It's always hard saying goodbye to a beloved series. I love this trilogy with every bit of my soul. Vanja and Emeric hold a pe"I am my best with you."
It's always hard saying goodbye to a beloved series. I love this trilogy with every bit of my soul. Vanja and Emeric hold a permanent place in my heart. Holy Terrors was bittersweet and perfect and I could not ask for a more fitting end to Vanja's story.
The only thing that would have made this read more perfect is if I reread the first two. I had a hard time keeping up with the what's what and who's who. I should've kept notes. All in all, Holy Terrors exceeded all my expectations and more.
I received an ARC via Netgalley to read and review....more
“I’d rather you hate me than not think of me at all.”
I can’t believe I didn’t read this as soon Review originally posted on my blog, Chasing Chapters.
“I’d rather you hate me than not think of me at all.”
I can’t believe I didn’t read this as soon as I got it.
If you enjoyed Assistant to the Villain you would love this one. They have the same vibe. The same endearing ridiculousness. The same Slow Burn that is equal parts delicious and frustrating.
I went into this not really expecting anything. But I’m so glad I spent the weekend with Aurienne and Osric. These two Banter. They Aggravate each other. They are the Enemies to Lovers I love to read about. And the best part? He fell first. And he fell hard. (They’re both still in Denial though. And I think that’s what makes the romance even more Superb.)
This was an oh-so Irresistible read. I still can’t believe it ended the way it did. No cliffhangers, don’t worry. But it didn’t scream Last Page so I was caught off guard when some sort of glossary followed.
I love the magic system. I’m still a bit confused about the setting. But with how much I love everything else I really don’t care if this was set in outer space and I just didn’t get it. I love the mystery aspect. I love the characters. I love women in STEM. I love Osric’s dog naming system. Just… everything about this romantasy is Irresistible.
I need book two like I need oxygen. (Although book two >> oxygen).
I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss+ to read and review. Quoted excerpt/s may change in the final print....more
Lynn Painter books are always a hit or miss for me. There is no in between. Unfortunately, this time it's a miss.
I dnf-ed at 23%. There's a fine line Lynn Painter books are always a hit or miss for me. There is no in between. Unfortunately, this time it's a miss.
I dnf-ed at 23%. There's a fine line between funny and trying too hard funny that borders on ridiculous. I expected more from this rom com. And don't even get me started on the main characters. I guess I liked the FMC well enough but the MMC was just *yawn*. (And what is with all the brand name dropping? I mean I get it you're RICH.)
I received an e-arc via Edelweiss+ from the publisher....more
Ngl I was a little bit worried before starting this. Fortunately for me, Kasie West can write an adult rom com. And she writes it so well.
The banter wNgl I was a little bit worried before starting this. Fortunately for me, Kasie West can write an adult rom com. And she writes it so well.
The banter was 100% bantering from start to finish. I love Margot and her imperfect quirks and love for meet-cutes and for being the kind of heroine I will root for. Oliver I absolutely adore as well. I love how much chemistry Margot and Oliver have. They brought so much swoon.
I actually finished the book a few days ago but didn't write a review because I was sick. I've forgotten most of what happened to be honest. But I still remember feeling 'eeh' about that big reveal. (You'll know what I'm talking about when you read it.) I don't know how I didn't guess it. It's so obvious now that I think about it. But I probably would have DNFed if I knew about it sooner.
Three stars because although I enjoyed the book in its entirety, the end felt rushed. I think Margot handled the "big reveal" so much better than I ever will if put in the same situation. I wanted some hardcore grovelling. From everyone involved.
I received an ARC via Netgalley to read and review....more
**spoiler alert** There's just something special about sports romance that never fails to make me fall head over heels in love.
The MMC, Lukas I-can't-**spoiler alert** There's just something special about sports romance that never fails to make me fall head over heels in love.
The MMC, Lukas I-can't-spell-his-last-name, was AMAZING. He's the very definition of book boyfriend with a capital B. I love, love, love the banter. Scarlett is a badass FMC. If she were real, I'd love to be her friend. I'm also comfortable in silence.
This is not my first Ali Hazelwood book but this is the first book by the author I've read until the last page. I don't know what it is about Deep End but I found it hard to put the book down. I mean there was a moment I though of DNF-ing. I kept being reminded that Lukas was not a boy. He's a man. And he's big. And he's a man. I mean, okay. I get it. He's A MAN, NOT A BOY. I didn't go through with the DNF however because of this line: 'I have a thing for women who are smarter than me.' Oh and also: '...the way Lukas obviously cares about Pen without being possessive of her.' Now you know why IRL I will never settle for anything less than Lukas insert-last-name-here.
I found the sports aspect to be fully engrossing and super interesting. And I just loved reading about the logistics and whatnot of diving and swimming. And how it's very different from each other. I am as far from sporty as any human can get. So books are probably the only way I could get close to anything related to sports. I'd like to imagine in another life I'm the kind of person who competes in sports.
