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little_miss_darkness's reviews
789 reviews
Shadow Souls by L.J. Smith
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
I'm starting to regret my decision to finish all the books in the series.
This is so bad, I believe there is fan fiction that's better than this, and this is a published book! Honestly, I just get depressing vibes from this book. It feels like the author really stretched everything and just tried to make the series longer, but it has already gone on for far longer than it should have. I am a few books late, but how many times can you kill and resurrect Elena?
It's just getting boring, all of it. And it's getting harder to care or keep my attention. I might just focus on this for a bit just so I can get it all over with.
This is so bad, I believe there is fan fiction that's better than this, and this is a published book! Honestly, I just get depressing vibes from this book. It feels like the author really stretched everything and just tried to make the series longer, but it has already gone on for far longer than it should have. I am a few books late, but how many times can you kill and resurrect Elena?
It's just getting boring, all of it. And it's getting harder to care or keep my attention. I might just focus on this for a bit just so I can get it all over with.
Les règles de l'amour by Sara Cate
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
I was reading it and briefly lost Kindle Unlimited, and when I got it back, It was no longer available there, and as I already read the series in English, not sure if I want to pay to read it just once in French.
A Soul to Revive by Opal Reyne
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
Why did this one have to start so tragically?
Even with what all the other characters have been through, it does seem like Ingram had it worse. Losing what is essentially half of him before trying to seek help, but in his misunderstanding of humans and lack of humanity, finds himself captured and experimented on.
It was endearing how he and his brother, Aleron, were like together. Maybe not too intelligent, but playful and happy together. It's almost like, in one terrifying instant, Ingram was forced to grow up.
Ingram and Emerie make a cute couple, and it's nice Ingram finally learns he can love more than one person, and that there is more than one type of love. Hope he and Aleron find each other again.
I do want to note, my rating is more like 4.75 stars, but I'm rounding up. It was quite interesting, and I have loved seeing all the Brides working together and having more of Lindiwe this time around. This was unexpected, but until the end, it did feel like more of the same as previous books of this series, so I have to downgrade it a bit.
Also, a side note, now I'm wondering what are all their original names. We obviously know Ingram and Aleron and that Merikh was Orson, but I'd kind of like to know for the others, I think it would be interesting. And, we also see a bit of Fyodor and how their development is going. Sorry, her development. And, it was interesting seeing Tenebra and more of Wendir, and maybe even a small insight into his and Lindiwe's relationship.
Even with what all the other characters have been through, it does seem like Ingram had it worse. Losing what is essentially half of him before trying to seek help, but in his misunderstanding of humans and lack of humanity, finds himself captured and experimented on.
It was endearing how he and his brother, Aleron, were like together. Maybe not too intelligent, but playful and happy together. It's almost like, in one terrifying instant, Ingram was forced to grow up.
Ingram and Emerie make a cute couple, and it's nice Ingram finally learns he can love more than one person, and that there is more than one type of love. Hope he and Aleron find each other again.
I do want to note, my rating is more like 4.75 stars, but I'm rounding up. It was quite interesting, and I have loved seeing all the Brides working together and having more of Lindiwe this time around. This was unexpected, but until the end, it did feel like more of the same as previous books of this series, so I have to downgrade it a bit.
Also, a side note, now I'm wondering what are all their original names. We obviously know Ingram and Aleron and that Merikh was Orson, but I'd kind of like to know for the others, I think it would be interesting. And, we also see a bit of Fyodor and how their development is going. Sorry, her development. And, it was interesting seeing Tenebra and more of Wendir, and maybe even a small insight into his and Lindiwe's relationship.
Jack Frost by Rebecca F. Kenney
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
When I first started reading this book, I wanted to DNF, now the rating is more like 2.25, but I'm rounding down.
The synopsis sounded interesting, and I did manage to finish the entire book, but I feel like I won't continue with the series. Sure, I might like the next ones more, but to be honest, I feel like it probably won't be much better, and I just don't want to waste my time or give other books in this series unnecessarily low ratings and bad reviews.
To be fair, this book did get slightly better towards the end, but not enough to give it a higher rating or a better review.
