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Of Flames and Fallacies by Courtney Whims
slow-paced
3.0
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
I HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS.
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I went into reading this with the best on intentions because it genuinely seemed up my alley. And there were good pieces and aspects, but things were missing too.
The initial idea was there. I liked the chapters and the set-up for the plot. The writing itself was good (even though there were some standout plot holes). It felt like it needed a little more tightening up in a few areas to really sell the story. Because along the plot holes were TWO flashback chapters in the early pages and then that was it? I was supposed to garner some kind of chemistry from them and that did not occur. Which left me reeling when they reconnected so suddenly.
And there’s a love triangle dynamic that might have made me toss my kindle across the room. (**but for real someone else who has read this, PLEASE COME TALK TO ME**). I kind of liked the other guy? But, as someone who looks a dark, broody, and cranky character he came across MEAN sometimes and I think crossed a few lines. I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t KNOW. I am befuddled by this book on so many levels y’all.
There’s a good ending. One that I admit to having peaked my interest but I’m going to need some more convincing to pick up book two. I’m intrigued-ish.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: moderate – high
- Romance: open door
- Violence: moderate
I HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I went into reading this with the best on intentions because it genuinely seemed up my alley. And there were good pieces and aspects, but things were missing too.
The initial idea was there. I liked the chapters and the set-up for the plot. The writing itself was good (even though there were some standout plot holes). It felt like it needed a little more tightening up in a few areas to really sell the story. Because along the plot holes were TWO flashback chapters in the early pages and then that was it? I was supposed to garner some kind of chemistry from them and that did not occur. Which left me reeling when they reconnected so suddenly.
And there’s a love triangle dynamic that might have made me toss my kindle across the room. (**but for real someone else who has read this, PLEASE COME TALK TO ME**). I kind of liked the other guy? But, as someone who looks a dark, broody, and cranky character he came across MEAN sometimes and I think crossed a few lines. I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t KNOW. I am befuddled by this book on so many levels y’all.
There’s a good ending. One that I admit to having peaked my interest but I’m going to need some more convincing to pick up book two. I’m intrigued-ish.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: moderate – high
- Romance: open door
- Violence: moderate
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you LibroFM for the gifted audiobook.
DRAMA BE DRAMAING.
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I FULLLLLLLY admit that I usually hate books like this. I am not a drama drama drama kind of gal when it comes to my contemporary reads, but when I tell y’all this book had me in a CHOKEHOLD, you would not believe. It took every turn you can imagine and I was gasping over and over again every time the next hit came. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. Which obviously means I gave it five stars because the chaos was beautifully crafted and these unlikable characters had my full attention.
I loooooved that this was a full cast with excerpts from a documentary style (so lots of narrators and it read really awesome over audio). I’m curious to see how it looks in printed format. I think that’s what made it all the more exciting and intense too. The narration was just expertly done and I could not stop listening.
Will people hate this book? Absolutely. But I think it’s going to be a popular one too. There’s something about the insane drive to succeed and be the top contender that makes you put away any moral compass that becomes fascinating to watch. Read it and then come find me to talk about it.
Overall audience notes:
- Sports Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: closed door, quick fade to black
- Violence: mild
- Content Warnings: cheating, mentions of past child abuse, loss of life
DRAMA BE DRAMAING.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I FULLLLLLLY admit that I usually hate books like this. I am not a drama drama drama kind of gal when it comes to my contemporary reads, but when I tell y’all this book had me in a CHOKEHOLD, you would not believe. It took every turn you can imagine and I was gasping over and over again every time the next hit came. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. Which obviously means I gave it five stars because the chaos was beautifully crafted and these unlikable characters had my full attention.
I loooooved that this was a full cast with excerpts from a documentary style (so lots of narrators and it read really awesome over audio). I’m curious to see how it looks in printed format. I think that’s what made it all the more exciting and intense too. The narration was just expertly done and I could not stop listening.
Will people hate this book? Absolutely. But I think it’s going to be a popular one too. There’s something about the insane drive to succeed and be the top contender that makes you put away any moral compass that becomes fascinating to watch. Read it and then come find me to talk about it.
Overall audience notes:
- Sports Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: closed door, quick fade to black
- Violence: mild
- Content Warnings: cheating, mentions of past child abuse, loss of life
Beyond the Crescent Sky by A.L. Sowards
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you Shadow Mountain and A.L. Sowards for the gifted copy.
MY HEART.
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I feel like I barely survived this book y’all. It took my heart out of my chest, smashed it on the ground a few times, and then picked up all the pieces and put it back together. So you know, YOU SHOULD READ IT TOO. This really took me on a historical journey. I love that the author doesn’t shy away from the hard truths of life in a different time period. It is not a linear path. The crossroads are imminent and the valleys are deep. But I loved how Helena and Ivan climbed the mountain together. As many times as it took, to find each other again.
