WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ historical romance ✨ scottish highlands ✨ he's a seasoned English soldier who becomes a duke ✨ she's the 4 ⭐️ This was such a fun read!
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ historical romance ✨ scottish highlands ✨ he's a seasoned English soldier who becomes a duke ✨ she's the estate manager at Lattimer castle ✨ insta-lust ✨ dislike-to-love ✨ he falls first and hard ✨ 2/5 spice ✨ mystery ✨ drama ✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
Audiobook: 5 ⭐️ Story: 4 ⭐️
This was my first book by Suzanne Enoch and it won't be my last. I found the story entertaining, the romance passionate, the mystery intriguing, and the Scottish setting absolutely transportive (I felt like I was right there alongside the characters).
Plus, the audiobook was fantastic. I wasn't sure about the narrator at first since I found her to be a bit more high pitched, but I warmed up to her and truly lost myself in the story to the point where I forgot I was listening to an audiobook.
Back to the romance, I don’t know how Fiona held out as long as she did. Major Gabriel Forrester was sexy as hell for being confident, wildly competent, and completely unapologetic about knowing exactly what (and who) he wanted. I would’ve folded in five seconds. But that’s exactly what made Fiona the perfect romantic partner for him. I loved that she's smart, strong-willed and resilient. All this, along with her Scottish pride, only made their battle of wills more heated and filled with so much tension and chemistry.
Also, Fiona is a sexually experienced woman, and I have to say, that was refreshing. So many historical romances have heroines who are virgins, and while I do enjoy the innocent girl x rakish hero dynamic, it does get boring. So kudos for Suzanne Enoch for giving us something different....more
2.5 ⭐ It deals with super heavy topics and was kind of boring
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ ya fantasy with a hint of romance ✨ setting: Portland, Oregon x River Sty2.5 ⭐ It deals with super heavy topics and was kind of boring
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ ya fantasy with a hint of romance ✨ setting: Portland, Oregon x River Styx ✨ greek mythology ✨ afterlife x death x gods ✨ Sebastian is a boy who survived a traumatic car accident and escaped death ✨ Alexander gave his soul to the ferryman, Charon, 499 years ago and serves him ✨ LGBTQIA+ rep ✨ dual pov ✨ TW: PTSD, survivors guilt, death of parent, grief, substance use, suicide
My Thoughts:
This isn’t a bad book but I was bored. Nothing happens for 30% and then the MCs finally meet and I thought things would pick up, but they don’t. The entire story focuses on grief and survivors guilt, and it felt like we just sat in these feelings the entire time without the MC ever moving forward emotionally. The way grief is handled is well done though. I guess I just expected the MC to grow instead of sinking further into his despair until 90%. I want to reiterate that this isn’t a bad book. It’s written well and easy to follow. It just wasn’t for me.
On a positive note, the Greek mythology and story concept was intriguing.
PS: I listened to the audiobook and liked the narrators - they’re the reason I finished....more
4.75 ⭐️ The perfect book to make you swoon and break your heart
“I'd like to look back on my life and remember every single thing. But if I don't, I ho4.75 ⭐️ The perfect book to make you swoon and break your heart
“I'd like to look back on my life and remember every single thing. But if I don't, I hope I remember that it was a love story. And that the love story was about you.”
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary romance ✨ veterinarian x social media manager ✨ opposites attract ✨ meet-cute (gone wrong) ✨ instant connection ✨ they both fall fast and hard ✨ right person, wrong time ✨ long distance ✨ mutual pining ✨ fun, playful banter ✨ soulmates ✨ 1.5/5 spice ...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ rom-com ✨ key west setting ✨ forced proximity ✨ banter ✨ insta-lust ✨ slow(ish) burn ✨ strong 2 ⭐️ I’m guess I'm a hater of The Love Hater
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ rom-com ✨ key west setting ✨ forced proximity ✨ banter ✨ insta-lust ✨ slow(ish) burn ✨ strong female friendship ✨ HEA ✨ TW: Body image issues (present), eating disorder (past), being cheated on (past), death of parents (past), illness, near death experience
My Thoughts:
Audiobook rating: 5 ⭐️ The audiobook production and the narrator was great. Story rating: 1 ⭐️ There is nothing about this story I liked.
I didn’t like this book at all. Based on how I felt, it’s a 1-star read. But the writing itself is competent and the audiobook production/narrator were great, so I’m bumping it up to 2 stars.
