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wonderwomannz's reviews
1195 reviews
Impossible by Julia Sykes
3.5
This was my first book by this author's work, and I must say, it was quite an intriguing listen. The audiobook featured two narrators, and while I really enjoyed the female narrator's performance, I found the male narrator less engaging. The book itself was well-paced, with some great spice scenes that kept me hooked.
However, I did find myself struggling with the character of Claudia at times. I tend to prefer stronger female leads, and Claudia's moments of weakness detracted somewhat from my enjoyment. Additionally, some plot elements were a bit predictable.
Despite these minor issues, I genuinely enjoyed the book and am eager to continue with the series. I'm planning to jump to the third book while I wait for the second to become available, and I hope that each book focuses on different characters so I can read them out of order.
However it was a fun and spicy read, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of Julia Sykes' work.
However it was a fun and spicy read, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of Julia Sykes' work.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
4.0
Onyx Storm, the much-anticipated third installment, promised as part of a five-book saga, this addition came with sky-high expectations, but my feelings are decidedly mixed after finishing it.
The narrator, as always, delivered the story with boundless enthusiasm, breathing life into every battle cry and intense moment. I found myself grappling with a sense of déjà vu. While the battle scenes are undoubtedly intense and well-crafted, I couldn't shake the feeling that they mirrored those from the previous book. With five books planned in this series, I was hoping for more innovative developments and twists to keep the narrative fresh.
Sadly, it felt excessively drawn out; at times, the endless war narrative that has driven the plot so far felt like it stalled here—I kept hoping for something fresh to move the story forward, but nothing new was really introduced.
The book is also very long, too long in my opinion. While I understand the desire to immerse readers in this rich, war-torn world, the pacing suffered as a result. Many sections felt drawn out, and I found myself wishing for a tighter focus to keep the story more engaging.
One thing I deeply missed was the romance and emotional depth that hooked me in the first book. The slow burn in the series' opening felt like magic, but Onyx Storm doesn’t rekindle that spark. While romance is still present, it plays a much smaller role here, which left me a little disappointed. I loved the balance of romance and action in the earlier books, but this one leaned heavily into the battles, leaving the relationships somewhat underexplored.
Onyx Storm will undoubtedly delight fans who revel in epic battles and complex strategy, it left me hoping for more variety and forward momentum. I still have faith in Rebecca Yarros and her ability to deliver, so I’m holding out hope that the final two books will bring fresh storylines and a return to the emotional depth and romance that made me fall in love with the series in the first place.
Ends on a cliffhanger….
If you’re invested in the series, you’ll want to read it to stay in the loop, but for me, it wasn’t as satisfying as the earlier installments. Here's hoping the next book strikes a better balance.
The narrator, as always, delivered the story with boundless enthusiasm, breathing life into every battle cry and intense moment. I found myself grappling with a sense of déjà vu. While the battle scenes are undoubtedly intense and well-crafted, I couldn't shake the feeling that they mirrored those from the previous book. With five books planned in this series, I was hoping for more innovative developments and twists to keep the narrative fresh.
Sadly, it felt excessively drawn out; at times, the endless war narrative that has driven the plot so far felt like it stalled here—I kept hoping for something fresh to move the story forward, but nothing new was really introduced.
The book is also very long, too long in my opinion. While I understand the desire to immerse readers in this rich, war-torn world, the pacing suffered as a result. Many sections felt drawn out, and I found myself wishing for a tighter focus to keep the story more engaging.
One thing I deeply missed was the romance and emotional depth that hooked me in the first book. The slow burn in the series' opening felt like magic, but Onyx Storm doesn’t rekindle that spark. While romance is still present, it plays a much smaller role here, which left me a little disappointed. I loved the balance of romance and action in the earlier books, but this one leaned heavily into the battles, leaving the relationships somewhat underexplored.
Onyx Storm will undoubtedly delight fans who revel in epic battles and complex strategy, it left me hoping for more variety and forward momentum. I still have faith in Rebecca Yarros and her ability to deliver, so I’m holding out hope that the final two books will bring fresh storylines and a return to the emotional depth and romance that made me fall in love with the series in the first place.
Ends on a cliffhanger….
