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kaelizaco's reviews
233 reviews
Broken in the Dark by Ashley Elizabeth
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5⭐️/4🌶️
Leo Alarie now has my heart. The person he is...is something I see in my husband. Which made this book even better for me. There is nothing like a man who will burn down the world for his wife in every aspect. Touch her and die is an understatement for this book.
Scarlett is such a strong FMC. She has endured so much and the author really did a great job depicting the effects of trauma and PTSD. I could relate and felt like I was not alone through Scarlet's character. For an author to be able to do this is...amazing.
I felt all of the spice. LORD! The chemistry between Leo and Scarlet was perfection which made the spice even spicier.
Also...I LOVE when the title of the book literally jumps out at you in the book and you know WHY the book has that title. "Without you, I would be broken in the dark."
I am a quote girly. So here are my favorites:
"My heart may beat beneath my chest, but it's you who owns it. It's yours to do with whatever you please."
"They found that reading someone's similar experience can help with feeling less alone." - DUDE. FELT.
"You deserve everything and so much more. You deserve the moon and the stars. I only wish I could catch them for you and place them at your feet."
"Everyone has something about them that makes them different. Maybe even a little special."
"The word normal means conforming to a standard of what is expected. But if we all did what was expected, the world would be a little boring, don't you think?"
"I call you firefly because you've always been my light in the dark."
"My wife. My everything. My firefly."
"'I promise not to get the books wet.' He brushes his lips against my ear. 'But I can't make the same promise to you.'" WHAT THE WHAT!!!!
"'I may not be much of a reader, but without a doubt, I can say that this is my favorite story,' Leo said."
"'Our story.' His lips curve up, my eyes watering as warmth caresses my skin. 'The one where we made our way back to each other and fell in love all over again.'"
Leo Alarie now has my heart. The person he is...is something I see in my husband. Which made this book even better for me. There is nothing like a man who will burn down the world for his wife in every aspect. Touch her and die is an understatement for this book.
Scarlett is such a strong FMC. She has endured so much and the author really did a great job depicting the effects of trauma and PTSD. I could relate and felt like I was not alone through Scarlet's character. For an author to be able to do this is...amazing.
I felt all of the spice. LORD! The chemistry between Leo and Scarlet was perfection which made the spice even spicier.
Also...I LOVE when the title of the book literally jumps out at you in the book and you know WHY the book has that title. "Without you, I would be broken in the dark."
I am a quote girly. So here are my favorites:
"My heart may beat beneath my chest, but it's you who owns it. It's yours to do with whatever you please."
"They found that reading someone's similar experience can help with feeling less alone." - DUDE. FELT.
"You deserve everything and so much more. You deserve the moon and the stars. I only wish I could catch them for you and place them at your feet."
"Everyone has something about them that makes them different. Maybe even a little special."
"The word normal means conforming to a standard of what is expected. But if we all did what was expected, the world would be a little boring, don't you think?"
"I call you firefly because you've always been my light in the dark."
"My wife. My everything. My firefly."
"'I promise not to get the books wet.' He brushes his lips against my ear. 'But I can't make the same promise to you.'" WHAT THE WHAT!!!!
"'I may not be much of a reader, but without a doubt, I can say that this is my favorite story,' Leo said."
"'Our story.' His lips curve up, my eyes watering as warmth caresses my skin. 'The one where we made our way back to each other and fell in love all over again.'"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Sophie's Ruin by V.I. Davis
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
** spoiler alert ** 3⭐️/1🌶️
This book started off really strong for me. I was able to pick back up in the series even though it has been some time since I read Josephine's Tear. I was really pulled into the book by the plot. The climax happened at 70% so the rest of the book was just kind of slow and bleh at that point for me.
It was interesting to learn about Sophie's powers and how desperate she was to tap into them as a vampire in order to save Henry.
Henry's journey was so brutal and I am so glad that he was able too come out of it and still remain who he was. He did not succumb to his dark side and still remained the light because Sophie really needed it. I did think it was bad ass that he spat Moureau's flesh against the wall. Was it gross? Yes. But it was also kind of satisfying after what Henry went through.
Twists:
Learning that Damian is a demon and not Agatha's son from the village. I kind of suspected it because he would just disappear when Celeste would come around. But duh...the name Damian should have tipped it off.
