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deena_'s reviews
195 reviews
The Last Immortal by Natalie Gibson
➽ DNF at 70%
First of all, thanks to Netgalley and BHC Press for providing me an ARC of this book.
I have never been so conflicted over a book. I'm even conficted whether it's in a good way or a bad way. It was the toughest read I had in a while. My thoughts are so messed up right now, I'll try my best to sum it all up.
[spoiler free]
Before reading this, I strongly request you to check the content warnings so you have an idea what you're getting into. The author wasn't joking with the content warnings; it it serious. If you're skipping that part, be prepared to greet the unexpected, it won't be pretty.
➽ Vibes of this book:
Shatter me meets A Dowry of Blood in the world of the Bridgertons and gets rained on, only leaving behind the darker and twisted parts.
↳ Haven't read those books? I've got you.
Imagine a heavy mixture of science fiction with blood, gore and horror in a Victorian setting. Imagine putting on pretty ballgowns, twirling around scandalous social seasons; just blink and all the lights get sucked out of the room, the daze of glee is gone and the pretty gowns get stained with blood as the pitchblack darkness kicks in.
➽ Theme & Plot:
↳ Saying this book is dark would be an understatement. You can't blame a dark book for being too dark. I don't read books of this genre often, so I'm not sure I can compare it's levels of darkness. It deals with a lot of problematic issues I thought I could handle but ended up feeling terribly uncomfortable half the time. Other than that, I really liked the gothic atmosphere Natalie Gibson created here. I played some dark academia soft piano playlists from yt while reading this and it was amazing. It's the kind of slow-paced, gothic-horror read that'd be perfect for gloomy days.
↳ In this book, we are taken back to the dark age of the Victorian period. In the midst of evolution, creatures of nightmares and evil powers are taking root, infesting darkness within the land. Ramillia Winmoore, a child locked in an asylum far away from civilization for the murders she doesn't remember committing, is well on her way to becoming the monster that lives inside her. She doesn't understand the lethal power that hums beneath her skin and the endless voids in her head.
They fear her so they lock her up. They loathe her so they inflict pain. They don't understand her so they destroy her.
Until her noble betrothed, Sir Julian Lawrence, the man she only knows in letters, comes to claim her, promising her great things she never dared dream of. Soon she realizes she escaped one hell for another as she learns more about her husband and the evil that is his kind and comes to terms with her own powers she spent all her life afraid of.
➽ Characters & Writing:
↳ The characters of 'The Last Immortal' were twisted in their own ways while still maintaining individuality. It felt like they were eerie, empty and hollow from inside out and as we go further into the storyline along with the details we learned, they turn into more than words on paper and we slowly get a grasp on their personalities.
No moral. No judgement. No remorse. No redemption.
It took me a long time to sync with their thought process and understand what they were working towards; even then, I couldn't connect with them, couldn't feel anything for them. They were just another fictional character stuck in books who couldn't reach out to me. Honestly, Remillia was the only one with real developments here, though it was one of those that didn't feel like a development at all.
↳ The writing was beautiful, don't get me wrong. It was just difficult to get through. I didn't like the narrative, especially Ramillia's point of view. You need to be partially fond of a character to be invested in their thoughts, while I found Ramillia interesting, I wasn't fond of her; she actually made it super hard to be. I don't know if it's just me but I would read through a page, reach the ending and realize my mind went completely blank and I didn't catch a single detail. I had to go back and read that page again, that's why it took me much longer to reach the 70% mark than I thought it would. The story was intriguing but the writing style and pace couldn't keep my attention grounded for more than a few minutes.
➽ What I liked:
• The overall atmosphere of this book.
• FMC pushed her love interests in the backseat and was a force of nature all on her own.
• She made the right choices most of the time.
• The original idea of Carriers and Incolas, it was refreshing to read about.
• FMC knew where to project her rage and not being cautious of it.
• She embraced her deadly powers and violent nature.
• Despite being morally corrupt, she protected the ones who needed her protection.
➽ What I didn't like:
• More intrigue than explanation.
If you're going to put together a bunch of complex things, you need to back it up with sufficient explanation. I loved the idea of genetic disorders/ genetic superpowers that make a human invincible, immortal; the idea of Carriers and Incolas, carefully choosing and breeding to create more of their own. A lot was lacking in the build up, it could've been laid out a lot better.
