kezmarie36's reviews
869 reviews

Mourn Not the Mortals by Jordan Smith

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5

This was an epic tale, and dark and gritty world of lore, complex characters, and unique powers. 
You experience multiple pov as you explore the diverse characters and follow them on their quests, or journeys of growth.  They each have unique abilities or desires, fueled by ambition, knowledge, devotion or power, and it blends religion, magic and culture well. 
I enjoyed all the elements of political intrigue and duty, the responsibilities of leadership, and the mystery of what darkness lies in the beyond.
I think Aliss, Taren and Snare are my favourite characters so far, but I enjoyed learning about them all, and I am definitely curious to learn more about Larc.
Although there are a lot of characters, it's easy to keep track of them all by their distinct personalities or missions, and the gritty storyline keeps you intrigued, especially with the ending.

If you like the vibes of GoT, The Witcher and Shadow and Bone, this is for you. 
Crossing Paths: The Road to Destiny by Nina Purtee

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

It was nice to revisit these characters again and see what is next for Annie and Ramone, after their surprising announcement at the end of book 1.
I always enjoy the range of locations visited and the descriptios of scenery, and seeing old and new characters along for the adventure.
There a nice sense of serendipity and curiousity on their journey, and that balanced nicely against the moments of suspense, mystery and tension. 
I enjoyed seeing Antonio's journey in this too, his achievements and chance for happiness. 
It has a heartwarming feel throughout, a diverse range of characters, and great themes of empathy, resilience, adapting, and growth.
The Tale of Tears by DeAnna Hill

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.75

I adored book 1, and this one does not disappoint. The opening scene is powerful but you don't get to understand the depth of it till the end.
This is an epic journey of layered emotions, complex relationships, testing loyalties, and sacrifice. 
This is a rollercoaster of emotions and teasing, and it kept me on my toes throughout. 
It's so intense, dramatic and heartbreaking, balanced against the mystery of the prophecies and fated bonds, and there's lots of steamy moments.
The relationship dynamics are complex especially with Carnaxa's changing desires, but I'm glad we get to explore more from Ereon. 
I did not expect the ending, and I am still reeling from it. I need the next book asap. 

🌊"It's hard to hate someone when you can see their pain matches your own"

🌊"I don't break the kiss, for air has no importance in this moment"

🌊"You are a fucking goddess - do you know that"
"Then worship me"
A Sea of Song and Sirens: The Naiads of Juile Book One by Whit Stanfield

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

✨ Author - Whit Stanfield
✨ Narrators - Sami Ro & Denver Adams
✨ Time - 16H 52
✨ Out on Audible

So I've read the book a couple of times because I absolutely adore this magical world, and Maren and Kye. I don't usually get a lot of time to listen to audio books but I knew this was going to be fabulous from the snippets I'd heard, so I dived straight in and have been listening over the past week!

WOW! The narration really brings to life these epic characters, all the enemy to lover tension, the mystery and suspense, and their passion so so perfectly.
Sami has captured Maren's sass, bravery and resilience so well, and Denver brings all the charm, mystery and swoons for Kye.

Listening to this definitely helped me relive this beautiful story and notice small details again that are key for book 2.
The dual narration is wonderful, the pacing is great, and honestly it gives you all the feels.

I would 100% recommend this audiobook, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an #ASOWAS audiobook.
Hothead by Isobel Reed

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

I just adore this series. These firefighters are a broody and possesive bunch who fall hard and fast, and take passion and jealousy to a new level.  
Bella is honouring her best friends memory by connecting with his estranged brother and giving him the answers he needs. 
What she didn't anticipate was to start to catch feelings for the sarcastic and grumpy firefighter she will only know for a month. His hot and cold attitude has her thoughts all over the place, but she isn't the only one confused. 
Luke doesn't date, doesn't do feelings, and certainly doesn't do love. All he wants is to find out what happened to his brother, and to forget all about the sassy new angel. But Bella has him feeling possessive, obsessed, and determined to make her stay.
This small town romance is filled with wit, spice, determined women, and characters that fall hard.

🔥"It's like you were made just for me. For me to play with. Worship. Get so fucking lost in, that I don't ever want to be found"

🔥"I swear, angel. Your heart is safe with me"

🔥"You were the one thing this place was missing. You were the missing piece. The key to making it a home"
A Cure For A Curse by K. R. Bacher

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3.5

I like the Cottagecore, grumpy & sunshine, and cosy fantasy vibes of this series. 
The tension between characters was fun to see, and I liked seeing their passion build, especially with the primal moments and drunken confessions. 
There were elements of mystery too with threatening notes and events, and a dark and complex witchy family.
Personally book 1 is still my favourite as I connected with those characters more.
You can't stop loving me by Anne T. Thyssen

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emotional reflective medium-paced

4.0

This was an emotional and complex second chance love story. It explores loss, grief and vulnerabilities, and characters that have complicated pasts and feelings that run deep.
This isn't your typical feel good or hea romance, as it involves themes of deception and cheating, but it does show how some people are meant to be, even if life deals them a rough hand. I enjoyed their chemistry, the flashbacks to their early relationship, and the pieces coming together. 
Her Hidden Protector by Eliza Rockwood

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fast-paced

4.0

This was a sweet second chance romance with some spicy reunions, earning forgiveness, and getting their chance for a hea. I liked the touches of drama and tension.
Shaedes of Power by Jenny Grimes

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adventurous emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

4.5

I loved the little meet cute moments at the start and how it builds to sudden action and jumping into their magical realm. 
Farris adapts so well to this new world, and I loved his compassion and support of Opal. I also liked how Opal and her friends have duty pushed on them unexpectedly and have to adapt to protect their people and face the coming threats from the dark. 
The shadowlands is full of surprises, including the two dark and powerful princes, and the return of an unexpected face that causes chaos and uncertainty. 

This explores the start of a complex magic inbued love triangle, and Opal connecting the realms of light and dark. I think Edmyn quickly became my favourite character with his snippets of wit, broody attitude and protectiveness.
I enjoyed the touches of spice, the conflict of emotions and navigating responsibilities to their people, and the unique magic systems of the Fae. 
I loved the spicy little bonus chapter in Edmyn's POV at the end too!
Looking forward to the next book and more of these complex and magical characters.
Newer by Robyn Abbott

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adventurous hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

This was a thought provoking sci-fi novella following 3 main characters. Joseph is looking for a second chance and to work on himself while in prison, and Kali is adjusting to her new circumstances and environment following her parents death and her injury. 
Both are guided by Neem22, a sentient robot with multiple abilities including counselling, rehabilitation and some life changing plans. 
It's a balance of finding connection, learning empathy, overcoming grief and change, and adapting. 
It's also a contemplative reflection on robotic services, freedom to make choices, rights of equality and technological possibilities.
This has some fun surprises and twists, and I loved the ending.