thebiglittlelibrary's Reviews (622)


2.5 ⭐️ Definitely not as good as the first. What a shame.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ book 2
✨ omegaverse (not shifters)
✨ reverse-harem
✨ she's a beta with a traumatic past
✨ they want her in their pack
✨ billionaire romance
✨ age-gap
✨ 5/5 spice (mm, mf, mmf, mmfm, mmfmm)
✨ mating instincts, pheromones, biting, knotting, bonding marks, anal
✨ emotional healing journey
✨ found family
✨ angst
✨ HEA
✨ TW: physical, psychological, and sexual abuse (flashbacks), emotional trauma, kidnapping, murder


My Thoughts:

If I look at this book objectively, it's really not bad. There's continued emotional healing, sweet moments, spicy scenes, and some laughs. But it was too long and didn't have as much substance as the first. My 2.5-star rating is mostly based on my enjoyment, not the actual quality of the story, which is why I rounded up for the Goodreads star rating.

Honestly, I was bored. A lot of the heavier emotional stuff was dealt with in Part 1 so this was mostly focused on her bonding with the rest of the pack aka having sex with everyone. While I appreciate and like smut, there was just too much sex and I needed more plot. After a while, all of these scenes blended together and I started skimming a bunch. Because of this, I ended up losing interest and stopped caring about the characters. So once the conflict finally happened at the end, I was checked out.

Also, out of all of the guys, her connection with Cyrus was the most forced. I genuinely don't think they should have had a sexual relationship since they seemed better suited as friends. It seemed like Kathryn Moon just wanted her to bond with all of the guys, even if it didn't make much sense.

2.5 ⭐️ No one is more disappointed in this rating than me

4 ⭐️ This is a lovely book. Wonderfully written and incredibly fanciful lore.


WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ academic fantasy set in early 1900s
✨ setting: remote small village in Scandinavia
✨ she is a Cambridge professor writing an encyclopedia of faerie
✨ he is a Cambridge professor who offers to assist in her research
✨ academic rivals/friends to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ no spice
✨ fun banter
✨ neurodivergent FMC
✨ satisfying plot/conflict
✨ interesting faerie lore and world building
✨ HEA but leave door open for book 2


My Thoughts:

This was a solid story. It definitely falls into the cozy fantasy category with gentle pacing and vivid writing. It was honestly relaxing to read because there's no real urgency to finish. There are exciting moments of conflict and intrigue, yet due to the way it's written, I never felt strong emotions or an eagerness to read through the night in order to find out what happens next.

The book is written in diary format, which was done well, but personally, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story or connect with the moments being written about because I knew everything would be alright since Emily was recounting everything after the fact. On one hand, it's nice because I felt zero anxiety while reading, but at the same time, it takes away the excitement of not know if things are going to turn out okay.

My favorite part about this story was the faerie lore. I've never read a book that has this much world building and detail about the faerie. I'm honestly impressed with the creativity and/or folklore research about faerie and creatures that the author must have done to write this book. I loved learning about the difference faerie from their physical appearances to their behaviors / interactions with humans.

Emily Wilde is such a fascinating character. She is neurodivergent, and I loved seeing this represention in such a smart, strong, female lead. The way Emily is so focused on her research is admirable, and I respect that no matter what type of faerie she encounters, she is able to keep a clear head and interact with reason and curiosity.

The relationship between Emily and Wendell Bambleby is entertaining. The banter between the two is fun, and I enjoyed how easily these two fall into a harmonious rhythm with one another. But, just FYI, while there is some romance aspects that develop, I wouldn't call this story a romance. It's a very small aspect of the story, but it may evolve more in the next few books.

