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kirrilis_bookish_bliss's reviews
118 reviews
Carving for Cara by Dana LeeAnn, Melissa McSherry
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What the actual hell did I just read?
Did I cringe the whole way through? Yes.
Am I scarred for life? Yes.
Did I kind of love it? Also Yes
But please send help. Rhett needs some serious lessons in consent.
Did I cringe the whole way through? Yes.
Am I scarred for life? Yes.
Did I kind of love it? Also Yes
But please send help. Rhett needs some serious lessons in consent.
A Sword of Gilded Embers by B.C. FaJohn
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A sword of Gilded Embers, what can I say:
Book 2 follows Aurelie and Eero as they fight to take back Eeros fallen crown, free Azaelia and learn more about Aurelies magic.
It took me well over 30% to get into this one, I'm not really sure why but I just couldn't hook in. It was partly that I couldn't remember what happened in book one so had to go back and reread bits of it before I could work out what was going on.
But once I got into it I read the last 250 pages in only a few hours.
I enjoyed the tension between the characters and Eeros struggle with himself to let Aurelie do what she needed. I also loved that he never pushed her into something she wasn't comfortable with. I would love to see some more of Saph and Cas but I'll take what I get.
The world building and lore and politics was clever but I did struggle to wrap my head around the workings of this book and found myself confused at times as to just what was going on and why.
Overall I enjoyed the read and will continue to read the series but I do hope that I understand more in future.
Book 2 follows Aurelie and Eero as they fight to take back Eeros fallen crown, free Azaelia and learn more about Aurelies magic.
It took me well over 30% to get into this one, I'm not really sure why but I just couldn't hook in. It was partly that I couldn't remember what happened in book one so had to go back and reread bits of it before I could work out what was going on.
But once I got into it I read the last 250 pages in only a few hours.
I enjoyed the tension between the characters and Eeros struggle with himself to let Aurelie do what she needed. I also loved that he never pushed her into something she wasn't comfortable with. I would love to see some more of Saph and Cas but I'll take what I get.
The world building and lore and politics was clever but I did struggle to wrap my head around the workings of this book and found myself confused at times as to just what was going on and why.
Overall I enjoyed the read and will continue to read the series but I do hope that I understand more in future.
Killing Snow by Maree Rose
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I actually quite enjoyed this book. It was about 60/40 smut/plot which was nice.
There was only one plot twist in this really compared to what Maree usually writes but it was a good one. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop while they were safe in the cabin and by God did it slam down.
The characters were kind of interesting but as usual you don't get to actually find out much about the MMCs which is a little disappointing.
Be warned though โ ๏ธ there is plenty of blood and I was worried they'd get an STI in one of the scenes ๐
There was only one plot twist in this really compared to what Maree usually writes but it was a good one. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop while they were safe in the cabin and by God did it slam down.
The characters were kind of interesting but as usual you don't get to actually find out much about the MMCs which is a little disappointing.
Be warned though โ ๏ธ there is plenty of blood and I was worried they'd get an STI in one of the scenes ๐
Cold Hearted by Leia Stone, Julie Hall
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
Wow... just wow...
I picked this up because I got bored at work so walked into qbd to get a little book and loved the cover.
I read it in under 5 hours. I just couldn't stop.
The characters, the worldbuilding, the little bits of romance, the banter, it really has it all.. and in under 300 pages...
Dawn is strong and stubborn, cunning and thoughtful with the biggest heart.
Zander is kind, caring, possessive and perfect.
I really enjoyed the characters and how they interested as well as the world building that we see in this first book. It sets out the two realms well and explains the lore and history well without obviously spoiling the story line.
I cannot wait to read the next 3 books and to whichever princess ends up falling in front of Stryker... goodluck!!!
I picked this up because I got bored at work so walked into qbd to get a little book and loved the cover.
I read it in under 5 hours. I just couldn't stop.
The characters, the worldbuilding, the little bits of romance, the banter, it really has it all.. and in under 300 pages...
Dawn is strong and stubborn, cunning and thoughtful with the biggest heart.
Zander is kind, caring, possessive and perfect.
