kn_cozy_bookworm's reviews
433 reviews

Dip Out by Eve Holmes

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book is breathtaking. I love Eve’s writing so much. It is filled with vivid colors and heart. She immerses you into the story and you don’t want to pull yourself out. I had trouble putting this book down. 

Arthur and Trevor’s story is a vivid journey of acceptance and love unlike I have ever read. The portrayal of Arthur’s everyday life and struggles as an autistic person was real and in depth.

Trevor was a light in the dark, beckoning Arthur, enticing him out of his strict routines. Their love of animals and nature brought them together but Trevor’s gentle hand and complete and utter acceptance of Arthur just as he is, is what bonded them for life. 

The landscape of Newfoundland is a character in and of itself in this book. Nature, birds, and wildlife in general is as important and intricate to Trevor and Arthur’s story as their own relationship journey, and Eve’s descriptions of this landscape made me immediately want to get back into hiking enjoying nature, lol. 

I don’t think I can adequately portray how amazing this book is. All I can say is I promise it is worth your time. 

*ARC Review*

My Hunger Your Soul by Syn Blackrose

challenging dark emotional funny medium-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

5.0

I could not put this book down! I knew I was going to love Ivan from the glimpse I got in Our Blood Your Pain and he did not disappoint. He is so unhinged but has cinnamon roll and golden retriever traits and it was a fun combination to read. He is basically a fun loving guy who just happens to love inflicting torture. I mean, everyone has their thing right? 😆

I loved his pursuit of Tyler, it was just so matter of fact, like there was no other outcome than them being together. I also enjoyed how he interacted with the family and especially how he helped Aaron overcome and heal a bit from his past. 

I enjoyed Tyler’s awakening. He of course was very wary of Ivan and hands off at the beginning as Ivan challenged all of his morals and preconceived notions about relationships but Ivan invoked a fire within him that could not be denied and he was perfect for Ivan, allowing Ivan to be himself and not hide behind his normi mask. That is what I loved the most about Tyler. 

We get more of Carlos and Simon in this book and I can’t wait for their book. It’s going to be explosive! 

*ARC Review*

Gambler's Fallacy by R. Phoenix, Adara Wolf

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Seven’s story continues! I enjoyed the second installment of the Calamity City series. Seven is still under fierce protection by his triad after the near miss in book 1. He gets a little bit of cabin fever which is understandable. We see more results of his sheltered upbringing and his past struggles that are haunting his present. Caleb, Havoc and Vortex continue to stand strong by Seven, giving him want he needs even when he has no idea. Seven finally opens up a bit and begins to fully trust these relationships and his men’s devotion to him. We get a great suspenseful chase and showdown and by the end we also see Seven more confident in himself and what he wants and deserves. We also get a huge wow moment that I did not see coming! Loved it. Looking forward to the next book! 

*ARC Review*

Lustful Nights by Ashley Rayne

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

Cute, low angst romantic story! I love Ashley’s books. They are always so romantic, adorable and she brings the heat to boot! Loved how Lennox and Jenson brought out the best in each other and I especially loved how Jenson gave Lennox the confidence boost to branch out and truly be himself with his sense of style. Jenson’s bi-awakening was so smooth with no internal turmoil, just acceptance that Lennox is his. And I mean his, lol. Loved his possessive dirty mouth and how much they couldn’t get enough of each other. 

We get some angst with the relationship reveal to Lennox’s brother who loves Lennox so much but is a little over protective, of course, he’s the big bro! 

I really enjoyed the intro to the other peaches and I am salivating for Preston’s book! 

*ARC Review*

The Strings of Destiny by Sam Northman

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad 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? No

5.0

Absolutely great continuation of the Vikings Bloodline Saga series! We pick off right where we ended in book 1. This book gave me the feels. Faron and Markus spend a lot of this book apart on their own journeys and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about that but man, it made them really come into their own, find their paths, come to terms with their pasts (Faron seriously read my mind for every hero vs. villain stand off and I feel so validated), and when they are finally reunited? FERAL. Faron coming to get Markus in Asgard was one of my favorite scenes. Do not mess with one of them or you will regret it, haha! These guys are so powerful on their own, but together? Unstoppable. Their story is so romantic, truly one for the ages. Pure and utter devotion to one another. Totally swoon worthy. Sam has weaved such a great story, I could not put it down. The plot is intricate and so interesting with Faron and Markus past lives, the Norse mythology, the side characters who play such big roles (I loved that!). I really can’t believe that Sam is a new author. Their writing is very good and I could feel the passion they have for their characters shine through. I cannot wait for book 3. The set up for it was amazing and heartbreaking and I can’t wait for Hayden’s journey. 