• Character development or more like Ramillia's development.
I was completely thrown off guard by the huge leaps her personality was taking when it should've been a rather slow process. I know the book is already slow-paced, but it should've slowed down with the things that actually come first and foremost. Besides, I didn't get the chance to get to know the other characters better; they didn't get enough spotlight or much-needed details.
• The first half of the book was super slow, nothing important happening and a bunch of detail dumps on the world building that made little to no sense. The main plot and explanations came in later in the book but it was kind of too late; the first half was almost spent in confusion.
I'm so sorry, I really wanted to like it but it was way too confusing and a letdown in so many ways. There were interesting bits, yes, but it's dark elements overcrossed it many times. The level of darkness just goes up and up until it turns straight out horrifying. This book had no romance and no scope for romanticizing anything even. I didn't get the justification I needed and I'm thoroughly disappointed.
☑️ [dec 4/23]
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
☑️ [dec 2/23]
My original plan was to read 'powerless' but I woke up this morning and received an ARC of this gorgeous book. ✨
-> I'll make a quick stop for this, so 'powerless' has to wait for now. In love with the cover already❗
2.0
2 ★ stars.
❝Violence is only horrifying when it is done to those who don’t deserve it.❞
➽ DNF at 70%
First of all, thanks to Netgalley and BHC Press for providing me an ARC of this book.
I have never been so conflicted over a book. I'm even conficted whether it's in a good way or a bad way. It was the toughest read I had in a while. My thoughts are so messed up right now, I'll try my best to sum it all up.
[spoiler free]
Before reading this, I strongly request you to check the content warnings so you have an idea what you're getting into. The author wasn't joking with the content warnings; it it serious. If you're skipping that part, be prepared to greet the unexpected, it won't be pretty.
➽ Vibes of this book:
Shatter me meets A Dowry of Blood in the world of the Bridgertons and gets rained on, only leaving behind the darker and twisted parts.
↳ Haven't read those books? I've got you.
Imagine a heavy mixture of science fiction with blood, gore and horror in a Victorian setting. Imagine putting on pretty ballgowns, twirling around scandalous social seasons; just blink and all the lights get sucked out of the room, the daze of glee is gone and the pretty gowns get stained with blood as the pitchblack darkness kicks in.
➽ Theme & Plot:
↳ Saying this book is dark would be an understatement. You can't blame a dark book for being too dark. I don't read books of this genre often, so I'm not sure I can compare it's levels of darkness. It deals with a lot of problematic issues I thought I could handle but ended up feeling terribly uncomfortable half the time. Other than that, I really liked the gothic atmosphere Natalie Gibson created here. I played some dark academia soft piano playlists from yt while reading this and it was amazing. It's the kind of slow-paced, gothic-horror read that'd be perfect for gloomy days.
↳ In this book, we are taken back to the dark age of the Victorian period. In the midst of evolution, creatures of nightmares and evil powers are taking root, infesting darkness within the land. Ramillia Winmoore, a child locked in an asylum far away from civilization for the murders she doesn't remember committing, is well on her way to becoming the monster that lives inside her. She doesn't understand the lethal power that hums beneath her skin and the endless voids in her head.
They fear her so they lock her up. They loathe her so they inflict pain. They don't understand her so they destroy her.
Until her noble betrothed, Sir Julian Lawrence, the man she only knows in letters, comes to claim her, promising her great things she never dared dream of. Soon she realizes she escaped one hell for another as she learns more about her husband and the evil that is his kind and comes to terms with her own powers she spent all her life afraid of.
➽ Characters & Writing:
↳ The characters of 'The Last Immortal' were twisted in their own ways while still maintaining individuality. It felt like they were eerie, empty and hollow from inside out and as we go further into the storyline along with the details we learned, they turn into more than words on paper and we slowly get a grasp on their personalities.
No moral. No judgement. No remorse. No redemption.
It took me a long time to sync with their thought process and understand what they were working towards; even then, I couldn't connect with them, couldn't feel anything for them. They were just another fictional character stuck in books who couldn't reach out to me. Honestly, Remillia was the only one with real developments here, though it was one of those that didn't feel like a development at all.