It’s a slower paced book that really builds the journey. I loved the multiple points of view. There’s something about getting the antagonist POV that helps seal the deal on a great read. I loved seeing the mindsets and interpretations of the time period and setting. It’s gritty and the emotions are raw and also incredibly romantic.
I loved seeing how everything came together in the end. The hits kept coming and the characters kept rising. And that’s what it is all about. I CAN’T WAIT for book three!!!
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Content Warnings: miscarriage (from a fall), many childbirth scenes (and loss of mother/child moments as well), war violence and battle themes, blood/gore/injury depictions
MY HEART.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I feel like I barely survived this book y’all. It took my heart out of my chest, smashed it on the ground a few times, and then picked up all the pieces and put it back together. So you know, YOU SHOULD READ IT TOO. This really took me on a historical journey. I love that the author doesn’t shy away from the hard truths of life in a different time period. It is not a linear path. The crossroads are imminent and the valleys are deep. But I loved how Helena and Ivan climbed the mountain together. As many times as it took, to find each other again.
It’s a slower paced book that really builds the journey. I loved the multiple points of view. There’s something about getting the antagonist POV that helps seal the deal on a great read. I loved seeing the mindsets and interpretations of the time period and setting. It’s gritty and the emotions are raw and also incredibly romantic.
I loved seeing how everything came together in the end. The hits kept coming and the characters kept rising. And that’s what it is all about. I CAN’T WAIT for book three!!!
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Content Warnings: miscarriage (from a fall), many childbirth scenes (and loss of mother/child moments as well), war violence and battle themes, blood/gore/injury depictions
The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door by H.G. Parry
slow-paced
4.0
Thank you Orbit books for the gifted ARC.
GREAT READ.
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I enjoyed this one a lot and highly recommend the audiobook format for picking it up. I loved the narrator and it had such a great story telling quality that was really engaging from the get go. I loved the plot set-up and watching the slow build of Clover’s character.
The middle did fall off a bit and things dragged around as some of the mundane life aspects were happening without the plot changing. But I liked the complicated dynamic and relationship between all of these college students and how the force of time and circumstances changed everything.
At least the ending brought things back around and I liked how it all came together. It’s a truly solid standalone that wraps up the story lines in a satisfactory way. I admittedly would have loved a little more romance or at least generation of chemistry between one pair but that’s alright.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fantasy
- Language: mild
- Romance: one closed door
- Violence: moderate
GREAT READ.
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I enjoyed this one a lot and highly recommend the audiobook format for picking it up. I loved the narrator and it had such a great story telling quality that was really engaging from the get go. I loved the plot set-up and watching the slow build of Clover’s character.
The middle did fall off a bit and things dragged around as some of the mundane life aspects were happening without the plot changing. But I liked the complicated dynamic and relationship between all of these college students and how the force of time and circumstances changed everything.
At least the ending brought things back around and I liked how it all came together. It’s a truly solid standalone that wraps up the story lines in a satisfactory way. I admittedly would have loved a little more romance or at least generation of chemistry between one pair but that’s alright.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fantasy
- Language: mild
- Romance: one closed door
- Violence: moderate
In the Wake of the Wicked by V.B. Lacey
slow-paced
5.0
NEW AUTHOR FAV.
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I have been anxiously waiting to get some time to dedicate to this behemoth and I loved it. It is a nice long slow burn that pays off on all the fronts. I also super duper love that it’s a no spice romance. While I do read a low level of spice, I feel like the fantasy romance market is way too heavy on how much spice can be thrown in and this is a nice breath of a swoony read (with fantastic kissing scenes, don’t you worry) without an open door.
ANYWAYS. I loved these characters. And I loved that it was dual POV. Seeing both Leo and Rose’s POV was perfect. i loved Rose’s character arc the most. Seeing her slowly let people in, realize she’s worth staying for and finding some people that could be and want to be in her circle was incredible. There were many resonating moments throughout where my heart squeezed tight.
I enjoyed the action and competition plot line. It was a great balance of not being ALL competition while still giving those big action scenes their due. It’s dark and gritty and keeps you on edge.
And y’all know how standalone fantasies are so hard for me to love because they always need to be longer???? WELL HERE YA GO. 650 pages of goodness. I actually felt like I got to know all of the characters, understand the world building and magic system and really let the relationships develop.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: moderate – high
- Content Warnings: loss of life, blood/gore depiction
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I have been anxiously waiting to get some time to dedicate to this behemoth and I loved it. It is a nice long slow burn that pays off on all the fronts. I also super duper love that it’s a no spice romance. While I do read a low level of spice, I feel like the fantasy romance market is way too heavy on how much spice can be thrown in and this is a nice breath of a swoony read (with fantastic kissing scenes, don’t you worry) without an open door.