***This review contains spoilers***
The biggest issue for me was that the entire story centers on Katie's body image struggles and past eating disorder, which was not advertised. I didn’t relate, and honestly, this just isn’t an “issue” I’m interested in reading about. But even if it’s not my thing, I still think a good story should pull you in. This one didn’t. I only finished it because I got the audiobook as an ARC from NetGalley.
Katie is just not likable. She’s old enough to have gone to therapy (like, a lot of therapy) for her body image issues and everything that went down with her ex. But nope. Instead, she relies on her cousin/best friend to guide her through every single problem like she’s a child. Their relationship is so codependent I legit got the ick.
Katie felt like a caricature of the insecure rom-com heroine: she hates her body, lets her ex walk all over her, lies to get a job, and constantly objectifies the love interest because he’s SO HOT - while also drowning in inner monologues about how flawed she is. And then, the second the love interest kisses her and tells her she’s beautiful, she suddenly decides maybe she shouldn’t be so hard on herself and raves about how this was such a healing experience. Okay . . . so you needed a hot guy to validate you in order to like yourself? Got it.
As for the love interest, Hutch, he’s a hot cinnamon roll but kind of a dud. Right before kissing Katie, he says, “You’re like a human hot fudge sundae or something.” ...more
4 ⭐️ This was a powerful story about learning to accept and speaking up for yourself.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary romance ✨ she's a violinist who's bo4 ⭐️ This was a powerful story about learning to accept and speaking up for yourself.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary romance ✨ she's a violinist who's boyfriend tells her he wants an open relationship ✨ he's a clothing brand owner who had cancer and is trying to get back out there ✨ Chinese American and Vietnamese American MCs ✨ FMC has a late autism diagnosis ✨ MMC is tatted and rides a motorcycle ✨ meeting on a dating app ✨ instant attraction ✨ one night stand that doesn't go according to plan ✨ yearning ✨ 3/5 ...more
3 ⭐️ A mixture of cute and cheesy with a dash of cringe but it was still an easy audiobook to get through
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary rom-com ✨ coffee3 ⭐️ A mixture of cute and cheesy with a dash of cringe but it was still an easy audiobook to get through
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary rom-com ✨ coffee shop meet cute ✨ insta attraction ✨ boss x employee ✨ forbidden romance ✨ forced proximity ✨ he falls first ✨ .25/5 ...more
I didn't like either MC. She's too irresponsible and flighty (and maybe a bit dumb), and he's boring and grumpy but not in aDNF the audiobook at 33%.
I didn't like either MC. She's too irresponsible and flighty (and maybe a bit dumb), and he's boring and grumpy but not in a fun way. I didn't feel any chemistry between them.
Also, wasn't a huge fan of the voices the narrators chose for their characters. It made them even more unlikable....more
2.5 ⭐️ I'll give any romance book set in Scotland a chance
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary paranormal romance ✨ Scotland setting ✨ she’s visiting her estra2.5 ⭐️ I'll give any romance book set in Scotland a chance
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary paranormal romance ✨ Scotland setting ✨ she’s visiting her estranged family ✨ he’s the farmhand ✨ grumpy scot x sunshine American ✨ dislike to love ✨ 2.5/5 ...more
♾️ ⭐ I haven't felt this way about a story since Manacled! READ THIS ASAP!!!!
“I loathe you. And I long for you."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark romantasy ✨ MM en♾️ ⭐ I haven't felt this way about a story since Manacled! READ THIS ASAP!!!!
“I loathe you. And I long for you."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark romantasy ✨ MM enemies to lover ✨ captive x captor ✨ morally grey MMC ✨ cinnamon roll MMC ✨ slow burn ✨ opposites attract ✨ angst and yearning ✨ “I loathe you” ✨ touch him and die ✨ SPICY ✨ witchcraft and magic ✨ psychological horror elements ✨ gothic and macabre undertones ✨ hearing impaired rep ✨ dual timelines ✨ dual POV ✨ HEA ✨ TW: graphic torture, murder, death, necromancy, and more so be sure to read the authors trigger warnings beforehand. Shit get's dark.
My Thoughts:
Audiobook rating: 5⭐️ Absolutely perfect! Story rating: 5⭐️ So good that I fear I will never recover.
When I tell you this book had me sobbing, I mean it. Blotchy face, snot coming out of my nose, tears blurring my eyes, weeping. I was an emotional mess, and I enjoyed every minute of it!