↳ The writing was beautiful, don't get me wrong. It was just difficult to get through. I didn't like the narrative, especially Ramillia's point of view. You need to be partially fond of a character to be invested in their thoughts, while I found Ramillia interesting, I wasn't fond of her; she actually made it super hard to be. I don't know if it's just me but I would read through a page, reach the ending and realize my mind went completely blank and I didn't catch a single detail. I had to go back and read that page again, that's why it took me much longer to reach the 70% mark than I thought it would. The story was intriguing but the writing style and pace couldn't keep my attention grounded for more than a few minutes.
➽ What I liked:
• The overall atmosphere of this book.
• FMC pushed her love interests in the backseat and was a force of nature all on her own.
• She made the right choices most of the time.
• The original idea of Carriers and Incolas, it was refreshing to read about.
• FMC knew where to project her rage and not being cautious of it.
• She embraced her deadly powers and violent nature.
• Despite being morally corrupt, she protected the ones who needed her protection.
➽ What I didn't like:
• More intrigue than explanation.
If you're going to put together a bunch of complex things, you need to back it up with sufficient explanation. I loved the idea of genetic disorders/ genetic superpowers that make a human invincible, immortal; the idea of Carriers and Incolas, carefully choosing and breeding to create more of their own. A lot was lacking in the build up, it could've been laid out a lot better.
• Character development or more like Ramillia's development.
I was completely thrown off guard by the huge leaps her personality was taking when it should've been a rather slow process. I know the book is already slow-paced, but it should've slowed down with the things that actually come first and foremost. Besides, I didn't get the chance to get to know the other characters better; they didn't get enough spotlight or much-needed details.
• The first half of the book was super slow, nothing important happening and a bunch of detail dumps on the world building that made little to no sense. The main plot and explanations came in later in the book but it was kind of too late; the first half was almost spent in confusion.
I'm so sorry, I really wanted to like it but it was way too confusing and a letdown in so many ways. There were interesting bits, yes, but it's dark elements overcrossed it many times. The level of darkness just goes up and up until it turns straight out horrifying. This book had no romance and no scope for romanticizing anything even. I didn't get the justification I needed and I'm thoroughly disappointed.
☑️ [dec 4/23]
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
☑️ [dec 2/23]
My original plan was to read 'powerless' but I woke up this morning and received an ARC of this gorgeous book. ✨
-> I'll make a quick stop for this, so 'powerless' has to wait for now. In love with the cover already❗
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
4.0
This was such a comfort read. Aiden and Vanessa are just perfect; they are everything I did and did not expect. And Aiden fucking Graves, the man you are. There's something about a book that doesn't require intimacy to speak volumes of its characters' relationships that gets me all the damn time. Mariana Zapata's books are the exact definition of it, with likable characters and mind blowing chemistry between each of them. Which is to say, under different circumstances, I would have absolutely loved it, apparently can't say it's a good pick for when you're in a possible slump. I enjoyed it regardless.
Vanessa Mazur quits her job as a full time assistant/ caretaker to the Canadian star QB in hopes of pursuing her own dreams, never feeling well appreciated in her past job. She didn't think her leaving would be that big of an issue. Surprisingly enough, her ex boss appears at her doorstep a mere month afterwards, begging for a favor. A marriage deal of 5 years that'd ensure his citizenship; in exchange offered to pay off all her student loans. Vanessa couldn't comprehend why Aiden Graves 'The Wall of Winnipeg' would seek her out when he could have about anyone do his bidding. But that amount of money? even she couldn't decline. Not when it promises to clear out her lifelong debts that have been looming over her head since forever. She knows she's getting herself into something stupid. The man himself claims he's only asking her this because he finds her tolerable enough. From 2 years of working experience with him, she knows Aiden better than anyone else. The way he practically always has a scowl on and never pulls on a single emotion on his ridiculously handsome face, but she would be lying if she said she didn't care for the guy even though he pretended she didn't exist half the time. Vanessa figures she's in way too much trouble when Aiden steps up and does things for her no one ever cared to do—things that went beyond their contract. As her heart gets weak for probably the best person she has ever met, who also happened to be her friend and fake husband, she realizes perhaps she never got over the minor crush she had on him all those years back; eitherways, who's to blame? He's 'The Wall of Winnipeg' the entire world's in love with afterall.
