the shift in their relationship happen. How protective he became of her and how that relationship (Or lack thereof) was slowly turning him into someone else or should I say into himself instead of just the Heir Apparent.
Also no one probably cares, but once again I LIVED for those Libby and Nash moments, Ms. Barnes, is it too much to ask to have a sequel about those two, I need to know every seconds of what happened between those two, because I KNOW it is a love story for the ages. Definitely worth telling.
As always, Xander was a real sunshine, not warm ray on your skin sunshine, more like massive fiery ball sunshine, and I love him for that. I wouldn’t say the same about the company he keeps. I’m sorry but Thea just grates on my nerves.
That subplot with what happened between Zara and Skye was such a nice touch, I love that we were able to learn more about what happened between them, but also that we were able to dive a bit into Zara psyche because to me she was a mystery in and of itself
Discovering the truth about Toby and Avery mother, all the connections, it was truly and simply mind blowing, and that plot twist with Grayson’s father? My mind was in scatters. You know what all that told me, every single character in this book is completely bonkers 😭
Anyhow, in conclusion, this was definitely my favorite book in the trilogy, *chef’s kiss*
I practically read it in one sitting, I was enthralled. Every turn and twist got me GASPING. This woman did not take writing that trilogy lightly, she’s out for our throats!
I absolutely love to see Avery Character development, to see her gain confidence and settle into her title of Heiress. I love that she learns to want from life and to go after what she wants. We really see her fight against everything she believed to be true, every belief she built her life on, and we finally see her letting go and that was beautiful to witness.
I said it in my previous review, I don’t care much for Grayson, I’ve been on Jameson’s Team ever since he appeared. Granted he had some mishaps but he is brave enough to accept that he wants her
Nevertheless, although I do not ship Avery and Grayson together, I did like to see the shift in their relationship happen. How protective he became of her and how that relationship (Or lack thereof) was slowly turning him into someone else or should I say into himself instead of just the Heir Apparent.
Also no one probably cares, but once again I LIVED for those Libby and Nash moments, Ms. Barnes, is it too much to ask to have a sequel about those two, I need to know every seconds of what happened between those two, because I KNOW it is a love story for the ages. Definitely worth telling.
As always, Xander was a real sunshine, not warm ray on your skin sunshine, more like massive fiery ball sunshine, and I love him for that. I wouldn’t say the same about the company he keeps. I’m sorry but Thea just grates on my nerves.
That subplot with what happened between Zara and Skye was such a nice touch, I love that we were able to learn more about what happened between them, but also that we were able to dive a bit into Zara psyche because to me she was a mystery in and of itself
Discovering the truth about Toby and Avery mother, all the connections, it was truly and simply mind blowing, and that plot twist with Grayson’s father? My mind was in scatters. You know what all that told me, every single character in this book is completely bonkers 😭
Anyhow, in conclusion, this was definitely my favorite book in the trilogy, *chef’s kiss*
Content Warnings
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Addiction
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.75
I really took my sweet time getting to that book, and deep I always KNEW it was going to be epic when I actually got around reading it. This book was straight up perfect there was not a single thing I didn’t like about it, the only reason it’s not getting a 5 ⭐️ is that I judge interconnected books between themselves.
BUT just don’t take my weird quirks into consideration. Mystery is really outside of my preferred genre. But the way that book (That entire trilogy) got me captivated?? If I wasn’t buddy reading it I would have devoured it in a matter of hours instead of days.
Avery was this brilliant, absolutely stunning little creature and a Bi-panic trigger FOR SURE, you bet your ass those boys fell in love with her. WHO WOULDN’T??? She fell into that twisted game, she played it and she played it well. She was refreshing, relatable, grounded, everything I expect a YA character to be
And let’s talk about those Hawthorne boys shall we? My oh my to be Avery Kylie Grambs! Jameson is everything I look for in a book boyfriend, flirty, adventurous and just a tiny bit traumatized 😂
I didn’t care much for Grayson, he had his charm but not really my type, you know who was NASH WESTBROOK HAWTHORNE. I lived for every tiniest glimpse of him we could have, I’m borderline obsessive at this point.
Xander was the weirdest, most adorable creature on the planet, you can’t argue with me.
The adult Hawthorne and associates tho, not a fan AT ALL. Those people had issues,I wouldn’t have given them money either if I had been the old man.
Anyhow I think you get the picture GO READ THAT FREAKING BOOK RIGHT NOW!!
BUT just don’t take my weird quirks into consideration. Mystery is really outside of my preferred genre. But the way that book (That entire trilogy) got me captivated?? If I wasn’t buddy reading it I would have devoured it in a matter of hours instead of days.
Avery was this brilliant, absolutely stunning little creature and a Bi-panic trigger FOR SURE, you bet your ass those boys fell in love with her. WHO WOULDN’T??? She fell into that twisted game, she played it and she played it well. She was refreshing, relatable, grounded, everything I expect a YA character to be
And let’s talk about those Hawthorne boys shall we? My oh my to be Avery Kylie Grambs! Jameson is everything I look for in a book boyfriend, flirty, adventurous and just a tiny bit traumatized 😂
I didn’t care much for Grayson, he had his charm but not really my type, you know who was NASH WESTBROOK HAWTHORNE. I lived for every tiniest glimpse of him we could have, I’m borderline obsessive at this point.
