roseleebooks's reviews
236 reviews

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

adventurous medium-paced

4.5

So glad I finally picked this up. Impossible to put down, narration was excellent, just want to read more of Yadriel and Julian together. There are some dark themes in this book but I thought they were very well written. My only complaint was that the mystery was given away fairly early on in the book, but this didn't really take away from the overall plot as it's more about Yadriel and Julian and their growth as characters. Really looking forward to the sequel when it comes out!

Within the Hollow Heart by Melissa Wright

3.0

This book was a bit of a disappointment. We get some progression of the overarching plot and some nice moments between the love interests, but overall I was underwhelmed.

Nicholas as a character was entertaining and Jules a good counter to his antics. However, the progression of events in the book felt chaotic, like the reader was being pushed toward the reveal and ending. For a novella there was decent development of the romance, but ultimately by the end it felt like everything was just setting up for the next book. 

Spectacular by Stephanie Garber

fast-paced

1.0

I disliked this return to the Caraval world. It reads like a bonus epilogue and not a full fledged story. The holiday theming felt forced and the plot became less interesting throughout. Also some very problematic parts of the story with regards to consent as other reviewers have mentioned. Would rather just reread the Caraval series if I am wanting a return to the world.

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

4.0

This book surprised me in a good way. At first the story seems very familiar, with themes that have been explored in depth in many fantasy novels. However the setting and integration of Polish folklore give it a unique edge.

It did drag for me in the middle, and some scenes seemed to distract from the overall story. But the ending and epilogue were unexpected and kept me thinking about the story long after I had finished it. I'd recommend this if you are looking for a unique take on a seemingly familiar fairy tale.

Red in Tooth and Claw by Lish McBride

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

4.0

A well written and unique YA horror. McBride integrates themes of identity, power, religion, and chosen family in a story that kept me reading. The blending of genres in this book worked well and the pacing was well done to keep the tension throughout.

I did struggle a bit with the way the first person narration reads at the beginning, you are dropped right into the story and have to work out some things about the world. But once I did I really appreciated the consistency of Faolan's voice and how their story unfolds.

An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera

adventurous hopeful medium-paced

5.0

I was looking forward to Manuela's story and this did not disappoint. Cora and Manuela succeed both as romantic interests and individual characters in the book. I appreciated the historical details and representation which made it easy to become immersed in the story. Herrera's writing and ability to bring characters to life shines here. Overall an outstanding continuation of the series.

Beyond the Filigree Wall by Melissa Wright

lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

A quick read with an interesting premise and world, plus some mystery leading into the next book. The romance felt somewhat secondary and I was much more interested in the overarching plot of the fae and human worlds interacting. However the novella felt too short for the plot and I was left wishing there had been more to the book.

Still planning to read the next book and see where the plot goes.

Jade City by Fonda Lee

adventurous dark tense slow-paced

5.0

I can see why this series is so well rated overall. The family dynamics, complex plot, and fully realized world are so well written. The characters are flawed, but you find yourself understanding their motivations and how they see themselves and their world. 

At times the plot was slow but the setup is very worth the ending.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

One of the most enjoyable historical romances I've read. The characters are well developed and the romance doesn't ignore the way the world around them impacts the main characters.

My only dislike of the book was that certain aspects of the plot at the end felt forced, but this was a minor issue and didn't take away too much from the book overall.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

medium-paced

3.0

This was my first read by Ali Hazelwood and while it was an easy book to finish, I don't think I would recommend it.

The chemistry between Misery and Lowe was missing, although I found their relationship to be at least a little endearing. The plot felt rushed at the end and

the breakup scene just seemed so out of place.

Overall a quick read but unsatisfying and felt like it could have used more development of the world and the characters.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail