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velsbooknook's reviews
251 reviews
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
4.5
I picked this book up because I loved the vibes of the blurp so much. It was not what I expected but I ended up really enjoying it and I'm still thinking about it often and I read it back in May.
"Tangled in a sinister game of politics, bloodthirsty professors and dark magic, Laura and Carmilla must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in their ruthless pursuit of knowledge."
This was a dark academia, saphicc vampire read. At first I wasn't sure about the professor - student relationship but it turned out very different than I thought and the characters really grew on me. I loved how atmospheric Gibson's writing was and the vibes were just immaculate. I also enjoyed the rivals to lovers and I didn't think this book would get this steamy. The tension and slow burn was so well done!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Murder
Right on Cue by Falon Ballard
3.0
Emmy and Grayson were starring in a movie together when they were teens. Not everything was going according to plan and Emmy swore she'll never write a romance script ever again.
After many years and lots of encouragement from family and friends she is doing it again and is also playing the lead role with no one different than Grayson West. The person she blames for the end of her acting career.
It was the third book by Falon Ballard and it did not disappoint. I enjoy her writing a lot and her books are always an easy and entertaining read. I really liked the chemistry of the MMC and the FMC. The pacing of them getting together was different but it was very refreshing. I usually love slow burn romance but getting some earlier action was a nice change and worked very well for the story.
But once the drama kept coming I was a little thrown off. There was too much drama and miscommunication that I was rolling my eyes more than once and I lost interest in the outcome of the story. I still enjoyed the book but it was't the strongest work by the author. Many moments could have been saved by just talking and being honest to eachother.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Grief, and Death of parent
The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead
3.75
I know the author from her very gripping and graphic thriller The Last Housewife but she also is good with romance!
It was a fun and quick read. Fake dating is always a yes for me, sprinkle in some politics and were are good to go. This book was humorous and had the perfect mix of funny and serious scenes. I only remember two times where I wished the pacing was a little faster and less politics. I liked the characters but I wished the MCs had a little more depth. What I often feel with romance is that once the main characters find to eachother they put on their rose-coloured glasses and they know they are perfect for eachother. I wish we would get a more realistic portrayal of relationships sometimes where not everything is just all happiness and happily ever after. The plot is obviously very predictable but nevertheless I had a very good time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
5.0
I love this book SO much! I think I already found my favourite read of the year.
The story of Win and Bo is very different to all the romance novels I read before but it in the best way possible. The attraction is there from the first moment and their story starts with one heated night but it somehow is still a slow burn. Win gets pregant during their one-night stand and now two strangers have to coordinate life with those unexpected news.
The banter, the humour, THE questions, the character growth were soooo good! I giggled, I cried, I felt all the feels and those characters deserve the world. Not only the main characters but also all side characters. I adored Win's, Sarah's & Caleb's friendship. I loved the moments of Bo and his dad. But also his friends were real gems. It was my first drama-free romance and I wish I would see more of this. I'm still blown away about how beautiful this book was and it checked all the boxes for me. I will be thinking about Win, Bo and their story for a long time and I can't put in words how much I LOVE this book. Hannah Bonam Young you are a genius!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Mental illness, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Abortion, and Pregnancy