cass_joy's reviews
62 reviews

Shattered Hearts by Tina Spencer

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

4.75

A stunning end to this dark duet. 🏒 

I was nearly feral at the end of book one with the cliff-hanger closet scene, but thank god Tina Spencer picked up book two right where she left off. (I may or may not have tried to get Tina to give me a sneak peak, sorry not sorry 🫠) I'm so happy to have gotten the opportunity to read this duet. 🖤 

I thought I like dark, broody Dom from book one, but turns out I actually like groveling, crawling and begging on his knees Dom most of all. 
 Zoe was determined to stay away from Dom after finding his secrets hidden in his closet, but he would have never made that easy for her. He wasn't going to let her push him away, just because she was scared of love. (don't blame ya babe, your childhood was rough.) Anyways, the character development was *fantastic* in book two. for both of our characters. And we love it. Zoe is a stubborn brat still and I'm here for it. I don't want to say more because it may spoil some things, but it was absolutely amazing. 

The only thing that gives me grief is the lack of explanation about why Aaron was being such a dick the entire time. And the whole fight with Via? What the hell was that? I need answers Tina. Please!! 🙏

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

adventurous dark emotional reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging emotional tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I've been *slowly* rereading this series... and was definitely taking this one slower because end of school year chaos as a teacher. But I finally got to sit down and read the last 40% of this one the last few days.

Highlights:
Manon and Abraxos 
Rowan's "who did this to you" moment with Aelin
Chaol not being conpletely useless (I'm not a Chaol hater but... my guy needs to get his shit together) 
Aelin's valg journey of pain and unleashing herself 🔥

I love this series. So much. 
Now to go read Assassin's Blade and cry.

In Flames by Nicole Northwood
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.

Not enough world building. Basically just smut with some confusing plot sprinkled on top. Not my cup of tea. 

Shattered Obsession: A Dark Hockey Romance by Tina Spencer

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Holy Smokes 🖤 

Dark Romance isn't my usual genre of choice, but sometimes it hits just right. Zoe and Dom's story is definitely a hit for me! 
Zoe is "damaged goods" with a tough home-life where she was seen as nothing more than a disappointment. Dominik is a hockey god, with a playboy history off the ice. He's also her brother's best friend since childhood and he hates her. Or so she thinks.... What could possibly go wrong when they are forced into closer proximity?

I can't wait to see what comes next with this duet after such a chilling cliff-hanger! Tina Spencer gained a new big fan with this one. 

Thank you to @trulyyours.pr for the opportunity to read and review this book! 

A Fine Tangle by Kennedy Sutton

adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

5.0

Mickey and Hugh are my Roman Empire. Their story being told is heart-wrenching and beautifully written. 

I knew I would love reading their story, but I also loved the origin story of other characters from The Silver Locket series... 

Ben and his struggles with alcoholism. 
Archer and his devils and his mother. 

Remembering how these characters grow into who they become? Fantastic writing.

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

challenging dark 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? It's complicated

5.0

And Then I Saw You. by A. L. Fox

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book hurt me in the best way. 

A.L. Fox came out swinging with the good feels in this book. It makes you smile, cry, and even kick your feet and giggle! I always rate my books by how much it made me feel and this book made me feel all of the feels. It really is just a sweet hug of a book. 

That epilogue though. 💛 

I was lucky enough to beta read for A.L. Fox and I'm happy to report that I want to read anything she writes forever.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

adventurous challenging slow-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? No

5.0

Marked by Gods by Jayme Hunt

adventurous challenging emotional fast-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? No

5.0