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bubblewombat's reviews
2393 reviews
From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir by Lisa Marie Presley
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
The right way to experience this book is through audio, we got to hear Lisa, Riley and Julia Roberts telling Lisa's heartbreaking story. Riley masterfully used the tapes her mother left her, and filled in the blanks for all of us. It's such a sad read, but I flew through it anyway. I wish it was longer, but it also feels "just enough". I'll definitely be getting a physical copy too.
No Way Back by Santana Knox
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Okay so, I didn't care for the first book, and thought I might be making a mistake by picking this up, HOWEVER, it was better than No Way Out, and it ended on a cliffhanger that made me want to continue the series, so there's that.
But in so many ways it's worse (read: darker) than book one, I truly am disgusted and traumatised. And the thing is, the plot itself does have something there, it's giving pretty good Halloween slasher flick vibes, there's just a few scenes that ruin it in between.
One scene is what I feel like a lot of people imagine happens to pedos in prison, but that doesn't mean I want to read about it in graphic detail, you know? That was too much for me so I am pretending I never read it, eyes closed, only happy thoughts etc etc.
Another one is with a cop, but something like that happened in book one already so I was expecting it. And then there's one with Naya and I feel so bad for her, and I wasn't even attached to her as a character, but damn.
If those scenes weren't in the book, easy four stars. But since they are...
Anyway, please check the trigger warnings, this is HEAVY on the horror. I do wonder if we'll get some paranormal elements thrown in because of those little crumbs at the end too.
But in so many ways it's worse (read: darker) than book one, I truly am disgusted and traumatised. And the thing is, the plot itself does have something there, it's giving pretty good Halloween slasher flick vibes, there's just a few scenes that ruin it in between.
One scene is what I feel like a lot of people imagine happens to pedos in prison, but that doesn't mean I want to read about it in graphic detail, you know? That was too much for me so I am pretending I never read it, eyes closed, only happy thoughts etc etc.
Another one is with a cop, but something like that happened in book one already so I was expecting it. And then there's one with Naya and I feel so bad for her, and I wasn't even attached to her as a character, but damn.
If those scenes weren't in the book, easy four stars. But since they are...
Anyway, please check the trigger warnings, this is HEAVY on the horror. I do wonder if we'll get some paranormal elements thrown in because of those little crumbs at the end too.
The Emperor by RuNyx
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“You’re not going to walk through life, Amara,” he uttered roughly, each word a vow that cemented itself in her heart. “You’ll dance through it. And I’ll fucking remove anyone who tries to break your rhythm. I promise you.”
The first half of this book is set in the past, following Dante and Amara as they're growing up and falling in love, the second takes us back to the present, picking up a bit before book two ended.
I actually wasn't expecting to see so many past chapters, but I think it really worked for this story. We even got to see how Dante befriended Tristan, and why the latter is so protective of Amara, and yes, it has to do with her kidnapping which we also got to see more of.
There were scenes in this book that, while not graphic, were very hard to read. I probably cried the most while reading this, compared to the first two books. And I'm anticipating it might get worse while they dismantle the whole Syndicate so...oof.
We met one, and got glimpses of the other love interest in books four and five which was fun. I'm looking forward to learning more about Shadowman in particular.
As for Tristan and Morana, I loooved seeing them being cute and domestic, and possibly adopting a stay!!!I hope Xander stays with them, I like that they're technically the first to get a kid.
I feel like this was more a relationship development book, but it did move the plot along, albeit not as much as I was expecting it to. Still though, I had a good time.
The first half of this book is set in the past, following Dante and Amara as they're growing up and falling in love, the second takes us back to the present, picking up a bit before book two ended.
I actually wasn't expecting to see so many past chapters, but I think it really worked for this story. We even got to see how Dante befriended Tristan, and why the latter is so protective of Amara, and yes, it has to do with her kidnapping which we also got to see more of.
There were scenes in this book that, while not graphic, were very hard to read. I probably cried the most while reading this, compared to the first two books. And I'm anticipating it might get worse while they dismantle the whole Syndicate so...oof.
We met one, and got glimpses of the other love interest in books four and five which was fun. I'm looking forward to learning more about Shadowman in particular.
As for Tristan and Morana, I loooved seeing them being cute and domestic, and possibly adopting a stay!!!
I feel like this was more a relationship development book, but it did move the plot along, albeit not as much as I was expecting it to. Still though, I had a good time.
Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife by Irene Spencer
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I've read quite a few books about the LeBarons, but I've been looking forward to reading Irene's books specifically, even more so since I read Susan's book. Both she and Irene were married to Verlan, so it was interesting seeing both of their perspectives, life wasn't easy for either of them.