The synopsis sounded interesting, and I did manage to finish the entire book, but I feel like I won't continue with the series. Sure, I might like the next ones more, but to be honest, I feel like it probably won't be much better, and I just don't want to waste my time or give other books in this series unnecessarily low ratings and bad reviews.
To be fair, this book did get slightly better towards the end, but not enough to give it a higher rating or a better review.
A Soul to Guide by Opal Reyne
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I enjoyed this even more than I thought I would.
I've been intrigued about this book since I saw the cover. I knew it would obviously involve more magic, and the bear-skulled Duskwalked, Merikh, has been more of a mystery in the previous books. Wendir and Lindiwe are a bit less of a mystery now, as we find out more about them and even how Wendir came to be.
Merikh is so grumpy, and ill-tempered, while Raewyn is so open and almost childlike in her joy. Almost surprisingly, they fit together very well. Or maybe not such a surprise, after all.
Elves have been more of a mystery since the beginning of the series, and I love that we find out more about them and their world. We know why they did what they did, and how they're living now. Merikh is very angry all the time, for a reason. It was because of him that it became known how to kill a Duskwalker, when he accidentally murdered his own brother in a game, and he never revived. Something that still causes him pain and makes him feel guilty to this day.
Raewyn herself also has a much closer connection to Jabez, the Demon King, than anyone could have anticipated. Sure there were signs, but not before this book, and honestly, this book reignited my delight for this world, as I was worried they would be more of the same. And Merikh's brothers, the twins, are actually really adorable, and I hope the next book is about them.
I do hope this is not the last we hear of Merikh and Rae. Part of me hopes he goes back to referring to himself by his original name (maybe this would be a sign that he's starting to heal?) and it would fit him better than this hateful one he currently holds. But also, I would really love to see more of the Elves and their world.
I've been intrigued about this book since I saw the cover. I knew it would obviously involve more magic, and the bear-skulled Duskwalked, Merikh, has been more of a mystery in the previous books. Wendir and Lindiwe are a bit less of a mystery now, as we find out more about them and even how Wendir came to be.
Merikh is so grumpy, and ill-tempered, while Raewyn is so open and almost childlike in her joy. Almost surprisingly, they fit together very well. Or maybe not such a surprise, after all.
Elves have been more of a mystery since the beginning of the series, and I love that we find out more about them and their world. We know why they did what they did, and how they're living now. Merikh is very angry all the time, for a reason. It was because of him that it became known how to kill a Duskwalker, when he accidentally murdered his own brother in a game, and he never revived. Something that still causes him pain and makes him feel guilty to this day.
Raewyn herself also has a much closer connection to Jabez, the Demon King, than anyone could have anticipated. Sure there were signs, but not before this book, and honestly, this book reignited my delight for this world, as I was worried they would be more of the same. And Merikh's brothers, the twins, are actually really adorable, and I hope the next book is about them.
I do hope this is not the last we hear of Merikh and Rae. Part of me hopes he goes back to referring to himself by his original name (maybe this would be a sign that he's starting to heal?) and it would fit him better than this hateful one he currently holds. But also, I would really love to see more of the Elves and their world.
A Soul to Touch by Opal Reyne
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
It was harder than usual to get into this story, and Mayumi is the type of character I LOVE.
I don't know why, because I find Mayumi, who's so strong and self-sufficient and sarcastic, to be an absolutely amazing character. Even Kitty - excuse me, Faunus - is a bit more interesting because he seems to be more aware of who he is and gives us bigger insight into Duskwalkers is really nice.
So why couldn't I get into the story, and it took me so long to get through this book? To be honest, I have no idea, genuinely. I might have to think on it and go back and think on it and perhaps update my review.
I am excited for the next book, though. I've read the synopsis and there seems to be a lot more we can learn about this world (and all the others linked to it, I suppose).
I don't know why, because I find Mayumi, who's so strong and self-sufficient and sarcastic, to be an absolutely amazing character. Even Kitty - excuse me, Faunus - is a bit more interesting because he seems to be more aware of who he is and gives us bigger insight into Duskwalkers is really nice.
So why couldn't I get into the story, and it took me so long to get through this book? To be honest, I have no idea, genuinely. I might have to think on it and go back and think on it and perhaps update my review.