Xander was the weirdest, most adorable creature on the planet, you can’t argue with me.
The adult Hawthorne and associates tho, not a fan AT ALL. Those people had issues,
Anyhow I think you get the picture GO READ THAT FREAKING BOOK RIGHT NOW!!
Syndicate of Sins by Marie Maravilla
adventurous
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I literally read this book in one sitting, it was impossible to put down. I’ve read Dark Romances before and I usually don’t rate or review them because most of the time I just have nothing to say about it because I can’t make sense of what I feel. But this book? This book was incredible and it totally deserves to be my first 5 ⭐️ of the year.
Mafia Romances are definitely my favorite dark romance sub genre and this one DELIVERED. Do you know what I love more than morally grey men? Morally grey WOMEN. Scar baby, come and collect me, I’m yours. I haven’t fallen in love with a FMC since Jude and doesn’t it feel good?
Scarletta in a Queen, nothing less. She was brilliant and deadly despite being the size of a peanut (Just joking) and there isn’t one thing I didn’t like about her and that says a lot. I always find something I dislike, but I couldn’t, I was totally gone for.
And let’s not talk about the boys. Yes Boys, plural. You love a possessive and obsessed morally grey man? Well Ms. Maravilla has blessed us with a three for one package. Caleb, Nikolai and Kenji were scrumdelicious. The fact that Caleb was calling her his heartbeat when he was claiming to hate her? I LOST IT HERE.
Do I really need to tell y’all to go grab this book at this point? You should be at least 50% in that book by the time I finish writing this!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Trafficking, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Cursing and Child abuse
Minor: Drug use
Marriage for One by Ella Maise
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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? No
3.75
This was a Bookstagram made me do it type of read. I was in the mood for some fake marriage romance and this book DELIVERED. It was a slow burn and every bit of tension was scrumdelicious 🤤
Jack Hawthorne was the perfect book hubby, he was broody and stern and completely OBSESSED with his missus, and I ate that shit up. Yes he lied BUT even that was perfect, because everything he did, he did because he wanted her to be safe and happy doing what she loved, what more can you ask???
Rose was a sweet and lovable FMC, she wasn’t the brightest light in the room sometimes, but her heart was always in the right place. I love how she was passionate and fought so hard to reach her dream despite everything life threw at her.
Well obviously I loved that book so why the weird rating? This book was on his way to be a solid 4 ⭐️ so what happened? That unnecessary third break up act did. I mean they already took forever to get together, they were happy for 5 seconds and then boom?? Honestly made no sense to me, especially when she knew she was going to forgive him anyway 😒 so yeah couldn’t get past that shitshow and if I ever get my hands on Josh, he’s a dead man for sure
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Car accident and Cancer
The Do-Over by T.L. Swan
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
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? No
3.0
This is the final installment of the Miles High Club and this was a wild ride. The Do-over was an interesting ✨experience✨. Okay it wasn’t as upsetting as the Stopover, the plot was actually pretty interesting I loved the idea of the incognito backpack trip, it was thrilling to imagine myself in there shoes.
I don’t have much to say about Hayley other than she really had a beautiful soul. I could connect with her about that impression that she didn’t belong.
Christopher was another Miles man child but even though he was the youngest he still was less of a baby than Jameson (Yes I’m not over it). He was still a dickhead tho, trapping her and belittling her needs was not the way dude.
I especially didn’t like their third act break up because it was easily solved through communication and compromise and it’s dumb af they had to even be separated in the first place to realize that 🙄
Wasn’t a bad book by all means but wasn’t the best either 🤷🏼♀️
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
The Casanova by T.L. Swan
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
3.5
The Casanova comes close second to me when it comes to Miles High Club series. This book was really good, so why the 3.5 ⭐️ then? Because first of all I didn’t like it as much as the previous book and that’s solely because of a few details regarding the characters.
In terms of plot this book was obviously superior, there was more to the story than the relationship of the MCs and it kept me on my toes (Although I figured most of it it was still nice), the third act break up tho? It upset me too much to just go over it.
Kate might actually be my favorite FMC in the series, I relate to her most and it was really easy to get attached, that’s probably why I took the reason of their break up so personally.
Elliott was ALMOST perfect. He was so romantic, he made my heart flutter more than once. And I understood why he took those decisions but it still broke my heart, and I have yet to forgive him for that.
The Takeover by T.L. Swan
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
The takeover is the second book in the Miles High Club and after the first book I didn’t have high expectations (Even thought it’s a booksta fav 🙄) But Lord did this book prove me wrong!!! I loved this so much, it was such a fun and addictive read, for once the internet really didn’t fail me with this rec.
I fell in love with Tristan, WE LOVE A MAN WHO KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS. And this one was all in, he didn’t shy away from his feeling. He was funny, reliable, sensitive, He was just PERFECT
For as much as she upset me.. Claire was a very interesting character, she was driven and loyal. A little hard headed but that made her so real, how she navigated her grief and how to learn to live without it
Anyhow this book was amazing *chef’s kiss* 🤌🏼