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sophs_mood_reading's reviews
360 reviews
Enemies to Lovers by Portia MacIntosh, Portia MacIntosh
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
Lara and Sonny are rival entertainment journalists whose main aim in life seems to be to sabotage and one up each other to find the best showbiz scoop. Following a public press event mishap their bosses send them away together to an exclusive couples therapy retreat to get the ultimate scoop on tv’s hottest couple.
What could go wrong, undercover reporting with your enemy pretending to be in love on a tropical island.
This was a fun rom-com with a unique setting. There was some good banter between Lara and Sonny and the therapists at Eden retreat were hilariously crazy and the things the couples had to do made for some decent entertainment. You could see this easily playing out as a tv show.
I did find the relationship a little forced and felt we missed pages of them getting closer or even talking to each other. The other guests at the retreat were also very one dimensional characters.
This was an easy read, and made me wish I could book a tropical holiday (however I would pass on the ‘quinoa surprise’).
Thank you Boldworld Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What could go wrong, undercover reporting with your enemy pretending to be in love on a tropical island.
This was a fun rom-com with a unique setting. There was some good banter between Lara and Sonny and the therapists at Eden retreat were hilariously crazy and the things the couples had to do made for some decent entertainment. You could see this easily playing out as a tv show.
I did find the relationship a little forced and felt we missed pages of them getting closer or even talking to each other. The other guests at the retreat were also very one dimensional characters.
This was an easy read, and made me wish I could book a tropical holiday (however I would pass on the ‘quinoa surprise’).
Thank you Boldworld Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-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
4.5
Ladies and gentlemen we have ourselves another fantastic fantasy/romantasy series.
A long standing war between two nations sees Talasyn and Aleric as mortal enemies, but when a new (and much worse) threat becomes apparent they need to work together to survive.
This was a brilliant first book for a series. We have two worlds at war, both sure they are in the right. Magical systems that are being squandered and others enhanced. Royalty and all that comes with it (treaty’s, allies and enemies). Plus and a matriarchal society, powerful strong woman and warriors and you have The Hurricane Wars.
I really enjoyed this book. It didn’t so much have twists and shock plot points but there was enough wonder to keep you going. Plus some slow burn tension and great banter.
We also get multiple point of views between our to main characters throughout chapters which was a great way to know what’s really going on.
The first third of the book was heavy going with intense world building (very much required) but once we got though that the story really took off and I was hooked.
Looking forward to continuing the series (according to the authors website it will be a trilogy).
A long standing war between two nations sees Talasyn and Aleric as mortal enemies, but when a new (and much worse) threat becomes apparent they need to work together to survive.
This was a brilliant first book for a series. We have two worlds at war, both sure they are in the right. Magical systems that are being squandered and others enhanced. Royalty and all that comes with it (treaty’s, allies and enemies). Plus and a matriarchal society, powerful strong woman and warriors and you have The Hurricane Wars.
I really enjoyed this book. It didn’t so much have twists and shock plot points but there was enough wonder to keep you going. Plus some slow burn tension and great banter.
We also get multiple point of views between our to main characters throughout chapters which was a great way to know what’s really going on.
The first third of the book was heavy going with intense world building (very much required) but once we got though that the story really took off and I was hooked.
Looking forward to continuing the series (according to the authors website it will be a trilogy).
The Love Scribe by Amy Meyerson
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A beautiful story of love. Finding love, loosing love, passionate love, dangerous love and other types of love in between.
Alice does not want love or a relationship, these things are not for her. However, she feels strangely compelled to write a story for her friend Gabby who is struggling after a break up. When finally hearing back from her friend two weeks later, Gabby claims the story magically made her find love and the same occurred for the next few people who read her story.
Word gets out and soon Alice is being paid thousands of dollars a book as a love scribe.
One day Alice is asked by Madeline who asks her to write her a story, yet Alice can’t manage to write this story. As Alice tries to get to know Madeline, in order to get the words to flow, she starts to uncover more than she expected.
This was a beautiful book, I loved the idea of a a book magically making someone discover who they are and open up to love. There was also a great, darker twist to the story that wasn’t expected but gave it so much more depth.
I did feel it could be slightly shorter but enjoyed it all the same.
