natashaleighton_'s reviews
1038 reviews

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? Yes

4.0

As action packed and plot twisty as the first, Rina Vasquez’s follow up to her romantasy debut (A City of Flames) was really good!

The worldbuilding and lore is more detailed (which had me utterly intrigued) and the swoon-worthy banter was in full swing —with more slowburn, chemistry laden tension than you can shake a stick at.

I love delving into a character’s backstory (and understand what fuels them), so was excited for the chance to learn more about Darius’ past. Despite his tough, flirtatious exterior he’s a big softie at heart and I really enjoyed watching Nara slowly realise this. They had some incredible (swoon-worthy) interactions as well, and the emotions that seep into their scenes were spectacular — I was actively on the brink of tears more than once.

We also get some pretty HUGE twists and revelations, especially where Darius is concerned which I felt not only brought depth to his character but also gave us the chance to watch Nara slowly realise her own feelings for him and begin to open up emotionally.

But, I confess Tibith, and his naive yet hilarious penchant for truth telling (and impeccable timing) did steal the show for me. I NEED him to be a POV character soo much (if not in the rest of the series then at least in a bonus chapter/ novella.)

There’s not much else in can say without spoilers, so I’ll just say if you’re looking for a dragon-filled romantasy with plenty of romantic tension, a sprinkling of spice, elves and magical quests— then you should definitely consider adding this series to your TBR!

Also, a huge thank you to Ana over at Wildfire for the finished copy

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The Frame-Up by Gwenda Bond

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-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? Yes

4.0

The Thomas Crown Affair and Ocean’s 11 meets Dorian Gray in this fun, plot twisty palate cleanser of a read that I genuinely loved!

The magical art heist premise and its focus on the complicated bonds between protagonist Dani, her art thief mother (who she helped send to prison) and her mother’s crew was really compelling. I really empathised with Dani and the difficult choices that led to the FBI catching her mum.

The heist aspect of the plot (like most heist movies) was an action packed whirlwind, that kept us guessing right up to the eleventh hour (with obligatory mishaps, betrayals and post-heist reveals) that I thoroughly enjoyed.

However, I would’ve liked the character development of our love interests (we sort of get a bit of a love triangle for a brief moment) and the rest of the cast to have been more in depth. The crew and Dani had soo much history together and I felt like we barely scratched the surface.

And the romance itself wasn’t as prevalent as I’d hoped for either which was a bit disappointing. Especially as Elliot and Dani’s second chance relationship is hinted at in the blurb, but doesn’t really leave the angsty longing stage until the last 50 or so pages.

I did like the magical realism and creepy, Dorian Grey-esque antagonist, Archer. He was the perfect, love to hate antagonist that you know you won’t be rooting for later, which I’ve come to realise are surprisingly difficult to write well. But Gwenda Bond absolutely nailed it!

Overall, this was a really quick and entertaining read that I had soo much fun with. The world and magic system was intriguing too if a little brief but I live in hope that Bond will expand on it via a sequel or spinoff at some point in the future.

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The Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho

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emotional hopeful 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

A thought-provoking, K-drama-esque romance that was everything I imagined it would be and more!

Having loved Zen Cho’s witty supernatural novel, Black Water Sister, I was excited to see how she would tackle the contemporary romance genre. Which I’m glad to report didn’t disappoint.

Delving into the complex (and slightly dysfunctional) bonds of family, class, corruption and ethics, Zen Cho’s social commentary-infused prose was a masterclass in nuance that had me glued to my seat.

The emotional depth in our protagonists (Renee and Ket Siong) was really well executed and the backstory that unfurls between them (detailing their unique family situations, longtime friendship and their reason for drifting apart) added a layer of complexity to their second chance romance that I found quite compelling.

I loved our fashion designer protagonist, Renee, and really enjoyed exploring beyond the ambitious public persona she has spent the past decade crafting to the endearing and emotionally vulnerable woman beneath.

Her struggle to gain respect for her hard earned success from her own family, and the high stakes, drama filled rivalry with her brothers (and their frustrating sense of entitlement) was edge of your seat worthy— I was completely invested in the drama and rooting for Renee the whole time.

Fellow protagonist and love interest, Ket Siong was really endearing too. His journey to uncovering the truth behind his friend’s disappearance is what leads him back into Renee’s orbit—and I loved the subtle, simmering development of their relationship.

I do think the romance aspect does occasionally take a back seat to some of the more important issue (like corruption, unethical business practices and family struggles) which is perfect if you love your romances to have a little depth.

Overall, a deft and engaging contemporary romance with a cast of flawed but compelling characters that fans of Succession or Crazy Rich Asians definitely want to consider checking out!

Also, thanks to Book Break UK and Chloe Davies for the fabulous proof.

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The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 57%.

The pace was just really slow and made connecting with the characters too difficult, which was a shame as I read another series by this author and absolutely loved it.

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The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Merhorses, Unicorns and cloud bears oh my! A cosy and whimsical, slice of life fantasy that’s bursting with magic, lush island descriptions and a cast of heartfelt, magically diverse characters I couldn’t help but find endearing.

