monika_is_booked's reviews
309 reviews

Brexl's Bane by Crystal Rose

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? No

5.0

Book four start off where book three left us all grasping. Taylor has been abducted and Brexl needs to find her. Even if she doesn't want him as a mate, he's still her friend and he feels the need to protect her. I don't want to spoil too much, so I'll just say that I loved the dynamic between Taylor and Brexl soooo much. Beneath his hard shell lies a vulnerable cinnamon roll and it gets harder and harder for Taylor to reject the pull between them. 
Brexl's and Taylor's story had me swooning, laughing and crying, it was fantastic. I love this series and am so looking forward to the next couple πŸ©΅πŸ’•
The Noble's Merman by S.S. Genesee

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense slow-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

5.0

After his betrothed left him heartbroken, Kent isn't interested in relationships any more. Not agreeing with his father's plans for an arranged marriage, Kent flees to the beach to find some peace and quiet. The sea and music always brought him peace and so he starts to sing, not knowing that a merman is lingering nearby. 
Mo has always been fascinated by humanity. Intrigued by the gorgeous man sitting on the beach, singing so beautifully, he draws nearer to get to know the human.
Feeling drawn to one another, man and merman form a secret relationship but soon they aren't satisfied with the limits of this arrangement. A plan is made to be together for good, but their adventure holds many dangers. Will they find a way to hold on to each other and build a future together?

This is a fantastic, adventurous story centered around Kent, Mo and their growing feelings for each other. They have so many obstacles thrown in their way, first of all being not even the same species, but they care for each other so deeply, that nothing can keep them apart long term. 
If you like historical romance with a paranormal twist, heartwarming, adventurous stories, fantastic characters, magical mysteries, found family, pirates and an adorable whale named Noon, put "The Merman's Noble" on your TBR!
Tempting the Dhampir by Elle Sterling

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted relaxing 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? No

5.0

A fun girl's night out for Sadie, her sister and some new friends on their holiday in the Carribbean turns into something more as soon as the girls discover, that the desert island isn't as uninhabited as they thought.
Everett doesn't know what to make of the ten women who suddenly disrupt his and his friend's holiday. They aren't supposed to get on the island at all. 
When he suddenly feels a strange pull towards Sadie, things start to get really complicated. Apparently the fates are up to something, pairing each girl with one of the monsters, forcing them to keep close to one another for the time being.
This. Book. Is. So. Freaking. Cute!! You can't help but love sassy Sadie and kind and caring Everett. Even though they try to fight their growing bond, it just gets stronger and stronger until they can't help but collide πŸ”₯. Everett makes it easy for Sadie to choose him and to finally open up her heart. 
I really love the idea of the fates bringing the couples together, but that they have a choice in the matter too. It kinda combines the best of two concepts ☺️
If you like: accidentally fated mates, forced proximity, lots and LOTS of excellent banter, humour, heart and fantastic 🌢️, you better put "Tempting the Dhampir" on your TBR!!



Love Language by Morgan Jones

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted 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? No

5.0

When Amy signed up for a Reality TV show on a whim, she didn't realise it would mean seeing her ex-boyfriend Theo again. Theo, Amy and the two other contestants two others, Juliette and Connor, were picked, because all of them are bi-sexual and all of them have different love languages. 
In the span of a month's, they'll be living together, getting to know each other and hopefully fall in love. They won't be under observation the whole time, but only for a few episodes where they are supposed to answer questions to get to know each other better. 
Will the producer's plan work? Can they ALL fall in love and find love in return?

When Morgan first told me about the concept for "Love Language", I was intrigued immediately. It's such a unique idea and different from anything I've read so far. 
The former couples start reconnecting, and there are connections forming between all of them on multiple levels. They complement each other beautifully. The tension throughout the first third of the book was scorchingly hot and when they finally collide...oh boy πŸ”₯. 
If you like forced proximity, second & first chances and polyamory with literally ANY combination possible between two women and two men, please put "Love Language" on your TBR!! 
The Seduction of James Gray by Colette Rivera

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense 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

5.0

James Gray is just trying to have a quiet life. He's content with his job and the people he cares about in his life. Or so he thought. When the mysterious Sebastian Storm reaches out by letter, of all means, to help him fix some problems around his mansion, James suddenly finds himself caring more and more for the eccentric recluse. 
But some things about the house and the man just aren't adding up and soon, James is in for way more than he originally thought.
After reading the "Moonlight Falls" novella "The Fall of Elijah Gray" I was really curious about Sebastian and his story. And oh boy, did I not get disappointed. His story and how it pulls James in? Fantastic!! It's kind of hard to write a review without spoiling anything. Just let me say, that I adore James and Sebastian and how their relationship evolved throughout the book. The magical mystery seems far from solved, even if there's a "happy for now" at the end of the book. I can't WAIT to see where Sebastian's and James's story will lead them after that ending!!
If you like caring, sweet characters, a healthy dose of forced proximity, a big, BIG magical mystery and a cow called "Miss Moo", then start your journey to Moonlight Falls on July 7th. The prequel-novella is already out and on KU, if you want to get to know the characters already ☺️



