natashaleighton_'s reviews
925 reviews

Degrees of Engagement by Jennifer Hennessy

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A sizzlingly swoon-worthy, fake dating romance that gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings of a 00s Rom-com— but with a refreshingly take that focuses just as much on the complexities of friendship as it does the chemistry-laden relationship that grows between our MCs.

The only way I can best describe this is My Fake Fiancée meets 27 Dresses, with two relatable, Ali Hazelwood-esque protagonists that charmed their way into my heart!

I really liked Bianca; the sweetest and ever reliable, drop-everything-for-the-ones-she-loves kinda person. Despite being ditched at the celebration of her biggest achievement by literally everyone, it’s only after copious amounts of alcohol and Xavier’s suggestion that she even thinks to make them pay.

And yet, even when the worst is confirmed (her friends & family caring more about an upcoming wedding than a career altering PHD) her first reaction is to drop everything to accommodate them as they share their struggles & emotional dilemmas.

Which is why I loved Xavier soo much, he listens and supports Bianca and (in a voice of reason capacity) shows Bianca how to put boundaries between herself and her loved ones, who constantly take her for granted.

Not to mention the chemistry between the pair, which is breathtakingly palpable and swoon worthy in the most delicious of ways!

I should mention that miscommunication is the main (and only) catalyst to Bianca and Xavier’s blossoming feelings, which may be frustrating for some. However the emotional introspection we experience from them both (and their personal feelings on marriage/relationships) was intriguing and did keep me on my toes.

Overall, a well written and wonderfully addictive Rom-com for anyone who loves Ali Hazelwood and Emily Henry or wishes untraditional milestones were celebrated just as enthusiastically as traditional ones.

Also, a huge thank you to Felicia at Headline Eternal for the finished copy

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Seven Days by Rebeka Shaid

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.5

Seven Days is a tender coming of age YA that perfectly captures the nuances of love, loss, identity and complex family relationships —that is sure to appeal to fans of Holly Bourne or Anika Hussain.

Set in Bristol, we follow the journey of two teens (Noori and Aamir) who, after a chance encounter, find themselves bonding over their shared experiences of grief, identity and belonging. As they (both) struggle to move on from the loss of their loved ones, and the feelings of self doubt and otherness left in the wake of their grief.

With multilayered, endearing characters and prose that’s steeped in emotion—I enjoyed every second of this unconventional, yet utterly compelling romance.

I adored Noori (the first of our POV protagonists) and found her bold and slightly chaotic energy incredibly endearing. Having lost her cousin and best friend, Munazzah, Noori battles with her own sense of identity she seeks to understand her Cousin’s life just before the tragic accident. Leading to tensions with her father, who Nori feels doesn’t understand her need to connect with her Pakistani heritage.

Aamir, is equally as grief stricken after the death of his mother. And, after escaping the fraught tensions of his home life, finds himself sleeping rough on the bench Noori used to share with her Cousin. It’s a Meet Cute for the ages, and may quite possibly be one of the funniest and heartwarming intros I’ve ever encountered in a contemporary romance.

Over the next seven days, the pair continue to cross paths; growing closer as they trade stories and realise their lives, shared love of Rumi and personal problems aren’t all that different.

I can’t really say anything else for fear of spoilers, but I do have to mention Doughnut the dog who was an adorably hilarious, Houdini-esque highlight that I’d love to see more of (along with Noori and Aamir) in a sequel or spinoff of some sort… perhaps even following Noori’s friend Mai?

Overall, a refreshingly heartfelt and impressive debut with a romance that, though a bit of whirlwind, was intensely relatable. Fans of YA that explores serious subject material with compassion, honesty and sensitivity are almost certain to enjoy this.

Also, a huge thank you to Lorraine Keating and Walker Books for the finished copy.

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Cursed Crowns by Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle

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adventurous emotional funny 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

4.5

It’s pacy and plot twisty, and I’m soo glad I decided to wait until closer to Burning Crowns’ release to read. As I don’t think I could’ve handled the wait after THAT ending or the rollercoaster-esque events that took place.

