kn_cozy_bookworm's reviews
434 reviews

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.

His Enforcer by Cora Rose

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

5.0

This book came out the gate with a seriously hot spicy scene. It was completely unexpected and I totally loved it. It was also very unique and I ATE IT UP! 

I just devoured this whole book. This was my first read from this author and I am so glad I stumbled onto her cause I am hooked. This was just a perfect hate to love read for me. 

The torture, pining and angst Viktor goes through, 🤌🏻 This poor guy has carried a flame for Luca for over a decade and has learned to hate him for how he makes him feel, how weak he is for him, and how he’s never been able to move on from one night where he did get everything he wanted. 

Viktor is Luca’s bi-awakening and it takes three years from “the night” for him to start breaking and giving in. He is a total bully about it but Viktor secretly loves it. 

Their dynamic is perfect. Perfect for them. Luca is the dominant and Viktor craves submitting to him. The banter between them is so good. And if you like your books spicy, they deliver in spades. 

I loved the side characters and learning about the family and found family members. So fun, so quirky. Just a fun, entertaining, spicy read. Loved it. Can’t wait for more and to read the authors backlog. 

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Soulbow by August Oliver

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

✨ARC Review✨

This book will twist you up! August has delivered an adventure filled with deceit, betrayal, friendship, love, and my favorite part, found family. 

The world building is fantastic. We are taken to another place filled with beauty, darkness, light, and danger. The plants, the animals, the characters from all walks of life. 

One of my favorite things about this book was the dedication to the side characters. Soulbow may be the main character but I so enjoyed his band of dedicated friends, Feezer and Sassan. The care given to each of their personalities and quirks was amazing and I loved them so much. These three would happily die for each other, so deep was their love as a family. And Kresten! What a hoot. Talk about an annoying little sister that you love to hate. The banter with this one, 🤌🏻 Ilayda is a total bad a$$ FMC. Loved her independence and her toughness and how she went after what she wanted, but was soft and indulgent when she wanted to be.

Soulbow’s character development through this book is real. He is not perfect. He comes into his own as his life and the lives of his friends are threatened by his past. He makes some bad decisions, some annoying decisions, lol, and through it all he finds his courage to stand up for what’s right and fights instead of running. 

This story has some twists and turns, some plot points I found devastating and some that made me wonder why? The story will continue though so I guess I will find out! If you love fantasy and found family give this one a go! 

Broken in the Dark by Ashley Elizabeth

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

“Without you, I would be broken in the dark.”

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend for fans of trauma and hurt/comfort. It is Mafia based but the story really focuses on Scarlett, her healing journey from a very traumatic kidnapping event, and how her relationship with Leo blossoms from uncertainty to rock solid. 

Their relationship starts when they are younger and then a 7 year gap ensues before circumstances bring them back together. They end up in a marriage of convenience that forces them to face their feelings for each other as they navigate the new norm. 

Leo Alarie is perfection. He may be my favorite MC I’ve read recently. He is the epitome of MY WIFE and the way he handled certain situations was swoon worthy, notably with a certain doctor and when he knew Scarlett was uncomfortable in situations where people would try to touch her. He was a rock for Scarlett in all ways, emotionally and physically. From the flowers to the library, to slowly helping Scarlett build back up her power and confidence, in and out of the bedroom. Scarlett blossoms as the story progresses and I loved seeing her regain her power, her confidence in herself, and her relationship with Leo.

Leo’s family is Mafia and the plot on finding Scarlett’s kidnapper unravels other secrets. There is action and suspense weaved through the story and we get a few plot twists by the end. I do enjoy a good romantic suspense but what really grabbed me with this book was the hurt/comfort/healing of Scarlett and how Leo played a role in it. This is what made the read IMO. 

This is my first read by this author and I’m definitely looking forward to more.

Devoted by Lark Taylor

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense 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

I absolutely loved this read. Sam has my heart! The representation of what his daily life is like? I know this is so real for many people and I hope they all find this book and feel seen and empowered. 

Sam and Ez’s relationship matches the title of this book to a T. Ez’s protective instincts, even before he knew Sam was his mate, his need to know how Sam ticks so he can always not only help him but anticipate his needs. How he knows exactly how to talk to Sam when he is being controlled by his intrusive thoughts. How he strives to be better for him. 

How Sam calms his temper, even in the heat of it. “Take a lap” is a mantra. 

I loved how welcoming the Seraphim were, how they worked to make Sam feel at home, to also learn how to meet his needs. They don’t bend over backward for him, they learn how to live with him successfully and how to enjoy each other’s company. And their own devotion to Sam, Ez’s mate, even willing to die for him was swoon worthy. 

The over arching story of the Seraphim’s battle with Gloria continues in Devoted, intertwining in Sam and Ez’s relationship big time, but the majority of the story is about Sam and Ez and I am in love! 

This book truly is an amazing read. I enjoyed the emotional depth of Sam and Ez, especially given how Ez is in the first book. The additional insight to the twins and Noah was great and I can’t wait for the next book. 

Holy Hearts by Amanda Richardson

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

✨ARC Review✨

Amanda knew what she was doing leaving Malachi for last. While I love the Ravaged Castle series so much, Amanda brought it with Holy Hearts. This book was everything. I purposely read slower than I normally do to fully adsorb this story. 

I loved the three person POV. It worked very well and built the story’s foundation, giving such an engaging and intimate view into Malachi, Julian and Sophie’s thoughts and feelings. 

