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my8ltters's Reviews (211)
The Rose Bargain was such a fun and surprising read! I really enjoyed the characters, each one felt lovable in their own way. Getting to read from different contestants' perspectives made it even better. I loved learning why each of them chose to join the competition to marry the prince. I think it made the story feel more personal and real.
At first, I didn’t really see the chemistry between Emmett and Ivy. Honestly, I was lowkey rooting for her and Bram instead. But once I hit the 50% mark? That totally changed. Emmett really grew on me, and their connection made more sense the deeper the story went.
I wasn’t expecting the book to get that dark. It started off feeling light and fun, but the second half definitely got more twisted, especially the ending, which really caught me off guard. I’m definitely looking forward to the second book in this duology when it comes out. Can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
At first, I didn’t really see the chemistry between Emmett and Ivy. Honestly, I was lowkey rooting for her and Bram instead. But once I hit the 50% mark? That totally changed. Emmett really grew on me, and their connection made more sense the deeper the story went.
I wasn’t expecting the book to get that dark. It started off feeling light and fun, but the second half definitely got more twisted, especially the ending, which really caught me off guard. I’m definitely looking forward to the second book in this duology when it comes out. Can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
One thing I especially liked was being inside Katniss’s head. Reading her thoughts and seeing things from her point of view made the story feel deeper than the movie. You really get to understand her more in the book.
Even though I already knew the plot, it still kept me hooked. I’d totally recommend reading the book first if you haven’t seen the movie yet. But either way, the book is so good—it’s definitely worth reading!
The book seems to have a very interesting premise and some compelling ideas, but I found myself struggling through much of the first half. While the world building was interesting, it often felt like we were being told about it through diaries and exposition rather than experiencing it directly through the story. This made the world feel more distant. The pacing didn’t help either. The chapters in the first half felt especially long and drawn out, lacking the rhythm and urgency that the latter half begins to find.
One of my biggest disappointments was the contrast between the two central relationships. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Leyla and Najja. Their connection felt alive, emotional, and far more engaging than Favre and Thana. I understand Favre and Thana’s arc is key to the world's history, but it lacked the emotional pull and yearning I was hoping for. That imbalance really took away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
The second half does pick up, but by then, it felt like I had already lost a lot of emotional investment. I wish the narrative had leaned more into the tension, the intimacy, and the potential it had with Leyla and Najja.
The book opens strong and sets up an intriguing world and conflict...but I’ll be honest, while the build up throughout was solid, the ending didn’t land as powerfully as I had hoped. It just didn’t hit that big emotional or plot payoff I was waiting for.
The world building was okay. The war between kingdoms and Arwen was took in by the Onyx kingdom where she meets out MMC in exchange for letting her family go. I really loved the romance. Arwen wasn’t annoying, thankfully, and she stayed true to herself the whole time. She knew who she loved, who she trusted, and didn’t waver unnecessarily. It was supposed to be enemies-to-lovers I think? But it didn’t totally give that enemies tension I usually look for. Also, even though this is marketed as adult fantasy romance, it definitely has a YA feel to it, just something to keep in mind going in.
The world building was okay. The war between kingdoms and Arwen was took in by the Onyx kingdom where she meets out MMC in exchange for letting her family go. I really loved the romance. Arwen wasn’t annoying, thankfully, and she stayed true to herself the whole time. She knew who she loved, who she trusted, and didn’t waver unnecessarily. It was supposed to be enemies-to-lovers I think? But it didn’t totally give that enemies tension I usually look for. Also, even though this is marketed as adult fantasy romance, it definitely has a YA feel to it, just something to keep in mind going in.
This was hands down my favorite read of 2025 so far. I don’t even know where to begin because the book had me completely hooked from the first page. It started strong, ended even stronger, and never let up in between. I was literally on the edge of my seat the entire time.
The beginning was so emotional and heart-wrenching. I felt everything Laia was going through, and it instantly pulled me into her world. The way this was written is just incredible. It honestly felt like I was watching a movie. Every scene was vivid, and the pacing was perfect. It was intense in all the best ways.
The characters? Of course, I absolutely hated the Commandant. Like, no redeeming qualities at all. I don’t think there’s anything that could make me feel sympathy for her, and that’s saying something. On the flip side, Izzi and Cook were amazing. Their loyalty and strength made them such standout side characters, and I adored their relationship with Laia.
And that twist?! Totally didn’t see it coming. I knew when Cook warned Laia about the Resistance but still I wasn't expecting it to be like THAT, you know?? And of course I cannot not mention how the worldbuilding was next level. It felt so real and immersive, like I was living inside the story. By the time I hit the last page, I was ready to jump into the next book. If you love fast-paced, emotionally intense fantasy with unforgettable characters, this book is a must read!
