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samandthebookstack's Reviews (99)
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Alcohol
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Ali Hazelwood seems to be acutely aware of exactly which buttons to press to boost my seratonin production.
I loved The Love Hypothesis. It made my Reylo loving little heart so happy. It fixed some of the sadness that lingered in light of the way The Rise of Skywalker ended. (Ben Solo deserved better. JS.) I was hoping that Ali Hazelwood's next novel would give me the same vibes as TLH, and Love on the Brain delivered.
Our main characters, Bee (a neuroscientist) and Levi (an engineer), gave me the same vibes as Olive and Adam, and I didn't mind it one bit. You see, I have a type. He's tall, dark-haired and a tad broody but he exhibits all the cinammon roll qualities of a labrador retriever. He is smart, and heart-set on being a good person who isn't a bag of trash that refuses to face his own issues and trauma. But he's also intensely human and acts like an idiot sometimes. That is Adam's character in TLH, and it is also Levi's character in LOTB, and I loved it. I married this type of man and it's no coincidence that my husband also happens to be an engineer. As I said, I have a type. Mkay. Thank you, Ali Hazelwood, for effectively writing my husband into your novels. He's loving all the extra snuggles that result from your work.
Now...moving on...I loved Bee. I felt a deep camraderie with her character for one very specific reason: her poorly functioning autonomic nervous system. I have something called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (or POTS, for short), and it is marked by...you guessed it...passing out. All. the. friggin. time. My own illness is far more severe than what is portrayed via Bee's character, but it still tugged at something very deep in my heart for me to see a character with autonomic dysfunction in a novel for the first time. I felt seen. Aside from that, Bee is relatable, she is stubborn, and she loves her work. I am so glad to see that Ali Hazelwood continues to use her work to highlight what its like for women in STEM (the good and the bad parts).
All in all, by the time I finished this book, I felt nostalgic. It was a comfort read and I remain dutifully obsessed with Ali's work and will continue to autobuy whatever she releases.
I loved The Love Hypothesis. It made my Reylo loving little heart so happy. It fixed some of the sadness that lingered in light of the way The Rise of Skywalker ended. (Ben Solo deserved better. JS.) I was hoping that Ali Hazelwood's next novel would give me the same vibes as TLH, and Love on the Brain delivered.
Our main characters, Bee (a neuroscientist) and Levi (an engineer), gave me the same vibes as Olive and Adam, and I didn't mind it one bit. You see, I have a type. He's tall, dark-haired and a tad broody but he exhibits all the cinammon roll qualities of a labrador retriever. He is smart, and heart-set on being a good person who isn't a bag of trash that refuses to face his own issues and trauma. But he's also intensely human and acts like an idiot sometimes. That is Adam's character in TLH, and it is also Levi's character in LOTB, and I loved it. I married this type of man and it's no coincidence that my husband also happens to be an engineer. As I said, I have a type. Mkay. Thank you, Ali Hazelwood, for effectively writing my husband into your novels. He's loving all the extra snuggles that result from your work.
Now...moving on...I loved Bee. I felt a deep camraderie with her character for one very specific reason: her poorly functioning autonomic nervous system. I have something called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (or POTS, for short), and it is marked by...you guessed it...passing out. All. the. friggin. time. My own illness is far more severe than what is portrayed via Bee's character, but it still tugged at something very deep in my heart for me to see a character with autonomic dysfunction in a novel for the first time. I felt seen. Aside from that, Bee is relatable, she is stubborn, and she loves her work. I am so glad to see that Ali Hazelwood continues to use her work to highlight what its like for women in STEM (the good and the bad parts).
All in all, by the time I finished this book, I felt nostalgic. It was a comfort read and I remain dutifully obsessed with Ali's work and will continue to autobuy whatever she releases.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Death of parent
fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I gave the second installment in this series a fair shot. I went into it hoping that I would like it more than the first book in the series and was sorely disappointed.
The basic plot of this series has so much potential but it felt wasted thanks to poor editing, repetitive scenes, and a lack of plot movement coupled with gaping plot holes left by the decision to throw in redundant smut scenes that were more cringy than steamy. I love a good smutty novel, but the smut in this book was awful. I felt like I was reading smut that a teenager wrote. I wanted to bang my head against the wall thanks to the fact that sexual organs are only ever referred to as "sex" or "nub".
