chaos_of_kati's reviews
152 reviews

The Scent of Us: Part One by Eliana Lee
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.

I am a mood reader and it’s just not hitting right now…so I might come back to it 

You and I, Rewritten by Chip Pons

slow-paced

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

I feel conflicted towards this book in a sense that I don’t know what to feel about this book. 

So let’s unpack. 

This book had so much potential, since it touched upon very important and deep topics including addiction, mental health and dysfunctional parent/child relationship. 

Had the author focused on those topics instead of the romance, it would have been a 5 star read. 

 

Instead we got a fluffy, no stakes romance where the happily ever after already happens within the first 30% of the book. 

I kept reading, thinking when does the tension or plot twist gonna come. But instead the author kept on brushing the deeper topics. Every time a tough topic was approached it felt shallow..there was no exploration of the deeper thoughts and painful emotions the character potentially felt. As a reader, it left me hallow, hoping for more depth within the characters. 

I kept on waiting for the plot twists or any sort of tension to build up the romance, however, none came. The relationship between the main character and his love interest was picture perfect from the get go. And let’s be honest, a love story without any friction or growth is just plainly boring.  

 

However, the last 10% of the book kind of make up for the rest. KINDA.. 

In the last pages, the main character is in a position where he has to face his issues with his estranged father. I wished the author put more emphasis on this part of the story and making it the main plot. Cause I was very intrigued by the guilt and emotional trauma. I believe it was a very honest depiction of a dysfunctional father son relationship and the feeling resulting from losing a loved one without having the chance to resolve any issues. 

I believe, the author should try to explore more of these emotions instead of the romance part.

Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75

⭐️ 3.75 🌶️ 2.5

Harley has a gift for writing. The elaborate way of putting this gruesome story together is superb! 

This probably is one of the craziest things I have read..but I get the hype. 

The two protagonists are magical together. The banter, the chemistry, the longing and the falling in love..it was just beautiful. I particularly loved the themes of consent and free will/choice.

It took me a bit to get into the book, cause it had a bit of a bully romance mixed with spooky shit…but once I hit the 50% mark I flew through the pages. 

It is not for everyone, but I am glad I sticked to it. 

The Heist by Julie Weaver

challenging emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

If you are looking for a fun read with sexy af chunks of military men...then the book is for you! 
I loved the FMC Freya, she is feisty and funny and has no filter, and despite all she had to endure she has not lost herself. 
Kane is just sweet and such a green flag. I liked how attentive he was towards his new roomie. 
It has a bit of insta-lust and quick I love you's but it did not bother me so much. I would recommend it and am thinking about reading other books from Julie Weavers.

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne

adventurous challenging dark funny tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Everyone is raving about this series and I get the hype. I read this with my boyfriend and it was our first joined read and it did not disappoint. Action packed, emotional, lovable yet unhinged characters! It was a good read. 

The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Crazy action packed epic fantasy. Super fast paced with short chapters and multiple POVs. 

Bratva Butcher by T.J. Maguire

adventurous challenging dark 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? Yes

5.0

5⭐️2🌶️ 

 

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 1000 times yes. Please and More! 

TJ delivered with Daddy Dimitri’s story. Cause damn I enjoyed this story so much, I could not put it down. Finished in two days…or the book finished me lol. 

 

I cannot wait to finish to see what TJ does for Lukyan’s story. 

She just knows how to write a truly murderous mafia romance. 

Bratva Knight by T.J. Maguire

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

3.5

3.5⭐️2🌶️

I gotta give TJ her flowers, cause she is writing real Mafia books including all the gruesome and gore details and I am here for it! 

I am such a fan of the overall plot and this entire series! 

It’s bloody, violent and painfully well written. 

Nik and Tati had such a tragic back story and I love how we as readers got to experience their way back to each other. 

It was heartbreaking to feel their pain but so rewarding once they got over their issues. 

I am such a huge fan of TJ because every single one of her female characters is badass! And I mean don’t fuck with her badass! I want each and everyone of them to be in my team! 

Can’t wait to see what daddy Dimitri has in store for us!

High Sticking the Heart by Marie M.

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? No

5.0

Marie Maravilla is an instant buy author for me! 

I loved this story so much. The cultural nuances and the way she depicted these super special characters, was everything to me. 
As a first generation immigrant daughter, I felt SO seen and represented. 
Dalton was the perfect man. Ari was the most badass Latina woman, just like all of the other FMCs Marie has written. 10/10 ❤️🧡

Unraveling Him by Claire Kingsley

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

4.0⭐️1.5🌶️ 

 

This is soo much better than the first two books! 

Man Evan was such a broody ahole hero. And I was soo here for it! He is hot and broody and so so so grumpy. I mean he has his reasons for why he is the was he is. But all that grumpy exterior melted away for his girl Fiona! 

I felt so bad for this fearless, loving and sweet girl who literally has the worst father ever! 

No matter what that big guy threw at her she just took it with a smile and turned it around. 

She is emotionally intelligent and does stand up for herself when necessary. 

 

I loved to get all the other Bailey characters back in action. It was fun reading about them and also get a glimpse of the Miles family. One of my favorite character came back. 

 

This family is just fun and witty. I had a smile on my dace the entire time. Highly recommend if you just want to turn your head of and have a great time.