I am excited for the next book, though. I've read the synopsis and there seems to be a lot more we can learn about this world (and all the others linked to it, I suppose).
Play Along by Liz Tomforde
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-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
5.0
Who's the sweetest man? It's a trick question, Isaiah is.
I was right, I ended up loving the entire series. I took a peak at the next book, and it's just my luck - the next book is Rio's story, the one I've been looking forward to since Mile High, is not out yet. At the very least, it's only a few months until it comes out.
But back to this review. I guess the running theme through this series is playboy-on-the-surface-but-actually-really-sweet athletes. Okay, maybe not Ryan, and Kai was already pretty much done with that lifestyle when we got to him. Isaiah, however, confidently fist the bill. He lived hard, but when he found out the love of his life is finally single, he dropped it and made it his mission for her to notice him.
Kennedy is really lovely and funny. I do, however, think that what happened to her professionally, is kind of unlikely today. Not because sexism doesn't exist, I know it still very much does. I just think on how the tables have turned and businesses have to at least appear like they're hiring diversely. That's why I think sexism today would be a lot more subtle, and no less hurtful to be on the receiving end of it. On the other hand, I found her such an interesting character. She has trouble with casual physical touch, and seeing her overcome it, and seeing Isaiah helping her through it is simply inspirational.
Of course everything works out - this is romance, I mean c'mon. I am glad though, as even though I know I can expect a happy ending, every once in a while the story still gets me all tense and praying that it all works out.
Once again, I CANNOT wait for the next book to come out. Agh, patience is not my strong suit.
I was right, I ended up loving the entire series. I took a peak at the next book, and it's just my luck - the next book is Rio's story, the one I've been looking forward to since Mile High, is not out yet. At the very least, it's only a few months until it comes out.
But back to this review. I guess the running theme through this series is playboy-on-the-surface-but-actually-really-sweet athletes. Okay, maybe not Ryan, and Kai was already pretty much done with that lifestyle when we got to him. Isaiah, however, confidently fist the bill. He lived hard, but when he found out the love of his life is finally single, he dropped it and made it his mission for her to notice him.
Kennedy is really lovely and funny. I do, however, think that what happened to her professionally, is kind of unlikely today. Not because sexism doesn't exist, I know it still very much does. I just think on how the tables have turned and businesses have to at least appear like they're hiring diversely. That's why I think sexism today would be a lot more subtle, and no less hurtful to be on the receiving end of it. On the other hand, I found her such an interesting character. She has trouble with casual physical touch, and seeing her overcome it, and seeing Isaiah helping her through it is simply inspirational.
Of course everything works out - this is romance, I mean c'mon. I am glad though, as even though I know I can expect a happy ending, every once in a while the story still gets me all tense and praying that it all works out.
Once again, I CANNOT wait for the next book to come out. Agh, patience is not my strong suit.
Caught Up by Liz Tomforde
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Am I just predictable and keep giving 5 star ratings, or is this series just this good?
There seem to be subtle warnings in each book about whom the next book will be, and I am glad I was right, and we get Kai's story. As a single dad who dedicates all his time and effort and love to his adorable son, Max, he deserves a fairy-tale ending. And with whom better than a fiery, blunt and untamable Miller Montgomery to shake Kai up and turns that grumpy and controlling single dad into a picture of joy?
Part of me is slightly disappointed because I keep waiting for Rio's story. He's a lovable goof that only wants to find love, but somehow everyone around him keeps finding it while it eludes him. While I don't want to spoil it for anyone who might be reading this as well, the ending makes it very clear about whom the next book will be, and while I'm still excited to read it because I know it will be good, unfortunately, it's not Rio's turn yet.
Kai was ready to retire the second he found out he was a dad and wanted to spend the rest of his life focusing on his son and making sure he never feels his mother's absence (something for which Kai feels guilty, though he shouldn't). Miller, on the other hand, has spent her career chasing accolades and achievements, trying to justify her father's decision to retire and spend his life in one place in order to take care of her. She was running herself ragged but didn't feel like she could stop running because Monty, her dad, finally has a job he loves and Miller didn't want him to feel like he has to stay in one place for him.
