jule_fl's reviews
178 reviews

I Hate Surprises by

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

4⭐️ 3🌶️
Who doesn’t love a good friends to lovers romance? Add in some smallish town charm, a bit of spice and you’ve got a great book. But what if there was a suspense element with a crazy ex-roommate? Well then you would have I Hate Surprises! The characters were relatable and lovable and I found myself trying to predict the outcome from the first page to the last chapter. As a debut novel, this book has everything a reader could want. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Coming Home: Whispering Springs Book 1 by Jessica Lane

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

SUCH AN AMAZING AND HEARTWARMING STORY!
5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Going into this book, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ve been hardcore into fantasy and Romantasy lately. I even discovered this author through her fantasy series ((seriously - if fantasy is your thing, check out The Scynthian Chronicles - SO GOOD!).  But as I truly love this author, both as a writer and a person, I couldn’t pass up reading this book, even if contemporary romance hasn’t been hitting for me lately. I AM SO GLAD I DID! 
This book brought out so many feels! Especially the step-parent themes as I have experienced so much of that myself in my own journey. The characters are well developed and I love the banter and interactions. The themes of grief and moving on were well executed and truly bring the reader closer to the characters. But it wasn’t all negative feelings. There is humor and hope and family - and most important, LOVE. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I cheered. Such a beautiful story. I am happy this is the beginning of a series because I am truly invested in the lives of ALL of these characters and cannot wait to experience more life in Whispering Springs.

Crown of Rust and Ruin by Penelope Wright

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5⭐️ (minor spoilers ahead) What a finish! The entire series has been a wild ride but this one tops them all. The conclusion to Clio’s story is well written and intriguing, keeping the reader at the edge of their seat throughout the entire book. I have come to care for so many characters in this series and was not disappointed with their endings. And the less savory characters finally getting their due was highly satisfying (I’m looking at you, Glory and Dracon!). Overall, this was an amazing book which perfectly concludes an addictive series. My only concern is what will I read now?! But I know Penelope has more amazing stories to come!

Kingdom of Lies by Penelope Wright

adventurous emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Forever War by Penelope Wright

adventurous emotional hopeful tense fast-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

5⭐️. The twists keep coming! Book four in the Queen Trials saga continues to document Clio’s journey through the intense Queen trials in her quest to survive - but her initial goals are starting to change as she finds out more about the realities of her world and the secrets the King and government are desperate to keep! This series is extremely addicitve and I simply cannot put these books down! Can’t wait to see what is next for Clio and her crew!!!

Faking Christmas Love at the Doggy Spa by Elsie Woods

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

4.75⭐️ Such a cute story! The only down side was I felt that the last chapter or so went super quick, almost like it was rushed. Still, I loved the story and the characters. Would definitely recommend!

Burning Embers by Brandee Paschall

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

5 ⭐️ (Spoilers) This is one of the most unique shifter stories I have read in awhile. I love the multiple POVs throughout the story. The fact that we could ccontinue to keep up with Emilia’s story while adding in Kristine’s was amazing. So much nicer than the typical full POV switching a series like this. That part was really well done.  I also really enjoyed the story itself and the fact that elements were obviously set up in book one to play out in book 2. We are left with another cliffhanger, which just makes me anticipate book 3 even more!!! Great read. I highly recommend.

Wretched by Emily McIntire

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

4⭐️ 4🌶️ The story was interesting, if a bit predictable. The Oz parallels were fun to decipher. Overall a great read!

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

adventurous funny 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

5.0

5 ⭐️ 3.5🌶️ I REALLY enjoyed this book. To the point that it became my only read, digital AND audio, which doesn’t happen often for me. Usually I have different books going for each format but this one really kept my attention. I lived the Banter, the characters were relatable and it was a really fun and light holiday read that also did not disappoint with the spice and a little bit of “Lovemark” mushiness and drama. I’m glad I bought a copy of this for my shelf. It deserves to be a shelf trophy.