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katerzjoy's reviews
121 reviews
The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I really didn't like this book, and it put me in a reading slump. I had to give myself little rewards just to get through a chapter. I had the first book in the series on my to be read list, but I took it off after finishing this one.
The beginning started off okay, with some funny lines that seemed promising. But by the time I was a quarter through, there were a lot of gaps in the story and things that didn't quite make sense. I hoped things would get better and that the characters would really grow and change by the end, but by half the way through, I had lost that hope.
The storyline felt aimless and repetitive, and it never really led anywhere satisfying. There were many inconsistencies and unanswered questions by the end.
The main character had confusing beliefs and actions that she never really addressed. The male lead was pretty forgettable. He was supposed to go through some character growth, but I didn't see any real change from the beginning to the end of the book.
The book had a strong Catholic influence, even if it didn't directly say so. Themes like guilt, purity culture, and religious trauma were everywhere. Although the main character tried to challenge these ideas, she didn’t really deal with her issues. As someone who has faced similar challenges, I was let down by how Brielle handled her struggles.
While I appreciated the representation of a more accepting world regarding queer identities, it made the romance feel off. It seemed like both characters were actually better suited for relationships with the same sex or different characters altogether. The romantic connection felt forced and lacking in chemistry. The sex scene was confusing; it wasn’t terrible, but it felt wrong, especially for a character who was raised in a strict purity culture. The MMC was self serving.
I'll give the book two stars (though it's really more like 1.5) just for the representation of plus-size characters, skilled labor, the descriptions of the setting, and somewhat decent queer representation.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster via NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide an honest and authentic review
The beginning started off okay, with some funny lines that seemed promising. But by the time I was a quarter through, there were a lot of gaps in the story and things that didn't quite make sense. I hoped things would get better and that the characters would really grow and change by the end, but by half the way through, I had lost that hope.
The storyline felt aimless and repetitive, and it never really led anywhere satisfying. There were many inconsistencies and unanswered questions by the end.
The main character had confusing beliefs and actions that she never really addressed. The male lead was pretty forgettable. He was supposed to go through some character growth, but I didn't see any real change from the beginning to the end of the book.
The book had a strong Catholic influence, even if it didn't directly say so. Themes like guilt, purity culture, and religious trauma were everywhere. Although the main character tried to challenge these ideas, she didn’t really deal with her issues. As someone who has faced similar challenges, I was let down by how Brielle handled her struggles.
While I appreciated the representation of a more accepting world regarding queer identities, it made the romance feel off. It seemed like both characters were actually better suited for relationships with the same sex or different characters altogether. The romantic connection felt forced and lacking in chemistry. The sex scene was confusing; it wasn’t terrible, but it felt wrong, especially for a character who was raised in a strict purity culture. The MMC was self serving.
I'll give the book two stars (though it's really more like 1.5) just for the representation of plus-size characters, skilled labor, the descriptions of the setting, and somewhat decent queer representation.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster via NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide an honest and authentic review
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Slavery, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse
The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.5
Grab a cup of tea and let’s talk about this books future.
This novel was a perfectly cozy fantasy that examines the bonds between love and family. The relationships that hold us back and help us grow.
The magic system is enchanting and I wish I could read more stories from this world. How it works within the real world and the witch’s life without it. To explore more of the magic and hierarchy would be very interesting. The setting and plot is rich and absorbs you into the story.
While the characters were enjoyable I found they weren’t captivating. They were singularly focused about the task and codependency about each other. Also just not a fan of miscommunication tropes.
Overall it’s a good read that’s enjoyable and would read more of the world. The characters of this story could use some development outside of this story to truly become unique and interesting individuals
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada via NetGalley for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to share my authentic and unbiased thoughts
This novel was a perfectly cozy fantasy that examines the bonds between love and family. The relationships that hold us back and help us grow.
The magic system is enchanting and I wish I could read more stories from this world. How it works within the real world and the witch’s life without it. To explore more of the magic and hierarchy would be very interesting. The setting and plot is rich and absorbs you into the story.
While the characters were enjoyable I found they weren’t captivating. They were singularly focused about the task and codependency about each other. Also just not a fan of miscommunication tropes.
Overall it’s a good read that’s enjoyable and would read more of the world. The characters of this story could use some development outside of this story to truly become unique and interesting individuals
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada via NetGalley for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to share my authentic and unbiased thoughts
Forbidden Games by Katee Robert
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
The first set of novellas for the Make Me series was a solid start that sets the pace for the series. Fast paced and steamy with character growth this is a NSFW series that is more than just sex. Katee’s writing style is one of my favourites, she pulls you in and keeps you engaged in the story and invested in the characters. If you like your smut to have character development this is for you.
Thank you Harlequin Romance via NetGalley for the opportunity to share my honest and authentic thoughts about this advanced reader copy
Thank you Harlequin Romance via NetGalley for the opportunity to share my honest and authentic thoughts about this advanced reader copy
Make Me Crave by Katee Robert
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I have to say this story was probably the weakest of Katee’s. Which means I still was able to enjoy it but it didn’t really make me feel much. The start had me doing a few eye rolls but the character growth was satisfying. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it
Make Me Want by Katee Robert
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25
Yup I devoured that! It was well wrote, spicy and relatable. Emotional baggage was realistic and not overdone. Don’t love the high handed move at the end that was easily forgiven
A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book had some great ideas and interesting characters, but it just didn't resonate with me. The story was chaotic and hard to follow, even though we knew how it would end. I couldn't tell if there were clues about the ending or if there were gaps in the plot because everything felt jumbled.
