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kristens_bookshelf's reviews
144 reviews
Enemy of My Dreams by Jenny Williamson
3.0
Cat and Mouse Enemies to Lovers in ancient Rome!? YES PLEASE!
This story was fantastic! The character growth for the FMC was phenomenal and done so well! The writing was chef's kiss! We got action from start to finish and it kept me engaged.
I wasn't too big a fan of the ravenous insta-lust from the get go. Would of been nice to hold off on it a little bit to build the enemies part more. The cat and mouse happened on and off for about 90% of the book and knowing there is a book 2 makes me nervous if that will continue. They are such a fantastic couple I just want them to catch a break and have some good times that lasts for more than a chapter or two.
This story was fantastic! The character growth for the FMC was phenomenal and done so well! The writing was chef's kiss! We got action from start to finish and it kept me engaged.
I wasn't too big a fan of the ravenous insta-lust from the get go. Would of been nice to hold off on it a little bit to build the enemies part more. The cat and mouse happened on and off for about 90% of the book and knowing there is a book 2 makes me nervous if that will continue. They are such a fantastic couple I just want them to catch a break and have some good times that lasts for more than a chapter or two.
A Girl Like Us: A Novel by Anna Sophia McLoughlin
3.0
Overall the story was good. I love a good "rich people problems" story and this one has some super interesting characters that were fun to get to know. Unfortunately the characters weren't used to their full potential and 99% of the story was predictable so it ruined the "mystery/thriller" genre tag that comes with it.
Former reality tv bad girl marries the richest and most eligible bachelor on the market. On the flight home from their honeymoon, there is news the current heiress was found dead and the entire family is being sequestered at the family home in England during the investigation. Who did it? Who inherits the family fortune next? How deep do the secrets go?
Former reality tv bad girl marries the richest and most eligible bachelor on the market. On the flight home from their honeymoon, there is news the current heiress was found dead and the entire family is being sequestered at the family home in England during the investigation. Who did it? Who inherits the family fortune next? How deep do the secrets go?
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
5.0
This is a story I didn't know I needed til I read it. This is the kind of world and character building I crave! This is one of those times where I want a prequel, a huge series and a movie!
This book is a mesmerizing, darkly enchanting world where power, betrayal, and ambition reign supreme. From the very first page, you are ensnared with intricate storytelling, creating a faerie realm that is both beautiful and brutal.
Black’s world-building is extraordinary. The Faerie realm she conjures is lush, vividly described, and imbued with a sense of danger that keeps readers on edge. The intricate political machinations, the backstabbing alliances, and the ever-present threat of violence create a palpable tension that drives the narrative forward.
The Cruel Prince is an exceptional read that combines a rich, immersive fantasy world with a compelling, character-driven plot. Holly Black has crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. If you are a fan of dark fantasy with complex characters and a gripping narrative, this book is an absolute must-read.
This book is a mesmerizing, darkly enchanting world where power, betrayal, and ambition reign supreme. From the very first page, you are ensnared with intricate storytelling, creating a faerie realm that is both beautiful and brutal.
Black’s world-building is extraordinary. The Faerie realm she conjures is lush, vividly described, and imbued with a sense of danger that keeps readers on edge. The intricate political machinations, the backstabbing alliances, and the ever-present threat of violence create a palpable tension that drives the narrative forward.
The Cruel Prince is an exceptional read that combines a rich, immersive fantasy world with a compelling, character-driven plot. Holly Black has crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. If you are a fan of dark fantasy with complex characters and a gripping narrative, this book is an absolute must-read.
Girl Cook by Hannah Mccouch
3.0
This was a cute super fast read! I related so much to this book. Like the main character, I also went to Le Cordon Bleu and worked in fine dining restaurants. Being a female in this industry is as tough and rewarding as the author has laid out for the readers.
Story was cute...characters were cute...very much a cliché damsel in distress works her way thru it and gets the guy in the end. All in all worth a few hours of your time to read.
Story was cute...characters were cute...very much a cliché damsel in distress works her way thru it and gets the guy in the end. All in all worth a few hours of your time to read.
Coincidentally Kismet by Kelli Cooke
4.0
As always, thanks to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this ARC!
