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katie_the_reader's reviews
361 reviews
My Duty To You: An Austen Generation Novel by Alyssa Martin
lighthearted
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? No
4.75
I opened this up yesterday afternoon and literally read it from cover to cover!
This is the story of Lynette, a book lover who is decidedly on the shelf, and Aiden, a second son who is thrust into a life of responsibility and expectations after the death of his older brother. Forced by duty to find a wife before the season is out, Aiden must try to woo Lynette who will only take a love match over spinsterhood.
I am a huge Jane Austen fan and I am a MASSIVE history nerd. I am also an absolute sucker for a regency romance - the more bodices ripped the better š
This book had me hooked in from the very first page, the story just races off the mark. The cast of characters was complex and complicated, it felt like an Austen novel! With the marriage mart, inheritance woes and scandalized whispers it felt like a perfect regency romance. Add to that that it was so well contextualized in the period, with accurate terms and colloquialisms, AND an FMC who isnāt a darling debutante but a headstrong woman??? SOLD.
I will now be bumping the rest of the series up my TBR because this was just so dreamy. It was all the best bits of a Jane Austen with the spice and sass of Bridgerton. Delicious.
This is the story of Lynette, a book lover who is decidedly on the shelf, and Aiden, a second son who is thrust into a life of responsibility and expectations after the death of his older brother. Forced by duty to find a wife before the season is out, Aiden must try to woo Lynette who will only take a love match over spinsterhood.
I am a huge Jane Austen fan and I am a MASSIVE history nerd. I am also an absolute sucker for a regency romance - the more bodices ripped the better š
This book had me hooked in from the very first page, the story just races off the mark. The cast of characters was complex and complicated, it felt like an Austen novel! With the marriage mart, inheritance woes and scandalized whispers it felt like a perfect regency romance. Add to that that it was so well contextualized in the period, with accurate terms and colloquialisms, AND an FMC who isnāt a darling debutante but a headstrong woman??? SOLD.
I will now be bumping the rest of the series up my TBR because this was just so dreamy. It was all the best bits of a Jane Austen with the spice and sass of Bridgerton. Delicious.
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.25
This series is just so sweet š„š
The Dream Harbor books are always a cutesy fun time, I always love them and always get super excited for a new installment!
This wasnāt my favourite of the bunch, the love story between Archer and Iris didnāt grab me as much as the others, but it was still super heartwarming and foot-kicky-inducing.
As a mum itās really nice to have a steamy romance that includes parents, a nice little reminder that your life isnāt over just because you have a kid š
I think the reason this one felt a little less engaging to me is that Archer didnāt seem to have that much of a personality beyond chef/reluctant dad. Like he didnāt have any hobbies or interests or friends and I know that his transition from high flying workaholic to family man is part of the story, but likeā¦ nothing??? No tv shows or even a favourite wine or something? Heās just blank - hot af but like hot and blank š
Iām SO excited for the next one and seeing Jeanieās wedding! And finallyyyyyy the tension between Annie and Mac will spark off!
The Dream Harbor books are always a cutesy fun time, I always love them and always get super excited for a new installment!
This wasnāt my favourite of the bunch, the love story between Archer and Iris didnāt grab me as much as the others, but it was still super heartwarming and foot-kicky-inducing.
As a mum itās really nice to have a steamy romance that includes parents, a nice little reminder that your life isnāt over just because you have a kid š
I think the reason this one felt a little less engaging to me is that Archer didnāt seem to have that much of a personality beyond chef/reluctant dad. Like he didnāt have any hobbies or interests or friends and I know that his transition from high flying workaholic to family man is part of the story, but likeā¦ nothing??? No tv shows or even a favourite wine or something? Heās just blank - hot af but like hot and blank š
Iām SO excited for the next one and seeing Jeanieās wedding! And finallyyyyyy the tension between Annie and Mac will spark off!
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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
OMG š¦āā¬ THIS š¦ BOOK š IS š SO š» FREAKIN š
GOOD š
I honestly donāt even know where to start. This book is so different, so refreshing, so intriguing, so imaginative I cannot even begin to tell you how hooked I was.
Welcome to Orrun, an empire devoted to the Eight deities - the Tiger, Monkey, Raven, Fox, Hound, Ox, Bear and Dragon. After the emperorās 24 year term is over, a representative from each of the temples faces a set of deadly and devious trials in order to earn the throne. But after the Raven representative is murdered the night before the festival begins, the emperorās High Scholar Neema is thrust into the unwanted position of contender. But behind this long-established routine of power change, political machinations are in motion, and the Eight - who have saved the realm 7 times - promise to destroy Orrun if they have to return again.
