kirrilis_bookish_bliss's reviews
128 reviews

That's What Love Becomes by Amy Rose

emotional lighthearted sad fast-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

I just didn't vibe with this book. I enjoyed the first in the series, but this one just felt rushed and a little pointless. The scenes were very jumpy and one second, we went from cuddles to cafe within the same paragraph. There was no character building and no plot other than... sad...dad hates me... gets engaged...fail wedding... dad sucks...married.
I wanted more explanation of scenes and the vocab between characters seemed jumbled so there were times I couldn't understand who was talking or saying what. Overall, it just seemed very rushed and not very well written or thought out. The author needed to show not tell more.

Unstoppable by Maree Rose

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Don't get me wrong. 
I did enjoy this novella but there was just something about it that didn't sit right with me. I found myself still confused at the end and all the characters seemed very shallow. Also, the Smut scenes in this one seemed lacking in comparison with what Maree usually writes.
However, I did love that Ash found out who had been threatening her all these years and that her and her wolves pushed through and came out the other end together.

Pucked by Helena Hunting

adventurous dark lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was light, and funny, and oh so smutty. It was a perfect palette cleanser between larger and more serious books.
It was perfect for the mood I was in, and I finished it in one sitting. And really did enjoy it. The chemistry and banter were adorable, and I just loved them together.

Yes, Alex made his mistakes and took his time righting them, but violet wasn't perfect either. 

Overall, it was a good, fun, light read, and I will definitely be reading more from this author. 

House of Pounding Hearts by Olivia Wildenstein

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

After that... I NEEEEEED book 3 ASAP
 House of Pounding Hearts is so much better than the first book in every single way. The story Just takes off! The world is expanded perfectly, the magic is explained better, the banter grows between our main characters. The politics are explored further, and the mate mind link is such an awesome concept and executed so well. 
Also, the slow burn tension finally hits boiling point and steam erupts.... It was hot and I am in need of more.
I also really enjoyed seeing more of the side characters and each of their roles in the storyline. 

House of Beating Wings by Olivia Wildenstein

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-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

4.5

 Fantasy with hints of medieval Italy x Celtic folklore.

I only wanted to throw the FMC of a bridge onto rocks for a short while. But she developed enough that I started to enjoy her. I enjoyed the quest she went on, even though she didn't ask enough questions and then complained about it....
I enjoyed meeting all the new characters that were introduced along the way.
The magical system still confuses me a little, but I do love how it explains the politics of the world and the different castes.
The Worldbuilding could have been a little clearer, but that could also just be that I don't picture as much when I'm listening instead of reading.

I read this as an audiobook on audible. 

The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard

adventurous emotional 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

4.5

4.5*

This was such a fun read/listen (I listened on audible). Susan did an awesome job expanding the world building in this book. I found listening to the story engaging and easy to follow and loved Winnie's perspective of things.
I enjoyed the plot progression from the first book. And it was awesome to hear the progress Winnie made in regard to her dad and Jay situation. It was also great to see how she grew throughout the book learning from her mistakes and improving. 
I also loved the little bit of romance that was thrown in there. What I was sad about was how some of the smaller characters seemed to get a little forgotten about in this book. But hopefully we will see them more in the next one. 

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard

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

4.0

This book was fun, fast paced and filled with monsters and a touch of romance. 

Also, Winnie wearing glasses just makes it that much better and realistic. 

Winnie is a hunter outcast who wants nothing more than to help her family get back into the Luminaries good graces. Partaking in a series of trials she tries to do her family proud. But with new monsters on the loose that only she can see it makes it all that much harder.
Also, there's this boy helping her that she just can't put her finger on. 

All I can say is I was left with more questions than answers we were given so thankfully the next book was there ready for me straight away. (Otherwise, I may have gone mad as the ending is a bit abrupt.)

This book was fun with amazing world and monster biology building!

A Goddess of Life & Dawn by K.M. Moronova

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-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

4.5

I have some mixed feelings about this... I loved it but it was slow and took me so long to get into.

But with that said, I'm finally done and WOW what a ride that was.
This has one of the BEST endings I've ever read in a book. I DID cry... A LOT
 It was a little messy at times, but I was still hooked. 

Home Sweet Home by Maree Rose

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was the perfect sized standalone. I love a book with a happily ever after and this gave me exactly that. There was plenty of drama and darkness and the trauma Willow went through was heartbreaking. 

Check TWs before reading

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

That was surprisingly good for a paranormal romance. So many of them read like Wattpad Fics but this one did not. 
Well done Ali for stepping so gracefully into a new genre.

I really enjoyed the characters and how they interacted with each other (although Lowe, so hot, cold really buddy !?!)

I loved the mystery and politics that Ali incorporated in this world and loved her writing style!
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Although i dislike the cover majorly (I can't pinpoint why though)