ericas_bookshelf's reviews
902 reviews

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon

adventurous funny relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

Overall this was lighthearted, fun, and at times, incredibly cheesy. Which, given the plot, makes sense! I only wish they hadn’t fallen for each so quickly, and sometimes the cheese factor got to be too much for me lol. But overall, this was fun!

I will say, I loooooved that both of our MC’s were in their thirties, and that he was inexperienced sexually. It was a refreshing change.

*huge thanks to PRH Audio for the ALC*

Apples Dipped in Gold by Scarlett St. Clair

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Ok I think I liked this one even more than than the first?! There’s just something so endearing about a man who is so in love with her he truly thinks he must be cursed because he doesn’t consider himself worthy of a love like hers. LIKE COME ON. 

One thing I really love about this series of Scarlett’s so far is how much it really does read like a fairytale! It brings me back to my youth, and my obsession with fairytales, but with more spice and romance. I’m simply obsessed. 

Mountains Made of Glass by Scarlett St. Clair

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

“You are poison, sweet creature. I want you in my blood.”

The research Scarlett did concerning folklore was so clear throughout the story, it made it that much more enjoyable for me to read honestly. Now I am someone who already loves fairytales and fairytales retellings/reimagining’s, so I was surprised that I loved this. But still, I am going to highly recommend y’all try this one because I devoured it!

Lights Out by Navessa Allen

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez

adventurous mysterious relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Let me set the scene for you: 
it’s 1870 New York, and a woman emerges from the woods covered in dirt and blood and in someone else’s body, with no memory of her past, or who she is. To make matters worse she keeps feeling this pull toward a certain Irish Lord, but doesn’t know why. The Lord of Donore (aka Finn), also feels this pull but has no memory as to why they are feeling this way. As things begin to unravel around them, they soon discover why their love is so forbidden. 

Now I am one of the people that have been frothing at the mouth for this book for years as Kelsie talked about and promoted it on her tiktok. The concept just sounded so incredibly cool and unique I couldn’t wait to read it. And, honestly, it lived up to my expectations. I could not put it down!! I loved the addition of Irish mythology in an adult romantic fantasy novel, it was so different from what I have read before, and combined with the time period, made for a truly captivating setting. 

The Gods Time Forgot is a fantastic addition to the romantic fantasy genre! Rua is a very complex character, and seeing her thrust into this unfamiliar society where she clearly isn’t meant to be, was very engaging. And Finn? He put me through a rollercoaster of emotions and yet I still love him! 

I would honestly read multiple books in this universe, and I’m excited to see where the author goes from here! Her writing immediately drew me into this world, and honestly made my historical romance and fantasy loving heart so so happy. 

*I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

The Poisoner by I.V. Ophelia

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

2.5

Ok, this is easily one of the most conflicting books I have ever read. I was loving this book thoroughly until the ending. Not only was it rushed, but it did feature a trigger that I personally tend to avoid. Now, I was fully informed and aware before reading, but really wanted to push myself because the book itself sounded unique and honestly right up my alley. However, finishing this book did leave me with some complicated feelings. 

I will say, this is not a book for everyone. The TW’s legitimately have the potential to trigger somebody really badly. So please proceed with caution and don’t take the warnings lightly. The author does do a great job at this btw, I really loved how careful there were about informing readers. 

I did learn after finishing, that this book will be getting a sequel at some point, and I am looking forward to seeing where the story goes. Alina & Silas were remarkable characters! And the spin on vampires was so unique and cool! It was simply, once again, just those last few chapters that affected how I felt about the book overall. 

Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

“You’re dangerously beautiful.”
“Dangerous in what way?”
“In the way that I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Listen, Kerri writes incredibly engaging romantic fantasies, I always find myself thoroughly entertained from start to finish. This spin off series from her Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy is easily my favorite of hers yet! Adriana is such a strong character, I loved her arc and the banter between her and Gabriel. 

All that being said, I only had a couple issues this time around. The main one being I wish Adriana didn’t have pale blue hair. It seems a bit repetitive from the first couple in this series. Both princes so far are tall with dark hair, and both women so far have long pale hair. I just want some variety please haha. I also wanted a bit more meat to the plot, because it was so intriguing and unique with the dragons, but that plot reveal at the end was a bit lack luster to me. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I still loved this book and would totally recommend it! The romance alone was phenomenal! I’m just eagerly awaiting the others princes books now haha. Especially Prince Sloth *see below* 🥵

“Book lovers made secretly devious bedmates. No wonder Sloth’s House was a library.”

*huge thanks to the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review*

Grave Matter by Karina Halle

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0