I won’t be super surprised if Firebird becomes a massive hit once it publishes, but it didn’t do much fDNF at around 75%, I couldn’t take it anymore!!
I won’t be super surprised if Firebird becomes a massive hit once it publishes, but it didn’t do much for me. I think the fantasy world and magic was super unique - however, the whole slave master x slave dynamic just felt too wrong. Especially since they begin having sexual relations while the MMC still has a gross level of power over the FMC. The entire book feels like the author pleading with the reader that the MMC iSn’T lIkE oThEr SlAvE oWnErS. Sure, he’s wanting to overthrow the current emperor and doesn’t treat his slaves awfully/saved multiple of them BUT he still has them work around his home as slaves under the supposed guise he must fit in. If it’s in the privacy of his home, couldn’t his slaves act more as family rather than, idk…still slaves if he’s so against it??
There were also several points the writing made me cringe, specifically with the word use of “cunny”. I don’t CARE if only the villains use it, the word should be banned!!! Another big complaint I have is just the sheer volume of things and subplots going on. I felt like this book was like 1,000 pages since so much is stuffed into it. I enjoy a fast moving plot, but I think the author really needed to pick and choose what to include in this book and just expand in a sequel if she had so many things she wanted to happen.
Overall, Firebird was not for me, but I definitely predict that it will blow up on social media. Definitely check trigger warnings before diving in if you’re sensitive to any topics, especially slavery related ones.
Thanks to Bramble, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
I feel like three stars is a bit generous of a rating from me. The Starlight Heir didn’t have many unique elements and felt like your usual cut and drI feel like three stars is a bit generous of a rating from me. The Starlight Heir didn’t have many unique elements and felt like your usual cut and dry adult romantasy where the MMC “betrays” the FMC through lies of omission for her own protection. I’m SO tired of this trope, please put me out of my misery!!! I think the magic system has a ton of potential, but the lack of expansion or explanation caused it to fall short. Basically, this felt like every other romantic fantasy out there and nothing really made it stand out to me.
Thank you to Avon, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
Not for the Faint of Heart is a unique, Robin Hood inspired retelling with a sapphic love story and loads of adventure. If you’re looking for an actioNot for the Faint of Heart is a unique, Robin Hood inspired retelling with a sapphic love story and loads of adventure. If you’re looking for an action packed YA historical fiction with found family and fantastic side characters, this is the story for you! Clem was easily my favorite character and I enjoyed watching Mariel develop and change over time. Unfortunately, nothing really took this to the next level for me, so I kept my rating at three stars. My overall final impression is that Not for the Faint of Heart is just another YA story that remained at just okay throughout. It’s a fine read, but not something that’ll stick with me long term.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
Brb, adding every book Sophie Cousens has ever written to my TBR!!! I haven’t read a contemporary romance this good since I picked up Yours Truly by ABrb, adding every book Sophie Cousens has ever written to my TBR!!! I haven’t read a contemporary romance this good since I picked up Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez and realized I actually liked romance books. Is She Really Going Out With Him? was a blast to read! I got to fall in love with Will along with Anna and I can’t express enough how much I loved this. Anna was such a real person, you can tell Cousens spent so much time building her as a character and I related so much to her. There are people in my life who experienced the same kind of lost love as Anna, so I believe this was such an important story to write. The little details slowly revealed regarding Will’s character and mannerisms was artfully executed. Anna and Will had crazy intense chemistry, and for a closed door romance - it was so hot ...more
The Celestial Kingdom duology is one of my favorites, so I had very high hopes for Sue Lynn Tan’s adult debut. Overall, I enjoyed Immortal and loved eThe Celestial Kingdom duology is one of my favorites, so I had very high hopes for Sue Lynn Tan’s adult debut. Overall, I enjoyed Immortal and loved expanding on the same world from The Daughter of the Moon Goddess. I think Immortal being a standalone was a perfect decision, however, I wish there was an epilogue so the ending wasn’t so open. I adored the character development and reveals as the plot progressed. The romance was absolutely the highlight! Unfortunately, I had a few issues with the pacing, especially in the beginning. Some things felt incredibly rushed, while others dragged out. This is my least favorite of Tan’s books so far. That being said, I still had a great time reading this and the author will definitely remain as an autobuy for me.