There were some beautiful quotes, but they got lost in the writing. It seemed like the author was trying too hard to create memorable lines in every paragraph, which made it tough to read. I often found myself rereading sections multiple times just to grasp what was happening. By the time the big moments came, I was too exhausted to care. The points of view were inconsistent and didn't flow well.
The characters were intriguing and had interesting relationships, though some felt a bit exaggerated. The main character and her family had a great dynamic that could have been explored further. However, the chemistry between the main characters was lacking, which made the romantic moments feel awkward instead of exciting.
Overall, this story had potential, but it needed more focus on development and less over-the-top writing. Still, it did carry a good message.
Thank you St Martin’s Press via NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest and authentic review
There were some beautiful quotes, but they got lost in the writing. It seemed like the author was trying too hard to create memorable lines in every paragraph, which made it tough to read. I often found myself rereading sections multiple times just to grasp what was happening. By the time the big moments came, I was too exhausted to care. The points of view were inconsistent and didn't flow well.
The characters were intriguing and had interesting relationships, though some felt a bit exaggerated. The main character and her family had a great dynamic that could have been explored further. However, the chemistry between the main characters was lacking, which made the romantic moments feel awkward instead of exciting.
Overall, this story had potential, but it needed more focus on development and less over-the-top writing. Still, it did carry a good message.
Thank you St Martin’s Press via NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest and authentic review
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent
The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Each chapter made me more curious and helped me appreciate different aspects of the story.
The main character is the oldest daughter who is trying to protect her younger sister in a strict and divided society.
The bi panic is real.
I enjoyed every character, even the ones I didn't like.
The magic in the story is interesting and was explained clearly, making it easy to understand. The author clearly did a lot of research and wrote with great enthusiasm. The plot was exciting and well thought out, with no gaps or predictable moments.
I would definitely read this book again to catch details I missed the first time.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide a honest and authentic review of this ARC
The main character is the oldest daughter who is trying to protect her younger sister in a strict and divided society.
The bi panic is real.
I enjoyed every character, even the ones I didn't like.
The magic in the story is interesting and was explained clearly, making it easy to understand. The author clearly did a lot of research and wrote with great enthusiasm. The plot was exciting and well thought out, with no gaps or predictable moments.
I would definitely read this book again to catch details I missed the first time.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide a honest and authentic review of this ARC
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Impractical Magic by Emily Grimoire
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
Impractical Magic by Emily Grimoire was a delightful read. I really hope this becomes a series, maybe even a family saga! The banter between the sisters was fun, and there was a great spark between Scarlett and Nate. I loved how the book explores the town’s history and made me feel like I had walked through it many times. The story is open and inclusive, and while there aren’t many surprises since the plot is hinted at throughout, I found the ending very satisfying. It tied everything together beautifully and stirred up strong emotions while addressing even the smallest problems.
The main character does tend to worry a lot and often blames herself, but her thought process was clear. I didn’t care much for the mother character, as she seemed pretty unlikable. Overall, I give it 4.5 stars. I enjoyed the story a lot and will definitely read the next one if there is one, but it didn’t fully capture my heart.
Thank you Avon Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to share my honest and free thoughts on this ARC.
The main character does tend to worry a lot and often blames herself, but her thought process was clear. I didn’t care much for the mother character, as she seemed pretty unlikable. Overall, I give it 4.5 stars. I enjoyed the story a lot and will definitely read the next one if there is one, but it didn’t fully capture my heart.
Thank you Avon Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to share my honest and free thoughts on this ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Illicit Temptations by Katee Robert
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
3.75
Illicit Temptations by Katee Roberts is a collection of short stories that can be enjoyed on their own. Katee’s writing is always enjoyable, and this collection was no different. The stories are quick reads that mix some steamy moments with solid character growth. While the plots aren’t very complex, they focus more on everyday situations and decisions. The characters feel real, with believable thoughts and reactions. Although the stories are a bit predictable, they are still fun to read, and the spicy scenes are appropriate for all adult readers.
Thank you Harlequin-Romance via NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an honest and authentic review of this ARC.
Thank you Harlequin-Romance via NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an honest and authentic review of this ARC.
Make Me Need by Katee Robert
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A fast pace steamy domestic novella. Domestic despite half of it being out of town. Double yearning but thinking the other wants something else.
While the insta love went hard and an unrealistic happily ever after were a stretch I did enjoy the difference of perspectives. The FMC being the sister of the previous novella illustrated the difference in family dynamics between children, ages and genders.
Thank you Harlequin-Romance via NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an honest and full opinion of this ARC
While the insta love went hard and an unrealistic happily ever after were a stretch I did enjoy the difference of perspectives. The FMC being the sister of the previous novella illustrated the difference in family dynamics between children, ages and genders.
Thank you Harlequin-Romance via NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an honest and full opinion of this ARC