By the end, both Kai and Miller finally realize that as long as they, and Max, are happy, the rest will come. This story hit a particulate note with me, because it shows that it's okay to change your priorities. If you suddenly find yourself doing something you simply don't love, it's okay to quit and figure out what works for you, what makes you happy. You might find something you were never looking for, but needed.
There seem to be subtle warnings in each book about whom the next book will be, and I am glad I was right, and we get Kai's story. As a single dad who dedicates all his time and effort and love to his adorable son, Max, he deserves a fairy-tale ending. And with whom better than a fiery, blunt and untamable Miller Montgomery to shake Kai up and turns that grumpy and controlling single dad into a picture of joy?
Part of me is slightly disappointed because I keep waiting for Rio's story. He's a lovable goof that only wants to find love, but somehow everyone around him keeps finding it while it eludes him. While I don't want to spoil it for anyone who might be reading this as well, the ending makes it very clear about whom the next book will be, and while I'm still excited to read it because I know it will be good, unfortunately, it's not Rio's turn yet.
Kai was ready to retire the second he found out he was a dad and wanted to spend the rest of his life focusing on his son and making sure he never feels his mother's absence (something for which Kai feels guilty, though he shouldn't). Miller, on the other hand, has spent her career chasing accolades and achievements, trying to justify her father's decision to retire and spend his life in one place in order to take care of her. She was running herself ragged but didn't feel like she could stop running because Monty, her dad, finally has a job he loves and Miller didn't want him to feel like he has to stay in one place for him.
By the end, both Kai and Miller finally realize that as long as they, and Max, are happy, the rest will come. This story hit a particulate note with me, because it shows that it's okay to change your priorities. If you suddenly find yourself doing something you simply don't love, it's okay to quit and figure out what works for you, what makes you happy. You might find something you were never looking for, but needed.
The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ryan seemed so different from Stevie's perspective.
I have to admit, in Stevie and Zander's story, Ryan seemed so much more relaxed and bubbly. Sure, he seemed like he might be a bit awkward in social situations or around girls, but who knew what hid under the surface? This was definitely a surprise. Ryan Shay is a superstar whose response to fame was to shut everybody off - everybody but his best friend, his twin sister, and a few other select people close to him.
I just knew when Ryan and Indy first met, her being heart-broken over her cheating boyfriend showing up at his doorstep to get drunk with his sister and sing Celine Dion at three AM, that this is going to be their story. Ryan has become so uptight and definitely has a touch of OCD with how he keeps his flat, and Indy is a ray of sunshine and a huge boulder all at the same time, barging in his life and filling it with colour and happiness.
It is almost ridiculous how long it took them to admit they have not been pretending for a long time and that they both have feelings for each other. Ryan was maybe a bit more stubborn and dense in this regard. Indy was literally telling him. I wanted to reach into my Kindle reader and shake him well enough to rattle his brain. Nevertheless, they finally got it together and decided to each start working on their insecurities.
Ryan was a nice change of pace after Zander. Don't get me wrong, I love Zanders, but it's nice to see a main male character that is not necessarily sleeping around, but actually has always wanted family and kids of his own to love and care for. It is getting a bit more of the same with these types of stories, so I quite liked Ryan, even if I found him frustrating at times.
I don't even have to mention Indy. She's kind of unforgettable and hard to ignore. I love how she was not afraid to go after what she wants, it takes a special kind of strength to do that, and I am not afraid to say that she inspired me.
I am having the most fun reading this series. Turns out, I can love sports romances. This series, in fact, is making me reconsider whether to just hastily turn away the next sports romance book or series I come across. I will definitely think twice before discarding it. But who knows, maybe it's just Liz Tomforde who does it for me.
I have to admit, in Stevie and Zander's story, Ryan seemed so much more relaxed and bubbly. Sure, he seemed like he might be a bit awkward in social situations or around girls, but who knew what hid under the surface? This was definitely a surprise. Ryan Shay is a superstar whose response to fame was to shut everybody off - everybody but his best friend, his twin sister, and a few other select people close to him.
I just knew when Ryan and Indy first met, her being heart-broken over her cheating boyfriend showing up at his doorstep to get drunk with his sister and sing Celine Dion at three AM, that this is going to be their story. Ryan has become so uptight and definitely has a touch of OCD with how he keeps his flat, and Indy is a ray of sunshine and a huge boulder all at the same time, barging in his life and filling it with colour and happiness.
