3.5/5 - My Christmas loving heart doesn’t care that it’s barely September, I was obsessed with the holiday vibes of this. Unfortunately it was just si3.5/5 - My Christmas loving heart doesn’t care that it’s barely September, I was obsessed with the holiday vibes of this. Unfortunately it was just simply too long.
I do understand the whole ‘12 days of Christmas’ thing, I really do, but Annie did not need to live Christmas Eve a dozen times. Half of that would have been perfect - not too repetitive & not close enough to 12 to feel like a missed opportunity. The days started getting rushed with a ton of details cut out near the end of the days, because the reader obviously didn’t need to continuously read much of the same thing (even though there was still a lot of that), it seemed stretched out just to purposely make it 12 days.
I didn’t love the ‘third act conflict’ because it felt like it was kinda there just because it’s typical for there to be a conflict in a romance novel. It seemed out of character for Braden. But the way it was resolved was good, so I appreciated that.
I really did adore the ‘found family’ aspect with Annie’s neighbours. I loved them all and the bond they formed with her and each other. The Tina storyline was an important topic but seemed like it didn’t add much to the story. Again, this book was just too long for my personal preference.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Why make a big point about how men and women can be just friends, just to go against it? I was so hopeful at first, and just continued to get more fruWhy make a big point about how men and women can be just friends, just to go against it? I was so hopeful at first, and just continued to get more frustrated about that as I read.
There are good things to this story. The support Hannah received from her friends and the confidence she gained was great. There were times I loved Lainey, and times she annoyed me a ton. Tyson was… just frustrating, really. He could be really funny at times but so much of his story in this was romantic/sexual, despite work and family being minorly mentioned and then basically forgotten about, and it was just so unnecessary. Let a man have female friends without thinking of them sexually. Please.
I feel like an editor told this author to put in a short discussion about contraception because of all the sex Lainey was having. But someone who regularly has casual sex with strangers without condoms because they just take each other’s word that they’re clean (without getting tested between partners) is simply dangerous.
I read this for a book club, and likely wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise but I actually am glad I read it, even though I don’t think this review reflects that. Although it did feel quite unresolved until the final chapter, and then it seemed rather rushed just to try wrap things up. The cover is beautiful, at least....more
4.5/5 - this isn’t a full 5 because I feel like a lot of this book felt like filler with a lot of unanswered questions, however I don’t read a lot of 4.5/5 - this isn’t a full 5 because I feel like a lot of this book felt like filler with a lot of unanswered questions, however I don’t read a lot of series so maybe that’s pretty common with book 2 in a trilogy? Either way, I still ate this up.
I didn’t expect this to make me sob so much. Not just cry - literally sob. Like the conversation about Ava? The journal and Paedyn’s history?? I wept.
I’m still so in love in Kai. The things he says are just so sweet and romantic, and I felt like I was constantly swooning. I’m a 34 year old woman, I should not be so obsessed with this man. But here we are. There were just so many moments in this book that had the most incredible quotes, I loved it.
Kitt’s POV being included was so interesting to me. I listened to this on audio while following along with the physical book, and really liked all of the narrators! I already knew that I liked the voices of Paedyn and Kai from Powerless, but the person who voiced Kitt did an excellent job as well.
I can’t wait to read Fearless next year and see what happens. I need to see more of Lenny. I have so many questions about Calum. I’m desperate to see the first conversation between Kai and Kitt after the end of Reckless. I need it to be April so I can get my greedy hands on the next book....more
I was super intrigued to read Freya and Luca’s story after the first book in the series, and while I really liked both of the main characters (especiaI was super intrigued to read Freya and Luca’s story after the first book in the series, and while I really liked both of the main characters (especially Luca, something about him just hooked me in), I didn’t really care for the story. This story felt more sex focused, like once they had sex even though there was still a story there it seemed a lot more minor.
I’ve read a decent amount of books by Cameron Hart before (although this is the first mafia book I’ve read) and they tend to be pretty formulaic. But I’ve read a decent amount of books by Cameron Hart before (although this is the first mafia book I’ve read) and they tend to be pretty formulaic. But that formula works for me pretty well! The story was well explained despite the short length, and felt a bit predictable, but I still had a good time. I liked Darlene & Matteo, and can’t wait to read Freya & Luca’s story next....more
I think I’d like these stories better if I read them more spaced out. They’re pretty formulaic and similar to each other, which just started to feel rI think I’d like these stories better if I read them more spaced out. They’re pretty formulaic and similar to each other, which just started to feel repetitive.
This was my first time reading Maria romance, and I am glad I gave it a try. I do like Cameron Hart’s writing, and would recommend the series!...more
I adored this. I’ve read many books by Portia MacIntosh, so I already knew that her writing just worked for me and it certainly didn’t disappoint thisI adored this. I’ve read many books by Portia MacIntosh, so I already knew that her writing just worked for me and it certainly didn’t disappoint this time either. Honestly her writing may even be more my taste now than it used to be, I couldn’t put this down.
