It's In His Kiss has, by far, left me feeling the most conflicted of any Bridgerton novel to this point.
Hyacinth Bridgerton may be my favo3.75 stars.
It's In His Kiss has, by far, left me feeling the most conflicted of any Bridgerton novel to this point.
Hyacinth Bridgerton may be my favorite of the Bridgerton daughters. She's thoroughly enigmatic, hilarious and has a concrete sense of self. She definitely had youngest child syndrome in the very best way. We also get quite a bit of Lady Danbury in this story, given that Gareth is her grandson and also has a close relationship with Hyacinth. There are also some wonderful Violet moments (as per usual, she's the very best of them). Though Anthony's appearance was just too good and had me laughing a ton.
However.
(view spoiler)[The way my heart fucking dropped when it became apparent that Gareth intended to 'ruin' Hyacinth to ensure that they would marry. I had been really enjoying Gareth up until that point, but once this occurred I felt so gross. It reminded me of the first book when Daphne assaulted Simon. Like what the actual fuck?? It icked me out so hard and made getting back into the story very difficult. Like, how am I supposed to root for a character who is sexually manipulating an innocent woman to ensure his own gain? It was a real bummer. Gareth has so many great moments before and after this event, and I just don't understand why it had to happen that way. (hide spoiler)]
While that definitely threw me for a loop, in the end there was still a lot to be able to enjoy and I actually think I liked this better than Francesca's story, but alas, this had to be rated lower for moral reasons....more
I'm sorry, I haven't even finished the newest season of Bridgerton. But I *know* the thing about the setup for Francesca's story (view spoil3.5 stars.
I'm sorry, I haven't even finished the newest season of Bridgerton. But I *know* the thing about the setup for Francesca's story (view spoiler)[aka how Michael is being turned into Michaela (hide spoiler)] and I gotta say - what???
Of all the stories to want to dissect and change, this is the one they're choosing to do so starkly? Like, Eloise's story is right there ripe and screaming to be revamped. And with how Eloise has been characterized in the show it would make soooo much more sense for changes to be made for her. It just doesn't make sense. I'm sure whatever the show does will be entertaining, but it's going to be truly missing so much of the original story and the journey the characters go through.
Moving on from my bitching (lol), overall When He Was Wicked was very enjoyable for me. It tapped into some heavy emotions and I feel like Francesca was a fantastic lead to handle the story with. I loved that, while we didn't get to spend a lot of time with John, it never felt like Francesca's love story with him was inconsequential (view spoiler)[something I fear the Netflix show will do (hide spoiler)] and that felt super important to the development of the story.
Also, Michael has got to be the most down bad of any male love interest in the series so far. The way Francesca is the very air he breaths, I just cannot. ...more
Y'all, I'm flabbergasted. Truly, my flabbers are gasted.
I had to go look through my reading updates for the first 4 2.5 stars generously rounded up.
Y'all, I'm flabbergasted. Truly, my flabbers are gasted.
I had to go look through my reading updates for the first 4 books before writing this review, just to confirm that I genuinely enjoyed them. This book had me straight up questioning whether I really liked this series, that's where we're at lol.
Sure, Eloise is completely uncompelling and essentially ran off to meet a man she'd never met because she was spiraling that her best friend, Penelope, got herself a man, when Eloise always used Penelope's spinsterhood as a reassurance for her own decision not to marry. I know, sounds pretty shitty.
However, she is miraculously not even the issue.
Phillip Crane, welcome to your tape.
When I tell you that Phillip Crane is such a crusty ass piece of shit, you won't ever catch me adding Sir before his name. I have so much beef with that nasty skank bitch, I don't even know where to begin. He was awful to Marina, awful about her clear illness (idgaf about time period with this, come on I just wanna read a MMC who can show basic human compassion), awful to his children, fake af in his letters to Eloise, super fucking inappropriate in ways that weren't hot (lol), and was just overall a misogynistic mega tool who literally does not shut up for the entire book about how he just wants a wife so she can take care of his life and children so he can dick around with his plants all day and then fuck her at night when he's done. *deep inhale after run-on rant*
Essentially, if I saw a horse kick him I'd be like, 'oop, oh well gotta go to the modiste now, bye'.
