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trixie_woodlawn_writes's reviews
46 reviews
A Polar Expedition: and Other Stimulating Research Opportunities by Kass O'Shire
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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
"But there was something about this lone wee woman, so bundled up she was nearly round, trudging through the wilderness, that pulled at him."
Sirin is a lunologist, a person capable of manipulating their own body with lunala (magic algae). She's spent her life honing her brain into the perfect researching machine, and she's dead set on researching the source of her world's magic, even if she has to sneak off on a solo polar expedition to do so. On her journey to find the magic source of lunala, she runs into a polar bear that decides to follow her, and might have a few secret research projects of his own:)
This book was steamy, creative, and a fun read all around. Sirin is one of my all time favorite FMCs, and her relationship with Berne was spicy and sweet, which I feel like is a rare combo... especially when he's a polar bear shifter that's essentially been stalking her:)
Why four stars: I struggled to believe my strong willed Sirin would be as chill as she was about having to permanently move to Berne's village.
Who would like this book: This book was a really fun combo of gaslamp era fantasy and shifter romance. I really can't think of any comp titles off the top of my head, but if you like Jenna Wolfheart's Falling for Fables series and Rebecca Kenney's Wicked Darling Series, this book is kind of like if those two series had a baby.
Sirin is a lunologist, a person capable of manipulating their own body with lunala (magic algae). She's spent her life honing her brain into the perfect researching machine, and she's dead set on researching the source of her world's magic, even if she has to sneak off on a solo polar expedition to do so. On her journey to find the magic source of lunala, she runs into a polar bear that decides to follow her, and might have a few secret research projects of his own:)
This book was steamy, creative, and a fun read all around. Sirin is one of my all time favorite FMCs, and her relationship with Berne was spicy and sweet, which I feel like is a rare combo... especially when he's a polar bear shifter that's essentially been stalking her:)
Why four stars:
Who would like this book: This book was a really fun combo of gaslamp era fantasy and shifter romance. I really can't think of any comp titles off the top of my head, but if you like Jenna Wolfheart's Falling for Fables series and Rebecca Kenney's Wicked Darling Series, this book is kind of like if those two series had a baby.
The Orc and the Innkeeper by Cora Crane
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
Fun, cozy, magic romance. This book was a perfect holiday read to me:)
The story revolves around the romance of a human innkeeper and an orc that was also her high school bully! Through some unique circumstances, the two end up fake dating, but the chemistry between the two leads definitely wasn't a facade!
I loved the world of elderberry falls & definitely plan to read this whole series as it releases
The story revolves around the romance of a human innkeeper and an orc that was also her high school bully! Through some unique circumstances, the two end up fake dating, but the chemistry between the two leads definitely wasn't a facade!
I loved the world of elderberry falls & definitely plan to read this whole series as it releases
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-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? No
5.0
"I am a shadow.
I no longer dream in color.
I don't count by 7s.
Because in this new world I don't count."
Willow Chance has always marched to the beat of her own drum and struggles to fit in as a middle schooler with a genius IQ and intense love for medicine and plants.
Then one day, her world shatters when her parents are killed in a car accident. How will Willow ever pick up the pieces?
This story made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me feel all the things in a way that only poignant middle grade novels tend to do. Willow's story of grief, recovery, and finding a perfectly imperfect family after the loss of her parents might end up being my most enjoyable read of the year.
I'd recommend this book to fans of Sharon Creech and other middle grade authors. It is a quick, but very powerful read.
I no longer dream in color.
I don't count by 7s.
Because in this new world I don't count."
Willow Chance has always marched to the beat of her own drum and struggles to fit in as a middle schooler with a genius IQ and intense love for medicine and plants.
Then one day, her world shatters when her parents are killed in a car accident. How will Willow ever pick up the pieces?
This story made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me feel all the things in a way that only poignant middle grade novels tend to do. Willow's story of grief, recovery, and finding a perfectly imperfect family after the loss of her parents might end up being my most enjoyable read of the year.
I'd recommend this book to fans of Sharon Creech and other middle grade authors. It is a quick, but very powerful read.
