kezmarie36's reviews
870 reviews

Newer by Robyn Abbott

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.  

Gods of the Evermore by Aimee Clinton

adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced

4.5

I have loved seeing this series develop. The plot is intense, dramatic and full of high stakes. Aliza is at the centre of it all trying to survive her new prison, and the atmosphere is buzzing with tension. Meanwhile Idris is tackling the repercussions of his brother's betrayal and fighting to get back to his mate. 
I love the themes of found family, loyalty and sacrifice, and this has some highly emotional moments. I loved seeing more of Jacques in this one too, he has that lovable gentlemanly rogue attitude.
This has great twists and complexity, top sarcasm, and a lovable bunch of characters that bring chaos, drama and  adventure. 
This is a fab series to read if you like a little of everything in your romantasy worlds, it has witches, vampires, fae, magical creatures, curses, fated mates and more. Can't wait for book 4, especially after that ending. 

Whisper by Jeni Conrad

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

This felt like a mix of Harry Potter, School for good and evil, and Wednesday series, where a teen unexpectedly discovers there is a whole supernatural world, and they've been thrown headfirst into a school of monsters and now have to adapt and survive.
There is the family legacy of the Helsings, and their youngest descendant has big shoes to fill, enemies to avoid, mysteries to solve and her new awakened magic to tame. 
I liked the gothic vibes, the range of beings, the school drama, and all the intrigue. If you're after a YA magic academia adventure, with ghouls, vampires, shifters and more, a human teen navigating secrets and trying to solve a murder and cover up, this is the book for you. This was a good start to the series, and leaves you wanting more.  

One Shot by A.C. Wonderland

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

This was a sweet, spicy and emotional young love and hockey romance. I loved the touches of drama, heartache, pining and pure lust from these characters. Laur is feisty, imaginative, and passionate. Lucas is possessive, adoring and loyal. I loved seeing these characters grow and come together. Their chemistry bounces off the page, and I adored all the nods to Laur's brother, the family vibes of the Hockey team, and their group of supportive friends. This is a feel good and comforting story. 

🏒"The more time I spend with her, the more obvious it is to me. Laur is always on my mind. I just want to be around her"

🏒"This girl is kinky, eccentric, and all mine"

Land Of Hope And Glory by Ray Star

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

This was an intense finale. The stakes have been building up throughout the series with twisted reveals, shocking revelations and dangerous truths. This brings all the characters back for one last push to save everyone and find a compromise for peace. 
Not only are they fighting a resistance against the enemy animals, but from their own Elemental magick, mythological descendants and their ancient rivalries that brings chaos and drama to an already tense situation. 
This story sees the warping of reality to help undo mistakes in time, drawing on the God's powers, and welcoming new bonds. It also explores the secrets Val has been keeping from Peridot all this time, and sees a desperate attempt to alter fate. 

This trilogy has definitely evokes a lot of emotions, and makes you contemplate human greed, animals lives, and finding compromises to live. 
It's also a journey of friendships, found family, love, vengeance and compassion. 
This was a fantastic conclusion and answers all the questions that have been building. 

Grizzly Discoveries by

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Dark, entertaining and spicy. 
This is a short read, but it's full of fun characters, tension, lust and a unique world of monsters and mischief.
I loved the pace of this, there is always something happening, but you still have time to explore the characters and their distinct personalities, and feel all the danger. 
Ursun is a grumpy alpha protector, Bjorn is flirty, funny and unhinged, and Arktos is broken, dangerous and feral.
I loved how Grace adapts to every situation thrown her way, she is a survivor, and she embraces her new opportunity with the 3 curious bears holding her captive. 

This is a spicy monster style romance and a play on Goldilocks and the three bears, with some dark themes, creative twists, and murderous antics. 
I absolutely loved the eerie forest and nursery rhyme music scene, top points for creepy vibes!
There is a good balance between the plot and spice, and some entertainment revenge and redemption.  Excited to see more monster hea's from this world! 

