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175 reviews
Rexor by Ella Maven
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Omg the darkest of Ella’s books but maybe the best so far???
The Alien's Undoing by Ella Maven
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really enjoyed Ward and Reba’s story a lot! I thought Reba was one of the most badass! That scene with the hummers was AMAZING!
The Alien's Escape by Ella Maven
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I loved this book lol
I think I like the first one a little bit more but I actually like Sax a little bit more than Daz! (Maybe)
I think I like the first one a little bit more but I actually like Sax a little bit more than Daz! (Maybe)
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Book Club Book !!
This was my first dip into a classic for a while and I have so many thoughts but I was not disappointed.
First I know this may be exposing my own ignorance (ironically lol) but I had no idea this book was dystopian. I had no idea what it was about at all besides “it’s about burning books” but honestly, it’s barely about that.
This could be interpreted as a story to proclaim the superiority and useful of books and those who read them and the uselessness and inferiority of television and those who do not read. HOWEVER, I think it’s much less specific than that. It’s merely about the idea of willful ignorance and what a whole society looks like when people choose to not know or question anything.
What would we look like if we ignored everything bad? It wouldn’t go away and we wouldn’t be happy.
This book feels like a skeleton. While the skeletal nature may leave you feeling unsatisfied I think that’s the beauty of it.
It’s huge metaphoric allegory. The characters aren’t truly characters as much as they are caricatures. And the setting is less of a specific city than any society that allows itself to become overrun with purposelessness in an effort to avoid individuals feeling inferior.
There is no world building, no real explanation because this could be any work, any place. Much of it was eerily familiar and I saw a lot of our modern society (2023) in its pages. It was spooky and ominous and a sense of doom hovered over me while I read.
There is so much you can dissect in this book, but I’ll settle for this.
Beaty and Montag represent the two options who have when faced with enlightenment to your ignorance. When you can no longer use your ignorance as a shield you can either choose to change or you can stay the same. I believe that Captain Beaty went through what Montag went through, but he decided to do nothing. When he sees Montag going down the same path he tries to convince him to settle like he did (and as he may have done with the other Firemen who were tempted) expect this time Montag could not settle and he decided to take the other path, the path of change.
Of course much of this review is my interpretation of the book, which I think is what’s so cool about it.
I’ll leave it with a comment on the actual writing. I think Bradbury’s writing style is captivating and beautiful. I could not put it down and devoured it in 3 hours.
This was my first dip into a classic for a while and I have so many thoughts but I was not disappointed.
First I know this may be exposing my own ignorance (ironically lol) but I had no idea this book was dystopian. I had no idea what it was about at all besides “it’s about burning books” but honestly, it’s barely about that.
This could be interpreted as a story to proclaim the superiority and useful of books and those who read them and the uselessness and inferiority of television and those who do not read. HOWEVER, I think it’s much less specific than that. It’s merely about the idea of willful ignorance and what a whole society looks like when people choose to not know or question anything.
What would we look like if we ignored everything bad? It wouldn’t go away and we wouldn’t be happy.
This book feels like a skeleton. While the skeletal nature may leave you feeling unsatisfied I think that’s the beauty of it.
It’s huge metaphoric allegory. The characters aren’t truly characters as much as they are caricatures. And the setting is less of a specific city than any society that allows itself to become overrun with purposelessness in an effort to avoid individuals feeling inferior.
There is no world building, no real explanation because this could be any work, any place. Much of it was eerily familiar and I saw a lot of our modern society (2023) in its pages. It was spooky and ominous and a sense of doom hovered over me while I read.
There is so much you can dissect in this book, but I’ll settle for this.
Beaty and Montag represent the two options who have when faced with enlightenment to your ignorance. When you can no longer use your ignorance as a shield you can either choose to change or you can stay the same. I believe that Captain Beaty went through what Montag went through, but he decided to do nothing. When he sees Montag going down the same path he tries to convince him to settle like he did (and as he may have done with the other Firemen who were tempted) expect this time Montag could not settle and he decided to take the other path, the path of change.
Of course much of this review is my interpretation of the book, which I think is what’s so cool about it.
I’ll leave it with a comment on the actual writing. I think Bradbury’s writing style is captivating and beautiful. I could not put it down and devoured it in 3 hours.
The Alien's Ransom by Ella Maven
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I have a good amount of experience in this genre now… best Alien Romance book I’ve read.
And I’ll tell you exactly why. Two main reasons:
1. Because the sexy alien, Dez. Usually these books Center around a “Primitive” and “primal” race of huge alien men who’s female counter parts have been wiped out. This usually results in the fmc being treated like a breeding machine. In this book the first half is all true. Except the emphasis is more so on the bond between the main couple, the soul mate bond. Dez treats Frankie as an equal who is capable and strong and intelligent from the beginning and he emphasizes that he does not desire her for her womb.
