For a series with so much potential, the final installation was a bust. It was filled with so much more unnecessary tripe than necessary, making it boring and long-winded.
I struggled to finish it, even though it's an audiobook I had sped up to 2 times speed and skipped particularly gag-worthy sections.
There was possibly one part of the whole book I liked: THE SCENE with The Thirteen. If you've read/listened to the book, you know the one. This scene showed that Sarah J. Maas is so much more than pandering to horny teens who want longing looks and every major character paired off.
Good story, epic story, better than Queen of Shadows.
Would have been 200% better without all the gratuitous sex and detailed looking into each other's eyes. It went from epic story to cheap teen harlequin and back again. It's as if the author is just pandering to her teen audience and giving them sex to sell books.
Good book if you're happy to skip the sex scenes because there are many. like come on, you're trying to save the world, not get in each other's pants.
This book is much like eating drive-thru McDonald's. Seems like a good idea at the time, enjoyable and addictive, but leaves a bad taste in your mouth. This book had been popping up like the plague, constantly being recommended based on previous purchases or other books looked at, but it was disappointing at best.
I read this book in one go, reading late into the night. Reading this was similar to reading Twilight, only slightly better. There were scenes that promised more, but they were surrounded by scenes that made me cringe and rush through. I wanted to know what happened, I hoped it would get better, but the outcome and story were predictable. It was nice, at times, and at others it seemed to be pushing too far to get an emotional response.
I wanted to like it, I really did, but the book left me wishing it could have been more.
The story it self was good, but the writing in parts felt like it descended into badly written fan fiction. It felt as if the author still wanted to include sections that she clearly didn't feel were important or parts that were not the main section of the story, but the way in which she rushed over them made me wish they would have just been left out all together
Furry Chaos and Fiery Romance: Taruk and Zoe's Unlikely Love Story in the Alien Hotel Universe
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance Novella
Series: Y
FMC: Zoe
MMC: Taruk
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Heat:
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Y
FMC: Kat
MMC: Dennis
POV: First Person, Second Person, Third Person, Multi POV, Dual POV
Heat:
Just finished the first book in a series and I'm hooked! Despite my initial hesitation as a fan of fast-burn stories, this slow-burn romance captured me from start to finish. The plot is captivating, and the chemistry between characters builds gradually, keeping me eagerly turning the pages. Now, I'm impatiently waiting for the sequels to satisfy my craving for more of this enchanting story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Oxford Star” is a delightful and emotionally rich romance featuring a world-famous rockstar, Jack, and the bold and intelligent Lucy. Their strong connection, romantic gestures, and the endearing friend group, SKULK, create a captivating narrative. Set in Britain, the novel skillfully weaves cultural elements into the story, enhancing its charm. The exploration of anxiety adds depth, while the mention of the antagonist, Gary, introduces a compelling tension. Overall, it's a must-read for those who enjoy heartfelt romance with a touch of cultural flair and emotional depth.
I had so much hope for this book, the set-up sounded great and the cover is DIVINE! but it's obviously written by a man unfamiliar with the female perspective, it felt predictably cringey and a bit boring. Despite its harmlessness, poking fun at it feels like teasing a well-meaning friend. Despite its flaws, it manages to stay on the harmless side.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Lisa Renee Jones introduces a gripping narrative in the first part of Damion and Alana's story, ‘Protege King.' The plot unfolds with a dynamic mix of suspense, surprises, and a myriad of events that kept me thoroughly engaged. As the story reached its climax, a jaw-dropping cliffhanger on the final page left me stunned, eagerly awaiting the release of the next book in the series. LRJ's storytelling prowess shines through, crafting an intricate and must-read tale that skillfully weaves together romance and suspense, making it a compelling recommendation for fans of the genre.”
“Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other” by Bethany Turner offers a mixed experience for fans of enemies-to-lovers and small-town romances. The protagonist, Brynn Cornell, falls short of expectations, with a slow character development that left the reviewer wanting more. The titular enemies-to-lovers theme is criticized for its abrupt execution, lacking the gradual build-up typical of the trope.
While the first half of the book struggles to engage due to Brynn's perceived shortcomings, the second half shines with a sweeter small-town narrative. The likability of supporting characters, particularly Sebastian, adds charm to the story. Despite reservations about Brynn, Sebastian's character is praised as more likable and attachable, redeeming the overall experience.
The reviewer awards the book three stars, suggesting it may still appeal to those fond of sweet small-town romances despite its flaws.
