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selenamarie22's reviews
146 reviews
Magick Rising by Ligia N. Cushman
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.5
ARC Review
This picks up right where Rise of a Dark Throne ends with an introduction to Lola. If you loved Sole you're going to love Lola just as much. She's strong and resilient and has been through so much in this book so please read the triggers before starting.
This dedication:
To all the brown girls who were told they weren’t enough, who were made to feel small. This book is dedicated to you. May you discover the power in vulnerability, embrace your fierceness, and never shrink yourself again.
This alone tells you you're in for a good story with a badass fmc and man did Lygia deliver. Lola is the girl we all dreamed of being. Believing in ourselves even when everyone else says we can't or being constantly torn down no matter what you do. This definitely resonated with me this year.
Lola endures a lot in this book but she's not alone. She has King. King also has some struggles of his own as he is now the crown prince, a role he doesn't really want or is supposed to get as a second born but due to the darkness he is now the crown prince.
🚨TW🚨
This book contains elements of ableism, abusive relationships, alcoholism, bullying, bodies/ corpses, child abuse, classism, death/ dying, death of a parent, death of a sibling, drinking (recreational), emotional abuse, forced captivity, graphic sex, murder, attempted murder, PTSD (panic attacks by the main character), racism (multiple discussions throughout the book), racist microaggressions, serious injury, sexism, sexual abuse, sexual content, slurs, smoking, swearing, torture, violent death of parents, warfare, and weapons.
This picks up right where Rise of a Dark Throne ends with an introduction to Lola. If you loved Sole you're going to love Lola just as much. She's strong and resilient and has been through so much in this book so please read the triggers before starting.
This dedication:
To all the brown girls who were told they weren’t enough, who were made to feel small. This book is dedicated to you. May you discover the power in vulnerability, embrace your fierceness, and never shrink yourself again.
This alone tells you you're in for a good story with a badass fmc and man did Lygia deliver. Lola is the girl we all dreamed of being. Believing in ourselves even when everyone else says we can't or being constantly torn down no matter what you do. This definitely resonated with me this year.
Lola endures a lot in this book but she's not alone. She has King. King also has some struggles of his own as he is now the crown prince, a role he doesn't really want or is supposed to get as a second born but due to the darkness he is now the crown prince.
🚨TW🚨
This book contains elements of ableism, abusive relationships, alcoholism, bullying, bodies/ corpses, child abuse, classism, death/ dying, death of a parent, death of a sibling, drinking (recreational), emotional abuse, forced captivity, graphic sex, murder, attempted murder, PTSD (panic attacks by the main character), racism (multiple discussions throughout the book), racist microaggressions, serious injury, sexism, sexual abuse, sexual content, slurs, smoking, swearing, torture, violent death of parents, warfare, and weapons.
In the Wake of the Wicked by V.B. Lacey
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
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? N/A
4.0
ARC Review
I really enjoyed this book. The magic system, the trials, the characters. This book immersed me into the story from the very first chapter. Rose satisfies the badass fmc trope perfectly, with her innovation with perfecting her magic. I love her fierce determination to protect those she loves especially her family and then Leo. Leo is of course our broody male, who turns out to be a big softie, doing anything for his sister and rose, not like they need any protecting because they both know how to handle themselves.
I loved the banter between Leo and Rose, the little tit for tat really kept it cute and entertaining between them. That plot twist was so dread though, because this entire time the emperor was painted as bad and wouldn't you believe he actually was bad, you'll just have to read to find out why I was shocked. He's Chat History Evil Kings worthy.
I really enjoyed this book. The magic system, the trials, the characters. This book immersed me into the story from the very first chapter. Rose satisfies the badass fmc trope perfectly, with her innovation with perfecting her magic. I love her fierce determination to protect those she loves especially her family and then Leo. Leo is of course our broody male, who turns out to be a big softie, doing anything for his sister and rose, not like they need any protecting because they both know how to handle themselves.
I loved the banter between Leo and Rose, the little tit for tat really kept it cute and entertaining between them. That plot twist was so dread though, because this entire time the emperor was painted as bad and wouldn't you believe he actually was bad, you'll just have to read to find out why I was shocked. He's Chat History Evil Kings worthy.
Wolves of Adalore by Morgan Gauthier
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book. But I saw so many good reviews that I just had to and I'm so glad I did. I loved the short chapters literally sucked me into the story so fast. And did i mention there are multiple povs, like even for the villain. Does anyone else get Regina from Once Upon A Time vibes from Niabi, because I do and absolutely loved it. I love a good lost royalty book and this book did that for me. The plot was clear cut and flowed seamlessly. Absolutely loved it.
