Sionna

I thought the first half was alright, but couldn't hold my attention. The last like 30-40% though were good and there was a twist I didn't see coming. For the most part though, I couldn't get connect with the suspense, because we already knew so much more than the characters and so many of the decisions by adults were ridiculous. At least the ones by the teens I could mostly excuse because of lack of sleep and trauma.

Maybe this would appeal more to teens, so I'll try recommending it.

3.5 stars
Cozy, sweet, with quite a few humorous moments. I listened to half of the audiobook and the narrator does a wonderful job.
I'm rounding up to 4 stars because I think the humor and quieter writing style just aren't quite my thing, but I do think it was well written, witty, and just honestly fun.

ehhhh 3.5? Maybe closer to three.
See, I loved the narrators and I think the writing is really well done, so I would totally recommend this to people. It just wasn't for me. I wanted more present day romance and still have no idea how she changed from adamant she wouldn't get married to wanting to get married. It just... I feel like they barely interacted in the present??? So like, what changed her mind? I just wanted more romance I guess.

But yeah probably a me thing too though because I generally don't like second chance.

I received this book from Netgalley, but all opinions are my own
I should also mention that I took so long getting around to reviewing that I decided to listen to the audiobook version in order to get through some of backlog faster.

I will admit, the narrator grated on me, but I ended up getting used to it and kinda liking it.

It is a different kind of book for me, so I am glad I listened to it. There is a ton of explanation, even explaining conversations with a few only a few lines of “talking”. This took a long time to grow on me and I think I am okay with it, but I wouldn't actively seek out this type of book again. (this honestly brought the rating from 4 –>3 stars) My other problem was that the case seemed so easy and the prosecution seemed to have done almost no research...

On the other hand, it was enjoyable and an easy listen. The story was pretty easy to understand and even coming in at book 15 without reading the other books was done easily. I was pleasantly surprised. I liked this book enough and the characters that I would recommend this book to friends who I thought might like this style!

If you prefer books with less conversations, cozy mysteries, and clean novels, then I really think you will like this novel!

2023 re-read:
So, I'm not going to lower my official rating, but I do think my reading tastes have changed over the years haha. This is a fun book, but not 5 stars – maybe 3.5 to 4. It is funny, the characters are great, and I'm having a fabulous time reading. I seriously can't seem to stop. But oh my God, there are so many plot holes and OTP ridiculous moments. Seriously, you're telling me these highly intelligent ladies who've read a multitude of books don't know how sex works? How men's genitals function? The reactions are good for a laugh, but it is becoming over done. How the villain escapes in this one makes absolutely no sense.

And yet, I'm 100% planning on continuing my re-read.
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I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Let me start out by saying that I am sooooo glad I saw this book. Before I requested it, I decided to read the first book in the series (look at me being smart) and I fell in love with it. I read the second one and devoured it in a night– I stayed up to finish it. So, I requested this one and when I was approved, it took most of my willpower not to read and review it months earlier. Was the wait worth it?? YES.

Look, I'm not going to lie to you, this series can be goofy and silly and I do brush some things off as ‘meh' quality or ‘wow I can't believe that was included.' Yet, by the end of the book I don't really remember what they are because I enjoyed the book so. much.

It is fun. I laugh throughout the book. With this book the overarching bad guys are finally named and make the books feel more connected, making me even MORE invested. The characters are lovely, albiet sometimes too good to be true. (Wow I remembered a slightly negative aspect?!)And do I even need to mention the dragons again?! DRAGONS!
I'm a fan ^_^

If you are in the mood for a silly, fantasy romance pick up this series. While you don't need to read them in order, if you don't then prior couples and little things might be spoiled for you. Do yourself a favor and go pick up the first book in this series!

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started this book, but wow. This was very interesting.

First off, the amount of sex talk in this book needs to be mentioned. This is for older high school students, or at least those who are more mature. There is real life content in here, not just the sex and masturbation, but mental problems, family problems, abuse, bullying, death, and so much more that make this an uncomfortable book to read, yet so important.
There are many good lines and thoughts to gain from this book. Be yourself; ask for help; no one can take your right to be real away from you; etc. etc.
What a profound yet dirty book haha.

I loved the main characters and their development. Really, even side characters seemed to unfold themselves and become more than just a name on the page. While I started not liking the main characters, really, they do grow on you and make you feel attached!
I enjoyed how their names at the start of the chapters changed–that was I mean it is progression and development and so beautiful.

Of course, I do think the romance happened oh so fast, but it is acknowledged by them too I think. Plus, it is one of those books with other things going on, so I feel like in this case a quick romance just works.

The ending was strong and I enjoyed it. I don't want to go into too much detail, but I do want to mention that the acknowledgements page is worth reading. I usually read those pages because you never know what you'll find and this one is a precious little gem.

I recommend this to all people who of age or maturity level to be reading about these issues. Honestly, I think this is a good one for just about everyone who enjoys a little romance.

3.5 stars??? It was good, I'm glad I read it, but I don't think it really added much. I did like the look at them as a couple though, that was super sweet.

I'm loving this series and loving the author.