Alice does not want love or a relationship, these things are not for her. However, she feels strangely compelled to write a story for her friend Gabby who is struggling after a break up. When finally hearing back from her friend two weeks later, Gabby claims the story magically made her find love and the same occurred for the next few people who read her story.
Word gets out and soon Alice is being paid thousands of dollars a book as a love scribe.
One day Alice is asked by Madeline who asks her to write her a story, yet Alice can’t manage to write this story. As Alice tries to get to know Madeline, in order to get the words to flow, she starts to uncover more than she expected.
This was a beautiful book, I loved the idea of a a book magically making someone discover who they are and open up to love. There was also a great, darker twist to the story that wasn’t expected but gave it so much more depth.
I did feel it could be slightly shorter but enjoyed it all the same.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Physical abuse and Murder
Minor: Death, Car accident, and Cancer
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A great YA mystery about a surprise inheritance for a young girl. From being a poor abandoned teen to a billionaire heiress over night, Avery has no idea how all this happened but she is working with the disinherited Hawthorne brothers to follow the clues and riddles left for them to work out why her.
This was a fun little mystery filled with puzzles and discoveries. I could just picture the secret clues and hidden passages clicking and opening.
The end of the book didn’t really come with any answers but just more clues to solve in the second book.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. It was well narrated and flowed really well. And best thing is I had the next one ready to dive straight into.
This was a fun little mystery filled with puzzles and discoveries. I could just picture the secret clues and hidden passages clicking and opening.
The end of the book didn’t really come with any answers but just more clues to solve in the second book.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. It was well narrated and flowed really well. And best thing is I had the next one ready to dive straight into.
The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a cute little romance and just what the doctor ordered.
Following an amazing one night stand Hallie and Jack decide they aren’t for eachother but should enter a wager where both aim to find the one and debrief/commiserate about failed dates during the process. Add a weekend of fake dating and a sprinkle of one bed and you have another Lynn Painter romance hit.
I didn’t realise it was in the same series as Mr Wrong number but is easily a stand alone (you just would know who got together in the first if you read this beforehand)
Hallie and Jacks banter is on point and the chemistry is 🔥.
Also I’m a sucker for fake dating so was delighted as the book developed into some brilliant situations.
Plus double points for a whole lot of pride and prejudice references.
The communication issues of romance books always annoy me but not sure they can be avoided.
Following an amazing one night stand Hallie and Jack decide they aren’t for eachother but should enter a wager where both aim to find the one and debrief/commiserate about failed dates during the process. Add a weekend of fake dating and a sprinkle of one bed and you have another Lynn Painter romance hit.
I didn’t realise it was in the same series as Mr Wrong number but is easily a stand alone (you just would know who got together in the first if you read this beforehand)
Hallie and Jacks banter is on point and the chemistry is 🔥.
Also I’m a sucker for fake dating so was delighted as the book developed into some brilliant situations.
Plus double points for a whole lot of pride and prejudice references.
The communication issues of romance books always annoy me but not sure they can be avoided.
Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Two strangers meet in an art institute and agree to have 6 conversations to learn about each other. This is how Regan and Arlo begin their relationship and let emotional whirlwind begin.
The presentation of the story is quite interesting we start with some old school third person narrators for both Arlo and Regan and then switch to their own inner monologues. This is where things get complex as we are not simply in a first person linear narrative, no this is the thought process of the character at the time. We get to live through moments but also know exactly what they are feeling and thinking. It gets complicated and be difficult to seperate if there is dialogue or just thought process. But you really do feel connected to the character and truly know them.
In all this is where I found I couldn’t really agree with it being a love story. On the surface maybe yes but Regan and Arlo are so self obsessed, co dependent and then obsessive about each other that I couldn’t really say yes this is love but more hmmm this seems problematic. This made it hard for me to really love the book as all I could think was eek she really has some mental health issues that need properly addressing and not necessarily how they are being addressed in the book.
It is beautifully written and you do really understand the inner workings of Regan and Arlo, I’m just not sure that’s something I wanted to do.
The presentation of the story is quite interesting we start with some old school third person narrators for both Arlo and Regan and then switch to their own inner monologues. This is where things get complex as we are not simply in a first person linear narrative, no this is the thought process of the character at the time. We get to live through moments but also know exactly what they are feeling and thinking. It gets complicated and be difficult to seperate if there is dialogue or just thought process. But you really do feel connected to the character and truly know them.
