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joyeuxxe's reviews
53 reviews
Saving Graces by Ruby Landers
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
After reading this, I now could say that Ruby Landers has become one of my favorite authors. I absolutely love how she writes this trilogy. I am in awe with her writing style, with her storytelling technique. My mind is blown after reading the last installment. And I am craving and looking forward to reading more of her works.
I am literally in tears after finishing this series, it was such a rollercoaster ride. I am going to miss all the characters. I've said it before and Im going to say it again for emphasis how I love the way Ruby have written this series, I love how the previous characters weren't just mere side characters in the current installment and we didn't just get crumbs of them but a whole side storyline (the side characters still has their own conflict and resolution).
I usually dont like back stories, but in this book, I kind of love the way it was written, the author was able to connect the past to the present, which somehow made the whole story come into a full circle. Although, in the end, there are still some loose ends and I feel like the epilogue wasn't enough to wrap it all up. I'm hoping Landers will give us a longer version of the epilogue, maybe an extended version of Rosalie and Kinsey's HEA. Whatever it will be, I just need more. 😭
By the way, Saving Graces is by far my most favorite among the 3 books. I never thought I'd love Rosalie more than Savannah, and Kinsey more than Brynn. I mean I love them all, Lane and Cassidy included, but I have my favorites now. 😅 The storyline for this trilogy has become better and better as it progressed, Saving Graces being the best installment, personal opinion. This is also by far the spiciest among the 3. The dirty talk? Chef's kiss! 😘 That dancing in the club scene has me weak in my knees. Also, it was clear how Kinsey ruin sex for Rosalie the first time.
There have been plenty of books I have read that has the same trope or plot with this one but I could say that somehow Saving Graces has a fresh take on it. Age gap? Yes, its a common trope, but this one gives me more thrill; Kinsey knows what she wants but not too desperate to beg for it, and Rosalie's conflicted between wanting more and being scared. Also, its how the charactes keep on emphasizing how hot they see each other, which is something for the reader to play with our imagination.
No strings attached? This is not the typical no strings attached plot since they've clearly felt some feelings from the start, the conflict is just one of them has commitment issues, and there are clear boundaries from Kinsey which gave it more thrill making Rosalie and us as a reader crave for more. Also, I love how they keep on doing it, and yet it doesn't feel repetitive. I've read a lot of similar plot from other books and at some point, it feels so repetitive that you dont want to read the "did" part, but its different on this one, it has the right amount of spice that makes you want for more.
I have all the love and feels for the Grace Notes Trilogy especially for Saving Graces. I thought I was over and already had my fill with the age gap trope, but this book has me yearning for more.
This is written in a 3rd person POV and so for me there are just times when i got confuse who's talking about who. But I think that's the only thing I've got problem with, not that big of a deal though. It doesn't affect my love for this series and for the characters that Ruby Landers has created.
The whole series is a must read and it should be talked about, so as how good of an author Ruby Landers is.
Anyway, thank you for the ARC. It is such an honor to have read an advance copy of what I truly believe will become a hit. ❤️
I am literally in tears after finishing this series, it was such a rollercoaster ride. I am going to miss all the characters. I've said it before and Im going to say it again for emphasis how I love the way Ruby have written this series, I love how the previous characters weren't just mere side characters in the current installment and we didn't just get crumbs of them but a whole side storyline (the side characters still has their own conflict and resolution).
I usually dont like back stories, but in this book, I kind of love the way it was written, the author was able to connect the past to the present, which somehow made the whole story come into a full circle. Although, in the end, there are still some loose ends and I feel like the epilogue wasn't enough to wrap it all up. I'm hoping Landers will give us a longer version of the epilogue, maybe an extended version of Rosalie and Kinsey's HEA. Whatever it will be, I just need more. 😭
By the way, Saving Graces is by far my most favorite among the 3 books. I never thought I'd love Rosalie more than Savannah, and Kinsey more than Brynn. I mean I love them all, Lane and Cassidy included, but I have my favorites now. 😅 The storyline for this trilogy has become better and better as it progressed, Saving Graces being the best installment, personal opinion. This is also by far the spiciest among the 3. The dirty talk? Chef's kiss! 😘 That dancing in the club scene has me weak in my knees. Also, it was clear how Kinsey ruin sex for Rosalie the first time.