Even In Death is a breathtaking story about the lengths you are willing to go to for love that will simultaneously make your stomach flutter and break your heart.
Out of the 50 books I’ve read this year, both traditional and indie, this is hands down the best book I've read/listened to all year!!!! I loved EVERYTHING about it! From the wonderful MCs, Finnian and Cassian, to their heart-wrenchingly beautiful romance, from the intriguing world building to the high-stakes plot, this is a story that I'll never forget. It's been two weeks since I listened to this audiobook and I honestly still cannot think about anything else. . . I haven't felt this way about a book in so long!
Finnian and Cassian’s story starts right in the middle of chaos.The Goddess Of ends with Finnian offering himself up to Cassian, the High God of Death and Curses, in place of his sister. And the present day storyline starts with Finnian's torture. Right away, we're thrown into this brutal, high-stakes situation. Finnian’s dealing with so much: surviving captivity, protecting Naia and his nephew, trying to free his father, and on top of all that, he’s fighting to keep his mind intact against a curse. And then there’s Cassian, who seems like this cold, merciless god at first. But really he's misunderstood, deeply wounded, and desperate for revenge. And as the story shifts between past and present, you really understand his character so much more.
I'm not going to lie, I honestly wondered how on earth we were going to move past the enemies part of the romance. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that their connection is something far more powerful. Their history? Complicated. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their love? Painful, raw, and true. They’re like two souls caught in a storm, constantly pulled back to each other no matter how hard they try to stay apart. It's the kind of love that makes your chest ache in the best way. Cassian and Finnian would do anything for one another, even if it means hurting themselves. Their story is intense, emotional, devastating, and full of yearning - the best kind (at least to read about).
I truly loved Cassian and Finnian as a couple, but also as individual characters.
Finnian is commanding, fierce, and impossible not to respect. But underneath all that strength, he’s kind, just, and fiercely loyal. Once he cares about someone, that’s it, he’ll protect them with everything he has. I admired and respected his unwavering devotion to the people he loves. And the way he wrestles with guilt and grief? It felt so honest and relatable. He’s a badass on the outside and all heart on the inside.
3.75⭐️ If you like obsessed and possessive men, you need to read/listen to this asap!
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark romance ✨ she’s a cam girl ✨ he’s in the mafi3.75⭐️ If you like obsessed and possessive men, you need to read/listen to this asap!
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark romance ✨ she’s a cam girl ✨ he’s in the mafia but wants to get out ✨ second chance ✨ morally grey, stalker, obsessed, possessive MMC ✨ sex club (sex positivity) ✨ 4/5 ...more
4 ⭐️ Because those red flags are starting to look green to me lol
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark rom-com ✨ stalker romance ✨ she’s a trauma nurse into masked me4 ⭐️ Because those red flags are starting to look green to me lol
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark rom-com ✨ stalker romance ✨ she’s a trauma nurse into masked men ✨ he’s a hacker who uploads masked thirst traps ✨ he falls first ✨ black cat x golden retriever ✨ 4/5 ...more
"They have taken from you your whole life, Naia. Let this be the last time."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ urban fantasy romanc4.25 ⭐️ CALLING ALL ROMANTASY LOVERS!
"They have taken from you your whole life, Naia. Let this be the last time."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ urban fantasy romance ✨ mythology ✨ meddling gods, mages, humans ✨ magic and curses ✨ she's the first daughter of the High Goddess of the Sea who escapes a life of imprisonment ✨ he's the man who finds and helps her navigate the human world ✨ star crossed lovers ✨ he falls first ✨ force proximity ✨ slow burn ✨ 1.5/5 ...more
3.5 ⭐️ Listen to this book instead of reading because the audiobook is f*cking amazing!!
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark rom-com ✨ small town romance ✨ vigilante s3.5 ⭐️ Listen to this book instead of reading because the audiobook is f*cking amazing!!
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark rom-com ✨ small town romance ✨ vigilante serial killers ✨ doctor x circus performer ✨ forced proximity ✨ friends with benefits ✨ he falls first and hard ✨ 3.5/5 ...more
2.5 ⭐️ I can see why people like this story but it wasn’t for me.
“I wasn’t—I wasn’t expecting you.”
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary romance ✨ Baltimore se2.5 ⭐️ I can see why people like this story but it wasn’t for me.
“I wasn’t—I wasn’t expecting you.”