Thank you to Harper Voyager, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
WHY HAVE I NOT SEEN MORE HYPE ABOUT THIS BOOK???? This was SUCH a good fantasy romance with the baddest of FMCs and one of my fav types of MMCs. The wWHY HAVE I NOT SEEN MORE HYPE ABOUT THIS BOOK???? This was SUCH a good fantasy romance with the baddest of FMCs and one of my fav types of MMCs. The world was incredibly unique and I adored the magic and cannot wait for more to be revealed in the next books. Vaasa and Reid’s chemistry was sizzling hot and I definitely shipped the crap out of them the entire time. I wish Melisina was my own mom and I love her to absolute pieces. Basically, I love all the main and side characters!! The plot was enthralling and I am FERAL for the next installment. PLEASE GIVE US A PUB DATE IM LITERALLY FOAMING AT THE MOUTH!!!!!
But seriously, I need everyone and their mother to read The Serpent and the Wolf immediately. You won’t regret it!
Thank you to Saga Press, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
The Empress had the makings of a great fantasy romance and the beautiful cover drew me in immediately. Unfortunately, the author’s writing style was lThe Empress had the makings of a great fantasy romance and the beautiful cover drew me in immediately. Unfortunately, the author’s writing style was low key atrocious. The romance between Kane and Hannah was surprisingly decent and I only kept reading because of their intense chemistry. I won’t lie, their banter was kinda hot ...more
Before reading The West Wind, I was a little hesitant because I didn’t love The North Wind. I was worried that I would have the same complaints as theBefore reading The West Wind, I was a little hesitant because I didn’t love The North Wind. I was worried that I would have the same complaints as the first book. However, I thoroughly enjoyed The West Wind! I loved Zephyrus’ redemption arc and character growth. I have such a soft spot for him now and I fell a little in love with him. Brielle is definitely a different type of FMC that you don’t see often anymore. She’s soft, kind, and endlessly full of grace. I’m not religious at all, but the religious aspect didn’t bother me. I think the author did a great job depicting a truly devout person who actually upholds the mercy and love that is the whole supposed point of religion. My only complaint about this book is that the plot moved a bit slower than I prefer, however I think this is my favorite of The Four Winds so far!
Thank you to Saga Press, NetGalley, and the author for an early copy!...more
Breath of the Dragon was such a fun read! There was a ton of action, deadly trials, political games, and a minor romantic subplot, and character growtBreath of the Dragon was such a fun read! There was a ton of action, deadly trials, political games, and a minor romantic subplot, and character growth. I started out not really liking Jun, but as the story progressed, I was super impressed with his character arc and maturity. This is a very successful YA coming of age historical fantasy that I couldn't put down. I haven't read a YA fantasy with a teenage boy being the main POV in a long time, so Breath of the Dragon was such a breath of fresh air. Since finishing this book, I keep thinking about the ending and can't wait to see what's next from Fonda and Shannon Lee. I hope to see more development regarding the romance/potential love triangle in the next installment and will be keeping an eye out for any news regarding this series. I haven't read anything quite like this and I'd definitely recommend to any fantasy and action lovers out there.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and the authors for sending me an early copy!...more
I just want to start this review off by saying I AM ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK!!!!! Am I kicking myself for not reading this immediately afterI just want to start this review off by saying I AM ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK!!!!! Am I kicking myself for not reading this immediately after receiving it? Yes, because I could not put this down! Am I a Norse folklore/viking girlie?? It’s starting to look like it because this is the second sort of fantasy romance with Norse inspiration that I ended up falling in love with. I had such a great time reading The Road of Bones. All the action, the angst, and the twist towards the end completely caught me off guard in the best of ways. I won’t stop thinking about Silla, Saga, and The Bloodaxe Crew until I’m able to get my grubby little hands on the next book.
