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selenamarie22's reviews
146 reviews
The Duke and the Disciple by Sarah M. Cradit
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
“I was made for you,”
This book is spicy 🥵🥵. Probably the spiciest I've read. I really enjoyed reconnecting with Draz and Imyryll, I loved getting to see her in motherhood and how she turned draz into a big softie, iykyk.
This book is the 2nd in the Sceptre Cycle with the Claw and the Crowned being the first. I advise you read that first before diving into this one.
The Duke and His Disciple focuses on Aesylt, Draz's little sister and only surviving family member, and Adrahn, a Duke and Scholar who came to Witch wood Cross with Imyryll to start Books of All Things. However, the Reliquary wants to take over this endeavor giving Imyryll's cohort all kinds of impossible topics, one of which is coitus. Making this book a spicy one as Aes and the Duke try to complete this study without feelings.
“You’re the perfect fit, Scholar.”
“The only fit, Aesylt.” He dragged himself all the way out and back in, repeating until her eyes rolled back and her mouth could no longer close. “Like my cock was made for you.”
“Tell me what... what you would do if there was nothing stopping you.” “I would...” Rahn pulled out and slammed in again, drawing gasps from both of them. “Fuck my favorite little researcher until the stars wink from the sky and the ocean replaces the land.”
This brings up a lot of their past trauma, Aes being the night of the Nok Mora and Rahn being his trip across the white sea to Duncarrow.
🚨🚨Content Warnings: 🚨🚨
graphic descriptions of sex, primal play, physical abuse (not between MCs), consensual multiple partners (not polyamory or why choose), CNC (consensual non-consent), deep unresolved trauma, threatened: imprisonment/confinement, forced breeding, marriage, malnutrition/starvation/food withholding (not between MCs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
“I was made for you,”
This book is spicy 🥵🥵. Probably the spiciest I've read. I really enjoyed reconnecting with Draz and Imyryll, I loved getting to see her in motherhood and how she turned draz into a big softie, iykyk.
This book is the 2nd in the Sceptre Cycle with the Claw and the Crowned being the first. I advise you read that first before diving into this one.
The Duke and His Disciple focuses on Aesylt, Draz's little sister and only surviving family member, and Adrahn, a Duke and Scholar who came to Witch wood Cross with Imyryll to start Books of All Things. However, the Reliquary wants to take over this endeavor giving Imyryll's cohort all kinds of impossible topics, one of which is coitus. Making this book a spicy one as Aes and the Duke try to complete this study without feelings.
“You’re the perfect fit, Scholar.”
“The only fit, Aesylt.” He dragged himself all the way out and back in, repeating until her eyes rolled back and her mouth could no longer close. “Like my cock was made for you.”
“Tell me what... what you would do if there was nothing stopping you.” “I would...” Rahn pulled out and slammed in again, drawing gasps from both of them. “Fuck my favorite little researcher until the stars wink from the sky and the ocean replaces the land.”
This brings up a lot of their past trauma, Aes being the night of the Nok Mora and Rahn being his trip across the white sea to Duncarrow.
🚨🚨Content Warnings: 🚨🚨
graphic descriptions of sex, primal play, physical abuse (not between MCs), consensual multiple partners (not polyamory or why choose), CNC (consensual non-consent), deep unresolved trauma, threatened: imprisonment/confinement, forced breeding, marriage, malnutrition/starvation/food withholding (not between MCs)
Tallie's Secret by Tati B. Alvarez
dark
emotional
sad
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? No
4.0
ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
"...sometimes love can blossom in the most unexpected ways."
“Claim me, alpha. Make me yours for the world to see.”
I really liked this one. Gives a smooth transition from book 1 into book 2 as we are introduced to Rip and get a little insight on his story. In this novella, we get to meet Rip's family which includes our main girl Tallie and she has a secret. She's in love with Rip's second, Thorne.
Read this book if you like:
Wolf shifters
Friends to lovers
Forbidden love
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
"...sometimes love can blossom in the most unexpected ways."
“Claim me, alpha. Make me yours for the world to see.”
I really liked this one. Gives a smooth transition from book 1 into book 2 as we are introduced to Rip and get a little insight on his story. In this novella, we get to meet Rip's family which includes our main girl Tallie and she has a secret. She's in love with Rip's second, Thorne.
Read this book if you like:
Wolf shifters
Friends to lovers
Forbidden love
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've been seeing this series all over bookstagram during the pandemic and I finally got it. I must say that I enjoyed this book. It grabs your interest from the very first page. It's a very interesting way to capture Juliette's mind with a lot of repetition and strike throughs which does get a little annoying at times but as she finds herself, you see they gradually become less and less. This book kind of gave me some shadow and bone vibes in the best way. Adam reminds me of Mal, which could go either way but Warner is giving me serious Darkling vibes and Kenji kind of reminds me of Jesper.
