This was cute. I just wish there was more tension and yearning. The relationship happened very quickly, in my opinion. Also, her use of the “you're my ex's brother” was very flimsy and at one point she even said that it never mattered he was the brother, yet she kept bringing it up. However, Callahan was so down bad for her
This was cute. Their banter and humor had me laughing alongside them. I loved the way the communicated after they realized their mistakes and miscommunication. The forced proximity was nerve racking but delicious
Quick pallet cleanser read. Made me realize that I know next to nothing about meteorology
The writing is not good. The story/plot is so good.
I really need to start checking if a series is finished before I start reading
I was so excited to have gotten an ARC to review. I love The Rom-Commers and The Bodyguard by Katherine Center so I figured I'd love this one too. I was so so wrong! This being marketed as a romance is incorrect. Hutch and Katie have no chemistry whatsoever. I have more chemistry with my morning cup of coffee and a stale piece of bread than they have together. They had nothing going for them, other than Katie saying Hutch's name at least 800 times throughout the book, seriously! There were times where she said it at least 4 times in a single paragraph. I was so annoyed.
Then came fucking Cole. I despise Cole so fucking much. He's a trash human who doesn't deserve anyone's kindness. I was infuriated at the 70% by him and his fucking antics that Katie decided was okay to go along with? Girl grow a fucking backbone! Ugh, I was so mad at the bar scene especially. Katie should've just walked out and left his ass.
I don't believe they will last after the ending. I don't think they will make it a month into dating. There was no yearning, no tension, no chemistry. They felt more like coworkers or acquaintances. This wasn't a good romance at all.
I did really enjoy watching Katie learn to love herself after all the negativity she faced throughout her life. That was so sweet to see her finally appreciate herself and her body. I love Beanie, she is the friend that everyone deserves to have in life.
Anyway, I don't recommend this one. It was barely a romance. It felt like a freshman year creative writing assignment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for the opportunity to review an early copy of The Love Haters.
Final rating: 2 stars ✨
Amazing.
The perfect follow up to the outstanding Phantasma! Enchantra enchanted me from the start. I loved every minute of this read. I'm so excited that there will be more books in this series because I cannot get enough ☺️
Rowin coming in constantly with the “my wife” lines had me GIGGLING!!!!
Big congratulations to Dani Loughary on a fantastic debut fantasy romance! Thank you so much for the opportunity to review an ARC of Embers of Fate.
The beginning of the book had me shedding some tears for the King. The death of fathers always hits me right in the heart. I was hooked into Gwen's story from page one. Queen Gwen is such a strong character even when she is faced with harrowing events. I loved getting to see her become the Queen she wants meant to be and I'm excited to see how much more she'll grow in the next book. I loved Prince Pip throughout the story as well. He gave comedic relief when needed but like his sister, he was also very strong for how young he is. Tyreal was such a good love interest for Gwen. I loved that they grew up together for the most part. The relationship felt stronger because they truly knew each other. I just love when the MMC IS OBSESSED with the FMC.
With all debuts I'm a bit more relaxed on my critics because the author is just starting to get the art of writing. The writing has a solid foundation and I never felt bored while reading. I think the pacing could've been a little quicker, especially with some of the overly detailed scenes. But it didn't take me out of the story at all. I needed to keep reading and know everything about these characters. I think Dani Loughary has some amazing character work that will only ever get better the more she writes.
If you are looking for a romantasy that features more prominent LGBTQ+ and inclusive characters then I highly recommend checking out Embers of Fate. It was so refreshing to read about a world that doesn't actively harm the LGBTQ+ characters and a Queen who is willing to fight for everyone no matter who they are.
Anyway, I highly recommend giving Embers of Fate a chance. It's super quick read that you won't be disappointed with. I enjoyed my time reading this and cannot wait for the next book!
Final rating: 4 stars ✨
I should've stopped after the first chapter. Between the horrendous info dump and the men who are more likely to punch holes in walls than talk, this was just bad. I figured this MUST be a debut based on how bad the writing is, surprise it isn't a debut! I'm shocked this even got on to the 2024 Goodreads choice awards...
There's a difference between miscommunication and no communication. There was zero communication throughout this ENTIRE 500 pages. At the end one of said something about Alexis not talking.. yeah no shit nobody has asked her a question without yelling in her face first. There wasn't a single scene of them without somebody yelling at her for no reason.
The only reason this even gets a rating is because of Alexis' dark humor. She's funny and I would've genuinely liked her character if she got the chance to know about her powers, but once again zero communication.
I seriously recommend staying away from this. Nothing will be missed, unless of course you like info dumping and men who decrease property value.
Final rating: 1 star ✨ (only for Alexis)
DNFing the series here.
