chaos_of_kati's reviews
152 reviews

The Reaper by RuNyx

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

4.5⭐️2.5🌶️

Fuck I am sooo intrigued! I feel like even thou this is the end of Morana and Tristans story, I still have sooo many questions. 

Will they find Luna? Who is airport guy? Where are the girls? Is the real Morana still alive and will she come back? Where is Amara?

Geez..this series is just good! I had all the feels reading the second book. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time. 

The relationship between Morana and Tristan really blossoms in this story. I am in awe of Moranas emotional strength. She is so understanding of Tristans trauma, cause if it was me - I could never! 

It was nice to see the mental health rep - well, not really a rep, but unlike other mafia books, this one at least mentions trauma and the after effects of living in a gruesome world. 

I am so sold for this series and excited to see where Runyx is taking us next. 

The Predator by RuNyx

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

4⭐️2🌶️ 

 I get why people say, this is there favorite dark romance series. Runyx is an artists when it comes to writing. 

The way she tells her stories is just beautiful. What I like most about this book is, it requires us readers to think. Since this is written in third PoV, we get to experience Morana, the FMCs, thoughts and feelings, but still to understand her actions, as well as, the other characters actions, it requires us to dig deep into the trauma that every one in this world experiences. 

 

The relationship between Morana and Tristan is so unique to me, cause they do not talk to each other and it drives me nuts! They only banter over the phone (texts) or are physically intimate. There is no in-between…it maddening. 

 

I already know, I love Dante and Amara. I am so excited to find out more about this universe and about the mysteries surrounding the two mob families. 

Fighting for Us by Claire Kingsley

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

3.5

3.5⭐️1.5🌶️ 

 

I really felt for Grace and Asher. Their story had heartbreaking aspects. And as per usual with Claire’s stories, I feel like this could have been a real life story. Also how f***d up is the justice system. 

 

I liked Graces loyalty and believe in love. I loved Gram and her wisdom. Asher got on my nerves every now and then, but how mad can you be at a grumpy tatted ex-con? (Something is clearly wrong with me..) 

 

Well, there struggle with what had happened in the past seemed real, and I am glad CK found a way to show us that love can surpass a lot of trauma. 

 

While this won’t be my favorite CK book, I am intrigued by the Bailey brothers. I am looking forward to read about the rest of the characters and their dynamic. It was also nice to get a glimpse back into the Miles family. 

Protecting You by Claire Kingsley

emotional funny hopeful sad slow-paced

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

3.0

3⭐️0.5🌶️ 

 

This is definitely a Prequel, even though it is a small novel. The pacing is slow but it sets the backstory for the actual love story of Asher and Grace. 

 

It was cute and loving. A bit boring, until the 60% mark. 

The real review comes with the second book.

The Bonus by TL Swan

emotional funny hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

3.5⭐️2🌶️

This was a fun book. The characters, the banter, the plot twists, the time JUMPS. 

Gabriel was so unhinged for a billionaire with anger issues. But it was so fun to read about him coming around. Plus Gracie was just a badass real woman, with arguably questionable judging skills. But I don’t know what I would have done in her shoes. 

I gotta say, I am intrigued by T.L. Swans writing and am looking forward to reading more by her.  

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

5⭐️0.5🌶️ 

 

This was perfection!  

Rachel Gillig has such a gift for prose and lyrical writing. I was drawn into the story from the very first page.  

 

The multiple POVs were done so well. I loved how each storyline, each character, and their destinies were intricately intertwined, allowing us as readers to unravel their stories together.  

My favorite part of the book was the ending—the entire last chapter and epilogue. The final sentence? Absolute perfection!  

 

This book had it all: mystery, tension, love, and sacrifice between the characters, growth, and *all* the feelings!  

I cried with Elspeth, got irritated like Ravyn, rooted for Elm, felt sadness for Ione, and laughed with the Nightmare (who is by far the funniest character in the book).  

 

It was so good, I flew through the pages in just two sittings. This book deserves every bit of hype it gets.  

The Dawn of the Cursed Queen by Amber V. Nicole

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Dianna remains my all-time favorite FMC and is undoubtedly the main star of this series. I love the complexity of her character—her flaws make her perfect. She has depth and layers, caring so deeply for her loved ones that she will do anything to protect them. Even now, I’d say she is morally grey and fully aware of it, but unapologetically so. I’m excited to see where Amber V. Nicole takes her story because, while Dianna is now the Queen of Reasharim, she seems largely indifferent to the Realms. 