UGH. This story is delicious, I really could not put this down. Thereās a murder mystery, prophecies, courtly intrigues, spies and assassins, games and trials, just EVERYTHING.
The characters are so complex and interesting I found myself caring about every single one of their journeys rather than just focussing on the main storyline.
That brings me to the writing - my god this blew me away. At first you donāt know what perspective this story is told from, is it a narrator or another character? The story seems to jump in perspectives and tells the overall plot through so many different characters that it just feels so rich and complex that I could just squeal about it for days. Aside from that the characterization of the Eight, the way their voices are woven into the story is just incredible.
I would give this 10 stars if I could. Iām begging for book two and this isnāt even out yet!
This is one you NEED to pre-order. It releases on 17th April and trust me you must must MUST add it to your TBR.
Thank you so much Hodderscape, NetGalley and Antonia Hodgson for the absolute privilege of reading this ARC!
I honestly donāt even know where to start. This book is so different, so refreshing, so intriguing, so imaginative I cannot even begin to tell you how hooked I was.
Welcome to Orrun, an empire devoted to the Eight deities - the Tiger, Monkey, Raven, Fox, Hound, Ox, Bear and Dragon. After the emperorās 24 year term is over, a representative from each of the temples faces a set of deadly and devious trials in order to earn the throne. But after the Raven representative is murdered the night before the festival begins, the emperorās High Scholar Neema is thrust into the unwanted position of contender. But behind this long-established routine of power change, political machinations are in motion, and the Eight - who have saved the realm 7 times - promise to destroy Orrun if they have to return again.
UGH. This story is delicious, I really could not put this down. Thereās a murder mystery, prophecies, courtly intrigues, spies and assassins, games and trials, just EVERYTHING.
The characters are so complex and interesting I found myself caring about every single one of their journeys rather than just focussing on the main storyline.
That brings me to the writing - my god this blew me away. At first you donāt know what perspective this story is told from, is it a narrator or another character? The story seems to jump in perspectives and tells the overall plot through so many different characters that it just feels so rich and complex that I could just squeal about it for days. Aside from that the characterization of the Eight, the way their voices are woven into the story is just incredible.
I would give this 10 stars if I could. Iām begging for book two and this isnāt even out yet!
This is one you NEED to pre-order. It releases on 17th April and trust me you must must MUST add it to your TBR.
Thank you so much Hodderscape, NetGalley and Antonia Hodgson for the absolute privilege of reading this ARC!
A Fire in the Flesh by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
āI never wanted until youā Sera & Nyktosssss ššš„
I couldnāt stop with this book. I was really annoyed at the lack of content in A Soul of Ash and Blood but I have now forgiven JLA because this was just so so good.
I usually donāt like the whole āthe lovers are separated and spend a long time apartā thing but I loved this! Kolis is such a deranged weirdo that I just love him as a villain. The way JLA has written him, so there are moments he seems almost reasonable or understandable, only to be completely unhinged soon after is *chefs kiss*
I have already expressed my undying love for Sera, sheās amazing. Sheās so brave and funny and I love that Nyktos a) never holds her back and b) always shines the light on her and gives her credit for everything she does.
I cried sooooo much towards the end of this book and absolutely dying to find out what happens next.
I couldnāt stop with this book. I was really annoyed at the lack of content in A Soul of Ash and Blood but I have now forgiven JLA because this was just so so good.
I usually donāt like the whole āthe lovers are separated and spend a long time apartā thing but I loved this! Kolis is such a deranged weirdo that I just love him as a villain. The way JLA has written him, so there are moments he seems almost reasonable or understandable, only to be completely unhinged soon after is *chefs kiss*
I have already expressed my undying love for Sera, sheās amazing. Sheās so brave and funny and I love that Nyktos a) never holds her back and b) always shines the light on her and gives her credit for everything she does.
I cried sooooo much towards the end of this book and absolutely dying to find out what happens next.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
4.0
A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
No. You know what? Iām actually mad.
There are a grand total of two (2!!) things in this book that matter for the plot. One of them - Poppy going into stasis - is in the blurb. The other I wonāt say just in case anyone cares about the spoilers for this.
This book is a waste of time. I have given it one star each for Poppy and Casteel out of sheer loyalty but this aināt it. Poppy falls into a deep sleep and so Cas talks to her and puts us through a 560 page clip show.
