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justkarlah's reviews
96 reviews
The Frost Soldier and the Gilded Duty by Maham Fatemi
This is the second book in The Heartless and the Wicked series.
I wanted to love this book. I think I went into it expecting it would be just as exciting and intense as the first one, so I had high expectations for the second book in the series.
A huge chunk of the book is Kolfinna feeling insecure and lonely. She's trying her best to fit in as a Royal Guard but still feels ostracized from the humans around her. The few friends that she does have aren't really there for her the way friends would be normally, mostly because she doesn't allow them to be.I don't really understand why neither of her friends helped her train with a sword if they both knew she wasn't getting the proper training? Like they saw her being constantly made to fight but never bothered to offer to help her train with a sword.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
▫️3rd person POV▫️
This is the second book in The Heartless and the Wicked series.
I wanted to love this book. I think I went into it expecting it would be just as exciting and intense as the first one, so I had high expectations for the second book in the series.
A huge chunk of the book is Kolfinna feeling insecure and lonely. She's trying her best to fit in as a Royal Guard but still feels ostracized from the humans around her. The few friends that she does have aren't really there for her the way friends would be normally, mostly because she doesn't allow them to be.
Most of the conversations/interactions between Blár and Kolfinna were so awkward, to the point where it made me uncomfortable to keep reading. It didn't feel natural, or normal for their age range to be speaking the way they did, especially Blár (some of the things he'd say were just embarrassing, and didn't feel like things his character would say). They did have some advancement in their closeness, and some of their interactions were great, so I hope it becomes more natural in the next book.
She recognized the look marring Blár's beautiful face.
The scene this quote is from is perfectly frustrating and heartbreaking all at once, and definitely one of my favorite little moments between them!
A large part of the first half of the book felt like it dragged a little, and then the last couple of chapters completely knock you off your feet with the way the plot advances so quickly.
Don't get me wrong though, I loved the action and the secrets revealed toward the end. It's setting up the plot for the third book in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading it when it comes out!
That last chapter though? Felt like she was repeating the same mistake in jumping into things too quickly without putting any thought into it. It's the second time (that I can remember) where Blár says he'll help her but she just goes and completely forgets this and throws her trust onto someone who's basically a stranger. Had me so frustrated. I can't get past Kolfinna complaining and pushing her friends away while signging her life away to someone she's wary of. I know it's to advance the plot, but it still makes little sense.
There's also the diary that she read, and the soldier she criticized for complaining too much, all while she herself complains about her life and the hardships she goes through. Of course she has the right to complain when all she's faced are hardships, but this book was FULL of her insecurities and complaints. And when she was presented with help from her friends and Blár, she would decline or make up excuses why it wouldn't work. She was sabotaging herself and still complaining about it. Like come on girl, complain all you want but do something about it!
I'm definitely rambling at this point. Even though this book wasn't as entertaining/gripping as the first one, I still enjoyed parts of it, and I'll definitely be reading the third one once it comes out.
A large part of the first half of the book felt like it dragged a little, and then the last couple of chapters completely knock you off your feet with the way the plot advances so quickly.
Don't get me wrong though, I loved the action and the secrets revealed toward the end. It's setting up the plot for the third book in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading it when it comes out!
I'm definitely rambling at this point. Even though this book wasn't as entertaining/gripping as the first one, I still enjoyed parts of it, and I'll definitely be reading the third one once it comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Torture, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Animal death, and Kidnapping
Minor: Body shaming
Fighter's Fake Out by A. Rivers
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
▫️Dual 1st person POV▫️
Short, sweet, insta-love with hardly any drama (like just the tiniest little bits here and there). It was a little hard to connect with the characters in this one, but it was cute.
Jimmy's past gets talked about earlier on in the book and a bit later on too, but it just gets completely skipped over in the end. Did he ever grow to accept himself and his accomplishments? We just get a quick "in the end he got a sense of family from Enya's family." Kinda wish there was more of a focus on his growth.
I'd reccomend this book if you're looking for a short, lighthearted, HEA sports romance.
Short, sweet, insta-love with hardly any drama (like just the tiniest little bits here and there). It was a little hard to connect with the characters in this one, but it was cute.
