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thebiglittlelibrary's Reviews (622)
4.75 ⭐️ The Hunger Games meets ACOTAR but with vampires. I can’t believe I waited so long to read this!!!!
The king did not know then that his greatest love would also be his ruination - nor that either would come in the form of a tiny, helpless human child.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ dark fantasy romance
✨ humans x vampires
✨ magical competition where the winner gets one wish from the goddess of Night
✨ she's the human daughter of the vampire king and a total badass
✨ he's a powerful vampire and her biggest competition in the trials
✨ enemies to allies to friends to lovers
✨ star-crossed lovers
✨ reverse grumpy x sunshine
✨ fantastic banter
✨ slow burn
✨ 2.5/5 spice (three-ish open door sex scene)
✨ action-packed
✨ high stakes
✨ interesting world building
✨ found family
✨ plot twists and reveals
✨ shocking ending with a somewhat resolved cliffhanger
✨ single POV
✨ TW: violence, torture (off page), flashbacks of rape (consent withdrawn), self-harm, emotional abuse, slavery, and references to sexual abuse
My Thoughts:
Wow! This. Book. Is. AMAZING! And that's high praise coming from me. I read a decent amount of fantasy, but most of the time, I'm unimpressed either by the story, the characters, or the writing. But this captivated me from the first page and kept me enthralled till the end. Carissa Broadbent is a talented writer and I will be reading her entire backlog.
This book has been on my radar since it was published, but I decided to wait because, honestly, I just didn't believe all the hype. I'm annoyed I waited so long to read it, but at the same time, I'm glad because book 2 is out now so I don't have to spend months dealing with the emotional damage from that ending!
So what did I love?
This vampire world. I've mostly read about vampires in a contemporary setting or historical time period, so to read about them in a true fantasy world was interesting. The tone of this story is very dark and gritty, which emulates the ways of the brutal vampiric society. Vampires only respond to strength, so there's constant bloodshed. If you're not a born vampire (turned vampire or human) you are considered less than, meaning this world is extremely dangerous and most live under the constant threat of abuse and death.
Oraya is a refreshingly fantastic FMC and quite the paradox. She is a girl between worlds. A human raised by the Nightborn vampire king, who taught her how to protect herself in a world designed to kill her. She longs to be one of them, to be their equal, but she can't quite stomach what they truly are. Yet she is not quite human either, since they are no more than helpless livestock in this world and she is anything but helpless. Oraya has complex thoughts and feelings regarding her place in this world, and it was fascinating watching her struggle through this.
Oraya is a total badass. Since she is a human in a vampire world, her father taught her from a young age how to protect herself - mentally, emotionally, and physically. She's been training with him for years, growing stronger, learning how to fight, and preparing for the Kejari tournament, all with the hope that she will win and be granted a single wish from the goddess, Nyaxia - the goddess of vampires. Also, without her father knowing, she sneaks off at night to the 'protected' human districts to hunt down rogue vampires looking for easy prey. I loved this little act of defiance against vampires and that she chooses to protect the helpless. Made me respect the hell out of her even more.
She's also incredibly smart, resourceful, determined, and persistent. Even though she was raised in a cold, heartless place, she still has her humanity and a hidden compassion for others. She also radiates big grump energy because doesn't trust anyone except her father and is always serious and on edge, so watching her build relationships was entertaining. I think she's one of my favorite MCs of all time.
Daddy Vincent aka King of the Nightborn vampires. I have so many complicated feelings about this man because just like his adopted daughter, this man is a walking paradox. On one hand, he is the Nightborn king - ruthless, powerful, cunning, and cruel. But on the other hand, he took in a small human child and raised her as his own. And as Oraya's father, he would soften and let love and concern for her shine through. Plus, he calls Oraya his little serpent and always says it with such a tone of endearment.