YEP YOU READ THAT RIGHT. Casteel is pulling an Edward and this is a retelling of From Blood and Ash from his POV.
Itās lazy, itās pointless, it adds nothing to the story (except for scenes of Cas wanking in his room), and was clearly a cash grab.
Soooo disappointing from an author/series I so far thought was flawless.
There are a grand total of two (2!!) things in this book that matter for the plot. One of them - Poppy going into stasis - is in the blurb. The other I wonāt say just in case anyone cares about the spoilers for this.
This book is a waste of time. I have given it one star each for Poppy and Casteel out of sheer loyalty but this aināt it. Poppy falls into a deep sleep and so Cas talks to her and puts us through a 560 page clip show.
YEP YOU READ THAT RIGHT. Casteel is pulling an Edward and this is a retelling of From Blood and Ash from his POV.
Itās lazy, itās pointless, it adds nothing to the story (except for scenes of Cas wanking in his room), and was clearly a cash grab.
Soooo disappointing from an author/series I so far thought was flawless.
A Flame Forged in Mist by Samara Saward
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.25
I didnāt really know how to write a review for this ARC because I couldnāt put it down but I also found myself frustrated with it.
First up, the premise is perfect. Mortal farm girl Ever and her bestie/adopted sister Erryn are taken to the northern land of the mystics to try and survive 7 deadly trials to secure a place as one of the Ten - a new mortal squad to work for the mystics and in return receive magic.
The story has everything you want, trials, magic, mysterious kingdoms, unknown backstories, a Fourth Wing-esque military academy, found family and of course a brooding, royal, hot-as-fuck commander.
I loved the plot, the characters and the world, and Iāll definitely keep up with the sequel, but I did have some issues with the book.
It felt like the author couldnāt decide if the training school/commanders were brutal or bantery. One minute theyāre not batting an eyelid at them dying or threatening people who step out of line, then the next minute theyāre cracking jokes and treating them to nights at the pub. It was just a weird dynamic.
Then there were some moments that just needed sooooo much more time put into them. The book is only 300 and something pages so for a fantasy itās on the shorter side - so there was definitely room for more development. There would be scenes where the characters would just LEAP into something that felt really inauthentic and I found that really cringey. For example, if a commander and a new recruit have had a grand total of like 3 conversations, there shouldnāt be really deep and intense declarations, it just made it feel kinda creepy at points because he would just get really intense out of nowhere. It reminds me of that meme āwhat happened to hello? Good morning?ā Cos like damn dude how are you this obsessed with someone youāve spoken 24 words to in total.
Anyway, this is a solid story, but a sometimes disappointing book if that makes any sense. I reeaaaaaallly wanna know what happens next but I hope the follow ups have a few more pages and more of a chance for the characters and plot to develop a little more
First up, the premise is perfect. Mortal farm girl Ever and her bestie/adopted sister Erryn are taken to the northern land of the mystics to try and survive 7 deadly trials to secure a place as one of the Ten - a new mortal squad to work for the mystics and in return receive magic.
The story has everything you want, trials, magic, mysterious kingdoms, unknown backstories, a Fourth Wing-esque military academy, found family and of course a brooding, royal, hot-as-fuck commander.
I loved the plot, the characters and the world, and Iāll definitely keep up with the sequel, but I did have some issues with the book.
It felt like the author couldnāt decide if the training school/commanders were brutal or bantery. One minute theyāre not batting an eyelid at them dying or threatening people who step out of line, then the next minute theyāre cracking jokes and treating them to nights at the pub. It was just a weird dynamic.
Then there were some moments that just needed sooooo much more time put into them. The book is only 300 and something pages so for a fantasy itās on the shorter side - so there was definitely room for more development. There would be scenes where the characters would just LEAP into something that felt really inauthentic and I found that really cringey. For example, if a commander and a new recruit have had a grand total of like 3 conversations, there shouldnāt be really deep and intense declarations, it just made it feel kinda creepy at points because he would just get really intense out of nowhere. It reminds me of that meme āwhat happened to hello? Good morning?ā Cos like damn dude how are you this obsessed with someone youāve spoken 24 words to in total.
Anyway, this is a solid story, but a sometimes disappointing book if that makes any sense. I reeaaaaaallly wanna know what happens next but I hope the follow ups have a few more pages and more of a chance for the characters and plot to develop a little more
A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.75
These books are going to be the death of me š«
Honestly I donāt even know where to start. The way the two series (Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire) is delicious š¤š» I love spotting characters and plot points that we see pay off on the other series. Itās just brilliantly done and Iām so in awe of JLA as a writer. I mean she must have the mother of all spreadsheets to keep all this straight!