I'd reccomend this book if you're looking for a short, lighthearted, HEA sports romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
His Reward by Sierra Shipley
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
▫️Dual 1st person POV▫️
Wanted something short and predictable, and this fit the criteria. The MMC was sweet, patient, and hot. The FMC got on my nerves though. She gave off pick-me vibes randomly throughout the book for no reason. At one point she mentions that it's easier to be friends with guys because women only hated or were jealous of her. It just felt icky and didn't add anything to the story.
There were a lot of run-on sentences and parts that felt like they'd been edited but not read through to make sure they flowed right. It's more distracting at the beginning but it gets a bit better toward the end.
Best friends to lovers, angsty, with a HEA and some spice sprinkled throughout.
Wanted something short and predictable, and this fit the criteria. The MMC was sweet, patient, and hot. The FMC got on my nerves though. She gave off pick-me vibes randomly throughout the book for no reason. At one point she mentions that it's easier to be friends with guys because women only hated or were jealous of her. It just felt icky and didn't add anything to the story.
There were a lot of run-on sentences and parts that felt like they'd been edited but not read through to make sure they flowed right. It's more distracting at the beginning but it gets a bit better toward the end.
Best friends to lovers, angsty, with a HEA and some spice sprinkled throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Bloody, Broken Fate by Hazel Jonas
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
▫️Dual 1st person POV▫️
Bloody, Broken Fate is a mafia romance with magic, fated mates, gods, and vampires. There's a ton of trauma and possible triggers, so I would recommend checking those first before reading!
Zeno and Raquel's interactions at the beginning felt natural, and made it easy to see that they were fated to be together. She's unsure why it's so easy to trust him and accept his comfort, and he's in denial about her being his fated mate since she's human.
I personally liked that they both worked on and helped each other get through their past trauma, although the way they went about it could've been different.It just felt wrong sometimes how he wanted to heal his sexual trauma by forcing himself to do sexual things? I know they went at his pace and stopped when it was too much, but it didn't feel entirely right to me.
It was nice to read about them getting to know each other, earning the other's trust, and allowing themselves to fall for each other, instead of just simply accenting the bond and moving on.
I wish there was more mention of witches and vampires not being able to mate according to their rules. It makes for pretty strong half vampires like Nico's brother, but we only got a little portion of a chapter at the end about it.
There were moments where it felt like there was so much happening all at once, that it leaves the reader trying to keep up with the world building. It was definitely interesting, with a twist on modern vampire books so it's not a copy paste story. Just wish the world building was a little more detailed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bloody, Broken Fate is a mafia romance with magic, fated mates, gods, and vampires. There's a ton of trauma and possible triggers, so I would recommend checking those first before reading!
Zeno and Raquel's interactions at the beginning felt natural, and made it easy to see that they were fated to be together. She's unsure why it's so easy to trust him and accept his comfort, and he's in denial about her being his fated mate since she's human.
I personally liked that they both worked on and helped each other get through their past trauma, although the way they went about it could've been different.
It was nice to read about them getting to know each other, earning the other's trust, and allowing themselves to fall for each other, instead of just simply accenting the bond and moving on.
There were moments where it felt like there was so much happening all at once, that it leaves the reader trying to keep up with the world building. It was definitely interesting, with a twist on modern vampire books so it's not a copy paste story. Just wish the world building was a little more detailed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Domestic abuse, and Blood
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual content, Miscarriage, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Gun violence
Her Dark Wings by Melinda Salisbury
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When I first read that this was a reimagining of Hades and Persephone, I was intrigued. I don't know much about Zeus and all those gods except for the stories I read in school, but Persephone's story had always interested me. I will say that when they called it a reimagining, they meant it. The only thing that makes Corey like Persephone is the power she has to grow anything in nature.
The island Corey lives on feels timeless, far from modern society and still practicing old traditions. The people on the island all know each other, and gossip/rumors spread like wildfire. Corey's life feels like it's over when her ex boyfriend and her best friend get together, and both abandon her. As a 17-year-old, it might as well be. She was betrayed by the one person she never expected it from, the person she saw as a sister.