The Best Book Boyfriend by Holly June Smith
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"Except you. I think I would un-swear off men for you, Luke. But that's not me talking. That's Main Character talk. I don't have the confidence in myself to say those things out loud."
Still reeling from an awful break-up, Kara spends most of her evenings reading romance novels or hanging out with her besties. She's just barely put her life back together, so when Luke, a handsome widower, opens a coffee shop a block from her house, she isn't expecting much of it. But when he asks to learn more about the books she reads all the time, Kara might just find out that Luke is the perfect Book Boyfriend.
Holly June Smith is an auto-buy for me. I discovered her stuff this fall and I've been treating myself to about one book a month from her! I'm excited to read the next book in this series, because this one gave me all the feels.
It is hard to pinpoint what I loved the most about this book, because I loved it all. The characters were so human, dealt with such human problems, and not always in picture perfect ways. And yet they still got that picture perfect love story:)
Who would like this book: Fans of contemporary romance, especially people looking for romance with characters that are a little more mature. This book is a second-chance romance, in the sense that it centers around the character's second loves, not that this love has failed once and is now getting a second chance.
Still reeling from an awful break-up, Kara spends most of her evenings reading romance novels or hanging out with her besties. She's just barely put her life back together, so when Luke, a handsome widower, opens a coffee shop a block from her house, she isn't expecting much of it. But when he asks to learn more about the books she reads all the time, Kara might just find out that Luke is the perfect Book Boyfriend.
Holly June Smith is an auto-buy for me. I discovered her stuff this fall and I've been treating myself to about one book a month from her! I'm excited to read the next book in this series, because this one gave me all the feels.
It is hard to pinpoint what I loved the most about this book, because I loved it all. The characters were so human, dealt with such human problems, and not always in picture perfect ways. And yet they still got that picture perfect love story:)
Who would like this book: Fans of contemporary romance, especially people looking for romance with characters that are a little more mature. This book is a second-chance romance, in the sense that it centers around the character's second loves, not that this love has failed once and is now getting a second chance.
Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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? No
5.0
"If he had been the paladin that he was supposed to be, he would have thought nothing of it. 'It's the cold, nothing more.' But he was twice a failure, and so he smoothed the edge of the cloak down and let the back of his knuckles trace the barest line against her skin.
Almost imperceptibly, he felt her shiver again."
Shane, former paladin of the Saint of Steel, finds himself assigned as a bodyguard to Marguerite, a clever and beautiful spy with an absolutely audacious scheme to take down her enemies. And while Shane is a skilled warrior and Marguerite an experience spymaster, none of their skils will prepare them for the way their hearts battle each other.
My favorite things: Kingfisher's writing style is always lyrical and clever. She has a way of making mundane things relatable, humorous, or very lovely. The characters! I don't think I've met a Kingfisher character that I didn't like. And of course, the worldbuilding is always fun and immersive. I also love how this book kind of sits on the edge of romance and fantasy, like the rest of the series has. The romance is there. It is definitely part of the plot. But, I don't know. Somehow Kingfisher has written it so that the romance is also kind of along for the ride, like all the other story elements.
Who would like this book: If you like a witty writing style (Terry Pratchett and Jonathan Stroud come to mind), you'll enjoy Kingfisher's writing. This book has romance. And it is set in a fantasy world. That said, if you go into it thinking it will be like ACOTAR or Fourth Wing... that isn't the vibe. The characters are more mature and the fantasy is more subtle. I really wouldn't put this one in NA/YA. You'll like it if you're looking for a change of pace:)
Anyone else curious if we're going to get another book? I feel like it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger with the demon and Judith. There are 7 paladins and we've only covered 4. How amazing would it be if we got 7 books!
Almost imperceptibly, he felt her shiver again."
Shane, former paladin of the Saint of Steel, finds himself assigned as a bodyguard to Marguerite, a clever and beautiful spy with an absolutely audacious scheme to take down her enemies. And while Shane is a skilled warrior and Marguerite an experience spymaster, none of their skils will prepare them for the way their hearts battle each other.