I'm not even sure what to talk about at this point. I really enjoyed the characters and their hijinks. The little girls were adorable and fun. Alex is smart and enjoyable to follow around. Her rake is interesting as well.
Their relationship is not truly historically accurate, but that isn't the reason I read these books. I like the setting, clothing, and manners. :) It was fun, I laughed almost from page one and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I plan on picking up the next volume as soon as it is available!

I will also be reading more Tessa Dare

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Amazing. Beautiful. My heart is in pain– good pain. Cam stole my heart, but Vee is so kick-ass I can't help but love her too.

I started out unsure about how I felt about the book, especially how it switches between the present and their past. But, I got into the swing of it. There are long stretches of the present and past, so it isn't like it is constantly switching.

The characters are also great. Cam and Vee are the main ones and are the most flushed out. The other characters aren't really mentioned... I would say this is a weakness of the book a bit. There aren't many girl characters or talking with friends about things other than the relationship.
The romance... kind of insta-love, but it grows and changes as the story progresses. I really like the two of them together. I think they help each grow and become better people.

There are some bit issues here dealing with grief and divorce. Very powerful stuff.

The story though... I thought it was really good. There was a twist I didn't see coming. I didn't see it coming!!! And I was so happy when it happened.

I will admit I'm somewhat biased, because I love rock music, so reading about a battle of the bands was just so fun. It made me want to fire up some of my favorite music when I was in high school. I miss that music sometimes.

So, I will recommend this to people who like contemporary romances and are looking for that musical twist. I'll probably read more by this author in the future.

DNF @ 66%

This is one I probably could have finished, but I felt like I was wasting my time.
The romance is okay, but I would have preferred more build up? Also, it irks me when a couple is lying to each other, but says they are in love, and you just know when the truth comes out it will be drama.
The plot and writing weren't doing it for me. I mean, it sounds interesting, but it felt weird and boring. Kyra's power is never explained either and no one else has super powers so... ???
Perhaps, this writer's work just isn't for me.

DNF @ 20%

There is a lot going on here.
So, I love the concept and even think the guys competing for her could be played out well. It is everything else I have a problem with.
1. James, her BFF & his whole family, ghost her for 4 years. They know she barely gets by and that hospital bills could cripple her – plus James' father the President of the USA (yeah you're reading that right) asks her to call him father. Then... ghost for 4 years. James comes back and is immediately possessive of her and she forgives him...even though he hasn't apologized or given a good reason.
So right off the bat I hate James and the fact that he is potential harem. Oh, and double dislike of dad who is like “Wow I hurt her so badly?” Yeah, y'all effed up.

2. There is a lot going on and little explanation. Which... for the most part I'm okay with because I see how things can be explained more as the series progresses. It is just the beginning of the book is so, so quick and fast-paced. I felt like I was in a speeding car and my body couldn't keep up. Also, like our girl who immediately is like “I can't handle this”.

3. The guys, the quick emotions, the fact that a dude has seen her like twice in the span of 3 days and is already flirting with the idea of sharing her... out of nowhere because it wasn't even given as an option yet! With how quick this is going in their heads I can only imagine how quick she's going to fall or potentially flip-flop with her feelings.

I'm just so bummed because the mythology is there and it is a great set up. It has the potential to be amazing. I just wish it was... hmm... built up more, I guess. Lengthened and more emotional on her end.

DNF at 15%

I picked this ebook up because it is steampunk and that is a genre I want to get into more. I only made it through 3 stories in this book before I stopped. I just couldn't keep myself interested. I like the steampunk angle but, I think I have more narrow tastes.

I thought the stories were VERY rushed and jumped around. Some didn't seem to have a point to them so I didn't know why I was reading them anymore.

I might pick this up again later when I'm feeling up to trying things again but, I'm just not in the mood. I want something to just blow my mind. This wasn't it.

Talk about dark... W O W. This is the series that convinced me to create a dark shelf because... damn.
Ever think “even serial killers need love?” then this is the series for you hahaha.

The writing though is so good I couldn't stop binge-reading this series.

DNF @ 78%
She yelled at an elder dragon, she's acting like she can kill and battle with dragons except she's human (for now because who knows) and when in presence of shifted dragons hides, her emotions are all over the place.... I just can't like her. Add to it everyone's doing things just because or instinct and I'm not into this anymore.

2.5 stars rounded down just because Kayla annoyed me so much.

But also it felt more episodic where the chapters didn't always flow together well.

I honestly had to push myself through this book. This is not the book I thought it would be. I expected more banter and flirting, less guilt and pining. I'm really hoping the next book is better...

DNF @ 66%

Man, I really, really tried. I ended up disliking so much and I didn't think a lot of it made sense.

DNF @ 11%

I was bored and I had a hard time believing that her manager/fuck buddy that she tells herself she has no feelings for and wishes she did will be one of the heroes. Like, maybe if she was entertaining the idea, but the way this is all set up, I'm not believing or understanding how they will become a couple in the future.

DNF @ 9%

It is very sweet, but the writing/dialogue is stilted and really goes into every aspect when I think a lot could have been cut out.