I am unwell after finishing this. I don't know where to start.. This amazing novel is a debut by author Amy Woodruff and you wouldn't have ever known when reading this. Of Kingdoms and Curses is not at all what it seems to be. There's a tournament, trials, fae, witches, magic, and so many secrets. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Owl City Press for the ARC of this amazing book, I am so glad to be able to rave about Of Kingdoms and Curses.
We follow our FMC Bridget Adam's, who is a ward to Cora, the head Witch of the Virgo Coven. Bridget doesn't have any memories of Before she woke up one day. When she recovered she only had three things: a necklace, a note, and her name. She knew that she wasn't meant to be with the Coven so she keeps trying to escape. She gets a chance when the Coven is attacked by the Prince, but Cora catches her before she can get far. Cora and Bridget escape and go to the captial where there is a Tournament held to find the Prince a bride. Cora coerces Bridget into entering the tournament to gather information.. this tournament is won by the woman with the strongest magical abilities. Now, Bridget is completely human, she has no magic! But she enters the tournament and this is the start of her story...
I had such a great time reading Of Kingdoms and Curses. This had me giggling, gasping, and tearing up. The writing was incredible for being a debut novel, with the style being easy to read yet descriptive. The world building was nicely incorporated into the dialogues or monologues, it didn't feel like I was being info dumped. There were times I didn't even notice there was plot building happening in a conversation because it happened so smoothly. It is setting in a modern urban / fantasy mix.. really hard to explain but the author does an amazing job letting us understand the time/place setting.
I would say this book is a mix of The Selection series with the competition for the Prince but with trials like in Fourth Wing (no dragons). I really recommend this book if you are looking for a swoon worthy romantasy with no spice.
I will be picking up the next book because after that ending!?!? I either need the next book today or financial compensation because I am UNWELL
Take the trigger warnings seriously with this one. This was dark and very taboo but was good. There were some parts that still need editing but overall the writing was good. The needing felt a little rushed. I wished we got to see more of them after the church rescue. I'm really interested in finding out about Echo, hopefully we will.
Final rating: 3 stars ✨
This was a rollercoaster ride with endless twists and turns leaving you wondering where you'll end up. I was hooked from the opening, since reading the plane accident and the three rules of time travel. Every page took me on an adventure that had me at the edge of my seat all the way to the end. This was simply an exhilarating adventure of a read.
This story follows Beth Darlow and her journey on trying to crack the mystery of time travel. “That said, nothing is certain. Not the past, not the future. Nothing.” And you'll have to read The Third Rule of Time Travel to find out if she actually did solve time travel... or not? Maybe the narrator is reliable or maybe not?
That last 30% had me going through so many emotions. I was just sat for the ride, letting the book take me on its adventure. I really don't want to say too much because it's really a book that you should go into knowing very little and just be shocked where it will take you. I so recommend checking this one out, you will be amazed.
But always remember never anger the universe. Never fuck with fate.
Final rating: 4.5 stars ✨ (rounded up because it was just so damn good!)
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Publishing for the amazing and incredible opportunity to review an ARC of The Third Rule of Time Travel.
Side note: Orbit just keeps delivering with this new releases! Giving us readers exactly what we didn't know we wanted.
This really should've been a novella.. For being grown adults they were immature and didn't communicate which lead to the book being way to long, in my opinion. He really should've been honest with her and told her about his feelings. Instead we had to read 350 pages before he even told her.. really annoyed.
Final rating: 2 stars ✨
Okay, this book caught my attention initially because of the cover, but one I started reading I was pleasantly surprised by how captivating “Dragon Kinds of Oklahoma” was.
This story follows Daisy, a “six-two shithouse of aging muscle, a fine mullet...”. He was injured in a work accident leaving him permanently disabled. Even with having to deal with his disability and other mental health issues, Daisy tries to live a better life. One day, Daisy and his best friend Wild-Eye go put out a fire, as volunteer firefighters, in the mountains. However, they quickly stumble in the middle of a huge dragon smuggling scheme. They quickly realize that there is a profit to be made with the dragon.. this is where Daisy's story begins.
Going in to this I thought this was going to be laugh out loud, knee slapping funny, but there was a lot more serious topics covered. With Daisy going through so much and his friends having their own troubles too, this read brought attention to the situations most small towns go through. There were definitely moments where one of the characters reminded me of someone from my small town.. it is relatable in that sense. I was captured by the story and the interaction with the Dragons too. There were funny moments and even better quips from the side characters.
This was a pleasant story and enjoyable to see the growth Daisy goes through. However, it wasn't my favorite but it wasn't at all bad. I enjoyed my time reading and with the characters (definitely the dragons). I just don't see myself continuing into the next book or rereading this.
Thank you to NetGalley and author Ferrett Steinmetz for the opportunity to read this and for the ARC.
Final rating: 3 stars ✨
Tropes:
LGBTQIA+ rep
Magic
Disability rep
Found Family
Dragons