Celeste trying to absorb Damian into her and lock him up...not knowing that Damian took control of her and locked her away.
I really enjoyed some of the quotes about "darkness" and it could really portray into real world situations.
"Perhaps when you become something new, something inhuman, the darkness is right there, hiding in the shadows, waiting to lure you to its side. It knows you're vulnerable. It can smell your fear, and it tries too way you, testing you. So, you have to give it everything you've got to stay true to yourself."
"The darkness is treacherous, always waiting for you to falter, ready to sink its claws in."
"Don't hold on to what happened. Because if you do, you will be holding on to the darkness, inadvertently letting it win."
"Love is like magic--an incredibly powerful source. It can either save you or ruin you."
"Hold on to your love. It is a weapon, not a weakness."
"I learned the hard way that fighting the darkness alone is not a good idea."
This book started off really strong for me. I was able to pick back up in the series even though it has been some time since I read Josephine's Tear. I was really pulled into the book by the plot. The climax happened at 70% so the rest of the book was just kind of slow and bleh at that point for me.
It was interesting to learn about Sophie's powers and how desperate she was to tap into them as a vampire in order to save Henry.
Henry's journey was so brutal and I am so glad that he was able too come out of it and still remain who he was. He did not succumb to his dark side and still remained the light because Sophie really needed it. I did think it was bad ass that he spat Moureau's flesh against the wall. Was it gross? Yes. But it was also kind of satisfying after what Henry went through.
Twists:
Learning that Damian is a demon and not Agatha's son from the village. I kind of suspected it because he would just disappear when Celeste would come around. But duh...the name Damian should have tipped it off.
Celeste trying to absorb Damian into her and lock him up...not knowing that Damian took control of her and locked her away.
I really enjoyed some of the quotes about "darkness" and it could really portray into real world situations.
"Perhaps when you become something new, something inhuman, the darkness is right there, hiding in the shadows, waiting to lure you to its side. It knows you're vulnerable. It can smell your fear, and it tries too way you, testing you. So, you have to give it everything you've got to stay true to yourself."
"The darkness is treacherous, always waiting for you to falter, ready to sink its claws in."
"Don't hold on to what happened. Because if you do, you will be holding on to the darkness, inadvertently letting it win."
"Love is like magic--an incredibly powerful source. It can either save you or ruin you."
"Hold on to your love. It is a weapon, not a weakness."
"I learned the hard way that fighting the darkness alone is not a good idea."
Queen of the Blood Throne by Rhiannon Hargadon
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5⭐️/2.5🌶️
This book really picked up from the first one for me. I loved getting to know Malinda's back story and ultimately why she treated her daughter, Morena, the way that she did in the first book. I loved getting to know Nico's character and how he played a part in the first book and the importance of his character. I loved getting to know The Dark Prince of the Blood Throne and how their marriage played out. This book kept me guessing and there were a lot of surprising moments that I was not expecting.
While the first book was good, this book far exceeded the first in my own opinion. There was less world building in this book because it was very much entrenched in the first book which is probably why it was a much slower read for me.
This book really picked up from the first one for me. I loved getting to know Malinda's back story and ultimately why she treated her daughter, Morena, the way that she did in the first book. I loved getting to know Nico's character and how he played a part in the first book and the importance of his character. I loved getting to know The Dark Prince of the Blood Throne and how their marriage played out. This book kept me guessing and there were a lot of surprising moments that I was not expecting.
While the first book was good, this book far exceeded the first in my own opinion. There was less world building in this book because it was very much entrenched in the first book which is probably why it was a much slower read for me.
Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
What did I just read? This was so cringy that I started annotating all of the cringe worthy moments. And it was not cringe in a romanctic or funny way. It was cringe with the actual writing and phrases. There were so many times that I was like WHO WOULD EVER SAY THIS PHRASE? It was so much.
The last page of the book was written in the cat's POV...As dumb as I thought that was, it was actually the most amusing part of the book to me. The book could have been written around the cat as often as the cat was talked about during the whole book.
The best part was when Caroline was in Spain with Simon. She lost her orgasm and faked it. boom. That was Spain. He comes back and calls her out on it. Boom. The End.