Her anger from their betrayal only grows stronger when Bree dies. To me it felt like Corey found it easier to hate Bree instead of mourning the best friend she once had, especially now that she would never be able to speak with Bree or get any kind of closure.And it makes sense that she'd have so much anger inside her. She's a teenager who's life got turned upside down, AND she's got a power inside of her that she doesn't know how to control.
The Furies were one of my favorite things in this book. All three are unique in their looks and personalities, yet they all took care of each other (as sisters usually do).Alecto's love for Corey was sweet but sad to read about. She felt the closest to her but lied so much in the hopes that Corey would never leave them and decide to join them someday. Like at what point is it too much?
Hades and Corey are so awkward together it's hilarious.Their interactions are clumsy, and Hermes just makes them worse with his comments. I don't really see how the romance between them blossomed when they didn't interact much, but it's implied that he could "feel her," so maybe it had to do with destiny or something?
This book leaves some unanswered questions, which didn't take much from the story, but it would have been nice to get it all wrapped up in the end.We never find out why Corey has the power that she does, and why she's almost like the Furies but not quite. We're also just told Hades could feel Corey, their kiss was intense, and suddenly they're just going to live together and we're supposed to see that as a happily ever after?
It left me wanting more from Hades and Corey. Honestly, the story would have been interesting enough without the romance. The friendship and betrayal between Corey and Bree and the Furies were all much more interesting than the romance. I still enjoyed reading this book though!
I like that Corey changes and learns to appreciate her worth and the things she can do. I'm glad she gets her closure and is able to travel between her world and the underworld and doesn't necessarily have to choose one to stay in forever.
If you like reading about reimagined Greek stories set in the modern world, friendships and betrayal, with just a hint of romance, then I would reccomend this book to you.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The island Corey lives on feels timeless, far from modern society and still practicing old traditions. The people on the island all know each other, and gossip/rumors spread like wildfire. Corey's life feels like it's over when her ex boyfriend and her best friend get together, and both abandon her. As a 17-year-old, it might as well be. She was betrayed by the one person she never expected it from, the person she saw as a sister.
Her anger from their betrayal only grows stronger when Bree dies. To me it felt like Corey found it easier to hate Bree instead of mourning the best friend she once had, especially now that she would never be able to speak with Bree or get any kind of closure.
The Furies were one of my favorite things in this book. All three are unique in their looks and personalities, yet they all took care of each other (as sisters usually do).
Hades and Corey are so awkward together it's hilarious.
This book leaves some unanswered questions, which didn't take much from the story, but it would have been nice to get it all wrapped up in the end.
It left me wanting more from Hades and Corey. Honestly, the story would have been interesting enough without the romance. The friendship and betrayal between Corey and Bree and the Furies were all much more interesting than the romance. I still enjoyed reading this book though!
I like that Corey changes and learns to appreciate her worth and the things she can do.
If you like reading about reimagined Greek stories set in the modern world, friendships and betrayal, with just a hint of romance, then I would reccomend this book to you.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This Spells Love by Kate Robb
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
▫️1st person POV▫️
This book drew me in from the very beginning. The tension between Gemma and Dax was SO obvious it had my heart pounding like crazy. And when she realized that Dax didn’t know who she was? I felt that ache in my SOUL.
I think I connected with Gemma in a way because I'm very indecisive when it comes to my own life, and seeing her question whether something is worth trying and failing or just staying safe resonated with me (and relying on loved ones to make the tough choices). Watching her learn to depend on her own strength was almost inspiring.
I also liked how different yet similar Dax was in the other universe. It made sense that he'd be afraid to show how much he was struggling, especially to the woman he was falling for. I definitely understand why he hid it from her and was embarrassed when it came to finances. Poor Dax was STRUGGLING.
This book had me smiling a lot and got a couple good laughs out of me too. Some parts gave me 13 Going on 30 vibes (which was awesome cause I love that movie). It also had some spice sprinkled throughout.
CONSENT IS SEXY!
I'd recommend this book to anyone that loves the friends to lovers trope, a supportive family, and of course plenty of romantic moments!
I got an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book drew me in from the very beginning. The tension between Gemma and Dax was SO obvious it had my heart pounding like crazy. And when she realized that Dax didn’t know who she was? I felt that ache in my SOUL.