Adara isn't lovable. She's actually kind of an idiot and lacks depth. So much of the book is spent on repetitive lines where she goes back and forth about how she feels about Evren. It never feels like that conflict is any deeper because it is literally only explored via the same wording, over and over, for basically the entire book.
I want him...no I don't. He's bad. He's dangerous. He betrayed me.
All the popular tropes are still present in book 2, but they fall flat thanks to dialogue we've all seen a million times already.
"Say you're mine, Adara...Okay, I'm yours." (cue Adara's wishy-washy bullcrap) "I'm not yours, you betrayed me...But I still want to bang you and can't help myself."
We do get some new characters and even a teensy bit of info about the prophecy that concerns Adara and Evren. However, the moment when the characters actually embark on learning something about said prophecy, the scene is abruptly ended in favor of...you guessed it...repetitive smut.
I hate leaving less-than-stellar reviews. It yanks on the part of me that is a people-pleaser who never ever wants to hurt anyone's feelings. But I want to be as honest as possible so that other readers can get the most out of what they read.
So, just as with book 1, if you like a healthy, decently developed plot with a side of steamy, toe-curling smut, this book is not for you.
The basic plot of this series has so much potential but it felt wasted thanks to poor editing, repetitive scenes, and a lack of plot movement coupled with gaping plot holes left by the decision to throw in redundant smut scenes that were more cringy than steamy. I love a good smutty novel, but the smut in this book was awful. I felt like I was reading smut that a teenager wrote. I wanted to bang my head against the wall thanks to the fact that sexual organs are only ever referred to as "sex" or "nub".
Adara isn't lovable. She's actually kind of an idiot and lacks depth. So much of the book is spent on repetitive lines where she goes back and forth about how she feels about Evren. It never feels like that conflict is any deeper because it is literally only explored via the same wording, over and over, for basically the entire book.
I want him...no I don't. He's bad. He's dangerous. He betrayed me.
All the popular tropes are still present in book 2, but they fall flat thanks to dialogue we've all seen a million times already.
"Say you're mine, Adara...Okay, I'm yours." (cue Adara's wishy-washy bullcrap) "I'm not yours, you betrayed me...But I still want to bang you and can't help myself."
We do get some new characters and even a teensy bit of info about the prophecy that concerns Adara and Evren. However, the moment when the characters actually embark on learning something about said prophecy, the scene is abruptly ended in favor of...you guessed it...repetitive smut.
I hate leaving less-than-stellar reviews. It yanks on the part of me that is a people-pleaser who never ever wants to hurt anyone's feelings. But I want to be as honest as possible so that other readers can get the most out of what they read.
So, just as with book 1, if you like a healthy, decently developed plot with a side of steamy, toe-curling smut, this book is not for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Molly for the opportunity to enjoy your debut! I look forward to a re-read when book 2 releases.
3.5/5 stars
As her Forterian mother is dying, Kacela is saved and raised by the Royal Commander of the Altun king's forces. She is trained to be both a ferocious warrior and a sharp diplomat. Both skills become essential when she strikes a deal to participate in the Sacrament, a 38-day tournament on a mountain with hundreds of other Forterian males who are all out for her blood. Her victory in the Sacrament will mean equality for all Forterian women.
I really enjoyed this debut from Molly Adaza. Despite the fact that there were sections that were choppy (battle scenes specifically), Molly's writing was pleasantly descriptive and easy to read and I enjoyed the story overall. I look forward to reading more about morally gray Kacela and the changes she intends to bring to the world around her.
There are a few things I want to note to readers, there are trigger warnings to consider.
This book is very heavily inspired by ACOTAR, the author states this. Specifically, it is inspired by the idea of the Illyrian Blood Rite. While inspiration is not a bad thing, there were too many similarities for my own personal tastes. I felt like it sometimes edged on feeling like it was ACOTAR fanfiction (For the record, "fanfiction" is not a dirty word. Some of the best things I've ever read were fanfiction).
Most importantly, the trigger warnings: As this story centers around the misogyny associated with patriarchal societies, there is a lot of language that is derogatory towards women. There is also a specific scene (in chapter 32) that contains very graphic depictions of violence toward the FMC perpetrated by a male character. I had to stop once or twice and I am not usually someone who has issues with these things. I'm not sure if it was my mood going into reading or if the way it was written rubbed me the wrong way, but I wanted to warn readers in case they were sensitive to such content.
