Scan barcode
jaywhygeereads's reviews
655 reviews
To Love a Dark Lord by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
3.0
3.0 ⭐️/5
1.5 🌶️/5
Hmm. The hopes I placed on the final book of the Iron Crystal series were destroyed. I’m actually really disappointed at the ending.
This is a four book series that I don’t think needed to be a four book series. Each book felt like Mordred and Gwen were waffling back and forth on their decisions and feelings. It left me wondering, why is this series 4 books long? It felt like the conclusion of this series that was wrapped up in the last 10% of the book was too rushed.
There were funny moments and sweet moments, but <mild spoiler> romance readers expecting a true HEA will be disappointed. I feel like this would be a good binge read for fantasy book lovers, but not for romance readers expecting a traditional HEA.
Thank you to Second Sky for the ARC. All thoughts/ opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette
4.5
4.5 ⭐️/5
2.0 🌶️/5
A Rivalry of Hearts is an absolutely delightful read, and anyone who enjoys gaslamp fantasy romance, bickering enemies to lovers, rivals for a publishing contract, forced proximity, quirky FMC, and a mysterious fae MMC will love this book.
It’s literal laugh out loud romance with spice and heart. I was so charmed by the entire cast of characters and world building. Edwina is one of my newest favorite characters. She is simultaneously so uncertain and bold at her approach at life, but definitely does not shy away from adventures. I loved the moments with Edwina interacting with her readers and her realizing that her writing career in Faerwyvae is more a reality than dream. I also loved the slow reveal of William’s backstory, because that past really kept me guessing.
We get:
💖Dual POV
🩷Gaslamp Fantasy
💖Rival writers for one contract
🩷Fae MMC
💖Human FMC
🩷Hilarious quips and moments
💖He falls first
🩷Protective and possessive
💖Fae bargain
🩷”Research” for writing
💖Teasing banter
🩷Forced proximity
The rivals were rivaling and the little spats and squabbles between William & Edwina really tickled my enemies-to-lovers loving self. This book also sets up the next couple of the series so nicely and I’m can’t wait to read it.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for my ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
2.0 🌶️/5
A Rivalry of Hearts is an absolutely delightful read, and anyone who enjoys gaslamp fantasy romance, bickering enemies to lovers, rivals for a publishing contract, forced proximity, quirky FMC, and a mysterious fae MMC will love this book.
It’s literal laugh out loud romance with spice and heart. I was so charmed by the entire cast of characters and world building. Edwina is one of my newest favorite characters. She is simultaneously so uncertain and bold at her approach at life, but definitely does not shy away from adventures. I loved the moments with Edwina interacting with her readers and her realizing that her writing career in Faerwyvae is more a reality than dream. I also loved the slow reveal of William’s backstory, because that past really kept me guessing.
We get:
💖Dual POV
🩷Gaslamp Fantasy
💖Rival writers for one contract
🩷Fae MMC
💖Human FMC
🩷Hilarious quips and moments
💖He falls first
🩷Protective and possessive
💖Fae bargain
🩷”Research” for writing
💖Teasing banter
🩷Forced proximity
The rivals were rivaling and the little spats and squabbles between William & Edwina really tickled my enemies-to-lovers loving self. This book also sets up the next couple of the series so nicely and I’m can’t wait to read it.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for my ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
5.0
The Artefacts of Ouranos series has quickly become one of my newest favorite series! I just downloaded the first three books from Audible and I can’t wait to hear what I just binge-read in the last week. Fate of the Sun King is book 3 in the series, and I’m already anxious anticipating the fourth book. 😅😅😅
If you love morally gray and an epic fantasy tale of a baddie FMC and the magical world she is struggling to blossom in, then this series is for you. If you are a fan or epic fantasy romance with a strong FMC and a “cinnamon roll only for her” MMC (think ACOTAR, From Blood and Ash, Throne of Glass) then you will love Artefacts of Ouranos.
In Fate of the Sun King we get:
♥️Nadir is his alphahole era?! 🤗
♥️On a mission for magic
♥️Quest for a queendom
♥️So many secrets
♥️MORE yearning and pining and angst
♥️Just “Friends” 😉
♥️Touch her and die
♥️Mine!
♥️Tortuously Slow Burn
♥️Mates
♥️Ouranos lore
♥️Magical restraints
♥️Spice and steam and some more spice 🌶️
♥️Cliffhanger of all cliffhangers 😮😧😦
Thank you to Nisha, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary and all thoughts/opinions are my own.