🐻 "I want more. Need it like I need my next breath. I'm going to keep her"

🐻 "That's what love is. It's dangerous, it's unyielding and it's all consuming"

🐻 "Their gruff voices and rough hands should frighten me, but instead they ignite something within me"

The Vampire & The Rose by Melanie Davies

dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This was utterly enchanting. I loved it from start to finish, with all the political intrigue, the gothic atmosphere, the slow burn tension, and the Empress's keen wit, intelligence, command and compassion.
I adored the bond between Luca and Arabella, and how their unexpected circumstances drew their fates together. 
Their slow burn romance is filled with curiosity, desire, hostility and passion. I enjoyed his seductive nature, v's Arabella's fierce and no nonsense attitude. They are the perfect pairing. 
I liked the suspense and danger from their secret relationship, and learning about Luca's past including his sire. 
There are several characters that are lovable, and several that are easy to hate, so it keeps you on edge guessing their schemes throughout. 
I thought it was heading for a nice resolution then that ending hit so hard. Will 100% be reading book 2. 

 

✨ "He wasn't a demon. He was something. Much darker than that"

✨ "I am no one's property...least of all a vampire's!"

✨ "We were not empress and enigma. We were simply Arabella and Luca- surrendering to a passion that transcended time, duty and mortality itself"

Cursed by the crimson moon by Ava Zoe

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

Every ten years under the crimson moon a sacrifice must be given to the forest as tribute for the terrifying legacy of the wolf. Lena is the strongest in the village and chosen to appease the curse, but she won't go without a fight. 
Determined to help her village but understand the curse to break it, she ventures into the forest to learn its secrets. Calder her loyal friend is by her side, and they meet Alaric, a stranger in the woods, and together they hope to end the cycle. 
This is a dark fairytale retelling of red riding hood, where they battle curses, face shadowy threats, confront themselves and challenge fate. 
I enjoyed all the mystery and the slow burn passion, I loved Lina's bravery and determination, and her chemistry with Alaric and Calder. 
This is a spicy retelling with a lot of intrigue and emotion.  

The Shadow and the Firefly by Jessica Griffin

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

4.0

This was a fast paced and intense conclusion to the duology. Talysse discovers her true identity, and Aedias is battling his desires for her and his need for revenge. They need to work together to end the hex and save their people, and that means trusting each other, something that seems impossible to do. I enjoyed the twists in this, and the tension and passion between them, alongside the action and threats from the monsters and Gods. 

✨"Will I punish her, or bind her to me forever?"

✨"Everything I believed in, the person I was, it was all based on a lie"

✨"I vow, to be with you when the stars fade and the sun is nothing but a memory. In this world and beyond"

Breathings of the Moon by Byrd Nash

challenging emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

4.5

The Underhill's are a unique but dysfunctional family, famous by history, infamous by nature, and all guarded and mysterious.  
Zoe has a power that's a gift and a curse, she has a supernatural talent to reveal memories by touch, finding truths and escapes. Others in her family can charm and manipulate, and it has given their family a dark reputation for trouble and chaos. 

She thought she had escaped, making a new life for herself, but the past won't let her be free until she solves her mother's death. Her brother takes her back to their hometown and demands that she use her gifts to unlock the truth from 20 years ago, which means confronting her family, discovering long buried truths, and identifying her father.

This is a gripping blend of suspense, drama and tragedy, with a murder mystery to solve, memories to decipher, and dark realities to face. 
It also explores trauma and coping mechanisms combined with paranormal gifts, and a sub plot of growing romance.

I enjoyed the range of characters and how Zoe unearths their secrets, they have turbulent family dynamics pushed by holding onto their family legacy, and finding the truth seems the only answer to set them all free, and save the town.
This has beautifully lyrical language, an eerie backdrop, and a good pace that keeps you intrigued and rooting for Zoe to find the answers she needs. 
I particularly enjoyed seeing Zoe's character become bold and fierce, and finding her peace and freedom.