gnomepatronus's reviews
306 reviews

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

adventurous dark funny lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

5.0

I thought I knew what to expect going into this book. I really did. But somehow, it managed to be both exactly what I expected and something completely different at the same time?? My brain is still trying to process, but my heart? My heart is fully obsessed.

Listen. I loved Butcher and Blackbird. I loved our main leather-clad menace in Leather and Lark. And while I was excited for this character’s book, I wasn’t necessarily holding my breath for it. BUT OH MY GOODNESS. I should have been. Because this book wrecked me in the best way.

The character development? Chef’s kiss. The complexity? A full meal. The banter? CRACKLING. I devoured this book like I had a personal grudge against it. Once I started, there was zero stopping until I hit that last page. (Shoutout to DoorDash for making sure I didn’t starve in the process.)

The slow burn in this one?? Painful. Delicious. Exquisite suffering. And this MMC?? He does things. He thinks things. And every single inner monologue moment had me feral. So. So. SO. Well done.

If you need me, I’ll just be over here staring at the wall, trying to recover.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

5.0

Where's Molly by H.D. Carlton

3.75

Where's Molly by H.D. Carlton

3.75

Bound by Ravens by Jesikah Sundin

adventurous funny hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-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

Are you looking for an MM book that’s low angst, friends-to-lovers—but let’s be real, it’s more like idiots-to-lovers—featuring rugby, a nerdy rugby player, and some truly glorious thick thighs? Oh, and did I mention the spicy scenes? And a bi-awakening that isn’t filled with unnecessary drama because, let’s face it, he’s been in love with his best friend since they were 13??

But WAIT—there’s more! This book also has D&D, and it actually gives us rugby playtime and explanations of the game without making it feel like a dry rulebook. Do you know how rare that is? This is the first rugby romance I’ve read that actually includes the sport in a way that makes sense while still keeping the romance front and center.

And the side characters?? Chef’s kiss. We get just enough of them to fall in love (and get hyped for the upcoming MMM book 👀), but not so much that they steal focus from Devon and Jonny’s love story. Speaking of which—Jonny’s possessiveness? While I personally wouldn’t have minded seeing him work through it a bit more, I think the book struck a great balance between keeping things easy and low angst while still acknowledging his struggles.

All in all? This book is a damn good time. It’s fun, it’s hot, and it delivers on everything it promises. If any of this sounds like your vibe, grab it immediately.

No Excuses by Andrea Jenelle
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.

The writing style was just not for me. 

Hat Trick by Eden Finley

funny hopeful medium-paced

4.5

Untold by Amy Knupp

3.25

I picked up Untold during a past Stuff Your Earbuds day, and at just 40 minutes long (and technically Book 0.5 in the series), I knew going in that there wouldn’t be a ton of story or deep character development. And that’s totally fine! But…I do think this one leans more toward series sampler than standalone novella.

If you’re curious about the author’s writing style and want a quick taste before diving into the full series, this is a great way to test the waters. But if you’re looking for a short novella that feels fully satisfying on its own, this one might leave you wanting just a little more.

That said, it’s a quick listen, and if you’ve got Audible Plus, it’s an easy way to see if this series is for you!

Chemistry by Rachael Sommers

3.5

I fully admit I grabbed Chemistry by Rachael Sommers purely based on the cover, and honestly? No regrets. This little gem was just sitting there in my Audible Plus catalog, waiting to be devoured.

We’ve got a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers situation with major black cat/golden retriever energy. There’s a mistaken—or maybe more like secret—identity twist that kept things interesting. The push and pull between the characters was just enough to keep the tension going, and because we get both POVs, we get to see all the internal turmoil firsthand.

The narrator did a fantastic job making each character feel distinct, which made the listen even more enjoyable. And while there were definitely moments where I wanted to shake the characters and say, “Bestie, just communicate,” let’s be honest—we’ve all made choices that would make someone else say the same about us.

This is a quick, low-angst sapphic read that’s perfect if you just want something fun and satisfying. If that sounds like your vibe, head over to Audible and grab it!