noisydeadlines's reviews
692 reviews

The Duchess War by Courtney Milan

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

This one is set in England around 1863, when industrialization is becoming a thing and there are discussions regarding workers rights, workplace hygiene conditions and strikes. There is blackmail, scandal, sedition handbills and references to chess strategy. The female character (Minnie) has a secret she doesn't want anybody to uncover. She's clever and quiet. The Duke of Clermont (Robert) wants to make the world a better place. This a very slow burn romance and I thought there was too much politics going on that threw me out of the story. I kinda liked the side characters more, the scene in the train where Sebastian & Violet chaperonne Robert with Minnie was great. I think I would enjoy more the next books in the series with the other brothers.

Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood by Marjorie Liu

3.0

Yes, it's gorgeous artwork and I love the ambience. But I guess I was not in the mood for a dark complicated story. The worldbuilding is intricate but it's so, so sad! I finished it and had lots of questions. But because of the dark themes I won't continue the series. At least not right now.

The Bride by Julie Garwood

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

This book is so plot-rich! There's always something going on, the heroine is so pro-active, and strong and kind. It's set in 1,100’s Scotland Highland times with an arranged marriage between an Englishwoman (Jamie) and a Highlands Laird (Alec Kincaid). Because this book was published in 1989 set in a medieval setting, there might be some issues with consent, but I think the author did her best to make it less problematic. Another interesting fact is that this romance has humour and funny situations, something that was not common in romance novels back in the 80's (there's a foreword by the author talking about it). It’s the type of writing I enjoy, where we can be inside the characters heads a lot. I enjoyed how quickly the author changed characters viewpoints within the same chapter, so we  get glimpses of different characters within the action/dialogue. I though it was pretty well done. I loved the grumpy hero with a kind heart. I loved the bold heroine standing up against ridiculous status quo (and said grumpy hero stubbornness). Lot's of funny banter and there's is even a murder mystery in it. Overall a non-stop read, super rich and interesting.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious 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

4.0

I'm a fan of Ali Hazelwood and this is her first paranormal romance book. It starts with an arranged marriage between an alpha werewolf (Lowe) and an exiled vampire (Misery). The "mate" trope was a bit confusing, it didn't make too much sense to me. It is fast paced, there is some politics (vampires x werewolves x humans) and the mystery of the missing friend. It's a well done slow burn romance, but thinking about the physical logistics of werewolf and vampire anatomy love making got me a bit out of the story. I guess I'm not into the whole biting and drinking blood theme of paranormals anymore.

Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour by Bryan Lee O’Malley

adventurous funny inspiring fast-paced

5.0

It was a fun ride! I liked the "living in your head" metaphor and how everyone got closure from their past traumas and fears. The final boss fight scene was cool. It's filled with cute art and funny dialogues. I loved the happy ending and the "Maybe we just need to hold on" message. 

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

adventurous medium-paced

3.0

Interesting folklore inspiration from Islamic mythology,  djinns and magic in Egypt. There was lots of djinn politics and I got lost between all the different djinn factions/groups. I didn't click with the characters and I thought it hard to know who was who and their relationships. Another point that bothered me was the romance. Why would a 1,500 years old Djinn fall in love with Nahri? The romance was very unbelievable and not well developed. Nahri starts as very strong independent female character and then become the passive lady-in-distress halfway through the story. The world building is great tho, and it might be a good fit for people who aren't much into character development.

Surface Detail by Iain M. Banks
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.

I couldn't get past the fourth chapter which has a description of a virtual hell with lots of body horror/gory details. I couldn't finish the chapter, so that I was the cue for me to realize this book is not for me. 

Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

Set in the 1730's I loved the "noir" feel of this one. There is a murder mystery that moves the plotline and also some mysterious characters that kept me guessing until the very end. It's a bleak reality. Temperance, the main character, is a widow and runs a home for orphans with her brother and they really need more financial support. The hero, Lord Caire (Lazarus Huntington), is grumpy and emotionally repressed with issues. He offers to help her find a new patron for the home if she accompanies him round St. Giles (a type of slum?) and helps him to uncover who killed his mistress Marie. Despite the characters being very religious/conservative for my taste (lots of guilt and repentance feelings going on) I liked the story. It is a beautifully done slow burn romance. It has a type of gloominess that I enjoyed. I'm curious to read more in this series.

The Devil of Downtown by Joanna Shupe

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

This series is something unique because it takes place in New York City during the Gilded Age (a change from the English Victorian romances out there). And I love it for it! This last third book follows the youngest daughter, Justine. She is so sweet and strong at the same time. Justine is a do-gooder with no regard for what others thinks of her. I was afraid the male protagonist was going to be one of those alpha-male-violent mafia dudes, but not really. The hero, Jack Mulligan, is a criminal kingpin, but he is a good criminal. He has great respect for women and also becomes more of a do-gooder and helps his community. There was really good chemistry between the characters and I loved how Justine was helping women abandoned by their husbands and fighting to end cruel child labour laws. Great series!

Three Simple Rules by Nikki Sloane
Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.

Lack of emotional connection between characters 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content