Asia

4.25/5

For a book that's marketed as that “a witch breaks a hex and gains magic”, I'm disappointed that there was no breaking hex until 48% of the book, and gaining magic until 60% of the book. I mean seriously, half of the book was mostly just exposition. I was expecting something else whatsoever, but tbh, I liked this book anyway.

It was cute and nice and I vibed with it. It's a cozy read for Halloween and I recommend this book.

Delia was quirky and fun, and Max was broody and stoic - until he wasn't. I loved how much he liked Delia from the start, despite the fact that he shouldn't, but when he accepted it, he didn't let anything stand in their way. I understand Delia's freak out about accidentally bewitching him, and I'm somehow glad that she wasn't angry about the role he played in everything since the beginning.

The background characters were fun too. I love how Luc embraced life in the village, and how Amy wanted more, and the Merryweather witches who were so excited to find out the truth. But my favourite one was Nikki. He was amazing, fun, well-written, mysterious and just great. I loved him.

The ending was a surprise but an interesting one! It kept me on my toes and I did shed a tear. The book was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. hope that the author will continue to write books in this universe - I would love to read stories about Amy, Luc, and Nikki. And to revisit Delia and Max, of course.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the digital ARC of this book in exchange fir my honest opinion.

That was bad. It started cute with her quitting, but where was the promised groveling? Because he apologized, made a deal with her, and that was it until the very end. Are you kidding me? If you promise a grovel, I expect a grovel during the entire book, not during the maybe 3 chapters in the entire book. A grovel is a grovel and it takes time.

Also, the book was badly written. What the hell does the sentence “Lucy narrows her eyes and her pupils grow wide” even mean? You do realize it's physically impossible, right? And it wasn't the only time I was shaking my head at the stupidity I read.

The entire love confession at the end was making me cringe because all throughout the scene all I could think of was: They are live on Instagram. It's not cute or whimsy or nice. It's awkward and humiliating, honestly. Just full stop. And the poor guy standing next to them - just no.

And WHAT THE FUCK WAS WITH THAT PROPOSAL AT THE END? Really? He proposes via COMPUTER?? The dude literally said he couldn't log in and when she clicked recover password the marriage proposal was there?? And when she types yes that was the answer?? Are you kidding me?? Who finds that cute or romantic?? Absolutely not.

The ONLY good thing about this book and the only reason I even gave it 2 stars instead of 1 is the loveliest description of brown eyes I've ever seen. THAT was hot. THAT was romantic. THAT was wholesome. Not cringy hashtags Lucy used to describe herself or the way she got sick and he rubbed her back because what was even the point? It didn't lead anywhere, it didn't give him the realization that he wanted to take care of her for the rest of his life, or that he would choose to be there with her even while she was sick. There was none of that. And it was only one scene that didn't really move the plot forward.

Honestly, the only good thing was this:

“I'm not finished.” I press a finger to her lips. I won't sit here and listen to her talk about herself in such disparaging terms. Not when I see her so completely. This trip has been a pain in the ass in more ways than I can count, but it's opened my eyes to the incredible woman before me. “Your eyes are brown but not the same rich espresso shade as your hair. They're a deep umber that grows darker, almost black, when you're angry, and when they catch the light, they soften, revealing a warmth few possess.” Her breath hitches, but she remains silent. “The most fascinating thing I've noticed is that when you're excited or making a snarky comeback to put me in my place, your eyes sparkle, lighting up your entire face. Like they're doing at this very moment.”

Lets romanticize brown eyes!

3.25/5

TW: slut-shaming, discussions of SA of a background character

So. I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I kind of enjoyed the story between Jake and Ella. The push and pull, bickering, banter and chemistry. It was all there. Plus all the Taylor Swift references (that were WAY more subtle than the description would have you believe, I promise - like the fact that Jake, the football player, wears number 87). But, the heavy topics this book tried to tackle blindsided me. I wasn't ready for any of it.

The main character is slut-shamed throughout the entirety of the book, either because someone learns about her mother (more of that later), or because people from her past judge her. Her mother was a hooker and everyone assumed that Ella was the same. So they slut-shamed her, called her names, turned her life into hell, even now, 19 years after graduating high school. They all judged her. All except the MMC, of course.