There is one thing that did irk me. This is 100% a personal pet peeve, but I absolutely loath when the potential love interest has romantic or sexual relations with other people. Emily is completely unbothered because she's just friends with Wendell and she knows he's a big flirt. So there is no jealousy on her end. However, I think it diminishes his 'love' for Emily. He's been friends with her for years while being in love with her, but at the same time he philanders about everywhere he goes. Even in front of her. This also makes me question why he 'loves' Emily in the first place. The story starts with her mentioning how annoying she finds him but that while he's her rival, he's also her only friend. Whenever they interact, she insults him or bosses him around, but Wendell honestly finds this amusing and replies sweetly. I think a lot of his feelings for her and how he acts makes sense with what we learn about Wendell, but at the same time, it doesn't convince me of their romance. I'm hoping this is explored more intentionally in the next book.

2 ⭐ If Nero wasn't hot and rich, he'd be labeled a f*cking creep.


WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ dark/stalker/mafia romance
✨ he's unhinged, possessive, & obsessed
✨ she's shy & gentle with a past that haunts her
✨ insta-lust
✨ age gap (13 years)
✨ virgin FMC
✨ 4/5

4 ⭐️ My favorite of the series (so far)


"I can't let you go. I'll never do that. Not until I die."


WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ paranormal romance
✨ he's a gentleman Vampire warrior
✨ she's a flirtatious Valkyrie warrior
✨ insta lust
✨ captor x captive
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ he falls first and hard
✨ fated mates
✨ she's in denial
✨ forced proximity
✨ age gap (300 & 2000+)
✨ size difference
✨ 4/5

4.25 ⭐️ I’m so hooked it’s insane! Perfect alien romance for all you Ice Planet Barbarian lovers!!!!

Summary:

Jade is abducted by aliens but escapes and is rescued by the Clecanians (who have the same ancestors as humans). Unfortunately, Jade can't go back to Earth and according to the rules of the Intergalactic Alliance, she must stay in Clecania for one year to learn how to take care of herself under these new circumstances.

And during that time, Jade must follow Clecanians' customs and marry. But marriage is different on this planet. Due to a lack of females, their race is slowly dying, so marriages are seen as trial periods and only last 3 months.

Jade ends up choosing Theo, a sexy mercenary who has been previously passed over due to his scars (which look like beautiful tattoos to Jade). Theo thinks she's a spy sent by his enemies while Jade thinks he's a grumpy, sexy asshole. But something pulls them together and after a while, their chemistry becomes undeniable. However, Jade is determined to return to Earth, so she can't possibly fall in love with an alien. . . right?


My Thoughts:

You're telling me this story is about a human woman who gets abducted and taken to a planet where there are sexy males who go to husbandry school to learn how to be the best possible partner???? Where they learn how to cook, clean, provide comfort and pleasure for their females??? Sign me up!

This is a fun story with an interesting romantic plot, fascinating world-building, and amazing sexual tension/spice!

2 ⭐️ I can see the charm but to me, it was an unrealistic story with very delulu characters.


"You know what I hate the most about you, Ford?"
"What's that, Rosie?"
"That hating you is downright impossible."



WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small-town setting
✨ billionaire romance
✨ brother's best friend
✨ childhood frenemies-to-lovers
✨ boss x employee
✨ forbidden romance
✨ forced proximity
✨ opposites attract
✨ snarky banter / shit talking
✨ he fell first (always loved her)
✨ 2.5/5

5 ⭐️ The most heartwarming book I've read this year!


"I'll never love anyone the way I love you."


WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ contemporary romance
✨ nyc setting
✨ accidental pregnancy
✨ cinnamon roll MMC
✨ he's not the father but takes care of her
✨ childhood friends - to - lovers
✨ best friend's brother
✨ slow burn
✨ pining / longing
✨ "I've always loved you"
✨ 1.5/5

4.5 ⭐️ A heartfelt romance that took me by surprise


"Come on, Ali. I'm pretty sure every guy at Beechwood High thought you were the one."
"Not even close."
"Maybe it was just me then."


This book had me giggling and smiling like an idiot!!!

5 ⭐️ Kilt Trip was written for me and everyone else who’s obsessed with Scotland. And if you're not already obsessed, you will be after you read this book.