3.5/5 stars
As her Forterian mother is dying, Kacela is saved and raised by the Royal Commander of the Altun king's forces. She is trained to be both a ferocious warrior and a sharp diplomat. Both skills become essential when she strikes a deal to participate in the Sacrament, a 38-day tournament on a mountain with hundreds of other Forterian males who are all out for her blood. Her victory in the Sacrament will mean equality for all Forterian women.
I really enjoyed this debut from Molly Adaza. Despite the fact that there were sections that were choppy (battle scenes specifically), Molly's writing was pleasantly descriptive and easy to read and I enjoyed the story overall. I look forward to reading more about morally gray Kacela and the changes she intends to bring to the world around her.
There are a few things I want to note to readers, there are trigger warnings to consider.
This book is very heavily inspired by ACOTAR, the author states this. Specifically, it is inspired by the idea of the Illyrian Blood Rite. While inspiration is not a bad thing, there were too many similarities for my own personal tastes. I felt like it sometimes edged on feeling like it was ACOTAR fanfiction (For the record, "fanfiction" is not a dirty word. Some of the best things I've ever read were fanfiction).
Most importantly, the trigger warnings: As this story centers around the misogyny associated with patriarchal societies, there is a lot of language that is derogatory towards women. There is also a specific scene (in chapter 32) that contains very graphic depictions of violence toward the FMC perpetrated by a male character. I had to stop once or twice and I am not usually someone who has issues with these things. I'm not sure if it was my mood going into reading or if the way it was written rubbed me the wrong way, but I wanted to warn readers in case they were sensitive to such content.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Abortion
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A huge thank you to Hannah Whitten, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC and share my thoughts on it with all of you.
As much as I enjoyed For the Wolf, The Foxglove King was even better and I am utterly shook. I literally just finished it like two minutes ago and now I'm sitting here with my mouth hung open, slightly irritated that I have to wait until the next book comes out to continue the story.
Hannah Whitten is a master of her craft, that much is easily apparent if you read For the Wolf. But this book....it was everything all at once in the very best. way. Hannah's writing is as descriptive and captivating as it is comforting and familiar and that stood out with The Foxglove King. But the best part was the world-building. In between delicious banter and heaps of intrigue and mystery, Hannah wove a world that is as unique as it is mysterious. I am a sucker for worldbuilding that is intricate enough to require me to keep tabs on things but doesn't make that process feel laborious and Hannah delivers on that front with a degree of precision that is utterly uncanny.
Lore is wonderful. We see so many sides of her personality. We see her strength and courage as well as the telltale signs of someone who hasn't quite come into her own just yet. Lore is relatable and despite the world she lives in and her role in it, there's an honesty to her that I absolutely loved.
I don't want to delve too much deeper (my reviews are always spoiler free), but this is a must-read if you love the fantasy genre, especially if you enjoy mysteries, angsty banter, and deep worldbuilding that whisks you away from the perils of the "normal world".
The Foxglove King releases on March 7th, 2023 and I highly recommend it for lovers of the fantasy/romance genre.
As much as I enjoyed For the Wolf, The Foxglove King was even better and I am utterly shook. I literally just finished it like two minutes ago and now I'm sitting here with my mouth hung open, slightly irritated that I have to wait until the next book comes out to continue the story.
Hannah Whitten is a master of her craft, that much is easily apparent if you read For the Wolf. But this book....it was everything all at once in the very best. way. Hannah's writing is as descriptive and captivating as it is comforting and familiar and that stood out with The Foxglove King. But the best part was the world-building. In between delicious banter and heaps of intrigue and mystery, Hannah wove a world that is as unique as it is mysterious. I am a sucker for worldbuilding that is intricate enough to require me to keep tabs on things but doesn't make that process feel laborious and Hannah delivers on that front with a degree of precision that is utterly uncanny.
Lore is wonderful. We see so many sides of her personality. We see her strength and courage as well as the telltale signs of someone who hasn't quite come into her own just yet. Lore is relatable and despite the world she lives in and her role in it, there's an honesty to her that I absolutely loved.
I don't want to delve too much deeper (my reviews are always spoiler free), but this is a must-read if you love the fantasy genre, especially if you enjoy mysteries, angsty banter, and deep worldbuilding that whisks you away from the perils of the "normal world".
