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lauren_miller's reviews
761 reviews
The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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? No
4.25
I really enjoyed this one. It's been a hot minute since I picked up a sports romance and damn, I forgot just how much hockey hits (pun intended). It's also been a while since I read a contemporary romance worth my time. I loved Gigi and Rider together; they're actually so level-headed it had me fist pumping. The minimal lack of communication? The gratuitous but NOT vomit-inducing sex scenes? The trust they have in each other?? Yeah, I swooned like a lady clutching her pearls in the Southern heat. If this sets the tone for the rest of the series, I am so in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder
Babymoon or Bust by Ava Hunter
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
too much sex, too much doubt, too much over-the-top "I've been waiting for him/her for my whole life and now I can't live without him/her" energy. not to mention a) it took nearly 70% to even make it to Alaska and b) it was actually pretty selfish of Solomon to just assume Tess would say yes and move to 3,000+ miles into the wilderness on a dime, even if she did love him; there's so much doubt and hesitation in Tessie's mind, but Solomon doesn't seem to grasp how big an ask that is. plus, as an audiobook, this story was at least 2 hours too long—I almost couldn't be bothered to finish, but stuck it out in the end (at what cost... 🙄)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death
Off to the Races by Elsie Silver
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I liked this, but it was a prime case of too much sex brain commentary and gratuitous scenes once they started fucking. I liked Vaughn and Billie’s chemistry when they were teasing, but once it turned serious, I just couldn’t get all the way on board for some reason. Probably in part because I find it wayyy too convenient that she’s bat shit on the job but submissive in the sheets; yeah right 😑 anyway, I’m looking forward to the other installments. I only started with this one b/c it was available from my library.
Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
While less enjoyable than the first (in my opinion), this was still a great deal of fun to read—or should I say, devour. I loved being able to see into Wendell's kingdom, understand more the strange relations of mortal and fae—especially within Faerie, and meet a new cast of side characters. Again, while not as endearing as those of Hrafnsvik, it was a pleasure to meet Ariadne (annoying), Rose (also annoying), Eichorn and de Grey (especially annoying), and Orga (perfect in every way). To say I am ITCHING for the next installment is such a gross understatement it offends me. February cannot come soon enough!!
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I knew going in I would enjoy this, but I've still come away pleasantly surprised.
The isolated setting was cold and blustery and absolutely to my tastes; the asexual, aromantic vibes for most of the story coupled with the Veronica Speedwell-like narration was so unique and engaging; the unexpected meanderings of both the plot and Emily's mind kept me on my toes; and the little dalliances into Wendell's POV made me sigh fondly on more than one occasion; altogether, it made for such a fun and cozy read!
I really cannot wait to pick up the next one.
The isolated setting was cold and blustery and absolutely to my tastes; the asexual, aromantic vibes for most of the story coupled with the Veronica Speedwell-like narration was so unique and engaging; the unexpected meanderings of both the plot and Emily's mind kept me on my toes; and the little dalliances into Wendell's POV made me sigh fondly on more than one occasion; altogether, it made for such a fun and cozy read!
I really cannot wait to pick up the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Ravensong by Cayla Fay
Did not finish book. Stopped at 83%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 83%.
17-year-old or not, no one is that stupid and blinded by love…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells by Rachel Greenlaw
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
this book has a cold, blustery atmosphere and a healthy undercurrent of impending dread; if you go in having read the synopsis, there's not much hope to be found; for every step Carrie takes forward, something or someone around her seems to take two steps back, be it from guilt or actual magic. the whole plot feels kind of like a slow burn, demanding you wallow in the intergenerational trauma and fear of the almost sentient omnipotence of the mountains. everyone is unhappy in their own way, and even though we make strides towards healing and reforging friendships, it is always at the expense of something—health, trust, love.
I enjoyed the whole plot surrounding the trio and Cora. I loved how meddlesome and bitter she was; in a way, she felt like the most real out of all of them, making bargains for her own agenda and never truly caring about the consequences till it isolated her from nearly everyone. I liked the resolution for Matthieu, but overall, I didn't feel real chemistry between him and Carrie; to be honest, he didn't feel real. And I know that's the point, but it made Carrie's desperation in that final conflict less impactful and romantic. I wasn't really rooting for them so much as just interested in whether or not Cora was right. I was definitely rooting for Jess and Carrie to reconcile though, and I while it didn't happen quite how I would have liked, I'm glad we got their in the end. Tom I can honestly take or leave. Even before he knew Carrie came back, he seemed pretty lame as a husband and father...
Anyway, all that to say, while I did enjoy my reading experience, I'm not fully satisfied. A respectable 3.5 out of 5 stars, ⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed the whole plot surrounding the trio and Cora. I loved how meddlesome and bitter she was; in a way, she felt like the most real out of all of them, making bargains for her own agenda and never truly caring about the consequences till it isolated her from nearly everyone. I liked the resolution for Matthieu, but overall, I didn't feel real chemistry between him and Carrie; to be honest, he didn't feel real. And I know that's the point, but it made Carrie's desperation in that final conflict less impactful and romantic. I wasn't really rooting for them so much as just interested in whether or not Cora was right. I was definitely rooting for Jess and Carrie to reconcile though, and I while it didn't happen quite how I would have liked, I'm glad we got their in the end. Tom I can honestly take or leave. Even before he knew Carrie came back, he seemed pretty lame as a husband and father...
Anyway, all that to say, while I did enjoy my reading experience, I'm not fully satisfied. A respectable 3.5 out of 5 stars, ⭐⭐⭐
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.25
lightly gothic, quiet, creeping… a sweet love story anchored in cruelty and unfairness. definitely worth a read if you feel the ache of loneliness from time to time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I loved every fucking second of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Torture