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lauren_miller's reviews
697 reviews
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.25
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have to say, this may be one of my favorite reads of the year. The first two thirds? 5 stars, absolutely lovely and delicate and magical—the awkwardness of lacking a purpose and not fitting in with society's expectations, the revelation that you are meant for something more, the coming of age (and into your powers) montage, the studying of magic and all that it can do for people and the world... This chunk really read like Anne of Green Gables with magic and it was incredible. I vibed so much with the author's writing and the slow care with which the plot developed. It felt so thoughtful and cheerful and fulfilling...
However, the last third was like a complete 180 in terms of maturity and intensity. Whereas the first half was meandering and playful and almost juvenile at times, this last bit felt wayyyy more mature and intense, like the stakes were 1000% higher and I. was. anxious. So yeah, the pacing was a bit off for me, and to be honest, did I figure out Lottie's whole situation the second we met her? Yes. Did I care? Not really, it just annoyed me how long it took Marigold to figure it out. That aside, I had a really great reading experience.
So, 4.25 out of 5 stars, definitely recommend if you like cozy historical fantasy!
I have to say, this may be one of my favorite reads of the year. The first two thirds? 5 stars, absolutely lovely and delicate and magical—the awkwardness of lacking a purpose and not fitting in with society's expectations, the revelation that you are meant for something more, the coming of age (and into your powers) montage, the studying of magic and all that it can do for people and the world... This chunk really read like Anne of Green Gables with magic and it was incredible. I vibed so much with the author's writing and the slow care with which the plot developed. It felt so thoughtful and cheerful and fulfilling...
However, the last third was like a complete 180 in terms of maturity and intensity. Whereas the first half was meandering and playful and almost juvenile at times, this last bit felt wayyyy more mature and intense, like the stakes were 1000% higher and I. was. anxious. So yeah, the pacing was a bit off for me, and to be honest, did I figure out Lottie's whole situation the second we met her? Yes. Did I care? Not really, it just annoyed me how long it took Marigold to figure it out. That aside, I had a really great reading experience.
So, 4.25 out of 5 stars, definitely recommend if you like cozy historical fantasy!
Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
this was sold to me as romantasy, but my god, it's so much more.
this is a genuine high fantasy that boasts a great love story. at it's heart, this book is about the cruelty of humanity and the struggles to meet its challenges and ultimately rise above in the name of making the world better, kinder. it was a very long road, but it was beautifully written and incredibly powerful (that final scene in the area O.M.G.). I was ready to simply enjoy this as a standalone instead of continuing—because tbh, this one drained me quite a lot (emotionally)—but now I can't bear to let this world go.
I truly cannot recommend this enough.
a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this is a genuine high fantasy that boasts a great love story. at it's heart, this book is about the cruelty of humanity and the struggles to meet its challenges and ultimately rise above in the name of making the world better, kinder. it was a very long road, but it was beautifully written and incredibly powerful (that final scene in the area O.M.G.). I was ready to simply enjoy this as a standalone instead of continuing—because tbh, this one drained me quite a lot (emotionally)—but now I can't bear to let this world go.
I truly cannot recommend this enough.
a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, War, Sexual violence, and Death
The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I was NOT expecting to tear up... This is such a beautiful little metaphor about growing up biracial and the fact that you can embrace both identities together instead of choosing just one💚 And the illustrations are GORGEOUS! I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm glad I finally got around to reading this book!
Things I liked:
1. Its quotidian nature. There is something about this book that I can only describe as "slice of life" vibes. While there's a "mystery" to solve, it's not ridiculous or far fetched, oro even the main focus. While there is a HEA, it feels earned by the two protagonists. At its heart, this book is about running a family business and all the messy expectations and struggles that come along with it.
2. It's different class focus. So many stories written in this era follow nobility or are entrenched in privileges befitting nobility. While Thorne is of the upper class and did use it to his advantage throughout the story, the main focus was on Lucy and her family's upper middle class status and business.
3. The discussion of female autonomy and the struggles women had to go through during this era. I'll admit, I was afraid it would be heavy handed, but thankfully, I didn't find this soap boxy at all! (Or, at least until the veryyy end.) The discussion over Katie and the "realization" of sorts that Thorne experienced was so well-done in my opinion. I found myself thanking God (lol) that I did not live during this time; a godly woman I am not...
Things I disliked:
1. For two characters who talk immensely, Lucy and Thorne actually say very little in the second half of the book, hence the third act conflict. The miscommunication trope always feels like a cop-out to me, and the way it was used here irritated me quite a bit, but didn't necessarily ruin the reading experience.