The ending to the book was so lackluster that I literally was like...this is it? You told your friends over dinner that you are dating? Oh....it really was a set up in the first place? Cool.
I literally wondered the entire book why I did not DNF it already. Between Brain, O, Lower Carolina, Heart and Nerves....this girl HAD SO MANY PESRONALITIES that she was controlling.
The last page of the book was written in the cat's POV...As dumb as I thought that was, it was actually the most amusing part of the book to me. The book could have been written around the cat as often as the cat was talked about during the whole book.
The best part was when Caroline was in Spain with Simon. She lost her orgasm and faked it. boom. That was Spain. He comes back and calls her out on it. Boom. The End.
The ending to the book was so lackluster that I literally was like...this is it? You told your friends over dinner that you are dating? Oh....it really was a set up in the first place? Cool.
I literally wondered the entire book why I did not DNF it already. Between Brain, O, Lower Carolina, Heart and Nerves....this girl HAD SO MANY PESRONALITIES that she was controlling.
Queens of Moirai by Rhiannon Hargadon
adventurous
dark
slow-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? No
3.0
The Pursuit of Happiness by A.M. DiTota
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
When Hearts Awaken by Victoria Lum
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
5⭐️/5🌶️
This book was amazing. I did not expect to not be able to put this book down and feel like I was immersed in the story itself. The spice was spicy. The banter between the FMC and MMC was perfection and there was so much build up between the two. I also loved seeing the different sides of each character as they realized they were in love with each other and did not actually hate each other. This added so much depth and character to each one!
Enemies to lovers, billionaire romance, suspenseful and twisty, age gap romance, sports romance - so many dynamics inside of this story...
I did not expect there to be twists and there were!
"'More talent in my asshole than in your entire being, ' I mutter."
"I wonder if merely standing next to a hurricane will make you seasick."
"A person can change, memories can be distorted, but a favorite taste in a happy moment will forever be associated with that time. It stays with you."
"An onion with multiple layers, and all of them would make you cry."
"Roses are much more beautiful with thorns."
"Logic flew out the window the moment a certain black-hearted ballerina flew into my arms and kissed me in front of everyone."
"I take back all the mean things I've ever said about you if you and your hard inches will spare me."
"When people are jealous, they react in two ways. One, they congratulate you and nurse their jealousy or sadness inside. Two, they try to destroy your happiness and drag you down to their pit of misery."
"But I want to dance for you now, because you're the man who has awakened my heart."
"I've spent my entire life trying to run away from the blacks wan, thinking her feathers are ugly. Stained. Corrupted. But they aren't. They are beautiful badges of honor--medals decorating war heroes. Black absorbs all colors and doesn't easily fade. It's resilient and embodies strength."
This book was amazing. I did not expect to not be able to put this book down and feel like I was immersed in the story itself. The spice was spicy. The banter between the FMC and MMC was perfection and there was so much build up between the two. I also loved seeing the different sides of each character as they realized they were in love with each other and did not actually hate each other. This added so much depth and character to each one!
Enemies to lovers, billionaire romance, suspenseful and twisty, age gap romance, sports romance - so many dynamics inside of this story...
I did not expect there to be twists and there were!
"'More talent in my asshole than in your entire being, ' I mutter."
"I wonder if merely standing next to a hurricane will make you seasick."
"A person can change, memories can be distorted, but a favorite taste in a happy moment will forever be associated with that time. It stays with you."
"An onion with multiple layers, and all of them would make you cry."
"Roses are much more beautiful with thorns."
"Logic flew out the window the moment a certain black-hearted ballerina flew into my arms and kissed me in front of everyone."
"I take back all the mean things I've ever said about you if you and your hard inches will spare me."
"When people are jealous, they react in two ways. One, they congratulate you and nurse their jealousy or sadness inside. Two, they try to destroy your happiness and drag you down to their pit of misery."
"But I want to dance for you now, because you're the man who has awakened my heart."
"I've spent my entire life trying to run away from the blacks wan, thinking her feathers are ugly. Stained. Corrupted. But they aren't. They are beautiful badges of honor--medals decorating war heroes. Black absorbs all colors and doesn't easily fade. It's resilient and embodies strength."
Iron Flame (2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0