Suffice to say I absolutely loved it! Though I am still processing everything that happened (and there’s a lot, so do pick a comfy seat as you’ll be on the edge of it a good long while.)

I really enjoyed delving into the character development of the ensemble cast that we haven’t had much time with, particularly our frosty king of Gevra, Alaric, who I was not expecting to like at all after the events of Twin Crowns. However, like Wren he hides behind a guarded exterior (preferring to be seen as as callous and cruel), in order to protect the people he loves most. But the small glimpse of humanity (and his love of painting) that we briefly see has me all kinds of intrigued as to what his journey will entail next.

Though, I admit it was the sisterly bond between our witchy Twin Queens and their very different methods of ruling (and general problem solving) that I found myself most interested in. Separated for quite a large chunk of the book, and with very limited means of communication it was fascinating to see how they coped with troubleshooting without each other to lean on quite as much.

Wren, unsurprisingly is still the sarcastic, impulsive and chaos inclined twin that I’ve adored from the beginning. But I was most impressed with Rose, whose emotional journey (and maturity) has seen her thrive in her new role as Queen. Which given how unsure and self conscious she was previously is a significant achievement. She definitely came off as more at ease in this position than Wren (who still thinks like a rebel witch than a Queen governing her kingdom) and I look forward to seeing how they both they progress in the third and final instalment.

There’s plenty of swoon worthy moments (Shen and Rose had some particularly cute ones) however, I was a little disappointed we didn’t get much time with Tor, who was wuite possibly my fave love interest in book one.

Wren does have some surprisingly intense scenes with a different character that did take me by surprise—the beginnings of a love triangle, perhaps? I can’t really explain further without spoilers, but just know it’s deliciously good.

Overall, a fun and fabulously witchy, YA fantasy that grumpy/ sunshine and enemies to lovers fans don’t want to miss!

Content Warnings

Your Blood, My Bones: A Twisted, Slow Burn Rivals-To-lovers Romance from the Author of the WHISPERING DARK by Kelly Andrew

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

House of Hollow meets Starling House in this dark and enchantingly lush, Gothic Fantasy standalone that’s set within the same world as The Whispering Dark. A tale of curses, eldritch creatures and the fallibility of humankind, but also of friendships, loyalty and the difficult choices we all must to make. Kelly Andrew has crafted a gorgeously imaginative and immersive tale that needs to be sent to Guillermo del Toro, cause I need an adaptation of this ASAP!

When her father dies and leaves her everything, Wyatt Westlock finally returns to Willow Heath, the farmhouse she spent her childhood summers in… with a plan to burn it all to the ground.

Until she stumbles upon her childhood best friend, Peter, strung up in the basement and left for dead. For unbeknownst to her, Peter is immortal; and only his ritualistic murder (at the hands of generations of Wyatt’s family) can hold back the eldritch creatures, who’ve spent centuries trying to invade her world.

But Peter doesn’t want to be the sacrificial lamb anymore, he plans to break his curse by killing the last ever Westlock… which unfortunately happens to be Wyatt.

With the property’s wards unravelling, Wyatt must turn to the only person who can help her repair them before it’s too late. Yet, despite Peter being the only one who knows how to harness her volatile magic, can Wyatt truly put her trust in a boy who’s sworn to destroy her?

I loved how intricately detailed and otherworldly in scope this was! Kelly Andrew’s hauntingly poetic yet slightly macabre prose reads like a dark, twisted fairytale — in the best, creepiest and most sinister way possible.

The terrifying sense of foreboding that we encounter from the very start, and which stalks our protagonists throughout the entire novel (from high stakes action scenes to the more emotional and introspective ones) really amplified the gothic horror elements that I thought made this such an intriguing story.

But, I do think it was the nuance and depth of our POV characters, Wyatt and Peter; their flaws, emotional ties and uncertain loyalties to each other in the face of such horrifying adversity that really made this a standout read for me.

I loved Wyatt whose emotional complexity and journey after discovering her family’s darkest secrets (and trying to make amends) had me utterly invested in her every decision. I enjoyed the depth and emotion we explore in morally grey Peter too. His traumatic experiences and conflicted emotions surrounding Wyatt were breathtakingly wrought, highlighting just how important (and life changing) the bonds of friendship can truly be.