ANYWAYS. I loved these characters. And I loved that it was dual POV. Seeing both Leo and Rose’s POV was perfect. i loved Rose’s character arc the most. Seeing her slowly let people in, realize she’s worth staying for and finding some people that could be and want to be in her circle was incredible. There were many resonating moments throughout where my heart squeezed tight.
I enjoyed the action and competition plot line. It was a great balance of not being ALL competition while still giving those big action scenes their due. It’s dark and gritty and keeps you on edge.
And y’all know how standalone fantasies are so hard for me to love because they always need to be longer???? WELL HERE YA GO. 650 pages of goodness. I actually felt like I got to know all of the characters, understand the world building and magic system and really let the relationships develop.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: moderate – high
- Content Warnings: loss of life, blood/gore depiction
All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you to Catherine Cowles and Sourcebooks for the gifted copy!
*AHHHHHHHHH*
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That’s basically how this book made me feel the entire time. I LOVED it! And what I found interesting and fun this time around is that it was a standalone (there are possible future books but not anything concrete at the moment). And having it as a standalone meant that I did not trust ANYBODY. I don’t care how good of a friend or family member you are, I had my eyes on scoping out who would be apart of that final reveal. AND I WAS STILL SHOCKED. The craftiness of CC’s writing and story telling continues to amaze me. Gosh I love her books.
The enemies banter was on point. I loved the sassiness and comebacks and the groveling and heat. It’s all there and such a delight. The loving family members and support system were strong and highlighted many wonderful side characters.
Obsessed with the audiobook. The narrators did a fantastic job and y’all know that dual POV is superior in all the ways. Not one negative thing to say, I could not get enough of this book.
Overall audience notes:
- Romantic Suspense
- Language: moderate
- Romance: open door
- Violence: moderate – high
- Content Warnings: murder, attempted murder, ser!al k!ller, loss of a loved one
*AHHHHHHHHH*
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
That’s basically how this book made me feel the entire time. I LOVED it! And what I found interesting and fun this time around is that it was a standalone (there are possible future books but not anything concrete at the moment). And having it as a standalone meant that I did not trust ANYBODY. I don’t care how good of a friend or family member you are, I had my eyes on scoping out who would be apart of that final reveal. AND I WAS STILL SHOCKED. The craftiness of CC’s writing and story telling continues to amaze me. Gosh I love her books.
The enemies banter was on point. I loved the sassiness and comebacks and the groveling and heat. It’s all there and such a delight. The loving family members and support system were strong and highlighted many wonderful side characters.
Obsessed with the audiobook. The narrators did a fantastic job and y’all know that dual POV is superior in all the ways. Not one negative thing to say, I could not get enough of this book.
Overall audience notes:
- Romantic Suspense
- Language: moderate
- Romance: open door
- Violence: moderate – high
- Content Warnings: murder, attempted murder, ser!al k!ller, loss of a loved one
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens
medium-paced
5.0
I LOVED THIS.
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This was my first book by this author, and I see myself reading more of them in the future. This was a GEM. I found it had this beautiful balance of wit and humor and strength, all mixed in with a heated romance I was obsessed with. I’m not going to say much about who becomes the romantic lead, but I will say again, OBSESSED. The dynamic between them was perfect.
Also this is my favorite kind of spice level. Where things get heated and then fade out (aka fade to black if that wasn’t obvious). It fit well into the story line and made that connection feel all the deeper. I loved understanding the depth of character and background and all of these small moments where you see the pieces start to click together.
It was a true delight. I loved the audiobook and I will keep my eye out for all new releases form Sophie Cousens.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: mild
- Romance: fade to black
- Content Warnings: divorce
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This was my first book by this author, and I see myself reading more of them in the future. This was a GEM. I found it had this beautiful balance of wit and humor and strength, all mixed in with a heated romance I was obsessed with. I’m not going to say much about who becomes the romantic lead, but I will say again, OBSESSED. The dynamic between them was perfect.
Also this is my favorite kind of spice level. Where things get heated and then fade out (aka fade to black if that wasn’t obvious). It fit well into the story line and made that connection feel all the deeper. I loved understanding the depth of character and background and all of these small moments where you see the pieces start to click together.
It was a true delight. I loved the audiobook and I will keep my eye out for all new releases form Sophie Cousens.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: mild
- Romance: fade to black
- Content Warnings: divorce