Delacorte and Demi Winters: I AM AT THE BARS OF MY CAGE BEGGING FOR AN eARC APPROVAL FOR KINGDOM OF CLAW!!! PLEASE!!!! I WILL LITERALLY SELL MY SOUL (contact me for the deets, I’ll happily depart with it in exchange for a chance to read the sequel early).
Anyways…as you can probably tell, if I could give The Road of Bones a million stars, I would. 10/10, would recommend and now I’m going to make everyone I know read this.
Thank you to Delacorte, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
This is EXACTLY the kind of YA book I’m looking for!! I will be absolutely shocked if this doesn’t blow up in 2025 - it’s that good. The Rose Bargain This is EXACTLY the kind of YA book I’m looking for!! I will be absolutely shocked if this doesn’t blow up in 2025 - it’s that good. The Rose Bargain has tons of whimsy, political intrigue, competition, and sneaking around. This story is incredibly unique and absolutely stands on its own despite the comparison to The Cruel Prince. We’ve got forbidden love, trials, courtly politics, and tricky fae all while trying to unravel a fae queen’s tyrannical rule. I will be biting at the bars of my cage until a sequel is released BECAUSE THAT TWIST AT THE END TOOK ME BY TOTAL SURPRISE AND I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!
Thank you to HarperCollins, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
I always love a good romance with angst, and boy, did The Co-Op deliver!! I can see where some readers may find the two main characters immature and fI always love a good romance with angst, and boy, did The Co-Op deliver!! I can see where some readers may find the two main characters immature and frustrating. I definitely had a few moments where I wanted to shake them and beg for those two to JUST TALK!!!!! I really enjoy Tarah’s writing style and the fact we don’t get a third act break up here was the cherry on top of a great romance. I kind of expected some sort of blow up or climax regarding Larynn’s relationship with her father, but I appreciate that not all familial ties are worth redeeming or trying to salvage. Also, can we talk about the epilogue?????? I always want some sort of future update with romances and I got exact what I’m always begging authors for - so thank you Tarah ...more
The Scarlet Alchemist was one of my top reads of 2023 so I was incredibly excited for The Blood Orchid. Needless to say, my expectations were definiteThe Scarlet Alchemist was one of my top reads of 2023 so I was incredibly excited for The Blood Orchid. Needless to say, my expectations were definitely met!! I missed Hong so much in this story, as he was my favorite character from the first book, but I really enjoyed getting to know Wengshu, Yanfei, and Zheng Sili more during their travels and adventures. The Blood Orchid was chock full of action, fights, bloody messes, and alchemical mysteries that kept me on the edge of my seat. Kylie Lee Baker is grossly under-hyped. Her writing style is engaging and she artfully crafts plot twists that blow my mind every single time. I’m going to fan girl over this duology for the foreseeable future and will continue to tell everyone with ears to read this now!!! I’m so sad the story is over because I had such a fun time, but I’m glad things ended as they did and I can’t wait for more from Kylie!
Thank you to Harper Collins, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy....more
Like most people who reviewed this - I agree that it’s a very solid debut that shows this author definitely has promise. I find that heist stories usuLike most people who reviewed this - I agree that it’s a very solid debut that shows this author definitely has promise. I find that heist stories usually leave me bored or wishing for some more to story, but I didn’t experience that with Inferno’s Heir. I actually really enjoyed the heist - I believe it paired well with the fantasy element. I was slightly disappointed with the lack of development regarding the romance/potential romance. That being said, I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for the next installment!
Thank you to Bindery, NetGalley and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
Wish I Were Here is a cute, cozy romance with silly moments and a happy ending. I enjoyed Catherine’s character growth over the story and the way the Wish I Were Here is a cute, cozy romance with silly moments and a happy ending. I enjoyed Catherine’s character growth over the story and the way the author slowly revealed little pieces of Luca’s personality and wholesome qualities. I thoroughly enjoyed Catherine and Luca’s dynamic and I had a great time reading this! My only complaint is that I wish there were more intimate moments between the two love interests; and I don’t necessarily mean sexual content, but their interactions rarely moved me or made me feel the emotional connection between them. Overall, Wish I Were Here is a solid rom-com and I can’t wait to read more from Melissa!
