5⭐️ Imagine falling in love with world building and the two main characters only to get your heart ripped out in the end. That happened to me I’m left 5⭐️ Imagine falling in love with world building and the two main characters only to get your heart ripped out in the end. That happened to me I’m left with so many questions, I’m wondering what was real. The plot is so interesting and engaging. It’s incredibly fast paced and I just love everything about it
“Sleep now,” he whispers. “Sleep until I am the only thing you can think about…”
“Barbi.” He sighs, though a smile pulls at his lips. “You speak an average of two hundred and five words per minute when you are excited.” “Two hundred and five?” My lashes flutter. “That is a very exact number…” “Of course.” He nods. “I counted.” “You…counted?” He proudly nods again.
“You are so beautiful,” he murmurs in a low voice. I tip my chin down, suddenly shy. “This is the first time you’ve told me that.” “Really? My bad. I should tell it to you daily. You are absolutely stunning, Barbs.”
For all the girlies who wish they could travel to their favorite book world and fall in love with a fictional character. And for all the girlies who would choose the villain over the hero. Barbi’s favorite color might be pink, but I know yours is morally grey. ...more
5 I'm sobbing at 2am stars This series right here has ripped out my heart smashed it into a million pieces stitched it together and broke it again.5 I'm sobbing at 2am stars This series right here has ripped out my heart smashed it into a million pieces stitched it together and broke it again. Noi I am forever in your debt, thank you for introducing me to this series I'll love you for that for the rest of my life.
"Desire? Desire is a pathetic word for what I feel for you. I require you. I am sustained by you. You are the flame that fuels my fire."
What to expect: ⚔️Enemies to Lovers ⚔️Slow Burn ⚔️Found Family ⚔️ Angst ⚔️ "Touch her/him and die" ⚔️Battle scenes
I'm permanently unwell until I have book 4 in my hands.
"Show me your worst, my darling, and I'll show you how far my love can go."...more
3.75 "You think I fear my own death?" he whispered in my ear. "Every day I draw breath is as much a curse as a gift. I've been living on borrowed time 3.75 "You think I fear my own death?" he whispered in my ear. "Every day I draw breath is as much a curse as a gift. I've been living on borrowed time for longer than you can imagine. If you're the way my fate finally catches up to me, I can't fathom a beautiful end."
NOI I swear you knew it ended that way and didn't warn me. If you didn't live halfway across the world I'd strangle you. Also that ending I'm dead. Please read this book...
"Let me die with the taste of you on my lips."
Tropes Forbidden Romance Slow burn Enemies to Lover Badass Fmc Annoying childhood best friend (I'm joking not really I see you Henri)
"Don’t choose a mediocre life for a mediocre man. Go be exceptional. If he’s worth it, he won’t judge you. And if he’s really the one, he’ll come along for the ride.”
- ”For anyone who has ever been told their spark shouldn’t burn so bright and for all the people who loved them precisely because it did.”
This sounds so good Noi I’m trusting you with this one ...more
5 stars Listen here if you don't like this book, I won't take it personally (okay maybe just a little,) but to me this was absolutely perfect. Is this 5 stars Listen here if you don't like this book, I won't take it personally (okay maybe just a little,) but to me this was absolutely perfect. Is this book sad and deals with heavy topics 100%, but I really enjoyed learning in depth about Claire and Gibsie. They're romance is everything but seeing Gibsie face his demons really made feel happy. He's known as the clown but it's truly a facade to hide the inner turmoil inside. I recommend this series with my whole heart.
"You're the only person who can hold my attention. It shifts and wanders off on just about everyone else. But not you. Never you." "I love you, Claire." "I love you, too, Gerard...A lot."