2. Sadie's life was a little too comfortable. Children are highly emotionally intelligent, so even though she is a child, she likely would have been more privy to her own reality than is shown in the book. By that age, she would have likely experienced discrimination by her schoolmates, racism due to her mixed heritage, and classism due to her father's "fall from grace." Not even Thorne's purchasing of new coats and ribbons would be able to protect her from society; her character felt a little too sheltered and naive and "free."
3. There was little to no catharsis following the reveal of who stole the croup formula. Instead of a moment in which Lucy can stand up for herself and read the perpetrator the riot act, she bottles it all up and immediately forgives the person after a couple of pasties and a short bout of tears. Even if the intentions were "reasonable," this was a prime moment to demonstrate Lucy's own autonomy in the face of someone basically trying to take it away... and she does NOTHING!! It was such a disappointing moment for her character.
4. Nothing is ever done about the Guardians. I know this book is the start of the Damsels of Discovery series, so it may be dealt with later on, but I was hoping there would be some kind of resolution or at least an attempt at one with regard to the publication and its nasty followers.
Overall, I did have a positive reading experience and I vibed with Lucy and Thorne as a couple, but it wasn't my favorite and I'm not sure if I will pick up the next Damsels of Discovery novel. This leans much more historical fiction than it does historical romance, so keep that in mind if you pick it up.
Solid 3.5 out of 5 stars, ⭐⭐⭐
I'm glad I finally got around to reading this book!
Things I liked:
1. Its quotidian nature. There is something about this book that I can only describe as "slice of life" vibes. While there's a "mystery" to solve, it's not ridiculous or far fetched, oro even the main focus. While there is a HEA, it feels earned by the two protagonists. At its heart, this book is about running a family business and all the messy expectations and struggles that come along with it.
2. It's different class focus. So many stories written in this era follow nobility or are entrenched in privileges befitting nobility. While Thorne is of the upper class and did use it to his advantage throughout the story, the main focus was on Lucy and her family's upper middle class status and business.
3. The discussion of female autonomy and the struggles women had to go through during this era. I'll admit, I was afraid it would be heavy handed, but thankfully, I didn't find this soap boxy at all! (Or, at least until the veryyy end.) The discussion over Katie and the "realization" of sorts that Thorne experienced was so well-done in my opinion. I found myself thanking God (lol) that I did not live during this time; a godly woman I am not...
Things I disliked:
1. For two characters who talk immensely, Lucy and Thorne actually say very little in the second half of the book, hence the third act conflict. The miscommunication trope always feels like a cop-out to me, and the way it was used here irritated me quite a bit, but didn't necessarily ruin the reading experience.
2. Sadie's life was a little too comfortable. Children are highly emotionally intelligent, so even though she is a child, she likely would have been more privy to her own reality than is shown in the book. By that age, she would have likely experienced discrimination by her schoolmates, racism due to her mixed heritage, and classism due to her father's "fall from grace." Not even Thorne's purchasing of new coats and ribbons would be able to protect her from society; her character felt a little too sheltered and naive and "free."
3. There was little to no catharsis following the reveal of who stole the croup formula. Instead of a moment in which Lucy can stand up for herself and read the perpetrator the riot act, she bottles it all up and immediately forgives the person after a couple of pasties and a short bout of tears. Even if the intentions were "reasonable," this was a prime moment to demonstrate Lucy's own autonomy in the face of someone basically trying to take it away... and she does NOTHING!! It was such a disappointing moment for her character.
4. Nothing is ever done about the Guardians. I know this book is the start of the Damsels of Discovery series, so it may be dealt with later on, but I was hoping there would be some kind of resolution or at least an attempt at one with regard to the publication and its nasty followers.
Overall, I did have a positive reading experience and I vibed with Lucy and Thorne as a couple, but it wasn't my favorite and I'm not sure if I will pick up the next Damsels of Discovery novel. This leans much more historical fiction than it does historical romance, so keep that in mind if you pick it up.
Solid 3.5 out of 5 stars, ⭐⭐⭐
Confessions of a 35 Year Old by TEI
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story is so sweet and simple and quiet, and as a newly minted 30-year-old struggling with dating apps, it hit so close to home... The regret of losing out on love is universal, but the regret you carry with you for what could have been is a special kind of torture. Seeing Jason carry that and eventually let it go was all the catharsis I needed to love this story. While I'm sad the ending is ambiguous, that emotional growth—towards acceptance and confidence in who you are—was beautiful. In my mind, it ends quite happily. I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a short and sweet standalone lgbtqia+ manga.