So overall I enjoyed diving into this dystopian world and I'm curious to see how the story continues.
So overall I enjoyed diving into this dystopian world and I'm curious to see how the story continues.
A Song of Shadow and Starlight by Morgan Gauthier
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goal last week was to reach 50 % in this book and I reached well over 80% and if I didn't have to work I would have devoured it even faster. This book is fast paced and the chapters just flow seamlessly into each other. I loved every second of it.
If I could have highlighted the whole book I would have. That's how much I loved it. There's magic, angst, betrayal, love and not one, not two but THREE brothers to fall in love with. Its so hard to pick a favorite. Nyx is all fun and witty, Finn is sweet, protective and kind and Atlas is our shadow daddy that I can't get enough of. So maybe I do have a favorite.
Shaye, our leading lady, undergoes a lot of character development on this journey and it's only been book 1. As he or to the throne of Midori, she has a lot going on and a lot of secrets are coming to light when she was kidnapped before her wedding. The banter between her and Atlas 😍😍😍. I love it.
I love that Atlas believes in her and will always be there for her.
"I won't let you fall. Trust me."
"And if I got lost?"He smiles and my heart skips a beat. "I told you before, I'll always find you."
I also love that she finally has a friend she can confide in in Eris. Eris's story 😢. I just wanted to cry I feel so attached to this crew already. I love that Eris has also found a friend in Shaye. They need each other. I can't wait for book 2.
My goal last week was to reach 50 % in this book and I reached well over 80% and if I didn't have to work I would have devoured it even faster. This book is fast paced and the chapters just flow seamlessly into each other. I loved every second of it.
If I could have highlighted the whole book I would have. That's how much I loved it. There's magic, angst, betrayal, love and not one, not two but THREE brothers to fall in love with. Its so hard to pick a favorite. Nyx is all fun and witty, Finn is sweet, protective and kind and Atlas is our shadow daddy that I can't get enough of. So maybe I do have a favorite.
Shaye, our leading lady, undergoes a lot of character development on this journey and it's only been book 1. As he or to the throne of Midori, she has a lot going on and a lot of secrets are coming to light when she was kidnapped before her wedding. The banter between her and Atlas 😍😍😍. I love it.
I love that Atlas believes in her and will always be there for her.
"I won't let you fall. Trust me."
"And if I got lost?"He smiles and my heart skips a beat. "I told you before, I'll always find you."
I also love that she finally has a friend she can confide in in Eris. Eris's story 😢. I just wanted to cry I feel so attached to this crew already. I love that Eris has also found a friend in Shaye. They need each other. I can't wait for book 2.
Fall by L.R. Friedman
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
ARC review
⭐⭐⭐⭐. 5
Fall picks right where Ascend wrenched out our hearts. This one is also heart wrenching but for a different reason. We see Kyleigh go through the grieving process of losing Dru and her mother. For anyone whose lost someone they loved this can be hard to read so please check the triggers.
We also get some insight into Redmond and his guilt for all the things he has done in anger, that is the blaze. We also get to know a little more about the Revered and their magic as well as Redmond's magic.
Aislin is also dealing with her trauma as she tries to heal from when she was a wisp under the Enchantress's control and Sloan being the perfect wife, yes you've read right WIFE, helps her through it which I loved. Neve and Ox have my heart in this book as Neve finally let's her walls down and fully accepts her bond with Ox and if I didn't love this man enough before, I'm absolutely in love with this softie.
“You are mó venéro, mine to revere and worship.”
“Mine to love.”
There's also so much angst and tension between Kyleigh and Redmond. I can't wait to see what Soar brings for them. I can't believe that's the last book. I'm not ready.
⭐⭐⭐⭐. 5
Fall picks right where Ascend wrenched out our hearts. This one is also heart wrenching but for a different reason. We see Kyleigh go through the grieving process of losing Dru and her mother. For anyone whose lost someone they loved this can be hard to read so please check the triggers.
We also get some insight into Redmond and his guilt for all the things he has done in anger, that is the blaze. We also get to know a little more about the Revered and their magic as well as Redmond's magic.
Aislin is also dealing with her trauma as she tries to heal from when she was a wisp under the Enchantress's control and Sloan being the perfect wife, yes you've read right WIFE, helps her through it which I loved. Neve and Ox have my heart in this book as Neve finally let's her walls down and fully accepts her bond with Ox and if I didn't love this man enough before, I'm absolutely in love with this softie.
“You are mó venéro, mine to revere and worship.”
“Mine to love.”
There's also so much angst and tension between Kyleigh and Redmond. I can't wait to see what Soar brings for them. I can't believe that's the last book. I'm not ready.