In all this is where I found I couldn’t really agree with it being a love story. On the surface maybe yes but Regan and Arlo are so self obsessed, co dependent and then obsessive about each other that I couldn’t really say yes this is love but more hmmm this seems problematic. This made it hard for me to really love the book as all I could think was eek she really has some mental health issues that need properly addressing and not necessarily how they are being addressed in the book.
It is beautifully written and you do really understand the inner workings of Regan and Arlo, I’m just not sure that’s something I wanted to do.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
dark
emotional
funny
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’ve continued on my murder mystery exploration but this time set in a paranormal gothic fantasy and yes it was a hit.
Signa has been haunted by death since she was a child, loosing all those around her, but she is finally standing up to him, it helps that she can’t seem to die so it’s an easy fight to have.
However when she arrives at Thorn Grove she find she must work to save her carers/family and this time death seems to be on her side.
I really loved this book, the premise was so unique and who doesn’t love a mysterious, dark and handsome man (even if he is the grim reaper).
The plot kept twisting so that I never saw the killer coming and had many a “oh what!” moment. The banter between Death and Signa was spot on and there was some great slow burn angst to keep you flipping through the chapters.
I did find a couple of parts more horror-movie-esque that my sensitive little mind didn’t love but the book still kept me hooked.
We were left on not so much a cliffhanger but an introduction into the next mystery which was great, including the intro into a new character who I can’t wait to learn more about.
Lucky I have the sequel Foxglove ready to go!
Signa has been haunted by death since she was a child, loosing all those around her, but she is finally standing up to him, it helps that she can’t seem to die so it’s an easy fight to have.
However when she arrives at Thorn Grove she find she must work to save her carers/family and this time death seems to be on her side.
I really loved this book, the premise was so unique and who doesn’t love a mysterious, dark and handsome man (even if he is the grim reaper).
The plot kept twisting so that I never saw the killer coming and had many a “oh what!” moment. The banter between Death and Signa was spot on and there was some great slow burn angst to keep you flipping through the chapters.
I did find a couple of parts more horror-movie-esque that my sensitive little mind didn’t love but the book still kept me hooked.
We were left on not so much a cliffhanger but an introduction into the next mystery which was great, including the intro into a new character who I can’t wait to learn more about.
Lucky I have the sequel Foxglove ready to go!
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
Well this was just short of Amazing.
Oliver, convicted murderer, has been released from jail after 10 years and what does he do? Drive straight back to his old collage to tell the retired cop who put him in jail the story of what really happened.
And so the play begins…
The players: self obsessed 4th year drama students who are an elite clique of their own obsessed with all things Shakespeare.
The stage: A castle like art school where life evolves around acting, musics, Shakespeare, booze, drugs and Shakespeare.
We follow the story along as Oliver relives his final year at college where his small group of friends are as dramatic off stage as their Shakespearian counterparts on stage.
This story is fantastic, you are drawn into the drama and as the tension mounts you are quickly trying to gather every clue and innuendo to figure out what really happened and how Oliver ended up in jail.
I adores the sprinkling of The Bard’s prose throughout the novel, not only when the characters are acting but in their own natural dialogue and thoughts. It really draws you into their world.
The only thing that stopped it being 5 star for me was I felt the pace slowed as we discovered how and why Olivier was in prison and the Epilogue could have got to the point much quicker then it did.
But I will just say, OMG THAT TWIST AT THE END! I was quickly googling a certain play to figure out exactly what the meaning behind it all was.
Oliver, convicted murderer, has been released from jail after 10 years and what does he do? Drive straight back to his old collage to tell the retired cop who put him in jail the story of what really happened.
And so the play begins…
The players: self obsessed 4th year drama students who are an elite clique of their own obsessed with all things Shakespeare.
The stage: A castle like art school where life evolves around acting, musics, Shakespeare, booze, drugs and Shakespeare.
We follow the story along as Oliver relives his final year at college where his small group of friends are as dramatic off stage as their Shakespearian counterparts on stage.
This story is fantastic, you are drawn into the drama and as the tension mounts you are quickly trying to gather every clue and innuendo to figure out what really happened and how Oliver ended up in jail.
