lauren_miller's reviews
754 reviews

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

*sigh*

I really thought this would be the T. Kingfisher for me, but it was not. Instead of cozy and fun, I found it rambling, a bit ridiculous, and at times even irritating. I wish we could have had less Halla and more Sarkis, Zale, and Brindle. In fact, I might have liked the story better without Halla in it at all... Which is a tragic thought to have about a FMC 🫢

3 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

 I desperately wanted to love this story, but many things did not work for me: the pacing was all over the place, the fact that the plot didn’t pick up till 41% challenged my attention, Ahn’s mouthy personality but innate passivity constantly left me frustrated, the predictable resolution that felt very reminiscent of Shadow and Bone… And that freaking epilogue!?! Instead of intrigued, it left me incredibly angry. Reclaim what’s yours? After letting your own brother a) think you’re dead and b) do all the actual work to regain the throne? As if you deserve ANYTHING other than to be alive...

Anyway… I could go on, but simply put, this wasn’t a fun reading experience for me. And I found the female narrator’s voice incredibly grating. If you like ASMR, you might not mind, but I could NOT TAKE ALL THE WHISPERING FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE.

Ok, I’m really done now.

3 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

this was a fun, quick read, enjoyable mostly due to Frederick's distinct voice (the writing, not the voice actor) and the situations (ominous intonation intended) he and Cassie found themselves in due to his hilarious societal and cultural ineptitudes following a century-long coma. the third act conflict could have been really cool, but the solution proposed was utterly ridiculous (far beyond the disbelief required for your average paranormal romance) and there were aspects of the lore that I didn't love, but they didn't take too much away from the story. overall, this was a decent way to spend an afternoon.

3.75 out of 5 stars, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Passion or Penalty by Leah Brunner

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

the most basic, wholesome, clean, tidy, and ultimately uninteresting hockey romance I've had the privilege to read. needless to say, I probably won't be picking up the actual series...

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

in the end, this was a lovely and heart-aching story. the pacing felt a bit off to me, but the mix of myth and reality, the theme of family (both blood and found), and the characterizations—the relationships formed and tested and solidified—made it so incredibly beautiful. i'm looking forward to reading more of Oh's work in the future!

4.5, maybe even 4.75 out of 5, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

His for the Holidays by Samantha Chase

emotional lighthearted tense 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

irritating, emotionally unavailable fmc is ultimately romanced by a much more realistic, forgiving and emotionally mature mmc. oh, and it’s christmas. not really worth your time…

Blade Bound by Chloe Neill

adventurous emotional hopeful tense 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? No

what an ending...

there were so many things I enjoyed about this series because I went in having read the sequels. it was fun to know things and watch how they came to fruition—though I still found myself surprised and shocked plenty of times! In the end, while Sorcha's ending kinda felt like a copout, the actual ending and epilogue were pretty satisfying (and adorable!). I'm actually looking forward to reading Heirs of Chicagoland now knowing all that the first series entails. It'll be interesting to take in the new characters and Elisa's perspective on becoming a novitiate, dating you know who, etc. against the background of her parents' story. 

overall, I really did find this to be so much fun! sure, there were a lot of convoluted plot lines and bureaucracy for days, but in the end, the characters (all of them, side characters especially) were engaging and created such a great found family vibe, the breadth of the world-building was impressive, and the depths of emotion that this series wrung out of me... it was all worth it. I would absolutely recommend to those interested in paranormal fantasy and paranormal romance. 

Blood Games by Chloe Neill

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced

another favorite installment, maybe one of the best. 

Howling For You by Chloe Neill

adventurous hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

it annoyed me greatly that abdication was the ONLY option. I know Gabe is progressive given who his son ends up with, so why the fuck are we rolling with such antiquated standards?? ugh. that aside, i adore Fallon and Jeff and I love that they’re happy.

High Stakes by Chloe Neill

too short! I need more Luc and Linds in my life.