Take a photo of a barcode or cover
monika_is_booked's reviews
309 reviews
The Fae of the Forest by Elle Thrasher
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
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? No
5.0
Just when Lennie starts to understand her newly acquired powers, Halvar sends her, Espen and Γyvin to retrieve a missing fae.
But what should be an easy task, soon turn out to be just as much trouble as everything Lennie stumbles into.
With time not being on their side, will Lennie and her guys succeed or will Lennie's sass once again land her in more trouble than she bargained for?
I. LOVE. THESE. CHARACTERS. SO. MUCH. This is definitely one of my favourite series in forever. Lennie and her guys, different as they all are, are able to bring on all the feels. I laughed, I had tears in my eyes, I gasped, I swooned (so hard), I had goosebumps all over and I wanted to clock my kindle over one character's head multiple times.
Book 2 is as fantastic as book 1, bringing on a lot of fun, heart and action. I loved how Lennie finally opened up to Espen and Γyvin, realising their relationship might not be as fae-ke as she made it out to be.
If you like why choose romance, swoony and grumpy fae, FMCs who always find trouble (or trouble finds them) start reading this series!!
But what should be an easy task, soon turn out to be just as much trouble as everything Lennie stumbles into.
With time not being on their side, will Lennie and her guys succeed or will Lennie's sass once again land her in more trouble than she bargained for?
I. LOVE. THESE. CHARACTERS. SO. MUCH. This is definitely one of my favourite series in forever. Lennie and her guys, different as they all are, are able to bring on all the feels. I laughed, I had tears in my eyes, I gasped, I swooned (so hard), I had goosebumps all over and I wanted to clock my kindle over one character's head multiple times.
Book 2 is as fantastic as book 1, bringing on a lot of fun, heart and action. I loved how Lennie finally opened up to Espen and Γyvin, realising their relationship might not be as fae-ke as she made it out to be.
If you like why choose romance, swoony and grumpy fae, FMCs who always find trouble (or trouble finds them) start reading this series!!
The Orc Outcast's Mate by Aurora Winters
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Book 2 starts right where we left Miranda and Govek at the end of book 1. After finding their way back to Rove Wood Clan, things get challenging for Miranda and Govek. Both of them are still insecure in their relationship, both think that the other one deserves someone better, someone who doesn't wake up screaming every night or has problems to control themselves. Working on their relationship and on themselves proves difficult when there are so many outside factors, trying to rip them apart.
Book 2 ends on a cliffhanger again, leaving me gasping and waiting anxiously for the final book in the series.
Book 2 ends on a cliffhanger again, leaving me gasping and waiting anxiously for the final book in the series.
Under the Lupine Moon by A. Knightley
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
Jaime Lamont has had a hard year. Having witnessed a murder on his way to a date with his online crush Finn, he cut everyone off and tried to move on.
But when his identity is revealed a few weeks before the murder trial, Finn bursts back into his life as his bodyguard.
Finn has been searching for his true mate for a long time. When he finds Jaime in the middle of a panic attack, his only thoughts are "mine, must protect". But how will he ever be able to be himself fully, being half wolf and therefore one of the creatures who hurt Jaime in the first place?
This. Book. Is. So. Flipping. Beautiful. There are so, SO many tender, caring and charming moments between these two men. Finn is top tier book boyfriend material and Jaime is just the sweetest. They both have lots of things to work through but they soon realise that that's better done together than alone. The found family (pack?) they both have is equally amazing and I can't wait (really like salivating for it) for book 2!!!
But when his identity is revealed a few weeks before the murder trial, Finn bursts back into his life as his bodyguard.
Finn has been searching for his true mate for a long time. When he finds Jaime in the middle of a panic attack, his only thoughts are "mine, must protect". But how will he ever be able to be himself fully, being half wolf and therefore one of the creatures who hurt Jaime in the first place?
This. Book. Is. So. Flipping. Beautiful. There are so, SO many tender, caring and charming moments between these two men. Finn is top tier book boyfriend material and Jaime is just the sweetest. They both have lots of things to work through but they soon realise that that's better done together than alone. The found family (pack?) they both have is equally amazing and I can't wait (really like salivating for it) for book 2!!!
Butter you up by Liz Alden
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Molly has been on a trip through the country for six months. One of her last stops leads her to Fork Lick, NY, where she needs to earn money to repair her Van.
The Bedd Family welcome's her with open arms and Molly ends up working for Ethan's and Alex's farm.