At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book. But I saw so many good reviews that I just had to and I'm so glad I did. I loved the short chapters literally sucked me into the story so fast. And did i mention there are multiple povs, like even for the villain. Does anyone else get Regina from Once Upon A Time vibes from Niabi, because I do and absolutely loved it. I love a good lost royalty book and this book did that for me. The plot was clear cut and flowed seamlessly. Absolutely loved it.
Rise of a Champion by
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Rise of a Champion ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We wait for nothing, Revered. Forever waits for us.”
Loved it, loved learning about Aislin's parents. Allowed me to be immersed in the world of Celeria all over again and the best characters. Short, sweet, swoony.
Read the Blaze Legacy series now complete.
“We wait for nothing, Revered. Forever waits for us.”
Loved it, loved learning about Aislin's parents. Allowed me to be immersed in the world of Celeria all over again and the best characters. Short, sweet, swoony.
Read the Blaze Legacy series now complete.
Repeat After Me by Jessica Warman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
DNF
Just couldn't get into it. The story line was very confusing, just couldn't keep track of what was going on and I understand it's teenagers but The Summer I turned Pretty Reference kind of threw me off. Read 8% of this book and was just like nope. The cover and sprayed edges is pretty though, but this book is definitely not for me.
Just couldn't get into it. The story line was very confusing, just couldn't keep track of what was going on and I understand it's teenagers but The Summer I turned Pretty Reference kind of threw me off. Read 8% of this book and was just like nope. The cover and sprayed edges is pretty though, but this book is definitely not for me.
The Hood and his Thief by S.C. Grayson
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
ARC review🎪❤
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awwww such a sweet way to wrap up this series. I loved Rhosyn's story so much. I love that we got to see more of Nate and Contessa as well as Scarlet and Benedict.
This book focuses on Rhosyn whom we met in book 1 The Beauty and the Blade and I absolutely fell in love with her flare since then. Since the end of the trials Rhosyn has been struggling with finding her place in society since the Lions have been disbanded. She finds herself investigating a string of robberies which leads to a chase with a mysterious figure called the Hood and she feels instantly drawn to him.
I really loved seeing Rhosyn understand herself a little better and find her place as she found love in the most unlikely place.
Now Ansel is just a charmer, not as much as Benedict mind you but really close.
As he says this to Rhosyn,
“My height tends to scare away many men.” “Well, that’s foolish. A skilled partner can handle any amount of woman.”
who is definitely taller than him but we love a confident short king.
“I can tell you one thing you are,” Ansel said. His breath puffed across her face, warm and sweet.
“What’s that?” she prompted,
“You’re everything I want.”
I just love them and loved the wrap up to this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awwww such a sweet way to wrap up this series. I loved Rhosyn's story so much. I love that we got to see more of Nate and Contessa as well as Scarlet and Benedict.
This book focuses on Rhosyn whom we met in book 1 The Beauty and the Blade and I absolutely fell in love with her flare since then. Since the end of the trials Rhosyn has been struggling with finding her place in society since the Lions have been disbanded. She finds herself investigating a string of robberies which leads to a chase with a mysterious figure called the Hood and she feels instantly drawn to him.
I really loved seeing Rhosyn understand herself a little better and find her place as she found love in the most unlikely place.
Now Ansel is just a charmer, not as much as Benedict mind you but really close.
As he says this to Rhosyn,
“My height tends to scare away many men.” “Well, that’s foolish. A skilled partner can handle any amount of woman.”
who is definitely taller than him but we love a confident short king.
“I can tell you one thing you are,” Ansel said. His breath puffed across her face, warm and sweet.
“What’s that?” she prompted,
“You’re everything I want.”
I just love them and loved the wrap up to this series.
Until the Stars Fall by Vanessa Rasanen
challenging
dark
emotional
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
5.0
Arc Review
Where do I even begin with this book. I loved it every single bit of it. Like look at this opening line.
"I was still holding the bloody knife when they found me."
If this doesn't grab your attention. The marriage of convenience, the banter, and the foreshadowing definitely will.
The chapters of this book are short which I absolutely love as it sucks you into the story and so hard to put down once you get started.
The twist was so good, it had me gasping at work. It's so good. Here's some of my favorite quotes:
"His name was vinegar and honey, leaving a trail of sweet acidity as it ran through my mind."
“Last I checked, Wolfie, I’m not a dog. You are.”
“Own the room, Sapphire. It’s yours to rule.”
Love love love this book. It will have you giggling and kicking your feet.
5 Stars can't wait for book 2.
Tropes: Fated mates, fake engagement, fae shifter, slow burn, shared dreams
Where do I even begin with this book. I loved it every single bit of it. Like look at this opening line.
"I was still holding the bloody knife when they found me."
If this doesn't grab your attention. The marriage of convenience, the banter, and the foreshadowing definitely will.
The chapters of this book are short which I absolutely love as it sucks you into the story and so hard to put down once you get started.
