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937 reviews
I Dare You by Ilsa Madden-Mills
3.0
6.74 CAWPILE
I dare you - Ilsa Madden-Mills - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Spoiler Free)
I loved the characters they were well done and I was glad they fit well together. Delaney was dubbed the nerd girl which she embraces, Maverick the he man of the football team is on track for the NFL. Both dealing with there life’s they kiss once in freshmen year and then never really talk afterward but things happen throwing them together and it turns out opposites attract and people can be more than one thing! Even the side character were interesting and I’m so glad we get a book with Ryker next.
The book was lacking some atmosphere, the tensions in the smutty scenes were all done if not a little short, the build up to the main plot line could have been more developed and shown more of what was at risk instead of telling would have went a long way.
The writing was good, I read Dear Ava by this author first and the I feel her writing was amazing in that so maybe just every book gets better? I don’t know but I plan to find out because the two books I have read have been great and I want more in life.
I wanted more from the plot at it was predictable and I I knew how things would work out there was only on thing I didn’t predict, I was intrigued to know what would have happen and how things would plan out. I was also really invested in the main couple and glad we got an insight in the epilogue which was set a few years later. Fairytale ending?
I did enjoy this I flew through it, is it a masterpiece no but I had fun I read it in a day and really had a great time doing so and I plan on picking up the rest in this series.
I dare you - Ilsa Madden-Mills - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Spoiler Free)
I loved the characters they were well done and I was glad they fit well together. Delaney was dubbed the nerd girl which she embraces, Maverick the he man of the football team is on track for the NFL. Both dealing with there life’s they kiss once in freshmen year and then never really talk afterward but things happen throwing them together and it turns out opposites attract and people can be more than one thing! Even the side character were interesting and I’m so glad we get a book with Ryker next.
The book was lacking some atmosphere, the tensions in the smutty scenes were all done if not a little short, the build up to the main plot line could have been more developed and shown more of what was at risk instead of telling would have went a long way.
The writing was good, I read Dear Ava by this author first and the I feel her writing was amazing in that so maybe just every book gets better? I don’t know but I plan to find out because the two books I have read have been great and I want more in life.
I wanted more from the plot at it was predictable and I I knew how things would work out there was only on thing I didn’t predict, I was intrigued to know what would have happen and how things would plan out. I was also really invested in the main couple and glad we got an insight in the epilogue which was set a few years later. Fairytale ending?
I did enjoy this I flew through it, is it a masterpiece no but I had fun I read it in a day and really had a great time doing so and I plan on picking up the rest in this series.
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills
5.0
This book surprised me so much, so much to talk about full thoughts coming just know I’m SWOONING
One by One by Ruth Ware
3.0
I felt like the characters were well suited to the plot, I do wish there was more development because the thing is I didn’t really care when they started dying of simply because I wasn’t given enough information to care about them as people. I think the two cared most for was Danny and Erin one of the main POVs was Erin and I think it was great because she made me care for her and Danny but the rest of them not much feeling either way.
I love the atmosphere of this book, cosy yet luxury villa in the alps surrounded by snow and fire places with a built in chef whose food sounds amazing. It would be a great vacation if people weren’t dying. Which changes the setting to aww that would be a lovely get away to get me the hell outta here.
It’s not secret Ruth Ware knows what she’s doing, I mean I’m not normally interested in plots surrounding a company or business but she made me care about snoop, and when I thought things were going slow it turn a page and bam fire would be added.
I’m a sucker for a plot that involves a group of people who go to a out the way place only to get trapped with a murderer. The escape room type feeling, the claustrophobic atmosphere creating for the perfect setting for a plot to unfold this can be boring or predictable which at point this book was but it was done well.
As I said I have very little interest about business and plot lines that follow companies but this book made me care, it made me care about the staff and yes even some of the residents and trust me not all of them were exactly likeable or my cuppa tea. The intrigue really kicks off with the first kill after that I was intrigued.
They all go a trip to figure out what they are going to do with the company, then people start dying. Yes it’s logical that this could happen but I just think if we got more about the characters and there past together the reveal would have been more shocking, I think it was made a little to obvious who the odd man out was.
I did enjoy this book overall, i think the atmosphere and the plot really made it for me. The mystery was a little to simple and the murders a little lack lustre. An easy read maybe better for people new to the genre.
I love the atmosphere of this book, cosy yet luxury villa in the alps surrounded by snow and fire places with a built in chef whose food sounds amazing. It would be a great vacation if people weren’t dying. Which changes the setting to aww that would be a lovely get away to get me the hell outta here.
It’s not secret Ruth Ware knows what she’s doing, I mean I’m not normally interested in plots surrounding a company or business but she made me care about snoop, and when I thought things were going slow it turn a page and bam fire would be added.