Alex holds a lot of grudges towards his family. Feeling like he was sent away at fifteen to work for another farm, which he ended up managing, still makes him angry.
When the effervescent Molly turns up at his farm, Udderly Creamy, to work for the farm shop, he feels instantly drawn to to the pretty redhead.
If you like grumpy farmers; lively, adventurous women, cute animals (really, the CUTEST!!), all the farm puns imaginable, a bit of family and relationship drama, which gets solved in the end, pick up this series!!
This is book 2 in the "Farm 2 Forking" Series, which is a multiple authors series. "Butter you up" can be read as a standalone. But if you want to get to know the characters from the start, pick up "Since you've bean gone" by Lainey Davis.
The Bedd Family welcome's her with open arms and Molly ends up working for Ethan's and Alex's farm.
Alex holds a lot of grudges towards his family. Feeling like he was sent away at fifteen to work for another farm, which he ended up managing, still makes him angry.
When the effervescent Molly turns up at his farm, Udderly Creamy, to work for the farm shop, he feels instantly drawn to to the pretty redhead.
If you like grumpy farmers; lively, adventurous women, cute animals (really, the CUTEST!!), all the farm puns imaginable, a bit of family and relationship drama, which gets solved in the end, pick up this series!!
This is book 2 in the "Farm 2 Forking" Series, which is a multiple authors series. "Butter you up" can be read as a standalone. But if you want to get to know the characters from the start, pick up "Since you've bean gone" by Lainey Davis.
The Orc Outcast's Conquest by Aurora Winters
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
4.0
Miranda's the last human on Earth. After her last hope at finding others is lost, she tumbles over a cliff only to wake up in a strange world.
Govek is different from all the other orcs in his clan. He's not gentle, slender or regal. After being outcasted of his clan, his plan is to go to war for his kind.
But his plans change drastically when a beautiful woman tumbles from the skies.
Govek and Miranda are just so sweet. Both have had traumatic experiences in their pasts. Miranda being the only survivor of the apocalypse. Govek always trying to fit in but never being able to. He has had to hide so much of himself over the years and Miranda is able to coax him out of his shell time and time again, by showing him, that he's enough and that she's not afraid of him.
Govek is really gentle with Miranda, giving her time to open up, never prying, but helping her when she gets lost in her head.
Add some hilariously funny misunderstandings because Miranda and Govek come from completely different worlds after all and a pinch of fantastic spice and you can guess how much I liked this book.
Book one in the "Orc Mates of Faeda"-Series ends on a cliffhanger, but the wait for book two isn't too long, thankfully π
I'm really looking forward to reading more about the orcs and humans of Faeda and I'm curious how Miranda's and Govek's story will continue.
Govek is different from all the other orcs in his clan. He's not gentle, slender or regal. After being outcasted of his clan, his plan is to go to war for his kind.
But his plans change drastically when a beautiful woman tumbles from the skies.
Govek and Miranda are just so sweet. Both have had traumatic experiences in their pasts. Miranda being the only survivor of the apocalypse. Govek always trying to fit in but never being able to. He has had to hide so much of himself over the years and Miranda is able to coax him out of his shell time and time again, by showing him, that he's enough and that she's not afraid of him.
Govek is really gentle with Miranda, giving her time to open up, never prying, but helping her when she gets lost in her head.
Add some hilariously funny misunderstandings because Miranda and Govek come from completely different worlds after all and a pinch of fantastic spice and you can guess how much I liked this book.
Book one in the "Orc Mates of Faeda"-Series ends on a cliffhanger, but the wait for book two isn't too long, thankfully π
I'm really looking forward to reading more about the orcs and humans of Faeda and I'm curious how Miranda's and Govek's story will continue.
Gatorly Ever After by Rhea Fox
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
"Welcome to Tranquil Waters spa resort". Alyce is on a mission. Having a highly demanding job, she doesn't have time to date. So this is her chance at finding her happily ever after. When a handsome but annoyed looking alligator hybrid catches her eye, she decides to stay away from him.
But first impressions can lie and Rodrick seems to be the only one sparking her interest.
Oh, these two are just so sweet. Alyce is trying so hard to find her soulmate but her first impression of Rodrick told her, he was only there to have some fun and nothing more. She's so torn between having to go through with her MarriageMission and wanting to spend more and more time with the hot Dreilos.
