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mara_bsg's reviews
37 reviews
Liars Like Us by J.T. Geissinger
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ARC Review | Contemporary Romance
4.5/5
I can’t remember the last time I read a book this fast. Callum is now in my top 5 possessive and obsessed MMC. I loved how Emery doesn’t take shit from him, and doesn’t hesitate to put him back into his place when he needs to.
The dynamic and the tension between the two was so good. I mean… Marriage of convenience is one of the best tropes. I had to highlight every single time he says “My wife”. The spice was a five out of five.
Let’s not forget the banter and the plot twists. After reading Perfect Strangers and Ruthless creatures, I knew that this story would not disappoint. There's a lot of funny scenes, but a particular one (no spoiler) made me laugh out loud.
Thank you ValentinePR and J.T. Geissinger for the ARC!
Read if you like:
× Marriage of convenience
× Possessive and obsessed MMC
× Banter, Plot twists and a lot of spice
4.5/5
I can’t remember the last time I read a book this fast. Callum is now in my top 5 possessive and obsessed MMC. I loved how Emery doesn’t take shit from him, and doesn’t hesitate to put him back into his place when he needs to.
The dynamic and the tension between the two was so good. I mean… Marriage of convenience is one of the best tropes. I had to highlight every single time he says “My wife”. The spice was a five out of five.
Let’s not forget the banter and the plot twists. After reading Perfect Strangers and Ruthless creatures, I knew that this story would not disappoint. There's a lot of funny scenes, but a particular one (no spoiler) made me laugh out loud.
Thank you ValentinePR and J.T. Geissinger for the ARC!
Read if you like:
× Marriage of convenience
× Possessive and obsessed MMC
× Banter, Plot twists and a lot of spice
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ARC Review
4.5/5
First hockey romance read and this might be the start of a new obsession.
Let’s start with the characters. I love Rachel: she’s funny, determined but her character development is what made me fall in love with her. Jake is the absolute sunshine of this book. I love him. He's so cute and funny. I could not not smile when he was in a scene. Caleb, probably my favourite one. He’s talented and mysterious. Chapters 55 and 56 live rent free in my mind. Ilmari, the hot Viking: long hair and tattoos. I think that sums it up.
I like how each relationship started and how the characters were a bit lost at first with this situation. These relationships did not build within a few days. The communication was amazing, and the dynamic between all the characters even more.
It is a thick book, 750 pages, but worth it. It's an MMFM, so I feel like there's no way to develop all of these relationships without at least 500 pages.
Read if you like:
× Hockey Romance
× Reverse Harem/ Why Choose
× Found Family
× Dirty Talk
× friends to lovers
× Praïse/Degradation kînk
× Br33dîng kînk
4.5/5
First hockey romance read and this might be the start of a new obsession.
Let’s start with the characters. I love Rachel: she’s funny, determined but her character development is what made me fall in love with her. Jake is the absolute sunshine of this book. I love him. He's so cute and funny. I could not not smile when he was in a scene. Caleb, probably my favourite one. He’s talented and mysterious. Chapters 55 and 56 live rent free in my mind. Ilmari, the hot Viking: long hair and tattoos. I think that sums it up.
I like how each relationship started and how the characters were a bit lost at first with this situation. These relationships did not build within a few days. The communication was amazing, and the dynamic between all the characters even more.
It is a thick book, 750 pages, but worth it. It's an MMFM, so I feel like there's no way to develop all of these relationships without at least 500 pages.
Read if you like:
× Hockey Romance
× Reverse Harem/ Why Choose
× Found Family
× Dirty Talk
× friends to lovers
× Praïse/Degradation kînk
× Br33dîng kînk
Gothikana by RuNyx
adventurous
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
4.5
"𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓰𝓻𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓹 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓻𝓸𝓸𝓽𝓼 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼. 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓷 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱, 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱. 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽. 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓪𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮."
This book was unputdownable. I found the writing so poetic and the descriptions so vivid. I loved the world building, Verenmore seems to be the perfect place to stay (minus the disappearances). The plot was really good, I had so many theories hahah, but at least one of them was kinda right.
I loved the tension and chemistry between Vad and Corvina. The library scenes, the nicknames and the spice, everything was so good.
I'm looking forward to reading Arkana, the other standalone set in the same universe!
Read if you like
x Gothic/mystery reads
x Forbidden love
x Age gap (7 yrs)
This book was unputdownable. I found the writing so poetic and the descriptions so vivid. I loved the world building, Verenmore seems to be the perfect place to stay (minus the disappearances). The plot was really good, I had so many theories hahah, but at least one of them was kinda right.
