bookheathens's reviews
346 reviews

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

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4.25

4? 4.5? Stars? šŸ˜‚

Stabby vampires meet the Hunger Games. I will say the last 15% or so was probably the most riveting part. Just because there were so many conflicting emotions happening at once. 

Definitely looking forward to the second book, but I will probably take a break in between.

Manacled Hearts by Lilith Roman

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5.0

Consider the triggers before diving into this one, babes, but if you're not fazed by them, then...

This slow burn, age gap, broken/healing hearts, and mafia romance is absolutely incredible.

I'm quite the emotional reader, as none of my friends will be surprised to hear. If you're new here, hi! I'm a crier. It’s cathartic!

And cathartic this was. I've been following the Sanctum series since Reckless Covenant was a standalone in another collection, not book 2 in The Sanctum Syndicate. I've watched the men of The Sanctum grow, fight, rage, grieve, and love for what feels like forever. After the new ending for Dangerous Strokes, I knew we were in for a journey with Finnigan Hennessey. The way this felt, just like a continuation of Reckless Covenant, was perfect.

We watch Finn and Evie navigate their new ā€œsituation.ā€ Evie has a sweet sister, Maya, to care for, and Finn has demons he needs to confront.

Evie is such a strong FMC, and I felt all her struggles and worries despite the age gap. Seeing her interactions with LuLu and The Sanctum (& their ladies) and watching them from an outsider’s perspective was a refreshing take on my favorite characters. I loved that Evie was an outsider but still had essential moments with everyone. At the very beginning, I was dying for her to find herself and finally blossom, and I was not disappointed.

Finn is a playboy avoiding his feelings but still manages to be infuriatingly possessive and pretty damn sassy. He and his large... ego... didn’t disappoint either šŸ˜

Overall, I can't speak highly enough about this story, and I can't thank Lilith Roman enough for trusting me with another ARC for this series. Of course, all thoughts are my own and not influenced by outside sources.
We Had Infinity by Aspen Blakely

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad 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

5 sobbing emotional stars. 

Beta read and arc read. 
I will review eventually but know this is one of the most beautiful indie debut novels I’ve ever read. 
Bride by Ali Hazelwood

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3.5

3.5 stars

I was mostly annoyed with the lack of communication or miscommunication I guess you could call it. The reasoning behind it was subpar at best, imo.
Cough, daddy dearest can go fuck himself. At least he wasn’t just controlling Misery, I guess.


The spice was cringy but I feel like that’s been a resounding feeling from Hazelwood’s spicy scenes for me. 

I know a common complaint has been that this isn’t omegaverse, and honestly I’m glad it wasn’t. I didn’t need something else to be done poorly in this book. Thanks though. 

I did like Lowe and the ending was ok. I’ve just got high standards for vampire/shifter books and this didn’t make it for me. 
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

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5.0

It's not just vibes and cowboys. 

This book and the characters are absolutely incredible. I never expect to relate to the men or women in story, but when it lands like these two did? I almost immediately started to relisten to it. 

Rebel Blue will absolutely be a place I revisit since I can't permanently live there. 🄹 
Warrior Fae by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

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5.0

DESTROYED but also obsessed. 

I told one of the ZA besties that I could no longer choose a favorite harem member. They were all written so incredibly well that I fell for each of them so much harder than the first four books. 

Was this excessively long? Yes.
Did I start rolling my eyes at the epilogues? Yes.
When each one ended, was I glad I got to see/read it? Yes! 
I'm so conflicted, lol

It's a running joke since the soul obliterating started that each time someone reads these books, Ryder must get a full refill because my heart still hurts 6 hours after I finished. 

I hope we get to see more little cameos of this group through the rest of ZA (I stopped before Shadow Princess to read RB), and I know I'll be picking up the Darkmore series eventually, too.
So Wrong by Abby Millsaps

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4.5

Alright, let's dive into the rollercoaster that is "So Wrong" by Abby Millsaps. 
Now, fair warning, folks, this one takes a bit to rev up – the story doesn't fully hit its stride until about 65% in. But hey, stick with it, because it doesn't let go once it grabs you!

With its dual timeline and multiple points of view (all three MCs - Greedy, Hunter, and Levi), "So Wrong" offers an experience that keeps you guessing at every turn. And can we talk about those Hunter and Levi moments? Chef's kiss! Their chemistry leaps off the page and I found myself seeking out their chapters. Sorry Greedy - I'm sure I'll love you soon bbyboy!

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: trigger warnings. Yeah, they're sprinkled throughout like confetti at a party. So, if you're sensitive to certain topics, proceed with caution. But if you're ready to brave the storm, buckle up because this book is one wild ride!

And that ending? Honestly, rude. Talk about a cliffhanger that leaves you dangling by a thread! With "So Wrong" being the first in a series, I can't wait to see what else Millsaps throws into this little drama-cluster. 

So, despite its slow start, "So Wrong" still earns a solid 4.5 stars from me. Once it sinks its hooks into you, you won't be able to put it down. Then you'll be jonesing for Book 2 - like me. BRB while I go sign up for THAT arc. 

As always, thank you so much to Valentine PR for this ARC - All thoughts are my own.