Just as cute as the 2024 one, but here we got more background on Clawdeen and Toralei's relationship, and we got to see some character development froJust as cute as the 2024 one, but here we got more background on Clawdeen and Toralei's relationship, and we got to see some character development from Valentine (whose story with Spelldon was also adorable). Please keep these coming!!!...more
This was adorable and the art was gorgeous. Out of the two stories, I liked the first one better, but loved the second one too. Monster High will neveThis was adorable and the art was gorgeous. Out of the two stories, I liked the first one better, but loved the second one too. Monster High will never fail to make me happy....more
Ok so, I liked this one as a whole, but the constant miscommunication was not it. Like, these two would make peace for two seconds, then miscommunicatOk so, I liked this one as a whole, but the constant miscommunication was not it. Like, these two would make peace for two seconds, then miscommunicate, then everything would be fine again, then another miscommunication episode would strike and this went on and on.
And the fact that so many things weren't resolved by the end...why?? Is this a standalone or is it supposed to be a series? If it's the former, then it's not doing a very good job!!
I was often anxious while listening to this book, whether it was because of the things mentioned above, or how bad Molly was at taking care of horses (or both), it wasn't as fun as it should've been. Like, I was sitting there thinking it's only a matter of time before she messes something up, lo and behold...
But I liked the romance, I did, the banter and the steamy scenes, and the cowboy hat scene, as well as the whole premise. Some of the side characters were great too, others not so much.
There's one side character who turns out to be the villain and I originally didn't have an issue with that (despite this book really not needing a villain), but reading some of the other reviews made me reconsider. That actually wasn't cool.
And I think Shani deserved better, and the T Swizzle references could've been toned down (I'm just not a fan of her music so it bugs me when it's so present in a book) just a smidge. But I don't regret picking this up.
I loved the use of colours and the art style, as well as the fairytale vibes near the end, but everything else wasn't anything spectacular. I'm actualI loved the use of colours and the art style, as well as the fairytale vibes near the end, but everything else wasn't anything spectacular. I'm actually a bit disappointed that I didn't like it more. I would read something by this author again though, because it seems like this was a one off. ...more
This memoir was a treasure trove of information, I'm going to need a minute to process it all. Quinn bared his soul inside, and we get to know him (anThis memoir was a treasure trove of information, I'm going to need a minute to process it all. Quinn bared his soul inside, and we get to know him (and the church) on a much deeper level. Will definitely be rereading in the future....more
This book made me cry only 11% in, and it wasn't the only time either.
I loved the story, but I do wish that we got a bit more relationship developmenThis book made me cry only 11% in, and it wasn't the only time either.
I loved the story, but I do wish that we got a bit more relationship development between Rosa and Evelyn, because the latter is discovering that she's bi, so the first half of the book is spent on her being with her boyfriend, and only after do she and Rosa get more page time together (outside of helping each other practice).
And then it felt like it happened too fast, suddenly there was miscommunication and they stopped speaking only to reconcile at the end etc. I think the boyfriend section should've ended around 30% max, and the rest should've been the two of them bonding, if the miscommunication really had to happen.
But I thought the two of them were super cute, the storyline was very relatable and I will be looking out for more books by this author in the future.
One last thing, I was surprised to see so many reviews mentioning "explicit sexual content", which wasn't my impression at all.
I'm very sensitive to those things and I tend to mention in my reviews if a YA book feels like it would suit NA readers better (or MG, if it reads too young), but this one felt YA to me, although older readers would enjoy it too because of the topics covered.
There were mentions of teenagers having sex, which...some teenagers do, and the little that was actually in this book was very tame (in my opinion, someone else might have different standards and that's okay), the descriptions vague etc.
So if you want to read this I'd suggest you do and then form your own opinion, but if you think any of this will make you uncomfortable, then feel free to skip it and pick up a different book instead....more
After finishing Dictates of Conscience, I feel the need to give Laurie Lee a great big hug.
Reading about her journey, and the struggles she faced on After finishing Dictates of Conscience, I feel the need to give Laurie Lee a great big hug.
Reading about her journey, and the struggles she faced on the way to her transition, was, at times, really painful, bringing tears to my eyes. It was also quite insightful, and I think everyone who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community would benefit from giving it a read.
I'm so glad Laurie is finally living her truth, I'm wishing her nothing but bright days ahead....more
Oh! The Mickey7 of it all! PLEASE, IF YOU LOVE MICKEY READ THIS BOOK!! The vibes are there, PLUS, we have a sapphic detective solving crimes, what morOh! The Mickey7 of it all! PLEASE, IF YOU LOVE MICKEY READ THIS BOOK!! The vibes are there, PLUS, we have a sapphic detective solving crimes, what more do you need?