The twist was so good, it had me gasping at work. It's so good. Here's some of my favorite quotes:
"His name was vinegar and honey, leaving a trail of sweet acidity as it ran through my mind."
“Last I checked, Wolfie, I’m not a dog. You are.”
“Own the room, Sapphire. It’s yours to rule.”
Love love love this book. It will have you giggling and kicking your feet.
5 Stars can't wait for book 2.
Tropes: Fated mates, fake engagement, fae shifter, slow burn, shared dreams
These Deadly Dreams by Whitney L. Spradling
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-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? Yes
5.0
ARC Review💚
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Omg this book. I loved every second of it. This book picks right where These Dangerous Fates left us. We are reunited with our favourite guys and Ellis. Leave it to Whitney to put our FMC through it, first Lainey now Ellis. Ellis has finally found a sense of happiness with her guys and now she's just waiting for the other shoe to drop and it did *enters Sam*.
This book is nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. You'll laugh at the banter between our favourite quartet, you'll stress and worry as they go through various trials but you'll definitely fall more in love with them. For me it's Kai, everytime he says baby girl I just melt in a puddle of happiness. I really loved seeing their relationship grow in this book. I loved seeing Ellis getting a better understanding of who she is and her powers. I love that instead of the boys being afraid of her powers they are in awe by it and it just makes my heart flutter everytime, especially with that ending.
Here's some of my favorite quotes:
"Despite everything that has been done to you and everything you have been through,
you never once let them turn you into what they are. There is no one more pure and beautiful in this world than you.”
you could be the biggest, baddest monster in Lustros and we would still burn the fucking world to the ground to be with you.”
“I love you, too. And if you’re a monster, Ellis, then you’re our monster.”
“Chocolate covered Kai dick. Where can I get me some of that?” 😂😂
“I caught you, little bird,” he breathes in my ear.
And so many more
Can't wait for book 3.
🚨🚨 Trigger Warning 🚨🚨
This book contains adult themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. These themes include: violence,
graphic sexual scenes, CNC, language, drug/alcohol use, torture, blood play, and mention of past non-consent encounters and sexual assault.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Omg this book. I loved every second of it. This book picks right where These Dangerous Fates left us. We are reunited with our favourite guys and Ellis. Leave it to Whitney to put our FMC through it, first Lainey now Ellis. Ellis has finally found a sense of happiness with her guys and now she's just waiting for the other shoe to drop and it did *enters Sam*.
This book is nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. You'll laugh at the banter between our favourite quartet, you'll stress and worry as they go through various trials but you'll definitely fall more in love with them. For me it's Kai, everytime he says baby girl I just melt in a puddle of happiness. I really loved seeing their relationship grow in this book. I loved seeing Ellis getting a better understanding of who she is and her powers. I love that instead of the boys being afraid of her powers they are in awe by it and it just makes my heart flutter everytime, especially with that ending.
Here's some of my favorite quotes:
"Despite everything that has been done to you and everything you have been through,
you never once let them turn you into what they are. There is no one more pure and beautiful in this world than you.”
you could be the biggest, baddest monster in Lustros and we would still burn the fucking world to the ground to be with you.”
“I love you, too. And if you’re a monster, Ellis, then you’re our monster.”
“Chocolate covered Kai dick. Where can I get me some of that?” 😂😂
“I caught you, little bird,” he breathes in my ear.
And so many more
Can't wait for book 3.
🚨🚨 Trigger Warning 🚨🚨
This book contains adult themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. These themes include: violence,
graphic sexual scenes, CNC, language, drug/alcohol use, torture, blood play, and mention of past non-consent encounters and sexual assault.
The Maine Attraction by Morgan Gauthier
"Ramsey Elizabeth Price was going to be his undoing and he was more than willing to accept his fate. "
Omg this book was just what I needed for my little break from fantasy. Nico and Ramsey 😍😍😍. I just can't get enough of both of them. 8 years is a long time to pine after someone and named his business after her and I'm just mush. I love Nico so much. Kind of wish it wasn't a fade to black but otherwise I really loved this story. I will always love the fake dating troupe, I don't care what others think but I will read any book with it. Because the way of it starts fake and the real emotions come in as they pay attention to each other will always be top tier to me.
The banter is so good.
“It’s a wonder you two aren’t happily married yet, bickering the way you do.” “He wishes,” Ramsey drank the shot to spite Nico. “Every birthday when I blow out my candles.” Nico wiggled his eyebrows, blowing a kiss at Ramsey.
"Oh, Princess, if I was giving you a reason for your eyes to roll back in your head, you wouldn't complain."
Especially loved all the Disney references but my favourite scene has to be this:
"What’s the worst thing you could have me do?"
"Propose to me, in front of my entire family."
"That’s one way to get me down on my knees. Is that what you want? Me on my knees?" He slid off the edge of the bed and knelt before her.
I'm sorry what??. The flutters this elicits, I can't.