Honorable mention to: --->Johnny & Shannon --->Ollie & Tadgh & Sean --->Joey & Aoife & AJ ---> Johnny's parents (pls adopt me.) --->Hughie & Feely
I hope to see a Lizzie redemption arc, because right now I loathe her. But I do see where she's coming from, I think she was being insensitive....more
3.25-3.5⭐️ “You consume me, Soph, every single part of me and I like it … Somehow you’ve become my center, and God help me, it feels right.” Something3.25-3.5⭐️ “You consume me, Soph, every single part of me and I like it … Somehow you’ve become my center, and God help me, it feels right.” Something about Lynn Painters Adult books doesn’t do it for me. I think it’s because for the most part they lack that deep emotional connection and are just focusing on the physical one. But her YA books, are amazing no complaints there they have everything I want and need in a rom-com. Overall this is my favorite one out of all her Adult books. As always Lynn Painters banter killed it. Her books feel like your favorite romance movie.
“You have to hurt to get to the good stuff.”
Plot ~ This book has a super hilarious plot line so buckle up. The book starts with our main character Sophie at the altar of her wedding. After finding out her fiancée was cheating on her she hires an objector Max to stop the wedding and reveal what her fiancée had been doing. Months later Max has a proposal she helps him object weddings for money. They start to form a friendship and hang out more and more. The only problem is that they both no longer believe in love and they get hired to object at the wedding of the girl that broke Max’s heart. The question is what do two sworn love cynics do when their hearts start to overrule their heads….
“I’m not in love but also kind of in love with you, Soph.”
Sophie~ Something I love about Sophie is that she goes after what she wants and doesn’t take crap from no one. She’s also super funny not in a cringy way but a laugh out loud one. Sophie has been cheated on multiple times in the past and has lost faith in love. What I love is that even though Max has been hurt in the past he’s still in wanting to help Sophie believe in love.
“I’m not in love but also kind of in love with you, too, Max.”
Max~ This man. Is probably the best thing that came out of this book. He’s such a gentlemen, has a great sense of humor, and is overall a great guy. What really got was the part when Sophie said he looked like Henry Cavill. Excuse me HENRY CAVILL. I was pretty much done for after that. But it’s the way he thought of Sophie this man fell first and harder. Everyone could use a Max in their life.
“Have you been stalking me, Miss Steinbeck?.” “I wouldn’t say stalking. More like investigating.”
I just realized this review is contradicting as to whether I think you should read it or not. I’m going to say that if the premise intrigues you go for it. BUT IF YOU DONT END UP LIKING IT DONT LOOK AT ME. I hope if you do pick this that you enjoy, and if you have read it already let me know what you think.
~ Preview: I have high hopes for this one. I love Lynn Painters books ...more
This book started out so strong. The 40 pages had me hooked and I was obsessed then everything kind of I'm throwing in the hat I can't anymore DNF 39%
This book started out so strong. The 40 pages had me hooked and I was obsessed then everything kind of went downhill unfortunately. I may come back to it in the future but for now I don't want to deal with this....more
Did I finish this book? Or did this book finish me? Divine Rivals most definitely finished me. My gosh, this is some of the most beautiful writing5 ⭐️
Did I finish this book? Or did this book finish me? Divine Rivals most definitely finished me. My gosh, this is some of the most beautiful writing I’ve read in the almost 2 years I’ve been reading consistently. Rebecca Ross’s words are so lyrical and magical. I’m not a person who annotates their books, but I tabbed the life out of this book.
Was I crying in my bed at 2am after finishing this? Yes. Yes I was. Wow, if I hadn’t met Lauren Roberts in person I wouldn’t have known this is her5⭐️
Was I crying in my bed at 2am after finishing this? Yes. Yes I was. Wow, if I hadn’t met Lauren Roberts in person I wouldn’t have known this is her debut novel. Powerless reads as a Romantasy from a seasoned author with a few books under their belt. The way the story put me in a chokehold and refused to let go is something I haven’t experienced in a long time. So now I can say that anything this woman writes I’m buying. I don’t care if I have to tackle an old woman for the last copy.
"Your damn mouth,” he murmured, “is the most obscenely lovely thing I’ve ever had the burden of seeing.”
I will admit I went in with expectation4.25⭐
"Your damn mouth,” he murmured, “is the most obscenely lovely thing I’ve ever had the burden of seeing.”