The characters were great, the humour was perfect, and of course I wish it was longer because of how much I enjoyed it, but overall it didn’t really feel rushed even with the shorter length. I didn’t love some of the jealousy stuff and age gap related comments, which is why I’m giving this a 4 instead of a 5, but still a great read.
Definitely a quick read, but one I’d highly recommend! I think it would be a great intro into Portia MacIntosh’s writing if you’re new to her, or one you’d really enjoy if you already like her books because it felt pretty typical for one of her stories....more
I adored the idea of this book a lot more than the execution. I think part of it was that the writing just wasn’t for me, but honestly I think basicalI adored the idea of this book a lot more than the execution. I think part of it was that the writing just wasn’t for me, but honestly I think basically all of it just wasn’t for me.
Maybe if it was longer, I’d have felt more of a connection for the characters and their romance. I didn’t care for how the romance developed at all, or even the way it was hinted at before it actually happened. But I did like the tour company element, I thought that was fun.
I read this to complete a reading challenge, and it’s been on my kindle for years so I’m not disappointed that I read it but I wouldn’t reread it or rush to recommend it....more
3.5/5 - I’m so confused on how to actually review this book. I didn’t like it at first because it truly made no sense to me why this woman actually wo3.5/5 - I’m so confused on how to actually review this book. I didn’t like it at first because it truly made no sense to me why this woman actually would go on this show, or how she even could do so because she had valid reason about work and paying rent and that was within just a few pages of the book starting!
Once things developed more, I ended up needing to make a little chart on a post-it and sticking it to my kindle on who was dating who. I also noted their ages but tbh I’m not sure that actually mattered, I feel like Romi definitely seemed younger & Dan seemed older, or honestly they all could have been pretty similar in age. Overall, I don’t think their ages made much of a difference, except maybe Zana.
A lot of this seemed very unrealistic, but even saying that… I couldn’t put it down. Like I’d pick it up and feel like I read for about 20 minutes and suddenly it had been over an hour and I was 75 pages deep. I like when a book hooks me in like that and is a fast read.
I’m giving this a 3.5 despite having issues with it because it truly surprised me. I had a guess at what I thought was happening and was wrong. Overall I did have a minor issue with something that happened at the end but I actually did like it and it fit the story well. I did want a bit more from the end though, it did feel like some things were under developed or unanswered, and I think part of that may be because of how many characters there were, there just simply wasn’t enough pages to wrap everything up in a neat little bow.
I am glad I read this, but Ruth Ware has been quite mid to me with the books I’ve read and I don’t think I’ll rush to pick up more by her....more
Glad this kinda book exists, but it didn’t really work for me.
I did really like the two-page artwork at the end of each little section but the way thGlad this kinda book exists, but it didn’t really work for me.
I did really like the two-page artwork at the end of each little section but the way the stories were told and the artwork in general just wasn’t something I cared for....more
I tandem read this with Powerless, and I think that’s basically the only way this should be read. Which is tough, because it’s a great addition to theI tandem read this with Powerless, and I think that’s basically the only way this should be read. Which is tough, because it’s a great addition to the story but I know since it came out after Powerless a lot of people picked them up separately and I fear it would seem a bit… unnecessary when read alone.
I really, really liked this. I think it was a great addition to the story. But I wish it felt more tied in to the story. Which probably sounds odd, it literally takes place at the same time, but it’s still so separate. At no point in Powerless is Mak mentioned, and I desperately wish he was. Even if it was hinted at, I would have loved that. But because it wasn’t, this felt like it was very clearly written after Powerless and made to fit in to it the best way it could, and I don’t want to call it just a money grab but like… it kinda felt like a money grab.
I do highly recommend tandem reading Powerless and Powerful together, and the audiobook was well done. I just don’t think I would personally read this on its own....more
Okay I feel like I need to start this by saying I tandem read it with Powerful, which I think really added to the story & my enjoyment, but I am tryinOkay I feel like I need to start this by saying I tandem read it with Powerful, which I think really added to the story & my enjoyment, but I am trying to separate my thoughts and just review Powerless on its own. I physically read it while listening to the audiobook, and really enjoying that experience. I didn’t love the voice the narrator for Paedyn used for Kai in her chapters, but I got used to it.
This hooked me in almost instantly. I really liked the story, the characters are so well developed (both the main characters & side characters), I thought the world building made sense (rare for me with fantasy, tbh), and the banter + tension was top tier. This truly showed how hot a book can be with literally nothing sexual actually happening. The writing just worked so well for me.