1.5 stars

DNF @ 64%

I was hoping for some change in the Devil or showing how she overcame his abuse, but... I'm seeing that we are going to forgive him because insert some reason to make her stronger and I'm not here for that. I'd also like to understand WHY she loves him because I'm seeing any reason.

I received this one from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

DNF @ 10%

This is a difficult one because I really wanted to read it. I want to read more Japanese influenced books, which this one has, and non-traditional characters and problems– which I thought this had...

To be honest, I don't know enough about the story to complain but there were obstacles that I just could not push aside.

For starters, if a person does not want direct contact with another — literally tries to be a hermit in order to prevent it, why would they not wear gloves?????? This was glaring. I did not understand.
True, later we see that it doesn't have to be contact but also being in one's presence, but from what I understood not all dreams or emotions carried through presence alone. Touch is the key factor here.
GLOVES

Next, I lost the characters :( They would be there and then it felt like they were felt behind, not mentioned– so I thought they were left behind in the dust, but then they would reappear! Were you there the whole time?! What were you doing??

Another one with characters.... the dude, Ken. We are expected to believe he just arrived in this city with no place to go and nothing to do. Yet, she met him in a Walgreens (CVS?) and he followed her to her sisters apartment building (again, not explained so I thought he lived there until he says he has nowhere to stay) and... seriously. I'm pushed WAY beyond the limits of believing.


I just can't believe it. I can't believe Koi would consider letting him live with her in order to take care of her father so she can go to school WHEN SHE DOESN'T KNOW HIM, at all.

So, I'm going to pass on this one :(

4.5 stars!
I received this book in exchange for an honest and fair review from netgalley

My first instinct after finishing this amazing book was to give it 5 stars. I absolutely loved this book and I definitely will read it again. As I'm thinking about what to write, I've come to realize it isn't perfect and if I didn't love the book SO. MUCH. I'd drop it down to a full 4 stars.

First things first, A brief summary:

This book is about the discontent between mortals and the Cryptids (Unnaturals). These Cryptids are considered monsters or things of myth, once featured in Fairy Tales. Marek is one of these Cryptids, while unsure of which type of Cryptid he is, he still tries to spread the word of a better life for their people besides running for their life or living as slaves. Through an unfortunate turn of events he meets Enyo, another Cryptid, but also an ex-Animus, people who kill Cryptids without remorse. They go on a journey to Sanctuary, a place Cryptids are supposedly safe but, they will find out that isn't the end of their journey. War is imminent and the choices they make will help decide the fate of all Cryptids.



There are a lot of amazing characters with different backgrounds. There was a lot of variety and I absolutely loved reading about this world. One thing I personally enjoyed was the amount of strong female characters. Not just fighters but, strong protector mothers or women dealing with their own problems with their own minds.

“This place is the future, Liesel von Asche, because here, when someone says ‘women's work,' no one actually knows what the hell they're talking about.”

I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair review

I have to start this off saying I've never read a book involving the Djinn before. I decided to give this one a go because I liked the cover and found the summary interesting.

So, the book is about Glory, who finds a pretty vase in her dead grandmother's basement and decides to take it. She twists the key, wanting to see what he vase does and lo-and-behold a Djinn pops out [ no don't call him a genie].
Irving is hot, sexy, delectable, etc. Every time Glory sees him she comments on his appearance. Is that the only reason she likes him? She doesn't comment much else on his kindness, humor, or intelligence. In fact, their whole relationship confuses me.
In the beginning she's calling him an asshole and that she dislikes him yet, she keeps making him stay or come back to her. If you hate him so much why do you make him come to class with you? In fact, why do that anyhow unless you want to show him off? That scene at school didn't make sense to me. Glory seemed to keep calling him in order to annoy him... unless she really needs company no matter how much she dislikes him
Anyhow, it is a book where they fight and dislike each other but end up liking each other... why? I thought there needed to be more reasoning.

Glory acts her age, 19, and she is definitely a snarky person. It is a personality that works with friends but, with some people just doesn't. I couldn't connect with Glory [mostly because I kept questioning her actions] so, her personality rubbed me the wrong way instead of making me fond of her.

I would love more interaction with characters so I could understand them better. Also, getting straight to the point is nice too because there was so many times that people would try to talk circles around Glory or do long lead ups to a big secret.

WOW so many secrets... things that didn't even have to be I as blown up as they were. Irving being the Sultan...kinda? Why did she flip out??? I didn't get it when he was explaining that he wasn't the Sultan. She just chose to be dramatic and not listen.

So much talking, so little of anything else.
BUT, the story is still interesting. There is a lot going on and things are continuously thrown at the reader but, the series I think has a lot of potential.

Will I read the next one? Maybe but probably not. There are so many more books I find interesting or want to start I would probably never get to the sequel.

DNF @ 18%

I couldn't get into this one. The synopsis is interesting and even the story has interesting moments, but when she is kidnapped and I realized I felt nothing, I knew it was time to step away.

DNF @ 20%
I'm not a fan of the writing flow and just couldn't get into it.