jayceejarvis's reviews
976 reviews

The World Within by Dani Finn

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emotional hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 I really enjoyed this character driven cozy fantasy that was full of soft moments and realistic details of opening a sex shop/spa/education center (really Lila's business in this book sounded amazing--I only wish we had a place like it in my town!) The long distance romance progressed naturally and the characters were easy to cheer for. Highly recommend for fans of cozy fantasy looking for a steamy and wholesome story. 
Hen Fever by Olivia Waite

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 Very cute, yet emotional story about a town with a cutthroat chicken competition, and new comers to the village who are recovering from the war. Lydia and Harriet are well matched in empathy and insight, and their attraction is a delight to watch unfold. Highly recommend for fans of sapphic historicals. 
Warsong by Elizabeth Vaughan

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adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-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

5.0

This finale of the sprawling Chronicles of the Warlands series pulls together all the threads from the previous books into a satisfying whole. I loved the exploration of magic and the romantic threads woven through the story. Amyu in particular was a very compelling character, as a barren woman in an unaccepting culture, who knows her own worth. Her relationship with Joden really formed the heart of the book for me, and I was especially glad that she did not miraculously conceive as happens all to often in love stories touching on infertility. While this book should be read after the rest of the series, fans of epic fantasy romance will not want to miss out on these stories. 
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Shadow Wizard by Jeffe Kennedy

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Start of a new trilogy in the Bonds of Magic world, this story focuses on Seliah and Jadren, though there are still some scenes from Gabriel's point of view. The chemistry between these two misfits as they navigate the world together is off the charts. Their romance is both steamy and sweet with distinct feral under-pinnings as nether of them has had a easy time of it. I liked the way they understood each other better than even their closest family, and that they struggled with a level of distrust that somehow didn't ruin their connection. This is just the first book in their story, and the action picks up right at the end of Grey Magic, so this is book doesn't stand alone, but is a strong addition to the series. Highly recommend for fans of imaginative world building and all the angst. 
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Familiar Winter Magic by Jeffe Kennedy

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emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

 This is a very cute short story set in the Bonds of Magic world. I really enjoyed the introduction to Han and Iliana as well as learning more about the institutes that shape this world. I think it would be pretty confusing to read on its own, and its ending is a bit of a cliff hanger, but is a fine addition to the series. 
Prince and Pawn by Tavia Lark

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adventurous emotional lighthearted tense 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

 I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, as each story builds on the last and deepens the layers of worldbuilding, while still introducing a new couple with an HEA. Audric is the dutiful prince, promised to wed for political reasons. When he has an unforgettable one night stand with his intended's bastard brother, all his plans go awry. I loved this opposites attract romance, with a distinctly kinky romance that grew naturally from their initial attraction, while staying true to the characters. Both of Audric's brothers make an appearance in this story, adding a bit of fun for fans of the series. Highly recommend for fantasy romance fans who enjoy a little political intrigue with their steamy romance. 
Stranger's Choice by Jen Lynning

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adventurous emotional hopeful relaxing 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

5.0

 I really enjoyed the magic system in this series, and how it impacts different cultures in different ways. This story is in a new setting because Sebin has traveled across the dangerous ocean to a new continent, where Oracles are still an influence on society. This story reminded me of Empath's Lure in the best way, diving into the relationship between humans and the magical races as well as thoughtful explorations of consent and bodily autonomy. Highly recommend for fantasy romance fans who enjoy political maneuvering and top-notch worldbuilding. 
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The Gardener and the Water-horse by Mallory Dunlin

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adventurous dark emotional fast-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

5.0

 Safira is running for her life from her abusive husband, when she finds sanctuary at a magical Spire adjacent to a mythical water horse lake. Part magical beast, part god, this creature finds her fascinating in a way he has never experienced before. I really enjoyed the way these characters were drawn together, and how he is so clearly inhuman in both his understanding and the way he moves through the world. Really top notch sexual awakening for someone who is also a body of water. Highly highly recommend this story for monster romance fans. 
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Due Diligence by Anna Zabo

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challenging dark emotional tense 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

4.5

 Second chance romance between high school sweethearts who had very different views of their past. I enjoyed the way they came to terms with who they had been, though I felt like the blame for the flaws in their relationship were a little too one-sided. I also struggled a little with the HEA since I felt like healthy communication was their biggest hurdle and it was kind of side stepped. Still the characters were easy to root for and the conflict and emotions swept me away. I recommend this whole series for kinky romance fans who enjoy lots of angst on the way to an HEA. 
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Just Business by Anna Zabo

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dark emotional inspiring tense 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

5.0

 This is my favorite book of this intense emotional series. Justin is a sub who experienced abuse in the past but is still drawn to the scene, while Eli is a dom with demons of his own to battle. The way these two come together and tear each other apart was heartbreaking and beautiful. Highly recommend for fans of BDSM romance with all the angst. 
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