I kind of felt like I wanted more out of the Resistance storyline, like I kinda forgot about it for a while tbh, but I’m curious if that will come into play more in book 2. Or maybe it won’t at all! I’m definitely intrigued to continue reading this series, and have already purchased the audiobook for it.
Definitely recommend, I went in pretty blind just because I kept seeing it recommended & I’m very glad I picked it up....more
Well I didn’t expect this book to make me cry, but here we are. Let me just start my review by saying that I really, really enjoyed this book. When I Well I didn’t expect this book to make me cry, but here we are. Let me just start my review by saying that I really, really enjoyed this book. When I first read Blade of Secrets last year, I didn’t love it. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right headspace for it or something, but it wasn’t for me. However, I don’t like when a story feels unfinished and I enjoy Tricia Levenseller’s writing, so I wanted to read Master of Iron and see how the story wrapped up. I adored it during my reread! And I will say that while I am glad I reread it before starting Master of Iron, since I enjoyed it so much on my reread, I don’t think it’s necessary to reread it to understand this book, even if it’s been a year or whatever since reading the first one. There were really good references to the first book to familiarize the reader with the story in case they forgot any details, but it didn’t feel repetitive even though I didn’t need those details personally. I really enjoyed that.
I love that this book really focused on Ziva. She’s a wonderful character and her growth is incredible. I loved meeting all of the characters in Blade of Secrets, and while that one did focus on Ziva as well, this one felt more in depth. It was also very cute and romantic, I smiled a lot reading this. Honestly, I think I had basically every emotion under the sun while reading this.
I was not a big fan of Temra in Blade of Secrets, but I was still concerned for her with how the book ended. She’s still my least favourite of the main four characters, but I did like them all. But somehow Kellyn may have shot to the top?! I would still die for Petrik, but wow did I love Kellyn in this book! In my review for Blade of Secrets after I read it for the first time, I said he was hit and miss for me. I was wrong. I almost want to edit that out of my review because of how wrong I was. He’s a precious baby angel and we love him. No misses, all hits.
I want to keep this review spoiler free, but I also want to try to explain why I gave this a 4/5 instead of a 5/5. So to try to be vague, let’s just say that I felt like I wanted a bit more from the reunion. There were some things I wished had answers for the reader sooner. Also, I personally didn’t care for the cotton spinner storyline and how that came into play near the end.
I’m so, so glad that I reread Blade of Secrets in preparation for this book, and I am even more glad that I moved Master of Iron more than I expected. This was wonderful. I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy for my shelves when this comes out in July.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
Merged review:
Well I didn’t expect this book to make me cry, but here we are. Let me just start my review by saying that I really, really enjoyed this book. When I first read Blade of Secrets last year, I didn’t love it. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right headspace for it or something, but it wasn’t for me. However, I don’t like when a story feels unfinished and I enjoy Tricia Levenseller’s writing, so I wanted to read Master of Iron and see how the story wrapped up. I adored it during my reread! And I will say that while I am glad I reread it before starting Master of Iron, since I enjoyed it so much on my reread, I don’t think it’s necessary to reread it to understand this book, even if it’s been a year or whatever since reading the first one. There were really good references to the first book to familiarize the reader with the story in case they forgot any details, but it didn’t feel repetitive even though I didn’t need those details personally. I really enjoyed that.
I love that this book really focused on Ziva. She’s a wonderful character and her growth is incredible. I loved meeting all of the characters in Blade of Secrets, and while that one did focus on Ziva as well, this one felt more in depth. It was also very cute and romantic, I smiled a lot reading this. Honestly, I think I had basically every emotion under the sun while reading this.
I was not a big fan of Temra in Blade of Secrets, but I was still concerned for her with how the book ended. She’s still my least favourite of the main four characters, but I did like them all. But somehow Kellyn may have shot to the top?! I would still die for Petrik, but wow did I love Kellyn in this book! In my review for Blade of Secrets after I read it for the first time, I said he was hit and miss for me. I was wrong. I almost want to edit that out of my review because of how wrong I was. He’s a precious baby angel and we love him. No misses, all hits.
I want to keep this review spoiler free, but I also want to try to explain why I gave this a 4/5 instead of a 5/5. So to try to be vague, let’s just say that I felt like I wanted a bit more from the reunion. There were some things I wished had answers for the reader sooner. Also, I personally didn’t care for the cotton spinner storyline and how that came into play near the end.
I’m so, so glad that I reread Blade of Secrets in preparation for this book, and I am even more glad that I moved Master of Iron more than I expected. This was wonderful. I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy for my shelves when this comes out in July.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!...more
I’m aware that this book only came out 3 days ago and it’s my fault for reading it so soon and now I have to wait almost 14 (!!!) months until book 3,I’m aware that this book only came out 3 days ago and it’s my fault for reading it so soon and now I have to wait almost 14 (!!!) months until book 3, however that simply just feels rude.
