kittyg_23's reviews
1167 reviews

The Lady Thief of Belgravia by Allison Grey

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3.5

Our leading lady, Della Rose, isn't your typical Victorian gentlewoman. She's a notorious thief with the quickest hands in Seven Dials. However, when she crosses paths with the dashing Cole Winthrop, her life takes an unexpected turn. Cole, intrigued by the scandalous whispers surrounding Della, enlists her help in a mission that involves theft, deception, and a good dose of her unique charm.

I am glad to get to read this as the premise of this book is undeniably intriguing. A thief and a gentleman teaming up to steal for Queen and country? Sign me up! Grey gives us a tale filled with suspense, mystery, and a touch of glamour as Della must transform from a child of the rookery into a lady, able to navigate the high-society world. Learning to walk, talk, ride, and flirt like a lady is no small feat for Della, but it's a journey that adds layers to the story.

The chemistry between Della and Cole is palpable, and as their worlds collide, the tension between them sizzles. The slow-burn romance is wonderful, and Grey does a great job of capturing their evolving relationship. The revelation of Cole's secret adds a layer of intrigue to the story, making the plot more than just a straightforward heist.

However, the pacing and execution left me wanting a tad more. Some moments in the story occasionally felt a bit rushed and certain plot points could have been explored in greater detail. However, overall an engaging and entertaining read. 

The narrator of the audio version however did a great job of bringing Della to life. If the author had given us a bit more backstory in the beginning or given us more to the captured scene I would have rated this book higher. 
Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert

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adventurous dark mysterious 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

Eurydice Dimitriou. IS little sister we all want to protect from earlier novels. Well, the innocent sister has stepped into the limelight, ready to shed her past and embrace a future on her terms. It's about time, And who better to help her forget that heartbreak than Charon Ariti, He is Hades's right-hand man and The chemistry between Eurydice and Charon is off the charts.

Are you a little disappointed that Eurydice and Orpheus aren't married in this story?

But wait, there's more! Enter Orpheus Makos, the once golden boy of the upper city, now a shadow of his former self. He'll do what he needs to do to win Eurydice back, even if it means a trio of tangled hearts and a whole lot of mess. 

Katee Robert creates a story that's as unpredictable as it is satisfying giving us a polyamorous triad and adding the surprise of puppy play into the mix. It's a testament to Katee Robert's ability to keep readers on their toes and offer something fresh and unexpected in each installment of the series.

The dynamic trio of Eurydice, Charon, and Orpheus brings a perfect blend of tension, passion, and emotional depth. The characters, flawed and complex, add layers to the story, and the messy politics of Olympus create a backdrop that adds an extra layer of intrigue.

I am also excited to see some progression of the overarching Dark Olympus narrative. We have had hints that suggest the looming battle for Olympus is just around the corner and we finally see a bit of action on that front. The intricate politics, the complexities of the relationships, and the impending crisis create an atmosphere of anticipation that keeps me returning to Olympus.  Katee Robert truly shines as she continues to deliver an engaging and multifaceted story that keeps us all eagerly awaiting the next installment. Luckily she doesn't make us wait too long. 
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Cluelessly Yours by Max Monroe

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This story has it all romance, humor and drama and kept me hooked from the first minute to the last. 
The chemistry between the main characters Sammy and Noah pulled me into the story and had me rooting for them from the start of the book. The authors have a knack for creating characters that feel real and Sammy and Noah are no exception. Everything from their banter and the tension to the sweet moments made me fall for them as they fall for each other,

I also loved the reappearance of Sammy's sister and boyfriend. Their addition feels like catching up with old friends. Plus, Sammy's sister adds a delightful dynamic to the story, and I found myself grinning at their interactions. I think anyone with a sister will be able to relate to their realistic sisterly bond. 

The Narrator pairing of Elizabeth Louise and Sebastian York is a treat! These two never disappoint, and their voices bring the characters to life in a way that enhances the storytelling. 

"Cluelessly Yours" is a fantastic addition to Max Monroe's rom-com lineup. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review it Netgally and Max Monroe 
Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert

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

3.5

Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Playboy by Marni Mann

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

4.0

I recently had the opportunity to read "The Playboy" by Marni Mann, and the story was nothing short of amazing. The book starts with Macon Spade, a confident and assertive billionaire businessman, and Brooklyn, an independent and hardworking woman striving to navigate life.. Macon's pursuit of Brooklyn, sparked by seeing her dancing in a club he was frequenting, sets the stage for a passionate tale of romance.

Marni Mann takes the classic billionaire romance adds some spice and gives us a tale that balances all that with an interesting plot. The chemistry between Macon and Brooklyn is palpable, The interactions between them are both spicy and enthralling. What sets this romance apart is the mix of steamy encounters and plot with the added elements of character growth, narrative development, and a satisfying conclusion. The audiobook, narrated by Tor Thom and Savannah Peachwood, had great pacing and really brought the characters to life.
On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe

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

4.0

Jenny L. Howe's "On The Plus Side," is a delightful romantic comedy that breaks from traditional characters with Everly Winters, a plus-sized, lovable protagonist, who is navigating life's challenges. She brings refreshing authenticity to the narrative.

The novel has a unique structure, told mostly through Everly's eyes, but we also have the lens of the show and online forums which sets it apart from other books in the contemporary romance genre. While Everly's journey is relatable and inspiring, the shifts in her career choices could be more realistically portrayed. 

The heart of the story lies in the budding friendship between Everly and Logan, the grumpy yet kind cameraman. Logan adds depth, and the unfolding romance, especially told from his camera lens, is both touching and different. "On The Plus Side" is more than a love story; it's a tale of courage to reach your full potential and live your life authentic to yourself. 

Fans of relatable characters and reality TV drama will need to read this book and releasing it near the holidays makes it the perfect read in a time where society pressures weight loss... just in time to make your New Year's resolution. 

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book for my honest review.