neatens's reviews
21 reviews

Drowning by Briar Lane

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

1.0

The storyline was confusing. And the editing was worst. It wasn’t spicy — just a few lines of some “scenes” that wasn’t even descriptive. It was rushed and character development was none.

The Queen & The King by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

📖The Queen and The King by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune📖

This was a Retelling about Hades x Persephone and the third installment of a series. I really thought I would have to read the first two but to my surprise, I can say that it can read as a standalone — in my point of view.

This was also the second retelling I read of these two and it was such a good one! I personally researched before about them and this was well-received! I love every bit of romance into this story. It was very romantic and the slow burn was delicious. I love how they met in dreams and the tension between them was fantastic. Demeter was always making things complicated for them and the way she treated Persephone was way harsh which I actually love. Everything was written even the sensual scenes. There was a lot but it was perfect.

The only thing I don’t understand is that the way communication around Olympus was a phone? I thought they have powers and yet they use this? But then again, I still love it and would really recommend this story to anyone who loves retelling, Hades x Persephone, and Mythology.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC! I really do enjoy this one the most!

Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

Will edit this but disappointed is the word

Here With you by D.C. Kile

emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

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

4.0

This story is my first cowboy romance that I never thought I wanted. I was all over my head and smiling from ear to ear. It was so good that I think I want more from the author. It was so romantic that I wish I have my own Benny Boy.

Thank you for sending me an ARC and trusting me with this Author! ☺️☺️☺️

Heavy Is the Crown by Jasmine Parra

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.0

When you read about book with only few pages and you know that you will love it? This is it!

A story that follows Amora, a powerful FMC, in the royal family with magical flare. Her family was lovingly unique especially her siblings. They were all lovable! Amora is such a badass and inspiring character! She is powerful yet vulnerable. Too contrasting character but that’s why I love her. Vulnerability is both a weakness and a power, a weakness that can turn into the  most powerful thing to hope and fight! The bonds within the family were admirable too. I love them though I was confused to the twins and tbh in reality. Also, a shoutout to Marko. I am definitely blushing over him. He was everything Amora wanted. (me too!) The thing about multiple POVs is that you will get to see their perspective to the world which I absolutely love. 

I need more please!!!

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

It took me such a long time to finish this book coz I have been waiting for the audiobook of the next sequel of this series. This may be a novella but I enjoyed it. This is after the war and I am happy that SJM took the time to give us these details coz to be honest, there are some series or books that just leave us hanging with their happy ever after. There were some spicy scenes but I am more excited about the other characters’ development and probably their future love team. I will forever love the “Court of Dreams” and the fact that they now have, River House/Manor I can’t thank myself enough for giving this series a go and thank you booktok for reminding me that this is still a good community.

PS WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LUCIEN AND TAMLIN? Please tell me!

PS The dramatized audiobook will always be favorite! @audible 

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

adventurous challenging funny 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? Yes

5.0

A Norse Mythology that follows Freya and her adventure into becoming a warrior. It is about making your own destiny and choices that will always have a return. This story is a romantasy that is full of witty banters, betrayals, and choices. A tortuous adventure with a dash of spice. It was fun to read because it was immersive and the writing was poetic. Thank you Ms Jensen for this amazing story! I love everything. Devoured it in a few hours. 

PS. For these past few weeks, I have been falling in love with books that is part of a series. And it is my impending doom to wait patiently but it was such an honor to read these stories.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: War, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Grief, and Murder

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring 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

For those who wanted to feel appreciated and loved, this is the perfect book for you.

I have never expected anything from this aside from those people who said, it is one of their great reads this 2023.

As I dived into the story, Iris who lost everything she has. Lost her family and her dream job, I became seriously invested in it.

The way Iris wrote to her brother. The memories she remembers with such loving manner are just so beautiful. The way her mom finally stood up for her family after the tragedy that happened to them but eventually failed. It pains me. It hurts how Iris struggled through her life but still kept going as it is her only way to survive. A longing that she desperately needed finally found through Roman.

Roman was basically Iris’ co-worker. They have banters that were awfully comedic yet lovable. Until the time author revealed how Roman knew everything from the start.

Remember when Iris wrote to her brother? Well, Roman magically received it. He may have plotted against her about her letters but as he divulged into it, he somehow felt strongly to care for her without him realizing it.

It was so beautiful. It wasn’t slow pace in my opinion. It was enough for me to love both the characters and the story. The way Rebecca Ross wrote them was a chef’s kiss.

I don’t think another description would suffice the beautiful world the author made through this story. I fell in love with it. 

Roman is, I think, everyone exactly needed. He literally dropped everything for Iris because he realized he loves her and needs to protect her at all costs. It was beautiful.

The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli

adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad 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 true enemies to lovers romantasy trope. This story is about a witch hunted by a witch hunter. Both MCs have a very interesting story individually. I love their character development and yes, I easily fell in love with it. Such an unputdownable book that is full of tension and heartwarming moments. I love the plot twist and it was really heartbreaking. I cried in those moments. I can only imagine how the two MCs felt after what happened. The magic system was easy to understand and its information was enough for me to get into the story.

In all honesty, I love Alexander Sharpe more than his brother. He was mature enough to both love Rune and Gideon. And can really feel how much he cared for both of them. I fell more in love with him on how he handled the situation and how he went his way to protect his loved ones. The way he wanted Rune’s future and be happy with her. I can tell you on and on about how much I love Alex and I am happy to agree to disagree if you feel otherwise.

I am irrevocably in love with Alexander Sharpe. 

PS I was up until before midnight just reading this and I devoured every moment of it. Thank you fairyloot for picking this book. And again, the book is gorgeous! Lastly, to the author, thank you for writing this story and which I already message you about how much I love it. I cannot wait for the next book.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

5.0

A memoir of Princess of Pop and how she survived her life.