I’m a sucker for a plot that involves a group of people who go to a out the way place only to get trapped with a murderer. The escape room type feeling, the claustrophobic atmosphere creating for the perfect setting for a plot to unfold this can be boring or predictable which at point this book was but it was done well.
As I said I have very little interest about business and plot lines that follow companies but this book made me care, it made me care about the staff and yes even some of the residents and trust me not all of them were exactly likeable or my cuppa tea. The intrigue really kicks off with the first kill after that I was intrigued.
They all go a trip to figure out what they are going to do with the company, then people start dying. Yes it’s logical that this could happen but I just think if we got more about the characters and there past together the reveal would have been more shocking, I think it was made a little to obvious who the odd man out was.
I did enjoy this book overall, i think the atmosphere and the plot really made it for me. The mystery was a little to simple and the murders a little lack lustre. An easy read maybe better for people new to the genre.
Light as a Feather by Zoe Aarsen
DNF at 220 I just can’t push myself to read this I just don’t care and I am not willing to put myself in an even worse slump
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
Since this is my third re-read of this book i didn’t’t really want do a reviews. I don’t want to pull this book apart and examine it what i want to do is shout my love for this book/series from the rooftops. So instead of a conventional reviews i am just going to share my thoughts i had randomly throughout reading. You probably won’t want to read any furthur because it will have spoilers for this book and the first book. If you have read this then continue to see what my mind was doing as i was reading.
‘We are old cunning, and enjoy using words like blades and claws. Every word from your mouth, every turn of phrase, will be judged – and possibly used against you’ – Ianthe
Talk about subtle foreshadowing, Ianthe was a sneaky little priestess out for no one but herself and what other can do fo her, she took everything Feyre said and betrayed her. Just like Tamlin. Oh my god is he infuriating! He want to keep Feyre as his property and she was meant to nod and smiling along. Even when her guilt, grief and fear nearly killed her he never realised he wasn’t helping her. Luicen don’t even get me started he could have helped but he chose not to and that’s just as bad.
“So i’m your huntress and you thief?” His hands slid down to cup the backs of my knees as he said with a roguish grin, “You are my salvation, Feyre”
Feyre’s mind at this pointing is thinking please don’t like him but her hearts like to late! I don’t think i’ll ever get tired of their relationship is just gets better through each book.
I was not a pet, not a doll, not an animal.
I was a survivor, and i am strong.
I would not be weak and helpless again. i would not, could not be broken. Tamed
One of the best things about this book/ world is the characters. The character development in this book in particular really gets you. Feyre gets her strength back a starts fighting. I didn’t realise this book had mental health rep, both Feyre and Rhysnad have PTSD from the time they spent under the mounting and Feyre goes through a time of bad depression. I have to say this isn’t a common thing in fantasy novels, but i liked how seamless i was put in through this story.
“I want them to hear your story. And know there is a special strength in enduring such dark trails and hardships… and still remain warm, and kind. Still willing to trust – and reach out”
Mor is one of my personal favourite characters, she is a queen and i won’t be happy until she get her own happy ending. This book does elude to Cassian and Azreil showing interest in her but never makes it clear on what she want for herself and her love life but i have feeling it would be a spectaular adventure.
“A queen – a queen who bowed to no one, a queen who had faced then all down and trumped. A queen who owned her own body, her life, her destiny, and never apologise for it”
Said about Mor by Feyre we love Queens supporting other Queens!
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, Lucien, you find that the darkness begins to talk back.”
Look at our Feyre just a ruined human turned far who almost lost her way being all sassy and strong, we love this for her.
My friend through many dangers.
My mate who has waited for me against all hope, despite all odds.
My lover who had healed my broken and weary soul.
Other random thoughts:
• Cassian has more under the surface he might seem all warrior and strong and he covers things well but i reckon he will surprise everyone with how much of a worrier and planner he is. I guess we will see more in to his personality in A court of Silver Flames (aaaaaahh)
• Azrial is exactly as advertised, organised, executive and blunt like the edge of a knife. I would love, love to see a softer side to him.
• The mortal queen are stupid to thing immortality will save them, what is a never ending life when you have no people and no trust or love to keep you alive.
• Nesta does annoy sometimes but i like that part of her character is unlikeable.
• Elain poor sweet Elain, i feel sorry for her but i also think this will be a better life her than ending up married to some hateful boy.
• I love this book, world and characters.
Well that’s is not really a review of the plot, just a lot of random fangirl moments throughout re-reading this fave.
