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markita_reads's reviews
67 reviews
A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
.If you're looking for a cozy, witchy, October vibe book, this book will be for you! It will definitely give you those vibes. They say this book is like Hades and Persephone, um, I don't know about that. It didn't really give me those vibes. (Just my opinion, though.)
The audiobook is good. The narrator did a good job telling the story! She was easy to listen to and follow.
-
Thank you, Netgellay, and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
The audiobook is good. The narrator did a good job telling the story! She was easy to listen to and follow.
-
Thank you, Netgellay, and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I Did Something Bad: A Novel by Pyae Moe Thet War
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
3.5 β
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The cover art for this book is beautiful and caught my attention. In this book, we meet freelance journalist Khin, who is assigned by Vogue to get the scoop on Hollywood's #1 hottest movie star, Tyler Tun. Tyler has done his very best to keep his private life private. Then, one night on set, a strange man follows Khin into the surrounding park grounds. When he threatens her, Tyler steps in, and things escalate quickly. When she learns that this man seems to have targeted her specifically, she needs to do everything she can to find out why.
The pacing of this book felt slow to me and could have been faster. It wasn't holding my attention as much as I wanted it to, to the point that I wasn't even interested in why the man followed Khin.
The audiobook was good; the narrator did a good job. She was easy to listen to and understand. I do wish it had been a dual narrator.
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Thank you, Netgellay, St Martin Press for the eBook and MacmillanAudio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
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The cover art for this book is beautiful and caught my attention. In this book, we meet freelance journalist Khin, who is assigned by Vogue to get the scoop on Hollywood's #1 hottest movie star, Tyler Tun. Tyler has done his very best to keep his private life private. Then, one night on set, a strange man follows Khin into the surrounding park grounds. When he threatens her, Tyler steps in, and things escalate quickly. When she learns that this man seems to have targeted her specifically, she needs to do everything she can to find out why.
The pacing of this book felt slow to me and could have been faster. It wasn't holding my attention as much as I wanted it to, to the point that I wasn't even interested in why the man followed Khin.
The audiobook was good; the narrator did a good job. She was easy to listen to and understand. I do wish it had been a dual narrator.
-
Thank you, Netgellay, St Martin Press for the eBook and MacmillanAudio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Poison Ivy by Steffanie Holmes
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
2 β
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Yeah, I'm not the target audience for this story. Because what person in their right mind would screw a random stranger they don't know that randomly sneaks into their room? And oh, the main female character is blind! Really not believable and not for me.
The female narrator's voice fitted the female character, and I love the male voice. I could listen to him forever. If I'm judging or rating the audiobook based just on the voices and not the storyline, it would be 3.5 stars. Because I enjoy the narrators' voices, but the storyline is a no for me.
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Bacchanalia for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
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Yeah, I'm not the target audience for this story. Because what person in their right mind would screw a random stranger they don't know that randomly sneaks into their room? And oh, the main female character is blind! Really not believable and not for me.
The female narrator's voice fitted the female character, and I love the male voice. I could listen to him forever. If I'm judging or rating the audiobook based just on the voices and not the storyline, it would be 3.5 stars. Because I enjoy the narrators' voices, but the storyline is a no for me.
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Bacchanalia for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Visions of Darkness by A.L. Jackson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 63%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 63%.
2.5 β
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The premise of this story is what caught my attention. Aria Rialta is a girl of two realities. One she was born into. The other she was chosen for. Both are a threat. Every night when Aria falls asleep, she enters the nightmare world of Faydor to fight a war. Pax must do what no one in Faydor has dared to do beforeβjoin his soulmate in the light of day. Giving in to their forbidden attraction could be the death of them, but they might not be able to stop themselves as they embark on a cross-country journey to fight the evils hunting them. I think it was the pacing of the story that made me lose interest in the story altogether. I will reread it once the book is published. I am a mood reader, so that might be the reason as well.
ππ¨π§πππ’π§π¬
β’Forbidden Romance
β’Dark Romantasy
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Thank you, Netgellay, and Montlake for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
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The premise of this story is what caught my attention. Aria Rialta is a girl of two realities. One she was born into. The other she was chosen for. Both are a threat. Every night when Aria falls asleep, she enters the nightmare world of Faydor to fight a war. Pax must do what no one in Faydor has dared to do beforeβjoin his soulmate in the light of day. Giving in to their forbidden attraction could be the death of them, but they might not be able to stop themselves as they embark on a cross-country journey to fight the evils hunting them. I think it was the pacing of the story that made me lose interest in the story altogether. I will reread it once the book is published. I am a mood reader, so that might be the reason as well.