If you love morally gray and an epic fantasy tale of a baddie FMC and the magical world she is struggling to blossom in, then this series is for you. If you are a fan or epic fantasy romance with a strong FMC and a “cinnamon roll only for her” MMC (think ACOTAR, From Blood and Ash, Throne of Glass) then you will love Artefacts of Ouranos.
In Fate of the Sun King we get:
♥️Nadir is his alphahole era?! 🤗
♥️On a mission for magic
♥️Quest for a queendom
♥️So many secrets
♥️MORE yearning and pining and angst
♥️Just “Friends” 😉
♥️Touch her and die
♥️Mine!
♥️Tortuously Slow Burn
♥️Mates
♥️Ouranos lore
♥️Magical restraints
♥️Spice and steam and some more spice 🌶️
♥️Cliffhanger of all cliffhangers 😮😧😦
Thank you to Nisha, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary and all thoughts/opinions are my own.
Court of Vines and Vipers by Emberly Ash
4.0
4.0 ⭐️/5
2.5 🌶️/5
I cannot wait until the next book comes out. Be prepared for angst and more angst and some more angst when you read this book.
There are unexpected twists and turns in book 3. Without giving too much away, I will say I prefer when my main characters are together on page so I wish that happened sooner.
It’s a continuation of road trips and fulfilling prophecies and realizing who it is you have to be.
Thank you to Emberly and publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
2.5 🌶️/5
I cannot wait until the next book comes out. Be prepared for angst and more angst and some more angst when you read this book.
There are unexpected twists and turns in book 3. Without giving too much away, I will say I prefer when my main characters are together on page so I wish that happened sooner.
It’s a continuation of road trips and fulfilling prophecies and realizing who it is you have to be.
Thank you to Emberly and publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley
3.75
Zero pepper
3.75 ⭐️/5
0.00 🌶️/5
As entertaining as this book was, I struggled to connect fully with Mark and Georgie fully. Not sure if it was because they almost became side characters of their own story: much of the book was devoted to developing Katherine and Jahleel’s storyline (which is the more emotional compelling story to me, setup for their book a 2nd chance romance big on heartbreak and angst). Or if it was because I felt at times there was too much internal dialogue of our lead characters where there was a disconnect between their thoughts and their behavior.
We get:
Dual pov - 1st person
Duke chapters 3rd person
Race and discrimination
Mistaken situation at a chance encounter
Fake public engagement
Racist cartoon
Composer and his muse
Realities of love vs cause & effect
Chronic illness sickle cell anemia
Zero on the spice meter (maybe 2 kisses)
TW: pregnancy loss
I loved all the characters but felt the story was weighed down with so much telling about bets and jumping between Jahleel and Katherine’s history to the actual love story between Mark and Georgina.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
3.75 ⭐️/5
0.00 🌶️/5
As entertaining as this book was, I struggled to connect fully with Mark and Georgie fully. Not sure if it was because they almost became side characters of their own story: much of the book was devoted to developing Katherine and Jahleel’s storyline (which is the more emotional compelling story to me, setup for their book a 2nd chance romance big on heartbreak and angst). Or if it was because I felt at times there was too much internal dialogue of our lead characters where there was a disconnect between their thoughts and their behavior.
We get:
Dual pov - 1st person
Duke chapters 3rd person
Race and discrimination
Mistaken situation at a chance encounter
Fake public engagement
Racist cartoon
Composer and his muse
Realities of love vs cause & effect
Chronic illness sickle cell anemia
Zero on the spice meter (maybe 2 kisses)
TW: pregnancy loss
I loved all the characters but felt the story was weighed down with so much telling about bets and jumping between Jahleel and Katherine’s history to the actual love story between Mark and Georgina.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Racism
All's Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath
4.0
4.0 ⭐️/5
1.5 🌶️/5
This is a cute and entertaining historical romance, not too spicy. I would have enjoyed more time with Harry and Georgie together, instead of them dealing with their own problems separately. There was so much longing and pining between the two the majority of the book, I would like to experience more interaction between Harry and Georgie. Overall it was an enjoyable read, although I would like a longer drawn out grand gesture and groveling at the end.
The side characters are amazing, from the nieces and nephew, to Georgie’s mentor Miss P and Lottie & friends, from Ada to Tom to Simpkins, to Flora to the dogs. They all made the book fun and brought laughter and joy and funny moments.