I know what I need, MORE OF THIS WORLD!! The audiobook was so good you guys, I finished it in the blink of an eye, and I really liked the world too, and the casual rep we got.
I do wish it was longer so we could have more time with the characters and so the mystery could've taken a while longer to solve, but maybe I'll get that in the next book. It was still so worth the read/listen....more
HELLO I'M OBSESSED!! I'll have to go back and read Matt King's other books, because I haven't had enough of this world.
Wraith truly does function as HELLO I'M OBSESSED!! I'll have to go back and read Matt King's other books, because I haven't had enough of this world.
Wraith truly does function as a standalone, and everything you need to know is inside, but it makes you want to explore more and read about some of the other characters who were mentioned, at least in my case.
It's a very fast paced book which suited me perfectly, and there were no big info dumps. It did take a few pages for me to get used to the world, but other than that I had no trouble getting into the story.
And what a story it was!! Wraith has me in its clutches now, I can't stop thinking about it. It's exactly the kind of book I like, with people gaining powers from a mysterious element, and all the Chaos that comes with it. See what I did there? Hah.
I agree with the reviewer who said this was giving X-Men vibes, it 100% was!! And since I'm a huge fan of that, it's no wonder I loved this too.
Zoe was an amazing character, I'd follow her to the ends of the Earth if she asked. And I can't wait to see where she goes from here, the friends she makes etc.
Speaking of friends, Cedric was a hoot, probably my favourite character next to Zoe.
Now...there's Britt. I think their relationship was handled really well, and it felt realistic. I hated Britt every time she was on-page though, because I knew something unhinged was about to happen and/or she'd be trying to hurt Zoe.
Another villain had me completely fooled until the "switch", I was sitting there thinking "oh they're just a bit misguided"...how wrong I was. In general this book has so many twists, and I saw almost none of them coming.
One of the things I loved most about Wraith, were all the descriptions of different Chaotic abilities. Of course, we got the most detail about Zoe's, and I'm not even a tiny little bit confused about how hers work, it's all crystal clear.
I love that scene near the end that's in the water, so powerful. It might actually be my favourite scene in the whole book.
The ending leaves room for a sequel, and I'm curious how that's gonna go since all the books are standalones technically, but either way I'll be seated for more Zoe.
*Thank you to the author and BDA publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Arborable took tree-hugging to a whole different level and I'm all for it.
I'm used to Ellen Mint's books being hilarious and creative, and this one waArborable took tree-hugging to a whole different level and I'm all for it.
I'm used to Ellen Mint's books being hilarious and creative, and this one was no different. So much thought was put into the dryads and their world, from their names to how they look, speak, move, eat, reproduce, and how they came to be (they don't all get "born" the same way or in the same place).
The story was extremely compelling, I didn't want to put it down, I literally had it downloaded on two devices so I could switch back and forth while one of them was charging, I was THAT invested.
Now, you might look at this book and think it's just a silly dryad romance, but!! It's not all sunshine and daisies for dear Trish, she's suffering from cancer and doesn't have long left to live, which makes getting kidnapped by dryads who want to sacrifice her to a giant tree extremely inconvenient.
Luckily, there's a devilishly handsome rogue dryad who rescues her, and takes her under his wing, or should I say...bark?
He also happens to ride on a giant fox called Valpuri, who is just the cutest not-so-little thing. More Valpuri in the sequel please!!
Linden teaches Trish how to fight, which is something she desperately needs, and it serves her well on many occasions. I love how she refused to give up, even if she was missing a core part of herself, she still got back up to try again.
Romance wise, I'm in love with both Linden and Hickory, and really like Willow and Ryder (from what we've seen of them so far). I'm glad we got to see Trish with Hickory in this book because I don't know if I would've survived till book two, hah.
I have to mention the pollen!! I'm of the firm belief that (REDACTED) would've pollinated (REDACTED) if they weren't already...you know. I'm curious about that storyline, and what will happen to the child when it arrives.
Speaking of children, Ash is one of my favourite characters, she's such a pure soul, I hope she made it out and we'll see her in book two.
There's also some secrets that will hopefully be revealed, like more of Linden's past and why he said what he did about Trish going back to the human world.
And then there's that ending...I had a feeling something like that would happen, it was an excellent cliffhanger. I can't wait to know more.
Pleaseeee pick up this swashbuckling dryad romance today, you won't regret it.
