skys_library's reviews
749 reviews

Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings

challenging emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 OMG this book has just ripped me apart. I have felt every possible emotion throughout this book and have been staring into space since, I am not okay. These characters are so toxic for each other but also so perfect for each other at the same time, it's literally insane just how much and how much I need them to just be. The way they hurt each other just to justify the way's they feel is so heart-breaking to watch, especially as we see both of their internal monologues, so we know just how much they love each other. I was not expecting that at the end like, seriously how on earth could the author do that a) to these characters and b) to us as readers, like to write the characters like she did throughout the book and then throw that spanner into the works, was just diabolical. The writing was so good, I was absolutely hooked in to the story and the world, hooked into the drama because let's be honest there is so much fucking drama just between our main characters, let alone every other character, who needs a soap opera when you've got Magnolia Parks. Every time I felt the slightest bit happy, Jessa Hastings would just rip the rug right out from under me. The dual POV was absolutely perfect for this book and really gave it that added layer. I cannot wait for the rest of this series, I need to know what happens after how that book ended because I have been left speechless. 

Beg The Night by Emily Blackwood

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this one and I’m looking forward to the next one, especially with where it was left. The writing flowed really nicely and I just flew through the book. I really enjoyed the characters and how intricate they were, they balanced each other out really nicely. The world seems like a really interesting one and I’m looking forward to exploring more of it. There were some nice twists and turns placed throughout, which kept you intrigued to find out more. 

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

dark mysterious 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

3.0

I just urgh with this book, I'm feeling a little let down by it. To me, it felt like this book would of made more sense to come before Leather & Lark. There was a lot in there that I personally felt wasn't needed. There was a scene that felt very reminiscent of another book. The food element again didn't give me the impact I was expecting and fell a bit lack luster. Some of the moments between the characters had really sweet vibes and I do have a soft spot for these two, it was also nice to see how they first met, which redeemed the book for me a bit.

Claimed by Zade by Mae K. Knight

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This one was okay, it was interesting to start exploring the next generation. I did start getting confused with all the connections and who was blood related and who wasn’t. The writing does flow quickly, but I personally wasn’t a fan of all the different POVs, but that’s just me and my preference. It does set up nicely for the other character’s story.

All Your Bloody Lies by M.L. Burns

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

 I've really enjoyed this one, it was a nice easy read. The story is interesting and I can't wait to see the conclusion to the story in the second book, once it's released. I've really struggled connecting with Xeraphine, but I really felt for her and what she has bee through. Kairhyse is one hell of a love sick puppy who is obsessed with Xeraphine, I loved how possessive he was of her, but once he got to know her he dialed it back(just a bit) to respect her. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. Definitely recommend checking out. 

Hate Mates: A Dark Romance Anthology by Dove Cavanaugh King, Erin Trejo, Lissanne Jones, Bella Faust, Sienna Grant, Bella J., Sharon Correia, Tempi Lark, Jo-Anne Joseph, Miya Kressin, Alison Rhymes, Willow Winters, Kelly Kelsey, Brooke Summers, Via Mari, Victoria Woods, Anja Barrons, Michelle Edwards, YD La Mar, Morgan Mercy, K.M. Ringer, Addison Tate, A.L. Woods, Nikki Belaire, Mia Fury, J. L. Lora, Helen Hardt, Faith Summers, Juliet McKinley, Cori Zahara, Anna Edwards, Kristen Luciani, R.G. Angel, Gwyn McNamee, M.T. Morgan, Cora Kenborn, Autumn Archer, C. Hallman, Drethi A., Yolanda Olson, Emma Luna, BL Jones, Imogen Wells, Anise Storm, Siobhan Davis, Becca Steele, MercyAnn Summers, C.J. Willis, Quinn Slater, C.N. Marie

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

Stolen Vows by Addison Tate

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

 I really enjoyed this one and it has left me eager to read the full length novel when it is released. The characters are interesting and I can’t wait to explore more of their back story and how it leads them to where they are. The tension is palpable and I can’t wait to watch this forced marriage play out and watch it all come together. 

A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I have really loved this one and getting to explore Violet and Cole in more detail. I did expect a little more from Violet's story but that may just be because I had already met her in the Chestnut Springs series and not for the first time in this series, I think if I had read this series and met her this way it would of hit differently for me and in the way I expected it to. I loved the balance between the characters and how well Violet brings Cole out of the shadows and really gets him to have a proper look at himself and aid him into seeing things in a more positive light. Violet is a very strong character that works hard for her independence. Cole has so much growth throughout this book and I was so happy for where he was at by the end. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and dive deeper into the other characters.

Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

 This was a nice enjoyable read and filled in some gaps well. I did listen to the last few stories that are meant to be read after Heart of a Sun Warrior but I know I would of forgotten by the time I get to it. I don't really have too much to say as this is a nice collection of filler stories. 

Exposé by Ann-Marie Davis

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it was such an interesting read. I loved the characters and their story, they worked really well together, even though they are opposites. The story has you hooked from the get go and intrigued at every turn, there is always something going on, building the tension perfectly. The turns kept going all the way to the end, leaving me to wonder how we were going to conclude the story. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series, it’s been left in such a way that I’m wondering are we still going to be following these character’s or is something else going to happen? The writing flowed really nicely and I just flew through it. 

Such a Sweet Girl by Effie Campbell

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this one, it’s a nice, quick and easy read. I enjoyed the character’s, our female main character definitely has some growth from when we first meet her. The spice level was perfect for the length of the book and it balanced so nicely with the plot that was there. The writing flows so nicely and the dual POV gives it that added layer, that works to give the characters that added layer and the chemistry between them to feel stronger. The perfect little read for the smut lovers out there.