riniya's reviews
919 reviews

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Thank you to Little Brown Books and Netgalley for a copy of this ARC.

FIRSTLY -- This book is a weird blend of YA and NA, I'm not sure it knows what demographic its trying to target. I would say that you should be about 17+ to really enjoy this book. I wouldn't consider it smut because for the most part its fade to black, but it does occasionally get a bit descriptive before it finally fades out. Which is where the majority of my confusion about its "rating" is coming into play. I feel like this falls on the publisher to clarify as much as the author. This book should NOT be read by anyone under the age of 15 in my opinion as an almost 30 year old.

As far as the story goes, I love the murder mystery, fish out of water that we get in this book. Our FMC, Vanessa, is enjoying life as a burgeoning 17 year old, just trying to make it day by day. Her best friend, or "soul sister" is murdered in front of her by a werewolf and she is subsequently bitten and whisked away from her life to live with the "Born" Wolves. What follows is a topsy-turvey story that has you second guessing even your own understanding as it keeps you on the edge of your toes.

Vanessa struggles to accept her place in the world, knowing that someone in the castle is responsible for her being bitten and the death of her best friend. She overcomes her emotions, her plans and dreams for her life and eventually accepts her place in this new world. The death of her friend drives her to try to uncover the secret that is looming behind the walls of the castle.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about the love triangle? If you can even call it that. The book tries to shove you back and forth between Sin, the Wolf Prince and his broody guardian cousin, Calix. I'm not sure if this is a love triangle because aside from some heated glances and the occasional touch, Calix very much doesn't like Vanessa and wants nothing to do with her. Sin on the other hand, makes his feelings very well known and actively tries to court Vanessa. Regardless, the ending of the book blows everything out of the water as you have to reorganize all of your thoughts.

Stardust Child by Melissa Cave

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.

Holiday Hostilities by Katie Bailey

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funny lighthearted medium-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? It's complicated

3.5

Spark the Flames by Ivy Asher

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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

5.0

Thank you to Ivy Asher for an ARC copy of this book!

I absolutely love the world Ivy has created - it is a fantasy with urban and futuristic vibes. The way that their technology unites and joins with their magic is a beautiful mix of science and fantasy. Our FMC, Ever, is feisty and sure of herself, even when the doubts come in she manages to ride that line of control. Our MMC, Aeson, is such a nice change in flavor from the oversaturated market. He is overbearing and stern, but gives a softer side that many MMCs lack.

The scene where our couple meet for the first time is such a "meet-cute" if I've ever seen one. Yet, I was still kicking my feet and squealing like a young girl at it. It was absolutely perfect and their relationship is so well developed. They banter, snark, and even physically fight at one point (don't worry you'll love it) and it gives everything I want it to give. Their relationship progresses in such a natural way. I wouldn't necessarily say that they were enemies as there was no "I want to off you" moment between the two of them, but they definitely weren't friends or acquaintances.

This book one of the top 10 reads so far of the year!

Craving by Lilian Monroe

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challenging hopeful tense fast-paced