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary romance ✨ Baltimore setting ✨ auto mechanic x radio host ✨ romantic x cynic ✨ single mom ✨ insta lust ✨ friends to lovers ✨ 2/5 ...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨contemporary romance ✨ online meet cute ✨ “just for the summer” romance ✨ insta love ✨ he falls first and h3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed this audiobook
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨contemporary romance ✨ online meet cute ✨ “just for the summer” romance ✨ insta love ✨ he falls first and hard ✨ 1.5/5 ...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary romance ✨ small coastal town in North Carolina ✨ meet cute gone wrong ✨ former3 ⭐️ It was a sweet story but not my favorite
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ contemporary romance ✨ small coastal town in North Carolina ✨ meet cute gone wrong ✨ former boy band singer x songwriter ✨ grumpy x sunshine ✨ dislike to love ✨ forced proximity ✨ slow burn ✨ magical realism ✨ if there's spice I don't remember ✨ TW: parent with dementia, grief, loss of mother (past), absent father
My Thoughts:
Audiobook: 4.5 ⭐️ Story: 3 ⭐️
It had its moments but I was mostly just looking towards finishing the audiobook, so I could start something else. The meet-cute at the beginning was fun. I like the magical realism premise with how they are connected by an unfinished song. And the storyline about the FMC's mom having dementia was touching and I feel as if it was handled with care and done in a realistic way.
However, I didn’t really connect to the MCs nor did I feel the chemistry between them. I mean, there might have been a spark, but at the end of the day, the romance was kind of blah. Also, there were SO MANY other side plots that the story felt a bit convoluted - the ex drama, the parents selling the music hall, the sister-in-laws midlife crisis, the proposal, the hurricane, the pressure to finish the song, her mom's dementia, the mystery behind his mother, etc. I didn't really know what to focus on and it made me lose interest during the second half.
This wasn't a bad story by any means. I just didn't really enjoy it. Oh, and this is truly a love letter to music, so if you don't really care about music and pop culture, you might not enjoy this....more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ sci-fi monster romance ✨ human x kraken ✨ he saves her from drowning ✨ forced proximity ✨ distrust to lo5 ⭐ WE LISTEN AND WE DON'T JUDGE
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ sci-fi monster romance ✨ human x kraken ✨ he saves her from drowning ✨ forced proximity ✨ distrust to love ✨ forbidden romance ✨ 2.5/5 spice ✨ slight ow/om drama (but I promise it's not a big deal) ✨ (view spoiler)[accidental pregnancy (hide spoiler)] ✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
Yep. You're seeing that correctly. I'm giving this human x kraken monster romance 5-fucking stars.
I want to start by saying that it's been a challenge lately to read/listen to a book and stay engaged the entire time, and I certainly was while listening to the audiobook of Treasure of the Abyss. Hence my 5-star rating. No, it is not some high brow story or award winning drama. And I KNOW FOR A FACT that this book is not for everyone. But if you're someone who saw The Shape of Water and thought "Um, yeah I might be down to f*ck a monster" or if you're slightly interested in how a human woman and a male Kraken would get it on, then saddle up because this book is for you.
Summary: The story takes place on another planet in a different galaxy, years into the future. Macy is a human on a settlement near an ocean. She is about to get engaged and is not very eager about the prospect. When she's on a boat with her suitor, they get caught in a storm and Macy almost drowns but is saved by a Kraken named Jax. Until that moment, no humans knew about the existence of Kraken, but Kraken have been aware and wary of humans for hundreds of years. To keep his species a secret, Jax tells Macy she is not allowed to return home and will stay with him indefinitely. A little bit of captive x captor vibes going on here. ...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ academic romance ✨ classmates to lovers ✨ project about love at first sight ✨ forced proximity ✨ no spice ✨ HEA
4 ⭐️ Cute, short audiobook
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ academic romance ✨ classmates to lovers ✨ project about love at first sight ✨ forced proximity ✨ no spice ✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I just wanted something lighthearted and fun to listen to during a drive. This was it.
I like the premise. The narrators did an excellent job. I just didn't love this story because I found the guy to be too awkwardly chatty for my taste. Some of the stuff he said (while not bad) would have embarrassed me if I were standing next to him in public. Like, I would have thought he had a screw loose if I didn't know him and realized he was just being goofy. So I didn't really find his personality attractive. But again, the story was sweet and I enjoyed it. ...more