lianareadsromantasy's reviews
95 reviews

Opal City by Astrid Cole

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring sad tense medium-paced

5.0

ARC REVIEW

Spice: 2.5 maybe 3

This is the 4th instalment and I just don't know what to write in my review anymore. The entire series is so mind-blowing. The twists and turns keep coming, there's no break for Sage and Damian. These 2 are such inspiring characters and their love for each other is out of this world. 
Devastation and shocking events keep happening BUT there are some really cute and fun scenes aswell with Sage, Damian, Pollux and Castor. I live for those moments, they are great! 
This one might have a happy ending but new problems are already waiting for them and I can not wait to read it! 
A Daemon's Alliance by S.D. Paine

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challenging dark emotional sad 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? It's complicated

4.75

Rating: 4.75
Spice: 3 
Ahh I enjoyed this read a lot! You get to see whats going on in Retaliation but from another perspective (the other part of the family). I love the characters and how the FMC summons her own personal daemon to seek revenge. Such a good filler to have more information in total. I really like the innocent spice between the FMC and her daemon. Both sisters are more alike then they know. I love the both of them. Can't wait to read the third book. 
Ruby City by Astrid Cole

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative 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

Rating: 4.75
Spice: 2 
Wow just wow. The start had me frustrated and heartbroken because it was such a big and unexpected plottwist! I love how Astrid's brain works. She keeps coming up with crazy stuff. I love every single thing about it. The world-building gets more heavier but clearer each book. It is so well written! Amazing series! I have so much love for these characters. They are amazing. Especially Sage and Damian. They are the best.
Releasing Raven by Luna Knight

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challenging dark mysterious tense
  • 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? N/A

4.0

Spice: 3
It was a quick and easy read filled with spice and amazing (probably disturbing) scenes.
I love how the main character chooses her revenge in such a filthy gruesome way, it's just perfect. 
She doesn't let anyone mess with her eventho they are handsome and powerful. 
I really enjoyed the erotic horror because there were some really unexpected scenes that I haven't quiet read anywhere before. Well written.
Emerald City by Astrid Cole

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

5.0

Spice: 2.5

Oh my freaking god - This 2nd installment is incredible!
Astrid's writing is magnificent. I was captivated the entire time I couldn't stop reading.

The story is so interesting and it has all the good elements;
great world-building, unexpected twists and turns, great action, amazing display of emotions.
It is an epic adventure, like a never ending crazy rollercoaster, and oh my - I truly felt all the pain, stress, anxiety and devastation but also the strength, love and hope. Sage is such an inspiring character. She is so brave.

Aelin from TOG has always been my number one FMC but Sage is second in line. She makes me feel so much and has similar character traits when it comes to bravery and being a savage when needed.

The betrayal and mixed feelings throughout the series makes you so unsure about everything. You never know whats about to happen next it makes it so captivating. I devoured it!!

Conclusion: I am in love with this book and it definitely owns a spot in my 'favorites' collection. 
Lights Out by Navessa Allen

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funny mysterious tense

3.75

Spice: 3.5

My first ever audiobook!

I think I will always feel a bit unsure about audiobooks since it doesn't really sound the way I am imagening it or it makes spicy things more awkward/funny, but I enjoyed it!

It was a soft thrilling story with good spice, funny banter and great characters. 
Really loved the tension in this story. And Fred, the champion in this book, I love him and how they referred to him as their son. It was hilarious but cute.

I didn't like the background that much. I found it a bit boring and it got all messy and less captivating when the family business got involved.

Overall it was a lovely but basic read. Nothing too special but I still enjoyed it so I would say it was a great first audiobook experience! 
Retaliation by S.D. Paine

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

 Spice: 4

I devoured this book! 1 badass FMC with a great side-kick tech against 4 princes and the Obscuritas cult. The magical elements of Daemons and Lumens create the perfect dark setting with paranormal vibes. 

It is filled with action, thrilling adventure, tragic backstories, steamy romance and humor.

The story is very well written, it has great world-building and the perfect spice if you are into why choose / reversed harem. 

I love how the 4 MMC's have totally different personalities which makes the dynamic between the characters absolutely amazing! 

I especially love Sara - Levi - Ty. 
They have great funny and teasing moments. 

Also... What is this ending? The author mindfucks you with the mysterious and doubtful twists and turns. As a reader I felt as confused as the FMC. What are we supposed to believe when such plottwists are given. This book left me with so many questionsin the end and I am hungry for more. I need to read the sequel asap! 
The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks

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adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-paced

1.5

61% - DNF

Too confusing/messy world building where I dont see the point of it. Boring and repetitive.

Could have been a great idea and it was written quiet well but I just didnt really enjoy it. 
Pity the Wicked by Isaac Lotharus

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.5

ARC Review

Spice: 3.5

When I thought it couldn't get any crazier than 'The Wicked Swallow Hearts', I was wrong. The first chapter started off strong with 2 crazy plottwists. The entire story was captivating because it had such unexpected turns and twists that left me gawking with my mouth wide open.

I really enjoyed how those plottwists were integrated, It was so well written. It takes a genius to create these smart characters and to wave in all these twists into 1 perfect story.

I truly enjoyed the fast paced, dark and crazy witchy vibes altho, it did get a bit too rushed and messy sometimes for my taste (especially in the beginning) but that doesn't change how good this story was. If only it was longer. 

Tropes:
🔪 MULTI POV
🔮 FORCED PROXIMITY
🔪 POLY RELATIONSHIP
🔮 ENEMIES TO LOVERS
🔪 AGE GAP
🔮 WITCHES & MAGIC
🔪 DEMONS
🔮 TRAGIC PAST
🔪 PROPHECIES
🔮 PET NAMES
🔪 VILLAIN

[Check trigger warnings cus theres a lot of dark and twisted psychological display and crazy gruesome spice.] 
Death and Love's Confession by Kristen Coar

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adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

 Spice: 3

I am speechless. This third installment is my favorite so far! There's such great development present in so many areas, especially the world-building, romance and our FMC.

It was spicy, thrilling, adventurous and still funny with all its lighthearted humor. I worship Argo. I know I mention him in every review but he really brings a great vibe to the story. He is amazing! 

This series has many emotional moments but this book managed to make me cry in the end. Don't worry, I won't spoil but I just have to mention that Kristen did an outstanding job in making me able to connect with the characters and experience strong feelings while reading it.

Tropes:
Urban Paranormal Fantasy
Found Family
Strong, Feisty FMC
Why Choose
Fated Mates
Talking Corgi
Love Triangle
Redemption
Prophecy (Revealed)
Witches, Fae, and Vampires

A little bit more about the romance:
I truly love the 'Why Choose' and 'Love Triangle' in here.
The way its woven into the story = perfection. I ofcourse do have my favorite one out of the 2 and surprisingly its Finn. He is just so so wholesome and kind. 

UGH Kristen... I don't think I can wait till August for the 4th book. It ended on such a big plottwist. My mind is swirling in questions.
But it was oh so good!!