My favorite things: Kingfisher's writing style is always lyrical and clever. She has a way of making mundane things relatable, humorous, or very lovely. The characters! I don't think I've met a Kingfisher character that I didn't like. And of course, the worldbuilding is always fun and immersive. I also love how this book kind of sits on the edge of romance and fantasy, like the rest of the series has. The romance is there. It is definitely part of the plot. But, I don't know. Somehow Kingfisher has written it so that the romance is also kind of along for the ride, like all the other story elements.
Who would like this book: If you like a witty writing style (Terry Pratchett and Jonathan Stroud come to mind), you'll enjoy Kingfisher's writing. This book has romance. And it is set in a fantasy world. That said, if you go into it thinking it will be like ACOTAR or Fourth Wing... that isn't the vibe. The characters are more mature and the fantasy is more subtle. I really wouldn't put this one in NA/YA. You'll like it if you're looking for a change of pace:)
Of the Flesh by Susan Barker, Adorah Nworah, Emilia Hart, Bridget Collins, Lucy Rose, Robert Lautner, Michel Faber, Evie Wyld, JK Chukwu, James Smythe, Lewis Hancox, Lavie Tidhar, Francine Toon, Louisa Young, Ainslie Hogarth
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"Julien's dead wife's eyes are unblinking. She remains pointing at the water. And I realize this is her authentic self. Wrathful. Vengeful. Un-Instagrammable. Hidden when she was living, perhaps even from herself."
Of the Flesh is a collection of 18 modern horror stories that truly do 'plumb the depth' of the 21st century psyche. Every tale is unique, each author has their own, distinct voice, and all of it will really keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to look away but needing to know what happens next.
Standouts to me were The Fruiting Body, The Broccoli Eel, and Bob-a-Job. Carcinisation should probably be in that list, too. My skin still crawls after reading that one. I don't think I'm going to be able to look at fungus or broccoli or pigs or really much of anything at all the same. To me, each of these stories really fleshed out the more grotesque side of the horror genre (which, admittedly, I am not super familiar with).
Why Four Stars: A few of the stories just weren't on par with the others. Some were jarring to the point that it was hard to follow, or vague to the point of confusion. I know that horror is a genre that requires a little more work on the part of the reader to follow along, but when things are too vague or there are too many mysteries, I had to work to pick the book back up for the next stories.
Who would like this book: Fans of Horror. I don't really have comp titles because I don't regularly read horror. It is an anthology of short stories, which I liked, but I love a good short story. So, yes. Fans of modern horror that also love short stories would like this book.
Of the Flesh is a collection of 18 modern horror stories that truly do 'plumb the depth' of the 21st century psyche. Every tale is unique, each author has their own, distinct voice, and all of it will really keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to look away but needing to know what happens next.
Standouts to me were The Fruiting Body, The Broccoli Eel, and Bob-a-Job. Carcinisation should probably be in that list, too. My skin still crawls after reading that one. I don't think I'm going to be able to look at fungus or broccoli or pigs or really much of anything at all the same. To me, each of these stories really fleshed out the more grotesque side of the horror genre (which, admittedly, I am not super familiar with).
Why Four Stars: A few of the stories just weren't on par with the others. Some were jarring to the point that it was hard to follow, or vague to the point of confusion. I know that horror is a genre that requires a little more work on the part of the reader to follow along, but when things are too vague or there are too many mysteries, I had to work to pick the book back up for the next stories.
Who would like this book: Fans of Horror. I don't really have comp titles because I don't regularly read horror. It is an anthology of short stories, which I liked, but I love a good short story. So, yes. Fans of modern horror that also love short stories would like this book.
A Court of Sugar and Spice by Rebecca F. Kenney
adventurous
emotional
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Men are going to look at you that way whether you like it or not. You can fret and stew about it, or you can turn it into power.”
A court of Sugar and Spice follows the journey of Clara and Louisa. The two sisters are stuck in the custody of their father's friend until they marry and can receive their inheritence. They pretty quickly learn that their father's friend has more than his share of secrets, and when a drop of Louisa's blood falls onto a nutcracker doll, he comes to life and leads them on the adventure of a lifetime.