And then there was a minor character (MMC's best friend) being almost raped by her then-boyfriend when they were younger. Again, there was no trigger/content warnings, nothing. It was all out of left field, for the shock value I guess? To make the stakes even higher? I'm not sure. And I'm not sure if the blade attitude of this girl “what happened, happened I put it in the past now and I don't care if the media goes after my daughter if i reveal it” was the way to go.

Aaaand Ella's mother. She's dead now, but the way they handled that... I guess the author tried to be woke and show that sex workers are just people blah blah blah but they way she did that was just inconsiderate imo. Because that character left a letter to her daughter. In which she told her that she was good at what she did and that she enjoyed it. Because that's what her daughter wanted to hear, right? But that's not all. That character tried to justify it that she only spread live and what can be more pure than that?

You, lady, (the character and the author I guess for trying to justify it in that way), are delusional. You weren't “spreading love”. You had sex with both married men AND school boys for money. There was nothing noble about this. Stop trying to turn it into something it wasn't. You. Had. Sex. For. Money. With. Married. Men. And. School. Boys. Your. Daughter's. Classmates. For. Money. You didn't “spread love”. You spread something, but it sure as hell wasn't love. And you didn't care that your children were judged and BULLIED by the entire town for your actions! You admitted you liked pretty things and having sex. That was enough. The whole “spreading love” was bullshit and you know it.

Aaaand now I'm angry.

The ending was rushed. The author tried to wrap it all up in a neat little bow but it felt forced and rushed. I'm glad that the characters ended up together but for a romance there was too much horniness and less... Well, romance. Sure, they were attracted to one another. But in love? I don't buy it.

Also, the book made it seem like the MCs were strangers who only met 2 years prior, spent the night together, and now we're thrown together by life. That's not true. They both grew up in the same small town, went to the same school (he was 2 years older than her), somehow he ended up at her prom and they kissed, and two years prior they simply slept together. After knowing each other since they were kids. So it wasn't really strangers to lovers the book description tried to sell.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood books for the copy of the book. This is my honest review.

4.5/5

That was an excellent read, one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Dorian was a great main hero, grumpy but not really, powerful and charismatic. Caro was sassy, strong, independent, but also lovely. She wasn't a damsel in distress but she also wasn't nagging about not needing a man which was refreshing. I also LOVE that she was 30. There aren't enough romance novels (especially Regency ones) with heroines that age. Also, she was working class! I loved it!

There were so many plotlines, all interconnected and well done: the cheating of his late wife, lover investigation, secret identity... I loved how the plot intertwined. I was interested all the way through.

I loved Dorian and Caro's relationship, although I kinda wish that her father got his due. And that we saw on screen how his mother finally accepted her.

Now, this book is the first in the series. And the series is called Bluestocking Booksellers which means the next books will be about her cousins and while I'm excited, I can't help but also be disappointed. I know Oliver will probably end up with Constance, based on their meeting in this book, although I would LOVE to read about Oliver and Althea instead. Something about the man being in an arranged betrothal with a woman who became his friend, and when she eloped, being forced into a betrothal with her sister fascinates me. And it also sounds as though she lowkey hates him? I need to read their book now. Something about enemies to loves in an arranged betrothal/marriage, while he was supposed to marry her sister (but isn't in love with his former fiance) scratches my brain the right way. I'm fascinated. I need their book now!

I really enjoyed it by the end. And I'm really happy that Alex made her dreams come true and became an astronomer! But must the woman always get pregnant at the end as a happy ending?

0/5

DNFed after the second chapter

the writing is cringy and awful. I get that MFC is “not like other girls” but it just sounds so embarrassing. She's what, 19-20? And talks like a 15-year-old girl who has no experience talking to people. Her ex-boyfriend (and her friends) is an immediate red flag - he grabbed her and carter her off to his house while she yelled at hm to put her down and her best friends - who at the time already knew she didn't want to sleep with him - stood there and watched and only came to help her minutes later AFTER she saved herself? And she calls him harmless? Nope, I'm out of here

I really liked it. Though I was wondering ‘where is her lady's maid' every time she went to call on her friends, or went shopping with them. Come on! Also, DID SHE FINALLY BUY HERSELF A NEW WARDROBE? She should!