Rodrick is really attentive and considerate, trying not to overstep, remembering Alyces coffee order and helping her when she's scared.
When both of them finally collide it's π₯ as heck (hello fancy monster π and breeding k!nk) and had me sweaty in 0.2 seconds π
If you need a really cute, fun, short read or if you want to dip your toe into monster romance, you should absolutely pick up "Gatorly Ever After"!! Pack your bags for your visit to Tranquil Waters Spa on May 31st.
But first impressions can lie and Rodrick seems to be the only one sparking her interest.
Oh, these two are just so sweet. Alyce is trying so hard to find her soulmate but her first impression of Rodrick told her, he was only there to have some fun and nothing more. She's so torn between having to go through with her MarriageMission and wanting to spend more and more time with the hot Dreilos.
Rodrick is really attentive and considerate, trying not to overstep, remembering Alyces coffee order and helping her when she's scared.
When both of them finally collide it's π₯ as heck (hello fancy monster π and breeding k!nk) and had me sweaty in 0.2 seconds π
If you need a really cute, fun, short read or if you want to dip your toe into monster romance, you should absolutely pick up "Gatorly Ever After"!! Pack your bags for your visit to Tranquil Waters Spa on May 31st.
The Hunter Omnibus by Elle Beaumont
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
As long as Niklaus can remember, werewolves were being hunted. Trying to stay hidden and keeping his mother and sister safe has always been his priority. But when the opportunity arises to finally turn things around for the better, he has to take a chance.
Princess Stasya doesn't like how her father is ruling the kingdom, but she doesn't have much say in anything. Even though she's the future queen to the kingdom of Abendrot.
The "The Hunter"-Omnibus unites all four previously published novellas "Hunter's Truce", "Royal's Vow", "Assassin's Gambit" and "Queen's Edge" into one epic fantasy adventure.
I loved all the references to fairytales in the books, especially "The three little pigs". Nik and Stasya feel drawn to one another, unsure if they are able to trust the other, which creates a fantastic tension throughout the story. The side characters are truly lovely and I was really worried about some of them π .
If you like fantastic stories with shifters, fated mates, intrigue, morally grey MMCs, sassy FMCs, lovable side characters and adventures, then start your journey to Abendrot on June 5.
Princess Stasya doesn't like how her father is ruling the kingdom, but she doesn't have much say in anything. Even though she's the future queen to the kingdom of Abendrot.
The "The Hunter"-Omnibus unites all four previously published novellas "Hunter's Truce", "Royal's Vow", "Assassin's Gambit" and "Queen's Edge" into one epic fantasy adventure.
I loved all the references to fairytales in the books, especially "The three little pigs". Nik and Stasya feel drawn to one another, unsure if they are able to trust the other, which creates a fantastic tension throughout the story. The side characters are truly lovely and I was really worried about some of them π .
If you like fantastic stories with shifters, fated mates, intrigue, morally grey MMCs, sassy FMCs, lovable side characters and adventures, then start your journey to Abendrot on June 5.
Exhibited by Nellie Wilson
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Exhibit designer Jeremy Rinci is bored. Something is missing in his life. Not being able to say what that something might look like, he restarts his exhibit consulting business.
Forest ranger Nathaniel Davis (not Nate, just Davis) needs help with updating the Visitors Center at the National Forest and ends up hiring Jeremy for the job.
Quickly the two men become friends, but will their differences be too vast to overcome or is there a chance for them to finally fill the voids in their lives?
These two completely different men are the epitome of opposites attract. While Jeremy has always been open about his sexuality, Davis has a very different background and finds it hard to finally open up about his queerness.
But Jeremy and his whole friends group (we get to see a lot of them and I love it!!!!) are open, accepting and make no big deal about anything Davis opens up about.
Both men make such an effort to include the other one into their life even though they don't have much in common at the beginning.
There's a break up, which is due to Davis, finding it hard to communicate at times, which is totally on brand for him. But I think it's needed for both of them to work out some issues on their own.
"Educated" is a fantastic ending to this trilogy about an amazing group of friends finding love and always having each others back.
If found family, opposites attract, a lot of heart and a pinch of spice are your thing, put "Exhibited" on your TBR.
Or you can start the "Museology"-Trilogy with "Curated' right now.
Forest ranger Nathaniel Davis (not Nate, just Davis) needs help with updating the Visitors Center at the National Forest and ends up hiring Jeremy for the job.
Quickly the two men become friends, but will their differences be too vast to overcome or is there a chance for them to finally fill the voids in their lives?