Other than that, this story was just a miss. The premise was not hitting, it wasn't fun, neither were Eloise and Phillip, and there so many things I felt were poorly handled, such as Marina's post-partum and, ya know, Phillip Crane in his entirety.
Violet Bridgerton, at least, remains an absolute delight ❤️...more
While Wildfire was cute, it wasn't Icebreaker. Nate and Stassi were more entertaining for me than Russ and Aurora, but I also found Russ an3.75 stars.
While Wildfire was cute, it wasn't Icebreaker. Nate and Stassi were more entertaining for me than Russ and Aurora, but I also found Russ and Aurora to feel super authentic in how they connected. They just weren't as engaging for me, and given how the only plot there is is them there was only so far for the story to go, especially plucked out of the Maple Hills school year.
One thing that I'm still just not sure about is why Hannah Grace likes to sprinkle in info on background characters that can't be seen through in the book the info is sprinkled in. Like, what was all that at the end about Russ's brother? Is there going to be off-shoots for the series and Grace is just doing some preemptive groundwork? Very curious lol
Overall, this was a really fluffy, fun read and I'm enjoying getting to know more of the Maple Hills gang!...more
Nate and Anastasia has absolutely zero business being so adorably captivating. They're a couple I actually believe. It made me want sooooo m4.5 stars.
Nate and Anastasia has absolutely zero business being so adorably captivating. They're a couple I actually believe. It made me want sooooo much more. Like, Hannah Grace could have taken a page out of Emily Rath's playbook and given me a 700 page hockey romance and I would have eaten ~ it ~ up ~!
Because, in the end, I actually really did want more. Just more of everything. I enjoyed being in this world with these characters so much. The end wrapped up way quicker than I expected, and I do wish there'd been more resolution for certain plot points by the end. (view spoiler)[And Aaron got off way too easy, in my opinion. (hide spoiler)]
I'm excited to continue with the series, most definitely!...more
Mateer mixes mythology with personal whimsy, art and heart in Artemis Made Me Do It.
There were a few moments at the beginning that I feared Mateer waMateer mixes mythology with personal whimsy, art and heart in Artemis Made Me Do It.
There were a few moments at the beginning that I feared Mateer was going to succumb to the popularized bite sized poetic platitudes that I see far too often in popularized modern poetry. Thankfully, she had only just been gearing up and proceeded to provide the skill I've come to know her for.
It was no Honeybee but it's definitely something I want to own a physical copy of. It's just a lovely piece of art, overall....more
The emotion I'm left with post-Supernova is simply perplexed. Perplexed at what comes next.
Soooo much occurs in such little time, and for one of the oThe emotion I'm left with post-Supernova is simply perplexed. Perplexed at what comes next.
Soooo much occurs in such little time, and for one of the only times in the series, events feel rushed. I no longer understood how we got to where we were by way of what had already happened. It was like the flow was completely off.
By no means do I mean to say this wasn't good - it was. Kibuishi hits us with more than one bombshell and also harkened back to the persevering connection of the Hayes family that initially hooked me into these characters. Events get pretty intense and also unsettling at times (no, I'd never like to see the Elf King again, thank you).
As to why I'm perplexed - Supernova could have feasibly been the final book. It would have been unsatisfying, sure, and also would have left some unanswered questions. But what I anticipated to be the biggest event of the finale happened here?
Which leaves me with two potential options for the final book - either we get sunshine and happiness or this is just the calm before the storm and I need to prepare myself for some serious devastation. I just have no idea how high stakes to expect it to be. Kibuishi has definitely caused some emotional damage, but also it's a middle grade series and I don't know how far he would go to break our hearts in the final book. ...more
Holy cow. Genuinely every time I think 'there's no way this could get more interesting' I'm fantastically proven wrong!
One of my favorite thi4.5 stars
Holy cow. Genuinely every time I think 'there's no way this could get more interesting' I'm fantastically proven wrong!
One of my favorite things about the Amulet series is how seamlessly it manages to weave together a greater story with each new volume, all while building something you don't see until it's right in front of your face even though it's been in the background the whole time. I also love that we seem to be constantly learning more about all the characters in such a subtle but profound way. I truly don't know how Kibuishi does it.