‘We are old cunning, and enjoy using words like blades and claws. Every word from your mouth, every turn of phrase, will be judged – and possibly used against you’ – Ianthe
Talk about subtle foreshadowing, Ianthe was a sneaky little priestess out for no one but herself and what other can do fo her, she took everything Feyre said and betrayed her. Just like Tamlin. Oh my god is he infuriating! He want to keep Feyre as his property and she was meant to nod and smiling along. Even when her guilt, grief and fear nearly killed her he never realised he wasn’t helping her. Luicen don’t even get me started he could have helped but he chose not to and that’s just as bad.
“So i’m your huntress and you thief?” His hands slid down to cup the backs of my knees as he said with a roguish grin, “You are my salvation, Feyre”
Feyre’s mind at this pointing is thinking please don’t like him but her hearts like to late! I don’t think i’ll ever get tired of their relationship is just gets better through each book.
I was not a pet, not a doll, not an animal.
I was a survivor, and i am strong.
I would not be weak and helpless again. i would not, could not be broken. Tamed
One of the best things about this book/ world is the characters. The character development in this book in particular really gets you. Feyre gets her strength back a starts fighting. I didn’t realise this book had mental health rep, both Feyre and Rhysnad have PTSD from the time they spent under the mounting and Feyre goes through a time of bad depression. I have to say this isn’t a common thing in fantasy novels, but i liked how seamless i was put in through this story.
“I want them to hear your story. And know there is a special strength in enduring such dark trails and hardships… and still remain warm, and kind. Still willing to trust – and reach out”
Mor is one of my personal favourite characters, she is a queen and i won’t be happy until she get her own happy ending. This book does elude to Cassian and Azreil showing interest in her but never makes it clear on what she want for herself and her love life but i have feeling it would be a spectaular adventure.
“A queen – a queen who bowed to no one, a queen who had faced then all down and trumped. A queen who owned her own body, her life, her destiny, and never apologise for it”
Said about Mor by Feyre we love Queens supporting other Queens!
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, Lucien, you find that the darkness begins to talk back.”
Look at our Feyre just a ruined human turned far who almost lost her way being all sassy and strong, we love this for her.
My friend through many dangers.
My mate who has waited for me against all hope, despite all odds.
My lover who had healed my broken and weary soul.
Other random thoughts:
• Cassian has more under the surface he might seem all warrior and strong and he covers things well but i reckon he will surprise everyone with how much of a worrier and planner he is. I guess we will see more in to his personality in A court of Silver Flames (aaaaaahh)
• Azrial is exactly as advertised, organised, executive and blunt like the edge of a knife. I would love, love to see a softer side to him.
• The mortal queen are stupid to thing immortality will save them, what is a never ending life when you have no people and no trust or love to keep you alive.
• Nesta does annoy sometimes but i like that part of her character is unlikeable.
• Elain poor sweet Elain, i feel sorry for her but i also think this will be a better life her than ending up married to some hateful boy.
• I love this book, world and characters.
Well that’s is not really a review of the plot, just a lot of random fangirl moments throughout re-reading this fave.
The Anti-Virginity Pact by Katie Wismer
3.0
3.5
We follow Meredith the preacher’s daughter who is going through a hard time, she struggling with her belief and about how to tell people then, she’s got pretty bad anxiety which I have to say is depicted well but I think that is a personal opinion cause not everyone with anxiety experience in the same way.
‘Not that I should be surprised – my anxiety has always been an unwanted but expected houseguest. I can usually anticipate it long before it starts to manifest, but no matter how hard I try to prepare or reason with my body, it still reacts as if the millions of times before haven’t taught it this is not a life or death situation. That it is, in fact, only making things even more difficult than necessary.’
She made a pact with her best friend Jo that they’d both lose their virginity before the end of senior year. Then Meredith gets worried when Jo decides she wants Mr. Graham, her teacher to be her first. I did like how it showed Meredith voicing her concerns about the idea, I just wish she never caved on what she thought was wrong, Because nothing good comes out of these situations. There was more talk of religion and believing or not believing that I thought was a really good undertone to have. It didn’t take up the full narrative but it went a long way in helping build the background of the character showing us why Meredith is the way she is when the book starts, and there were some good points where made.
I feel like the experience reading this book is like watching a TV show like Pretty Little Liars or Gossip Girl. I love these shows and find them entertaining which is exactly what I found in this book. This book is not a light or easy read it covers things like: Bullying, Religion, Sexual Assault, Animal Abuse, Substance abuse, Anxiety, and trauma. It is however addicting and keeps you glued to the pages wanting to find out what happens.
‘Eyes will zero in on my read cheek and the beads of sweat in my hairline. I’ll try to speak. My blood will thunder so loudly in my ears I’ll barely even hear my own voice as it comes out thin and shaky – a dead indicator to everyone around me of just how nervous I am over something completely simple and stupid like getting called on in class. They’ll all know in a panicked, shaky mess.’