ππ¨π§πππ’π§π¬
β’Forbidden Romance
β’Dark Romantasy
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Thank you, Netgellay, and Montlake for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
4.2 β
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The cover art gave me "Beauty and the Beast," vibes, and it totally not this book vibe, lol. The Selection x Bridgerton x The Cruel Prince = The Rose Bargain. In this England society, every citizen is allowed to make a bargain with the fae queen. Ivy is our main lead and is about to enter society, with a shocking twist: a competition to secure the heart of the Queenβs fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivyβs family from ruinβ¦ and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her. This book was really good. During the middle, the pace was a little slow, but overall, it was a good read. The ending was a chief kiss and the cliffhanger. I need book two like now.
ππ¨π§πππ’π§π¬
β’Young Adult Fantasy
β’The Selection x Bridgerton x Cruel Prince vibes
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Harper Collins for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
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The cover art gave me "Beauty and the Beast," vibes, and it totally not this book vibe, lol. The Selection x Bridgerton x The Cruel Prince = The Rose Bargain. In this England society, every citizen is allowed to make a bargain with the fae queen. Ivy is our main lead and is about to enter society, with a shocking twist: a competition to secure the heart of the Queenβs fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivyβs family from ruinβ¦ and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her. This book was really good. During the middle, the pace was a little slow, but overall, it was a good read. The ending was a chief kiss and the cliffhanger. I need book two like now.
ππ¨π§πππ’π§π¬
β’Young Adult Fantasy
β’The Selection x Bridgerton x Cruel Prince vibes
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Harper Collins for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
Somebody's Husband by Robbi Renee
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
5 β
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Heart shattering warmly beautiful book! Ok so at first I wasn't going to read this book because of the type itself, "Somebody's Husband," just didn't sit right with me, but once I read the description it explained everything and this is not a story about infidelity, but of second chance romance. This story will definitely take you on a wild ride of emotions in the worst and best way possible! My own problem is it something had to many POV's and I would get a little confused on who was talking, but other then that. Highly recommend!
ππ¨π§πππ’π§π¬
β’Black Romance
β’Second-Chance
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Black Odyssey Media for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
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Heart shattering warmly beautiful book! Ok so at first I wasn't going to read this book because of the type itself, "Somebody's Husband," just didn't sit right with me, but once I read the description it explained everything and this is not a story about infidelity, but of second chance romance. This story will definitely take you on a wild ride of emotions in the worst and best way possible! My own problem is it something had to many POV's and I would get a little confused on who was talking, but other then that. Highly recommend!
ππ¨π§πππ’π§π¬
β’Black Romance
β’Second-Chance
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Black Odyssey Media for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
We Kept Her in the Cellar by W.R. Gorman
Cinderella retelling, but make it horror-obsessed. This book is WILD; it started with a bang and kept my attention the entire time. I devoured this book in one day. There are always two sides to a story. This dark and twisted reimagining of Cinderella is told from her stepsister's POV. Eunice lives her life by three simple rules: One, always refer to Cinderella as family. Two, never let Cinderella gain access to rats or mice. Three, never look upon Cinderella between the hours of twelve and three a.m. Cinderella has dark and terrifying powers. As her stepsister, Eunice is expected to care for her and keep the family's secret. For years, Eunice has faithfully done so. Cinderella is truly UNHINGED in this story and a very unlikeable character, but she was also highly intriguing.
The audiobook is great; the narrator did a great job. She was easy to listen to and kept me entertained throughout the story.
ππ¨π§πππ’π§π¬
β’Cinderalla Retelling
β’Horror | Gross Description
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Thank you, Netgellay and Highbridge Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Cinderella retelling, but make it horror-obsessed. This book is WILD; it started with a bang and kept my attention the entire time. I devoured this book in one day. There are always two sides to a story. This dark and twisted reimagining of Cinderella is told from her stepsister's POV. Eunice lives her life by three simple rules: One, always refer to Cinderella as family. Two, never let Cinderella gain access to rats or mice. Three, never look upon Cinderella between the hours of twelve and three a.m. Cinderella has dark and terrifying powers. As her stepsister, Eunice is expected to care for her and keep the family's secret. For years, Eunice has faithfully done so. Cinderella is truly UNHINGED in this story and a very unlikeable character, but she was also highly intriguing.
The audiobook is great; the narrator did a great job. She was easy to listen to and kept me entertained throughout the story.
ππ¨π§πππ’π§π¬
β’Cinderalla Retelling
β’Horror | Gross Description
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Thank you, Netgellay and Highbridge Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 β
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π°π πππ ππππ π ππππ ππ πππ πππππ πππ ππππππ. π°π πππππ ππ π΄π¬! I love this cover. This story would be great to read around fall | October because it gives you those cozy October vibes. I rated the eBook 3 β, but I would say the audiobook is a 3.5 maybe 4 βs. The premise of the storyline is good, and I feel the author wants to shed light on a heavy topic.