I’m so obsessed with this. I’m giggling and kicking my little feet at just how friken cute and romantic this is. And not just the romance, but the friendships are also perfect!! I love that there’s multiple little side romances as well and everyone just loves each other and cares about each other’s well being and makes sure their friends all know how incredible they each are. Literally obsessed.
This book immediately sucked me in. This may be more of a 4.5 because towards the end I felt like the world was confusing me a bit, but I still had a good little time, so. 5 stars. Will absolutely reread this. Cannot recommend enough. It’s just so unserious about so many things but still just the perfect combination of telling the story while having fun with it.
He’d been built to covet his control, and this woman seemed to be built to unravel it....more
Okay so let me start by saying that the narrator of the audiobook made me want to quickly DNF but I’m so glad I kept going, because I adored this storOkay so let me start by saying that the narrator of the audiobook made me want to quickly DNF but I’m so glad I kept going, because I adored this story and the characters.
It’s so trope-y and tongue-in-cheek, and just a fun little time. There’s absolutely serious topics talked about as well, and it’s done well, but overall this just was so witty and I can’t wait to read book 2. I love the found family trope and felt like that was developing well throughout the book. This has such a great group of characters, and seeing their interactions and friendships develop was just so good.
While this is not steamy at all, it’s SO romantic. I loved that it was dual POV and getting to see both Evie and the Villain’s thoughts, it added so much to the story. They’re so obsessed with each other but such little idiots about it, I’m excited to see how their story continues to develop. I shouldn’t love the nickname ‘little tornado’ as much as I do.
Was this perfect? No. But I throughly enjoyed myself and am excited to continue the series, and would definitely recommend it! I have heard that it came from a TikTok series, which I haven’t seen. I assume it’s fine if you have but certainly not necessary if you haven’t....more
I’m aware that these authors claim the main character is 42 years old, but realistically everyone in this book is at leasWell. This was disappointing.
I’m aware that these authors claim the main character is 42 years old, but realistically everyone in this book is at least a decade older than their states ages, but I’d say closer to two decades. Or incredibly old fashioned. Or both! That detail alone took me out of the story a lot - why are basically all the women widows? One of them, sure, sometimes people lose their partner too young. But multiple? Absurd.
Every man lusts after Charlene, yet she falls for a ghost that she spends no time with because he just constantly disappears whenever he doesn’t like a conversation (which is every conversation he’s involved in) soo idk when that could have developed?? There’s too many characters. Many of which didn’t really matter, there was a whole lot of red herrings going on but I assume that’s because this is book 1 in a series so it was developing things for future books.
I just really didn’t care for any of the characters. The story could have been okay, I liked the idea but not the execution. I will not be continuing on with the series, and I think my copy will be pretty quickly put into a little free library in hopes that the next person has a better time with it than I did....more
I read Trick of the Light earlier this year and it quickly became one of my favourite books. While Lit Up felt more of a just-okay read for me, I am rI read Trick of the Light earlier this year and it quickly became one of my favourite books. While Lit Up felt more of a just-okay read for me, I am really glad that I read another book by AM LaMonte and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up even more by her.
The story is definitely unique, and I love that, but for some reason it just didn’t hook me in. I liked the characters, but didn’t love them. I found Val’s work situation to be super frustrating, but I do like how things ended up.
Cute & quick read, and I’m glad I picked it up!
”’You’re an asshole’ was a pickup line?” “I was just trying to make an argument for what we had in common.”...more
I’m going to keep this short. I don’t have anything good to say about this book. The title is fun, and the description intrigues me, but at no point dI’m going to keep this short. I don’t have anything good to say about this book. The title is fun, and the description intrigues me, but at no point did I ever actually enjoy this.
There’s so many characters, and each seemed to have their own story and stories that connected with each other. And I didn’t find myself caring about any of them. Also, it’s weird that a book called The Cautious Travellers Guide to the Wastelands constantly referred to a book also called The Cautious Travellers Guide to the Wastelands, and included snippets from it in this book.
Anytime. It’s certainly a unique story. So that’s something. Time to move on....more
This was definitely a unique story, one that I’m not entirely sure I necessarily liked, but I think there was a lot of really good messages and I do aThis was definitely a unique story, one that I’m not entirely sure I necessarily liked, but I think there was a lot of really good messages and I do appreciate how those were all handled.
I think this just wasn’t for me. I didn’t really care for any of the main characters and the story didn’t intrigue me.
While I understand why this sayI think this just wasn’t for me. I didn’t really care for any of the main characters and the story didn’t intrigue me.
While I understand why this says it can be read as a stand-alone, there were multiple occasions where I think I would have been less confused had I read the first book in this series.
There were moments that were hot, and it was a pretty quick read so I’m not disappointed that I read it. I just wish that I liked it more than I did....more
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