Um, what else?
Is it just me or was 'the list' made to be a bigger deal than it actually was. I'm not saying I wanted to see all the k*inky sh*t on page. (But I'm also not not saying that?) It really just felt all very vanilla to me. I was led to believe otherwise.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss+ to read and review....more
The end was quite bittersweet although not at all surprising. (I had a feeling that was coming.)
This was sucI'm guessing there's going to be a sequel?
The end was quite bittersweet although not at all surprising. (I had a feeling that was coming.)
This was such a nice surprise. The book wasn't even on my radar until I saw it on the list of available ARCs for request. (So thank you Penguin Random House!)
What I loved the most about Spells, Strings and Forgotten Things was the perfect portrayal of sibling dynamic. I am the youngest of three girls and it is the most chaotic, messy, endearingly lovely relationship there ever will exist. There is magic in having sisters. I can't imagine being an only child. So of course I found a special connection with Thalia, Dissy and Calliope.
The second thing I love about this book? The magic. And the spells. The brews. And the potions. The flying grimoire. And just about everything that has to do with being a witch. The author did an amazing job setting the scene and I was absolutely enthralled.
The last thing I love the most? Lucien. The banter was bantering. I may have a new name added to my bookish husbands list. Shadow daddy indeed.
If you're looking for a witchy read with lots of magic and spells, some family drama and a little spice, give this one a try!
I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss+ to read and review....more
**spoiler alert** Did anyone else feel like this started right in the middle? Because it felt to me like I spent the whole time reading trying to catc**spoiler alert** Did anyone else feel like this started right in the middle? Because it felt to me like I spent the whole time reading trying to catch up with the story.
Honestly? I'm just glad I can finally cross this one off my NG shelf.
I can see the potential. But the worldbuilding needs more work. And I could never understand the characters' motives. I was so confused (am I just stupid?) for the most part.
I'm sorry if this review isn't making sense. But if that's how you feel reading this very short review, then you know exactly how I felt reading the entirety of this book.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley....more
My first book of 2025 and it did not disappoint! You’re telling me this is a debut novel?!
I don’t"You are art."
That… took a turn I did not see coming.
My first book of 2025 and it did not disappoint! You’re telling me this is a debut novel?!
I don’t know what I love most- the political scheming, King Anton and his flirty banter, Vasalie’s passion for dancing and how it transports me to another world every time or the oh-so-beautiful cover I can’t stop staring at?!
I love how A Dance of Lies kept me on my toes from page one. I didn’t know who to trust. And every time I think I know what exactly is going to happen I am proven wrong.
This was a little hard to read. In that the FMC, Vasalie, went through so much pain and suffering and loss. I might not have agreed with some of the choices she made but I can understand why she made them. I wouldn’t know what I’d do in her shoes. She has proven to be a resilient character and I admire that about her. She always strives to do what’s right given the limited and life-or-death choices she has. She’s a survivor and her character gives hope.
The romance was oh so sweet and just the right amount of slow burn. I was screaming kiss kiss kiss! for almost half of the book.
If I have one complain it’s that I got a little headache from keeping track of who’s who and what’s what. (So and so is from what kingdom again?! I should have kept a list…)
I don’t know what to expect from the sequel but this book’s end has me Worried. (Please, please be gentle to my new favorite King.)
I received an ARC from the publisher to read and review. Quoted excerpt/s may change in the final print....more
“Perhaps then you will learn how dangerous delicate can be.”
This book had me SO Review originally posted on my blog, Chasing Chapters.
Rating: 3.5 of 5
“Perhaps then you will learn how dangerous delicate can be.”
This book had me SO stressed. But in a good way. Maybe. I think? Because when has stress been good for anyone?!
Scorched Skies was an immensely enjoyable read. The world of Cādra was both beautiful and terrifyingly brutal. The magic system was intriguing. The forbidden love was… forbidding. And the storyline had me hooked from the start. Although it did feel a little too long the last 5%. I still can’t accept what happened to *redacted*. It felt so unnecessary. But I can understand how grief and trauma can push people to the extreme.
Tanwen is my kind of FMC. A little reckless, a little brave, who will do anything for family.
I did not agree with some of Prince Zolya’s choices. Or lack thereof? I liked him well enough but it seemed to me like being a prince was wasted on him. No hate. I’m just honestly a tiny bit disappointed by the inaction. I really feel bad for him though. He needs a loyal friend he can confide in. Fantasy MCs always have that one true friend who is of no blood relation but is loyal to the core. It is sacrilege that Zolya has no one.
I don’t know what the sequel (and finale) will bring. It isn’t easy to change one’s century-long way of thinking much less a nation’s. Book two is going to be a perfectly chaotic mess I just know it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley to read and review. Quoted excerpt/s may change in the final print....more