There have been plenty of books I have read that has the same trope or plot with this one but I could say that somehow Saving Graces has a fresh take on it. Age gap? Yes, its a common trope, but this one gives me more thrill; Kinsey knows what she wants but not too desperate to beg for it, and Rosalie's conflicted between wanting more and being scared. Also, its how the charactes keep on emphasizing how hot they see each other, which is something for the reader to play with our imagination.
No strings attached? This is not the typical no strings attached plot since they've clearly felt some feelings from the start, the conflict is just one of them has commitment issues, and there are clear boundaries from Kinsey which gave it more thrill making Rosalie and us as a reader crave for more. Also, I love how they keep on doing it, and yet it doesn't feel repetitive. I've read a lot of similar plot from other books and at some point, it feels so repetitive that you dont want to read the "did" part, but its different on this one, it has the right amount of spice that makes you want for more.
I have all the love and feels for the Grace Notes Trilogy especially for Saving Graces. I thought I was over and already had my fill with the age gap trope, but this book has me yearning for more.
This is written in a 3rd person POV and so for me there are just times when i got confuse who's talking about who. But I think that's the only thing I've got problem with, not that big of a deal though. It doesn't affect my love for this series and for the characters that Ruby Landers has created.
The whole series is a must read and it should be talked about, so as how good of an author Ruby Landers is.
Anyway, thank you for the ARC. It is such an honor to have read an advance copy of what I truly believe will become a hit. ❤️
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship and Transphobia
Graceless by Ruby Landers
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
I have read both Fall from Grace and Graceless now and I must say even though I am a big fan of Brynn Marshall, I love the 2nd installment more than the 1st one. There is just something about Graceless that captured me. The character development of the MCs is just wow. The angst, and the tension as well, daaaamn!!!! This book is so gooood. I love how the story progresses. I honestly came here for Brynn, but definitely stayed for Lane and Cassidy.
One thing I like about Ruby Landers' stories is the ✨️drama✨️—if you love the angst, the slowburn, then you'll definitely love her works, and this book.
One downside though is that its sometimes so frustrating wherein you just want to scream at the characters' faces to just talk and have some proper communication, but I guess its all part of the drama and the plot. 😅
I love how this is written in a way that the previous characters (Sav and Brynn) weren't forgotten or just become a mere side characters even though the story focuses on the current MCs—i love how they both still played a vital role to this series. It is so comforting to get a picture of the life Savannah and Brynn has now and still clearly in love with each other.
And you know what I love more? The diversity of the characters Landers have written. You don't need to worry, Ruby's got you. She is awesome. I hope many more writers are like her.
Another thing I like about this book and even the previous one is that its not only centered romantically but it is plot-driven. There is a story going on behind while the two main characters are building the romance. And I like that a lot in a book.
What I really love about Ruby's writing style is that it is so easy to read, the style is not overwhelming, its like cozy reading but definitely not boring.
The only thing that I find off about this series is that I still feel like we are all living in Savannah Grace's world. I know its because she has some kind of God complex but I just find it off how Brynn's her wife now yet it doesn't feel like she is her equal. I mean, that part wherein Sav somehow said like "...then you are now welcome in my home" and the fact wherein Brynn has to correct her "our home". Maybe its just me. Dont get me wrong, I love Savannah Grace. I hope this gets corrected in the final installment... or not? 😅😅😅
Nevertheless, I love this series so much and I cannot wait for the 3rd installment, and I am even more excited about it because its Rosalie's and *coughs* age gap. I really wish this series gets talk about and gets the attention it truly deserves.
One thing I like about Ruby Landers' stories is the ✨️drama✨️—if you love the angst, the slowburn, then you'll definitely love her works, and this book.
One downside though is that its sometimes so frustrating wherein you just want to scream at the characters' faces to just talk and have some proper communication, but I guess its all part of the drama and the plot. 😅
I love how this is written in a way that the previous characters (Sav and Brynn) weren't forgotten or just become a mere side characters even though the story focuses on the current MCs—i love how they both still played a vital role to this series. It is so comforting to get a picture of the life Savannah and Brynn has now and still clearly in love with each other.
And you know what I love more? The diversity of the characters Landers have written. You don't need to worry, Ruby's got you. She is awesome. I hope many more writers are like her.
Another thing I like about this book and even the previous one is that its not only centered romantically but it is plot-driven. There is a story going on behind while the two main characters are building the romance. And I like that a lot in a book.