Pounded by Poseidon by Thea Masen, Holly Wilde

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funny lighthearted relaxing 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? No

5.0

This is such a fun, quick read. Perfect for getting you out of a reading slump or when you just need something πŸ”₯ to make you sweat πŸ˜‰
Kiss me Thrice by Ellie Mack

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Lindsay's dream of becoming a principal for the New York Ballett Theater is finally within her reach, when things start to go horribly wrong. Shawn, who's supposed to dance the Romeo to her Juliet has an accident and can't dance for the whole summer. When her childhood crush, David Powers, is roped back in after his sabbatical to stand in for Shawn, things start to get really awkward for both of them.
This is a gorgeous story, which broke my heart multiple times and put it back together at the end. I wanted to crawl into the book and hug Lindsay so badly. David is top tier book boyfriend matierial, a caring cinnamon roll with a πŸ”₯ mouth, which is the best combination ever (if you ask me) 🫠. Their story entwines beautifully with their lives as dancers and their love for ballett in general. I especially loved how Lindsay discovered that she is allowed to have more in her life than the three d's and that she finally allows herself to live. The side characters were amazing, Greer's pep talk had me laughing so hard!! And I'm looking forward to more stories from the NYBT ☺️


Wrestling with Werewolves by Hazel Mack

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emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense 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

5.0

All Lola ever wanted was to play music with her best friend Leo. But being the princess of all werewolves doesn't come with a lot of freedom. After her last concert, her father sends her to his oldest friend Richard in Ever, for her own safety. Because he's been challenged by his second.
Richard's wolf has been talking to him ever since the recent events in Ever went down. But when Marco calls and asks him to look after Lola, he agrees to host her and help keep her safe.
What he didn't expect was his wolf behaving even more erratic than usual as soon as Lola steps through the portal. Sha can't be his for so many reasons but what if it's inevitable?
How is it possible I love all the characters from this series so much?? Richard's inner dialogue with his wolf is so hilarious, wolfy (not saying his name because *spoilers*) being really pushy to claim his woman and Richard trying to be the reasonable counterpart. 
And Lola? She's perfect!! She's badass and caring, she's chasing her dream but always tries to help others. That ending?? 🫠🫠 Can't say more because *spoiler* again, but you'll definitely scream "f* yes!! Go Lola" from the top of your lungs πŸ˜…
If you like extra special fated mates, strong community bonds, Iggy in all his gargoyle-y cuteness and swoon worthy hairwash scenes, go read "Wrestling with Werewolves" 


My Bear To Keep by E.M. Sauber

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad 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? No

5.0

Reese has struggled with his past for a long time. He always lost everything that was dear to him and decided that he'll be better off alone. But when his friend's sister comes to Cypress Valley for a month, his routine is about to be turned upside down.
Since Wren uprooted her life to Cypress Valley, her sister Sydney felt more and more frustrated with her life. Stuck in a tiny apartment, with a crappy job at a diner, where she gets more and more work thrown at her without ever being appreciated for it, Sydney is in desperate need of a break. 
Coming to visit her sister, she's supposed to stay at their house, but with Wren and Kiernan being freshly mated, things turn awkward really quick. Sydney decides to ask Reece, who she felt drawn to from the first moment, for a place to stay for her remaining time in Cypress Valley. 
Will the grumpy bear shifter let her in? And what is that pull she feels towards him. He can't be her fated mate...can he?

Book 2 in the Cypress Valley series starts right where book 1 left of, switching to Reece's and Sydney's point of view. There's a constant push and pull between the grumpy alpha bear and the young, lively Syd. The tension is SO good and when they finally collide, you can hear fireworks. It takes a while for Reece to work through his feelings of not being good (enough) for Sydney. But with the help of hi friends, he finally let's go of his guilt and lets Sydney into his life. 
If you like grumpy bears, sunny and slightly bratty artists, found family and fated mates, put the "Cypress Valley" shifters on zyout TBR! Book 1 is out now, book two will be out on June 21st.
My Forever Bear by E.M. Sauber

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emotional funny lighthearted 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? No

5.0

Wren's hike didn't go as planned. Trying to claim back her life after an emotionally abusive relationship, she gets lost in the woods of Cypress Valley. Only to get chased by a giant grizzly bear, who turns out to be one πŸ”₯ shifter.
Kiernan's bear has been restless the whole day. Deciding to go for a run to let off some steam, Kiernen gets distracted by the scent of...his true mate!!
I love shifters and fated mates!! This is not a slow burn, Wren and Kiernan are instantly attracted and drawn to each other. Both have difficult pasts, but they fit together perfectly. Helping and caring for each other. The side characters are amazing and I can't wait to dive into book 2!!