Cassandra Camberwell returns to her hometown of Hollow Brook to clear out her late grandmotherβs ramshackle old house. The last thing she expects is Seth Brubaker on her doorstep. Her former best friend was responsible for the worst moment of her high school life. Cassandra unearths the real reason Seth is hanging around her grandmother's house. He's a werewolf in need. Cassandra and Seth make a deal: Seth will teach her about being a witch, and Cassandra will make the potions that Seth needs until the Mating Bond is unlocked.
The audiobook is good; the narrator did a good job.
-
ππ«π¨π©ππ¬ :
β’paranormal | supernatural
β’plus-sized female lead
β’Mating Bond
ππ«π’π π ππ« πππ«π§π’π§π π¬ :
β’fat-shaming (fatphobia)
β’bullying
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β‘πππ₯πππ¬π Oct.1β‘
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Thank you, Netgalley, and MacmillanAudio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
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π°π πππ ππππ π ππππ ππ πππ πππππ πππ ππππππ. π°π πππππ ππ π΄π¬! I love this cover. This story would be great to read around fall | October because it gives you those cozy October vibes. I rated the eBook 3 β, but I would say the audiobook is a 3.5 maybe 4 βs. The premise of the storyline is good, and I feel the author wants to shed light on a heavy topic.
Cassandra Camberwell returns to her hometown of Hollow Brook to clear out her late grandmotherβs ramshackle old house. The last thing she expects is Seth Brubaker on her doorstep. Her former best friend was responsible for the worst moment of her high school life. Cassandra unearths the real reason Seth is hanging around her grandmother's house. He's a werewolf in need. Cassandra and Seth make a deal: Seth will teach her about being a witch, and Cassandra will make the potions that Seth needs until the Mating Bond is unlocked.
The audiobook is good; the narrator did a good job.
-
ππ«π¨π©ππ¬ :
β’paranormal | supernatural
β’plus-sized female lead
β’Mating Bond
ππ«π’π π ππ« πππ«π§π’π§π π¬ :
β’fat-shaming (fatphobia)
β’bullying
-
β‘πππ₯πππ¬π Oct.1β‘
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Thank you, Netgalley, and MacmillanAudio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
My Rules by TL Swan
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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 β
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Rebecca is a woman going through a messy divorce, and Blake is her walking red flag male friend who is trying to help her navigate being single and going on dates.
The banter is amazing! I laughed maybe 60 percent of the way through this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not new to T.L. Swan, but this is going to be a good series. The Rules is book two in the Kingston Lane series.
The audiobook is a dual narration, which is a major plus, and the narrators did a phenomenal job! I could listen and understand them clearly!
π½ππ ππππ! Can read and listen on KU
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
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Rebecca is a woman going through a messy divorce, and Blake is her walking red flag male friend who is trying to help her navigate being single and going on dates.
The banter is amazing! I laughed maybe 60 percent of the way through this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not new to T.L. Swan, but this is going to be a good series. The Rules is book two in the Kingston Lane series.
The audiobook is a dual narration, which is a major plus, and the narrators did a phenomenal job! I could listen and understand them clearly!
π½ππ ππππ! Can read and listen on KU
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
A Drop of Fortune by Danielle Garrett
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 β
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If You're looking for a cozy, witchy, fantasy? This book is for you. This was a nice read, nothing special really happened but sometime you just need those cozy vibes to balance out your everyday reads. πβ¨ #cozyfantasy #witchyreads #bookstagram
A Drop of Fortune is the first novel in a series of standalone cozy fantasy romances. After years of conscripted service to a corrupt king, Evelyn Rosewood seizes a chance to earn her freedom. With little more than an enchanted satchel and her feathered familiar, she sets out on a quest to dispel a mysterious blight that has shrouded a once-thriving harborside town in despair.
The audiobook was good, the narrator did a good job. Was easy to listen to, and likes how she changed her voice to fit different characters.π§π #audiobook #bookreview #fantasyreads
πππ₯πππ¬π Sept.24
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Thank you, Netgellay, and Dreamscape Select for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
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If You're looking for a cozy, witchy, fantasy? This book is for you. This was a nice read, nothing special really happened but sometime you just need those cozy vibes to balance out your everyday reads. πβ¨ #cozyfantasy #witchyreads #bookstagram
A Drop of Fortune is the first novel in a series of standalone cozy fantasy romances. After years of conscripted service to a corrupt king, Evelyn Rosewood seizes a chance to earn her freedom. With little more than an enchanted satchel and her feathered familiar, she sets out on a quest to dispel a mysterious blight that has shrouded a once-thriving harborside town in despair.
The audiobook was good, the narrator did a good job. Was easy to listen to, and likes how she changed her voice to fit different characters.π§π #audiobook #bookreview #fantasyreads
πππ₯πππ¬π Sept.24
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Thank you, Netgellay, and Dreamscape Select for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.