It is almost ridiculous how long it took them to admit they have not been pretending for a long time and that they both have feelings for each other. Ryan was maybe a bit more stubborn and dense in this regard. Indy was literally telling him. I wanted to reach into my Kindle reader and shake him well enough to rattle his brain. Nevertheless, they finally got it together and decided to each start working on their insecurities.
Ryan was a nice change of pace after Zander. Don't get me wrong, I love Zanders, but it's nice to see a main male character that is not necessarily sleeping around, but actually has always wanted family and kids of his own to love and care for. It is getting a bit more of the same with these types of stories, so I quite liked Ryan, even if I found him frustrating at times.
I don't even have to mention Indy. She's kind of unforgettable and hard to ignore. I love how she was not afraid to go after what she wants, it takes a special kind of strength to do that, and I am not afraid to say that she inspired me.
I am having the most fun reading this series. Turns out, I can love sports romances. This series, in fact, is making me reconsider whether to just hastily turn away the next sports romance book or series I come across. I will definitely think twice before discarding it. But who knows, maybe it's just Liz Tomforde who does it for me.
Mile High by Liz Tomforde
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Who would have thought Zanders is so sweet?
I wouldn't have minded for this to be an even slower burn. Me. I know, I'm usually the girl who says that she likes slow-burn romances but ends up being so impatient and starts shouting at the book: "Just kiss already!". However, this time, I think the story would have been even better if Stevie genuinely didn't feel anything at first and wanted Zanders to leave her alone. Yes, the story is more obviously a romance book this way, but I wouldn't have minded seeing the infamous EZ chase after a girl who doesn't want to give him the time of day.
Stevie is incredible. I love that she's curvy and owns it - obviously, there are some underlying insecurities like all curvy girls have in today's world, but she's working on it. She's authentically herself and prefers to wear old over-sized comfortable clothing rather than designer. I do have to admit, I kind of expected a more recent breakup with an athlete in her story, but I guess we can't control how long something will hurt us.
I'm not sure whether I completely understand Zander. Or, at the very least, his decision to keep this sort of persona in the media and also, why he was so insistent that his contract wouldn't be renewed if he showed the world who he really is. I suppose we all have internal insecurities we have to work on, even famous athletes. But perhaps with that agent of his, who could blame him.
Of course, there has to be a big twist in the end, but I just wanted to scream at Zander. His reaction disappointed me a bit, not going to lie.
I mean, overall, I was pleasantly surprised. When I saw that it was popular on Booktok, I knew I had to check it out, but I didn't have high hopes as I am usually not the biggest fan of sport romances. Most of the time, I find them poorly written and uninteresting, but this time I was glad to be wrong.
I wouldn't have minded for this to be an even slower burn. Me. I know, I'm usually the girl who says that she likes slow-burn romances but ends up being so impatient and starts shouting at the book: "Just kiss already!". However, this time, I think the story would have been even better if Stevie genuinely didn't feel anything at first and wanted Zanders to leave her alone. Yes, the story is more obviously a romance book this way, but I wouldn't have minded seeing the infamous EZ chase after a girl who doesn't want to give him the time of day.
Stevie is incredible. I love that she's curvy and owns it - obviously, there are some underlying insecurities like all curvy girls have in today's world, but she's working on it. She's authentically herself and prefers to wear old over-sized comfortable clothing rather than designer. I do have to admit, I kind of expected a more recent breakup with an athlete in her story, but I guess we can't control how long something will hurt us.
I'm not sure whether I completely understand Zander. Or, at the very least, his decision to keep this sort of persona in the media and also, why he was so insistent that his contract wouldn't be renewed if he showed the world who he really is. I suppose we all have internal insecurities we have to work on, even famous athletes. But perhaps with that agent of his, who could blame him.
Of course, there has to be a big twist in the end, but I just wanted to scream at Zander. His reaction disappointed me a bit, not going to lie.
I mean, overall, I was pleasantly surprised. When I saw that it was popular on Booktok, I knew I had to check it out, but I didn't have high hopes as I am usually not the biggest fan of sport romances. Most of the time, I find them poorly written and uninteresting, but this time I was glad to be wrong.