I will admit I went in with expectations lower than the Mariana Trench, and then had rose tinted sunglasses on as soon as I hit chapter 5. This is by far the most standout book that she has written, it talked about a lot of deeper and emotional things that I could in some veins relate to. I am not a huge fan of Ali Hazelwood, so this was her last chance since the only book I like by her is Love Theoretically. I admit this book has a lot of flaws, it is far from perfect, but I enjoyed it and that is all that matters.
“I’m sorry.” His Adam’s apple moved. “I forget to look at other things, when you’re around.”
Review: Before this review starts I would like to say I read Empire of Storms in tandem with Tower of Dawn. I 100% recommend reading iRating: 4.5 Stars
Review: Before this review starts I would like to say I read Empire of Storms in tandem with Tower of Dawn. I 100% recommend reading it like this, so in my mind the two books are one but I’ll separate them for the sake of a coherent review.
SPOILER WARNING THIS REVIEW IS A RECAP WITH OPINIONS
“You do not yield.”
This book in its entirety is Aelin and her court trying to raise an army to fight against Erawan the last Valg King. So at the beginning of the book the gang arrives at Terrasen, where they are going to have a meeting with Darrow and 2 other Lords of Terrasen. This how it went down:
Aelin: I’m Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, and I’m the Queen of Terrasen I need your armies Darrow: *flashes a piece of paper* Not according to this Me:*gasps* what’s on the paper Aelin: I’m the rightful heir of course I’m Queen Aedon: Yea she’s the Queen Darrow:*throws letter at Aelin* The Lords of Terrasen have deemed you unfit for rule and are unable to step foot in Orynth Aelin: Is it because I was an assassin Darrow: Well since you brought it up. Yes that the reason Me: I’M GOING TO SHOVE THAT LETTER DOWN YOUR THROAT Aelin:*unnervingly calm* Okay -a few minutes later- Darrow: *Makes a snide comment about Rowan* Aelin:*attacks Darrow* Darrow: *smiles* How do you expect to rule if you attack anyone you disagree with
SOMEHOW EVERYONE LEAVES ALIVE
After that fiasco they find out that Rifthold is under attack by witches. Rowan is sent to save Rowan and to go to Skull’s Bay. Naturally Rowan and Dorian arrive first, and guess what Manon saved Dorian’s ass during the attack. I saw this coming come on also the quotes-
“Hello Witchling,” “Hello Princeling”
Had me on my knees, honestly if Dorian told me to kneel at his feet I would be dropping to the ground faster than you can say “King Dorian Hallivard of Adarlan.”
So when they get there they go to talk to Rolfe. But when they get there Gavriel and Fenrys are there *que dramatic music*
Yes this review is as hectic as my experience reading Empire of Storms
So many battles are being held between Aelin’s court and Erawan’s Valg army. Before leaving Skulls Bay of course there is an epic battle and my girl Lysandra shifts into a seadragon. Kills a bunch of the Water Ilken thingies. They end up winning as they should, so Rowan and Aelin celebrate on the shore…
NOW TO ELIDE AND LORCAN
So somehow they thought it would be a good idea to pretend that Elide is a psychic and Lorcan is a sword thrower but they do. They join a traveling circus to get closer to Terrasen because Valg foot soldiers are hunting Elide.
Everything is sunshine, rainbows and lollipops until the place where the circus stops for the night is invaded by Ilken. Elide hides under some floorboards in the wagon and Lorcan with his axes wants to show off so he kills them all. If I remember correctly they got sold out by some of the circus members so they ran away and stole a guy's boat and started sailing towards Terrasen.
MANON BLACKBEAK
So with Manon lot’s of drama ensues. Manon killed a Yellowleg witch when she was saving Dorain so the Blackbeak Matron is going to kill Asterin. Manon doesn’t let this happen so to give the Thirteen time she attacks her grandmother and barely makes it out alive. Oh yes I forgot to mention Manon is the lost Crochan Queen. Yes ladies and gentlemen she’s the very thing she’s been hunting her whole life. Our lovely flower eating Abraxos flies to the ship Aelin’s court is sailing on. Manon is passed out because of blood loss and falls into the ocean. Dorian being the angel he is, jumps in to save her. Eventually after Aelin and Rowan heal her for a week she’s fine.
