Andie
This book was a revelation. An immersive experience, I was so invested in these characters and the story. The world was fantastic! A very entertaining, twisty world that kept me guessing. I have to say I was expecting an “in your face” ending, so I was a little disappointed about where it left off. But I had a great time reading it and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
Note to self: Read the Caraval series!
3.5 stars
Finally finished this book.
It was entertaining and I enjoyed a lot of it. There were so many things happening and yet this book felt way too long.
I think the most interesting aspect about Julian and Emma's relationship was the fact they were parabatai. The two of them together... the emotional connection was there but the chemistry not so much. Not my favorite couple in the Shadowhunters world.
I enjoyed a lot more some of the other characters like Dru, Ty, Kit, Diana and Gwyn. Even though I did enjoy Clare, Jace, Alec and Magnus' moments in the story, it felt like they had too many. That meant there were a lot of POVs and a lot of subplots that felt a little unnecessary.
That being said, there were a few important topics discussed in the book and I liked how it was done. The antagonists in the story, and what they were doing in pursuit of their evil objectives, were engaging too (even if sometimes it felt almost like Valentine 2.0 events).
The Blackthorns as a family are so incredible and I loved their moments together.
I wasn't a fan of the ending. Some aspects of it were well done, but how it ended... opens the door to refocusing (again) on characters the future stories should be moving on from. Not that I don't want those characters in the books, that will pick up the events after this book, but I don't think they should have such a chunk of page time.
Overall, a solid, entertaining conclusion to this trilogy.
This book was a surprise for me. I was intrigued by the premise but unsure I would like it.
This was so good! The writing was addictive and I didn't want to stop listening to it. The story is captivating for sure. I couldn't make up my mind about what was going on. The way it was told kept me guessing. There's a lot to process about it.
I think after a certain development, it dragged a little bit but I still enjoyed it very much.
A great debut!
It had so much potential, the premise was very interesting but the narrative voice was weird. It felt detached somehow and that was strange considering it was narrated by the MC. It had nothing to do with the fact that I listened to the audiobook.
I was interested in the story, regardless, but the buildup was never really there. There was no suspense. The ending sealed this one in the 3-star rating.
The very last reveal felt unnecessary.
Not a 5 star for me and that was surprising. I thought this would probably be one of my top 5 of the year and I'm sad it wasn't.
I enjoyed it a lot, it was super entertaining BUT the miscommunication trope is tricky and it annoyed me in a very specific moment here.
Miscommunication isn't blatantly lying. Olive lied to Adam's face when he overheard her admitting she had feelings. That scene was unnecessary, the author could've done it differently. If this was a YA book, I'd get it, it would be typical YA behavior: scared to admit feelings, leading to lying just to save face. But this is an Adult book. So, I was not a fan of that.
Anyway, despite that annoying me and the steamy scenes having a few weird sentences that I didn't quite enjoy and found awkward (it needed a little editing), I was soooo invested in the romance.
Loved the STEM environment and the slow burn. The banter between Olive and Adam was fantastic and they were adorable together.
I'm curious about what AH will write next.
3.5 stars
The romance and the steamy scenes were so good!
I wish there had been a little more plot and a little more world-building. I enjoyed Persephone and looooved Hades! Their dynamic was great and the chemistry was off the charts. Not much happened plot-wise until 90% of the book, so it felt a little too slow sometimes. It was still an entertaining story.
Super interested in reading the next one.
This was a really good book.
First of all, in YA Mystery/Thrillers I tend to dislike the protagonists, Pip was a dream to me! I loved her! She was smart, driven, brave and I loved her relationship with her parents - this may seem like a strange point to make but it's very refreshing, to me, to see a healthy relationship with the parents in a YA book. Ravi was a star too! I absolutely loved him! Following these two while they investigated was a great experience.
The format of this book was very interesting too. Pip was investigating the closed case for her school project which means we get interviews, photos, emails, etc, it was very engaging.
The writing was very good too, IMO. HJ managed to keep me invested and succeed in confusing me with very, very suspicious characters, that were intertwined in this story. There were a lot of suspicious situations and shady characters in this town. Super entertaining!
The ending took me by surprise. The twists were really well done. I guessed a certain someone was involved in it, even though I was not SURE at all, but the WHOLE thing... Very surprising!
Overall, I enjoyed it a lot! I'll definitely read the next one.
I loved this!
I haven't had any luck lately with dark romances. I was thinking maybe this subgenre doesn't work for me anymore but I'm so happy Danielle Lori proved me wrong.
The chemistry between Nico and Elena was amazing! The sexual tension was pure perfection in the story. These two were fire together! Nico was a fantastic hero, Elena was great too even though I think she didn't quite reach her full character growth potential. I loved the way Elena stood up to Nico. I enjoyed the writing a lot and I'll definitely continue to read this series.
The only thing that didn't quite work for me was the pacing. A little too slow until 50%ish, even though I ended up enjoying the slow burn.
Not for me.
I should've quit this series as soon as I finished book 1, honestly.
I disliked this one. Again, the premise was interesting but the execution... weak.