The king did not know then that his greatest love would also be his ruination - nor that either would come in the form of a tiny, helpless human child.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ dark fantasy romance
✨ humans x vampires
✨ magical competition where the winner gets one wish from the goddess of Night
✨ she's the human daughter of the vampire king and a total badass
✨ he's a powerful vampire and her biggest competition in the trials
✨ enemies to allies to friends to lovers
✨ star-crossed lovers
✨ reverse grumpy x sunshine
✨ fantastic banter
✨ slow burn
✨ 2.5/5 spice (three-ish open door sex scene)
✨ action-packed
✨ high stakes
✨ interesting world building
✨ found family
✨ plot twists and reveals
✨ shocking ending with a somewhat resolved cliffhanger
✨ single POV
✨ TW: violence, torture (off page), flashbacks of rape (consent withdrawn), self-harm, emotional abuse, slavery, and references to sexual abuse
My Thoughts:
Wow! This. Book. Is. AMAZING! And that's high praise coming from me. I read a decent amount of fantasy, but most of the time, I'm unimpressed either by the story, the characters, or the writing. But this captivated me from the first page and kept me enthralled till the end. Carissa Broadbent is a talented writer and I will be reading her entire backlog.
This book has been on my radar since it was published, but I decided to wait because, honestly, I just didn't believe all the hype. I'm annoyed I waited so long to read it, but at the same time, I'm glad because book 2 is out now so I don't have to spend months dealing with the emotional damage from that ending!
So what did I love?
This vampire world. I've mostly read about vampires in a contemporary setting or historical time period, so to read about them in a true fantasy world was interesting. The tone of this story is very dark and gritty, which emulates the ways of the brutal vampiric society. Vampires only respond to strength, so there's constant bloodshed. If you're not a born vampire (turned vampire or human) you are considered less than, meaning this world is extremely dangerous and most live under the constant threat of abuse and death.
Oraya is a refreshingly fantastic FMC and quite the paradox. She is a girl between worlds. A human raised by the Nightborn vampire king, who taught her how to protect herself in a world designed to kill her. She longs to be one of them, to be their equal, but she can't quite stomach what they truly are. Yet she is not quite human either, since they are no more than helpless livestock in this world and she is anything but helpless. Oraya has complex thoughts and feelings regarding her place in this world, and it was fascinating watching her struggle through this.
Oraya is a total badass. Since she is a human in a vampire world, her father taught her from a young age how to protect herself - mentally, emotionally, and physically. She's been training with him for years, growing stronger, learning how to fight, and preparing for the Kejari tournament, all with the hope that she will win and be granted a single wish from the goddess, Nyaxia - the goddess of vampires. Also, without her father knowing, she sneaks off at night to the 'protected' human districts to hunt down rogue vampires looking for easy prey. I loved this little act of defiance against vampires and that she chooses to protect the helpless. Made me respect the hell out of her even more.
She's also incredibly smart, resourceful, determined, and persistent. Even though she was raised in a cold, heartless place, she still has her humanity and a hidden compassion for others. She also radiates big grump energy because doesn't trust anyone except her father and is always serious and on edge, so watching her build relationships was entertaining. I think she's one of my favorite MCs of all time.
Daddy Vincent aka King of the Nightborn vampires. I have so many complicated feelings about this man because just like his adopted daughter, this man is a walking paradox. On one hand, he is the Nightborn king - ruthless, powerful, cunning, and cruel. But on the other hand, he took in a small human child and raised her as his own. And as Oraya's father, he would soften and let love and concern for her shine through. Plus, he calls Oraya his little serpent and always says it with such a tone of endearment.