THE WHOLE COURT (bc they are together)
So the ship is on it’s way to Ellywe because Maeve and her Fae army are setting the continent on fire making it look like it was Aelin. They end up stopping it and the fires.
TIME SKIP BECAUSE I DON’T REMEMBER EVERYTHING WORD FOR WORD Elide and Lorcan are reunited with Aelin, Rowan, Lysandra, Aedon, Dorian, Manon, Gavriel, and Fenrys. Tears are shed, knives are being held at Lorcans throat…
THE FINAL BATTLE OF THE BOOK
Maeve's armada is attacking on the water, the night before Rowan snuck off in the middle of the night to beg his cousins to help save the woman he loves. I swear Rowan has me swooning as soon as he opens his mouth.
So Gavriel, Fenrys, Lorcan, and Aedon are each commanding a fleet of ships, Aelin is blasting her fire everywhere, and Lysandra is a Sea Dragon destroying ships. Everything is going to shit until the Whitethorn ships turn against their own and start attacking Maeve’s armada.
HONESTLY LIKE TAKE THAT MAEVE.
Elide is on the shore away from danger until Aelin realizes Maeve is on the shore. So she hurries her but to shore to go get her only to find LORCAN has her at knife point/edge???
The rest of the gang shows up besides for Rowan because apparently he’s oblivious to the fact that everyone left the ships. Anyways Maeve threatens to take Elide back with her and let Cain AKA Evil Sadistic Asshole have fun with her. Unless Aelin takes her place and she’ll hang out with Cain.
Aelin, being the protective person she is, decides to take her place and go back to Wendlyn. Since Maeve was anticipating this her minions take out an iron cage. Cain all but rips her shirt off and starts to whip her.
WHICH COMPLETELY SHATTER MY HEART
Manon is in possession of the Wyrdkeys so she can’t intervene, or else Maeve will know. Everyone else is stunned. They slap iron chains on Aelin and haul her into the coffin, and they leave. Maeve severs the blood oath with Lorcan and takes Fenrys with her.
Then my husband Rowan Whithorn show’s up and this is how it goes
“Where's Aelin,” he pants. “Where's Aelin,” he repeats growling. “Where’s my wife?”
So technically he’s Prince Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius Consort to the Queen of Terrasen. It’s a long ass title in my opinion. But yes the book ended with Aelin being taken by Maeve and Rowan leaving to search for his wife.
I cried, died, giggled, and laughed I had lots of different emotions. My friends probably thought I was insane. I loved this book and I hope you did too
The Character Ships: Aelin + Rowan (obviously) ---> Electric Love by BORNS Lysandra + Aedon (the tension) ---> Let Me Love You by Shawn Mendes (I think) Manon + Dorian (I don’t need an explanation) ---> Shameless by Camilla Cabello
Elide & Lorcan sorry but I don’t like Lorcan (at least in this book)
People I dislike: Maeve Cain Erawan Vernon (should be vermin) Arobyn (he may be dead but that hate is still strong)
"You are mine." "I am yours." "And you love me." "To whatever end."...more
So, this isn't going to be very long because this is a novella. I really liked this, I felt a sense of comfort knowing that the probability3.5 stars-
So, this isn't going to be very long because this is a novella. I really liked this, I felt a sense of comfort knowing that the probability of anyone was very low so that was nice. Here my favorite parts about the book.
-Elain's present for Azriel, I thought it was so sweet and considerate. -Snowball fight between the Illyrians. -Art studio Feyre opened for the children of Velaris. -Drunk Cassian and Feyre decorating for Solstice. -Feyre's final gift to Rhysand. -The Manor he bought for Feyre to design. -The Inner Circle being the Inner Circle.