I loved the tension and chemistry between Vad and Corvina. The library scenes, the nicknames and the spice, everything was so good.
I'm looking forward to reading Arkana, the other standalone set in the same universe!
Read if you like
x Gothic/mystery reads
x Forbidden love
x Age gap (7 yrs)
There Is No Devil by Sophie Lark
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘 𝓼𝓪𝔀 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓪... 𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽, 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵 𝓲𝓼 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷, 𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓹 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷, 𝓭𝓲𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓲𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝔂. 𝓘 𝓪𝓵𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝔂 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓘 𝓯𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵. 𝓝𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓲𝓽."
The second book of this duet was more character-driven than plot-driven, but I still enjoyed it. A lot. I loved the character development of the MCs. How Cole is always there and cares for Mara, how he helps her overcome her trauma. He shows her that there's more than simply focusing on her flaws. He’s everything she wanted in her life, but did not think she deserves. On the other hand, Mara shows him that change is possible and that there's no shame in opening up to someone.
Regarding the plot, the tension and the angst were still very much present. However, I did find the ending a bit rushed. I also liked how the books approached the different types of revenge. The one you don't necessarily need to seek, the one you need in order to move on, and the one you take just because you can.
Overall I really enjoyed this duet. I’m always doubtful when it comes to series that are popular, but this one really deserves it, in my opinion.
There Are No Saints by Sophie Lark
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5/5
My mistake for not reading this duet sooner. This was more than what I expected.
I really appreciated Mara's bravery and resilience. Even though life has thrown shit events at her, she knows better things are coming. And if not, she knows that she will survive because she’s made it this far. She’s also the type of character that settles for less, because she thinks that she deserves less, but I'm excited too see the character development in the second book.
I like how her relationship with Cole is developing. It’s not only about her coming to terms with her past, but also for him to discover who he really is, behind the mask that fools almost everyone, and that ego. They both found the someone with whom they can finally be comfortable around.
The ending was not what I had in mind. I hope the second book is going to bring even more action and tension, and I can’t wait to see how it ends. I just wish we had more of Alastor Shaw, but I'm guessing that's for the second book.
Please check TWs!
Read if you like:
× Dark Romance
× Stalkers/serial killers
× Enemies to lovers
× 2 PoVs
My mistake for not reading this duet sooner. This was more than what I expected.
I really appreciated Mara's bravery and resilience. Even though life has thrown shit events at her, she knows better things are coming. And if not, she knows that she will survive because she’s made it this far. She’s also the type of character that settles for less, because she thinks that she deserves less, but I'm excited too see the character development in the second book.
I like how her relationship with Cole is developing. It’s not only about her coming to terms with her past, but also for him to discover who he really is, behind the mask that fools almost everyone, and that ego. They both found the someone with whom they can finally be comfortable around.
The ending was not what I had in mind. I hope the second book is going to bring even more action and tension, and I can’t wait to see how it ends. I just wish we had more of Alastor Shaw, but I'm guessing that's for the second book.
Please check TWs!
Read if you like:
× Dark Romance
× Stalkers/serial killers
× Enemies to lovers
× 2 PoVs
The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
ARC Review | Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Witchy
“Wherever a witch’s blood is spilled, a curse remains on the land. That’s the saying, all right. Nobody ever blames the men that do the killing and the burning, do they? Instead they blame the witch.”
I have always been interested in stories about witches and this one did not disappoint. The Witch of Tin Mountain is not only a story about women, but also about power and justice. Paulette Kennedy’s writing style and the haunting atmosphere she set up grip you from beginning to end.
The main characters were obviously women, which I loved. Their bravery and determination to take back what was taken from them is inspiring. Deirdre and Anneliese were definitely my favourite ones. I admit that I did have to take some notes to remember all of the side characters. There were so many of them because of the multiple timelines.
The plot was unique and the story did not lack plot twists and tension. Throughout the story, each reveal kept me even more captivated and I could not drop the book during the last chapters.
By the way, the author’s notes were interesting to understand how this story came to life. Thank you the author and to NetGalley for this ARC!
Read if you like:
• Historical fiction
• Witchcraft
• Plot twists
• Multiple PoVs and multiple timelines
• Scary/haunting atmosphere
“Wherever a witch’s blood is spilled, a curse remains on the land. That’s the saying, all right. Nobody ever blames the men that do the killing and the burning, do they? Instead they blame the witch.”