Sera and Ash. Oh gods I would die for them. This is the most lovely romance but with the most agonising tension itās just everything I could ever ask for.
All that being said STOP LEAVING US ON THESE DIABOLICAL CLIFFHANGERS š I canāt take ittttttttt I need to know that these babies are okay š«
Honestly I donāt even know where to start. The way the two series (Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire) is delicious š¤š» I love spotting characters and plot points that we see pay off on the other series. Itās just brilliantly done and Iām so in awe of JLA as a writer. I mean she must have the mother of all spreadsheets to keep all this straight!
Sera and Ash. Oh gods I would die for them. This is the most lovely romance but with the most agonising tension itās just everything I could ever ask for.
All that being said STOP LEAVING US ON THESE DIABOLICAL CLIFFHANGERS š I canāt take ittttttttt I need to know that these babies are okay š«
Shadow and Tide by Rachel Greenlaw
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Iām suing Rachel Greenlaw for emotional damage.
āāTo bargains and surprisesā āTo young women made of storms.āā
Ahhhhhhhhhh this book was such a step up from the first book (and I really liked the first book) I literally blasted through it in a day.
First of all, this book ripped my heart out at like three separate points and I canāt really say too much without giving spoilers but WHY did I/Mira need to go through all of this š«
The found family in this book is top notch. Each of the characters feels unique and fleshed out and they all complement each other beautifully - with great banter. And theyāre based in a MAGIC CASTLE? Added a star on for that alone š
Eliiiiiiiiiiiiii ššš omg this guy is swoon worthy in ALL the ways. So capable, so strategic, so loyal & protective, and can travel through the isles like some kind of shadow daddy teleporter? UGH.
Fair warning, the ending is a huge cliffhanger that has left a hole in my soul. I need book 3 yesterday.
āāTo bargains and surprisesā āTo young women made of storms.āā
Ahhhhhhhhhh this book was such a step up from the first book (and I really liked the first book) I literally blasted through it in a day.
First of all, this book ripped my heart out at like three separate points and I canāt really say too much without giving spoilers but WHY did I/Mira need to go through all of this š«
The found family in this book is top notch. Each of the characters feels unique and fleshed out and they all complement each other beautifully - with great banter. And theyāre based in a MAGIC CASTLE? Added a star on for that alone š
Eliiiiiiiiiiiiii ššš omg this guy is swoon worthy in ALL the ways. So capable, so strategic, so loyal & protective, and can travel through the isles like some kind of shadow daddy teleporter? UGH.
Fair warning, the ending is a huge cliffhanger that has left a hole in my soul. I need book 3 yesterday.
Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
āI am the sea in human form. All her anger. All her storms.ā
Did you also have your bisexual awakening from watching Pirates of the Caribbean? Well, boy do I have the book (w)rec(k) for you!
Mira lives on the impoverished isle of Rosevear, where the locals lure, wreck, and strip bare passing ships to eke out a living. When the watch come and capture her father during a wreck, Mira travels across seas and islands to save him from the hangmanās noose - meeting mysterious and magical characters along the way.
I really liked this book, it took a little getting into but Rachel Greenlaws writing is B E A utiful. Her description is just stunning, I could picture the scenes so vividly and her style just really clicked with me.
I liked the mix of characters that made up the islanders and the crew, and romance is cute - oh to be kissed in the sea under the starsš„¹
The ending was not at all what I was expecting and one thing I can say for sure about this book is you will not be able to predict what happens next.
Did you also have your bisexual awakening from watching Pirates of the Caribbean? Well, boy do I have the book (w)rec(k) for you!
Mira lives on the impoverished isle of Rosevear, where the locals lure, wreck, and strip bare passing ships to eke out a living. When the watch come and capture her father during a wreck, Mira travels across seas and islands to save him from the hangmanās noose - meeting mysterious and magical characters along the way.
I really liked this book, it took a little getting into but Rachel Greenlaws writing is B E A utiful. Her description is just stunning, I could picture the scenes so vividly and her style just really clicked with me.
I liked the mix of characters that made up the islanders and the crew, and romance is cute - oh to be kissed in the sea under the starsš„¹
The ending was not at all what I was expecting and one thing I can say for sure about this book is you will not be able to predict what happens next.