retrogirlreads's reviews
163 reviews

Song Of Seas by Laura Greenwood

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

“Song of Seas” is the story of mer princess Matilda, otherwise known as Mati. It’s a The Little Mermaid retelling, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

 

Mati had such a genuinely beautiful soul and a kindhearted nature. She was also very selfless, which shows considering she rescued someone she didn’t even know from drowning.

 

The Grimm Academy series is full of super sweet romance and incredible journeys that all lead back to prophecies. I’m loving this series so far, and I think many fairytale retelling fans will too!

Frosts And Fears by Laura Greenwood

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

“Frosts And Fears” was a really sweet fairytale retelling featuring a young noblewoman, Lady Gerda, as she explores her connection with Lord Kai, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen in years.

 

I’ve enjoyed every book in Laura Greenwood’s Grimm Academy series, and this one was no exception. I liked that Gerda was smart and kind, and I was rooting for her happiness the whole time.

 

Kai was a little silly at times, but I never doubted his devotion to Gerda, even when things got difficult. I was so invested in their story that I read this all in one sitting. I’d definitely recommend!

Blood Solace by Vela Roth

adventurous challenging emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

Oh. My. Gosh. Vela Roth has had me hooked since book one, but “Blood Solace” has cemented her as one of my favorite fantasy romance authors. 

Cassia and Lio’s love story is breathtakingly beautiful and agonizingly angsty, and I adored every second of it. I was super excited to learn more about the Hesperine culture in this one as well. 

Lio. My heart goes out to him. He’s such a good hearted male, and everything he does is for the good of his people, or out of love for Cassia. He also revealed more of a sensual side that I loved! 

Cassia. I want to be her when I grow up! She’s so brave, strong, and resilient. She also never lost her kind heart or tender nature. I’m completely obsessed with this series, so I will definitely be continuing!

Silver Fox by Stevie Sparks

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

“Silver Fox” is an adorable age gap contemporary romance novella featuring our amazing two main characters, Silas and Skye. 

I’ve never read anything by Stevie Sparks before, so I had no idea what to expect. I will definitely be looking into the author’s other books after this! 

Silas was completely and utterly swoony. He was her protector, and he refused to let anyone treat her badly, not even herself. 

Skye was a total sweetheart. She was gentle and kindhearted, and I loved how her confidence grew by the end of the novella. 

Silas and Skye’s sizzling chemistry made for a fun and fast paced read. It did have some angst, but nothing too overwhelming. I’d definitely recommend!

Blood Mercy by Vela Roth

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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

Holy. Freaking. Cow. I think this book may have actually destroyed me. I read it over a period of three days so I could savor it, and I was not disappointed!

 

I love this beautifully complex world that Vela Roth has created, and her world building is absolutely exquisite.

 

I am so intrigued by the Hesperines and everything they are, and especially how unique their culture is.

 

Lady Cassia Basilis. I love everything about her, and was so proud of how she grew over the course of the novel.

 

Half the time I just wanted to give her a hug, as her life as the king’s bastard daughter has been difficult from the moment she was born.

 

She has such a good heart, and her quiet generosity and gentle kindness know no bounds.

 

Initiate Ambassador Deukalion. I admire him for his patience and his knowledge, and especially his self control.

 

Lio could’ve taken advantage of Cassia at any time, and he never did. I loved him for his compassion, and his kindness.

 

The slow burn element of this book was agonizing, but the pain was oh so sweet. I highly recommend!

Obsession by Natalia Lourose

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Natalia Lourose’s “Obsession” is the third book in her dark romance series, Sinners of New Orleans, and it’s Adrian and Madi’s story.

Adrian and Madi’s relationship started out as an arranged marriage, but in the end, it became so much more. 

I thought Adrian was growly and possessive, and I loved that he did his best to give her what she wanted. 

And Madi was such a spitfire! I loved her sass and her defiance. She was a strong heroine that I enjoyed reading about. 

I would recommend Natalia Lourose’s books, including this one, to fans of spicy dark romance.

Wild Side by Elsie Silver

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted tense slow-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

5.0

Elsie Silver’s “Wild Side” is a slow burn marriage of convenience romance starring main characters Rhys and Tabitha. 

Rhys and Tabitha’s love story was everything I didn’t know I needed! They had this instantaneous connection, which I loved reading about. 

This book was very emotional and angsty at times, but it was also lighthearted and fun. Elsie Silver’s writing style is a such a delight! 5 freaking stars!

Blood Price by Vela Roth

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense slow-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? It's complicated

5.0

“Blood Price” is the prequel novel to Vela Roth’s epic fantasy romance series, Blood Grace. 

This book definitely gives a lot of insight into the world of the Hesperines, which I really enjoyed. 

This is the story of Lord Alcaeus and Lady Maerea, who are the epitome of the star-crossed lovers trope. 

Alcaeus and Maerea had a lot to work through, but at the same time, their love was incredibly strong. 

I’m really glad I decided to read this prequel! It was a rather interesting book. I would definitely recommend!

You Kissed Me First by Cala Riley

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

“You Kissed Me First” by Cala Riley is an absolutely hilarious spicy romantic comedy featuring two characters named Dominic and Katie. 

Cala Riley’s writing style was super fun to read! I kept wanting to snicker or laugh out loud, which doesn’t happen to me often when I read!

Dom and Katie’s relationship was strained in the beginning, but they ended up falling in love over the course of the novel - which I was totally here for. 5 freaking stars!

My Ruthless Obsession by Elyse Kelly

dark emotional tense fast-paced

4.0

“My Ruthless Obsession” is a short and spicy mafia romance written by author Elyse Kelly, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Marco and Lyla’s story was a great, quick read, and I’m really glad I decided to read it. 

They had this amazing chemistry, and I was rooting for them to find happiness together the whole time. 

Elyse Kelly is a fantastic author, and I would definitely recommend this novella to fans of mafia romance and/or the kidnapping trope.