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Giving this a three star rating because it wasn't bad, I just didn't like it as much as I was hoping to. It's probably a 2.5, but since it's Pride MonGiving this a three star rating because it wasn't bad, I just didn't like it as much as I was hoping to. It's probably a 2.5, but since it's Pride Month, I wanna be nice, hence rounding it up.
Anyway, I'm not sure the audiobook was the correct choice because it was so hard to follow from the get go, there were a lot of characters and I had trouble remembering who was who, and none of them were particularly fleshed out.
The romance was okay, but there was barely any chemistry there. The mystery is probably the only thing that kept this book going, but even that needed a bit more substance. The premise was interesting, I'm not quite sure it managed to accomplish what it set out to do though.
Writing style wise, I have no complaints and would consider reading another book by this author. I'm kind of surprised it's not a debut, I feel like it should've been better based on the number of books the author has previously written, but yeah, sometimes a book is just okay....more
BREAKING NEWS, EIRIK WASN'T USELESS IN THIS ONE?? GASPPP. There was *something* that happened, and I was like "of course it would happen to him and toBREAKING NEWS, EIRIK WASN'T USELESS IN THIS ONE?? GASPPP. There was *something* that happened, and I was like "of course it would happen to him and to [REDACTED]", but you know what, he pulled through at the end when it mattered most, and I respect that.
I'd almost go as far as to say I'd like a short story about him and his little group, my opinion of him has definitely improved. Can't say the same for Damon though.
So, Ravinica and her mates have some real trouble at their doorstep, and we finally find out the answer to the biggest secret of all (and no, I'm not telling you what it is, go read the books).
Can I just say...I had a theory about that and it was correct, but I was still surprised when it played out that way. I was highkey expecting that character to stay nice and then they had to ruin it. AGH.
If anyone's seen Ghibli's Castle in the Sky, said character gave me huge Muska vibes, if you know, you know.
Aside from the many glorious battle scenes, we also got numerous twists that I wasn't expecting.
Like say, the large table scene, the shady new leader election (I saw it like a second before it happened), that one character who you never knew which side they were on finally picking one, and a certain other character receiving the recognition they deserve (was scared for them for a good minute there, when they were in enemy clutches).
I loved all the forgiveness we saw, like when Sven and his siblings put aside their differences for the greater good, and how Lindi went without mentioning the secret mission again, but to be fair...she didn't have the time. In any case, I know they're all good now.
I also loved the ending, I feel like it was very fitting for the series, and can believe that the elves and humans (and other creatures ahem) will finally live in peace. Unless if SOMEONE decides to come back and ruin it, I like that we have that option floating around.
The door is open for a potential spinoff, so I'm obviously going to campaign for a crossover between Vikingrune and Shadowblade once again, mayhaps they can team up to help another academy with their own troubles? I wouldn't say no to another Dawn.
BEFORE I FORGET, we got to see the men interacting with each other in some interesting ways, even more than before, so if you love sword crossings in your RH you'll love this series.
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
Have you ever wondered if the guy playing your favourite werewolf character on TV, was also a werewolf in real life? If yes, you're in luck, because RHave you ever wondered if the guy playing your favourite werewolf character on TV, was also a werewolf in real life? If yes, you're in luck, because Rosie Danan decided to tackle that question in Fan Service, with some interesting results.
I wasn't the biggest fan of Do Your Worst, and I debated for a while if I should even pick this up, but I'm glad I did, because it was entertaining, and a lot better than Danan's other book.
My main complaint there was that it wasn't paranormal enough, and Fan Service delivered on that front, with an actual werewolf transformation, woo!! The bar is low y'all, the bar is low. I'm just happy that it's an improvement.
I listened to the audiobook, and I was convinced his name was Devin Ashton, like the Sims 3 premade actor sim, which I thought was really cute, until I fished the book, checked the other reviews, and saw his last name was Ashwood not Ashton...boooooo, tomato tomato. I don't know why I heard wrong, I really don't.
Anyway, I liked the premise, the execution was so-so, the romance was okay, though Devin could act really immature at times. I didn't always like the little comments he had about Alex's appearance, it was as if he was picking things apart and trying to make sense of why he was attracted to her, kinda weird.
And maybe I'm sensitive because I'm also alternative, but he kept saying over and over that she wasn't his type, that she was weird and he liked her despite of that, instead of saying he liked her period.
Alex meanwhile, wasn't very developed as a character (Devin wasn't either though, don't worry), I couldn't tell you five things she liked outside of Devin and the show she was obsessed with. She was kind of a doormat too, but I do get her, your celebrity crush basically falling into your lap (and falling in love with you) isn't something that happens every day.