What I really love about Ruby's writing style is that it is so easy to read, the style is not overwhelming, its like cozy reading but definitely not boring.
The only thing that I find off about this series is that I still feel like we are all living in Savannah Grace's world. I know its because she has some kind of God complex but I just find it off how Brynn's her wife now yet it doesn't feel like she is her equal. I mean, that part wherein Sav somehow said like "...then you are now welcome in my home" and the fact wherein Brynn has to correct her "our home". Maybe its just me. Dont get me wrong, I love Savannah Grace. I hope this gets corrected in the final installment... or not? 😅😅😅
Nevertheless, I love this series so much and I cannot wait for the 3rd installment, and I am even more excited about it because its Rosalie's and *coughs* age gap. I really wish this series gets talk about and gets the attention it truly deserves.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Violence
Eternal Captive by Elle Mae
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
// First of all, thank you so much to Good Girls PR for the ARC. //
What a cliffhanger!!! But also, I am quite okay with how this book ended. I would love to read the sequel, but even without it, I kind of like the ending but still left me hanging with so many unanswered questions though.
Elle Mae definitely did it again! For me, I think I like Eternal Captive better than Contract Bound, though I also love that one. But the storyline, the plot of this one stick to me more. Contract Bound is more vampire-scentric than this one but story-wise, Eternal Captive is more giving. But it could just be my own preference.
The world building is so easy to catch up but also is kind of lacking (just a little bit). I just feel like there is a lack of the vampire feels, I feel more like the book is about royal x assassin dark romance, so I always kept in mind that the princess is a vampire because sometimes I forget that she is. I would've love to read more fangs. Nonetheless, it is such as a great book.
There is balance with this book. Right amount of smut, right amount of romance, right amount of intrigue. I know that there is still a sequel, but would've love to get a little bit of answers towards the end of this book—a little bit of the secret organization, why the death of the princess have been prophesized, who killed Aurelia's mother. There is still so much questions I want answers to after reading this book. Its a mystery I hope to be answered with the second installment.
This book started strong but somehow lost it towards the end. Overall, I had an enjoyable rollercoaster reading experience with this one, and will definitely wait up for the 2nd installment.
Overall: 3.75/5⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶
What a cliffhanger!!! But also, I am quite okay with how this book ended. I would love to read the sequel, but even without it, I kind of like the ending but still left me hanging with so many unanswered questions though.
Elle Mae definitely did it again! For me, I think I like Eternal Captive better than Contract Bound, though I also love that one. But the storyline, the plot of this one stick to me more. Contract Bound is more vampire-scentric than this one but story-wise, Eternal Captive is more giving. But it could just be my own preference.
The world building is so easy to catch up but also is kind of lacking (just a little bit). I just feel like there is a lack of the vampire feels, I feel more like the book is about royal x assassin dark romance, so I always kept in mind that the princess is a vampire because sometimes I forget that she is. I would've love to read more fangs. Nonetheless, it is such as a great book.
There is balance with this book. Right amount of smut, right amount of romance, right amount of intrigue. I know that there is still a sequel, but would've love to get a little bit of answers towards the end of this book—a little bit of the secret organization, why the death of the princess have been prophesized, who killed Aurelia's mother. There is still so much questions I want answers to after reading this book. Its a mystery I hope to be answered with the second installment.
This book started strong but somehow lost it towards the end. Overall, I had an enjoyable rollercoaster reading experience with this one, and will definitely wait up for the 2nd installment.
Overall: 3.75/5⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Death of parent
House of Crimson Hearts by Ruby Roe
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This book is everything I want and need! Everything about this book has me on edge—the world building, the plot, the storyline, the characters, the mystery, the romance, the smut (🌶🌶🌶). This is by far the smuttiest book I have ever read. I am mesmerized by how this book is written.
Let me tell you, Ruby writes a compelling, interesting world building. It makes you feel like you are living in the world she created. It makes you easily understand how their world works. I have not read plenty of vampire-scentric books, but for what I have read, this one is by far has the best world-building, and by far my most favorite. I've read her girl games series, and although the series are somehow connected through some characters, I could say that they have quite different world, but both are easily understandable, unique, and compelling.
Back to the book, one thing I love about this book is that every character plays a vital role. It really makes you think about them—you may think they are unlikeable but turns out they are likeable, or the other way around. The characters are all full of mystery.