3 ⭐️ An interesting dystopian concept but won't continue the series
**This review does contain spoilers**
She stepped inside to meet her own dark captor from a fairytale. The warlock who had led her off her path.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ dystopian urban romantasy
✨ NYC setting
✨ loose Beauty and the Beast retelling
✨ she’s a gifted human thief
✨ he’s a dangerous monster
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ heist plot
✨ “you work for me now”
✨ forced proximity
✨ 2/5
**This review does contain spoilers**
She stepped inside to meet her own dark captor from a fairytale. The warlock who had led her off her path.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ dystopian urban romantasy
✨ NYC setting
✨ loose Beauty and the Beast retelling
✨ she’s a gifted human thief
✨ he’s a dangerous monster
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ heist plot
✨ “you work for me now”
✨ forced proximity
✨ 2/5
3 ⭐️ A rom-com with depth but it didn't sparkle like other Emily Henry novels
In the best of times, it's inadvisable to start lusting after your roommate, and we are nowhere near the best of times.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ Michigan setting
✨ small town romance
✨ Daphne is a librarian who's been dumped by her fiance for Mile's ex
✨ Miles is a bartender who's girlfriend dumps him for Daphne's ex
✨ living with your ex fiance's new fiance's ex
✨ roommates to best friends to lovers
✨ opposites attract
✨ forced proximity
✨ fake dating (sort of)
✨ 2/5
In the best of times, it's inadvisable to start lusting after your roommate, and we are nowhere near the best of times.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ Michigan setting
✨ small town romance
✨ Daphne is a librarian who's been dumped by her fiance for Mile's ex
✨ Miles is a bartender who's girlfriend dumps him for Daphne's ex
✨ living with your ex fiance's new fiance's ex
✨ roommates to best friends to lovers
✨ opposites attract
✨ forced proximity
✨ fake dating (sort of)
✨ 2/5
2.5 ⭐️ Well, I’m pretty bummed that I didn’t like it more.
*This is an ARC Review written 10/04/23*
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ paranormal urban romance
✨ werewolves x vampire x humans
✨ she's is a vampire who's the daughter of a powerful vampire ruler
✨ he's a alpha of his werewolf pack
✨ political drama
✨ arranged marriage
✨ forbidden romance
✨ enemies (by nature) to allies to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ virgin, inexperienced FMC
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ knotting, biting, drinking blood
✨ fated mate
✨ mystery plot
✨ intentional miscommunication / omitting truth
✨ found family
✨ plot twist
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I'm reading this ARC almost 6 months before the release, so I'm thinking there will be edits made during that time. But keep that in mind while reading this review. PS: I plan to do a reread once it comes out.
Okay, so here's the thing. Bride definitely has so much potential and includes a lot of the things I love about Ali Hazelwood's romances. There's likable characters - specifically a large standoffish MMC, an interesting side plot, and spicy scenes. The whole arranged marriage and forbidden romance aspect only added to the story as well. However, there were a few things that led to my disconnect and indifference with the story.
There is a lot of info dumping world building-wise and telling vs showing. This happened so frequently throughout the story that I had many moments where I was bored and pulled out of the story out of frustration. And some of the info we are given through inner dialogue or ramblings didn't even feel adequate enough for explaining certain aspects of the world or situations the characters found themselves in. It's like I needed more info but I also wanted less of what I was being given.
I didn't really feel the chemistry between the MCs: Misery and Lowe. I think the fact Lowe recognizes Misery as his mate immediately but keeps his distance coupled with the slow burn really made the romance feel drawn out. We don't really see them start to interact till 20% of the story, and it still takes time before they aren't so guarded around each other.