What I loved: Clara and Finn stole the show for me. Their relationship was sweet in a steamy way, and I was constantly rooting for them to end up together.
Close runner up would be the world building and descriptions of the monsters. I don't know how she does it, but Kenney just describes monsters in a way that makes it feel like they are breathing over my shoulder.
Why only 4 stars? Louisa. I am just never a big fan of cheaters, and I struggled to believe that Louisa actually changed her ways for the nutcracker prince.
Who would I recommend this book to? Someone looking for the perfect, spicy holiday read. Seriously. Kenney's stuff, to me, runs on the spicier side of romance, and this book falls pretty within the range of the other works of hers that I've read. Perfect for a cold winter's night and a hot cup of cocoa.
A court of Sugar and Spice follows the journey of Clara and Louisa. The two sisters are stuck in the custody of their father's friend until they marry and can receive their inheritence. They pretty quickly learn that their father's friend has more than his share of secrets, and when a drop of Louisa's blood falls onto a nutcracker doll, he comes to life and leads them on the adventure of a lifetime.
What I loved: Clara and Finn stole the show for me. Their relationship was sweet in a steamy way, and I was constantly rooting for them to end up together.
Close runner up would be the world building and descriptions of the monsters. I don't know how she does it, but Kenney just describes monsters in a way that makes it feel like they are breathing over my shoulder.
Why only 4 stars? Louisa.
Who would I recommend this book to? Someone looking for the perfect, spicy holiday read. Seriously. Kenney's stuff, to me, runs on the spicier side of romance, and this book falls pretty within the range of the other works of hers that I've read. Perfect for a cold winter's night and a hot cup of cocoa.
A Breath of Fresh Air by Allegra Hall
"I love you," he says, as if it's the simplest thing in the world. And suddenly, it is.
God, I love novellas. They're just always a little treat that get me out of a reading slump. Seriously. Short books do not get enough credit.
A Breath of Fresh Air takes place in an alternative universe where all kinds of magical creatures co-exist with us humans here on earth. The FMC is attending her daughter's wedding (and it seems like the daughter's romance to a billionaire wolf-shifter-alpha-werewolf was the subject of a previous book... but this series seemed like it functioned more as interconnected standalones. I definitely never felt lost, even though I've never read the other books). She sees an attractive wolf shifter who is definitely giving her good vibes and they spark a later-in-life, long distance, steamy romance that I finished in an hour or two b/c I couldn't put it down.
I don't think there was anything I didn't like about this book. From the cool tidbits of Maori culture to the overall maturity of the characters, I feel like this book was a unique take on the usual wolf-shifter romance. It definitely inspired me to add the other books in the series to my TBR. 10/10 recommend.
emotional
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? No
5.0
God, I love novellas. They're just always a little treat that get me out of a reading slump. Seriously. Short books do not get enough credit.
A Breath of Fresh Air takes place in an alternative universe where all kinds of magical creatures co-exist with us humans here on earth. The FMC is attending her daughter's wedding (and it seems like the daughter's romance to a billionaire wolf-shifter-alpha-werewolf was the subject of a previous book... but this series seemed like it functioned more as interconnected standalones. I definitely never felt lost, even though I've never read the other books). She sees an attractive wolf shifter who is definitely giving her good vibes and they spark a later-in-life, long distance, steamy romance that I finished in an hour or two b/c I couldn't put it down.
I don't think there was anything I didn't like about this book. From the cool tidbits of Maori culture to the overall maturity of the characters, I feel like this book was a unique take on the usual wolf-shifter romance. It definitely inspired me to add the other books in the series to my TBR. 10/10 recommend.
The Bride of Lycaster by Perci Jay
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Devastated by the loss of her brothers, Serafina Ravenwood decides to do anything to protect her family. Even if it means seducing her enemies, or marrying a giant.
