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lexisreadingagain's reviews
375 reviews
Death Valley by Karina Halle
4.5
SPOOKY HEEBIE JEEBIE VIBES ALL AROUND AHHHH.
Okay guys, think cowboy Western meets suspense thriller meets final girl horror meets romance with a paranormal twist. I know it sounds like a doozy, but trust me, it works.
It does lean heavily into the horror/suspense aspect of things, and truly it had me shaking in my boots, looking over my shoulder, on EDGE the whole time. Drawing on the history of an already tragic and horrifying event in American history, the Donner party, Karina's somehow managed to raise the stakes and make things even more macabre.
I loved our fmc Aubrey, who shows over and over a singlemindedness and dedication to uncovering the truth about her missing sister, no matter the cost. She's let the search for Lainey uproot her life. The guilt and grief she struggles with is palpable and definitely a driving force for her character. She was hardened and no-nonsense and the type of person I’d want in my corner if shit hit the fan.
And my man Jensen 🤭 Hot, grumpy cowboy/tracker who's kind to his horses? Need I say more honestly? He holds things close to his chest, slow to trust, and even slower to care for anyone but himself and his ranch. He’s the type of mountain man who’s seen things and keeps to himself. The one everybody in town knows to steer clear of… until he’s asked to track a missing person by our gal. I REALLY JUST ATE HIM UP.
The pacing. The plot. The budding, but tense romance between our mc’s. It was all just executed phenomenally. I had no clue what was going to happen, and I love when a book catches me by surprise instead of being a copy pasta situation.
- horror/thriller
- strangers to lovers
- grumpy x grumpy
- forced proximity
- only one sleeping bag
- small town, big secrets
- surviving the elements
Grateful to have received an eARC of this book from Karina Halle to review.
Okay guys, think cowboy Western meets suspense thriller meets final girl horror meets romance with a paranormal twist. I know it sounds like a doozy, but trust me, it works.
It does lean heavily into the horror/suspense aspect of things, and truly it had me shaking in my boots, looking over my shoulder, on EDGE the whole time. Drawing on the history of an already tragic and horrifying event in American history, the Donner party, Karina's somehow managed to raise the stakes and make things even more macabre.
I loved our fmc Aubrey, who shows over and over a singlemindedness and dedication to uncovering the truth about her missing sister, no matter the cost. She's let the search for Lainey uproot her life. The guilt and grief she struggles with is palpable and definitely a driving force for her character. She was hardened and no-nonsense and the type of person I’d want in my corner if shit hit the fan.
And my man Jensen 🤭 Hot, grumpy cowboy/tracker who's kind to his horses? Need I say more honestly? He holds things close to his chest, slow to trust, and even slower to care for anyone but himself and his ranch. He’s the type of mountain man who’s seen things and keeps to himself. The one everybody in town knows to steer clear of… until he’s asked to track a missing person by our gal. I REALLY JUST ATE HIM UP.
The pacing. The plot. The budding, but tense romance between our mc’s. It was all just executed phenomenally. I had no clue what was going to happen, and I love when a book catches me by surprise instead of being a copy pasta situation.
- horror/thriller
- strangers to lovers
- grumpy x grumpy
- forced proximity
- only one sleeping bag
- small town, big secrets
- surviving the elements
Grateful to have received an eARC of this book from Karina Halle to review.
Eyes of Devious Burgundy by Lacey Lehotzky
3.5
Thank you to Grey’s Promotion for the early copy of this book.
I’m… really torn on this rating right now. I honestly think the story suffered significantly because of how long it was. There was just so much packed into one book that at times I caught myself skimming, despite enjoying the plot. I think if this was split into two books, I could’ve actually loved this.
the beginning starts off so strong. Assyria’s trauma and character development were both so powerful and heartbreaking. The escape from abuse, purity culture, misogyny, and despair was emotional. I was rooting for her immediately. Loved the Mulan-esque plot and watching her grow on her so solidly before even meeting the mc. I’ll admit, at first I was thrown at how slow meet this was, but knowing how deeply hurt Assyria was by her past, it’s a nice change of pace to watch the fmc heal first. Rokath was… frustrating at times, but tbh that tracks with how complex of a character he is lol. he’s the definition of big, bad, lethal, and grumpy. he’s the right hand to the demon’s ruler and leader of the army’s, known for his ruthlessness and rare necromancy powers that will turn the tides of war. But the guy has a soft spot for his two little doggies, so could he really be that bad?? lol.
their relationship was filled with tension and an at times delicious hot and cold banter that I enjoyed. the punishments 🤭 yes please. the hate banging. double yes please. Again I think splitting up their timeline over another book would have really improved things, because it did feel a little out of left field towards the end, but oh well.