Favorite Paragraph: "Build a house with a nursery, Feyre." My heat tightened to the point of pain, and I kissed him back. Kissed him again, and again, the property wide and clear around us. "I will," I promised....more
4.75 stars Here are my 10 reasons why you need to read this IMMEDIATLY.
1. He falls first. 2. Childhood Rivals to Lovers. 3. He knows every little thing a4.75 stars Here are my 10 reasons why you need to read this IMMEDIATLY.
1. He falls first. 2. Childhood Rivals to Lovers. 3. He knows every little thing about her 4. They COMMUNICATE 5. He's always loved her 6. She is a strong fmc 7. He buys the house her "evil" ex-fiancée was buying to spite him, because he hurt her 8. Healing and character development 9. No third act conflict 10. Julian Lopez ONE MORE THING MY HUSBAND CALAHAN KANE SHOWED UP <3...more
"Summer Romance" is a heartwarming tale that sweeps readers into a world where love knows no bounds. The story revolveRating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5 stars)
"Summer Romance" is a heartwarming tale that sweeps readers into a world where love knows no bounds. The story revolves around Ali and Ethan, two souls destined to meet. As they navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal growth, the novel explores the transformative power of genuine connection.
The characters in "Summer Romance” are skillfully crafted, each possessing a depth that makes them relatable and endearing. Ali and Ethan are not just protagonists; they are real, flawed individuals who undergo significant development throughout the narrative. The supporting cast adds layers to the story, creating a rich tapestry of relationships.
The plot is a delightful journey of love's twists and turns, expertly paced to keep readers engaged from start to finish. The narrative is not just about the romance between Ali and Ethan but also delves into broader themes such as learning to love again after loss. The well-crafted plot twists add excitement and unpredictability, keeping the reader eagerly turning pages.
Annabel Monaghan has a writing style that is both eloquent and accessible. The prose flows seamlessly, carrying the reader through the emotional highs and lows of the characters. The dialogue is natural and contributes to the authenticity of the relationships portrayed.
The novel's greatest strength lies in its ability to evoke genuine emotions. The chemistry between Ali and Ethan is palpable, and the author masterfully captures the intricacies of love. The well-developed characters, engaging plot, and evocative writing style make this novel a standout in the romance genre.
"Summer Romance" is a captivating romance novel that transcends the genre. It is a tale of love, growth, and self-discovery that will resonate with readers long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a beautifully crafted love story with depth and authenticity.
In conclusion, "Summer Romance" is a testament to the enduring power of love, skillfully penned by Annabel Monaghan. Whether you are a romance enthusiast or simply looking for a compelling story, this novel is must-read.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
Just to step away from the more serious review I absolutely adored the two main characters, I recommend this to anyone who wants to give love a second chance....more
3.5 stars "Savor It" is a delightful romantic comedy that effortlessly combines humor, heart, and a dash of whimsy. Written by Tarah DeWitt, this book 3.5 stars "Savor It" is a delightful romantic comedy that effortlessly combines humor, heart, and a dash of whimsy. Written by Tarah DeWitt, this book takes readers on a charming journey through the ups and downs of modern romance.
The story follows the endearing protagonist, Sage Byrd, a quirky and relatable individual who finds themselves entangled in a series of comical misadventures on the quest for love. The author skillfully weaves together witty dialogue, humorous situations, and genuine emotions, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The romantic elements are beautifully balanced with laugh-out-loud moments, making it a perfect feel-good read. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and their banter adds a layer of authenticity to the story. The supporting cast of friends and family members adds depth and warmth, creating a well-rounded and engaging ensemble.
"Savor It" not only delivers on the promise of a heartwarming love story but also explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth. The author's writing style is both light-hearted and engaging, making it a quick and enjoyable read for anyone in need of a romantic escape.
In conclusion, "Savor It" is a delightful rom-com that successfully combines humor, romance, and relatable characters. It's a charming escape that leaves readers with a smile on their faces and a warm feeling in their hearts—a must-read for fans of the genre.
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Tarah DeWitt, for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more