The fact Lowe is immediately drawn to Misery since she's his mate but the fact Misery doesn't experience this mate bond kind of confused me and bummed me out. Lowe is a Were and recognizes her as his mate, which is rare and the fact it's with a different species is surprising. And since Misery is a vampire and this is just supposed to be a political alliance, he immediately shuts down the possibility of them being together, keeps this knowledge to himself, pushes Misery away, and then constantly reiterates (mostly to himself or other Weres) how she can't possibly understand mates or feel what he does. This was highlighted so much throughout the story that it sort of killed the vibe. I've read a lot of paranormal and alien romances with interspecies mating bonds, and while most of time the MCs don't feel the bond the exact same way, they all feel an innate pull towards the other person and in the end, it always ends up being a perfect match (in a sense). Lowe immediately dismisses this notion of being in a relationship with his mate and he highlights their incompatibility. I think there should have been a bit more explanation of the mate bond - like how it's possible for a Were and vampire to be mates in the first place - and I think in the end, it should have been a perfect fit where the bond snapped into place for her or something. But sadly, even by the 95% mark when they're having sex, Misery is still saying how she doesn't have the right hardware for Lowe and that's okay because they may not be physically a perfect match but she's going to choose him anyway. I just . . . I wasn't satisfied with that and it sort of bummed me out that his mate bond wouldn't be as fulfilled with her as it could have been with a Were.
The spice definitely had it's moments, but the knot needed to be explained a bit more and the way it was introduced felt a bit clunky. We're just sort of vaguely told about it and then we see it in action later. I think those not familiar with werewolves / omegaverse will need more of an explanation.
This was also a bit unlike Ali Hazelwood usual rom-coms since there was a more serious tone throughout the book and focused more on the mystery plot than the romantic plot. Which was an interesting choice. However, once the mystery is solved and bad guy is revealed (I also could have lived without the cliche villain's speech), there's a hasty conclusion that was very anti- climactic. I mean, we've been leading up to this reveal for so long, I just expected us to sit with a bit longer in the story. But I will say, I did like the plot twist even if it was short lived.
Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own
Favorite Quotes:
"My smell. Do I smell like . . .?"
"Mine." It's a rumble in his throat. "You smell like you're mine, Misery."
_______
"I would take anything she chose to give me - the tiniest fraction or her entire world. I would take her for a single night knowing that I'll lose her by morning, and I would hold on to her and never let her go. I would take her healthy, or sick, or tired, or angry, or strong, and it would be my fucking privilege. . . . I would take every last thing, if she chose to give it to me. . . . But I won't take from her."
_______
"You smell like you just came."
I stare back, speechless at his directness. I did just come.
"And I need to eat you out."
he needs to. "Okay?"
"It's a Were thing."
_______
"Of all the good thing I've felt in my fucking life, you are the best."
_______
*This is an ARC Review written 10/04/23*
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ paranormal urban romance
✨ werewolves x vampire x humans
✨ she's is a vampire who's the daughter of a powerful vampire ruler
✨ he's a alpha of his werewolf pack
✨ political drama
✨ arranged marriage
✨ forbidden romance
✨ enemies (by nature) to allies to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ virgin, inexperienced FMC
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ knotting, biting, drinking blood
✨ fated mate
✨ mystery plot
✨ intentional miscommunication / omitting truth
✨ found family
✨ plot twist
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I'm reading this ARC almost 6 months before the release, so I'm thinking there will be edits made during that time. But keep that in mind while reading this review. PS: I plan to do a reread once it comes out.
Okay, so here's the thing. Bride definitely has so much potential and includes a lot of the things I love about Ali Hazelwood's romances. There's likable characters - specifically a large standoffish MMC, an interesting side plot, and spicy scenes. The whole arranged marriage and forbidden romance aspect only added to the story as well. However, there were a few things that led to my disconnect and indifference with the story.
There is a lot of info dumping world building-wise and telling vs showing. This happened so frequently throughout the story that I had many moments where I was bored and pulled out of the story out of frustration. And some of the info we are given through inner dialogue or ramblings didn't even feel adequate enough for explaining certain aspects of the world or situations the characters found themselves in. It's like I needed more info but I also wanted less of what I was being given.
I didn't really feel the chemistry between the MCs: Misery and Lowe. I think the fact Lowe recognizes Misery as his mate immediately but keeps his distance coupled with the slow burn really made the romance feel drawn out. We don't really see them start to interact till 20% of the story, and it still takes time before they aren't so guarded around each other.