3/5

I've got mixed feelings about this book.

The descriptjon promised something else entirely. It said that Jess would find out that Derrick was lying to her but she would be forced to team up with him to save her town.

And it seemed like he would be the enemy.

Instead, the big secret was only that Derrick was a son of goddess Gaia, and THAT'S IT. And we (and Jess) didn't learn of it until 80% of the book.

Also, the fact that main character readily believed the woman who hated her was laughable.

Amd she wasn't forced to team up with him, not at all. She forgave him literally the next day.

So really, the description promised something entorely else and it spoiled a part of the book in the process.

And the scary demons that would destroy the town? Defeated by a 16 year old girl's speech? Oh, come on. That was ridicullous. Why did she had to train her powers then? The book and decription was preparing us for a big battle and what we got was a letdown. Honestly, I'm disappointed.

The romance is cute though. Derrick and Jess are a cute couple but I just didn't care enough. And the change in perspective - Jess's in first person and Derrick's in third person was jarring to say the least. I would have preferred them to be both in the same person and for more chapters from Derrick's point of view.

Speaking of characters, I'm not sure what was the deal with Billy. Half of the book seemed like he was still in love with Jess and tried to win her back, part of the book seemed like he wanted to avoid her, and another part that he was deeply in love with Rosalie and dodn't care about Jess. It was a mess, honestly.

Overall, the book was cute and the vibes were also,just like the romance. But it wasn't wbat I was expecting based on the description which I'm dissapointed in.

3.75/5

That was so cute, I loved that! Though ngl ,I was convinced it was a full-length novella instead so I was disappointed by the epilogue at 51% lol.

The characters were cool and I liked them! And Greta Green elopement is one of my favourite tropes!

4/5
That was so cute!! I loved that!!!

The characters were well-written with depth. Teddy and Jack were the best, definitely stole my heart. I loved Nate and Beth and their relationship too. While they got off the wrong foot, determined to judge one another, they slowly melted their frozen walls and let the other in.

The grovelling!! Yes, I loved that! Nate's Mother had a good idea haha. And I'm glad that people stood up for Beth at that party too.

The writing was beautiful. I loved it. I will definitely read more from that author soon.

2.5/5

A cute little novella but nothing special. I don't know why there was even a lie about the fellowship when nothing came of it. I really thought there would be some conflict about it, but nothing happened.

Steph is a grumpy grump who picks fights with children (don't blame her tbh) while Thad is her opposite. There was no depth to the characters at all which sucked. Everything felt superficial tbh.

2/5

There was nothing Christmasy about it. I'm quite disappointed. With the title like that I was expecting more focus on Christmastime... From which we got exactly one chapter that took place during the ball where FMC talked to her family about securing their future, nothing else.

I hate when there are letters or diary entries written in a font that looks like handwriting, because it's always so difficult to read. And there were a lot of them here.

I didn't like jumping through povs within chapters and the fact that they only met at 30% for the first time?? Come on.

I didn't feel any chemistry between the characters and I wish the book would focus more on romance between Georgiana and Edward, as well as Georgiana's job as a governess. But we didn't even see one lesson at all which was disappointing to say the least. The book focused more on Georgiana trying to stop the Viscount from pursuing her tbh.

I didn't like it very much and the writing didn't help matters. The book dragged on and on tbh, despite being less than 200 pages long.

3,5/5

decent book. nothing spectacular, but not bad either

3.5/5

It wasn't my favourite but it wasn't horrible either. Tbh I'm kinda ambivalent about this whole thing.

It was obvious who Ollie was since the beginning but I loved him, he was so sweet to Grace and so respectful! Ngl, Grace made me laugh with “close your eyes while you're taking my shoe off, you cannot see my ankle” lmao.

Grace's cousin was sweet, I liked her. I don't care how much Grace's father loved her, he still gave her hand o an earl 20 years older than her with no hesitation. And then he thanks her for her “doing her duty because her sisters deserve happiness”? What of Grace's happiness? Seriously, fuck that dude, you don't do that to someone you love. period.