This book has a lot of action. And a very creative premise. I also really enjoyed the Nordic influence on the mythology. And as someone who grew up in the height of purity culture, I felt represented and seen by some of the rituals and customs that Serafina and the other women had to endure. Seriously. I have never seen another author represent the experience of living through sexist purity culture as a young girl the way that Perci Jay has.
So why did I rate it three stars?
Because I read this book because of the TikTok videos about the cucumber and there was no giant cucumbering in this book! Yep. I'll admit it. And I know what that says about me as a person. But. I. Was. So. Mad. I take my smut seriously. *Sighs dramatically*
Who would enjoy this book? You'll like this book if you lean more toward New Adult/Young Adult in your romantasy than if you lean more toward cozy romantasy. The pace is FAST and Serafina is not the most easy-to-love main character.
Check your trigger warnings if forced purity culture isn't your thing. I felt very represented, but that may not be true for everyone.
This book has a lot of action. And a very creative premise. I also really enjoyed the Nordic influence on the mythology. And as someone who grew up in the height of purity culture, I felt represented and seen by some of the rituals and customs that Serafina and the other women had to endure. Seriously. I have never seen another author represent the experience of living through sexist purity culture as a young girl the way that Perci Jay has.
So why did I rate it three stars?
Who would enjoy this book? You'll like this book if you lean more toward New Adult/Young Adult in your romantasy than if you lean more toward cozy romantasy. The pace is FAST and Serafina is not the most easy-to-love main character.
Check your trigger warnings if forced purity culture isn't your thing. I felt very represented, but that may not be true for everyone.
Married to the Devil: A Marriage of Convenience Monster Romance by Lillian Lark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Katarina frowns. 'Just because someone wants to share, doesn't mean that his feelings for you are less.'"
"Instead of freezing in the moment like I do, he takes my shaky melody and builds on it, adding teeth and texture and the chill of the metal in his lip. He tastes like midnight promises, future hurt, but not an ounce of regret."
In order to save her best friend & get revenge on her terrible father, Stella marries Remy Stonehart, half gargoyle and territorial leader of the paranormal city. She expects the marriage to be a political partnership. What she doesn't expect is her growing feelings for Stonehart or for the teleporting demon Ben to come along for the ride. (Neither did I, for the record, but that's what I get for not reading the blurb. The cover was enough to sell me on it, lol!)
Wow, this book was steamy. I am actually normally not a why choose/reverse harem fan... but I don't know that I would qualify this book as either of those. It really fell more into polyamory. The male leads didn't just love Stella. They loved each other, too. And for some reason that really made it an enjoyable read to me. I may check out more books of this style in the future and definitely added the rest of this series to my TBR list.
This book is part of a series of interconnected stand alones. You can read it without the others, but I really recommend that you read Hoarded by the Dragon first. It has a lot of Ben and Stella's character development.
Who would like this: Fans of monster and paranormal romance with a very healthy amount of spice. I liked that this one had a dash of mafia vibes (just a dash, not enough, IMO to qualify it as a full mafia romance).
"Instead of freezing in the moment like I do, he takes my shaky melody and builds on it, adding teeth and texture and the chill of the metal in his lip. He tastes like midnight promises, future hurt, but not an ounce of regret."
In order to save her best friend & get revenge on her terrible father, Stella marries Remy Stonehart, half gargoyle and territorial leader of the paranormal city. She expects the marriage to be a political partnership. What she doesn't expect is her growing feelings for Stonehart or for the teleporting demon Ben to come along for the ride. (Neither did I, for the record, but that's what I get for not reading the blurb. The cover was enough to sell me on it, lol!)
Wow, this book was steamy. I am actually normally not a why choose/reverse harem fan... but I don't know that I would qualify this book as either of those. It really fell more into
This book is part of a series of interconnected stand alones. You can read it without the others, but I really recommend that you read Hoarded by the Dragon first. It has a lot of Ben and Stella's character development.
Who would like this: Fans of monster and paranormal romance with a very healthy amount of spice. I liked that this one had a dash of mafia vibes (just a dash, not enough, IMO to qualify it as a full mafia romance).