I adores the sprinkling of The Bard’s prose throughout the novel, not only when the characters are acting but in their own natural dialogue and thoughts. It really draws you into their world.
The only thing that stopped it being 5 star for me was I felt the pace slowed as we discovered how and why Olivier was in prison and the Epilogue could have got to the point much quicker then it did.
But I will just say, OMG THAT TWIST AT THE END! I was quickly googling a certain play to figure out exactly what the meaning behind it all was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Death, Alcohol, and Murder
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Holy moly what a whirl wind adventure that was!
Open on a 1920’s English country manner estate, where someone is running for their life from a killer and you are trying to help them, although you don’t know where you are or who you are. Imagine then finding out you are actually there to solve a murder that hasn’t happened yet (don’t bother trying to stop it) and if you don’t you wake up the next morning as one of the other guests and start the day again.
This was a fantastic premise for a murder mystery, slowly seeing clues be pieced together from reliving the same day but as different people and even changing some things along the way.
I loved how every “host” our MMC took over exhibited some of their personality traits especially as the week moved along and we had more interesting and devious characters.
I must admit I did get a bit lost at times with all the different names and characters. Even with the different accents and voices in the audiobook.
I loved the twists and turns of the book and I did not guess at all the ending (the killer or how and what they got into the loop in the first place).
Open on a 1920’s English country manner estate, where someone is running for their life from a killer and you are trying to help them, although you don’t know where you are or who you are. Imagine then finding out you are actually there to solve a murder that hasn’t happened yet (don’t bother trying to stop it) and if you don’t you wake up the next morning as one of the other guests and start the day again.
This was a fantastic premise for a murder mystery, slowly seeing clues be pieced together from reliving the same day but as different people and even changing some things along the way.
I loved how every “host” our MMC took over exhibited some of their personality traits especially as the week moved along and we had more interesting and devious characters.
I must admit I did get a bit lost at times with all the different names and characters. Even with the different accents and voices in the audiobook.
I loved the twists and turns of the book and I did not guess at all the ending (the killer or how and what they got into the loop in the first place).
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Ali Hazelwood is an autobuy author for me so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her new book.
One of my favourite aspects of Hazelwoods books is her FMCs are intelligent women who have a field of expertise and are at the top of their game.
For her chess book (as the author put it) we have Mallory who is watching her best friend move to collage while she stays home with her ill mum, two younger sisters and works to pay the bills.
But when she accidentally beats the world number one in a charity chess game, everything changes and she is flung back into the world of chess and all the memories that brings back.
This is a YA romance which still ticks all the Hazelwood boxes for me. Being YA (and closed door romance) we got a lot more insight into Mallory’s personal struggles.
Hazelwood mentions in the authors note that this book was written to highlight her previous work in stereotype threat and you could see this coming out well in the book. Although I would have loved even more as Mallory did get a dream run, I feel a conversation with Defne or another female player could have highlighted this on a more personal level.
As always Hazelwood hit some great plot tropes and inclusions.
♟️ LGBTIA + rep
♟️ He falls first
♟️competitor romance
And if you aren’t a fan of chess please don’t let it turn you off. Yes, chess talk is hugely present but it’s used so well it’s not overbearing.
One of my favourite aspects of Hazelwoods books is her FMCs are intelligent women who have a field of expertise and are at the top of their game.
For her chess book (as the author put it) we have Mallory who is watching her best friend move to collage while she stays home with her ill mum, two younger sisters and works to pay the bills.
But when she accidentally beats the world number one in a charity chess game, everything changes and she is flung back into the world of chess and all the memories that brings back.
This is a YA romance which still ticks all the Hazelwood boxes for me. Being YA (and closed door romance) we got a lot more insight into Mallory’s personal struggles.
Hazelwood mentions in the authors note that this book was written to highlight her previous work in stereotype threat and you could see this coming out well in the book. Although I would have loved even more as Mallory did get a dream run, I feel a conversation with Defne or another female player could have highlighted this on a more personal level.
As always Hazelwood hit some great plot tropes and inclusions.
♟️ LGBTIA + rep
♟️ He falls first
♟️competitor romance
And if you aren’t a fan of chess please don’t let it turn you off. Yes, chess talk is hugely present but it’s used so well it’s not overbearing.