I myself do not read a lot of fantasy and this series is perfect for me. Urban fantasy dipped in Norse mythology. 100% recommend for anyone who may want to dip their toe into fantasy or even into MM or both. *chef’s kiss* Sam! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

*ARC Review*

The Bratva's Beast by Rose Chase

challenging dark emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved Hanna. She was so tough but so vulnerable at the same time. The way she carried herself and took no sh*t from anybody, but suffered internally by intrusive thoughts from her past that dictated what she thought she deserved from life. She was a multi-layered character and I enjoyed her very much. Her development with the help of Stepan was very well done. 

Stepan was the perfect mix of tough and sweet with Hanna. He was a great obsessive/possessive MMC. The complete unhinged stalking he ends up doing to Hanna just made me laugh. He totally knew what he was doing was wrong and that Hanna would k*ll him but he just couldn’t help himself. 

Hanna and Stepan’s journey to their HEA is hard fought and filled with humor, banter and also serious topics and emotional healing. I enjoyed the plot. It is also very spicy for those that love spice and filled with k!nk, especially Daddy k!nk, which I’ve always been on the fence about but actually liked it with Hanna. I think it was well represented given Hanna’s story. 

This book was brought to life by @molly.briar  and @coleroberteubanksnarrates and they did a lovely job with it. I love their duets. They are real and emotional. No robotic reading from these two! 

*ALC Review*

Possessive Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James

emotional funny hopeful sad tense fast-paced

4.0

This was a good hate to love redemption story. Conner is being faced with hard truths about himself dating back to high school, how Parker was treated, and how he’s been treating his younger brothers. This book was filled with existential crisis and I was here for it! 

Parker also has big feelings to work through regarding his dad, his love for hockey and his unresolved and/or unrequited feelings for Connor. 

Connor had to find himself outside of his familial duties that have ruled his life and I gotta admit, I personally did not like where it led him but I also get it. But it made my little competitive heart that hates how A League of Their Own ended hurt! (Dottie dropped the ball on purpose and I hate that she did it!)

This book has great character growth, covers the serious topic of bu!!ying, and I just really enjoyed the progression of Connor and Parker’s relationship. They are both so vulnerable through it. 

And the title fits Connor to a T. He was hilariously possessive of Parker. And Parker loved every minute of it, ♥️

And the character intro to the next book has me ready for more. Loving how complex it seems the relationship will be. 

*ARC Review*

Peep by Rianne Elizabeth

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad fast-paced

4.0

I enjoyed this! It was funny with good banter. I’d characterize this as a dark comedy. There are serious themes throughout, so please read the content warnings. 

Anders and Jahmar have great chemistry. I throughly enjoyed the spicy scenes especially with the kink twist brought out by Anders stalker tendencies. That was fun and a great way for Anders to make his Jahmar discoveries. 

The mystery the plot weaves kept my interest and I thought there was a good mix of funny and serious. 

I personally didn’t see the plot twist coming but man, what a heartbreaker that was. 

Overall good read for those who like good banter and dark comedy. 

*ARC Review*

Unafraid: A Small Town, Friends to Lovers, Romantic Suspense by Nyssa Kathryn

emotional hopeful fast-paced

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

5.0

I was sad to leave Misty Peak behind but Nyssa doesn’t leave her readers hanging long and brought us to another wonderful town in Amber Ridge for Aspen and Jesse’s story. I loved their introduction in the last Reckless Love book.

Aspen’s story unfortunately happens too often and her feelings of shame and regret are so relevant. I love how Jesse becomes her safe space and her rock, showing her nothing about her past relationship was her fault and how courageous and brave she really was.

Nyssa weaved a story about love, healing, and new friendships with the suspense, danger and plot twists I have come to love. 

I loved the introduction to all the new characters of Amber Ridge and I can’t wait for the next book! 

Taste of Death by Sophie Ash

emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

Loved the second installment in this series. Novak and Amy are perfectly paired. This book was filled with hurt/comfort and I loved every step of their relationship and how they healed each other’s deep seated hurts. They truly complemented each other. 

Both Novak and Amy had preconceived notions about themselves from how they grew up. Amy’s doubts about her worth played havoc with her self confidence and Novak’s determination to bring honor back to his clan and gain his family’s respect ruled his life.

Together, while navigating their feelings for each other, Novak gives Amy the strength to be herself and love herself in her new life and Amy helps Novak accept letting go of his family’s past and builds up his courage to face a new future. I loved how emotional this read was. 

Their story has star crossed lover elements with the centuries of bad blood between Blood Til Dawn and Rathka’s Order. This added another element to the plot and gave some suspenseful elements, giving some more glimpses into other Blood Til Dawn and other clan characters. 

I can’t wait to see what’s next with Laith! 

**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.