If you’re invested in the series, you’ll want to read it to stay in the loop, but for me, it wasn’t as satisfying as the earlier installments. Here's hoping the next book strikes a better balance.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
4.0
I was seeing this book everywhere so thought I would give it a go. Again I wasn’t sure what it was about, usually don’t read blurb till I am some what through the book. For me it started off very slow and I was questioning how to feel about it, I was 6hrs in and still struggling with my feelings on it. Bear with me here, but the book was giving me vibes of the movies “How to train a dragon” and “Hunger Games” I realised I was struggling with the training side of things, once I got through most of that I got a bit more into it. The narrator had amazing passion with it and threw herself right in, the excitement, enthusiasm, and energy is to be commend. I tend to like binge reading series so I don’t forget details, and as this ended in a cliffhanger I am cre picking there will be more to come in this series.
Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli
2.5
As I embarked on my journey through *The Crimson Moth*, I was excited to dive into it since I have seen recommendation online. The world-building was undeniably strong; Ciccarelli has a talent for crafting intricate settings and vibrant landscapes that come alive through her descriptions. I appreciate how she took the time to develop the culture of her world, which adds depth to the story.
However, as I reached the halfway point, I found myself struggling with the pacing. The narrative felt slower than I had hoped, and I began to lose track of where the story was headed. While I could sense the potential for an engaging plot, the ongoing build-up made it challenging for me to stay fully invested. I often find in these longer books they could and might pick up, but I just can’t do it at this stage.
The writing itself is commendable—Ciccarelli displays skill in her prose and character development. Yet, at this moment, I crave something that moves at a quicker pace. I realized that my current reading appetite leans towards faster-moving narratives that keep me on the edge of my seat, plus a little more spice and romance.
It offers a richly constructed world and competent writing, it ultimately wasn't the right fit for me at this time. I may revisit it later when I'm in the mood for a more immersive experience, but for now, I'm seeking stories with a bit more momentum.
However, as I reached the halfway point, I found myself struggling with the pacing. The narrative felt slower than I had hoped, and I began to lose track of where the story was headed. While I could sense the potential for an engaging plot, the ongoing build-up made it challenging for me to stay fully invested. I often find in these longer books they could and might pick up, but I just can’t do it at this stage.
The writing itself is commendable—Ciccarelli displays skill in her prose and character development. Yet, at this moment, I crave something that moves at a quicker pace. I realized that my current reading appetite leans towards faster-moving narratives that keep me on the edge of my seat, plus a little more spice and romance.
It offers a richly constructed world and competent writing, it ultimately wasn't the right fit for me at this time. I may revisit it later when I'm in the mood for a more immersive experience, but for now, I'm seeking stories with a bit more momentum.
Til Death Do Us Part by Nicole Fox
2.0
I gave this second book in the series a chance, but I just couldnt finish, I got bored :(
Married to the Don by Nicole Fox
3.5
This was my first experience with this author, and while it promised dark themes, I found it surprisingly tame compared to other books in the genre. The story unfolds at a nice pace, though at times it felt a bit rushed, leaving me wanting more depth and intrigue.
The plot centers around a mafia head tasked with eliminating a woman who becomes a loose end. Instead of carrying out his orders, he falls in love with her and her son. This premise had potential for intense drama and suspense, but the execution was softer than expected. The mafia elements were present but lacked the gritty edge that often characterizes such stories.
Despite these points, I still enjoyed the book. It was an easy listen, and the characters were likable, even if the storyline didn't fully capture my interest like other novels I've encountered. The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving room for anticipation of what might happen next.
Overall, "Married to the Don" offers a more subdued take on the mafia romance genre, making it accessible for those who prefer a lighter read in this category.
Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
1.0
The latest addition to her repertoire, promising great world-building and captivating characters. However, for some readers like myself, the experience may not resonate as strongly as intended.
Despite the commendable writing style and quality of narration, I found myself struggling to engage with the plot. At over 19 hours long, the pacing felt slow, and after investing 8 hours, I still had a daunting 11 more ahead of me. This extensive length can be intimidating, especially when the storyline doesn't captivate. For me the plot just didn’t seem that exciting.
It certainly held potential but ultimately didn’t align with my preferences or current mood, leading me to step away from the series. While I appreciate Maniscalco's talent and the effort put into creating this fantasy world, it seems that this particular journey isn't one I want to continue.
It might appeal to fans of epic fantasy seeking detailed storytelling. However, for those who favor brisk pacing and engaging plots, it may be worth exploring other options.
