selenamarie22's reviews
146 reviews

Wicked in the Pines by L.R. Friedman

emotional inspiring mysterious reflective 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

LR Friedman has done it again. Another 5 star read on her new paranormal romance duet Celestial Haven. 
This book is the perfect witchy read for spooky season. There's mystery, there's romance, there's motherhood. There's so much goodness wrapped up in just under 300 pages and I absolutely loved it. There's also a sneaky little ACOMAF reference. 

I loved getting to meet Oakley. I, myself am not a mother just yet but I really enjoyed seeing this representation of new motherhood in this book. I loved her relationship with her sweet little baby Aspen who I couldn't get enough of. 

But this wouldn't be an LR Friedman book without some spice would it. And boy is this book spicy. The window scene... The picnic??? The deliciousness that is Lynx and Saros. I couldn't get enough of it. Absolute perfection. Can't wait to dive into book 2 but here are some favourite quotes. 

“Things might not be the same… down there… after—” “Wicked, I’m just a starved witch staring at my next meal.” He kissed up my thigh,

“That’s a good witch,” (😍) 

“People are only strong because of the traumatic shit that made them that way.”

Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad tense medium-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

"Sometimes things that seem dangerous are just misunderstood. "

I'm so happy I read this book. That ending...... Definitely wasn't expecting that. I did kind of figure out the revelations before they were revealed though but that last one was a shocker. I was a little disappointed that they couldn't break the "curse" though but this is a series so obviously the problem wasn't going to be solved in one book. 

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed meeting Koffi and Ekon. Ekon, was an interesting character. His whole life he envisioned being a Son of The Six but after meeting Koffi that's no longer something he wants. I really admire Koffi's determination. Despite all she's been through she didn't let it break her. She was even able to help Ekon through his fears and became a kind of refuge for him. 

Bound by Honey by Jamie Dalton

adventurous lighthearted 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? No

5.0

Omg this book was so cute. I really enjoyed reading it. Sage and Finn are just so cute. I spent most of this book just giggling at how adorable they are. We have a new pet name and it's honey bee and I just love it so much. Every time Finn says it I get all blushy. I loved learning about the charming four and their friendship. Freddy's song made me laugh and the little note on how it came to be was just so cute. I loved it. 

I especially loved the little notes at the end of the book on bees as well as Sage's favourite tea. That ending just has me all blushy and giddy. If you're looking for a sweet, cozy little fantasy to lighten your mood this is the book for you. 

The Poison and the Paladin by Sarah M. Cradit

adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-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? N/A

4.5

This book was really good. There's political intrigue, brother's best friend, protector turned best friend turned crush. 

I just loved it. I love Edriss, Princess of Poison according to Lorcan. She's so badass, she doesn't let anyone control her. I love her free spirit and her wit and sass perfect. 
 I especially love this line

"No woman wants to be a man's obligation. "

Like if you feel like I'm a burden, just leave. I just love it. 
But of course Edriss is badass when she had the mistresses of poison raising her. 
Especially Alise, I couldn't get enough of her. 

Now Lorcan, ever the protector. I love the banter between him and Edriss all teasing. It was so cute and fun to see. I love how he would always defend her especially in that scene with Evra. 

"Your sister is not most women.... “What man could ever be deserving of her? Could ever know her, accept her exactly as she is? Give her space to grow and not stifle the very things that make her so special?”

Overall this was a really good read with minimum spice but it felt like it was enough for this story.

Fixed Up Ever After by Anastasia Dean

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

Omg this book was so good, chef's kiss. 
I just knew Javi's book was going to be good. Don't get me wrong, I still love Ofi and Mav but Javi 🥵🥵🥵. 

This man renovated a bookstore for Lola and is completed obsessed with her as any significant other should be. Defending her and fortifying her confidence so she can defend herself. Being patient with her when she has her "big emotions" until she's ready to talk about them. 