This was a super cute second chance romcom. The pacing was spot-on, and the chemistry between Cameron and Will felt natural and authentic. Cam was incredibly relatable with her self-conscious tendencies and her difficulty of letting down walls, even when it will lead to things that are good for her. And who doesn't want a man like Will, when he looks at Cam everything else disappears. The side characters added so much charm, especially Lo. She is a bestie we all need!
This was a super cute second chance romcom. The pacing was spot-on, and the chemistry between Cameron and Will felt natural and authentic. Cam was incredibly relatable with her self-conscious tendencies and her difficulty of letting down walls, even when it will lead to things that are good for her. And who doesn't want a man like Will, when he looks at Cam everything else disappears. The side characters added so much charm, especially Lo. She is a bestie we all need!
Cerulean Truth by Sorcha Reagh
3.0
This was a rollercoaster ride! This book is a thiccc 653pgs so be ready to get invested.
The premise was fan-freakin'-tastic! It's was kept me going even when I wanted to stop. I had to know what was going to happen, I was invested! ...too bad I was still left hanging in the end. Ain't no way I read 653 pages and didn't get a conclusion to one of the 50 plots left open. This book needed a few rounds with a seasoned editor.
Will I be reading book 2 even if it's 650pgs? Abso-freakin'-lutely! I will trudge thru more sludge to see what happens because the story was good! It just wasn't presented to us properly this go round.
The premise was fan-freakin'-tastic! It's was kept me going even when I wanted to stop. I had to know what was going to happen, I was invested! ...too bad I was still left hanging in the end. Ain't no way I read 653 pages and didn't get a conclusion to one of the 50 plots left open. This book needed a few rounds with a seasoned editor.
Will I be reading book 2 even if it's 650pgs? Abso-freakin'-lutely! I will trudge thru more sludge to see what happens because the story was good! It just wasn't presented to us properly this go round.
Cinders Burn at Midnight by Kara M Zone
3.0
I have so many mixed emotions about this book...
The main characters (Max, Aiden, Kaitlin and Finn) are fantastic and the relationships between them is great. Their struggles and journeys as a unit was very engaging and fun to see play out.
The main story is about Max and Kaitlin (brother and sister) and their magical dysfunctional family. I honestly can't say too much more without giving spoilers. Just when you think the whackadoo family can't get any worse...WRONG! I am so invested in this story and will definitely be following this series to the end!
There is a novella prior to this book, An Accidental Faerie Tale, that introduces us to the family and the start of where things go off the rails. It also gives us insight as to how Max and Aiden come together as a couple. Fated mates thru trium perfectum (a special magic that connects 3 magical powers together and makes their magical powers stronger)
In Cinders Burn at Midnight, we dive deeper into the whackadoo family history and also see Kaitlin and Finn become fated mates. However the path of Kaitlin and Finn coming together was clunky. The author did a fantastic job with Max and Aiden in the novella. It was smooth and the "ah-ha" moments were there and they hit perfectly. But with Kaitlin and Finn it seemed just given to us. I didn't get to enjoy a discovery phase with them.
Also at the start of the book when the author retold the start of the family history thru the POV of Kaitlin this time, the author cut and pasted a lot of the inner monologue of Max from the novella and gave it to Kaitlin. I don't think you can assume a reader didn't read the novella first and can just reuse material. I was disappointed not to be able to see a fresh perspective from a different character.
Once I got thru all of that introductory stuff and the action played out, the book was good! The magic system was different to anything I've read which is always a good thing! It leaves on a cliffhanger, of course as this is slated to be a total of like 6+ books I believe, a mix of novellas and full novels.
The main characters (Max, Aiden, Kaitlin and Finn) are fantastic and the relationships between them is great. Their struggles and journeys as a unit was very engaging and fun to see play out.
The main story is about Max and Kaitlin (brother and sister) and their magical dysfunctional family. I honestly can't say too much more without giving spoilers. Just when you think the whackadoo family can't get any worse...WRONG! I am so invested in this story and will definitely be following this series to the end!