The fact Lowe is immediately drawn to Misery since she's his mate but the fact Misery doesn't experience this mate bond kind of confused me and bummed me out. Lowe is a Were and recognizes her as his mate, which is rare and the fact it's with a different species is surprising. And since Misery is a vampire and this is just supposed to be a political alliance, he immediately shuts down the possibility of them being together, keeps this knowledge to himself, pushes Misery away, and then constantly reiterates (mostly to himself or other Weres) how she can't possibly understand mates or feel what he does. This was highlighted so much throughout the story that it sort of killed the vibe. I've read a lot of paranormal and alien romances with interspecies mating bonds, and while most of time the MCs don't feel the bond the exact same way, they all feel an innate pull towards the other person and in the end, it always ends up being a perfect match (in a sense). Lowe immediately dismisses this notion of being in a relationship with his mate and he highlights their incompatibility. I think there should have been a bit more explanation of the mate bond - like how it's possible for a Were and vampire to be mates in the first place - and I think in the end, it should have been a perfect fit where the bond snapped into place for her or something. But sadly, even by the 95% mark when they're having sex, Misery is still saying how she doesn't have the right hardware for Lowe and that's okay because they may not be physically a perfect match but she's going to choose him anyway. I just . . . I wasn't satisfied with that and it sort of bummed me out that his mate bond wouldn't be as fulfilled with her as it could have been with a Were.
The spice definitely had it's moments, but the knot needed to be explained a bit more and the way it was introduced felt a bit clunky. We're just sort of vaguely told about it and then we see it in action later. I think those not familiar with werewolves / omegaverse will need more of an explanation.
This was also a bit unlike Ali Hazelwood usual rom-coms since there was a more serious tone throughout the book and focused more on the mystery plot than the romantic plot. Which was an interesting choice. However, once the mystery is solved and bad guy is revealed (I also could have lived without the cliche villain's speech), there's a hasty conclusion that was very anti- climactic. I mean, we've been leading up to this reveal for so long, I just expected us to sit with a bit longer in the story. But I will say, I did like the plot twist even if it was short lived.
Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own
Favorite Quotes:
"My smell. Do I smell like . . .?"
"Mine." It's a rumble in his throat. "You smell like you're mine, Misery."
_______
"I would take anything she chose to give me - the tiniest fraction or her entire world. I would take her for a single night knowing that I'll lose her by morning, and I would hold on to her and never let her go. I would take her healthy, or sick, or tired, or angry, or strong, and it would be my fucking privilege. . . . I would take every last thing, if she chose to give it to me. . . . But I won't take from her."
_______
"You smell like you just came."
I stare back, speechless at his directness. I did just come.
"And I need to eat you out."
he needs to. "Okay?"
"It's a Were thing."
_______
"Of all the good thing I've felt in my fucking life, you are the best."
_______
3 ⭐️ I wanted more
So first off, I want to say that Ali Hazelwood is an excellent writer who can write about science in a way that non-science folks (like me) can understand and find entertaining. I’m also a huge fan of her humor and one-liners. Plus, she does an amazing job creating tension between the MCs. I will definitely read anything and everything by her!
So first off, I want to say that Ali Hazelwood is an excellent writer who can write about science in a way that non-science folks (like me) can understand and find entertaining. I’m also a huge fan of her humor and one-liners. Plus, she does an amazing job creating tension between the MCs. I will definitely read anything and everything by her!