This is the kind of book that keeps you thinking throughout the reading journey. So many theories I have and want answers to. I love that it is written in a multiple-POV and different timelines, and gives us a good villain-origin story.
It is an enemies-to-lovers trope but has a different take. As you progress, you'll see that its not the typical enemies-to-lovers. It is not "they hate each other for as long as they can remember and now they just realized they're inlove with each other", nope its not like that, the way Ruby wrote this book with that trope makes more sense. For me, it is the perfect execution for this trope.
How this book ended broke my heart. I cried literal bucket of tears. The sacrifice Octavia made is out of this world. And I do have a theory that its the same sacrifice Cordelia made years ago. The words Octavia spoke made me sob so hard. I am not okay after reading this book. I am out of words and just want to read the next parts.
This book has the right amount of romance, mystery, magic, thriller (sort of), and and ample amount of smut 🫡. So if you don't like smut, then maybe its not for you, because its literally in almost all chapters and its part of the plot.
I just know that this series is gonna be a masterpiece. I know i know, I wasn't able to finish this book in 1 seating, but I mean I definitely could have if not because of some other things. I honestly didn't even noticed that I was around 80% of the book, and was surprise that it ended, and with that cliffhanger, I almost threw out my kindle due to frustration. That's how good this book is.
Ruby Roe could write my least favorite trope, and I would still read it because its been proven that she is such a magnificent author. I'd rate this a 5/5 ⭐️ but that cliffhanger was frustrating and so I think its safe for me to say that its a 4.75/5⭐️ reading experience for me.
Let me tell you, Ruby writes a compelling, interesting world building. It makes you feel like you are living in the world she created. It makes you easily understand how their world works. I have not read plenty of vampire-scentric books, but for what I have read, this one is by far has the best world-building, and by far my most favorite. I've read her girl games series, and although the series are somehow connected through some characters, I could say that they have quite different world, but both are easily understandable, unique, and compelling.
Back to the book, one thing I love about this book is that every character plays a vital role. It really makes you think about them—you may think they are unlikeable but turns out they are likeable, or the other way around. The characters are all full of mystery.
This is the kind of book that keeps you thinking throughout the reading journey. So many theories I have and want answers to. I love that it is written in a multiple-POV and different timelines, and gives us a good villain-origin story.
It is an enemies-to-lovers trope but has a different take. As you progress, you'll see that its not the typical enemies-to-lovers. It is not "they hate each other for as long as they can remember and now they just realized they're inlove with each other", nope its not like that, the way Ruby wrote this book with that trope makes more sense. For me, it is the perfect execution for this trope.
How this book ended broke my heart. I cried literal bucket of tears. The sacrifice Octavia made is out of this world. And I do have a theory that its the same sacrifice Cordelia made years ago. The words Octavia spoke made me sob so hard. I am not okay after reading this book. I am out of words and just want to read the next parts.
This book has the right amount of romance, mystery, magic, thriller (sort of), and and ample amount of smut 🫡. So if you don't like smut, then maybe its not for you, because its literally in almost all chapters and its part of the plot.
I just know that this series is gonna be a masterpiece. I know i know, I wasn't able to finish this book in 1 seating, but I mean I definitely could have if not because of some other things. I honestly didn't even noticed that I was around 80% of the book, and was surprise that it ended, and with that cliffhanger, I almost threw out my kindle due to frustration. That's how good this book is.
Ruby Roe could write my least favorite trope, and I would still read it because its been proven that she is such a magnificent author. I'd rate this a 5/5 ⭐️ but that cliffhanger was frustrating and so I think its safe for me to say that its a 4.75/5⭐️ reading experience for me.
Falls From Grace by Ruby Landers
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
Before anythings else, a trigger warning for su!c!de, addiction, alcoholism. Those have been mentioned in this book plenty of times, so read at your own risk. But it sure is a happy ending.
To be honest, I was not instantly swept away by this book. It took me several chapters before I got really interested. I am not fan of how slowburn it is as it was excruciatingly slowburn to which sometimes I think its never gonna work out for the both of them. But the ending, *pooof* blew me away. I am still thinking about it, maybe even for the next few weeks or months.
For a debut novel, I am surprised by how good this book and the author is. It may not capture your attention instantly but the plot, the buildup, the characters will definitely make you stay and turn the pages. You will love not just the main characters but the other characters as well and you will grow to love them. You'd even want more from them.