The Dragon's Rose by Tati B. Alvarez, Tati B. Alvarez
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When I tell you I am already obsessed with this series and it's only book 1. A dragon shifter husband, marriage of convenience, all the sexual tension, touch her and you die. Absolutely perfect. This book follows Rose who is a member of Grymm Hollow, and it it says her life there was well grim. In order to save her deceitful sister's life, Rose makes a deal with the Guardian to leave Grymm Hollow and go to Mescos to help save the dragon King's people, but Rose did not realize she would have to be his wife.
Tati just knows grab a reader's attention from page 1. Because how can you describe a man as " this pussy- tingling man." I laughed so hard I love Malix. This man will threaten you and make you fall in love with him in the same breath. Like this scene
“If you threaten to kiss another male in my kingdom, you will watch as I rip him limb from limb. I’ll make you watch his undoing so it never happens again. Do you understand, little dragon?”
“And if I get lost?”
“Then I will find you. I will always find you, Rose. Remember that.”
Like how could you not love him
“Remove your hands from my wife or I’ll remove your hands from your body.”
“You’ll let me care for you before you give me a verbal lashing. Hate me all you want, I deserve your ire. But I’m going to make you some damn tea, so stop being stubborn for one damn second and let me cater to my wife.”
This man guys.
And Rose is not weak either. She basically sacrificed herself for her sister and can match Malix with her sass and wit.
This book is just so good. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll absolutely melt with the sweet and sexy Malix. A definite 5 star read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When I tell you I am already obsessed with this series and it's only book 1. A dragon shifter husband, marriage of convenience, all the sexual tension, touch her and you die. Absolutely perfect. This book follows Rose who is a member of Grymm Hollow, and it it says her life there was well grim. In order to save her deceitful sister's life, Rose makes a deal with the Guardian to leave Grymm Hollow and go to Mescos to help save the dragon King's people, but Rose did not realize she would have to be his wife.
Tati just knows grab a reader's attention from page 1. Because how can you describe a man as " this pussy- tingling man." I laughed so hard I love Malix. This man will threaten you and make you fall in love with him in the same breath. Like this scene
“If you threaten to kiss another male in my kingdom, you will watch as I rip him limb from limb. I’ll make you watch his undoing so it never happens again. Do you understand, little dragon?”
“And if I get lost?”
“Then I will find you. I will always find you, Rose. Remember that.”
Like how could you not love him
“Remove your hands from my wife or I’ll remove your hands from your body.”
“You’ll let me care for you before you give me a verbal lashing. Hate me all you want, I deserve your ire. But I’m going to make you some damn tea, so stop being stubborn for one damn second and let me cater to my wife.”
This man guys.
And Rose is not weak either. She basically sacrificed herself for her sister and can match Malix with her sass and wit.
This book is just so good. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll absolutely melt with the sweet and sexy Malix. A definite 5 star read.
Content Warnings
Death of a loved one (off page)
Explicit sexual scenes Cheating (off page and not by the MCs) Violence Strained sibling relationship Difficult childbirth (off page) Torture against FMC Magical induced comas Fantasy war
Of Love & Ruin by Christis Christie, Lou Wilham
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
⭐⭐⭐⭐. 5 ARC Review
This book is so good the tension between Max and Ander is just perfect. I always loved Ander and his wittiness and this book just enhanced that love for him. This book has a mix of everything you can hope for. A mix of mythology and the modern world, sign language rep, LGBTQ rep, PTSD rep, mystery and romance. I liked meeting Max's siblings and their various personalities. I especially love Nox and even broody, quiet Quin.
This book is nothing short of a rollercoaster of emotions. Between Ander figuring out if he wants this amare bond with max, Max's dad hating Ander (read epilogue of Of Loyalties and Wreakage) and Enri resurfacing, you'll never be bored. There are so many sweet moments with Max and Ander that just make my heart so happy that Ander can feel safe and loved especially after a very abusive relationship with Enri. Mab will always have Andre's best interest at heart and love that for both of them but I'm also looking forward to her and Quinn's story or Stink Eye as she likes to call me. It's the grumpy reluctant friends to lovers for me.
All in all this book was a good read and I look forward to Of Hope and Blight.
🚨🚨Trigger warning 🚨🚨
drinking, eating disorder, abusive relationship, sexual assault, depression, drugs, kidnapping, misgendering, profanity, PTSD, sexually explicit scenes
This book is so good the tension between Max and Ander is just perfect. I always loved Ander and his wittiness and this book just enhanced that love for him. This book has a mix of everything you can hope for. A mix of mythology and the modern world, sign language rep, LGBTQ rep, PTSD rep, mystery and romance. I liked meeting Max's siblings and their various personalities. I especially love Nox and even broody, quiet Quin.
