starryeyedreader78's reviews
358 reviews

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I loved this book! 

This time, we get multiple POVs and more backstory for the Nightmare! Elm's POV was interesting as we dealve deep into the political side. We also get a sweet romance. Elspeth's POv is where we learn so much more about the Nightmare (since the events of the first book). These were some of my favorite chapters! Lastly is Ravyn's POV. His is where most of the Providence Card plot comes into play. There are some really great and heartbreaking moments in these sections, especially near the end!

The Nightmare is by far my favorite part of this book. He's so much more than just the monster he seems to be. 

While the romance between Elspeth and Ravyn wasn't the focus, there were still some sweet moments. Another romance took hold, which I won't spoil. I will admit it wasn't my favorite part. It was still really sweet. 

This duology was so much more than I expected! If you're looking for a great Gothic fantasy, please do yourself a favor and pick k this one up!

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book! The characters are deep, complex,  and have real personality. Especially Elspeth, Ravyn, and Elm!

The Providence Card and infected are such unique magic system.  The way the cards work and how they will eventually corrupt the user is so refreshing. 

I love the relationship between Espeth and Ravyn. They go from guarded to friends to lovers in a realistic way.  They are clearly drawn to each other while trying to keep things simple.  I'm happy with the way their relationship has evolved. 

I'm so curious about the Nightmare. What is he really up to? What is going to happen to Elsepth now?

I can't wait to start book two!
Coven of Ill Repute by S. L. Prater

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Land Of Ashes by Stacey Marie Brown

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Till Death by Miranda Lyn

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I had the privilege of getting this ARC a week ago, and I'm completely obsessed! 

From the very beginning, I was hooked. The writing was beautiful. The intriguing was plot with some great twists. The characters were wonderfully complex. The smut was great. But most of all, the tension of a real enemies toblovers story was delicious!

Deyania is a wonderfully broken woman. As Death's Maiden, she is left feeling broken and hopeless. Her journey is a beautiful one of finding the thing she truly needs.

Orin is dark, mysterious, dangerous, and would burn the world for those he loves. His darkness draws her in like a moth to flame. Honestly, I would be too ๐Ÿ˜

I loved all the characters, especially the side characters. Hollis, Quill, and Paesha are wonderful. They bring a richness to Dey's world as well the readers. 

For those interested, be prepared for a true enemies to lovers story with some Moulin Rouge vibes, a beautiful found family, some heartwarming, and heartbreaking moments. I can't recommend this book enough! 

Serpents of Sky and Flame by Rebecca F. Kenney

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I was blessed with the ARC of this book! 
This book has some great potential! I loved the world of dragons and lore surrounding them!

I loved Kyreagan! He was a bit rash with his master plan, but I can understand  why he did it. His guilt was so touching as he struggled with being a good leader and his feelings for Serylla. He's a very good dragon!

I'll admit it took me a while to like Serylla. I know she was trying to him miserable, but her hot, cold attitude was a little much at times.

This book has some great IBP, and Beauty and Beast vibes. As well as enemies to lovers. I'll admit I saw the twist coming, but I like how it plays in the story. It's a great way to explain certain speieces.

All in all, I had a great time! 
The Witch Queen of Halloween by Kresley Cole

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is the prefect bite sized Immortals After Dark! We get everything we love from Kresely, just in a smaller dose. 

The humor was perfect. It definitely helped ease the tension and made me literally laugh out loud. We get a heavy amount  of the nerdy pop culture references we know and love as well.

Poppy and Rรถk have amazing chemistry. She is a woman on a mission, and nothing (including a flirty demon) will stop her! As always, our FMC is more than capable of handling whatever is thrown at her! Our MMC, Rรถk, is sexy, dangerous, and has a filthy filthy mouth ๐Ÿ˜ˆ 

The plot was pretty equally paced. The action was really well written, and there were some great surprises as well. 

This second chance, fated mates, romance has everything you could possibly want! It was just enough to make me crave more IAD! I can't wait to see what Kresely has in store for us next!
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

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adventurous emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book had so much potential. I loved the whole Vampire Hunger Games vibes. It was interesting. What made it fall apart for me was Oraya, our FMC, and her father, Vincent.

Yes, I get she's a human in a vampire world, but I felt like she mentioned it in every other thought. It wasn't until she was away from her father, Vincent, that I started to like her. I do love how badass she was. The ultimate underdog! 

Raihn really held this story together for me. He was sexy, deadly, and hilarious. But most importantly, he was the one who pushed Oraya. He challenged her and made her see the world a little differently. 

The twists I saw coming. They weren't bad, though. The writing was alright. The plot definitely picked up after about 40%. I just wanted more. 

It's an enjoyable read. I had a great time! 
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

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hopeful mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I was so looking forward to this book. I loved Divine Rivals. I even loved the beginning of this book. The story was interesting but slowly started to fall flat. The romance was next to nothing which sucks. 

I also felt like Iris and Roman became secondary characters. The bigger story being between Enva and Darce. While it was interesting, it felt strangely out of place.

Maybe it's just me though.

I did enjoy this book, even if it seems like I didn't. I just wanted the same magic that DR had. Still a good read though. 
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love love love love this book!

I didn't know I needed a dark romantic comedy about two serial unalivers in a deadly competition. Now I need more!

Sloane is a brilliant young woman known as the Orb Weaver due to her method. She also suffers from some issues that Rowan helps her overcome. 

Roman, known as the Butcher, is sexy, hilarious with a darkness I loved. He will do anything to protect his woman and that is no joke! 

The smut in this book is chefs' kiss! Another book that tested my reading poker face ๐Ÿ˜

The story itself had me begging for more. Please check the trigger warnings! They are there for a reason! 

Overall, one of my favorite books of the year.