I said back in my review of Susan's book, that she made me see why she fell in love with Verlan. Now, for Irene's book, I could still see it, but I was so sad for her, because she had a chance at true, monogamous, love before she ever married Verlan, but she didn't listen and ended up with a lot of pain and heartache as a result.
Irene wasn't meant for polygamy, as shown in the book. It might be a bit of a difficult or annoying read for some people because of it. She constantly complains about it, cries when she doesn't get enough attention from her husband, argues with him about the other wives, thinks about leaving, and yet still stays because he's her salvation.
Add all the poverty on top, constant moving to evade the law, popping out babies and the health risks that come with having that many close together...listen, I WOULD CRY TOO!!!
And mind you, she was only 16 when they got together, of course she's going to be immature??? Having a baby (or several) doesn't magically fix that, or the jealousy. I can't say if she would've been that jealous had she never experienced being loved the way Glen loved her, but I don't fault her for it.
Something else that I found interesting here, is that I saw, through Irene's eyes, that Verlan genuinely believed what he was preaching. I'm not saying it's not coo coo bananas, but I felt that he wasn't taking all these wives just because he wanted to, but because he truly believed he could help them. Like, even past the seven he "needed", it didn't feel like greed. But it's clear everyone suffered regardless.
There were some events that were glossed over here, but I believe Spencer covers them in her next book, so it's okay. This one is a bit long as is, so splitting the story up was a good decision if you ask me.
But it does wrap things up for the most part, there's an update on how she was doing at the time of publication, so you don't have to read her other books if you don't want to. I'm definitely going to, though.
I said back in my review of Susan's book, that she made me see why she fell in love with Verlan. Now, for Irene's book, I could still see it, but I was so sad for her, because she had a chance at true, monogamous, love before she ever married Verlan, but she didn't listen and ended up with a lot of pain and heartache as a result.
Irene wasn't meant for polygamy, as shown in the book. It might be a bit of a difficult or annoying read for some people because of it. She constantly complains about it, cries when she doesn't get enough attention from her husband, argues with him about the other wives, thinks about leaving, and yet still stays because he's her salvation.
Add all the poverty on top, constant moving to evade the law, popping out babies and the health risks that come with having that many close together...listen, I WOULD CRY TOO!!!
And mind you, she was only 16 when they got together, of course she's going to be immature??? Having a baby (or several) doesn't magically fix that, or the jealousy. I can't say if she would've been that jealous had she never experienced being loved the way Glen loved her, but I don't fault her for it.
Something else that I found interesting here, is that I saw, through Irene's eyes, that Verlan genuinely believed what he was preaching. I'm not saying it's not coo coo bananas, but I felt that he wasn't taking all these wives just because he wanted to, but because he truly believed he could help them. Like, even past the seven he "needed", it didn't feel like greed. But it's clear everyone suffered regardless.
There were some events that were glossed over here, but I believe Spencer covers them in her next book, so it's okay. This one is a bit long as is, so splitting the story up was a good decision if you ask me.
But it does wrap things up for the most part, there's an update on how she was doing at the time of publication, so you don't have to read her other books if you don't want to. I'm definitely going to, though.
Happy Medium by Sarah Adler
adventurous
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This was cute, but it would've been cuter had she ended up with the ghost instead!! Having listened to the author's note, I understand why this didn't happen, but I maintain my opinion either way. I loved their silly banter, they would've been so fun together...sniff sniff.
The plot was great, I loved the concept of Gretchen being a fake psychic and then suddenly being a able to see a ghost who is just as confused as she is and then having to convince Charlie that Everett is not only real, but there's also a curse that concerns him when he doesn't wanna hear it.
The story felt a bit long in parts, but it also allowed for more character development, so it balanced out.
After reading this, I want to give the author's other books a try, I think they'll be entertaining.
The plot was great, I loved the concept of Gretchen being a fake psychic and then suddenly being a able to see a ghost who is just as confused as she is and then having to convince Charlie that Everett is not only real, but there's also a curse that concerns him when he doesn't wanna hear it.
The story felt a bit long in parts, but it also allowed for more character development, so it balanced out.
After reading this, I want to give the author's other books a try, I think they'll be entertaining.
Magic by Ellen Mint
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“You don’t understand. A world without you in it is my hell. I would rather fall with you than live a million years without you.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THIS BOOK AND TO MEEEEE!!! We both came into the world on November 5th, so I couldn't pass up a chance to wish us both the happiest of birthdays. It's also very fitting that one of my ultimate fav series is ending on my birthday.
(We will ignore the fact that this was posted on the 6th, it was mostly ready on the 5th which is what counts ahem)
In the *FINAL* book in this epic series, Layla and her guys have to stop the world from ending once and for all, while everything is working against them. Will they make it out alive? Are more betrayals on the way? Will Ink finally say the three magic words? And what about the little life growing inside our favourite witch? All questions that will be answered when you read this lovely book.