I loved getting to see this blended family together at the end of the book. My heart was fluttering. Happy tears were shed. This book was just so good. 
Lola is amazing and is the perfect plus size, mental health rep we needed. She's confident in herself even as others try their hardest to put her down. She believes in her dreams and herself and now she has the support to go with it and we all know how much having that support system helps us to persevere. 

Overall I just loved this book and if I keep gushing I'll spoil it so you app need to read it.

Chaos and Crowns by S.C. Grayson

adventurous challenging emotional informative medium-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

4.5

"Every light casts a Shadow."

This story was really sweet. I already liked Anthony and Odelle from Spears and Shadows so I knew this was going to be a good one. I loved getting to know more about Anthony and about the Eteria besides fighting. If you're looking for a shy sweet cinnamon roll boyfriend that's Anthony and he's just so precious, a perfect balance for Odelle. 

Now I really loved Odelle in Spears and Shadows so I was very excited when I heard she was the focus of this book. She's strong and confident and I love her and that armor she puts on, I think we all get that. I love that with Anthony she can shed that armor and just be her vulnerable self. I think you all know by now that I love when I character has some one they can be their complete self with. 

I also loved getting to know more about Nora and Adam's story especially about how is sword was made. I love that their love was so strong Anthony felt it and was able to capture that in his craft. 

Anyways it's a really sweet story

But this has to be my favourite interaction:

Odelle: "How do you plan on distracting me? "

Anthony: " By reminding you that no matter what, I'll happily get on my knees for you."

These Dangerous Fates by Whitney L. Spradling

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Omg I'm officially obsessed with this series. Absorbed from page 1. I  love Cade and his instinct to want to protect Ellis, he's such a sweetie and he likes cats so that's an A+ in my book. I'm  love the little banter between Ellis and the Triad. Sterling is such a sweet puppy 😍😍😍. I can't and Malawi. It's so hard to pick. I loved every second of this book and I can't wait for book 2. Also wth was that ending? 
 I can't, I need book 2 like right now. 

Pitch by L.R. Friedman

dark emotional informative 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

Wow this was eye opening. Now I understand  the enchantress, they wronged her big time. In  Pitch we got to see how the Enchantress became the Enchantress and her backstory would turn anyone into a villain. I hope she gets justice for what was done to her or at least gets some sense of peace iykyk but I don't think she'll  know. I do think I know who it is and if it is that would be gross but I also suspect someone else being her grandson so we'll  see but such a good read.

All the Blood Spilt by A.M. Dunnewin

adventurous challenging emotional tense fast-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

4.0

Arc review

This book is just as good as book 1. Has a good pacing so it was really easy to get absorbed into the story even without rereading book 1, All the Dark Souls. This book picks up right where All the Dark Souls ended and is definitely a little more action packed than book 1. Joss is still a badass with her ax and I stand by her for not taking anyone's shit for being the only female executioner. 

Callan got on my nerves for most of this book, I get it you're a prince and you been through some shit but damn these people trying to help you. Anyways, Aric is growing on me slowly. Waiting for book 3 now to see how this all plays out. Henrick can't catch a break. I do like his relationship with Aric now such a cute sibling thing. Overall a good book. 

Ascend by L.R. Friedman

adventurous dark emotional tense 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

Oh my god, this book, my heart, my head. I've been trying to warp my head around this to write this review since I finished it and I'm at a lost for words. I didn't almost fling my phone like after scale but this ending was bittersweet especially after reading Pitch. I'm so glad I didn't skip it because seeing everything revealed in Ascend is a mind blowing experience. 

In this book we got to see more of Celaria and I just loved getting to know about more of the magic within this world. This book was heartbreaking, there were happy tears, sad tears, laughs, plot twists that had you gasping, ah ha moments when things click and awwwws. I absolutely loved it. Idk how to process this without spoiling it so I'm just saying that if you haven't started this series yet, you're missing out.