The characters were annoying, didn't feel the chemistry, the bdsm stuff felt forced, the choices HR made were so stupid, even the behavior of her dad and brother was completely out of character. Maybe, I'm over MC romances or dark romances. Or maybe this author isn't for me.
An ok read.
This is a dark MC romance, so I wasn't expecting flowers and hearts. The age gap didn't bother me at all but the execution of it wasn't great. The fact that Lou and Zeus meet when they are 7 and 26, respectively, wouldn't have been an issue IF the author handled it well. It wasn't handled well at all. There were some disturbing and avoidable lines that made me cringe. (“I have been waiting 10 years to do this.” -SERIOUSLY??? She was 7!) Also didn't love the fact she was 17 when they start their relationship.
I didn't enjoy Lou's character when she grew up and her relentless pursuit of Zeus felt forced.
Again, the secondary characters seemed more interesting than Zeus and Lou together.
I'm still tempted to read the next one, just because it's a romance between Zeu's daughter and a cop.
Sadly, I was never invested in Second First Impressions.
I disliked Teddy and Ruthie. Both characters lacked depth and neither of them had any growth IMO. The reason Ruthie lived her life like she did felt flat and didn't make any sense. Being inside Ruthie's head was cringey and the way she thought about Teddy was awkward. There was no chemistry and the relationship felt forced. There were a few interesting, funny secondary characters and that was it.
My dislike of the main characters made it tough to keep listening to the audiobook. I put it off for more than a month, thinking that maybe I wasn't in the right mood for it, but after I got back to it I felt the same way. Can't believe I finished it.
This one didn't work for me.
Not for me.
Too instalovey, immature characters that lacked depth, cringe dialogue, too many “babe”, over-the-top drama on multiple fronts that became too much and unnecessary.
The secondary characters seemed more interesting than Cress and King. The steamy moments were great, though.
Maybe I should give up on MC books but I'm curious about the third book in the series. I might give this series another shot.
Vlad and Elena's story is by far the sweetest in the Bromance Book Club series. I loved it!
Vlad is an amazing character, kind, sweet and terrified of losing Elena. His fear was so paralysing that it almost cost them their relationship. Elena is a complex character, closed off, with a very sad backstory and I enjoyed how slowly she revealed her true self.
A sweet slow burn romance, childhood friends to lovers, Vlad and Elena's story was perfect.
The Bromance Book Club's moments with all the guys together were amazing! I hope we get Colton's story and Cheese Man too!
I wasn't very invested in Vlad's novel, but I did enjoy the fact that he was writing one.
I loved this book! A grumpy-sunshine PERFECT romance.
Brendan was EVERYTHING. I'm obsessed with him! So hot, swoony and sweet!
At first, I had my doubts about Piper but I ended up loving her very quickly too. Her kindness won me over and I liked her relationship with her sister a lot.
The chemistry and the steamy scenes... PERFECTION. Couldn't stop listening to the audiobook. Loved the setting too.
One of my favorite romances of the year, for sure!
Can't wait for the next book.
This was such a cute read! A great romance to read during the spooky season.
Vivi and Rhys were fantastic. The chemistry between them was amazing (great library scene btw...) and their dynamic was so good! The hilarious moments were perfect too.
I loved the town vibes and loved Vivi's family even more.
I wanted a little more from Vivi and Rhys' past relationship though.
Overall, very entertaining, witchy, funny, cute, with a sprinkle of steam.
I finished reading Defy the Night in less than 24 hours. I had so much fun reading it!
The story was captivating, the world-building was interesting and I enjoyed the characters a lot.
Very Robin Hood-esque entertaining story with a slow burn romance. A specific scene wasn't well thought out and seemed very over the top for me, hence the 4-star rating.
The way Tessa entered the castle... sigh.
I'm intrigued about the next book!
Books, Coffee & Passion
House of Shadows was a wild ride. I've been anticipating it since I read the first book, House of Dragons, in 2020. A lot was going on in this second installment. Not a lot that I can share in this review because I would spoil some events in book 1.
I couldn't put this down! I was captivated by this world again from page 1. The pacing was insane and the political intrigue was off the charts. This world is complex, it was hard at times to keep up with all the intricate events happening on multiple fronts. The cast of characters in this series is fantastic. House of Shadows delivered: mysterious characters with ulterior and suspicious motives, very strong ones fighting for a better world with rights for all, others that are torn between what their hearts want and social expectations, some that are rediscovering new aspects in themselves, a few that keep us guessing at every turn (yes, Dozan... you!), etc. The world-building doesn't cease to amaze me. It was rich, diverse, complex with different types of magic, dragons, an uprising, a secret evil organization, riots, secret meetings and a vicious battle. The romance was a slow burn but so good! The scenes between them... pure chemistry!
I enjoyed it a lot but there wasn't much breathing room. Too much action was taking place. A few times some details seemed unfinished if that makes sense. Nothing major, fortunately. There was also a character that brought one complication to Kerrigan's life that I didn't think was necessary to the plot. I'm a little worried that it will turn out to be unnecessary drama, but we'll see how it plays out in the next book. That ending... Whoa, I almost shouted because I KNEW it! I knew it! I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
I'm surprised that this series is so underrated. It deserves a lot more attention for sure.
If you're interested you can check my review of book 1 here.