Unfortunately, Ms. Perfectly Fine left me in a reading funk, and finishing it felt like a prolonged journey. The plot revolves around Autumn, a concert pianist making a comeback after a traumatic incident, disrupted by unexpected distractions in her living space. Despite being marketed as enemies-to-lovers, the slow pacing and the absence of genuine animosity from Elijah didn't deliver the anticipated tension.
While I appreciated the portrayal of Autumn's struggles with chronic pain, the addition of a stalker/mystery subplot felt unnecessary and detracted from the main narrative. It left me wishing for a more focused exploration of the core themes.
In the end, Ms. Perfectly Fine didn't meet my expectations, and I would caution others to consider skipping it. The unfulfilled promise of the enemies-to-lovers theme, combined with a slow plot and an unnecessary subplot, made this a challenging and less enjoyable read for me.
Thank you to Maya Jean for an ARC of The Husband Experience. This is my honest review.
Sigh. This book may not be perfect, but it filled my heart with love and happy tears. ❤️
At only 154 pages, it managed to deliver everything I wanted—happiness, joy, a touch of heartbreak, and a strong belief in happy endings. The chemistry between Colby, who lost his husband three years ago, and Eli, a PhD student working as an escort, was electric. Their “husband experience” quickly turned into something much deeper, with feelings growing naturally despite their professional boundaries.
I usually avoid the dead ex trope, but the way Colby's love for Marcus was honored while he fell for Eli was beautiful and respectful. It reminded me of Sleepless in Seattle—finding magic in love again without erasing the past.
This book gave me all the feels and left me with a huge smile. I'm excited to see what comes next in the series!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Y
FMC: Pippa
MMC: Dillon
POV: First Person, Second Person, Third Person, Multi POV, Dual POV
Heat:
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Genre: Mafia Romance
Series: Y
FMC: Mia
MMC: Gabriel
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Heat:
This scintillating femdom book by the author doesn't disappoint. Alora's encounter with hockey star Liam is just the starting point, leading her into the enticing world of three hockey team members and their captivating Domme girlfriend. While the story is brief, it weaves a tantalizing narrative, offering a blend of steamy encounters and a hint of plot, catering to a variety of tastes. A quick yet alluring read that packs in heat and intrigue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In the high-stakes world of sports agents, Paige and Zach, fierce competitors, succumb to passion during a steamy night in Vegas. When Paige's client considers a switch, their professional rivalry turns personal. This short, sizzling romance weaves desire and competition into a satisfying happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liza Snow's “Obedience” is a heartwarming yet suspenseful tale following Cassandra's dream of becoming a silk aerialist at Cirque du Lys. The unexpected connection with her admired professor, Candler, adds electrifying chemistry. The characters' secretive pasts and struggles create a compelling narrative, with moments of tension and surprising twists that kept me hooked. The banter between Cassandra and Candler is engaging, and the chemistry between them is portrayed perfectly. The book's ending took me by surprise, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next chapter. “Obedience” is a captivating journey skillfully crafted by Liza Snow.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Written well, and an enjoyable read, but the character connection fell short. Greg's growth shines but lacked deeper bonds with Mario and others. This is my first book by this author; intrigued to try another. The ending left me wanting more closure, which I'll hopefully get in the next book in the series.
Dr Jack Williams is a rich single dad who is her brother's best friend she loves to hate and has a history with. Sophie is a burnt-out ex-lawyer turned nanny who hasn't been home in years and has returned home for her brother's wedding. She's the Maid of Honour, he's the Best Man, and they have to share a guesthouse for two weeks while they help the happy couple make their wedding perfect.
These two have great chemistry and have great banter.
I thought the book started a bit rushed, while I hate a story that drags on, I also want some character development and depth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was so sweet! The Flower Shop Arrangement by R. Cayden is filled with fluff and honest caring, making it a delightful read. The story revolves around Nicholas, a hopeless romantic who's always dreamed of love and a relationship. But just this once, he decides to dip his toes into the hook-up scene—enter Clay, the awkward loner carpenter who's inherited a building in the heart of the gay district.
Nicholas and Clay become fast friends, and as the lines blur between friendship and something more, Nicholas realizes his heart is fully invested. On the other hand, Clay has always shunned relationships, preferring solitude, but Nicholas makes him question everything. He starts doing sweet things for Nicholas, just to see him smile, and even finds himself smiling along.
The looming expiration date of their arrangement weighs heavily on them both, with Clay knowing he might break Nicholas's heart when he eventually leaves. But their connection is undeniable, and neither can hold back anymore.
These two were adorable as hell, even if their secret rendezvous and growing feelings were much less secret than they thought.