maryp20's reviews
42 reviews

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint! Elle Kennedy absolutely nailed this! There was the perfect mix of new characters to get to know and fall in love with, with the visits from older characters we already know and love. I could not have asked for a better story between Ryder and Gigi it was absolutely amazing and cannot wait to read more of this series.

Satan's Affair by H.D. Carlton

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I really enjoyed beginning to learn about Sibby’s past and how she came to be this character. I did wish that this was longer and had more details but overall loved the book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Murder

Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Vomit, Trafficking, and Car accident

The Legacy by Elle Kennedy

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This whole series has been amazing and I’m so sad that it’s over. These characters and stories are so loveable and I find myself constantly laughing at the writing. We see all of the couples throughout the book with their continuing friendship and the ups and downs of life. While I loved this series and want the book to longer so we can see all the details and so it really wouldn’t end, I could not think of a better ending to this series. 

The Goal by Elle Kennedy

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

As always, I loved this installment of the Off-Campus series. Elle Kennedy’s writing is funny and easy going, I mean I read this, just like the rest of the series, in one day. I absolutely loved Tucker, my favorite mmc from the series by far, and the relationship between him and Sabrina.

I honestly wished it was longer and had more details about her pregnancy and the decision to keep the baby.

I just felt that some things were glossed over but all in all I absolutely adored this story.

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I genuinely did not expect some of the twists at the end but some of the others were kind of predictable. Like we all felt that certain characters were sus and or not from the start and so when some reveal or twist happened it wasn’t as big of a deal. I felt that it was pretty slow moving until the last 60-70 pages and I really struggled to want to read it. I did definitely enjoy it and would read more of her work in the future.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Violence, and Grief

Moderate: Gun violence, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Toxic friendship

Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Mental illness, and Sexual assault

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the series. The last book introduced us to all these new characters so I was happy to see the development of the characters and their stories throughout. However, the switching of POVs definitely disrupted the momentum of the plot at times. I was so happy to see Aelin get her revenge and I was so happy with the ending I cried tears of joy for her.

Masters of Death by Olivie Blake

adventurous funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is such a character based story with not a huge plot and let me just say that I absolutely adored every character, I was giggling and kicking my feet all throughout. I will say I didn’t quite understand what the game was until we witnessed them but I think that’s the whole point. This was the first time in a long while I think I read a book that had someone kind of lesson to it and I really enjoyed it, honestly teared up a bit.

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was such an easy read for me and I enjoyed it so much. It honestly was 10% plot and 90% smut and I was completely okay with that. It was super fast paced so I wish it had slowed down a bit and added in some more detail or character development but all in all I enjoyed it and will definitely continue the series.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Alcohol

Moderate: Kidnapping

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I read Assassin’s Blade after finishing Heir of Fire and I’m glad that’s when I did it. I don’t think the novellas did Calaena’s feelings for Sam justice so knowing how much he meant to her going into this made it so much more heartbreaking. And while I read this in a day, it wasn’t my favorite, definitely enjoyed each new story but it was nothing to crazy or exciting. I’m incredibly angry with the ending and hope Calaena gets her revenge.

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

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? No

4.5

I enjoyed this book so much and it had me screaming and crying and absolutely rooting for the characters. There was so much character development and growth that made me so happy and it was nice to see some new characters as well. So excited to continue!!