We get:
Dual POV
She’s an aspiring governess
He’s a naval captain
Opposites attract
Canine friend(s)
Longing and pining
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
1.5 🌶️/5
This is a cute and entertaining historical romance, not too spicy. I would have enjoyed more time with Harry and Georgie together, instead of them dealing with their own problems separately. There was so much longing and pining between the two the majority of the book, I would like to experience more interaction between Harry and Georgie. Overall it was an enjoyable read, although I would like a longer drawn out grand gesture and groveling at the end.
The side characters are amazing, from the nieces and nephew, to Georgie’s mentor Miss P and Lottie & friends, from Ada to Tom to Simpkins, to Flora to the dogs. They all made the book fun and brought laughter and joy and funny moments.
We get:
Dual POV
She’s an aspiring governess
He’s a naval captain
Opposites attract
Canine friend(s)
Longing and pining
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
After the Shut Up Ring by Cate C. Wells
5.0
5.0 ⭐️/5
2.0 🌶️/5
There’s something I just love about Cate C Wells’s writing. Just regular people, normal people, but Cate weaves their all of their angst and hopes and dreams and pining into a magical tale I just gobble right up.
I love Angie and Brandon - I want a Brandon 🥹 I learned you really need to get you a partner that loves you for all you are and is your biggest ride or die (bonus if your partner is a sibling to your bestie!). Isn’t that what we all want? Someone who loves you for you and doesn’t demand perfection or point out your flaws to make themselves feel better?
Here’s what we get:
💍Besties older brother
💍Single mom
💍Spine at the alter
💍Pining and yearning and unrequited feelings
💍Normal people
💍Best bestie
💍Finding oneself
I love how we see the different perspectives of Angie and Brandon, because I totally identify with not feeling that confident but then we see how amazing Brandon thinks she is. I love the relationship Brandon develops with Angie’s daughters. If you are thinking about reading this book or you might want to read this book, take the plunge and do it! 🤍
Thank you to CCW for the ARC, my review is voluntary and all thoughts/opinions are my own.
Alien In Flames by January Bell
4.5
4.5 ⭐️/5
2.5 🌶️/5
I love these aliens in the Bound by Fire series. This book we’re with the newly crowned Roth King, Lyko who was thrown in the deep end of ruling after his older brother abdicated the throne in book one.
We get:
🔥Dual POV
🔥Marriage of convenience
🔥Kidnapped to be gladiators
🔥Pact to escape
🔥Parasitic goddess
🔥Fated Mates
I love the angsty push/pull between Piper and Lyko. They have chemistry and banter and humor, and their wedding ceremony was super hot 🔥🥵🤗 I wish I had more of their story in epilogue form, but that just makes me so excited for the next book of the series.
If you have not read this series I recommend that sci-fi romance lovers pick this up. It’s an expansion of the Accidental Alien Brides series universe, and if you loved that series, you’ll enjoy reading about these Roth brothers.
Thank you to January Bell for this ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
Serpents of Sky and Flame by Rebecca F. Kenney
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
5 ⭐️/5
3 🌶️/5
This book is so good gimme book 2 immediately, please!!!! There are dragons, there are humans, there are dragon mating dances, dragon mating urges, an evil queen and her evil sorcerer, and a mischievous powerful sorceress that turns a dragon’s plan for survival upside down.
3 🌶️/5
This book is so good gimme book 2 immediately, please!!!! There are dragons, there are humans, there are dragon mating dances, dragon mating urges, an evil queen and her evil sorcerer, and a mischievous powerful sorceress that turns a dragon’s plan for survival upside down.
Seryella (human princess) and Kyreagan (dragon prince) were on opposing sides of the war - and after the evil sorcerer eradicated all the female dragons (boo), a desperate prince dragon decides human women are the answer to preserving their species.
The banter between Seryella and Kyreagan is top tier. There is so much humor and sexual tension, and they’re both prideful and stubborn but worried about their respective kingdoms, and they cannot handle the feelings that emerge for each other.
This sets up a new series that I cannot wait to explore - dragons and the human women they try to woo. This book ends of a cliffhanger, but book 2 is supposed to come out in September!
This book is for you if you like:
🩶Vengeance
🩶Banter
🩶Morally gray
🩶Virgin MMC
🩶Mine
🩶Enemies of war
🐉Dragons
🩶Sex pact
🩶Battles of pride
🩶Mutual self-care 😉
🩶Consensual non-con
🩶Forced proximity
🩶One cave, one nest
Thank you to @Rebecca for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.