Thank you to Forever, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
I’m going to preface this by saying I knew about the author incorrectly saying she’s native before diving in since I received an arc of this way beforI’m going to preface this by saying I knew about the author incorrectly saying she’s native before diving in since I received an arc of this way before all that came out and I didn’t have time to read it until now. I decided to go ahead and read it since it’s already published and she’s not getting any money from me because I received a free early copy. After slogging through If I Stopped Haunting You and finding waaaay too many coincidences between Pen and the author, I wish I just let this one stay unread.
The FMC, Pen, is extremely unlikable at best and physically abusive at worst. She starts to kind of feel guilty after physically assaulting Neil BUT SHE NEVER APOLOGIZES AND BLAMES HIM FOR HER BEING CANCELED???? Girl, you quite literally caused bodily harm and verbally tore down a stranger for essentially no reason??? Pen’s character doesn’t develop at all over the course of the story and Neil grovels over minor things when Pen should be the one repenting and absolutely making amends whilst working on her poor anger management. I could not get over the way the author tries to justify Pen over and over again - it made me so angry and frustrated I couldn’t follow the plot.
Pen felt very much like a self insert of the author. Pen is white passing but claims native heritage but has no way to prove this…sound familiar? Pen constantly complains about how Neil, an actual tribal member, has it incredibly easy in publishing while she, unable to prove her Native-ness struggles to gain representation (although she hasn’t written or submitted a book in over 5 years, but yeah it’s because she’s basically a white woman that she has it SOOOoooOoo hard). It’s absolutely wild to me not one sensitivity reader read this was like “hey guys….this ain’t it” but I’m guessing a sensitivity read wasn’t even done, so ...more
DOUBLE APEX WAS SO GOOD!!!! This book single-handedly gripped me by my throat and dragged me out of a mental and reading slump. I’ve spent the past feDOUBLE APEX WAS SO GOOD!!!! This book single-handedly gripped me by my throat and dragged me out of a mental and reading slump. I’ve spent the past few weeks absolutely struggling to get through books and finding any sort of motivation to review or post about reads - but I’m now feeling the itch again and it’s all thanks to Double Apex. The angst is absolutely top tier and I was able to feel so many emotions during the story. I will most likely always simp over Cosmin and the reveal of this true character over time. He’s such a sweet bean and I would DIE for him!! I was a little hesitant with Phaedra at first, but she really grew on me and I see a lot of my own personality with her. Josie has written a fantastic romance that’ll stay with me for a long time. I cannot wait to read more from her!
Thank you to Forever, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early and finished copy!...more
I have not been in the mood for cozy anything lately so when I picked this up, I expected some action (hence, the title), fantasy escapism through ricI have not been in the mood for cozy anything lately so when I picked this up, I expected some action (hence, the title), fantasy escapism through rich world building and an interesting plot, as well as a steamy romance. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of anything. Swordcrossed fell super flat for me and should have been properly advertised as a more cozy story. Little happens in the plot and the MCs felt very insta-loveish. The whole story just felt overall pointless. There was no real conflict, a complete lack of political intrigue, and little to no fantasy elements. I think this book just wasn’t written for me and that’s totally fine. There’s definitely an audience out there for this, it’s just not me.
Thank you to Bramble, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
This was adorable! I don’t usually find myself drawn to opposites attract romances but The Slowest Burn absolutely hit different. I adored watching ElThis was adorable! I don’t usually find myself drawn to opposites attract romances but The Slowest Burn absolutely hit different. I adored watching Ellie’s character develop and truly enjoyed getting to know Kieran. The chemistry between these two characters was off the charts and I was absolutely rooting for them. I think this author did a fantastic job creating Ellie and Kieran, as well as the accurate depiction of grief. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author and will be keeping an eye out for her next book.
Thank you to Griffin, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more