These two completely different men are the epitome of opposites attract. While Jeremy has always been open about his sexuality, Davis has a very different background and finds it hard to finally open up about his queerness.
But Jeremy and his whole friends group (we get to see a lot of them and I love it!!!!) are open, accepting and make no big deal about anything Davis opens up about.
Both men make such an effort to include the other one into their life even though they don't have much in common at the beginning.
There's a break up, which is due to Davis, finding it hard to communicate at times, which is totally on brand for him. But I think it's needed for both of them to work out some issues on their own.
"Educated" is a fantastic ending to this trilogy about an amazing group of friends finding love and always having each others back.
If found family, opposites attract, a lot of heart and a pinch of spice are your thing, put "Exhibited" on your TBR.
Or you can start the "Museology"-Trilogy with "Curated' right now.
The Fall of Elijah Gray by Colette Rivera
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
Eli is back in his hometown Moonlight Falls to research the strange magic going on there.
Seeing his brother's best friend Parker again shouldn't be a big deal, right?! But when Elijah spends more and more time with the hot chef, maybe his research isn't everything that holds him in town.
This novella is a fantastic introduction into the new series by Colette Rivera. Getting to know the small town of Moonlight Falls and its residents, starting with Eli and Parker. The two men have danced around each other for a long time until Elijah finally realises he might not be as straight as he thought he was.
"The Fall of Elijah Grey" has made me incredibly curious as to what is going on in Moonlight Falls and I'm looking forward to James' story, which will be coming later this year.
If you like magical small towns, mysterious events and adorably cute and caring main characters, you definitely should pick up "The Fall of Elijah Grey"
Seeing his brother's best friend Parker again shouldn't be a big deal, right?! But when Elijah spends more and more time with the hot chef, maybe his research isn't everything that holds him in town.
This novella is a fantastic introduction into the new series by Colette Rivera. Getting to know the small town of Moonlight Falls and its residents, starting with Eli and Parker. The two men have danced around each other for a long time until Elijah finally realises he might not be as straight as he thought he was.
"The Fall of Elijah Grey" has made me incredibly curious as to what is going on in Moonlight Falls and I'm looking forward to James' story, which will be coming later this year.
If you like magical small towns, mysterious events and adorably cute and caring main characters, you definitely should pick up "The Fall of Elijah Grey"
Earth Boys Are Easy by C. Rochelle
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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? No
5.0
Ziggy is ready to leave Earth and it's most intriguing resident Micah Salah for good (maybe). But Micah finds him just as Ziggy is about to star hop back to Stellaria and - comes along for the ride....
And what a ride this book is!! It's full of action, conspiracies, hilarious banter, fun, so much 'imma need to bash my kindle over the heads of these two id!ots' (in a loving way of course) and aaaaaall the spicy goodness you ever needed.
Ziggy and Micah are the most adorable, capable space id!ots I've ever come across. While there are a lot of themes in "Earth boys" which you can find in all of C's books, there's also so much more, because it's taking place in space. So many new planets, places and species and I loved every minute of my trip to space and back.
If you like morally gray aliens, sunshiny human supes, exploring k!nks (for science!), hurt/comfort, an emotional slow burn (boinking first, feeling feelings muuuuch later) and you want to go on a mysterious space adventure, pick up "Earth Boys are Easy"!!
You can start your hero/villain journey with "Earth Boys", but it's so much more fun if you've read the 'Villainous Things'-Series first, starting with "Not All Himbos Wear Capes".
And what a ride this book is!! It's full of action, conspiracies, hilarious banter, fun, so much 'imma need to bash my kindle over the heads of these two id!ots' (in a loving way of course) and aaaaaall the spicy goodness you ever needed.
Ziggy and Micah are the most adorable, capable space id!ots I've ever come across. While there are a lot of themes in "Earth boys" which you can find in all of C's books, there's also so much more, because it's taking place in space. So many new planets, places and species and I loved every minute of my trip to space and back.
If you like morally gray aliens, sunshiny human supes, exploring k!nks (for science!), hurt/comfort, an emotional slow burn (boinking first, feeling feelings muuuuch later) and you want to go on a mysterious space adventure, pick up "Earth Boys are Easy"!!
You can start your hero/villain journey with "Earth Boys", but it's so much more fun if you've read the 'Villainous Things'-Series first, starting with "Not All Himbos Wear Capes".