And the romance was phenomenal as well! Slowburn, swoon-worthy and deliciously intense, I was awed by just how much chemistry Wyatt and Peter had. Even in the flashback scenes of their childhood we get glimpses of their growing feelings and I loved every second. Though I do warn it’s quite an emotional and bittersweet journey so do prepare to shed some tears along the way.

If you’ve read The Whispering Dark you’ll be pleased to know that Delaney and Colton make a cameo, as does Delaney’s friend Mackenzie (who happens to be Wyatt’s cousin.) It was a lovely surprise and I hope we get more stories within this world, if only so that we can catch more glimpses of them.

Overall, an impeccably written and atmospheric read that horror loving, dark fairytale and Gothic fantasy lovers should definitely consider adding to their TBRs. Though do check the TWs first.

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Unladylike Rules of Attraction: A Marleigh Sisters Novel by Amita Murray

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adventurous emotional funny 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

4.5

The second instalment in Amita Murray’s richly detailed and refreshingly diverse Regency romance series, is just as fun and unapologetically feisty as the first— I absolutely loved every moment of it!

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out the first book in the series, Unladylike Lessons in love which is a swoonworthy regency romp full of depth that quickly stole my heart when I read it last year.

The writing in its sequel is just as captivating and rich in detail, with settings and descriptions that are not only grand, but also capture the harsh realities of life outside of the royal court and upper class social circles of the era.

As a court musician at the palace, our protagonist Anya straddles the line between wealth and poverty, relying on her skill and favour with the Queen (and the ton) to stay afloat. But her charisma and musical gift cannot change the sexist, racist and classist attitudes that pervade the upper classes.

So when a client, the Dowager Countess Budleigh leaves her a fortune, Anya has the chance to really make a difference—not only in her life but also the life of her young protege, Trixie.

The only caveat being, to inherit she must marry before her twenty fifth birthday or the money will revert to the executor of the will— the maddeningly frustrating (and utterly handsome), Lord Damien Ashton.

But Damien is the least of her worries, as the Budleigh family believe they’ve been swindled and are willing to do just about anything to keep the inheritance for themselves…

Like the first book, I really enjoyed this! The Bridgerton-esque, rivals to lovers romance was really engaging and the depth filled characters really fun to explore.

I really liked protagonist Anya, who like her sister Lila is a clever, compassionate and enterprising young woman who has worked hard for her success. But as much as the ton (and Queen Charlotte) adore her music, she knows (as a the half-Indian, illegitimate daughter of an earl) just how quickly that success can be stripped away. Which has lead to a carefully crafted and guarded persona that few are able to break through.

Damien, much like Anya has suffered his own fair share of prejudice, having grown up in Jamaica as the grandson of a black woman; and inheriting a title and land many (particularly the Budleigh’s) would deem him unfit for. As such, he appears very standoffish and uncaring at first glance. But as we get to know him we discover a caring and loyal character determined to use his position to enact change and advocate for others less fortunate than himself.

I loved his chemistry with Anya, which was sizzlingly swoon-worthy if a little swifter than I anticipated. However, I enjoyed watching their interactions as they steadily let down their guards (and begin to care for one another) even more.

The supporting cast were great too, with Damien’s brother Jeremy and Anya’s protege Trixie completely stealing my heart. Though, I admit it was the cameos from Lila, Ivor and Walsham (Lila’s sassy butler) that I was most looking forward to —and they did not disappoint! I’m definitely hoping we get to see more of them (as well as Anya and Damien) in the third Marleigh Sisters book.

Overall, a delightful, mystery filled romp that Regency Romance lovers and fans of Georgette Heyer or Julia Quinn desperate for more diverse rep definitely need to check out.

Also a huge thank you to author, Amita for the proof copy.

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The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Deliciously dark and gloriously intriguing! Hannah Whitten’s prose was once again a breathtakingly vivid and atmospheric treat for the senses, merging magic, court intrigue and a deliciously addictive (forbidden) romance that utterly ensnared me.