If you love cottagecore narratives then you’re almost certain to enjoy Sarah Beth Durst’s newest fantasy standalone. Which follows a Librarian and her sentient spider plant assistant, who after fleeing the danger of a revolution, decide to set up a Jam and (secret) magical remedy shop on the island of her birth.

I adored every second of this! The warm fuzzy, feel good vibes were fabulously strong, and the low stakes action made this such an easy to digest read. Firstly I just have to say, I absolutely adored Caz, the worrisome but protective (sentient) Spider Plant. His bond with Kiela was soo sweet and I enjoyed seeing him learn to thrive in such a vastly different environment to the one he’s become accustomed too (having only ever lived inside a library.)

Meep, the newly sentient, non-binary Cactus that Caz befriends was such a fun, endearingly energetic character as well, their dynamics with Caz was soo reminiscent of Baby Groot and Rocket Raccoon (from Guardians of The Galaxy) that I found myself eager to see what escapades they’d find themselves in next.

But, it was Kiela, our introverted librarian and protagonist that really stole the show for me. Her reclusive tendencies and preference for books over people was so relatable, and exploring her emotional development which sees her slowly grow in confidence and learn to open up to the caring, found family-esque community around her (and her cinnamon roll, merhorse herding love interest, Larran) had me feeling like a proud parent.

Kindness (something our own world sometimes feels like it need more of) is at the forefront of this heartfelt escapist fantasy, with themes of friendship and finding a place to belong taking centre stage. However, we do briefly touch upon deeper issues like magical resource hoarding by the elite (and their gatekeeping of knowledge) which I found surprisingly relevant to our own world’s issues.

The clever methods in which Kiela, Caz and the inhabitants of Caltrey manage to thwart the unjust system were delightfully entertaining and definitely made certain the cosy, lighthearted tone lasted until the very last page.

Overall, this was a cosy, feel good read that fans of Legends & Lattes or Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea don’t want to miss. But beware, you’re gonna crave tons of jam and baked goods —so do make sure to stock up beforehand.

Also, thank you to Olivia and Book Break UK for the incredible proof.

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The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black

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adventurous emotional 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? Yes

5.0

Dark and deliciously twisty! The conclusion to The Stolen Heir duology, was everything I wanted from a spin-off series set in the same world as The Folk of The Air.

With twists, betrayals and court intrigue taking centre stage—along with our cast of endearingly complex, morally grey characters. Long time fans of Black’s work are in for a treat!

And finally, we get to explore Oak’s POV! I loved getting to know Wren better in The Stolen Heir, and adored the layered emotional backstory that me love her soo much. I was disappointed that Oak’s portrayal wasn’t as full of depth in the first book, so naturally I was ecstatic to delve into his equally as complex, Cardan-esque perspective this time around.

The romance between Wren and Oak is deliciously chemistry laden too, though a bit too brief for my liking. Nevertheless their dynamics will definitely appeal to Jurdan fans or anyone who loves their romance with a little angst.

Family and communication definitely play a huge role in the plot as well (which makes sense given Oak’s family) which I found incredibly interesting. I won’t spoil anything but Black weaves her plot twisty magic to perfection— I was utterly hooked!

I loved every second of being back in Elfhame and getting to see more of Cardan and Jude’s life as rulers. In fact, Jude is actually a pretty prominent side character this time around which I was very excited about.

But there were a few supporting characters I enjoyed seeing again just as much, like Tatterfell whose caring nature and protectiveness of Oak was really sweet, reminding me of her dynamics with Jude (in case you can’t remember she gave Jude the necklace of Rowan berries in The Cruel Prince.)

Overall, a satisfying if whirlwind conclusion to The Stolen Heir duology, that’s definitely worth reading if you loved The Cruel Prince. But if not familiar with the world, you may not enjoy nearly as much. (Do be sure to check TWs)

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Love at First Knight by Megan Clawson

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

This was such a fun and heartwarmingly romantic read. I adored our neurodivergent protagonist Daisy, and loved that she was the knight who (thanks to her daring alter ego Lady A) never faltered at besting her foes— come rain, shine or even during work hours.

It was refreshing to see a FMC that wasn’t a damsel and I loved the slow burn build up we get of the chemistry ladened rivalry between Daisy and Teddy. Their banter was soo entertaining, in that swoon worthy way that had me rooting for them both almost immediately.

I loved quite a few of the supporting characters too; Bobble, Daisy’s twin Samwise and the rag tag members of the Friskney Fellowship were all such endearingly entertaining characters and I’d honestly love to see more of them (especially Bobble) in a future book.

If you’re searching for a quick, compelling and utterly entertaining summer romance (full of geeky references and an introverted heroine you’ll absolutely love) then I definitely recommend checking this out— especially if your partial to the enemies to lovers trope.

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The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

A gorgeously immersive and intricately woven high stakes sequel, The Heart of The World by Amie Kaufman, had me under its thrall for days, and I loved every second of it!

The first book, The Isles of The Gods literally blew me away when I read it last year, so I literally jumped at the chance to read the sequel. And I’m glad to report it didn’t disappoint!

