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readwithzayy's reviews
39 reviews
Masks by Sydney Ashcroft
Maria, the badass female protagonist, skillfully balances her dual identities as a socialite and the fearless vigilante Balestra, which adds an exciting layer of depth to her character. Her close-knit bond with her best friend Gayle and the warmth of her family relationships provide a heartwarming counterpoint to her daring nighttime pursuits.
The MMC Tomas is a charming and intriguing character, which sets the stage for a passionate yet complicated relationship with Maria. What starts as a casual, physical connection (sex) between the two soon turns into a strong emotional bond. Yet, neither of them is ready to admit or express their growing feelings, choosing instead to keep things purely physical.
Skanda is another character who is also a superhero who becomes deeply intertwined in Maria/Balestra's life. At times, she finds herself torn between Skanda and Tomas, just as she grapples with her dual identities as Maria and Balestra.
However, the book could have benefited from deeper character exploration. Specifically, a more in-depth look into the dynamics and backgrounds of Maria's family would have added richer layers to her motivations and relationships. Similarly, delving further into Tomas's family, especially his relationship with his father, could have provided valuable insights into his character.
The central romance between Maria and Tomas, while physically charged, often lacked obvious emotional chemistry beyond their sexual encounters. Additional scenes showcasing their attraction and emotional connections behind their growing affections would have made their romantic involvement more convincing and invested for readers. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them.
However, there was one particular scene that made me want to stop reading. *SPOILER ALERT* Which was when Maria/Balestra and Skanda kissed!! Now when this happened, Maria was already sleeping with Tomas and it might be just me overreacting, but I just see that as cheating. I understand Tomas and Maria were not officially together but she was developing some feelings for him but then again that's just my opinion seeing this as cheating as I don't enjoy the main characters being intimate with someone else while they are together even if it's not official. But then we find out Skanda is Tomas (which was so obvious from the start 🤦🏽♀️), so technically it's not cheating but they didn't know each other's identities. If they had handled that scene differently or just skipped it altogether, I think I would have enjoyed the book more.
Despite these criticisms, the premise of a badass female superhero navigating her dual identities and a complex romantic entanglement remains intriguing and could have been improved with more complex character development and emotional depth in the central relationships and without that specific scene happening.
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
Maria, the badass female protagonist, skillfully balances her dual identities as a socialite and the fearless vigilante Balestra, which adds an exciting layer of depth to her character. Her close-knit bond with her best friend Gayle and the warmth of her family relationships provide a heartwarming counterpoint to her daring nighttime pursuits.
The MMC Tomas is a charming and intriguing character, which sets the stage for a passionate yet complicated relationship with Maria. What starts as a casual, physical connection (sex) between the two soon turns into a strong emotional bond. Yet, neither of them is ready to admit or express their growing feelings, choosing instead to keep things purely physical.
Skanda is another character who is also a superhero who becomes deeply intertwined in Maria/Balestra's life. At times, she finds herself torn between Skanda and Tomas, just as she grapples with her dual identities as Maria and Balestra.
However, the book could have benefited from deeper character exploration. Specifically, a more in-depth look into the dynamics and backgrounds of Maria's family would have added richer layers to her motivations and relationships. Similarly, delving further into Tomas's family, especially his relationship with his father, could have provided valuable insights into his character.
The central romance between Maria and Tomas, while physically charged, often lacked obvious emotional chemistry beyond their sexual encounters. Additional scenes showcasing their attraction and emotional connections behind their growing affections would have made their romantic involvement more convincing and invested for readers. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them.
However, there was one particular scene that made me want to stop reading. *SPOILER ALERT* Which was when Maria/Balestra and Skanda kissed!! Now when this happened, Maria was already sleeping with Tomas and it might be just me overreacting, but I just see that as cheating. I understand Tomas and Maria were not officially together but she was developing some feelings for him but then again that's just my opinion seeing this as cheating as I don't enjoy the main characters being intimate with someone else while they are together even if it's not official. But then we find out Skanda is Tomas (which was so obvious from the start 🤦🏽♀️), so technically it's not cheating but they didn't know each other's identities. If they had handled that scene differently or just skipped it altogether, I think I would have enjoyed the book more.
Despite these criticisms, the premise of a badass female superhero navigating her dual identities and a complex romantic entanglement remains intriguing and could have been improved with more complex character development and emotional depth in the central relationships and without that specific scene happening.
The Ever King by LJ Andrews
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Fragile Sanctuary by Catherine Cowles
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This book is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a captivating blend of small-town charm, grumpy x sunshine, brother's best friend and romantic suspense.
Catherine Cowles is such an amazing author and anything she writes is just so good! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put the book down! Anson and Rhodes have such great chemistry, and I loved how Anson slowly opened up to Rhodes 🥺.
The suspenseful plot was so well done, and I couldn't figure out who the culprit was until the end. That made the story even more exciting! I think anyone who loves romantic suspense and wants a captivating, well-written story will definitely enjoy this book
Catherine Cowles is such an amazing author and anything she writes is just so good! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put the book down! Anson and Rhodes have such great chemistry, and I loved how Anson slowly opened up to Rhodes 🥺.
The suspenseful plot was so well done, and I couldn't figure out who the culprit was until the end. That made the story even more exciting! I think anyone who loves romantic suspense and wants a captivating, well-written story will definitely enjoy this book
Darkest Sins by Neva Altaj
dark
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I just finished reading this book and I really enjoyed it! The main character, Kai, goes through so much and I just want to give him a big hug. But, there's a 10-year age gap between him and Nera, so if you're not into that kind of thing, be warned.
The book switches back and forth between their past and present, and I thought the beginning was really great. The chemistry between Kai and Nera was off the charts, and they were just so cute! But I felt like the last few chapters were a bit rushed. Still, it was a good read overall. I would have given it a higher rating if Nera wasn't 19 it just felt a bit weird.
This can be read as a standalone.
The book switches back and forth between their past and present, and I thought the beginning was really great. The chemistry between Kai and Nera was off the charts, and they were just so cute! But I felt like the last few chapters were a bit rushed. Still, it was a good read overall. I would have given it a higher rating if Nera wasn't 19 it just felt a bit weird.
This can be read as a standalone.
The Stranger in Her House by John Marrs
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wow! I was completely engrossed in this book, though at times it was quite frustrating that I just wanted to scream!!! 😭. The story was so well-written and captivating that I couldn't put it down, even as the characters' relationships became more complicated and conflicted. I particularly felt for Connie as she was pushed aside by those around her, especially Paul, whom everyone seemed to be in love with even though they'd only known him for a few months. There were some twists that were predictable. I could say more, but I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't read it yet.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
So this book honestly surprised me I thought I would end up hating it because of all the hype but then I decided to finally read it and I ended up enjoying it!!
I don't think I've ever read a werewolf x vampire book before so it was nice reading something new which was probably one of the reasons why I really liked it. I loved the slow burn tension and Misery and Lowe were so amazing ❤️
I don't think I've ever read a werewolf x vampire book before so it was nice reading something new which was probably one of the reasons why I really liked it. I loved the slow burn tension and Misery and Lowe were so amazing ❤️