Another 5 star read for Morgan.
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
"Ramsey Elizabeth Price was going to be his undoing and he was more than willing to accept his fate. "
Omg this book was just what I needed for my little break from fantasy. Nico and Ramsey 😍😍😍. I just can't get enough of both of them. 8 years is a long time to pine after someone and named his business after her and I'm just mush. I love Nico so much. Kind of wish it wasn't a fade to black but otherwise I really loved this story. I will always love the fake dating troupe, I don't care what others think but I will read any book with it. Because the way of it starts fake and the real emotions come in as they pay attention to each other will always be top tier to me.
The banter is so good.
“It’s a wonder you two aren’t happily married yet, bickering the way you do.” “He wishes,” Ramsey drank the shot to spite Nico. “Every birthday when I blow out my candles.” Nico wiggled his eyebrows, blowing a kiss at Ramsey.
"Oh, Princess, if I was giving you a reason for your eyes to roll back in your head, you wouldn't complain."
Especially loved all the Disney references but my favourite scene has to be this:
"What’s the worst thing you could have me do?"
"Propose to me, in front of my entire family."
"That’s one way to get me down on my knees. Is that what you want? Me on my knees?" He slid off the edge of the bed and knelt before her.
I'm sorry what??. The flutters this elicits, I can't.
Another 5 star read for Morgan.
A Ballad of Beasts and Brothers by Morgan Gauthier
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
ARC Review ✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"She did what most people couldn't. She surprised me, and it was at that very moment when I knew I'd follow her to the gates of the Underworld if she asked me to."
My hardcover arrived this week so what better way to spend my Sunday than highlighting everything I loved from my arc to my physical copy and I just fell in love with this book all over again. As if I didn't love Atlas enough in book 1, book 2 is so much better because we finally get more of his point of view and my god the way he thinks about Shaye.
"She was beautiful to be sure with her long brown hair and olive skin, but there was something deep within me, festering in the pit of my stomach, that made my heart race."
"Perhaps it was her magic calling out to mine– perhaps it was her soul that touched me, but either way, I knew once I picked her up and held her that I didn't ever want to put her down."
Oh my heart couldn't take it. If I could highlight the entire book I would. We also got to learn more about Shaye and her magic and their origins and boy was it a rollercoaster of emotions, one I won't spoil. You'll just have to read it to find out because that plot twist and ending was brutal. Shaye also learned about true unconditional love, which was just the most heartbreaking and sweetest thing ever. We get to meet each character intimately and if you didn't love this bun h in book 1 you'll definitely fall in love with them here.
But this book is beautiful inside and out and you should definitely give it a read. Another 5 star read for Morgan❤
Pick up this series if you love:
- Enemies to Reluctant Allies to Lovers
- Elemental Magic
- Rapunzel Retelling
- Magical School/Training (Book Two)
- Steam and low-level spice
- Witty Banter
- Hidden Identity
- Twist on Fated Mates
- Forced Proximity/One Horse/One Coffin
- Found Family
- Secrets and Betrayal
- Action and Adventure
- Humans, Elves, Trolls, Dwarves, Dragons and Demons
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"She did what most people couldn't. She surprised me, and it was at that very moment when I knew I'd follow her to the gates of the Underworld if she asked me to."
My hardcover arrived this week so what better way to spend my Sunday than highlighting everything I loved from my arc to my physical copy and I just fell in love with this book all over again. As if I didn't love Atlas enough in book 1, book 2 is so much better because we finally get more of his point of view and my god the way he thinks about Shaye.
"She was beautiful to be sure with her long brown hair and olive skin, but there was something deep within me, festering in the pit of my stomach, that made my heart race."
"Perhaps it was her magic calling out to mine– perhaps it was her soul that touched me, but either way, I knew once I picked her up and held her that I didn't ever want to put her down."
Oh my heart couldn't take it. If I could highlight the entire book I would. We also got to learn more about Shaye and her magic and their origins and boy was it a rollercoaster of emotions, one I won't spoil. You'll just have to read it to find out because that plot twist and ending was brutal. Shaye also learned about true unconditional love, which was just the most heartbreaking and sweetest thing ever. We get to meet each character intimately and if you didn't love this bun h in book 1 you'll definitely fall in love with them here.
But this book is beautiful inside and out and you should definitely give it a read. Another 5 star read for Morgan❤
Pick up this series if you love:
- Enemies to Reluctant Allies to Lovers
- Elemental Magic
- Rapunzel Retelling
- Magical School/Training (Book Two)
- Steam and low-level spice
- Witty Banter
- Hidden Identity
- Twist on Fated Mates
- Forced Proximity/One Horse/One Coffin
- Found Family
- Secrets and Betrayal
- Action and Adventure
- Humans, Elves, Trolls, Dwarves, Dragons and Demons