DNF 62%

God, I hated this book. Beck was so toxic, I've wasted so much time trying to read it, forcing myself to finish it but I couldn't. I hated both characters but especially Beck.

2/5

The book was boring and predictable, the only good thing about it was that it was short.

And even then what I really wanted to know wasn't answered. Did she continue her job with the agency? What happened to her Aunt's apartment? Did she find another job? Or is her partner sponsoring her life?

1/5

What a shit show. And not in a good way. The dirty talk was boring and cringy, the writing was horrible as if written by a teenager and the spicy scenes were over the top and overdramatic. Okay, they're both insatiable but who the fack comes 15 times in a row with no breaks and then isn't tired or sore even a little bit? Come on.

The whole Kitty thing was cringy, I hated that. Especially the exaggerated “Heyyyyyyyy” Did this book have no editor? The dialogue was either stilted or over the top, there was no in-between. And the weird drama with her pedophilic ex-boyfriend? Yeah, CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: her ex has a child p*rn on his computer AND he installed a program that recorded her in ber without her knowledge. That was COMPLETELY out of nowhere and wasn't even addressed afterward, just that he was arrested. Like what? You dump this problematic shit and then don't even deal with it properly? Ugh.

Another scene that stuck with me which was so weird: she puked and then he kissed her. Almost immediately after. She didn't even wash her teeth or even drink water or anything! They just went straight to kissing? What the heck?

And don't even get me started on romance. So they're online ‘friends” who know nothing about each other's lives because THEY DON'T TALK, NOT REALLY but they're suddenly in love, and after 3 days of non-stop sex they suddenly move in together? What the hell.

If I could 0 points I would. But I actually finished this horrible book and I always give the finished book 1 star. Though this wattpad like writing doesn't deserve that.

4/5
This was such a good book. I've only read Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen before and I wasn't sure about this paranormal romance with curses and magic, but boy, I have loved it.

When he was thirteen years old, King stole from the witch who cursed him and the two of his friends. Now at age 30, the witch is back and gleefully awaits his punishment. And the curse works: King loses his house, his title, and his wealth, and his estranged father is accused of treason. He has nowhere to go while everyone invades his house to reclaim the money he owes them.

One of the people is Violet, the owner of the tavern King destroyed the evening prior. He not only started a fight, but in the battle, her employee was hurt, and her supplies and furniture were destroyed. oh, and she has two little brothers to take care of, whi;e the gang leader demands taxes as well. King, hoping to escape everyone, goes with her.

Boy, I loved the chemistry between Vi and King. He was lazy, demanding, whining, and thought himself better than everyone else, and I LOVED his transformation into a caring, dependable man who was willing to risk his life to keep Violet and the boys safe. Violet was resourceful, witty, intelligent, and hardworking and I loved how much she bossed King around. He needed to humble himself before her and boy, did he deliver.

And the amazing nickname he had for her too!! So good!

While the witch and her sister weren't as prevalent in the book as I hoped for, I liked it. And the witch's sister was a surprise too, one that I hope will be continued in the sequel. I hope we get to see the sequel again from King and Violet's perspective (somehow, I don't think I can read Rory's story and not cry), especially because he was the one who received the note (though maybe his friends received next parts as well? Who knows?) and I would love to see more adventures from King and Violet's perspective.

Joshua and Georgie were so cute too! They are precious and I love them.

I cannot wait to read the sequels, I know they will be amazing as well.

Thank you, NetGalley and Draginblade Publishing for providing the ARC in exchange for the honest review.

5/5

I loved it!! It was so wholesome!! Very well-written and poetic, I love this type of narration in a historical romance. The setting was delightful, the characters were amazing and the dialogue was clever.

The ending!!! I had a stray thought early on in the book “Imagine if...” but I ignored it immediately! And yet, here we are!

Simon is so stubborn but I loved him. I loved his realization that he loved Jane. And I loved that Jame realized while she was playing cards! And he wasn't even there! I LOVE it when the characters are doing something completely ordinary, something that has nothing at all to do with the other love interest and that's when the realization hits. It's so good, always.