I think I connected with Gemma in a way because I'm very indecisive when it comes to my own life, and seeing her question whether something is worth trying and failing or just staying safe resonated with me (and relying on loved ones to make the tough choices). Watching her learn to depend on her own strength was almost inspiring.
I also liked how different yet similar Dax was in the other universe.
This book had me smiling a lot and got a couple good laughs out of me too. Some parts gave me 13 Going on 30 vibes (which was awesome cause I love that movie). It also had some spice sprinkled throughout.
CONSENT IS SEXY!
I'd recommend this book to anyone that loves the friends to lovers trope, a supportive family, and of course plenty of romantic moments!
I got an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Protected By My Roommate by Cameron Hart
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
▫️Dual 1st person POV▫️
It's like reading about a baby chick that's been mistreated for being the small one in it's group, who finds a poor, sad dog with a terrible past, and automatically falling in love and getting over their trauma together.
The pet names were so cringy it hurt to read them, and the backstories were insane (I get that they're supposed to be two broken souls that find comfort in each other, but it was way too much).
Two broken souls, insta-love, HEA.
Gave it 3⭐️ because it's the lowest score I give books if I finish them.
It's like reading about a baby chick that's been mistreated for being the small one in it's group, who finds a poor, sad dog with a terrible past, and automatically falling in love and getting over their trauma together.
The pet names were so cringy it hurt to read them, and the backstories were insane (I get that they're supposed to be two broken souls that find comfort in each other, but it was way too much).
Two broken souls, insta-love, HEA.
Gave it 3⭐️ because it's the lowest score I give books if I finish them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Sexual content, and Death
Moderate: Body shaming
Billion Dollar Enemy by Olivia Hayle
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
▫️Dual 1st person POV▫️
I loved reading about Cole and Skye. They were written beautifully. You knew their situationship had an expiration date, just like they did, but it was still so good to read about! Skye was stubborn and determined, and Cole was patient and supportive (even when it went against his best interests).
I'm glad I'm finally getting around to reading Olivia Hayle's older books!
I loved reading about Cole and Skye. They were written beautifully. You knew their situationship had an expiration date, just like they did, but it was still so good to read about! Skye was stubborn and determined, and Cole was patient and supportive (even when it went against his best interests).
I'm glad I'm finally getting around to reading Olivia Hayle's older books!
12 Days of Bossmas by Olivia Hayle
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
A cute short story where we get a glimpse of all of our favorite MCs (and all their kids). I'm not a huge fan of a HEA always having to contain children, so it was an okay read.
If you like reading about happy couples having children then this would be a perfect read for you.
If you like reading about happy couples having children then this would be a perfect read for you.
Stealing the Bogeyman's Bride by Georgie Monroe
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read this book because I loved the first one in the Faetales series, and was hoping to love this one just as much.
This one has a larger plot and more characters than the first, which feels a little overwhelming at first. It's very different than the first book, but still interesting and entertaining. Since it's a short novella, it kinda just threw us straight into the conflict and hardly left any time to get to know/grow attached to the characters, so it definitely helps if you've read the first one, but it's not entirely necessary.
Auralia and Donovan are both strong and stubborn characters, which makes their interactions fun to read about. The secrets Auralia is hiding from everyone are truly shocking and drive the plot forward. She's definitely taking on a lot all on her own! I'm glad she at least has Donovan and her friends to help her through it.
The ending left us with somewhat of a cliffhanger, so hopefully we get the 3rd book in the series soon!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one has a larger plot and more characters than the first, which feels a little overwhelming at first. It's very different than the first book, but still interesting and entertaining. Since it's a short novella, it kinda just threw us straight into the conflict and hardly left any time to get to know/grow attached to the characters, so it definitely helps if you've read the first one, but it's not entirely necessary.
Auralia and Donovan are both strong and stubborn characters, which makes their interactions fun to read about. The secrets Auralia is hiding from everyone are truly shocking and drive the plot forward. She's definitely taking on a lot all on her own! I'm glad she at least has Donovan and her friends to help her through it.
The ending left us with somewhat of a cliffhanger, so hopefully we get the 3rd book in the series soon!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Blood, Death, Murder, Sexual content, Confinement, Gore, Violence, and War