2. The second reason is Frankie. She’s a great fmc in this. One of thing that usually goes wrong is the balance between the fmc coming to terms with the fact that she’s on a different planet and there is no escape vs. totally falling prey to alien d*ck within 20 pages.
I think this book is a good balance between all of that. I actually swooned for Dax and I can’t wait to read the next book!
And I’ll tell you exactly why. Two main reasons:
1. Because the sexy alien, Dez. Usually these books Center around a “Primitive” and “primal” race of huge alien men who’s female counter parts have been wiped out. This usually results in the fmc being treated like a breeding machine. In this book the first half is all true. Except the emphasis is more so on the bond between the main couple, the soul mate bond. Dez treats Frankie as an equal who is capable and strong and intelligent from the beginning and he emphasizes that he does not desire her for her womb.
2. The second reason is Frankie. She’s a great fmc in this. One of thing that usually goes wrong is the balance between the fmc coming to terms with the fact that she’s on a different planet and there is no escape vs. totally falling prey to alien d*ck within 20 pages.
I think this book is a good balance between all of that. I actually swooned for Dax and I can’t wait to read the next book!
The Varkari: Capture by Iola Jones
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I originally read this book on wattpad years ago. I went to reread and saw it was published! So I purchased the Kindle version and devoured it.
I will say that Ellie was frustrating at times. Her determination to escape was admirable but also seemed to defy all logic and became increasingly annoying.
On the other hand, Rahz’s inability to understand Ellie’s attempts to explain consent and her fear of having children were equally frustrating.
I’m the end it was all chalked up to a difference in cultures. Honestly, I was just glad when they finally both got together!
Overall, the steamy scenes are actually great and there is enough conflict (I wouldn’t necessarily call it a plot) to keep it interesting!
I hope the author continues this series!
I will say that Ellie was frustrating at times. Her determination to escape was admirable but also seemed to defy all logic and became increasingly annoying.
On the other hand, Rahz’s inability to understand Ellie’s attempts to explain consent and her fear of having children were equally frustrating.
I’m the end it was all chalked up to a difference in cultures. Honestly, I was just glad when they finally both got together!
Overall, the steamy scenes are actually great and there is enough conflict (I wouldn’t necessarily call it a plot) to keep it interesting!
I hope the author continues this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Kidnapping, Pregnancy
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Trafficking, Abortion
Minor: Addiction, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Sexism, Vomit, Trafficking, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Gaslighting
King of Greed by Ana Huang
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
slow-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
3.0
Ahhhh! Okay okay so I loved the second chance romance in this book!
We did not beat around the bush and jumped right into Dominic and Alessandra’s divorced. I was crying in the first 30 pages!
I will say, despite this book being short, it felt a bit boring in the middle. I didn’t feel like the plot and characters were as developed outside of the romance as Ana’s other books I’ve read so far.
I liked how the theme of Greed was brought into this one though. I felt like it was the most well played out for the sins so far!
I wish we’d had a bit more groveling and I wish we’d gotten a bit more personality out of Alessandra.
Still, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Sloane’s book! Although actually dying for Roman to have a book now! I need a high stakes plot like Twisted Love or Twisted Lies!
We did not beat around the bush and jumped right into Dominic and Alessandra’s divorced. I was crying in the first 30 pages!
I will say, despite this book being short, it felt a bit boring in the middle. I didn’t feel like the plot and characters were as developed outside of the romance as Ana’s other books I’ve read so far.
I liked how the theme of Greed was brought into this one though. I felt like it was the most well played out for the sins so far!
I wish we’d had a bit more groveling and I wish we’d gotten a bit more personality out of Alessandra.
Still, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Sloane’s book! Although actually dying for Roman to have a book now! I need a high stakes plot like Twisted Love or Twisted Lies!
King of Wrath by Ana Huang
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
I don’t know what is in Ana Huang’s books but it has me fully under the influence.
I’m doing this I never thought I would. Devouring her books left and right, rating them more than 3 stars despite them being guilty pleasures. Who am I??
Anyway, Dante and Vivian’s book was delicious. I’m personally not a fan of the arranged marriage trope and the last one I tried to read I DNFed at less than 20%. I’m also not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope in contemporary romance but there was just SOMETHING about this book that had me in a choke hold.
I loved the way both Dante and Vivian’s characters developed in this book. Vivian frustrated me with the way she let her parents walk all over, but I liked the way Dante called her out on it and the way eventually she came to shine on her own.
The family themes in this book almost had me in tears. It was nice to see some relatable family problems in this book. While I enjoyed the Twisted books, those men women went through things I simply could not relate to lmao! Murder parents, uncle kidnappings, fathers trying to murder them, etc.
Now for Dante. Ugh I read bad reviews before I read this book that said he was cheesy, an asshole, etc. While I can’t completely disagree, I still liked him a lot. Again, his character arc was great!