I was once again obsessed with the prose, which was just as free flowing, evocative and heart poundingly pacy as the first book. And I adored the effortless way Kaufman weaves nuance and complexity through the entire narrative — for me, it really brought all five of our POV characters (Selly, Leander, Keegan, Jude and Laskia) to life.

The depth we explore in each of them, through their insecurities, traumatic experiences (both on and off the page) and the emotions that motivate and guide them was really interesting. And actually contributed to making some of the more morally grey characters (like Jude) feel more relatable. That train scene between Tom and Jude actually had me choking up with emotion, it was that good.

Selly, was still my fave character though! And I loved exploring a more vulnerable side of her. Especially when she realises how out of depth she is in Leander’s world of privilege, and watches her perceptions of the people she holds most dear begin to shatter.

In fact, the depth and intimacy of all the characters (caught in their God’s unrelenting thirst for war) was what really drove the plot along and kept me utterly hooked. With the themes of love, sacrifice and destiny batting for dominance in each of them —readers are certain to find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.

Overall, a really satisfying conclusion but I do hope we get to see more of these characters (even if only in a cameo) in future works.

Also, a huge thank you to Rock The Boat for the wonderful proof!

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Cursed Under London by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.0

Bursting with whimsy, wit and a chaotic cast of loveable characters, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch’s cosy historical fantasy was an absolute delight from start to finish, I don’t think I’ve laughed quite this much in ages.

Set in an alternate Elizabethan England, where real historical events and figures collide with the supernatural—in strange and marvellous ways I found incredibly entertaining. We follow two recently deceased but not quite dead strangers (Fang and Lazare) as they embark on a quest to reverse the mysterious curse that now afflicts them.

From the (sort of tame) human streets of Upper London to it’s shadowy supernatural equivalent below ground, which sees our MCs run into deadly rival gangs, vampires, ogres and even a Zombie Christopher Marlowe. Fans of fast paced, Neil Gaiman-esque adventures will definitely want to consider checking this out.

I loved protagonists, Fang and Lazare who I found a lot of fun to explore. Their banter was soo entertaining and really helped showcase their grumpy/ sunshine dynamics (and romantic chemistry) to perfection!

Though I admit the rag-tag cast of supporting characters were really endearing too, in a bickering found family type way that had me utterly invested. Especially Amber (the dragon) who stole my heart with her polite and very earnest request to eat one of our MCs in the opening chapter.

I know humour can be very subjective so wanted to say, though I loved the humour that has been expertly woven into every scene, it does border on being quite juvenile at times (which I know won’t be to everyone’s tastes.)

But if, like myself, you love a little humour-filled absurdity (or enjoyed TV shows: Horrible Histories, Good Omens, or What We Do In The Shadows) then you’ll probably really like this.

Also a huge thank you to Blackcrow PR and Farrago books for the finished copy.

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Burning Crowns by Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle

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adventurous emotional 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? Yes

5.0

A deliciously witchy and utterly swoon worthy, high stakes finale that had me on tenterhooks until the very last page— I absolutely loved it!

With evil, witchy ancestors and an army of the undead to contend with, Eana and its Twin Queens (Rose and Wren) must prepare for the greatest fight yet. For war is coming, blood with be spilled and with Wren’s curse (and an alarming prophecy) in play —sacrifices must be made. The only question is, who will survive to rule over it?

Keeping up the pacy, plot twisty rollercoaster of events from the first two instalments (Twin Crowns and Cursed Crowns, respectively); Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber have won me over once again with their utterly compelling characters and gorgeously magical world-building.

Firstly, Tor is back!!! I was a bit disappointed by how little he appeared in Cursed Crowns, so was pretty excited to finally see him again. And he didn’t let me down! His dynamics with Wren were just as deliciously swoon-worthy as before.

But with the reappearance of our favourite grumpy King, Alarik (in all his brooding intensity) we see a bit of a love triangle beginning to form. I confess I was a little conflicted myself as I’ve come to love both Alaric and Tor, but felt Wren made the right decision (for her.)

Wren’s inner turmoil was very interesting to explore, as her feelings for the Gevran King and his Beast Master wasn’t the only thing keeping the conflicted. The events that took place in Gevra still weigh heavily on her conscience (not least because she still hasn’t told Rose.)

For all the strife Wren and Rose have had the weather since finding one another, their sisterly bond hasn’t taken that many hits. So I was equal parts nervous and eager to see how the pair overcame this new dilemma, and see whether their still developing bond could withstand the storm that secrets and lies can cause.

I won’t spoil things on that front, but I will say after pursuing different leads in an effort to thwart the danger their Queendom is in— their reunion was edge of your seat worthy. Shen, Rose’s love interest as in top form too (as was the rest of the ensemble cast.)

Overall, a satisfyingly thrilling conclusion that has eager to get my hands on the two spin off novels Webber and Doyle are currently working on.

Also a huge thank you to Rachel Quinn and Electric Monkey for the finished copy.

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natashaleighton_'s reviews 1038 reviews

natashaleighton_'s reviews
1038 reviews