xtinexby's reviews
438 reviews

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It's hard to right a review for a thriller like this without spoilers - but overall I was satisfied but not blown away by this book. Reading this 6 years after it came out, there have been a lot of psychological thrillers like this that have become popular and I've grown to expect certain things from those books. I've also already read The Fury by the same author. So I was expecting a "twist" and to be honest expected it a lot sooner then it happened. But I did not expect what the twist was and I think it was well executed. 
I think I prefer my thrillers a little faster paced and overall there isn't a lot that happens in this book. That's personal preference though and I think it does fit with the psychological thriller genre. 

I would recommend for those who enjoy well done mind games in their books!

The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

A solid addition to the "enemies-to-lovers" YA romantasy genre. Perhaps because I read this soon after Rebel Witch but it felt very reminiscent of The Crimson Moth (Heartless Hunter) and I think if you like that series you would enjoy this. 

The book has a good balance between a societal conflict, coming of age, and romance. It is a slow burn and falls into the category of enemies to lovers to enemies. The magic was interesting and realistic and I appreciated that while the FMC had special magic it toed the line of not making her the "chosen one" that was somehow fundamentally differn from everyone else. 

I'm interested to see how the 2nd book continues the story. 

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this book and to be honest I still don't really know . I wouldn't quite call this a mystery and I wouldn't quite call this a thriller - it exists somewhere in between and doesn't follow normal tropes. It's almost like a thriller with a heavy side of familial reltionships and a look into how we define and view family. 

I think maybe this was trying to do too many things for me. In the end I'm not sad to have read it but I don't see myself recommending it to anyone. 

I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was delightful. A fun, unique romp that was lighthearted, funny, romantic, and silly. Maybe I've been reading too many fantasy novels lately but I appreciated that the action started immediately and didn't let up. A great book when you struggling to pick things up. 
The premise and things that happen in the book are absolutely wild and unbelievable but that makes the book all the more charming. 
The romance was a little rushed for me - while this book has a strong romance plot the action definitely takes president. This book does have a poly-romance in it so if that's not your jam, this is not for you. Also I think this is obvious from the cover but it's alien/monster romance. 

I'm going to be picking up Kimberly's other books anytime I need a palate cleanser! 

Spark the Flames by Ivy Asher

adventurous funny fast-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’m a big Ivy Asher fan and Spark the Flames did not disappoint. I couldn't put it down and cannot wait for book 2. Spark the Flames is a fun Urban Fantasy - that unique mix of modern technology and a thoroughly fantasy world. It starts in the middle of the action (no need to “stick with it, it will get better” with this book) and there is no dull moment till the end. 

For me it was the perfect mix of plot, romance, and humor throughout the entire book. There is clearly a connection at the start but it isn't the only focus of the book moving forward. I connected with the FMC’s decisions and motivations and it wasn't just a story driven by miscommunication. The perfect sprinkle of humor made it a fun read without cheapening the story at all. 

Why just have dragons when you can have Dragon Shifters!? The men are hot, the spice was hotter, and the heroine is a badass. 

The only thing I didn't love about this book is I have to wait for the sequel 😢. 

Entangled by Rebecca Quinn

challenging emotional fast-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? Yes

5.0

Just like with book 1, this book had no business being this good. I love books that explore the mental health of the MCs and help you understand why the way they are and this series does this brilliantly. This is how to do a super spicy book well. The spice is amped up in this book but it is nuanced and fits with each character and the story being told. 

That ending was brutal, though. I almost lowered my rating because of how I felt at the end but I am going to trust that the third book will resolve my distress.  

Ensnared by Rebecca Quinn

adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Wow. This book had no right to be so good. I've learned to have low expectations for RH books and this one blew those out of the water. The premise sounds a little crazy - after society collapses the FMC makes a deal with a group of 5 guys to be with ALL of them in exchange for protection. To top it all off, all of the men know each other from a kink club. It sounds like a book set up to be spicy scene after spicy scene and instead I found a well-written emotional and un-put-a-downable book. Immediately had to start the 2nd book and I'm devastated the third book isn't out yet. 

Blood & Betrayals by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious slow-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? Yes

4.5

Wow! What a ride! I had very few expectations going into this book and was surprised and delighted at what a good time it was. I love a great academia fantasy romance and this did not disappoint. Summer is a FMC who is haunted by her past and starts at a school for magic (think every possible supernatural you can imagine) under mysterious circumstances. As with any good academia story, she must navigate the distain of her peers while also forging relationships for the first time in her life. Her mysterious past begins to haunt her as murders plague the campus and a shadowy figure starts to stalk her. 

The relationships in this book are what drive the book and narrative forward. While the murders and mystery do feature, watching the FMC grow and mature through her friendships and romance are the dominate story line. This book is perfect for those who love strong characters and found family. You'll want to be besties with all of Summer's new friends and have plenty to choose from for you next book boyfriend - broody forbidden men, golden boys, and mysterious shadow men. 

I cannot wait to see where this story goes. This book sets up a lot of intrigue and mystery that I NEED to know the answers too. The end left me ready to pick up the next book (alas, must wait 💔). 

There is a LOT of spice 🥵. I appreciated that the spice wasn't just plopped in but rather served to demonstrate things about Summer and her relationships. And was also a great time 😏
 

Thank you Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune, and Rose & Star for the eARC of this book! I plan immediately buy the physical copy and then start stalking for news of the sequel.

A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

A Feather So Black is an atmospheric retelling of the swan princess. This book is perfect for those who love the mystery and the Celtic folk traditions of the fae. It is one of those books that is poetic which can either be a strength or slow it down depending on your preference. Maybe it was because of the narrator of the audiobook but felt reminiscent of the Elements of Cadence duology by Rebecca Ross. 

It is one of those stories that makes you reconsider the side or "evil" characters in a traditional tale. I enjoyed the FMC's growth into understanding who she was and learning how to see herself through her own eyes and not those around her. 

It did drag a bit for me at times but overall I enjoyed it!

A Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

A fun concept that delivers on the potential for the most part! I loved the flip of the trope by having the FMC be the morally grey crime boss and the MMC as an everyday "to good for this world" guy. This was well written and an enjoyable and fun read. Two small notes:
1. It was slightly predictable. But since it was subverting the genre already this makes sense in some ways. 
2. It was a bit darker then I went in expecting. I think the cartoon cover made it seem a bit more lighthearted and I was surprised at how much gore/violence was on the page. Nothing gratuitous - just didn't fit the vibe I was expecting. 

Recommend for lovers of mafia romances and people who love to see women defy societies boundaries.