3 ⭐️ I love this premise but it didn't live up to my expectations
A) I was in the imaginary town of my favorite romance series. Or... B) I had hydroplaned off the road and was currently dying in some ditch in nowhere New York.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town romance
✨ magical realism
✨ falling into your favorite story
✨ she’s an english professor
✨ he’s a bookstore owner with a cat
✨ blond MMC
✨ grumpy x sunshine (who lost her shine)
✨ a not so meet cute
✨ forced proximity
✨ banter
✨ .5/5
A) I was in the imaginary town of my favorite romance series. Or... B) I had hydroplaned off the road and was currently dying in some ditch in nowhere New York.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town romance
✨ magical realism
✨ falling into your favorite story
✨ she’s an english professor
✨ he’s a bookstore owner with a cat
✨ blond MMC
✨ grumpy x sunshine (who lost her shine)
✨ a not so meet cute
✨ forced proximity
✨ banter
✨ .5/5
3.5 ⭐️ If you like fantasy romance and Ruby Dixon, then definitely pick this book up
He's a polite monk of a Fellian who just happens to be trapped in a tower with a princess of loose morals who really, really wants to ride his c*ck.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ fantasy romance
✨ feuding factions
✨ gods x humans x ‘monsters’
✨ locked away in a windowless tower with your enemy
✨ she’s a spoiled, chronically ill, lusty human princess
✨ he’s a shy, celibate, bookish non-human prince
✨ virgin, cinnamon roll monster
✨ enemies to friends lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ opposites attract
✨ nursing back to health
✨ he falls first
✨ 4/5
He's a polite monk of a Fellian who just happens to be trapped in a tower with a princess of loose morals who really, really wants to ride his c*ck.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ fantasy romance
✨ feuding factions
✨ gods x humans x ‘monsters’
✨ locked away in a windowless tower with your enemy
✨ she’s a spoiled, chronically ill, lusty human princess
✨ he’s a shy, celibate, bookish non-human prince
✨ virgin, cinnamon roll monster
✨ enemies to friends lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ opposites attract
✨ nursing back to health
✨ he falls first
✨ 4/5
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
2 ⭐️ It really just wasn’t for me
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ adult fantasy series
✨ mulan retelling
✨ badass FMC
✨ feminine rage
✨ hidden identity
✨ wartime
✨ magic
✨ love triangle (to be expanded on)
✨ classist and patriarchal society
✨ cliffhanger
✨ TW: domestic abuse, attempted r@pe, violence
My Thoughts:
I’m sitting here trying to formulate my thought, the only thing I can come up with is this: I just didn’t give a f*ck about this story.
It’s too heavily inspired by Disney’s Mulan that for the first 40% all I could imagine was Mulan. The characters are not fully fleshed out. The MC isn’t really even likable. The love triangle romance (which will definitely play a larger role in book 2) came out of nowhere and it’s pretty obvious which one she’s going to choose. There’s too much telling vs showing and so much non-dialogue. The story feels more YA than Adult (which this is marketed as). And the actual writing was pretty basic.
I do actually think the premise is interesting, but the execution of the story made it a challenge to get through. If I hadn’t gotten this as an ARC, I would have DNFed at 15%. But thanks to my determination and skimming abilities, I was able to finish.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ace Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ adult fantasy series
✨ mulan retelling
✨ badass FMC
✨ feminine rage
✨ hidden identity
✨ wartime
✨ magic
✨ love triangle (to be expanded on)
✨ classist and patriarchal society
✨ cliffhanger
✨ TW: domestic abuse, attempted r@pe, violence
My Thoughts:
I’m sitting here trying to formulate my thought, the only thing I can come up with is this: I just didn’t give a f*ck about this story.
It’s too heavily inspired by Disney’s Mulan that for the first 40% all I could imagine was Mulan. The characters are not fully fleshed out. The MC isn’t really even likable. The love triangle romance (which will definitely play a larger role in book 2) came out of nowhere and it’s pretty obvious which one she’s going to choose. There’s too much telling vs showing and so much non-dialogue. The story feels more YA than Adult (which this is marketed as). And the actual writing was pretty basic.
I do actually think the premise is interesting, but the execution of the story made it a challenge to get through. If I hadn’t gotten this as an ARC, I would have DNFed at 15%. But thanks to my determination and skimming abilities, I was able to finish.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ace Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.