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the sisters. I found Mare and Harper’s relationship quite endearing and totally realistic, especially towards the end of the novel. I think the whole book came off as quite realistic, it has some important message and the writing was solid. It really did feel like an appropriate narrative the characters sounded and acted their age. The writing of the characters came across as genuine. I didn’t have any expectations going into this. I watch Katie Wismer’s book tube channel and was excited to get approved for an arc from NetGalley but I went in expecting nothing and came out with a book I enjoyed.
We follow Meredith the preacher’s daughter who is going through a hard time, she struggling with her belief and about how to tell people then, she’s got pretty bad anxiety which I have to say is depicted well but I think that is a personal opinion cause not everyone with anxiety experience in the same way.
‘Not that I should be surprised – my anxiety has always been an unwanted but expected houseguest. I can usually anticipate it long before it starts to manifest, but no matter how hard I try to prepare or reason with my body, it still reacts as if the millions of times before haven’t taught it this is not a life or death situation. That it is, in fact, only making things even more difficult than necessary.’
She made a pact with her best friend Jo that they’d both lose their virginity before the end of senior year. Then Meredith gets worried when Jo decides she wants Mr. Graham, her teacher to be her first. I did like how it showed Meredith voicing her concerns about the idea, I just wish she never caved on what she thought was wrong, Because nothing good comes out of these situations. There was more talk of religion and believing or not believing that I thought was a really good undertone to have. It didn’t take up the full narrative but it went a long way in helping build the background of the character showing us why Meredith is the way she is when the book starts, and there were some good points where made.
I feel like the experience reading this book is like watching a TV show like Pretty Little Liars or Gossip Girl. I love these shows and find them entertaining which is exactly what I found in this book. This book is not a light or easy read it covers things like: Bullying, Religion, Sexual Assault, Animal Abuse, Substance abuse, Anxiety, and trauma. It is however addicting and keeps you glued to the pages wanting to find out what happens.
‘Eyes will zero in on my read cheek and the beads of sweat in my hairline. I’ll try to speak. My blood will thunder so loudly in my ears I’ll barely even hear my own voice as it comes out thin and shaky – a dead indicator to everyone around me of just how nervous I am over something completely simple and stupid like getting called on in class. They’ll all know in a panicked, shaky mess.’
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the sisters. I found Mare and Harper’s relationship quite endearing and totally realistic, especially towards the end of the novel. I think the whole book came off as quite realistic, it has some important message and the writing was solid. It really did feel like an appropriate narrative the characters sounded and acted their age. The writing of the characters came across as genuine. I didn’t have any expectations going into this. I watch Katie Wismer’s book tube channel and was excited to get approved for an arc from NetGalley but I went in expecting nothing and came out with a book I enjoyed.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
5.0
I intended on picking up The Black flamingo because I wasn’t that tired and still in the mood to read before bed. I haven’t been able to put this book down. I feel like I’m seeing into Mikes soul. Every character and interaction is well written, the narrative makes you question along with Mike, it makes you stand up and root for him.
We follow Michael as he loves for the first time.
As he confuses attention and love.
As he deals with vitriol and hatred.
As he gets continually shamed for being him.
As he struggles with his mixed race identity and not being either white enough or black enough.
As he finally finds himself through drag performance.
I Wanna Be Fierce
I’ve been friendly.
I’ve been frightened.
I’ve been fake.
But I’ve never been fierce.
I’ve been frustrated.
I’ve been forgotten.
I’ve been forgiving.
But I’ve never been fierce.
I wanna be fabulous.
I wanna be flamboyant.
I wanna flaunt what I’ve got.
I want to be fierce.
Absolutely amazing, insightful, honest raw and passionate. A must read with all the feels. Trust me you’ll want to pick this up and get to know Mike and walk with him through his life. Beautiful prose, glittery language and everything I wanted it to be!
We follow Michael as he loves for the first time.
As he confuses attention and love.
As he deals with vitriol and hatred.
As he gets continually shamed for being him.
As he struggles with his mixed race identity and not being either white enough or black enough.
As he finally finds himself through drag performance.
I Wanna Be Fierce
I’ve been friendly.
I’ve been frightened.
I’ve been fake.
But I’ve never been fierce.
I’ve been frustrated.
I’ve been forgotten.
I’ve been forgiving.
But I’ve never been fierce.
I wanna be fabulous.
I wanna be flamboyant.
I wanna flaunt what I’ve got.
I want to be fierce.
Absolutely amazing, insightful, honest raw and passionate. A must read with all the feels. Trust me you’ll want to pick this up and get to know Mike and walk with him through his life. Beautiful prose, glittery language and everything I wanted it to be!