And the grovelinggggg ugh I love it.
So… what’s next? King of Pride?
I’m doing this I never thought I would. Devouring her books left and right, rating them more than 3 stars despite them being guilty pleasures. Who am I??
Anyway, Dante and Vivian’s book was delicious. I’m personally not a fan of the arranged marriage trope and the last one I tried to read I DNFed at less than 20%. I’m also not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope in contemporary romance but there was just SOMETHING about this book that had me in a choke hold.
I loved the way both Dante and Vivian’s characters developed in this book. Vivian frustrated me with the way she let her parents walk all over, but I liked the way Dante called her out on it and the way eventually she came to shine on her own.
The family themes in this book almost had me in tears. It was nice to see some relatable family problems in this book. While I enjoyed the Twisted books, those men women went through things I simply could not relate to lmao! Murder parents, uncle kidnappings, fathers trying to murder them, etc.
Now for Dante. Ugh I read bad reviews before I read this book that said he was cheesy, an asshole, etc. While I can’t completely disagree, I still liked him a lot. Again, his character arc was great!
And the grovelinggggg ugh I love it.
So… what’s next? King of Pride?
Twisted Lies by Ana Huang
dark
emotional
lighthearted
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
It’s shocking that this book can be marked “dark, emotional, and light hearted” and yet that’s how I’d describe it!
This was my favorite Twisted book (I skipped book 3 for now). I loved Ava and Alex, but I think the plot in this one was a bit more fleshed out and there was more going on.
I don’t know what it is but Ava Haung’s has something in it that’s addictive to me right now.
While I could have done with a few less “whiskey eyes” and descriptions of the way they flicked darker or dangerously or softened (this was the only way Christian’s feelings were described) I still loved this book!
I mean what really is there to say? My review is one of thousands so how deep do I really have to go here?
There’s a broody billionaire, fake dating (without the awful reveal to all), touch her and die, doesn’t believe in love until her, totally dirty love interest. I also related to Stella a lot. I liked that she talked about her lack of sexual connections in the past. She’s not a blushing virgin, just not easily attracted to people.
Anywho! On to the next Ana book XD
This was my favorite Twisted book (I skipped book 3 for now). I loved Ava and Alex, but I think the plot in this one was a bit more fleshed out and there was more going on.
I don’t know what it is but Ava Haung’s has something in it that’s addictive to me right now.
While I could have done with a few less “whiskey eyes” and descriptions of the way they flicked darker or dangerously or softened (this was the only way Christian’s feelings were described) I still loved this book!
I mean what really is there to say? My review is one of thousands so how deep do I really have to go here?
There’s a broody billionaire, fake dating (without the awful reveal to all), touch her and die, doesn’t believe in love until her, totally dirty love interest. I also related to Stella a lot. I liked that she talked about her lack of sexual connections in the past. She’s not a blushing virgin, just not easily attracted to people.
Anywho! On to the next Ana book XD
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.0
This might be an unpopular opinion (as unpopular as you can get reading such a popular book lol) but I like this book better than book 2?!
I read Twisted Games first last year because the plot appealed to me better, people seemed to say it was the best one, and my sister happened to get in a blind date with a book. While I did enjoy Bridget and Rhys’ story, I think the thing that bothered me the most was that there were so many time jumps throughout the book that it felt choppy.
Reading book one I can see why that happened because Bridget and Rhys’ plot is ongoing simultaneously to this plot.
I liked the grumpy sunshine trope in this book a lot. I liked the dangerous side of Alex and the characters. I like romance but I do love when the stakes are high and there are so many other emotions twirling around.
Alex is a classic example of a man I would never date and actively avoid if I met him in real life. His jealous threats are insane. But clearly there is truth in the idea that you can like love something on paper but not tolerate in real life. Because I liked Alex despite all his insane red flags.
Again, wasn’t a fan of the huge time jumps at the end but not as bad as in book two.
Anywho! I have to go decide which book I want to read next!
I read Twisted Games first last year because the plot appealed to me better, people seemed to say it was the best one, and my sister happened to get in a blind date with a book. While I did enjoy Bridget and Rhys’ story, I think the thing that bothered me the most was that there were so many time jumps throughout the book that it felt choppy.
Reading book one I can see why that happened because Bridget and Rhys’ plot is ongoing simultaneously to this plot.
I liked the grumpy sunshine trope in this book a lot. I liked the dangerous side of Alex and the characters. I like romance but I do love when the stakes are high and there are so many other emotions twirling around.
Alex is a classic example of a man I would never date and actively avoid if I met him in real life. His jealous threats are insane. But clearly there is truth in the idea that you can like love something on paper but not tolerate in real life. Because I liked Alex despite all his insane red flags.
Again, wasn’t a fan of the huge time jumps at the end but not as bad as in book two.
Anywho! I have to go decide which book I want to read next!