I adored protagonist, Lore despite her flawed and often selfish tendencies. But her upbringing (raised by poison smugglers) and the necessary secret keeping when it came to her abilities (to control death magic,and even occasionally raise the dead) really showcases her need for self-preservation. When first introduced, Lore’s a sharp witted and incredibly guarded character who rarely trusts anyone, but as she spends more time with warrior priest, Gabriel and roguish Prince Bastian, we begin to unearth a slightly softer, more vulnerable side that I found incredibly endearing.

Bastian and Gabriel, as characters were both quite endearing and in depth as well, as we delve into their pasts and understand the actions and motivations that have shaped them. I liked Bastian who’s flirtatious and outgoing demeanour could rival even Cardan and Jacks at the height of their charm . But, I have to admit it was the brooding but loyal, duke turned monk (Gabriel) that managed to steal my heart.

His chemistry with Lore was palpable and their intensity together was spectacularly swoonworthy. It did get some love triangle esque vibes between Lore, Bastian and Gabriel so interested to see where (and how) things develop.

It’s definitely my fave of Hannah Whitten’s books soo far and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy the sequel.

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How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

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emotional funny 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? Yes

5.0

A gorgeously written and all encompassing contemporary romance, that tugged at my heartstrings just as much as it made me swoon. If you love your romances slow burn, sizzlingly intense and bordering the literary— then you’re in for an absolute treat!

Told through the alternating POVs of Helen and Grant, whose complicated history (Helen’s sister committed suicide via moving car, which happened to be driven by Grant) and growing attraction sees them navigating grief, guilt, the long term effects of trauma, forgiveness and even love in a heartfelt (and surprisingly pragmatic) way that I found incredibly relatable.

Given that gut punch of an opening chapter, I had no idea how Yulin Kuang was going to get our protagonists to actually talk to each other (let alone fall in love.) But the intricate (and nuanced) way in which their chemistry and intense attraction for one another is explored was simply breathtaking.

I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for a couple quite as much as I did Helen and Grant, who have far more in common than either could ever imagine. Both struggling to cope with the after effects of their shared trauma and the loneliness caused by their emotionally guarded, workaholic lifestyles. I loved watching them slowly puzzle each other out, and begin to open up to one another—healing emotional wounds they’ve both carried for thirteen years.

Helen’s complicated bond with her mother and the guilt she feels surrounding her relationship with Grant adds the perfect amount of conflict to keep things interesting without spiralling into anything overly dramatic or unbelievable.

I do think this is the kind of book that needs to be read to be truly appreciated, and I honestly feel Kuang’s background in screenwriting helped soo much with that. Oftentimes with prose dripping with sensory imagery that evoked grand and complex feelings without a single line of dialogue needed (which I absolutely loved.)

Overall, How To End A Love Story was a lush, emotional rollercoaster of a debut that has me eager for more of Kuang’s work. Fans of Emily Henry or Sally Thorne should definitely consider picking this one up. Just check the TWs first.

Also, a huge thank you to Tallulah over very at Hodder Fiction for the fabulous proof.

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Darker by Four by June CL Tan

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adventurous 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? It's complicated

5.0

Darker By Four was a deliciously intriguing and exhilaratingly pacey urban fantasy, with a slow burn, (and heart meltingly sweet) friends to lovers romance I absolutely adored.

With inspiration ranging from The Ten Courts of Hell to Manga and Xianxia C dramas, it’s hard not to fall in love with Tan’s rich and utterly compulsive storytelling which reminded soo much of the urban fantasy books I adored as a teen/young adult in the 2010s.

Like Jade Fire Gold (Tan’s debut which I also enjoyed) I was instantly drawn in by the multilayered and nuanced cast of characters whose personalities, intertwined fates and emotional journeys had me thoroughly hooked.

Though I loved protagonist, Rui whose tough and standoffish outer exterior hides a complex, tender hearted teen still dealing with the murder of her mother and the emotional breakdown of her father—it was mage, Zizi (Rui’s longtime friend and love interest) that completely stole my heart.