Vanessa Mazur quits her job as a full time assistant/ caretaker to the Canadian star QB in hopes of pursuing her own dreams, never feeling well appreciated in her past job. She didn't think her leaving would be that big of an issue. Surprisingly enough, her ex boss appears at her doorstep a mere month afterwards, begging for a favor. A marriage deal of 5 years that'd ensure his citizenship; in exchange offered to pay off all her student loans. Vanessa couldn't comprehend why Aiden Graves 'The Wall of Winnipeg' would seek her out when he could have about anyone do his bidding. But that amount of money? even she couldn't decline. Not when it promises to clear out her lifelong debts that have been looming over her head since forever. She knows she's getting herself into something stupid. The man himself claims he's only asking her this because he finds her tolerable enough. From 2 years of working experience with him, she knows Aiden better than anyone else. The way he practically always has a scowl on and never pulls on a single emotion on his ridiculously handsome face, but she would be lying if she said she didn't care for the guy even though he pretended she didn't exist half the time. Vanessa figures she's in way too much trouble when Aiden steps up and does things for her no one ever cared to do—things that went beyond their contract. As her heart gets weak for probably the best person she has ever met, who also happened to be her friend and fake husband, she realizes perhaps she never got over the minor crush she had on him all those years back; eitherways, who's to blame? He's 'The Wall of Winnipeg' the entire world's in love with afterall.
Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
3.0
I've been recommended the 'Brutal Birthright' series a thousand times over. Finally, after months of brushing it aside, I gave it a go. I think it's accurate to say I'm in the middleground with this book. Nothing reached the level of surprising, and I couldn't connect with the characters. I was a bit taken aback at the resemblance of it to the 365 Days trilogy, though I'm not really sure what gave me such impression.
The Gallos and Griffins are sworn to their century long rivalry, two of the richest families in the uprising Chicago society, where almost every wealthy man is knuckle deep in illegal business of their own. When the state is ready to welcome a new leader and Callum Griffin is up as a candidate, he is determined to seal all kinds of deals to get the glorious position of power. Even if it means marrying the youngest Gallo, the harbinger of trouble, to call in a truce between both families. Connection with the Gallos is sure to work in his favor for the upcoming election. But dealing with the stubborn spolied kid Aida Gallo seems to be worse than his worst nightmares—the girl who almost burned down his house and stole his family heirloom at their first encounter. Nothing good will come of living under the same roof as the girl who wants to kill him and is too passionate in her acts of rebelliousness that tips him over the edge every time, but for power, he's willing to do anything; even put his hands in the viper's den to try and tame the poisonous beast.
This is one of those mafia books that is solely based on the romance itself, which even someone who doesn't like mafia things in books can enjoy. It definitely went headstrong on the enemies to lovers, however short-lived it was.
The Gallos and Griffins are sworn to their century long rivalry, two of the richest families in the uprising Chicago society, where almost every wealthy man is knuckle deep in illegal business of their own. When the state is ready to welcome a new leader and Callum Griffin is up as a candidate, he is determined to seal all kinds of deals to get the glorious position of power. Even if it means marrying the youngest Gallo, the harbinger of trouble, to call in a truce between both families. Connection with the Gallos is sure to work in his favor for the upcoming election. But dealing with the stubborn spolied kid Aida Gallo seems to be worse than his worst nightmares—the girl who almost burned down his house and stole his family heirloom at their first encounter. Nothing good will come of living under the same roof as the girl who wants to kill him and is too passionate in her acts of rebelliousness that tips him over the edge every time, but for power, he's willing to do anything; even put his hands in the viper's den to try and tame the poisonous beast.
This is one of those mafia books that is solely based on the romance itself, which even someone who doesn't like mafia things in books can enjoy. It definitely went headstrong on the enemies to lovers, however short-lived it was.
Kulti by Mariana Zapata
5.0
Did I give it a single thought before rating it 5 stars? Out of the question. I knew I found my new favorite not long after I picked this up. I loved every second there was to it. This book completely blew me off my seat while I let all that slow-burn torture me to death. I loved Sal's family so much that I often found myself caring more about their appearance than her relationship dynamics with Kulti. The way this book stayed true to portraying the sports aspect of it as well as the romance is highly remarkable. I won't call myself a soccer fan, but I loved it all the same.