Despite the commendable writing style and quality of narration, I found myself struggling to engage with the plot. At over 19 hours long, the pacing felt slow, and after investing 8 hours, I still had a daunting 11 more ahead of me. This extensive length can be intimidating, especially when the storyline doesn't captivate. For me the plot just didn’t seem that exciting.
It certainly held potential but ultimately didn’t align with my preferences or current mood, leading me to step away from the series. While I appreciate Maniscalco's talent and the effort put into creating this fantasy world, it seems that this particular journey isn't one I want to continue.
It might appeal to fans of epic fantasy seeking detailed storytelling. However, for those who favor brisk pacing and engaging plots, it may be worth exploring other options.
Kill Order by Tate James
5.0
What an exhilarating conclusion to Tate James’s captivating series, it plunged me into a world where danger and desire intertwine. With dark themes and sultry encounters, James crafts a narrative that pulses with intensity from start to finish. This was by all means my most favourite in the series.
Set against a chaotic backdrop of intrigue and deception, the story follows a fierce bombshell as she navigates a treacherous path filled with enemies and unexpected allies, not to mention 2 hot as f$%k boyfriends. The stakes are higher than ever, and James’s ability to weave complex characters into a web of passion and peril is mesmerizing.
A standout feature of this book is the choice of narrators, whose performances enhance the emotional depth of each scene. As a fellow New Zealander, I was particularly thrilled to discover that one of the narrators shares my roots, and knowing Tate herself is from New Zealand adds an intimate layer of connection.
James’s writing combines poetic and raw elements, capturing desire and darkness in equal measure. The steamy moments sizzle off the pages, and will make your panties wet…. The relationships are fraught with tension and chemistry, keeping me e listening.
“Kill Order” is a triumphant celebration of everything we’ve come to love about this series. With intricate plot twists, unforgettable characters, and a thrilling climax, (in more than one way “wink”) Tate James delivers a breathtaking conclusion.
Set against a chaotic backdrop of intrigue and deception, the story follows a fierce bombshell as she navigates a treacherous path filled with enemies and unexpected allies, not to mention 2 hot as f$%k boyfriends. The stakes are higher than ever, and James’s ability to weave complex characters into a web of passion and peril is mesmerizing.
A standout feature of this book is the choice of narrators, whose performances enhance the emotional depth of each scene. As a fellow New Zealander, I was particularly thrilled to discover that one of the narrators shares my roots, and knowing Tate herself is from New Zealand adds an intimate layer of connection.
James’s writing combines poetic and raw elements, capturing desire and darkness in equal measure. The steamy moments sizzle off the pages, and will make your panties wet…. The relationships are fraught with tension and chemistry, keeping me e listening.
“Kill Order” is a triumphant celebration of everything we’ve come to love about this series. With intricate plot twists, unforgettable characters, and a thrilling climax, (in more than one way “wink”) Tate James delivers a breathtaking conclusion.
Dead Drop by Tate James
4.0
Short review, but kicked right off where the last book finished. Still loving it, read review from the 1st in the series. Still loving the nod to New Zealand in these books. Can’t wait to see how the series ends.
Honey Trap by Tate James
4.0
A thrilling experience that kept me hooked from start to finish. True to Tate's style, the story is fast-paced and intense, packed with action and electrifying romance.
Listening to the audiobook added an exciting dimension to the experience. I was especially intrigued by the mention of Pania, a figure from Maori mythology, which caught my attention due to my own New Zealand roots. This led me to discover that Drew Mehrtens, who narrates the character Kai, was also born and raised in New Zealand. His authentic accent and cultural connection brought an added layer of authenticity to the story. All the narrators did a fantastic job, bringing the characters to life with their engaging performances.
EDIT. OMG I JUST LEARNT TATE JAMES WAS BORN AND RAISED IN NZ…. didn’t know that.
EDIT. OMG I JUST LEARNT TATE JAMES WAS BORN AND RAISED IN NZ…. didn’t know that.
The book is brimming with spice and heat, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a steamy romance. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and Tate James delivers those intense, romantic moments with flair.
The unexpected plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Tate James threw in surprises that made the story even more captivating.
Cant wait to listen to the next audiobook in this series
The unexpected plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Tate James threw in surprises that made the story even more captivating.
Cant wait to listen to the next audiobook in this series