marissaisbooked's reviews
897 reviews

Live Like Legends by Allie Shante

3.25

Damn did they have to fight incredibly to get there, but I’m so happy Dani and Nick got their HEA 🥹 this series can be a little rough at times so check TWs/CWs, but the payoff for these two was worth it. 

From the very start I’ve loved the side characters and I’m excited to see what’s up with Elise in the future 👀 

The pacing for the series was a little off at times, but especially in this final book. Sometimes I felt like things were being drawn out for way too long, then suddenly it was full speed ahead crazy. I think the books would’ve benefited from being edited down in some parts to help with the pacing, especially given these are fairly lengthy books.

I still look forward to seeing more from this author in the future however!

Highlights:

• Complete fantasy romance trilogy 
• Romance: MF
• Black FMC
• Angels & demons
• Reluctant allies to lovers 
• He falls first
• Found family

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

3.5

3.5⭐️?? Maybe?

I’ve been hoping for Rose’s POV of Sloane and Rowan showing up at Fionn’s house ever since B&B first came out in 2023 and I’m so glad it finally happened 😂 however, the rest of this was just kinda meh. This felt overly drawn out, I expected way more angst between Fionn and Rose, and the time jumps just felt off. Especially given how book 2 ended?? Idk, maybe it was me, maybe it was the book, but this was a struggle at times. 

Butcher & Blackbird will forever be one of my faves, but unfortunately books 2 & 3 were meh. I still overall love Brynne’s books so I’m looking forward to what she writes next. 

Highlights:

• Romance: MF
• Doctor x serial killer
• Friends with benefits
• Forced proximity
• Hurt/comfort

Note: I received an advance copy. Decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own. 

I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming

4.0

KL’s books are endlessly funny and this one truly had me cracking up. It’s a little unhinged, but I mean that in the best way possible. And the spice? HAWT. I loved this, even though the pacing was a bit weird at times. The last chunk felt a bit rushed / was full speed ahead while the beginning of the book was more focused on them just being on this planet/trying to figure each other out. The overarching plot/characters probably could’ve been spread out a little more throughout.

Highlights:
- Rom-com
- Fated mates
- Forced proximity
- Only one bed

Thank you Berkley for the free paperback 🫶🏼 decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own. 

Sheltered in the Storm by Lisa Edmonds

fast-paced

3.0

My first Lisa Edmonds book. I’ll be honest, I mainly applied for this ARC because my good friend Lindsey did the cover art work but I do really enjoy monster romance/alien romance. 

I mostly enjoyed this, but the pacing was a bit weird? This is relatively short, just shy of 300 pages and I feel it could’ve benefited from being a bit longer.

The bulk of the book was Calla healing and Vos caring for her while they get to know each other, with the adversary mentioned in the blurb not coming in to the story until 87%??? Idk, it felt very sudden and rushed.

Highlights:

• Romance: MF
• Alien romance
• Hurt/comfort
• Fated mates
• Knotting 

Thank you to Haus of Fables for the ARC. Decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own. 

Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver

3.75

A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver

3.5

I enjoyed this one more than the first, but I HATE when books have ~she doesn’t wear makeup and doesn’t feel like she needs to unlike some women~ and that happened twice within 80 pages. 

Off to the Races by Elsie Silver

3.0

Out of the Gate by Elsie Silver

3.0

Sunny Disposition by Deanna Grey

3.0

Womp womp i fear this was a little too boring for me 😫 I loved Outdrawn so was excited to get to Grey’s other books, but this just didn’t peak my interest. Also for a hockey player and gamer, there was a surprising lack of both, especially the gaming???

Highlights:

• Romance: MF
• Grumpy x sunshine
• Roommates
• Amnesia
• Hockey player x gamer
• Slow burn

High Sticking the Heart by Marie M.

3.75

The chemistry between Ariella and Dalton was 🔥🫠  I loved seeing their relationship develop and the things they were willing to do for each other to make the other happy/feel loved. 

This was a really cute, quick hockey romcom. It’s set in the NHL world, but it’s not overly hockey focused (I know that’s a worry for some readers). 

I switched back and forth between the audiobook and ebook for this, and loved both! The narrators did a great job bringing these characters to life, especially with the accents. 

It’s weird reading a book by Marie and it NOT involving stabby women 😂 but I really liked Ariella and Dalton all the same. 

Thank you MLA for the ALC and Marie for the gifted book 🫶🏼 

Note: I received an advanced copy. Decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own.