deannak92's reviews
172 reviews

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

adventurous mysterious tense 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

What the cliffhanger?! I will be needing book 2 immediately. What The River Knows is a captivating mix of thrill, romance, drama and action. I absolutely loved it. The first couple of chapters were a bit slow but after that, twists and turns on every page. Trust no-one! A fantastic Egyptian historical fantasy. Give me a treasure hunting book any day!

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

‘Once upon a time in an old town, in an old street, there stood a very old house.’ Less cosy than anticipated, but a very cute read. Dual timeline and multiple POV. It’s a very interesting concept. It’s like magical realism, romance and a bit of a thriller all at once. ‘The thing about books, is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’

Skyshade by Alex Aster

mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.0

The last 5 chapters of this book were incredible, unfortunately the start of it just felt a bit messy and confusing. Ending on a cliffhanger of course, ALEX ASTER WE ARE GOING TO HAVE WORDS!

You’re right. I don’t know what love is. I don’t know how to love. If you ever have me another chance to love you, I would learn. I would learn the right way to love you. 

Apples Dipped in Gold by Scarlett St. Clair

adventurous fast-paced

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

3.0

The first book in this series was a 5 star read for me, but this one fell a bit flat. It had some intriguing moments and I still read it pretty quickly. However it just felt a bit messy and rushed, which I’m really disappointed about as I have been anticipating this read for a while!

Mile High by Liz Tomforde

funny medium-paced

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

3.5

3.5 stars - audio version 🎧 Overall, I did really enjoy this book however I just feel romance books do not need to be this long. The narrators did a fantastic job. The banter and tension was great, and the story touched on a lot of real life topics. Honestly though, it’s not going to be a super memorable story for me, and there was more than once I was thinking to myself when will this end? I am however very excited to read Ryan and Indy’s story!

Save Me by Monique Koen

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious 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

It all started with a creep sneaking in through my window and now, I can’t imagine my life without him. 

An incredible end to this series. I binged it in one go, it was thrilling, mysterious, creepy, sexy and funny all in one. Book 2 is certainly darker than book 1 but it was chefs kiss and Monique absolutely slayed this as her debut series.

The spice? Well, it was phenomenal like the first book, and we love the return of some knife play. 🔪 

If you love a good stalker romance, please do yourself a favour and pick this series up. It does not disappoint. 

Check your trigger warnings, I look forward to reading her next release!

Haunt Me by Monique Koen

dark mysterious tense 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

Phenomenal! A quick, addictive spicy as heck read. I need a shower, 5 stars, 4 chilli spices. I am obsessed with this book and Argent. He is a tall, sexy red flag and I’m here for it. Knife play, touch her and die, suspense. The cliffhanger sent me, I need book 2 right this instance. Monique has absolutely slayed her debut book. “I am consumed by him, and I never want to be found.”

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

dark emotional mysterious 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

I honestly don’t even know where to start with my review detailing my thoughts on this book. Maybe I’ll come back and add more. But this was poetic and utterly heartbreaking, beautiful and dark. I felt every emotion imaginable reading this book. 

I am PHYSICALLY UNWELL, mind blown by that finale and will not stop thinking about this book until the next one is in my hands. 

The world building wasn’t complicated at all to me personally, it’s really just a book that can’t be rushed. 

Kaan - protect him at all costs, I will not accept criticism. His nickname for her - Moonbeam 🥹😭 I could cry just thinking about it. 

The diary entries, the dragons, the characters, the world building. I loved it all. 

Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford

adventurous inspiring lighthearted 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

4.5

4.5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, Velikor Publishing and Jenny Sandiford for the ARC. 

Winterfrost Market is a cozy fantasy and a tea lovers dream.. 

You are submerged into this story with easy world building as you watch a romance between Fae and mortal blossom while on a search and rescue mission with plenty of action and adventure on the way, including encounters with witches, elves, vampires, sprites and more! 

The way the FMC so effortlessly crafts and brews all of her unique teas just added to such a perfect setting. ‘Their famous tea with the secret ingredient was known for its unique spicy warmth, perfect sweetness, and the calming, euphoric feeling that came after drinking it.’ 

The writing was lovely to read, descriptive and whimsical. Such a heartwarming, romantic fantasy that I truly adored! Highly recommend!! 

When in doubt, make tea! 

Sovereign by Raya Morris Edwards

tense fast-paced

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

3.0

The first couple of chapters in this were perfection, and I thought man are we in for a ride, but after that the instalust was way too full on. The spice was good in some parts and descriptive enough, but he took the Dom role far too seriously which made me just think it was stupid. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the super spicy books but something about this one just fell a bit flat. The thriller side of this was really good and I enjoyed watching that unfold. The actual little tidbit of romance we got was cute. Her nickname being Redbird was adorable. But overall I’m not overly impressed with this book.