Jane was so good too. Her humour and wit was amazing and I can see how she could charm Simon so well, without even trying.

THE RING!!! THE RING!!!! AGSVGSDFSGDBD I was hoping this would happen!! I loved it!!

I enjoyed this book and I loved it.

4/5

Wow. Okay. I didn't expect that.

The first 40% or so was very slow and boring for me. I usually love the tension and longing, but it was getting boring quickly. Especially that constant anxiety over potentially getting fired if they gave in. I didn't like that. But then, Zanders and Stevie finally hooked up and the plot started picking up.

I liked this book more and more with each chapter. I was forcing myself to read the first half but I was excited later! The characters were more likable and I could finally root for them!

Ngl, Zanders annoyed me at the beginning with his arrogance but I liked him the more I learned about him, like Stevie. I loved their “You following me?” joke, it was cute. We see him getting intrigued by Stevie once he realizes that she doesn't give a shit about his celebrity status, which then turned into a genuine interest and then obsession (in a good way!) And when Stevie finally gave in and they hooked up, Zanders became the boy obsessed. I LOVED THAT.

He lost all chill he has ever had and he was just so in love with her! And what was amazing was to see that he was aware that he was falling for her and he didn't try to escape or run away from it - he was emotionally mature enough to know what was happening and to recognize it as a good thing. He didn't want her to know him only for his reputation as the bad boy, he wanted her to know the truth - and he wanted her to choose him. because he chose her.

That's another thing I loved. He constantly chose her first, something that nobody but her brother had ever done. The way Stevie's ex treated her was horrible and it gave her many insecurities, but I LOVED that Zanders took time and effort to teach Stevie to love herself and to be confident in herself in her body, to have faith that someone loves her and chooses her first. And the way he praised her and worshipped her was hot and incredible. Stevie deserved it and I'm glad that Zander realizes what was going on and BELIEVED what he was saying, he was so horny for her, it was hilarious.

And I loved how much Stevie loved Zanders too and taught him that she was there and he deserved to be loved.

ZANDER ADOPTING ROSE WAS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS. It was just so sweet and thoughtful! And he bought her clothes in a few different sizes, it was so sweet of him! And he protected her from her ex-boyfriend, loved that! He was so sweet, obsessed, horny, unhinged, all because of, and for Stevie. ANOTHER THING that I loved: at the beginning he had notes of every girl he hooked up with in each city, reminding him who they were and how good they were in bed. And the INSTANT Stevie gave him a chance, he deleted them all to write only about Stevie: what happened between them in each city and how much he appreciates her. Even the mundane things like her wearing his t-shirt to bed. IT WAS SO SWEET I MELTED.

All the spicy scenes were well-written, I enjoyed reading them. Tey were both so into one another, it was both hot and adorable at the same time.

I knew Rich was playing Zanders since the beginning. I knew that he was a lying piece of shit and I was so frustrated with Zanders for keeping him for so long. Thank God for Maddison for having Zanders's back and firing Rich as well. He was such a good friend! Someone Zanders needed!

Ella was so CUTE AND ADORABLE! I loved her relationship with Zanders!

But the real MVP was Ryan for me. He was such a good brother! He helped Stevie get the job and moved her to his apartment, HE WAS SO SUPPORTIVE ALL THE TIME! The decision he made regarding their mother after learning how she treated Stevie, his absolute hatred towards his former friend (Stevie's ex) after he learned what happened between them, his support of Zanders and Stevie's relationship - even when he didn't like Zanders AT ALL at the beginning, his faith and belief in Stevie and his infinite love and support - he's the best brother there is and I'm super excited to read his book next. I can hardly wait.

Overall the book was good though it had a few bad things. One, the length - it was too long for me. two, the first half was so boring. Three, the third act breakup. Sure, Zanders was trying to protect Stevie but it was still a shitty move. Though the ending was so sweet and amazing that I can almost forgive i. But four, and I think it was the worst thing about this book was the representation. or a lack of it.

