kbbroday's reviews
63 reviews

Solomon's Crown by Natasha Siegel

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5.0

A gay historical fiction novel full of genuine love romantic and platonic? Yes and it was absolutely breathtaking.

I had high hopes for this novel and it did not disappoint. I adored Richard and Philips relationship. How it developed and how they struggled internally, it was beautiful to me. I especially loved Philip and Isabella’s relationship. Especially the way they loved each other. She excepted Philip so quickly and their conversation resonated with me to my core. And that’s what a good book does right?

Do not deprive yourself of this book. This debut novel is not one to be missed. I can’t wait to see what else Natasha brings into the world. What ever that may be, I will definitely be reading it.
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

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5.0

Do not deprive yourself of watching Nick and Charlie fall for each other. I fell in love with these characters right away and was rooting for them the whole time. I can’t tell you how many times I got butterflies in my stomach. I cried, I laughed, and fell in love with this series

This series was the first ever to make me feel truly seen. I have struggled with being Bisexual my whole life and Alice Oseman perfectly represented the confusion, fear, and freedom that comes with it all. It is a beautiful queer romance that I fear no other book will be able to live up to it.
I can’t wait to read more from this author and support her.
The Maiden & The Unseen by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune

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3.0

This book is definitely a decent book. It’s just not for me.
I’m not a fan of the present tense first perspective but I also wasn’t a fan of the writing style. But that’s just a personal preference so don’t let this stop you from giving this book a try.
Mated to the Monster by Sarah Spade

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3.0

I was slightly disappointed by this book. It had a great opportunity to go a bit deeper into building the world they’re in and have some bigger highs and lows but it just didn’t. I did like the characters dynamic but I felt that they weren’t challenged enough to really make the story interesting.
And yes I realize that it’s supposed to lean more towards the romance side but without the highs and lows it really made the story feel flat.
A Soul to Heal by Opal Reyne

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5.0

I absolutely loved this book and the first one. The relationships, the world building, and the little Mavka just pulled me in. Well and the spicier scenes too. And even though I absolutely DESPISE accidental pregnancy tropes, this one actually made my heart happy. But there are some other things I’d like to address.

After reading some of the other reviews, especially the negative ones, I realized that this book is truly for those who have an understanding of trauma and mental illness. (Warning: I will defend this book endlessly)

Some people couldn’t get past how Delora murdered her husband’s lover that was 19. But they didn’t seem to truly understand the reality of what happened. Delora was being abused by her husband for a long time. Everything she did was to make him happy and it brought unimaginable suffering because it was never good enough for him. Then she sees someone who had pretended to be friendly with her just earlier, underneath her husband. When someone is abused and betrayed like that, snapping is completely normal. No they didn’t deserve to die and what Delora did was wrong, but Delora acknowledged that and it set her deep into her depression.

Then people didn’t understand how she was so self centered. You can not tell me that fear has not made you selfish. She had just been through something so unbelievably traumatic and Magnar’s care had helped her get to a place where she could start healing. Then Magnar wants to gain more humanity so that he can care for her better. But she’s scared that he will hate her because of her past because she hates herself, so she doesn’t want him to change. But she ultimately doesn’t stop him. She has more moments that are similar but she slowly grows through all of it.

You can’t expect someone who had been verbally abused for 3+ years, who then snaps and murders her husband and his lover, then gets thrown into the void breaking her body extensively (which is unbelievably traumatic), then gets attacked by a snake demon, then suffers through a paranormal pregnancy and birth, and postpartum depression with her own child continuously trying to eat her and so much more to have the growth of someone that’s healthy minded. The fact that she made the growth that she did is actually phenomenal. Plus I loved having a main character that was flawed, depressed and anxious. I related to her far more than I did Reia. (Still loved her though)

And Magnar, I loved everything about him. Opal said that she had a hard time with this book but I think she did beautifully. Magnar was perfectly depicted as naive and caring. The way he protected his family made me cry. I especially loved that he would lower himself physically to show that Delora was safe. The way she depicts the Mavka is just beautiful and truly is the picture of the perfect partner in my opinion.
I cannot wait to read more of her work.
How to Bite Your Neighbor and Win a Wager by D.N. Bryn

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4.0

How to Bite Your Neighbor and Win a Wager was a satisfying read. Honestly, who wouldn’t love a BL vampire story? And let me tell you, once you start getting to know Vincent and Wesley you’ll fall in love with how cute and awkward they are.
I loved how D.N Bryn created this alternate universe and how they portrayed public opinion on vampires. As someone who is chronically ill and disabled, the way Vincent felt about being discriminated against for having different needs and the jealousy he feels towards Wesley, I related to it completely. It was definitely a surprise when I started to identify with him because I thought that this was just going to be a cheeky romance. But it truly was so much more.
This romance was built upon an intriguing plot that I didn’t see coming. I think it really gave the characters more depth and helped you understand their decisions and they way they thought things through.
This book is the perfect stand alone for a lazy day in. It has a satisfying ending (and a very explicit bonus scene) that will have you closing the book with a smile.