Determined professional soccer player Sal Casillas finds out that the retired soccer star Reiner Kulti, the man she had a huge crush on and thrived to be his equal as a kid, is going to be the assistant coach of her team. She had her fair share of Kulti obsession days growing up, when she had his posters all over her room and dreamed of having amazing soccer playing babies with him. All it took was a huge incident between her brother Eric and Kulti on the field during a game for her to throw her feelings for him out the window. Years later, when the green eyed, brown haired German bastard was in front of her in all his 6-foot-2 attractiveness, it should have been a childhood dream come true, but only it wasn't. He turned out to be the most arrogant, insufferable human being who's down to make her life a living hell. She despised his guts more than ever, not as if he felt anything different about her. It didn't help that even after all those years, her longtime feelings for him threatened to betray her every time he was near. She thought of ways that would keep her from killing 'The King of Soccer' aka her new coach in cold blood, no matter how much he got on her nerves and risk getting kicked out of the team.
Determined professional soccer player Sal Casillas finds out that the retired soccer star Reiner Kulti, the man she had a huge crush on and thrived to be his equal as a kid, is going to be the assistant coach of her team. She had her fair share of Kulti obsession days growing up, when she had his posters all over her room and dreamed of having amazing soccer playing babies with him. All it took was a huge incident between her brother Eric and Kulti on the field during a game for her to throw her feelings for him out the window. Years later, when the green eyed, brown haired German bastard was in front of her in all his 6-foot-2 attractiveness, it should have been a childhood dream come true, but only it wasn't. He turned out to be the most arrogant, insufferable human being who's down to make her life a living hell. She despised his guts more than ever, not as if he felt anything different about her. It didn't help that even after all those years, her longtime feelings for him threatened to betray her every time he was near. She thought of ways that would keep her from killing 'The King of Soccer' aka her new coach in cold blood, no matter how much he got on her nerves and risk getting kicked out of the team.
Scarred by Emily McIntire
2.0
This could've been better. Reading through it, I more than often forgot the storyline is supposed to be set around the Victorian period. Certainly there weren't enough elements pointing that way, other than some subtle hints now and then. There's always much to be expected from a good royal romance book; it goes way beyond billowing skirts and grand ballrooms. It would have been much preferable if the protagonists had a little more character to them. Definitely didn't like how things ended in a blurry mess.
This story however follows our FMC Sara Beatreaux as she makes her way in the castle of Gloria Terra through a betrothal to the crowned king Michael Fassa, with the help of her uncle. The royal family that is responsible for the death of her father and the suffering of her people; now she wouldn't step down till their bloodline is wiped clean. But she didn't know what awaited her in the castle. Tristan Fassa, youngest heir to the thorne and the abandoned rebel prince they whisper about behind closed doors. He is nothing but trouble, everything she should stay away from. It's always difficult when he waltzes into her life and leaves her in a whirlwind of chaos; she hates him as much as she can't stay away. Tristan has a horrific past and a hidden agenda to overthrow his own brother for the crown, which she doesn't know. Unknowingly, they tumble headfirst in a forbidden love with everything on the line. Sooner or later, they might find themselves working towards the same goal: saving what they built with each other. But will she still stay by his side even after learning all his truths?
This story however follows our FMC Sara Beatreaux as she makes her way in the castle of Gloria Terra through a betrothal to the crowned king Michael Fassa, with the help of her uncle. The royal family that is responsible for the death of her father and the suffering of her people; now she wouldn't step down till their bloodline is wiped clean. But she didn't know what awaited her in the castle. Tristan Fassa, youngest heir to the thorne and the abandoned rebel prince they whisper about behind closed doors. He is nothing but trouble, everything she should stay away from. It's always difficult when he waltzes into her life and leaves her in a whirlwind of chaos; she hates him as much as she can't stay away. Tristan has a horrific past and a hidden agenda to overthrow his own brother for the crown, which she doesn't know. Unknowingly, they tumble headfirst in a forbidden love with everything on the line. Sooner or later, they might find themselves working towards the same goal: saving what they built with each other. But will she still stay by his side even after learning all his truths?
Marriage for One by Ella Maise
2.0
Outright disappointing. I had lot of hopes for this one; the very reason I pushed on despite figuring out it wasn't working for me. I hate miscommunication tropes in books, and that's where the majority of 'Marriage for One' stands. I feel like it could have been wrapped up within a hundred pages if the characters had come clean of their intentions from the beginning. I could've done with 300 pages even since nothing eventful was happening. Every moment stretched out too long; hence the lengthy chapters.
