gillybuggg's reviews
140 reviews

The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle

adventurous 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? Yes

4.0

FIRE… literally. 


Loved this story so crazy much can’t wait to read the next one.

A Gentleman's Offer by Emma Orchard

lighthearted slow-paced

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

3.0

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read their novel.

Some positives of this book is that I felt like the relationship between Dominic and Meg flourished in a was that felt somewhat believable. I think I liked both characters but honestly none of them really stood out as strong characters.

I really think the thing that made this book unlikable was the length. I felt like the plot just didn’t stop. I am not the one to say a book has too many words, but I simply thought we could have shorten this book 100 pages and still come to the same conclusion. 

The intimate scenes also were oddly written. I had to take a short break after reading their novel phrase “pearl of Venus”

Bold Moves by Emma Barry

hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for giving me the opportunity to read this novel.

I absolutely loved this fun second chance romance. Both Scarlett and Jaime had great character arcs and their story felt real and genuine. Scarlett Arbuthnot is a strong, confident, captivating woman and her dialogue and overall vibe was just amazing. 

The plot was great and the three part set up felt perfect for their full story. Each arc had a strong start and finish that flowed perfecting into their happy ending. 

Everyone should be lucky Jaime got himself together because if not I was snatching up Scarlett.

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

adventurous 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? Yes

4.0

This had me on the EDGE of my seat by the end. I need the next book asap 

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

dark tense slow-paced

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

4.0

This was super cool! Love the concept

A Five-Letter Word for Love by Amy James

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

I’m not thinking too hard about this one. I’m a little pressed that I didn’t get the last wordle right :(

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

4.0

Joanne be my grandma and bake me cookies I love you.

The Invisible College by Jeff Wheeler

adventurous lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

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

3.5

This was a fun read. Now I will say I have completely ignored what Robinson looks like canonically.

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

I really like this. Super cool concept little criminal minds kiddos.

The Sirens by Emilia Hart

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book. 

This is my second read from Emilia Hart and I love the way she includes family and women empowerment.

This read in particular shocked me with how much I liked and understood the meaning behind it. The parallel between the sisters and Lucy and Jess were so vastly different yet come together in a satisfying way. 

I thought the historical aspect was going to intimidated me but Hart had it spun in a way that really worked for the story. I felt and saw everything that they went through and it hurt.

Emilia Hart, I need your next book NOW!