The chemistry between all three of them is palpable from the beginning. Julian and Sophie’s kink is the perfect vehicle to usher in Malachi and it just works. I loved how Amanda explored not only the journey of the three of them as a throuple, but also the individual journeys between Malachi and Sophie and Malachi and Julian. Julian and Sophie are a solid as steel and I was so glad the angst was more about them and Malachi rather than with each other. 

While I absolutely loved Sophie, she is such a strong, confidant FMC, and I loved her and Malachi’s journey, I adored Malachi and Julian’s relationship progression. The looks. The touches. The angst while they figure themselves out was sooooo good. Amanda teased me until I CRAVED their steamy alone scene that I knew was coming once that final acceptance came. And it did not disappoint!! 🔥

The emotion and vulnerability shines throughout for Malachi. His journey with Julian and Sophie wasn’t just him figuring out a throuple relationship, but figuring out himself. His value, his worth, and his acceptance of his changing views. I loved the scenes with him and his brothers, their automatic acceptance and support. 

This book has so much emotion, depth, and representation. It really is an amazing read. And the epilogue. That was a little mean Amanda as you know what we all thought at first! 😂

And also thank you for answering our question and not leaving us in suspense! I cannot wait for more ❤️ 

The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak

funny lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

✨ARC Review✨

Ahhhh…Devon and Jonny, 😍 I am loving everything I read from Novak and she delivered on more sweet and spicy content in this friends to lovers read. Jonny is a gem. Devon is a sweetheart. The poor guy has been pining for Jonny since he was a kid and I absolutely loved how he did not hesitate to jump in with both feet once he even got a hint of Jonny’s romantic feelings. He was a perfect example of going for it, no holds barred! Jonny was so protective and possessive of Devon, to the point of it being problematic and I very much enjoyed Novak exploring those traits in one of her characters. This was another feel good, low angst read with great characters. If you are looking for feel good vibes that makes you smile Novak’s books are where it’s at. 

Wrecked Guard by Renn Wells

adventurous challenging emotional slow-paced

3.0

This read was middle of the road for me. I enjoyed the beginning and the end. The middle dragged a bit for me. What kept me going is to see if I was right on who the stalker was and I will say the ending and reveal was very good. It was action packed, dramatic, suspenseful and there was no mercy given. I like that in my romantic suspense books. I did like the characters, I enjoyed the pranks and I would’ve liked to maybe see some more of that and a little more set up with Tessa and Julian at the beginning before diving into the forced proximity. The past is given to us through flashbacks but I think the flow of the story would’ve been better to start with that instead of intermixing it with the present, IMO of course. I also liked the added stress of Tessa’s mom and her condition, that was heartbreaking and I loved the follow-up of  what she had left with her. But Tess mentions the anxiety of Julian wanting her if her mom’s future is her future but there was no other mention or discussion between them about it. Overall very decent romantic suspense book. I think a lot of people would enjoy this read and again, loved the action at the end.

Monstrous Travels as Wicked as Sin by W.H. Lockwood

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

This is a hard review to write without spoilers. So I finally decided to just write how this book made me feel, with very little context. Can you tell the scenes based on my reactions?

😍 So happy to see Percy and Joe together and doing crime! Absolutely hilarious. And feral Joe when he thought he lost Percy? My god, one of the best scenes ever.

😣 So annoyed at Joe. Really Joe? Really? You are a complete idiot. Seriously, this is seance 101. Ugh! I was completely agreeing with Leo when he was bashing you. Then I forgave you because like Percy, I love you.

🥰 SWOON! Best romantic scene ever. Epic confession of undying love in the face of death. Seriously this needs to be a movie so I can see this scene acted out. Preferably by Henry Cavil and Chris Hemsworth. 

☺️ Happy! Everyone is together and getting along! Mostly. 

💪🏻 Of course Percy will get there in time, he always does. I was not worried at all. 

🥺 I should’ve been worried. Percy! 

🤩 Oh my god, feral Joe has returned and it’s even more glorious. This is a good look on you Joe. Me likely. 

♥️ Everybody finds love and lives happily ever after! I love love! 

😱 What. In. The. Actual. F. PERCY! We are back to complete idiocy! You may survive this only for Joe to absolutely murder you, you beautiful maddening man! 

Seriously the ending. I can stop thinking about it. “time to come out and meet your new master” is going to haunt me! You are diabolical WH. 

This book was amazing, I loved every second of it and I know I’m not the only who hopes to see more of Joe and Percy. 🫶

Not So Over by Ashley Rayne

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

Lovely second chance romance! 

📚ARC Review…Not So Over by Ashley Rayne

💙 Second Chance
💙 Low angst

💙 Spicy

💙 Anxiety rep

💙 Forced Proximity

💙 Single Bed

What an enjoyable read. As someone who has a loved one with anxiety, Parker’s feelings were so relatable in how he knows his thoughts are intrusive and do not make sense and most likely are not real, but it doesn’t matter. Anxiety does not make sense. It just is. And it forces him to do something he does not really want to do. It was so heartbreaking! 

Marcus is amazing. When all is explained, he becomes so supportive, devoted to always supporting Parker when the thoughts become overwhelming. He truly understands that this is something that will never go away and always be a part of who Parker is and the way he dives in head first? Swoon. 

Their journey of healing and understanding as they make their way back to each other was so sweet! I loved their stated out loud commitment to never give up on their relationship and to always fight for each other.