I really enjoyed the characters and how they interested as well as the world building that we see in this first book. It sets out the two realms well and explains the lore and history well without obviously spoiling the story line.
I cannot wait to read the next 3 books and to whichever princess ends up falling in front of Stryker... goodluck!!!
House of Striking Oaths by Olivia Wildenstein
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
How did this manage to finish on a cliffhanger without it being a cliffhanger!!! I still need to know so much more!
But seriously though like the other this book was amazing. I love how Fallon has grown as a character so much since her naive needy self in the first book. Her fear feels real as she still questions things and is tricked and manipulated but it's something that could happen to anyone. She's strong and stubborn and fights back. And Lore well as protective as he is, I do wish he believed in Fallon a little more than he does.
I listened to this on audible and may or may not have been driving whilst bawling my eyes out at points so that's automatically 5 stars!
Olivia has done a great job of giving all the characters a unique personality that makes the story feel full and well thought out.
The plot was wild but fairly easy to follow. And like the other books the worldbuilding was well presented.
But seriously though like the other this book was amazing. I love how Fallon has grown as a character so much since her naive needy self in the first book. Her fear feels real as she still questions things and is tricked and manipulated but it's something that could happen to anyone. She's strong and stubborn and fights back. And Lore well as protective as he is, I do wish he believed in Fallon a little more than he does.
I listened to this on audible and may or may not have been driving whilst bawling my eyes out at points so that's automatically 5 stars!
Olivia has done a great job of giving all the characters a unique personality that makes the story feel full and well thought out.
The plot was wild but fairly easy to follow. And like the other books the worldbuilding was well presented.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
That ending had me sobbing. It hurt. A lot.
I have decided after reading this book that I will be absolutely feral for it. The world and characters aren't just created but brought to life. Both Paedyn and Kai are strong and loveable.
I'll be honest, it wasn't perfect, there were editorial mistakes and unnecessary repetition but it's still a 5 to me because I managed to feel all the feels and devour it and everything happening.
While the start is slightly slower I appreciate that as it gives the reader a chance to get to know the world, magic systems and characters a bit before anything too crazy happens (and it does get crazy).
I loved that Lauren didn't try to make Kai or Pae perfect and that made them feel so much more real. They felt like people just trying to survive what their lives threw at them in the only way they'd been raised to know.
Kai is my latest book boyfriend and will probably be hard to beat in future. He radiates power and charisma and it's no wonder he made Paes heart hurt. The way that from the very beginning he has eyes only for her and will do whatever it takes to keep her alive.. The way he doesn't even have to try to learn things about her, he just naturally does because he cares.
Pae is everybit scared as she is strong. She is full of wit, charisma, stubbornness and fierceness. She knows exactly how to be a psychic and how much power she holds. Her confidence is admirable. And the way she tries to stay away from Kai because she doesn't want to hurt him but can't is both and and amazing.
To me the slow Burn romance is what makes it even more amazing. It fits the characters perfectly and to me there is no need for more at this point. It paints the picture of their chemistry and shows exactly who they are deep down.
Also Kitt our future King. There's no way I could forget him. There is a depth to his character that I don't often see in side characters. Where his character finishes at the end of the book could be seen coming but it still doesn't hurt any less.
Overall I am obsessed and will be reading the next books asap.
I also will be booking in my next tattoo shortly (lemon meringue and butterscotch) I don't even care if it becomes a tamlin tattoo ๐
I have decided after reading this book that I will be absolutely feral for it. The world and characters aren't just created but brought to life. Both Paedyn and Kai are strong and loveable.
I'll be honest, it wasn't perfect, there were editorial mistakes and unnecessary repetition but it's still a 5 to me because I managed to feel all the feels and devour it and everything happening.
While the start is slightly slower I appreciate that as it gives the reader a chance to get to know the world, magic systems and characters a bit before anything too crazy happens (and it does get crazy).
I loved that Lauren didn't try to make Kai or Pae perfect and that made them feel so much more real. They felt like people just trying to survive what their lives threw at them in the only way they'd been raised to know.
Kai is my latest book boyfriend and will probably be hard to beat in future. He radiates power and charisma and it's no wonder he made Paes heart hurt. The way that from the very beginning he has eyes only for her and will do whatever it takes to keep her alive.. The way he doesn't even have to try to learn things about her, he just naturally does because he cares.