I have always been interested in stories about witches and this one did not disappoint. The Witch of Tin Mountain is not only a story about women, but also about power and justice. Paulette Kennedy’s writing style and the haunting atmosphere she set up grip you from beginning to end.
The main characters were obviously women, which I loved. Their bravery and determination to take back what was taken from them is inspiring. Deirdre and Anneliese were definitely my favourite ones. I admit that I did have to take some notes to remember all of the side characters. There were so many of them because of the multiple timelines.
The plot was unique and the story did not lack plot twists and tension. Throughout the story, each reveal kept me even more captivated and I could not drop the book during the last chapters.
By the way, the author’s notes were interesting to understand how this story came to life. Thank you the author and to NetGalley for this ARC!
Read if you like:
• Historical fiction
• Witchcraft
• Plot twists
• Multiple PoVs and multiple timelines
• Scary/haunting atmosphere
Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher
emotional
funny
fast-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
5.0
“Ya'aburnee. As in you bury me. A rough translation for the way I want to leave this world before you because I can’t imagine having to go through a single day without you in it.”
I’m obsessed with Iris and Declan. I didn’t think that I would love this couple more than Rowan and Zahra, but here we are.
The chemistry and the tension in this book are insane. Iris and Iris were made for each other. Their sarcastic banter was everything and the way they declare their love is so cute.
Iris is the best. Determined, funny, stands her ground and never gives up on her dreams. I probably should take notes, because taking care of plants is a task too difficult for me. Declan’s character development was *chef’s kiss* . As the eldest of his family, the grumpiness is really understandable, especially given the father that he has. Iris showed him there’s way more to life than setting another goal each time you achieve one, because that really doesn’t count as enjoying life. Both of them struggled with their past but didn’t let that define them. Anyway, a couple that overcome their fears/trauma together stays together.
I really liked that it was fast paced, this book doesn’t feel like it’s +450 pages long at all. I’ll probably post a reel this weekend :)
Read if you like/Tropes:
x age gap
x workplace romance
x marriage of convenience
x banter
x “when he hates everyone but you”
I’m obsessed with Iris and Declan. I didn’t think that I would love this couple more than Rowan and Zahra, but here we are.
The chemistry and the tension in this book are insane. Iris and Iris were made for each other. Their sarcastic banter was everything and the way they declare their love is so cute.
Iris is the best. Determined, funny, stands her ground and never gives up on her dreams. I probably should take notes, because taking care of plants is a task too difficult for me. Declan’s character development was *chef’s kiss* . As the eldest of his family, the grumpiness is really understandable, especially given the father that he has. Iris showed him there’s way more to life than setting another goal each time you achieve one, because that really doesn’t count as enjoying life. Both of them struggled with their past but didn’t let that define them. Anyway, a couple that overcome their fears/trauma together stays together.
I really liked that it was fast paced, this book doesn’t feel like it’s +450 pages long at all. I’ll probably post a reel this weekend :)
Read if you like/Tropes:
x age gap
x workplace romance
x marriage of convenience
x banter
x “when he hates everyone but you”
Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
This book was my last read of 2022. After seeing so many good reviews, I had to read it and I really enjoyed it.
Damien is definitely book boyfriend material. He’s everything Richard wasn’t: kind, supportive, understanding, respectful and the dirty talk? I fell in love.
Abbie’s insecurities may feel annoying at times, but, in my opinion, it was a good representation of her situation. I mean, years in a toxic relationship with a man like Richard feel like hell. I can’t imagine how she put up with him. Let’s not even talk about that man.
The dynamic in Abbie’s friend group was also fun. Their Kat was my favourite, probably because she was the most reasonable one.
There were some cheesy moments, but honestly is it a good rom-com if there aren’t any? The last 25% made me feel super anxious, but there is obviously a HEA. So it’s all good.
Read if you like:
Rom-Com
Holiday reads
Age gap
Insta-love
Dirty talk (so good)
Damien is definitely book boyfriend material. He’s everything Richard wasn’t: kind, supportive, understanding, respectful and the dirty talk? I fell in love.
Abbie’s insecurities may feel annoying at times, but, in my opinion, it was a good representation of her situation. I mean, years in a toxic relationship with a man like Richard feel like hell. I can’t imagine how she put up with him. Let’s not even talk about that man.
The dynamic in Abbie’s friend group was also fun. Their Kat was my favourite, probably because she was the most reasonable one.