In this book, we see our main characters, Rose Coleson and Jack Hwathorne, get tied in a wedlock cause of some mutual benefits they're working on. A huge aspect here being the FMC's financial troubles regarding some inheritance will left by her uncle where it's stated that she must be married within the next couple of months for her to be able to have access to the property on Madison Avenue. As her fiance dumped her days before her uncle's death, Rose was helpless beyond measure. She was certain she wasn't getting the property she needed to open her dream coffee shop when her cousins are making so much trouble for her. Jack stepped up with a marriage offer and all the legal help she needs in her case, as a lawyer. In exchange, she is expected to attend important social gatherings with him to maintain his reputation.
This whole plot was reasonable enough for a marriage of convenience book, but the way it was put there appeared rather silly. Halfway through it, we find out it's just another book where the MMC suppresses his feelings long enough and jumps into stupid decisions to prove it. This is, at best, two star worthy.
In this book, we see our main characters, Rose Coleson and Jack Hwathorne, get tied in a wedlock cause of some mutual benefits they're working on. A huge aspect here being the FMC's financial troubles regarding some inheritance will left by her uncle where it's stated that she must be married within the next couple of months for her to be able to have access to the property on Madison Avenue. As her fiance dumped her days before her uncle's death, Rose was helpless beyond measure. She was certain she wasn't getting the property she needed to open her dream coffee shop when her cousins are making so much trouble for her. Jack stepped up with a marriage offer and all the legal help she needs in her case, as a lawyer. In exchange, she is expected to attend important social gatherings with him to maintain his reputation.
This whole plot was reasonable enough for a marriage of convenience book, but the way it was put there appeared rather silly. Halfway through it, we find out it's just another book where the MMC suppresses his feelings long enough and jumps into stupid decisions to prove it. This is, at best, two star worthy.
Hooked by Emily McIntire
3.0
This is what I mean by dark romance with toxic elements. I wasn’t particularly fond of the characters, but the insane chemistry between the MCs was remarkable. Their every moment had an easy flow. Absolutely well written that conveys the emotions just right. A book where the villain stays the villain and the FMC accepts all that with her entire heart, they get their retaliation and a happy ending.
Wendy Michaels is tired of being the one expected to smile through every obstacle. She's always been kept in the dark by her father, the man she idolized without question. Now hardly ever present, leaving her to fend for her brother all by herself. Her world turns upside down the moment she meets James Barrie, a mysterious man she feels an instant connection with, who draws every traitorous desire out of her. James is not the prince charming she believes; he is here to carry out a mission to destroy Wendy's father, Peter Michaels, and everything dear to him, just like he stripped him bare of his. But he can't deny the way his darkness relishes in Wendy's all consuming light. The way she ignites him from within and makes him lose control. Falling for the enemy's daughter might not turn in favor of his plans, not when members of his inner circle start betraying him and ghosts of his past come to surface.
Wendy Michaels is tired of being the one expected to smile through every obstacle. She's always been kept in the dark by her father, the man she idolized without question. Now hardly ever present, leaving her to fend for her brother all by herself. Her world turns upside down the moment she meets James Barrie, a mysterious man she feels an instant connection with, who draws every traitorous desire out of her. James is not the prince charming she believes; he is here to carry out a mission to destroy Wendy's father, Peter Michaels, and everything dear to him, just like he stripped him bare of his. But he can't deny the way his darkness relishes in Wendy's all consuming light. The way she ignites him from within and makes him lose control. Falling for the enemy's daughter might not turn in favor of his plans, not when members of his inner circle start betraying him and ghosts of his past come to surface.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
5.0
An enchanting tale of a traveling circus, called the 'Circus of Dreams', magic, madness, and everything in between. The Night Circus is guaranteed to take readers on a journey of escaped reality where dreams come true. In no time, one would find themselves lost in the labyrinth of the circus.
Two children, labeled as special and chosen at a very young age to play a deadly game of magic. Trained by the best of instructures for the very reason of defining a real victor; being bound to a game that goes on until one is left standing. They both find themselves help make the magical circus of dreams come to life, one that closes at dawn and opens at nightfall, captivating every audience present. As they continue their own game of magical manipulation, the story takes shape around everyone involved within and outside the circus. When the competition, in which they were bound to participate against each other their entire lives, threatens to destroy everything, they must find a way to put an end to it and protect the circus and their loved ones from the consequences of breaking the binds of the competition.
