gina_bibliovibes's reviews
181 reviews

Awakening The Forgotten Goddess by Rebekah Sinclair

adventurous challenging dark medium-paced

3.0

 March 4th, 2024:

Review coming, I just need to get my thoughts together

March 7th, 2024:
3.25🌟➡️ 3.00🌟 
Before I get into it, I want to take the time to thank the author for selecting me as an ARC reviewer again. 

Now, my thoughts on ATFG: it didn't live up to the enjoyment I experienced with the first book. 

I thought this would be a cool blend of Greek mythology in a modern context, but it ended up being a confusing, fairly drawn-out urban fantasy? (I'm still debating...) The plot had a lot and yet, nothing at the same time, with things only REALLY happening in the final 10 - 20 pages.  

On a more positive note, I think the author wrote super engaging action scenes throughout the story that held my attention until the end.

A Court of Mist and Fury: Rhysand's POV by illyriantremors

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.

The Bride of Death by F.M. Aden

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me as an ARC reader, and while I received this copy for review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

I LOVED it! (this is the first time I've loved an ARC like this)

"The Bride of Death" by F.M. Aden reads like a romantically dark fairytale, a beautiful middle ground between Winter and Spring. I couldn't put it down – the pacing and storytelling were spot-on, I finished it in a day. I enjoyed how the story embraced folklore, and its most stunning take on a very popular trope, that I've ever read (I don't want to spoil anything). I also enjoyed that I was so engaged in the characters' inner struggles in the second half of the novel (I was legit STRESSING), which truly speaks to F.M. Aden's ability as a writer to immerse readers so deeply in the narrative

I can't praise it enough, I found this to be such a beautiful work. 

Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton

adventurous challenging dark tense medium-paced

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

3.0

Claim Me Forever by A.L. Jackson

adventurous dark emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

Thank you to Valentine PR for providing me with an eARC copy for an honest review

ARC REVIEW
I liked that the story offers a refreshing balance between realism and romantic escapism, portraying both the highs and lows of the main characters' lives. While the spice wasn't a big part of the novel, it was delightful, I also really liked how the small-town romance played out too as someone new to the sub-genre.

However, the romance storyline had an abrupt transition and the redundant inner monologues about physical attraction messed with the narrative flow for me. I also felt certain parts of the story were rushed ending failed to match the pacing we had throughout the novel, leaving the reader feeling somewhat underwhelmed with certain parts of the story.

Despite all that, the novel excels as a comfortable small-town romance, making it the perfect choice for those needing a comfortable escape, or to focus on the forest rather than getting lost in the trees. 

Wet Dream: A Paranormal Interracial Erotic Romance by Lexi Esme

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

4.25

Courting War by Hazel St. Lewis

adventurous medium-paced

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

3.5

 Disclaimer: All reviews provided are my genuine thoughts and opinions. I would also like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. 3.5 🌟 Courting War by Hazel St. Lewis is a good casual read. I felt it had a kind of "300" aesthetic, and I appreciated the badass female main character (FMC). It was enlightening to get a glimpse into what living with learning disabilities is like. While the overall pacing of the storyline is engaging, some aspects were harder for me to connect with. For example, the world-building incorporates an almost Greek gods-inspired setting yet includes modern elements like electricity, which felt a bit inconsistent. Overall, I think this was a good read, especially if you're not seeking something with super high stakes, and I can only anticipate the author improving in her subsequent works. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence

Moderate: Suicide attempt and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Torture

Wild Magic by Alexandra Ivy

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

Disclaimer: All reviews provided are my genuine thoughts and opinions. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to be an ARC reader,

3.75 🌟

"Wild Magic: Magic for Hire" offers a low-stakes cozy fantasy experience, earning a 3.75-star rating for me. While the slow-burn romance promised in the book is present, the level of spice could leave avid spice lovers like me, wanting more. However, this lack of intensity is somewhat expected, as the book sets the tone for a milder romantic journey. Although the story didn't captivate me entirely, I didn't dislike it either. Overall, it's a decent option for those seeking a light, easygoing, 300-page fantasy read with a touch of romance, provided they are prepared for a more subdued narrative.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

challenging dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced

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

5.0