4.50 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story is so sweet and simple and quiet, and as a newly minted 30-year-old struggling with dating apps, it hit so close to home... The regret of losing out on love is universal, but the regret you carry with you for what could have been is a special kind of torture. Seeing Jason carry that and eventually let it go was all the catharsis I needed to love this story. While I'm sad the ending is ambiguous, that emotional growth—towards acceptance and confidence in who you are—was beautiful. In my mind, it ends quite happily. I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a short and sweet standalone lgbtqia+ manga.
4.50 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loving You When the World Ended by Gene
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a really ridiculous story—zero realism in terms of apocalypse lore, many outrageous and sometimes hypersexual plot points, and no real resolution (the network magically came back???). I've read other Gene works and usually there is at least some semblance of a message or direction for the story; this felt very all over the place and without purpose. Based on that and reading experience (which was alright, not bad necessarily but not fun either), I'd probably give this a 2.5. I know there is better out there and that the author is capable of more.
This was a really ridiculous story—zero realism in terms of apocalypse lore, many outrageous and sometimes hypersexual plot points, and no real resolution (the network magically came back???). I've read other Gene works and usually there is at least some semblance of a message or direction for the story; this felt very all over the place and without purpose. Based on that and reading experience (which was alright, not bad necessarily but not fun either), I'd probably give this a 2.5. I know there is better out there and that the author is capable of more.
The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
i hate it when authors characterize regency romance FMCs and MMCs as tragically horny. just because it was "proper" age doesn't mean people were so stifled they thought about sex at every freaking waking moment... 😑
stupid amount of horniness and sex aside, the premise was so good and it tried to deliver, but I'm coming away disappointed. i love that Thane was actually a beast of a character, scarring aside; instead the expected trope of a kind hearted but jaded veteran, he was actually a foul-mouthed, impolite, and traumatized asshole. and I found Astrid to be entirely relatable and sound of mind. so where did it go wrong?? there were so (too) many instances of Thane feeling sorry for himself and shutting Astrid out as a result (the man doth protest too much, me thinks), and so much intercourse without actually communication! It took so long to get to an actual emotional resolution that by the end, I was almost content to watch them part, love be damned. But of course, a happy ending must prevail... anyway, the reading experience was enjoyable enough, but I don't think I'll be picking up more from this author.
3.25 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
stupid amount of horniness and sex aside, the premise was so good and it tried to deliver, but I'm coming away disappointed. i love that Thane was actually a beast of a character, scarring aside; instead the expected trope of a kind hearted but jaded veteran, he was actually a foul-mouthed, impolite, and traumatized asshole. and I found Astrid to be entirely relatable and sound of mind. so where did it go wrong?? there were so (too) many instances of Thane feeling sorry for himself and shutting Astrid out as a result (the man doth protest too much, me thinks), and so much intercourse without actually communication! It took so long to get to an actual emotional resolution that by the end, I was almost content to watch them part, love be damned. But of course, a happy ending must prevail... anyway, the reading experience was enjoyable enough, but I don't think I'll be picking up more from this author.
3.25 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
I couldn’t bring myself to care about Gabriel’s story and frankly, listening felt more like a chore than a privilege.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Torture
Magic Dark and Strange by Kelly Powell
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
this was a fun, short novel about a timepiece that brings back the dead; set against a dark, dreary 1800s cityscape, fraught with murder, resurrection men, and magic, I expected this to be a fast-paced, gritty, and imaginative story... Instead, it felt very slow, the characters rather juvenile, and the premise of the book much better than the actual execution (props to whoever wrote the editorial copy, it's almost too good). Overall, I'd say this is perfect for younger YA readers (12-15), as it gives you a taste of the time period without being too intense or gory, and the romance is incredibly wholesome.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Death and Death of parent
A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews
challenging
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
I absolutely adored this! It was short but impeccably paced, well-characterized, and just the right amount of festive. The awkwardness between Sophie and Ned at the beginning was palpable, but by the end I was squealing in delight at just how deep their emotional connection and attraction to each other had grown. I was slightly annoyed by the resolution to the main issue (an Emily fan I am not), but the sleigh ride soothed (or should I say melted) my disappointment well enough. Ultimately, it was a happy ending I was happy to get behind. I need to read more from this author, I think!