retrogirlreads's reviews
163 reviews

Mine to Keep by Elyse Kelly

emotional funny lighthearted tense fast-paced

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

4.0

“Mine to Keep” by Elyse Kelly is part of her Between the Sheets spicy contemporary romance series, and it’s a dad’s best friend romance.

 

The two main characters are Tommy and Kate, who had an instant connection. They end up giving in to their desires without thinking they’d ever see each other again. 

 

I thought this was a really great quick and smutty read! Tommy and Kate’s story was well-done, and I enjoyed it. Elyse Kelly is an amazing author, and I definitely recommend her books!

Violet Dawn: A Fallen Angel Fantasy Romance (The Aetherial Embrace Trilogy Book 2) by Kristy Nicolle

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

5.0

“Violet Dawn” is the second book in Kristy Nicolle’s The Aetherial Embrace Trilogy, and it’s the continuation of High Lady Kairi Freemont’s story.

 

I thought that this book was a wonderful sequel! It picked up right where the first one left off, and as soon as I started reading, I was immediately drawn back into this world.

 

There was honestly so much happening in this book, but that’s actually part of why I was so invested. The politics, the action, betrayal, the revenge… it all made for an incredibly addicting read!

 

Kairi, the heroine, also goes through a lot of very nice character development. I also felt like her relationship with her love interest, High Lord Lucien DeLaurent, was more well developed in this one. 5 freaking stars!

Ruby's Heart by Leslie Crowne

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

“Ruby’s Heart” was an incredibly fantastic fairy tale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, one that I really, truly loved! Leslie Crowne is such an amazing author. I always fall in love with the characters she writes and the worlds she creates.

 

Our two main characters, Captain Marcel Artiz and Miss Ruby Flores, were both absolutely delightful to read about. My favorite things about their relationship was their sizzling chemistry and their snarky banter!

 

Marcel was super swoony, and I thought it was sweet that he was so protective of Ruby. I also admired his loyalty to Clareta, Ruby’s grandmother. He had a lot of honor - and I loved that about him.

 

Ruby was such a fun heroine as well! She had such a vibrant, sassy personality, and I really enjoyed reading from her POV. I also admired the fact that she was able to brave and strong even when she was afraid. I highly recommend!

Indigo Dusk: A Fallen Angel Fantasy Romance by Kristy Nicolle

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

“Indigo Dusk” was my first experience with author Kristy Nicolle’s writing style, and honestly, I have no idea what I was expecting when I first started reading.

 

However, now that I’ve finished is that this is one of the best, most complex fantasy books I’ve read in a while - the world building was spectacular, and I was drawn to the story from the very first page. 

 

This book had multiple POVs, but that didn’t make it confusing or overwhelming. I truly believe each POV was necessary to the plot and the development of these characters.

 

I also loved all the plot twists! Even when I thought I had things figured out, something else would happen to prove me wrong. I’m so glad I discovered Kristy Nicolle as an author, and I will definitely be continuing with the series!

Resolute by Liss Montoya

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-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? It's complicated

5.0

“Resolute” is a single mom/marriage of convenience romance, and it’s the third book in Liss Montoya’s Kinsmen Billionaires series. I thought Vicente and Camila’s story was such a good read!

 

Vicente and Camila were completely and utterly perfect for each other, and I also loved the way Vicente treated Camila’s daughter, Ava, like a princess. It was obvious that he cared about Ava just as much as he cared about Camila.

 

Before Vicente and Camila were romantically involved, he was giving off ruthless businessman vibes, but meeting her and Ava changed his outlook on life - they became his whole world.

 

I loved Vicente and Camila, both as a couple and as individuals. They had this connection that was intense and unbreakable, and I thought they clicked in a way that seemed almost inevitable. This was definitely a 5 star read for me!

Lodged by Liss Montoya

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

“Lodged” by Liss Montoya was a sweet and spicy romance featuring Gio and Ruin, two people who find a way to be together despite all of the obstacles they’re forced to overcome.

 

I really loved Gio and Ruin’s forbidden romance. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and the progression of their relationship from platonic to something more was very well done.

 

Gio was such a sweetheart. He doted on Ruin, and he was willing to do anything to make her smile. He always wanted her to be safe and happy, and he loved her so much that he stayed by her side even when tragedy struck.

 

And Ruin! She was such a lovable heroine as well. I felt like she was someone I could really relate to, especially because she was a little shy and quiet at times. I did love her sassy personality and kindhearted nature.

 

Gio and Ruin’s love story was a really intriguing read, and I thought it had the perfect amount of angst. I’m so glad they were able to find happiness together in the end. I would definitely recommend!

(Un)Bounded by Liss Montoya

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

This was my first time reading something by Liss Montoya, and I have to say that it was a really cute, lighthearted romance that still had some angsty moments!

 

“(Un)Bounded” is Gabo and Isabella’s billionaire age gap love story, and it’s the first book in the Kinsmen Billionaires contemporary romance series.

 

Gabo had to work to prove to Isabella that he saw her as more than a fling and that it was possible to find healthy love, which was an aspect I really liked.

 

Isabella was a smart and sassy heroine, and I enjoyed the fact that she didn’t immediately succumb to Gabo’s charms. All in all, I would recommend to fans of the brother’s best friend and/or close proximity trope!

Tied by Temptation by A.E. McHolme

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

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

4.0

“Tied by Temptation” is a short and spicy cowboy novelette featuring main characters Darek and Taryn.

 

Darek is Taryn’s boss, and they’ve had a situationship going on for about a year, which is how long they’ve known each other.

 

Darek and Taryn’s relationship is semi-complicated, but it definitely made for a fantastic quick read!

 

Honestly, I read this book in one sitting and had a very enjoyable time doing so. I’ve never read anything by A.E. McHolme before, but I’m glad I did!

Blood Sanctuary: Part One by Vela Roth

challenging emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense slow-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? It's complicated

5.0

One of the things I loved most about this book was that politics between Orthros and Tenebra are so incredibly complex. Even though Lio and Cassia are officially reunited, things have never been more dangerous for them.

 

Tensions are high, and no one from the Tenebran Embassy can find out the truth about Lio and Cassia’s romantic bond, or the fact that she is secretly allied with both Orthros and the Hesperines.

 

Now Cassia’s dreams of becoming a Hesperine seem tangible for the first time ever. She realizes that she can absolutely find peace and happiness in Orthros as a Hesperine, with Lio by her side.

 

However, this also means that Cassia is seriously struggling with the knowledge that if she does so, she will be abandoning Tenebra - the kingdom her human father rules, the one she’s technically supposed to feel allegiance towards.

 

This book does an excellent job of showcasing that Cassia is truly torn between love and duty. To sum this up, I highly recommend giving Vela Roth’s writing style a chance if you haven’t already!

Roses Of Regret by Laura Greenwood

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Laura Greenwood’s “Roses Of Regret” is part of her young adult fantasy romance series, Grimm Academy, and it’s a retelling of Snow White and Rose Red.

 

Our heroine is Rose, a young woman who’s determined to escape the prophecy she shares with her twin sister, Blanche. Her sassy personality and snarky nature made her really fun to read about. 

 

Each book in the Grimm Academy series is a fun, quick read that will make you laugh and swoon. I’m actually really enjoying the series, and I’m really glad I decided to read it.