I can't believe it's overrrrrrr. I'm literally sitting here, having followed this series since the start, and I don't know what to do with my life now that I have no more Coven of Desire books to look forward to.
Mint delivered on that ending though, we got to see everyone happy and thriving, the world changed for the better, AFTER putting us through a lot of stress, not being sure how things would go until the very last moment.
The most stressful part was Layla being held captive with her men unable to reach her. I kept rooting for a certain someone to save her, and wouldn't you know it...they did!!
I was mad at Daniel for a good chunk of the book, you know why. I forgive him now though, we're all good. That scene with him and Izzy at the end was so precious.
Speaking of precious...INK SAID I LOVE YOU, I REPEAT, HE SAID I LOVE YOU AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! It only took him 10 books and a few novellas, but HE. SAID. IT. I'm so happy. I could flyyyy.
But anyway, I was truly convinced the world was gonna end for a good second there, and the way they all worked together to fix it was just *chef's kiss*. We got to see the results of their efforts months and years down the line, which is almost like we got a few different epilogues in one.
Ellen Mint is so creative, I love the world she created so so much, I want to live inside it. PLEASE LET ME IN, I WILL BRING BURGERS OF CHEESE!!!
And the way she can bring humour to even the direst of situations, makes this series extra unique.
I laughed and cried with these characters over the years, and my only hope is that CoD gets super popular so everyone else can find as much joy in this amazing series as I did.
Pleaseeeee go and start CoD by reading Ink, I promise you'll have a banger of a time (and fall in love with the most fabulous incubus known to any realm, don't say I didn't warn you!!).
Oh, I liked that little nod to the novella that started it all too, by the way. And everyone's costumes, especially little Izzy's, she's so real for that.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go drown my sorrows in a salad of various greens one would feed to a giraffe. Sniff sniff. I'm going to miss Layla, Ink, Cal, Daniel, Garavel, Raul and now Izzy so much. In a just world, there would be an infinite number of Coven of Desire books, but the good part is, I can reread them anytime I want.
*Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THIS BOOK AND TO MEEEEE!!! We both came into the world on November 5th, so I couldn't pass up a chance to wish us both the happiest of birthdays. It's also very fitting that one of my ultimate fav series is ending on my birthday.
(We will ignore the fact that this was posted on the 6th, it was mostly ready on the 5th which is what counts ahem)
In the *FINAL* book in this epic series, Layla and her guys have to stop the world from ending once and for all, while everything is working against them. Will they make it out alive? Are more betrayals on the way? Will Ink finally say the three magic words? And what about the little life growing inside our favourite witch? All questions that will be answered when you read this lovely book.
I can't believe it's overrrrrrr. I'm literally sitting here, having followed this series since the start, and I don't know what to do with my life now that I have no more Coven of Desire books to look forward to.
Mint delivered on that ending though, we got to see everyone happy and thriving, the world changed for the better, AFTER putting us through a lot of stress, not being sure how things would go until the very last moment.
The most stressful part was Layla being held captive with her men unable to reach her. I kept rooting for a certain someone to save her, and wouldn't you know it...they did!!
I was mad at Daniel for a good chunk of the book, you know why. I forgive him now though, we're all good. That scene with him and Izzy at the end was so precious.
Speaking of precious...INK SAID I LOVE YOU, I REPEAT, HE SAID I LOVE YOU AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! It only took him 10 books and a few novellas, but HE. SAID. IT. I'm so happy. I could flyyyy.
But anyway, I was truly convinced the world was gonna end for a good second there, and the way they all worked together to fix it was just *chef's kiss*. We got to see the results of their efforts months and years down the line, which is almost like we got a few different epilogues in one.
Ellen Mint is so creative, I love the world she created so so much, I want to live inside it. PLEASE LET ME IN, I WILL BRING BURGERS OF CHEESE!!!
And the way she can bring humour to even the direst of situations, makes this series extra unique.
I laughed and cried with these characters over the years, and my only hope is that CoD gets super popular so everyone else can find as much joy in this amazing series as I did.
Pleaseeeee go and start CoD by reading Ink, I promise you'll have a banger of a time (and fall in love with the most fabulous incubus known to any realm, don't say I didn't warn you!!).
Oh, I liked that little nod to the novella that started it all too, by the way. And everyone's costumes, especially little Izzy's, she's so real for that.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go drown my sorrows in a salad of various greens one would feed to a giraffe. Sniff sniff. I'm going to miss Layla, Ink, Cal, Daniel, Garavel, Raul and now Izzy so much. In a just world, there would be an infinite number of Coven of Desire books, but the good part is, I can reread them anytime I want.
*Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear by Jinger Duggar Vuolo
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
A bit conflicted about my rating, because it's clear Jinger feels a very strong call to minister to others, hence the bulk of this book being about that, which I didn't mind at all, it's just that I was expecting a bit more.