I honestly enjoyed the fantasy demons vs angels at war plot maybe more than the romantic one for a change??? I’m so invested in how things will pan out with both the prophecy and how they achieve their victory over the angels. Neither side is really “good” and that leaves so much room for the story to grow with a villainous mmc 👀 I’ll definitely be picking up book two for more.
I’m… really torn on this rating right now. I honestly think the story suffered significantly because of how long it was. There was just so much packed into one book that at times I caught myself skimming, despite enjoying the plot. I think if this was split into two books, I could’ve actually loved this.
the beginning starts off so strong. Assyria’s trauma and character development were both so powerful and heartbreaking. The escape from abuse, purity culture, misogyny, and despair was emotional. I was rooting for her immediately. Loved the Mulan-esque plot and watching her grow on her so solidly before even meeting the mc. I’ll admit, at first I was thrown at how slow meet this was, but knowing how deeply hurt Assyria was by her past, it’s a nice change of pace to watch the fmc heal first. Rokath was… frustrating at times, but tbh that tracks with how complex of a character he is lol. he’s the definition of big, bad, lethal, and grumpy. he’s the right hand to the demon’s ruler and leader of the army’s, known for his ruthlessness and rare necromancy powers that will turn the tides of war. But the guy has a soft spot for his two little doggies, so could he really be that bad?? lol.
their relationship was filled with tension and an at times delicious hot and cold banter that I enjoyed. the punishments 🤭 yes please. the hate banging. double yes please. Again I think splitting up their timeline over another book would have really improved things, because it did feel a little out of left field towards the end, but oh well.
I honestly enjoyed the fantasy demons vs angels at war plot maybe more than the romantic one for a change??? I’m so invested in how things will pan out with both the prophecy and how they achieve their victory over the angels. Neither side is really “good” and that leaves so much room for the story to grow with a villainous mmc 👀 I’ll definitely be picking up book two for more.
Midnight Mass by Sierra Simone
3.25
this started off so horny and ended so emotional ???? I fear I have whiplash right now
Scream, Snowdrop by Aurelia Knight, Amy Oliveira
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from Luna Literary Management.
Yeah, a bad girl ballerina, a pitch black mmc, and a revenge plot? I knew I was going to eat it up. This was fast paced, emotional, and HOT AF.
Scream, Snowdrop is an interconnected standalone in The Royal Ballet Presents series that follows prima ballerina Maeve while her double life as a car thief finally catches up to her, forcing her to turn to her ex-step brother, Diego, for protection.
I really enjoyed the duality of her character, with a 'prim and proper heiress' persona that she puts on for the public and a secret 'screw the world and what they think' mindset behind closed doors. Maeve's a little bit of a thrill seeker & what's more thrilling than taking your hot, danger and tattoo'd ex step-brothers offer of protection against the criminal underbelly of the city? 🤭 growing up, her family used her as more of an accessory than anything else. That definitely left some trauma for her to unpack, but her self-confidence and ability to roll with the punches was honestly badass. And our hottie ex step-brother Diego's all grown and far from the nice boy she knew with secrets and agenda of his own 👀
Honestly their chemistry was steamy and toxic and fun. Both are attracted to each other immediately, but they fight the pull (unsuccessfully thank goodness lmao), leaving us with some excellent banter and spice scenes. oh and did I mention that HE TATTOOS HER? Idk why that's so hot to me, but it is!!! there were moments where Diego was so unhinged in his obsession that my jaw was on the floor. Maeve was truly a champ to handle his crazy 🤪 lmao
In my opinion, this leans a little more into the organized crime aspects than the ballerina side of things, but I don't mind. I think a revenge romance is always a great time, so if you're looking for a quick, spicy one, this is a great bet!
Yeah, a bad girl ballerina, a pitch black mmc, and a revenge plot? I knew I was going to eat it up. This was fast paced, emotional, and HOT AF.