One thing I love about this book is that it shows how complicated and uncomplicated families are. If you want a book that has a redemption arc for the family, then you'd love this one. Although, not applicable to the other MC's family, but it also shows that sometimes you will be accepted by your family, but sometimes and to some of us, we'll never be and we will just have to live with that, and that's okay too. This book gives so much validation.
This book has given me so many emotions. I laughed, i cried, some scenes got me so frustrated, it hurt me, and it also made me fall in love. I came for romance, but the book gave me more. Its a story of healing, growing, finding thyself, and finding love.
There are certain parts of the book that gets me frustrated because I feel like they were not necessary. But in the end I realized that every part of the story was vital in order to get the exact reaction the author wanted us to get for the ending.
Lastly, let me talk about the spice 🌶. Dang. When you thought you'd have it, but no. Then when you thought you'd never have it, you'd be surprise to get it. That spice was mindblowing, but its not cringe and definitely not repetitive and not boring. If you are not into spice, I think its okay as the spice part is almost at the end and as I've mention its not cringey.
Overall, I'd give this book a 4.5/5. I have my downs with this book mainly because of the trope [celebrities, nanny-turned-lover, fake marriage (not between MC's)] as I am not a fan of these, but overall I love the writing style as its easy to read and understand, and the story. And before I forget, let me tell you how inclusive the author is with the characters of the story. This is a smartly written and well-executed book. I am in awe with this book and with the author. I definitely recommend this book and looking forward to reading the rest of the book from this series.
To be honest, I was not instantly swept away by this book. It took me several chapters before I got really interested. I am not fan of how slowburn it is as it was excruciatingly slowburn to which sometimes I think its never gonna work out for the both of them. But the ending, *pooof* blew me away. I am still thinking about it, maybe even for the next few weeks or months.
For a debut novel, I am surprised by how good this book and the author is. It may not capture your attention instantly but the plot, the buildup, the characters will definitely make you stay and turn the pages. You will love not just the main characters but the other characters as well and you will grow to love them. You'd even want more from them.
One thing I love about this book is that it shows how complicated and uncomplicated families are. If you want a book that has a redemption arc for the family, then you'd love this one. Although, not applicable to the other MC's family, but it also shows that sometimes you will be accepted by your family, but sometimes and to some of us, we'll never be and we will just have to live with that, and that's okay too. This book gives so much validation.
This book has given me so many emotions. I laughed, i cried, some scenes got me so frustrated, it hurt me, and it also made me fall in love. I came for romance, but the book gave me more. Its a story of healing, growing, finding thyself, and finding love.
There are certain parts of the book that gets me frustrated because I feel like they were not necessary. But in the end I realized that every part of the story was vital in order to get the exact reaction the author wanted us to get for the ending.
Lastly, let me talk about the spice 🌶. Dang. When you thought you'd have it, but no. Then when you thought you'd never have it, you'd be surprise to get it. That spice was mindblowing, but its not cringe and definitely not repetitive and not boring. If you are not into spice, I think its okay as the spice part is almost at the end and as I've mention its not cringey.
Overall, I'd give this book a 4.5/5. I have my downs with this book mainly because of the trope [celebrities, nanny-turned-lover, fake marriage (not between MC's)] as I am not a fan of these, but overall I love the writing style as its easy to read and understand, and the story. And before I forget, let me tell you how inclusive the author is with the characters of the story. This is a smartly written and well-executed book. I am in awe with this book and with the author. I definitely recommend this book and looking forward to reading the rest of the book from this series.
Those Who Wait - Bonus Content by Haley Cass
5.0
Ever since I've read Forever and a Day, I wanted to know more about Charlotte and Katherine's relationship, how they navigated through the years, how Charlotte maintained her relationship with her mother-in-law. And Haley Cass really did it! Its like she reads my mind. And I was satisfied with it. I cried and sob reading those mother/daughter scenes.
Now, reading this bonus content, I am intrigued with Charlotte and Sutton's daughter Madelyn. I wanted to know more about her. Now I want a spin-off for her. This might be impossible, but a girl could only hope
Now, reading this bonus content, I am intrigued with Charlotte and Sutton's daughter Madelyn. I wanted to know more about her. Now I want a spin-off for her. This might be impossible, but a girl could only hope