His sunshiny demeanour paired well with Rui’s grumpy one and I loved how easily he was able to make Rui forget all her worries. The banter was phenomenal as well, serving as the perfect dose of comic relief between the more intense, emotionally charged scenes—especially when Yiran is introduced and viewed (by Zizi) as competition for Rui’s attention.

Yiran, much like Rui is quite an emotionally detached character when we first meet him, but his frosty demeanour soon melts as we delve into the hurt and emotional pain that has built up from a lifetime of being sidelined and overlooked by his family (whether that’s because of his illegitimacy or not inheriting the power his family are infamous for.) It’s definitely quite heartbreaking to explore, but his arc is the one I feel people may resonate with the most.

The one sided rivalry aside, the secrets, twists and revelations really propelled the narrative to that exquisitely explosive conclusion, and even had me second guessing every character (and decision) I came across. There were about two or three characters I had been certain were Four and I was wrong about all of them!

Overall, a high octane, high stakes and gorgeously immersive read that fans of The Shadowhunter Chronicles or pacey, YA Fantasy should consider checking out.

Also, a massive thank you to Kate Keehan & Hodderscape for the stunning proof.

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The Stranger Times by C.K. McDonnell

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adventurous funny 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? Yes

4.0

Weird, witty and hilariously addictive! The Stranger Times is a Neil Gaiman/Terry Pratchett-esque paranormal Fantasy that I had soo much fun reading.

The prose was incredibly engaging with plenty of laugh out banter and the magic system was really intriguing. I loved the little newspaper articles that begin each chapter, an enjoyably immersive element that brought The Stranger Times newspaper (and employees) to life.

The pacing was a bit slow at first but as we get further into the story (alternating between the shadowy dealings of our mysterious villain & protagonist Hannah as she embarks on her new job at The Stranger Times) the action and page-turning mystery really amps up.

But it wasn’t just the action and intrigue that had me soo invested. I also really liked the cast of eccentric but loveable characters, each of whom had their own unique personalities, motivations and secrets that kept me fully invested and eager to know more about them. Especially Manny who, though not in very many scenes, was easily one of my favourite characters (along with Banecroft, Stella, Hannah and Grace.)

Though, I have to say for a book as humorous as this, I was rather impressed with the nuance and emotion that C.K. McDonnell skilfully weaves into the lives of soo many characters. Divorce, death, grief (and even the desperate attempts of a parent trying to save their child) all play a role in propelling the narrative and giving us a deeper understanding of what made each character tick.

I genuinely loved every second and cannot believe it took me soo long the finally read this—it’s AMAZING!

Overall, an incredibly strong series starter that has me super excited to read the rest of the series. If you love misfit-esque, found family dynamics and tons of humour with your mystery —then I highly recommend picking this up.

Also, a huge thank you to Transworld for the finished PB copy.

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a paranormal romance written by the Queen of contemporary STEM romance, but I had no reason to fear as Hazelwood’s signature brand of humour, chemistry laden romance and endearing characters were all here. So if you’ve loved all of Hazelwood’s other works, you’ll probably gonna enjoy this just as much.

Our protagonist Misery, much like Hazelwood’s other leading ladies was utterly in a quirky, Jess from New Girl kind of way that I couldn’t help but find endearing. Her loneliness and longing to find connection tugged at my heartstrings and I loved the tentative bond we see form between Misery and Lowe (our sexy alpha werewolf and love interest) as they (not so slowly) begin to give in to their mutually growing attraction.

I really enjoyed the banter too, which was incredibly entertaining,though the plot was a little predictable. But it certainly makes up for it in the romance stakes as the sexual tension was OFF THE CHARTS!

The only thing I wasn’t keen on was then the misunderstanding/ conflict that takes place (which I found a little irksome), but the ending (and those gloriously steamy scenes) definitely more than made up for it!

Overall, a fun and deliciously romantic read that Rom-com lovers currently entering their paranormal romance eras, (or anyone who liked Twilight back in the 2010s) should definitely consider checking out.

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natashaleighton_'s reviews 925 reviews

natashaleighton_'s reviews
925 reviews