 

I still adore Samkiel. He’s a true hero, the epitome of a knight in shining armor. One of my favorite moments was when he reprimanded Dianna for trying to seduce him in another form, saying:  

“With all due respect, akrai, do not compare me to him or what you've experienced with your past lovers. I don't need nor want any other form but the one you wear daily. Do you understand?”  

That moment helped heal Dianna’s broken pieces, reaffirming her worth and grounding her in who she is. 

 

As per usual, Amber makes me question my sanity, because for some reason unbeknownst to me, I feel sorry for Kaden. He also never got to experience love or the feeling of being enough. If you ask me, their father is the true villain of the story. So, I’m curious to see how this is going to play out. 

 

While I enjoyed the different POVs and the side characters—like the blossoming love stories between Vincent and Camilla or Imogen and Isaiah (how is that even going to work out?)—it felt like their stories lacked depth due to frequent perspective shifts. I wish the complex emotions in these relationships had been explored more deeply, much like Dianna and Samkiel’s journey in the first two books. 

 

This constant back and forth made the story feel a bit dragged out. I didn’t race through it as I did with the earlier books, but I still appreciated its narrative richness. 

 

But honestly, I am so excited for the continuation of this series. I love the found family vibes, the tension between the characters, and the overall secrets and mysteries we’re about to uncover.  

And most importantly, I want to read more about my ride-or-die, Dianna!

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

This is definitely not your typical magical story. I am really impressed by the unique magic system and the use of "tarot" cards. 
I love the lyrical writing style, even though it took me a minute to get into it (to be fair I am not a native English speaker). But the poems on the Provedence cards were really cool. 

I was most intrigued by the Nightmare, his powers and mostly the dynamic between the FMC Elspeth. 
I was delighted, that Elspeth is a rather strong female lead, with real fears and dreams. But she is not a pushover and/or Damsel in distress. It took her a minute to step into her power, but she was always level headed and strong. 
The MMC, was also interesting, even though a bit too one-dimensional. I wished there was more depth to the his story. I feel like the side character Elm, is more interesting with his past and relationship with his father & brother.

The structure of the plot is good, even though a bit foreseeable. Regardless, I enjoyed the mystery, and am excited for the second book. 

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-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? It's complicated

4.0

This whole book gives Danny Phantom with a strong sprinkle of Izzy Stevens and Danny Duquette Jr. (specifically one scene, where Danny is trying to convince Izzy, that he is real...if you know, you know 😏)

I was real close in giving this book 5 Stars, but the ending was a bit too rushed for my liking. 
However, to me it was a  refreshing spin on games and trials in a very gothic, spooky setting. 
Ophelia is a very loyal character who is struggling with her families legacy and how to carve out her own path without loosing aforementioned legacy and magic. 

I think she was a relatable character and  was particularly fascinated by her inner shadow voice. I think Kylie Smith created a great representation of someone struggling with said shadow-voices (read it till the end, cause the author explains it).
Blackwell, is a man, clearly written by a woman, lol. In other words, he is perfect. I was fascinated by his backstory and amnesia. For some reason I did not see his plot twist, even though it was quite obvious - well, in retrospective. But that's what made the book so charming. 

The spice is definitely spicing, in a mid-century, gothic kinda way. But it was hot..

I wished the ending was a bit more structured and refined. The last chapter felt rushed, and the explanation was lacking, compared to the dedication Smith put into the begging and world building of the story. 

I am excited to see where Kylie Smith is going to take us next with Genevieve's book. 

Cash by Jessica Peterson

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

5⭐️2.5🌶️ 

I devoured this book in two settings. I stayed up till 1AM, cause it was worth it. 

 

So Cash is this grumpy cowboy and head of the family and he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. On top of it, he finds out, that he might loose the ranch he is working on and the income he and his family needs to survive. 

Enter our high-maintenance FMC, her name is Mollie, who is inheriting the said ranch. She is fierce, she is strong and she is not afraid of said grumpy cowboy. 

 

Let me tell you! Their banter, their chemistry, their back and forth was just perfection! I laughed so hard, it was immaculate. 

 

This book is different from other  small town or cowboy books, because it deals with real-life problems. The book makes you think. Because in this story there was no villain, but different perspectives of several people who were hurt and abandoned by their loved ones in life. The scars of the past are dealt with in this story. I found it very refreshing as the story of our two main characters was very relatable.