The mystery! The twists! The revelations! It's just been so stunning. Is it possible that this is going to truly wrap up satisfyingly in only two more volumes? I wish it would go on forever! ...more
Escape from Lucien felt almost like falling further down the rabbit hole that is this story and war.
There are callbacks to various events a3.75 stars
Escape from Lucien felt almost like falling further down the rabbit hole that is this story and war.
There are callbacks to various events and characters we met within the first two or so books. Context is added to elements that have been around for the duration of the series but are only now being explained - funny thing being that I hadn't even questioned the lack of information because the world felt unquestionable. Ever continued praise to Kibuishi's world building!
Meanwhile we are met with tons of action and a few intense moments that proved to be fairly nerve-wracking. The higher feeling stakes mixed with the introduction of another intriguing character made for a great next addition to the series.
Finally, I'd be remiss without mentioning how completely unnerving The Voice is. Truly dreadful. ...more
Hannah is, in many ways, fairly different than the MC archetype I've seen in Hazelwood's work, so far. The unfortunaLeast favorite Hazelwood to date.
Hannah is, in many ways, fairly different than the MC archetype I've seen in Hazelwood's work, so far. The unfortunate thing about this though is that she is completely mishandled.
If you've been reading these novellas and books in The Love Hypothesis series, then you know that the heroines tend to be, erm, I guess sexually repressed doesn't sound the nicest? But alas, they all kind of are. And that's fine! My main ick with that has just been the sexual repression x lack of experience consistently being paired with 'ginormous man who can barely fit inside her' thing.
Not in Below Zero though, folks! Never fear, our protagonist Hannah is here! Hannah has a staunch No Dating rule and is only interested in casual hookups. Sex? Yes. Emotional intimacy? Oh - if you hear faint screeching sound, that's just Hannah fleeing away from the mere mention of it.
It really was a bummer to be introduced to a character who has a sex life, only for that sex life to be a weaponized front to unhealthily avoid emotional attachment for fear of imminent abandonment. At the end of the day, I'm just not sure what Hazelwood's intended message is in regard to her main characters experiences with sex within all of her books.
The fuck all part of it all is that this is still getting a solid 3 stars, because even when I am really not vibing with certain things, Hazelwood somehow continues to entertain. Slay. ...more
This is probably my least favorite Hazelwood to date. And you know what? I still really liked it!
Sure, Stuck with You has every single one o3.75 stars
This is probably my least favorite Hazelwood to date. And you know what? I still really liked it!
Sure, Stuck with You has every single one of the tropes that is put into each of Hazelwood’s books. But I can deal with that, because I enjoy the writing, the humor, the heat, and the various situations. And there was genuine chemistry between these characters.
This isn’t to say that there weren’t problems. Sadie is a piece of work. I just cannot deal with characters, especially adult characters, who are so hell bent on avoiding the development of even the smallest bit of healthy communication skills. And girly pop was hell bent on avoiding. She avoided like it was a goddamn Olympic sport.
On another note, I think I most dislike how each of these books seems to focus on a lead who has very little sexual experience. To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with that at all. But in the context of these stories, I find the mixture of the continued lack of sexual experience and the emphasis on how small these leading ladies all are to be a bit…off putting. ...more
Here's the thing - The Troop is good. But not that good.
Maybe we've got another case of 'Tarryn was too hype and the book couldn't live up t3.5 stars
Here's the thing - The Troop is good. But not that good.
Maybe we've got another case of 'Tarryn was too hype and the book couldn't live up to it' but I can't help but be a little disappointed. I just expected more. It's got such a batshit premise, ready to be rife with the most abjectly horrifying content. But it almost felt too safely played. It was more gross than scary. I went into it expecting a far, far worse outcome than what we received. Especially as we learned more about the characters *coughSHELLEYcough* I thought, oh things are gonna get reeeeeal bad.
And sure, they were bad. But it could have been far more gruesome and complex. Honestly, the hardest parts of this book were any moments of animal abuse. Because, yes, I can handle the deaths of 14 year olds better than the death of a kitten or a turtle. Sue me.