The Foxglove King releases on March 7th, 2023 and I highly recommend it for lovers of the fantasy/romance genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Sexual content, Violence
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Black Sunshine is book one in a duology, although it can be read as a standalone which is fantatic if you're looking for a fast read that will serve to cleanse your palate after binging a longer series.
This was my first experience with Karina Halle's work and I really enjoyed it. I adored Lenore and Absolon was such an interesting character (I'm a sucker for dark, moody, and mysterious dudes when I read this genre...what can I say).
Please check trigger warnings before reading this.
This was my first experience with Karina Halle's work and I really enjoyed it. I adored Lenore and Absolon was such an interesting character (I'm a sucker for dark, moody, and mysterious dudes when I read this genre...what can I say).
Please check trigger warnings before reading this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping
Fantasy/Romance is my jam. So naturally, I was stoked to read this. Several of the reviews and the author's tik toks convinced me that it would be right up my alley.
I hate leaving less-than-stellar reviews. It always makes me feel like a jerk because the last thing I want to do is hurt someone's feelings. But I really struggled to get through this story.
First of all, the tropes. They're all there, every single one of them. But written poorly. I read bits and pieces of this aloud to my husband and we both wondered if it was possibly intended to be satire.
Then there is the matter of the writing itself. I am hesitant to say that writing is bad. It feels icky to say this because I believe that such observations are generally subjective. But the poor (and often redundant) quality of the writing jarred me from chapter one onward. I normally don't mind writing that isn't elegant or poetic, especially when smut is involved, but this was different. It was juvenile, seemed barely edited and I've honestly read fanfiction with better dialogue. Even the spicy scenes fell flat for me. So much of this story felt copy-pasted from other works and that really didn't sit right with me as I read through this. For example, the author used the term "bend the knee" multiple times, and there were so many instances where I immediately noted very familiar bits of phrasing because I'd already read them in another novel.
Then there's the FMC, Adara. She is constantly checking to see that she has her precious dagger on her person, but she never actually uses it. In fact, there's no mention that she has the slightest clue what to do with the damned thing. But she makes it a point to touch it constantly, to make sure it's in her boot, or to draw it like she's going to do something with it. It comes across like the weapon is merely an accessory intended to force us to believe that Adara is a badass who doesn't need a man to protect her, except she does.
Then there are the male interests: Gavril, the crowned prince (who is clearly trash from the jump), and Evran, the captain of the guard (and half-brother to the crowned prince). There was no tension, no build-up, and the plot twist was too predictable.
Overall, if you like your smut with a heaping dose of plot - this one isn't for you my friends.
I hate leaving less-than-stellar reviews. It always makes me feel like a jerk because the last thing I want to do is hurt someone's feelings. But I really struggled to get through this story.
First of all, the tropes. They're all there, every single one of them. But written poorly. I read bits and pieces of this aloud to my husband and we both wondered if it was possibly intended to be satire.
Then there is the matter of the writing itself. I am hesitant to say that writing is bad. It feels icky to say this because I believe that such observations are generally subjective. But the poor (and often redundant) quality of the writing jarred me from chapter one onward. I normally don't mind writing that isn't elegant or poetic, especially when smut is involved, but this was different. It was juvenile, seemed barely edited and I've honestly read fanfiction with better dialogue. Even the spicy scenes fell flat for me. So much of this story felt copy-pasted from other works and that really didn't sit right with me as I read through this. For example, the author used the term "bend the knee" multiple times, and there were so many instances where I immediately noted very familiar bits of phrasing because I'd already read them in another novel.
Then there's the FMC, Adara. She is constantly checking to see that she has her precious dagger on her person, but she never actually uses it. In fact, there's no mention that she has the slightest clue what to do with the damned thing. But she makes it a point to touch it constantly, to make sure it's in her boot, or to draw it like she's going to do something with it. It comes across like the weapon is merely an accessory intended to force us to believe that Adara is a badass who doesn't need a man to protect her, except she does.
Then there are the male interests: Gavril, the crowned prince (who is clearly trash from the jump), and Evran, the captain of the guard (and half-brother to the crowned prince). There was no tension, no build-up, and the plot twist was too predictable.
Overall, if you like your smut with a heaping dose of plot - this one isn't for you my friends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced