leighlikestoread's reviews
108 reviews

Devil's Breath by Jill Johnson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

The story didn’t really resonate with me and I felt like the author was overplaying the main characters supposed autism and using it as a reason for all their actions. 

Spectacular by Stephanie Garber

lighthearted fast-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

3.5

Despite loving being back in the world of Caraval, I was a little disappointed with this book. Yes it was a novella and obviously then short, but the end of this plot felt incredibly rushed. This made me feel a bit deflated as so much of the book was building up to the “imposter” and the Holiday Ball. Despite this, I liked getting a deeper look into Tella’s & Legend’s relationship. There was also a hint about another Caraval book which has me very excited!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

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

5.0

This was a re-read after not reading this for years, and it’s fair to say that I loved it as much then as I do now. 
I adore Morgenstern’s way of writing and how she builds different interweaving timelines that run alongside each other is so clever. You don’t realise how they link until the end, but they add so much to the story throughout. 
Marco and Celia’s growth as illusionists and characters is built really well, but the building tension of affection between them is so admirable and wants you rooting for them. The side story between Poppet and Bailey is also really sweet and something that adds an interesting twist to the story. 
I love this story and honestly anything Morgenstern writes. 

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

I would liken this book to Caraval, but the dark and dirty version. I adored this book, as it had a solid and compelling plot running alongside the spice which is something I cherish in this genre. 
The game aspect of this was really quite gripping and some of the challenges were really quite intense to read! I was rotting for Ophelia the entire time and was glad to see that some of the other contestants fleshed out as characters. 
Now, the romance between Ophelia and Blackwell, the Necromancer and the “Phantom” is something that I am completely obsessed with. The heat and spice of the sex scenes definitely ramped up the heart rate, but paired with the sweet (and jealous driven) moments made them a pair that you just wanted to last forever.
And the ending.. that twist was just amazing some something that truly shocked me. 
Favourite Quote: “In all the darkness, in all the loneliness, you have been my one source of light,” he lamented as she begun to come undone. “My soul will go to its grave with your name echoing in my mind”. 

Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid

dark mysterious 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

3.25

Despite its skilled writing, this book did not deliver to me how I thought it would or reflect the hype. 
The plot was very slow where I had to force myself to keep reading which is something I don’t really enjoy from a book. Marlinchen was not a very interesting character until she because bold towards the end and the only thing I found interesting was the magic and family dynamic. 
It is an interesting feminist take on a Grimm’s tale (apart from her drive coming from her love for Sevas) with skilled world building. However, it is just not a book that gripped me. 

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

adventurous dark emotional funny 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? Yes

4.75

This was a great choice for an October spooky read. Demons, tarot, witchcraft, possession, and a love triangle? Sign me up. 
I really enjoyed this book and I really love S. T. Gibson’s style of writing and it is just beautiful. I did contemplate making this a 5 Star read but it just wasn’t as all encompassing that I look for in my 5 Stars. 
The story ran really well being intertwined with the politics of the Society and letting David, Rhys, and Moira be the center. 
I did see the ending coming (romance wise) but that didn’t stop it from being lovely, and Moira’s love for Rhys shines so strongly through it too. 
I have heard there are other books about this group that I will definitely be reading. 

Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

This was a perfect easy romantic read, so much so I read it in a day! The exploration of finding love through grief is an interesting one I haven’t seen before and I think is important to represent. 
Callum is such a treasure of a character and he absolutely made the book what it was. His development of feelings for Lark and not settling for anything but love was so sweet. You find yourself rooting for them the whole way through. 
Loosely on spooky vibes with Callum being an undertaker but a very cute read. 

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

dark emotional mysterious fast-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

4.25

This was like a sophisticated Wattpad Were Romance and I am so here for it. 
The driven nature of Misery on her quest to find Serena and Lowe’s selflessness make such an interesting character balance and it is one that you definitely enjoy being along for the ride for. The development of their relationship throughout the book and the little nuggets of suggestions of Lowe’s Mate keeps you reading on and wanting to reach the conclusion of their relationship. The sweetness and care between the two mixed with the primal nature of their species is something I really enjoyed. And the spice was definitely there!
The writing could have been a lot better to make this a more captivating story and more immersive but as an easy paranormal read it does what it says on the tin. 

Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher

adventurous dark funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

This 3rd PR Book Club book was perfect for October! Starting out with Marra in a cannibal forest bone pit resurrecting a dog out of bones was perfect spooky vibes. 
I loved this book so much. It was a great adventure story with a found family and very subtle romantic tension. The spookiness and magic (and demon chicken) made this not a basic adventure book. Marra is a great rebellious princess going against the grain and trying to free her sister. 
I will definitely be reading more of T Kingfisher books as the writing is beautiful without being too prose like. 

Protecting What's Mine by Lucy Score

lighthearted fast-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? Yes

3.0

I started this book with low hopes and honestly thought it would match those for the first few chapters. I really despised Mack and Linc at the start of the book and thought that the book was just going to be one whole book of nothing. However, the more I read the more I warmed to the characters and the town of Benevolence. You can feel Mack’s uneasiness to stay and her struggles despite all the love shown to her. 

The spicy scenes were pretty hot and described in enough detail to have some effect. 

I do think that without Mack’s trauma there would not have been a whole lot of depth to their relationship. 

It is a good easy read for a bit of a romance top up but not a seriously good read.