junemarieg's reviews
105 reviews

The Elysean Academy of Darkness and Secrets by D.N. Hoxa

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

4 of 5 🌶️  / I am not ok after reading this, and I could not put this down. Prepare yourself for a slight cliffhanger, but I know it'll be worth it in the next installment I'm positive. At least I have to be but I am happy with the groveling done. I love Sera and Shade, but I also have fallen in love with the story line and world building being done regarding the Elyseans. I can't wait to see what awaits them next as well as getting answers to all the questions this book left me with (including the temtption to reread already!)

Healing Ice by Anne T. Thyssen

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

3.5

3 of 5 🌶️/ Jaze and Saimara take us on a jounrey through their traumas and love story. Honestly Simara was a bit hard to deal with at moments she is very stubborn but the unmasking of her trauma did make sense for why she was this was. I enjoyed their story, and their spicy fun as well as it was clear from the passion between them their connection was definitely something beyond the fling they thought it was. They helped each other find balance, happiness, and bring back the clear joy for the ice they both had deep down in their souls. The beginning of this book is definitely one of the best intros I've read in a while, and I'm so glad to say this book does have a HEA. (cause I wasn't positive it would for a minute there)

Villain Era by Chrissy Nicole

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

 This book is perfect for anyone at their limit or feel bad about peoples reactions to them now setting healthy boundaries in their relationships. Because these are the same people now that are seen as the villians for striving for their happiness. From the start Chrissy comes out swinging at the hypocricital way some people are deemed villians for just living their lives. I connected with so much of these poems and already plan to buy this for my best friend. If your a people pleaser done with the bullshit this ones for you handsdown. 

A Lesson in Beginning by Elle Sparrow

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

3.5 of 5🌶️

First off I would say that if you aren’t into or curious of BDSM I would reconsider this book as it is a heavy theme throughout the novel. However it is so very much worth the read to me as the story showcases BDSM wonderfully as well as the story of Adah is a heavy one. We get to witness her story of being a single mother finding her place in this world, relearning everything she thought was true, and embracing her sexuality. The epilogue nearly had me bawling in the car and I wish it could’ve been longer. Joel also gives us hope that the perfect one for you can find you when you least expect it and I was definitely here for their story!

Together forever: The Death Wings MC by Kathy North

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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

4.0

4 of 5 ⭐️ / 1 of 5 🌶️ / First off Artemis stole the show through this whole tale, and personally I’d love to see her own story once she’s old enough. Drake and Nora were amazing and adorable to watch as they fell in love as they tackled multiple issues they faced when it came to moving forward from their past. I do feel this book is a dark romance but minimal spice, not to say what is included isn’t amazing to read. 

The road to learning their backstory’s is also one to keep you on the edge of suspense, but oh so worth the wait. Although Noras story is quite heartbreaking, but her perseverance is astounding especially since it’s obvious her daughter took after her. I can only hope if there are future Death Wings tales we get to see how her and Drake grow as a couple, leaders, and as a family especially! 

Steel Protection by C.C. Gedling

dark emotional sad 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

4.5

 3.5 of 5 🌶️ / Oscar and Eve’s journey was one worth the read as they guide each other back into realizing that love is possible no matter what you’ve faced in your past. The twist and turns their relationship faces show that when it’s meant to be fate finds you no matter where you run to. (Plus who can resist a child as adorable as James.)

Eve and Oscar show they understand each other and are so perfectly matched with each other as each chapter passes, and this love stories is definitely one of my favorites for this year. 

Possible trigger warnings/topics: Domestic Violence Survivor / Abuse

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse

Moderate: Domestic abuse

Minor: Transphobia

Earth Magic & Hot Water by Lauren Connolly

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

4.25

This book was a refreshing read and I loved learning about how the magic worked for the elemental characters since it was so distinct to each one. The world was one I’d love to see expanded and explored especially with Sammy! 

But as for our main characters Aspen, Cat, and RAF they each were lovable as they overcame their dividing issues to bring them together into one of the most adorable relationships I’ve read in a good while. I was so happily anticipating them being together and once they were it was worth the wait. I really enjoyed this journey they went on to find who they all belonged with. 

Forgotten Vows by Gayla J Reel, Brandi Reed

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

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

3.75

Chelsea and Bens love story takes their readers on a bit of an angsty ride  as they work together to see if they can save their love story. This book a was a quick read and did have its surprise twist and angst moments we all love in a second chance romance trope. Still the book was hard to put down as I kept waiting to see where these two would end up and if they could be the odds. Definitely excited to see where their story heads.

Also do want to throw out a possible trigger for sexual assault 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault

The Elysean Trials by D.N. Hoxa

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad 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? Yes

4.0

This was a wonderful start to a unique twist of Greek mythology. Plenty of twist and turns in this building story line following Sera’s story that i cannot wait to see where it ends! Personally hoping for a bit of groveling in the next book from shadow boy, and even though the book was a slow start for me in the beginning the world built by Dori was wonderfully told across her pages. 

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

this was a slow burn I enjoyed so much I didn’t realize it was one and could hardly put it down. Thankfully we had some long car rides and I didn’t have to. This book featured twists and turns that kept me on my toes. Hades and Persephone are flawless in this version with so many glimpses of a wonderful Greek mythology retelling. I’m anxious and ready to see where the rest of this series leads though I’m not sure if my heart is ready for coming angst.