Scream, Snowdrop is an interconnected standalone in The Royal Ballet Presents series that follows prima ballerina Maeve while her double life as a car thief finally catches up to her, forcing her to turn to her ex-step brother, Diego, for protection.
I really enjoyed the duality of her character, with a 'prim and proper heiress' persona that she puts on for the public and a secret 'screw the world and what they think' mindset behind closed doors. Maeve's a little bit of a thrill seeker & what's more thrilling than taking your hot, danger and tattoo'd ex step-brothers offer of protection against the criminal underbelly of the city? 🤭 growing up, her family used her as more of an accessory than anything else. That definitely left some trauma for her to unpack, but her self-confidence and ability to roll with the punches was honestly badass. And our hottie ex step-brother Diego's all grown and far from the nice boy she knew with secrets and agenda of his own 👀
Honestly their chemistry was steamy and toxic and fun. Both are attracted to each other immediately, but they fight the pull (unsuccessfully thank goodness lmao), leaving us with some excellent banter and spice scenes. oh and did I mention that HE TATTOOS HER? Idk why that's so hot to me, but it is!!! there were moments where Diego was so unhinged in his obsession that my jaw was on the floor. Maeve was truly a champ to handle his crazy 🤪 lmao
In my opinion, this leans a little more into the organized crime aspects than the ballerina side of things, but I don't mind. I think a revenge romance is always a great time, so if you're looking for a quick, spicy one, this is a great bet!
Electric Idol by Katee Robert
4.5
Me 🤝🏼 a marriage of convenience. Every damn time.
Me 🤝🏼 when they get freaky in front of a mirror. Also every damn time.
Me 🤝🏼 when they get freaky in front of a mirror. Also every damn time.
Blood & Betrayals by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune
5.0
Guys. Did I finish this book or did it finish me? 😩 easily a 5 star read. Many notes. Such a slay. All the feelings. I laughed. I cried. I crushed and was crushed. This one is for all of my fellow nerds who love to Easter egg hunt. The level of detail and care the authors take while building this world is astounding, and to know it’s just the start? I’m vibrating with excitement and BEGGING for more.
I’m in love with the entire cast of characters, male and female. Everyone is hot, funny and filled with personality. Summer, my dearest little fae, is like looking in a mirror. She’s so raw and messy, and I hurt when she hurts.
I actually don’t even want to talk about how obsessed I am with the male characters. Golden boy Connor. Broody Headmaster Emrys. A mysterious stalker known only as the Stranger.
I’m but a humble simp, Your Honor. I didn’t stand a chance.
The found family is everything to me. AND THE FEMALE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN SUMMER & ALICE IS ESPECIALLY SO PURE AND BEAUTIFUL. YOU CAN SEE THEY CHERISH EACH OTHER. 10/10 would lay down my life for them. The Morningstar brothers, Max, all of it is phenomenally and emotionally written.
The blend of dark fantasy and romantic suspense was handled so well. Was there a whole lot of boinking going on? Hell yes. But take that away and this plot is just as compelling, just as nail bitingly intense. I felt like a detective trying to sleuth things out & it was equally as maddening as it was exciting to be so invested in this story.
HONESTLY EVERYONE READ THIS PLEASE.
Thank you to Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune, and Rose & Star for the Advance Reader Copy!
I’m in love with the entire cast of characters, male and female. Everyone is hot, funny and filled with personality. Summer, my dearest little fae, is like looking in a mirror. She’s so raw and messy, and I hurt when she hurts.
I actually don’t even want to talk about how obsessed I am with the male characters. Golden boy Connor. Broody Headmaster Emrys. A mysterious stalker known only as the Stranger.
I’m but a humble simp, Your Honor. I didn’t stand a chance.
The found family is everything to me. AND THE FEMALE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN SUMMER & ALICE IS ESPECIALLY SO PURE AND BEAUTIFUL. YOU CAN SEE THEY CHERISH EACH OTHER. 10/10 would lay down my life for them. The Morningstar brothers, Max, all of it is phenomenally and emotionally written.
The blend of dark fantasy and romantic suspense was handled so well. Was there a whole lot of boinking going on? Hell yes. But take that away and this plot is just as compelling, just as nail bitingly intense. I felt like a detective trying to sleuth things out & it was equally as maddening as it was exciting to be so invested in this story.
HONESTLY EVERYONE READ THIS PLEASE.
Thank you to Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune, and Rose & Star for the Advance Reader Copy!