Plenty of people will find The Troop to be within or beyond what they can handle. And for them I say, go for it. You'll be squirming, and I love that for you. For me, I'll eyeball some more of Cutter's work and eventually see if he can wow me the way everyone told me he would with this one. ...more
My opening is for the haters - and no disrespect as I, too, often drink that haterade. ~However~, if you like a lot of development (i.e. longer; slow My opening is for the haters - and no disrespect as I, too, often drink that haterade. ~However~, if you like a lot of development (i.e. longer; slow burn), and don't gravitate toward Hazelwood's stories due to a disdain for the fact that they all include big man/smol woman, clueless heroine, grumpy hero, miscommunication trope, explicit spicy scene in the final act, and - specific to this novella - forced proximity with a dash of 'maybe ya'll shouldn't be fuckin' if you don't have a condom and can't confirm you're clean'- *big gasp* - then just, like...skip this one ...more
Pre-reading I did a very cursory glance at the rating compared to The Love Hypothesis and the reviews. Then I did my best to go into it not scared, bePre-reading I did a very cursory glance at the rating compared to The Love Hypothesis and the reviews. Then I did my best to go into it not scared, because whoa, those were a lot of one stars right out the gate.
Color me surprised when I quickly realized how much more I enjoyed Love on the Brain.
Sure, are there valid critiques that I think matter to *some* readers? Of course. Yeah, the mains in this book feel like the mains in the first, just in a slightly different font. And yes, the clueless lead who can't imagine being liked is absolutely still in play. As well as the dreaded miscommunication trope - though I actually found it much more tolerable in Love on the Brain because the miscommunication made a loooot more sense.
However, for me, none of these are deal breakers. What I care about while reading is if I'm engaged and enjoying the reading experience for what it is, and I 100% did.
I also just enjoyed all the characters even more here, and I found that there was more depth to each of them. As a character girly, gimme allllll of that. While I left The Love Hypothesis happy with the outcome, I finished Love on the Brain wanting to follow the lives of Bee and Levi, as well as the secondary characters, for longer than we were given. Absolutely loved!...more
Prince of the Elves serves as a slower moving game piece within the wider game at play. While not much actively happens in regard to the current war mPrince of the Elves serves as a slower moving game piece within the wider game at play. While not much actively happens in regard to the current war moving forward, we are given multitudes in background. The majority of volume 5 provides us even more insight into Max, Trellis's lineage, and more excitingly, the voice of the stone.
In the past I had rated this a 3 star read, because past me was just silly like that, I suppose. Prince of the Elves absolutely deserves the higher rating it has now, for it really was a vehicle of great knowledge and context for the story as a whole.
On another note, I found the art of this volume to be especially superb. (view spoiler)[Kibuishi really put his whole Kibussy into this one, folks. (hide spoiler)] <--not a spoiler, just not an appropriate comment for the age range of this series, but one I absolutely could not stop myself from making ...more
It's been a while since I visited this universe, and with the first little vignette we're given in the Pucking Ever After: Volume 1 collection, I thouIt's been a while since I visited this universe, and with the first little vignette we're given in the Pucking Ever After: Volume 1 collection, I thought maaaaybe I should have let it be. It was very cheesy, honestly.
But then Rath got back to what makes these four work - very dirty sex lol Honestly, they're all kind of insufferable unless they're banging each other. Except for Mars, he's perfect as always.
Overall, this collection was a fun little look into the lives of Team Price and I'm reminded why I ultimately really enjoyed Pucking Around and renewed my interest in continuing the series.
Book 3 of The Arcana Chronicles continues to absolutely serve, and it serves hard.
The tension! The horror! The tolerable love-angst! Cole co4.5 stars
Book 3 of The Arcana Chronicles continues to absolutely serve, and it serves hard.
The tension! The horror! The tolerable love-angst! Cole continues to expand on the absolutely bonkers world she's built in ways that constantly makes me need more.
I love how action packed this series is and Dead of Winter does not slow down the pace, whatsoever. As we continue to see a convergence of Arcana, we meet new players and every time we learn something, we're also left with more questions. It's just genuinely so well done and engaging from start to finish.
As I've been rereading the books in the series I've already gone through in prep for the books I haven't, I will say I may have come to loath Jack just a little bit less. This is probably the first entry in the series where I don't find him completely abhorrent the entire time. But you will absolutely have to pry my love for Aric out of my cold, dead fingers ...more
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