Also, there was no explanation why Devin suddenly started wolfing out, we as readers are just supposed to go with it.
I'd like to think that Danan is slowly finding her footing in the paranormal romance genre, and her future books will make more sense, and have better worldbuilding. Fingers crossed....more
Childhood friends to rivals to friends to lovers? Seated!!
This was such a cute read, and I loved how diverse all the characters were. The theatre proChildhood friends to rivals to friends to lovers? Seated!!
This was such a cute read, and I loved how diverse all the characters were. The theatre proved to be the perfect setting for the story, everyone was so passionate about saving it and preserving its history.
There was a strong emphasis on friendship, and the found family trope was thriving. The romance was adorable, and there was a lot of character development *cough * Rochelle *cough*.
I liked the author's attention to detail, it made the world even easier to visualise. I'll definitely be checking out her adult debut when it's out....more
Holy giant crabs, that ending!!! I had literal chills, and now I'm twiddling my thumbs like Spongebob in that one episode while anxiously waiting for Holy giant crabs, that ending!!! I had literal chills, and now I'm twiddling my thumbs like Spongebob in that one episode while anxiously waiting for the next installment.
Also, if you're curious why I started the review with giant crabs, you might want to pick this book up for a nice surprise. I was not expecting that, 10/10, if I ended up stranded in a different realm I'd pick that one, no question.
My favourite part of The Crystal Heir was all the realm jumping (obviously, haha). I loved seeing this enchanting world get expanded, and meeting all the nice (and not-so-nice) creatures that inhabit it.
There's a new storyline that stemmed from a specific realm that I'm so excited to see play out, but it happened near the end so now I have to wait...boo.
Anyway, The Crystal Heir managed to strike a good balance between plot and character development, neither was lacking in favour of the other. We got to know everyone on a deeper level (even one of the villains), but I gotta say that Nikoza and Nex really stole the show this time around.
My heart was squeezing for poor Nikoza, how she just wanted to help people to the best of her ability despite the consequences. She's the sweetest character. I can safely say that she's made it onto my forever favourites list after this book.
And Nex...Nex, I would follow you to the ends of the Earth, you just have to ask. Or don't ask, I'm already on my way!!
There was some relationship development between Kasia and Zinarus, I found myself audibly exclaiming "Finally!!", after their whole push and pull dynamic yielded (very satisfying) results. I couldn't keep the smile off my face during some of their scenes together.
Can we also talk about how devoted he is to her? A true romantic right there.
We learned more about reaching, and it's so fascinating to me still, definitely one of my favourite magic systems to date.
At the start we got a nice recap, and, much like the first book, this one is filled with beautiful character artwork (respectfully looking at that Zinarus one) and maps, as well as detailed battle formations (as I call them in my head). I'd like to focus on the latter, because I don't recall ever seeing something similar in a fantasy book before.
We basically got to see where every battle was being played out, where each group of characters was positioned in reference to one another, their movements as the battle went on, and they all had unique markers setting them apart, which made the reading experience even more immersive.
The only thing I had a tiny problem with is the pacing, it really slowed down compared to the first book, so I couldn't binge as much of this as I wanted to.
But other than that, it was an excellent sequel, jam-packed with political machinations that will make your mind run wild. Add in a few twists, and you'll be right here with me, eagerly anticipating book three.
P. S. Gregorzon when I catch you!!!!! If I said he was my most hated character, then what??
4.5
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
If you want to have a proper cry this Valentine's Day, then youHAPPY RELEASE DAY TO COLLATERAL DAMAGE!
"You were my beginning. And you will be my end."
If you want to have a proper cry this Valentine's Day, then you should read Collateral Damage. Yes, it will break you, but it will also put you back together again, so I'd say that's a win-win.
It's a slow burn romance with lots of tension, but the book itself isn't slow at all, you could easily finish it in one day, because Alo and Hays won't let you go until you've read all they have to say.
If you've ever experienced any kind of trauma, you might see yourself in this book, as I did. These two go through A LOT together, and it's not always sunshine and rainbows, but it was so worth it, reading their story.
I related to Hayden more than I did to Alora, but there are parts of me in both of them which is what made me love this book so much.
We follow both of their PoVs, and they're equally engaging. I enjoyed watching them grow to love one another & heal each other. The way Hayden brought Alora out of her shell, and Alo brought back a part of Hays she thought was gone, MY HEART.
I wish I could talk about the plot, but I don't wanna spoil anything, just know that it's a whole experience, and you should be ready to cry during the last 100 pages, mkay?