Two children, labeled as special and chosen at a very young age to play a deadly game of magic. Trained by the best of instructures for the very reason of defining a real victor; being bound to a game that goes on until one is left standing. They both find themselves help make the magical circus of dreams come to life, one that closes at dawn and opens at nightfall, captivating every audience present. As they continue their own game of magical manipulation, the story takes shape around everyone involved within and outside the circus. When the competition, in which they were bound to participate against each other their entire lives, threatens to destroy everything, they must find a way to put an end to it and protect the circus and their loved ones from the consequences of breaking the binds of the competition.
Roomies by Christina Lauren
4.0
Christina Lauren got the best contemporary romances up their sleeves. I've loved their work ever since ‘The Unhoneymooners'. For a quirky, witty, fun romance read, they're always the one you could count on. Any story with a musical backdrop is bound to catch my interest, and this book, with its easy-to-love characters stringed with the marriage of convenience theme, had me on a long emotional ride.
25-year-old, ambitious Holland Bakker thinks her life will always revolve around photographing and selling t-shirts for a grand scale theater in New York, where her uncle Robert owns an eminent position. The only bright spot in her life is watching Calvin, that mysterious subway busker playing his guitar. Her secret crush who sweeps her off her feet with his musical talents. When the theater she works for is in distress for need of a new guitarist, Holland introduces Calvin to Robert. The directors are eager to have him join them after just one audition. Staying in the States for over four years on an expired visa, Calvin can't jump at the opportunity of his dreams like he wants to. Suggestions are made that Holland marry him. Despite her uncle's opposition, she decides it's time to give her uncle something in return for everything he has done for her and to put him out of trouble on finding the perfect person for the band. What started out as a simple arrangement eventually became something so real. Misunderstandings arise, and hearts get broken as they both try and fail to grasp the feelings they have for each other.
25-year-old, ambitious Holland Bakker thinks her life will always revolve around photographing and selling t-shirts for a grand scale theater in New York, where her uncle Robert owns an eminent position. The only bright spot in her life is watching Calvin, that mysterious subway busker playing his guitar. Her secret crush who sweeps her off her feet with his musical talents. When the theater she works for is in distress for need of a new guitarist, Holland introduces Calvin to Robert. The directors are eager to have him join them after just one audition. Staying in the States for over four years on an expired visa, Calvin can't jump at the opportunity of his dreams like he wants to. Suggestions are made that Holland marry him. Despite her uncle's opposition, she decides it's time to give her uncle something in return for everything he has done for her and to put him out of trouble on finding the perfect person for the band. What started out as a simple arrangement eventually became something so real. Misunderstandings arise, and hearts get broken as they both try and fail to grasp the feelings they have for each other.
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
3.0
A harmonious layout of all my favorite childhood fairy tales and myths made the reading experience more enjoyable, though I'm not yet certain I understand the complex world building here. But the main characters made up for it, one of the few books where we are promised evil MCs and given just that.
A desperate man makes a bargain with the ruler of demons to save his beloved wife and in exchange is asked for one of his daughter’s hand in marriage soon as she comes of age. To save her family from the consequences otherwise, Nyx has been prepared just for it her entire life. Heart heavy with hatred towards her family for getting into a bad bargain with a demon for which her mother had to suffer and for being the one chosen as the bearer of such terrible fate; she swears to seek revenge. Kill her demon husband to avenge her mother, but in the twisted lybranth of his castle, she uncovers secrets that rattle all her schemes, more so when she realizes her affections for the beautiful, cruel thing that is her husband.
Wicked characters with razor sharp tongues and hearts of flame. A fast-paced, enjoyable fantasy read.
A desperate man makes a bargain with the ruler of demons to save his beloved wife and in exchange is asked for one of his daughter’s hand in marriage soon as she comes of age. To save her family from the consequences otherwise, Nyx has been prepared just for it her entire life. Heart heavy with hatred towards her family for getting into a bad bargain with a demon for which her mother had to suffer and for being the one chosen as the bearer of such terrible fate; she swears to seek revenge. Kill her demon husband to avenge her mother, but in the twisted lybranth of his castle, she uncovers secrets that rattle all her schemes, more so when she realizes her affections for the beautiful, cruel thing that is her husband.
Wicked characters with razor sharp tongues and hearts of flame. A fast-paced, enjoyable fantasy read.