The beginning was so emotional and heart-wrenching. I felt everything Laia was going through, and it instantly pulled me into her world. The way this was written is just incredible. It honestly felt like I was watching a movie. Every scene was vivid, and the pacing was perfect. It was intense in all the best ways.
The characters? Of course, I absolutely hated the Commandant. Like, no redeeming qualities at all. I don’t think there’s anything that could make me feel sympathy for her, and that’s saying something. On the flip side, Izzi and Cook were amazing. Their loyalty and strength made them such standout side characters, and I adored their relationship with Laia.
And that twist?! Totally didn’t see it coming. I knew when Cook warned Laia about the Resistance but still I wasn't expecting it to be like THAT, you know?? And of course I cannot not mention how the worldbuilding was next level. It felt so real and immersive, like I was living inside the story. By the time I hit the last page, I was ready to jump into the next book. If you love fast-paced, emotionally intense fantasy with unforgettable characters, this book is a must read!
So I just finished The Final Gambit, and while I liked it overall, sadly, it’s probably my least favorite in the series. It might have to do with me not continuing the series for almost a year too T^T.
There were definitely things I enjoyed, like the chemistry between Avery, Jameson, and Grayson. I loved seeing how much Avery has grown. She’s more confident, more in control, and it was satisfying to watch her step fully into her role.
Now, what I didn't really like, the love triangle dragged a bit for me. At this point in the series, it felt kind of tired, and I wasn’t super invested in who she’d end up with anymore. I also felt like the book was trying to do a little too much. TBH I knew it was going to be Jameson, I thought it was already obvious enough in book2.
Still I loved the mystery, the riddles, the twist just like in the first book and, it was a solid ending. I’m glad I read it, and if you’ve made it through the first two books, it’s definitely worth finishing the trilogy. Just go in expecting more emotional wrap-up than high stakes puzzle solving.
There were definitely things I enjoyed, like the chemistry between Avery, Jameson, and Grayson. I loved seeing how much Avery has grown. She’s more confident, more in control, and it was satisfying to watch her step fully into her role.
Now, what I didn't really like, the love triangle dragged a bit for me. At this point in the series, it felt kind of tired, and I wasn’t super invested in who she’d end up with anymore. I also felt like the book was trying to do a little too much. TBH I knew it was going to be Jameson, I thought it was already obvious enough in book2.
Still I loved the mystery, the riddles, the twist just like in the first book and, it was a solid ending. I’m glad I read it, and if you’ve made it through the first two books, it’s definitely worth finishing the trilogy. Just go in expecting more emotional wrap-up than high stakes puzzle solving.
While there were definitely things I liked, this ended up being my least favorite in the Dreamland Billionaires series. One thing I really did enjoy was the chemistry between Cal, Cam, and Lana. Their dynamic felt genuine, and there were some really sweet and emotional moments that pulled me in. The second chance trope with Cal and Lana was amazing, and of course Cam added an extra layer to it all.
Still, I the book felt way too long, and not in a good way. There were parts that dragged and scenes that didn’t feel necessary. What made it more frustrating was that the parts that should’ve been focused on, like Cal’s rehab and the real struggles with addiction, were kind of brushed over. For a book this length, I expected more depth in that area, especially since it’s such an important part of Cal’s story. So while I didn’t dislike it and I still love the series overall, this one just didn’t hit as hard for me.
Still, I the book felt way too long, and not in a good way. There were parts that dragged and scenes that didn’t feel necessary. What made it more frustrating was that the parts that should’ve been focused on, like Cal’s rehab and the real struggles with addiction, were kind of brushed over. For a book this length, I expected more depth in that area, especially since it’s such an important part of Cal’s story. So while I didn’t dislike it and I still love the series overall, this one just didn’t hit as hard for me.
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I’m honestly so impressed by how rich and layered this story is. I absolutely adored all the main characters.. Harristan and Corrick are both so complex in their own ways, and I really loved the brother dynamic. Tessa, our soft and strong FMC, had me rooting for her from the start. She’s caring, brave, and driven by such pure intentions. Quint and Rocco also stole little pieces of my heart with their loyalty.
The plot was intense and addicting. The tension between rebellion and royalty and the inner workings of the court all kept me completely hooked. I loved the themes of justice, sacrifice, and choosing hope in dark times.
That said… while I loved the journey and the emotional weight of the ending, I didn’t feel a strong pull to immediately dive into the next book 😔Though, overall, Defy the Night is a beautifully written, character-driven fantasy with high stakes and heart.
The plot was intense and addicting. The tension between rebellion and royalty and the inner workings of the court all kept me completely hooked. I loved the themes of justice, sacrifice, and choosing hope in dark times.
That said… while I loved the journey and the emotional weight of the ending, I didn’t feel a strong pull to immediately dive into the next book 😔Though, overall, Defy the Night is a beautifully written, character-driven fantasy with high stakes and heart.