whatellaread's reviews
1097 reviews

Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt

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dark emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

My first five star Maiden Lane—I loved loved loved this one. 
Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

Definitely had a number of issues with the plot holes in this book, nearly all of which are spoilers, and with the use (or lack thereof) of the magic. However despite this, and despite my frustration with Inez in general, I liked this so much more than the first book and felt like Inez and Whit were genuinely fun to root for. I’d recommend despite my reservations, but I definitely wish this had been more of a straight up Historical Romance! 
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Never Met a Duke Like You by Amalie Howard

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
I really wanted to like this! But this is my 3rd or 4th Amalie Howard and I think I've learned her writing just doesn't really work for me. Other friends have loved this book and I hope you'll read it to figure out if its for you! 
What's a Duke Got to Do With It by Christina Britton

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emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

This was such a sweet and lighthearted book, without losing its emotional heft. I really appreciated the way the second chance romance was set up: their "break up" made sense, their not being in touch made sense, and their unexpected re-meeting also tracked (if a little convenient for romance reasons). I really liked both Sebastian and Katrina, although they were both perhaps a little TOO good for my personal taste--I wanted a little more angst and fighting between them--and felt like their "only one night" excuse was a little out of character for them. Still, this is a perfectly enjoyable read and I appreciate the lighter, easier tone given the state of the world! 
One in a Million by Claire Lordon

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.5

I really enjoyed this memoir about chronic illness and the search for answers when there is no diagnosis in sight. Claire’s anxiety about her future and depictions of very various mental health states are heartbreaking yet so relatable. I was particularly moved by her family and friend’s support as she navigated her health challenges. Highly recommended for any kid going through a rough time medically and all those who love them.
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The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Really I started this book well over a year ago in December 2023 and then for inexplicable reasons I put it down and couldn’t get myself re-excited about it. It stared at me for over a year on my bedside table and finally a few weeks ago I restarted on audio. Not at all surprised but I really ended up liking it! Lots of fun twists and turns even though the biggest twist was visible (to me) from 10 miles out. My one complaint is that the ending didn't fully work for me. It was both too tidy and yet also had a ton of unanswered questions/ unresolved elements, but it also didn't take a way my overall enjoyment of this really fun novel about friendships and secrets about who gets to own reality. I loved the authors note about the inspiration for this book too so be sure to seek that out!
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Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Funny, smart, and SEXY AS HELL, this is a rollicking and delightful gender swapped retelling of Phantom of the Opera and it lands in almost every way possible. So fun. Jen Comfort really swings for the fences and I love her fearless approach to romance!
The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This is only my second Kinsale and I remain awed by her gift for language and poetic descriptions—you can see the influence on later writers like Duran and Thomas in a big way. This book was slow to start for me, but once it got going—really once they were in Westpark and then on from there—I was spellbound. I did find the ending somewhat abrupt, and I found the focus on Japanese and Hawaiian culture from an author who is, to my knowledge, not a member of those communities a little off putting (although it’s by and large respectfully done and definitely pro-native Hawaiian). Overall, a beautiful read.
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Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

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challenging dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

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Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt

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dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

Really enjoyed this, much more than book one. Hero and Griffin are are a great pair and I loved watching them fall in lust and then love, Thomas and Maximus as eat glass, protect Phoebe and Megs forever (did I look up if they get their own books? I did), and sweet Silence!!! What a cliff hanger too, good lord. I was planning to wait a month to get to the next book but now I’m not sure I can!
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