She did touch on some IBLP practices she no longer follows, and what her mentality was at the time of the show being filmed, with some excerpts from her diary, as well as her relationship with Jeremy (for those who didn't read their previous book) and a few stories about what life was like growing up with 18 siblings.
It was all interesting to listen to, and see her reflect, but I'm going to need another book going deeper (if Jinger feels like writing one) to feel like I truly know her.
3.5
She did touch on some IBLP practices she no longer follows, and what her mentality was at the time of the show being filmed, with some excerpts from her diary, as well as her relationship with Jeremy (for those who didn't read their previous book) and a few stories about what life was like growing up with 18 siblings.
It was all interesting to listen to, and see her reflect, but I'm going to need another book going deeper (if Jinger feels like writing one) to feel like I truly know her.
3.5
Maison De Fous by Nova Kane
dark
medium-paced
2.0
Sue me, but I liked the first book so much better. This one had almost zero plot, it was all smut and horror elements which is fine, I just personally need more to fully engage with a book.
I found myself rolling my eyes at some of Lux's lines, which didn't happen in À La Folie, so it's safe to say I'm disappointed! Johnny ended up being more entertaining, although his chapters were by far the sickest/darkest.
I feel like Maison De Fous also upped the ridiculous factor, like that bit near the end with the customers in masks and black robes...very silly, but I don't think this book takes itself very seriously anyway.
I'll still read book three, hopefully it'll have just a tiny bit of plot, I'm not asking for much, I swear.
I found myself rolling my eyes at some of Lux's lines, which didn't happen in À La Folie, so it's safe to say I'm disappointed! Johnny ended up being more entertaining, although his chapters were by far the sickest/darkest.
I feel like Maison De Fous also upped the ridiculous factor, like that bit near the end with the customers in masks and black robes...very silly, but I don't think this book takes itself very seriously anyway.
I'll still read book three, hopefully it'll have just a tiny bit of plot, I'm not asking for much, I swear.
Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I need more geeky romances like this one, Dungeons and Drama and The Road to Roswell, PLEASE I'M BEGGING!! I will literally throw money at anyone who comes up with more of these, insta-preorder, all that jazz, JUST GIVE. ME. MORE.
Obviously, this was right up my alley, with conspiracy theories and creatures that absolutely do exist somewhere out there and you can't convince me otherwise.
The premise sounded so cool and it delivered, I loved every single thing about this, the story, the setting, the characters, the romance, the humour and so on and so forth. The audiobook was amazing and only made my reading experience better.
I literally cannot wait until next year when Mallory Marlowe releases another book with X Files vibes, because I know it was written with me in mind ok!! New auto-buy author acquired.
P. S. Did they actually find Bigfoot? You'll have to read and see.
Obviously, this was right up my alley, with conspiracy theories and creatures that absolutely do exist somewhere out there and you can't convince me otherwise.
The premise sounded so cool and it delivered, I loved every single thing about this, the story, the setting, the characters, the romance, the humour and so on and so forth. The audiobook was amazing and only made my reading experience better.
I literally cannot wait until next year when Mallory Marlowe releases another book with X Files vibes, because I know it was written with me in mind ok!! New auto-buy author acquired.
P. S. Did they actually find Bigfoot? You'll have to read and see.
The Reaper by RuNyx
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“You are exactly where you were supposed to be,” he told her, his voice leaving no room for doubts. “I know exactly who you are.”
“Who am I?”
“Mine.”
Ok but, can we talk about the relationship development in this one? Because omg. They finally feel like a real couple, and like they have something more binding them than lust & and their past. I'd love to see them get another book, their story is just starting. I don't know if the other couples will be able to beat these two, to be honest.
And the mystery is unravelling, but it took the book a while to finally circle back to that point at the end. I'm assuming it's going to be a bigger plot point in Dante and Amara's book, which I'm looking forward to. It's also kinda cruel to have the next book be a different couple when we were left on that cliffhanger, BUT OKAY, as long as we see a resolution I'm not complaining.
I gotta get through the rest of the books before the final one comes out, wish me luck!!
“Who am I?”
“Mine.”
Ok but, can we talk about the relationship development in this one? Because omg. They finally feel like a real couple, and like they have something more binding them than lust & and their past. I'd love to see them get another book, their story is just starting. I don't know if the other couples will be able to beat these two, to be honest.
And the mystery is unravelling, but it took the book a while to finally circle back to that point at the end. I'm assuming it's going to be a bigger plot point in Dante and Amara's book, which I'm looking forward to. It's also kinda cruel to have the next book be a different couple when we were left on that cliffhanger, BUT OKAY, as long as we see a resolution I'm not complaining.
I gotta get through the rest of the books before the final one comes out, wish me luck!!