Because I absolutely did cry, the epilogue really got me, and got me BAD, I was a mess, about to question my whole existence. Then the picture at the end of the epilogue got me again...I've been HURT by this book, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Also fun fact, sunflowers are my favourite, which is going to be interesting going forward, because I KNOW I'll remember this book every time I look at one. Haha. *wails in the distance*
This was a beautiful, beautiful book, and I need everyone who has ever asked for a good sapphic romance to please read it!!! It has excellent and lovable characters, stellar writing (and pacing), an interesting and heartbreaking plot, and of course wonderful steam, what more could you want?
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
A quick and cute listen, but nothing more than that. I was expecting both of them to be in sapphic relationships, but only one was, and the pairings lA quick and cute listen, but nothing more than that. I was expecting both of them to be in sapphic relationships, but only one was, and the pairings lacked chemistry. Neither storyline felt properly developed, but they were still enjoyable to follow. Extra points for the cutest little house chicken Bennie, she was the real MVP of this read....more
An attempt was made...unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I was kinda bored, there was a lot more telling than showing and I felt zero connection toAn attempt was made...unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I was kinda bored, there was a lot more telling than showing and I felt zero connection to the characters. The plot twist was obvious from the get go, the romance went from 0-100 with no development in between (or after), the whole thing felt so shallow. The world wasn't bad, and the writing was okay, but that's the extent of it.
I'm sure someone will love this, but that someone isn't me. I'll still give the author's scifi book a chance though.
I loved this like the rest of the series BUT, Riven deserved better. You'll know what I mean when you read it. He and Keera had so little interaction,I loved this like the rest of the series BUT, Riven deserved better. You'll know what I mean when you read it. He and Keera had so little interaction, and he was a bit sidelined during all the important parts. Keera meanwhile evolved even more which I like, I just wish it wasn't at Riven's expense.
I'm also not the biggest fan of "the year". I listened to that and I literally went "you've gotta be kidding me", and sure it worked out ALRIGHT at the end, and maybe I wouldn't have minded as much if the rest of the book wasn't how it was in regards to that situation, but...it was unnecessary (to me, argue with a wall).
Otherwise, I loved the action scenes, the found family we got to know throughout the series, the emotions I felt while reading, the love and care the author put into her world and characters, the writing, and the overall ending. I'd definitely reread/relisten to this, and would gladly recommend it to other people....more
“If I lose you, I lose my last touch of all that is myself and what binds me here.”
I got chills reading that ending, IT WAS SO GOOD!! I love how we've“If I lose you, I lose my last touch of all that is myself and what binds me here.”
I got chills reading that ending, IT WAS SO GOOD!! I love how we've been building up to that the whole book, with a certain goddess speaking to Alysha throughout, giving her directions etc, a match made in heaven.
Alysha can do no wrong in my mind, every time she's like "more blood" I'm like yessss go girl get those enemies!!
And I ADORE her relationship with Helena, how they protect each other no matter what, and the feelings they develop along the way. I ship them so hard.
I was actually wondering which way Alysha would go, ace or sapphic (or both), because there was a part in the book where she mentioned how boys felt wrong, and then there were her looks toward Helena...I see you and I support you!!
It's safe to say Alysha's PoV was my favourite yet again. This time around though, I really appreciated Austin's PoV as well, Sorella's & Doc's (of course). Each of them, as well as the others, added so much to the story. And, if you like politics, you'll really love this book, because there's a ton of it.
I found myself missing Runt, after what happened at the start, it was so unfair. And following Ben in the aftermath was a whole experience. I didn't really forgive him, until we got his PoV and things were cleared up, sorry Ben.
One thing that bugged me though, is that neither Ben nor his father seemed overly concerned about Alysha when they got the news at the start, like that's your sister/daughter?? Possibly in danger??
Anyway, I also liked Lady Blacklace as a character, she was intriguing. The Wrathfall was as well, I can't wait to see where that storyline goes, it was probably my favourite after Alysha's.
If you're having trouble remembering who's who, worry not, for there is a list of characters at the end of the book. It's very well explained, so I'd suggest you check that before jumping back in, it'll make your reading experience even smoother.
The writing is even better than it was in the first book, and we got a good amount of plot and character development to go with. And the world building? Spectacular.
Before I end this, I have to mention that romance/smut book burning scene, it's mirroring real life, much like some other scenes from the book/series. With so many books being banned, you can't help but wonder what it'll lead to. Hopefully not something like this.
All in all, an excellent second book in The Conspiracy of Crows series. I wish I could jump into book three now.
P. S. The series name is making so much sense now.
4.5ish
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more