There is a novella prior to this book, An Accidental Faerie Tale, that introduces us to the family and the start of where things go off the rails. It also gives us insight as to how Max and Aiden come together as a couple. Fated mates thru trium perfectum (a special magic that connects 3 magical powers together and makes their magical powers stronger)
In Cinders Burn at Midnight, we dive deeper into the whackadoo family history and also see Kaitlin and Finn become fated mates. However the path of Kaitlin and Finn coming together was clunky. The author did a fantastic job with Max and Aiden in the novella. It was smooth and the "ah-ha" moments were there and they hit perfectly. But with Kaitlin and Finn it seemed just given to us. I didn't get to enjoy a discovery phase with them.
Also at the start of the book when the author retold the start of the family history thru the POV of Kaitlin this time, the author cut and pasted a lot of the inner monologue of Max from the novella and gave it to Kaitlin. I don't think you can assume a reader didn't read the novella first and can just reuse material. I was disappointed not to be able to see a fresh perspective from a different character.
Once I got thru all of that introductory stuff and the action played out, the book was good! The magic system was different to anything I've read which is always a good thing! It leaves on a cliffhanger, of course as this is slated to be a total of like 6+ books I believe, a mix of novellas and full novels.
Of Withering Dreams by Rowyn Adelaide
4.0
When I set this book down to go to bed, heard it calling my name from across the room!
I found this book so engaging, I flew through it so fast. It was so addicting, the pacing was meticulously set and there was never a dull moment. Being a fantasy, fast pacing can sometimes feel really intimidating but this book was done to perfection! Elemental magic systems are top tier and this one didn't disappoint. The story was equally character and plot driven so brilliantly.
Knowing this is the debut novel for this author has me so excited to see what else she has in store for us! I will be devouring everything she writes because I have no doubt she will be an auto-buy author for me!
I found this book so engaging, I flew through it so fast. It was so addicting, the pacing was meticulously set and there was never a dull moment. Being a fantasy, fast pacing can sometimes feel really intimidating but this book was done to perfection! Elemental magic systems are top tier and this one didn't disappoint. The story was equally character and plot driven so brilliantly.
Knowing this is the debut novel for this author has me so excited to see what else she has in store for us! I will be devouring everything she writes because I have no doubt she will be an auto-buy author for me!
Babylonia by Costanza Casati
4.0
This is one of THE BEST literary threesomes I've ever read!
This was a captivating retelling that has top tier world-building and character development. The book takes us on a journey through a time of political intrigue, cultural richness, and personal conflict. The author has clearly done her research, and it brings the world to life in a way that feels so immersive and authentic.
"She knows that they will meet again in the house of dust: The common woman who became queen, The governor she married, And the king who loved them both."
This was a captivating retelling that has top tier world-building and character development. The book takes us on a journey through a time of political intrigue, cultural richness, and personal conflict. The author has clearly done her research, and it brings the world to life in a way that feels so immersive and authentic.
"She knows that they will meet again in the house of dust: The common woman who became queen, The governor she married, And the king who loved them both."
Hangry Hearts by Jennifer Chen
2.0
The cover sucked me in but the story did me dirty.
I am a former chef so any book that deals food I am all in on and want to read. The food descriptions were fantastic. I could taste the shrimp shu mai and fan tuan.
I loved the asian culture and LGTBQ+ rep the author wove thru the story. Learning about some of the asian traditions was great!
I am not a stranger to YA books. Maybe I get lucky and find ones that border YA/NA, but this book I think was a true YA story (leaning more toward the lower age range) and so it just didn't do it for me. It was very Romeo and Juliet on a lower high school level.
The author does have a nice light good pace to her writing so it made for a very quick read.
I am a former chef so any book that deals food I am all in on and want to read. The food descriptions were fantastic. I could taste the shrimp shu mai and fan tuan.
I loved the asian culture and LGTBQ+ rep the author wove thru the story. Learning about some of the asian traditions was great!
I am not a stranger to YA books. Maybe I get lucky and find ones that border YA/NA, but this book I think was a true YA story (leaning more toward the lower age range) and so it just didn't do it for me. It was very Romeo and Juliet on a lower high school level.
The author does have a nice light good pace to her writing so it made for a very quick read.