This book is nothing short of a rollercoaster of emotions. Between Ander figuring out if he wants this amare bond with max, Max's dad hating Ander (read epilogue of Of Loyalties and Wreakage) and Enri resurfacing, you'll never be bored. There are so many sweet moments with Max and Ander that just make my heart so happy that Ander can feel safe and loved especially after a very abusive relationship with Enri. Mab will always have Andre's best interest at heart and love that for both of them but I'm also looking forward to her and Quinn's story or Stink Eye as she likes to call me. It's the grumpy reluctant friends to lovers for me.
All in all this book was a good read and I look forward to Of Hope and Blight.
🚨🚨Trigger warning 🚨🚨
drinking, eating disorder, abusive relationship, sexual assault, depression, drugs, kidnapping, misgendering, profanity, PTSD, sexually explicit scenes
Content Warnings
Possible triggers
drinking, eating disorder, abusive relationship, sexual assault, depression, drugs, kidnapping, misgendering, profanity, PTSD, sexually explicit scenes
Of Smoke and Betrayal by Whitney L. Spradling
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC review
Omg I didn't think I can be more obsessed with Ash than I was in book 1, Of Flames and Curses, but I am. This book is fast paced and picks up right where book 1 ended. Whitney was not kidding when she said Lainey was going to be going through it and I really feel for her (can't go into details because spoilers). I'm so proud of her figuring out this while being queen thing. You won't believe who she has to work with to solve this dilemma (that can't be named without spoiling) and it's a doozy.
Ash is our captain of the guard and I loved getting to see his protective side of those he loves and a new love interest 👀. I also loved that Lainey found an outlet or rather an escape that allows her to be a queen and care for the people of Unseelie although court life has been messing her up. I really feel for this girl. I know that outsider feeling. I can't wait to see how she blossoms into the queen I know she is and solve this other dilemma.
Update: dilemma worsened 😭 I really need book 3. Ash And Andras however has a really sweet reluctant enemies to lovers thing going on here and I can't get enough of it. And his sister is so adorable in a kind of creepy way but I love this line
“You found your fox,” she whispered before looking back at her brother.
It's so sweet. Go read it.
Omg I didn't think I can be more obsessed with Ash than I was in book 1, Of Flames and Curses, but I am. This book is fast paced and picks up right where book 1 ended. Whitney was not kidding when she said Lainey was going to be going through it and I really feel for her (can't go into details because spoilers). I'm so proud of her figuring out this while being queen thing. You won't believe who she has to work with to solve this dilemma (that can't be named without spoiling) and it's a doozy.
Ash is our captain of the guard and I loved getting to see his protective side of those he loves and a new love interest 👀. I also loved that Lainey found an outlet or rather an escape that allows her to be a queen and care for the people of Unseelie although court life has been messing her up. I really feel for this girl. I know that outsider feeling. I can't wait to see how she blossoms into the queen I know she is and solve this other dilemma.
Update: dilemma worsened 😭 I really need book 3. Ash And Andras however has a really sweet reluctant enemies to lovers thing going on here and I can't get enough of it. And his sister is so adorable in a kind of creepy way but I love this line
“You found your fox,” she whispered before looking back at her brother.
It's so sweet. Go read it.
Little Red Shadow by S.C. Grayson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
You've heard of Shadow Daddies, so how about a Shadow Mommy?? You'll just love Scarlett. She's sassy and stabby and the banter between her and Benedict is just perfection. I'm absolutely in love with the Talented series. I'm loving this twist of Bridgerton meets Six of Crows kind of vibe. I love that Benedict was able to be a safe place for Scarlett to truly be herself after all the trauma, her and other talented have experienced.
I loved reuniting with Nate, contessa, kristoff and Gregor. Now let me delve a little more I to our starring couple, Scarlett and Benedict... 🥵 need I say more, where there is an infamous rake you know it's going to be deliciously spicy but what I also loved is Benedict's pet name for Scarlett, little bird. From that first encounter I knew I was going to love this man.
I loved reuniting with Nate, contessa, kristoff and Gregor. Now let me delve a little more I to our starring couple, Scarlett and Benedict... 🥵 need I say more, where there is an infamous rake you know it's going to be deliciously spicy but what I also loved is Benedict's pet name for Scarlett, little bird. From that first encounter I knew I was going to love this man.
The Alice Curse by Megan Van Dyke
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book is by no means slow paced. It is fast paced with short chapters that absorb you into the story from page 1. I love the nod to the author of Alice in wonderland with the use of the Carroll name. I have also never seen anyone capture Wonderland's whimsy and Megan has done an outstanding job at that. I love Fin and Eliza's relationship and the sexual tension is just delicious. It's just pure perfection. But my favorite character has to be the white queen because that ending...... I love her. I'm all for biding your time. I'm so happy with the way this book ended. A beautiful retelling.