Pae is everybit scared as she is strong. She is full of wit, charisma, stubbornness and fierceness. She knows exactly how to be a psychic and how much power she holds. Her confidence is admirable. And the way she tries to stay away from Kai because she doesn't want to hurt him but can't is both and and amazing.
To me the slow Burn romance is what makes it even more amazing. It fits the characters perfectly and to me there is no need for more at this point. It paints the picture of their chemistry and shows exactly who they are deep down.
Also Kitt our future King. There's no way I could forget him. There is a depth to his character that I don't often see in side characters. Where his character finishes at the end of the book could be seen coming but it still doesn't hurt any less.
Overall I am obsessed and will be reading the next books asap.
I also will be booking in my next tattoo shortly (lemon meringue and butterscotch) I don't even care if it becomes a tamlin tattoo ๐
Twisted Friction: A Why Choose Taboo Romance by Layla Moon
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Oooookayyyy So....
1. Twister is ridiculously unhinged
2. The cliffhanger hurts my poor brain.... I don't like that I won't get answers to my many many questions:
2.1 How did Twister Unalive Cole
2.2 Why did they all get vasectomies and then talk about breeding her???
2.3 Why not just birth control??
2.4 Why did Roe wait until her birthday... (What an ass)
3. What the hell was going on in the plot?? I am so confused
4. The editing was not great.....
5. If I forget about trying to understand the plot... at least the smut was hot!
6. How did a small child unalive 2 adults with bleach???
1. Twister is ridiculously unhinged
2. The cliffhanger hurts my poor brain.... I don't like that I won't get answers to my many many questions:
2.1 How did Twister Unalive Cole
2.2 Why did they all get vasectomies and then talk about breeding her???
2.3 Why not just birth control??
2.4 Why did Roe wait until her birthday... (What an ass)
3. What the hell was going on in the plot?? I am so confused
4. The editing was not great.....
5. If I forget about trying to understand the plot... at least the smut was hot!
6. How did a small child unalive 2 adults with bleach???
City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
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 am absolutely enamored with this book and series! Like holy hell. ๐ I screamed, cried, panicked, laughed and fell in love.
The worldbuilding and background history was perfection.
The characters were just amazing and had so much personality.
This is 1000% my new favorite series. It will forever live rent free in my head!
The worldbuilding and background history was perfection.
The characters were just amazing and had so much personality.
This is 1000% my new favorite series. It will forever live rent free in my head!
House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
โโYouโre about to find out what it truly means to be mine, Milla. Iโm going to claim you first with my fingers, then with my c*ck. And when Iโm finished with you, a contract wonโt mean sh*t.โโ
Holy FREAKING HELL
This was peaky blinders x Grisha verse vibes and I am so so so down for it.
The plot is plotting and I had no idea what would happen but I love it that way! And SLOOOOOWWWW Burn.... I just needed them to hurry up and f*ck already....
The FMC is a badass b*tch who don't take no sh*t from nobody especially not her biggest rival.... and husband. (She only lets herself be pushed around by her brothers and I wish she would push back a little!)
Also, that ending made me SOB
Thak you Alexis for writing a book with so many emotions and such great politics, magic and worldbuilding!!
Holy FREAKING HELL
This was peaky blinders x Grisha verse vibes and I am so so so down for it.
The plot is plotting and I had no idea what would happen but I love it that way! And SLOOOOOWWWW Burn.... I just needed them to hurry up and f*ck already....
The FMC is a badass b*tch who don't take no sh*t from nobody especially not her biggest rival.... and husband. (She only lets herself be pushed around by her brothers and I wish she would push back a little!)
Also, that ending made me SOB
Thak you Alexis for writing a book with so many emotions and such great politics, magic and worldbuilding!!
Lusting Anonymously by Mana Jane
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Pure pure smut and I'm here for it... and the cliffhanger at the end that will never be resolved....
This was short and sweet (if sweet if constant d*cking down). The group dynamics were great even in such a short read!
This was short and sweet (if sweet if constant d*cking down). The group dynamics were great even in such a short read!