There were some cheesy moments, but honestly is it a good rom-com if there aren’t any? The last 25% made me feel super anxious, but there is obviously a HEA. So it’s all good.
Read if you like:
Rom-Com
Holiday reads
Age gap
Insta-love
Dirty talk (so good)
The Cleanup by Manuela Rouget, Mila Sin
adventurous
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
4.5
I may have not read a lot of RHs yet, but this one is definitely special.
Olivia is a boss. Literally and figuratively. I don’t know if I want to be her or be with her. I mean, she’s the CEO of a company, leader of her group, speaks a lot of languages, and has really great taste in music. And the men. Max, Roark, Viraj and Zach. Their dynamic was really good and the fact that they don’t like each other made everything so much funnier. I’m adding Zach in my top 5 book boyfriends list. He may be a psychopath, but the good kind. No one can do a declaration of love like him.
The two timelines made the story so much more entertaining, since the characters know each other from their teenage years. Their group feels complete only when they’re all together, because they all bring something different. The characters are 30 years old in the present timeline, which I really liked.
While there were slower moments, there was not a single moment that got me bored. The heist plot was so good. The ending was a bit rushed for me, but that epilogue was really cute. I usually prefer standalones, but I wish this was a series.
Read if you like/ Tropes:
× Friends to lovers
× Good banter
× Amazing Plot
× Badass fmc
× Multiple PoVs
× 2 timelines
Olivia is a boss. Literally and figuratively. I don’t know if I want to be her or be with her. I mean, she’s the CEO of a company, leader of her group, speaks a lot of languages, and has really great taste in music. And the men. Max, Roark, Viraj and Zach. Their dynamic was really good and the fact that they don’t like each other made everything so much funnier. I’m adding Zach in my top 5 book boyfriends list. He may be a psychopath, but the good kind. No one can do a declaration of love like him.
The two timelines made the story so much more entertaining, since the characters know each other from their teenage years. Their group feels complete only when they’re all together, because they all bring something different. The characters are 30 years old in the present timeline, which I really liked.
While there were slower moments, there was not a single moment that got me bored. The heist plot was so good. The ending was a bit rushed for me, but that epilogue was really cute. I usually prefer standalones, but I wish this was a series.
Read if you like/ Tropes:
× Friends to lovers
× Good banter
× Amazing Plot
× Badass fmc
× Multiple PoVs
× 2 timelines
Alcott Hall by Emily Rath
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ARC Review
This is without a doubt my favorite historical romance series. I was not expecting this level of drama, but what a way to end this series.
I loved the chemistry and the dynamic between the main characters. Madeline, the quiet and socially awkward woman who doesn’t like physical touch, and is misunderstood by her family. It was great to see her character development throughout the story. Charles, the vicar who’s fighting his own demons. Warren, the gamekeeper hiding secrets. His scenes were some of my favorites (he’s a Scorpio, which explains a lot). It’s a MMF romance, so you can expect spicy scenes.
There were funny, sad and happy moments. There is, of course, a HEA. The discussion following the pineapple scene may be my favorite in this book.
I also loved seeing characters from the two previous books, especially Burke. This man is a bad influence, but the best kind. Rosalie, on the other hand, is always there to give the most reasonable advice.
I’m sad that this series has come to an end, but I’ll be rereading them from time to time. While this third book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first two, not only to avoid any spoilers, but also because they’re amazing. Thank you to Emily Rath for this ARC!
This is without a doubt my favorite historical romance series. I was not expecting this level of drama, but what a way to end this series.
I loved the chemistry and the dynamic between the main characters. Madeline, the quiet and socially awkward woman who doesn’t like physical touch, and is misunderstood by her family. It was great to see her character development throughout the story. Charles, the vicar who’s fighting his own demons. Warren, the gamekeeper hiding secrets. His scenes were some of my favorites (he’s a Scorpio, which explains a lot). It’s a MMF romance, so you can expect spicy scenes.
There were funny, sad and happy moments. There is, of course, a HEA. The discussion following the pineapple scene may be my favorite in this book.
I also loved seeing characters from the two previous books, especially Burke. This man is a bad influence, but the best kind. Rosalie, on the other hand, is always there to give the most reasonable advice.
I’m sad that this series has come to an end, but I’ll be rereading them from time to time. While this third book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first two, not only to avoid any spoilers, but also because they’re amazing. Thank you to Emily Rath for this ARC!