I forgot that Zanders and Stevie were supposed to be Black/mixed race all the time. Usually when I'm reading a book with diverse characters, I always remember their ethnicity or race, whether because of their name or cultural things being referenced or something. The books are just full of those little details that are subtle, but still there, reminding us of who those characters are. But in this book? i don't want to say too much since I'm white and I don't want to step on someone's toes and I' trying to be as respectful as I can. But I forgot about Zanders and Stevie's race all the time. I only remembered when Stevie's skin was specifically described as light brown and when Zanders jewelry - golden his rings and chain - were described again and again. Honestly, the story wouldn't change AT ALL if the characters were white instead, or any other ethnicity/race. Which is a shame.

4/5

That was a heartwarming story, I quite enjoyed it.

We have Charlee and Oliver, two souls brought together by a school project. They start writing letters and let it turn into something more. So they plan to meet. Unfortunately, the circumstances prevent them from doing so. Now years later, they have another chance.

I liked this story. I loved the description of nature and how appreciative of it they were. But I also loved how both Charlee and Oliver were affected by one another and tried to move past what happened but they couldn't just forget. Although I think the reason why Oliver couldn't meet her remained a mystery for too long. I understand what the author tried to do but for me it dragged on for a bit. I hate the miscommunication trope and while it wasn't bad here, I was hoping for something better.

The reasons why they couldn't write later... I don't like it lol. This whole Emilio issue was so dumb, it's like the author tried really hard for the characters to have obstacles on purpose but this but was forced. I didn't like it.

I enjoyed the story though and how much they reconnected after years. The spice was good but there was some tenderness in Oliver toward Charlee and I loved it. He was so gentle and amazing!! A cinnamon roll here is much better than an alpha man imo.

I received the ARC via NetGalley.

3,75/5

Why is the person on the cover white if Bianca is a Black woman?? Where's sense or logic???

I enjoyed this story and all the changes the author made to the fairytale. Instead of 7 dwarfs we have 7 friends, the Huntsman is the Prince, and the talking glass is a parrot. I liked it.

4/5

I liked it but I wish Rich was more obsessed with Phoebe. lmao I need more romance!! The mystery is all great and fun but I keep hoping for more scenes between Phoebe and Rich. I mean they didn't even kiss yet!

3.5/5

That was cute. Not great but definitely cute. They were adorable. I love man obsessed and boy, the way he followed her like a puppy was awesome.

4/5

So. I didn't know it was the THIRD BOOK IN THE SERIES when I started to read it. Admittedly, I didn't read the whole description, but Goodreads didn't tell me that either. And then I saw some hints about Rich, a guy she was supposedly dating but not really, and some allusions to what happened previously and I was 20% in but decided to look it up. And wouldn't you know, there are more books about Phoebe.

I just wish Goodreads included this bit of information before I started reading this book lmao.

So yes, I had to read “Something Wicked” and “Spell Bound” first. Ugh. Okay. Onto this book!

After reading the previous two books, I actually appreciate the characters more.

It was fun to see Phoebe being invited to be a part of investigation since everyone knew she would just try to solve it on her own. And her partnering with Rich was amazing because it gave them more opportunity to spend time together. But I wish it was ore focused on romance, you know? The plot was all and good but I was hoping for more Rich/Phoebe content. At least their first official date. And we didn't get it.

But they FINALLY kissed??? And it was amazing. Too bad nothing else happened haha.

Overall, the book is well written but the plot of the murder mystery was confusing and over the top. And I think the author forgot a few things from her previous books - for example, Rich already knew that Phoebe was a witch, because he told her that Eudora asked him to keep an eye on her. But in this book Phoebe suddenly didn't know about that? And was shosked when she found out? She already learned about it in the previous book! A little consistency, please.

Also, there are some stylistic choices I would have done differently. For example text messages I would have preferred them to be in cursive, or even in quotation marks to differentiate them from the narration. And put them in separate paragraphs. There's nothing like this here, which makes it hard for the reader to figure out that they're part of the dialogue.

But the book was good although I wa disappointed in the lack of romance. And the fact that NetGalley didn't advertise this book as the third one in the series. It can't really be read as a standalone imo, and the marketing should have reflected it.