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spectacles_and_books's reviews
58 reviews
Wildblood by A.J. Vrana
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Wildblood" was quite unlike anything I've read. Part supernatural noir, part study of relationship and facing ones demons, it was intriguing.
The real strengths lie in Vrana's writing of the dynamics between Miya and Kai. Honestly, some of the most interesting character work that felt really raw and honest. Although you can read this without first reading the duology that precedes it, I wonder if I would have enjoyed this even more with a clearer understanding for the lore and world-building. Overall, definitely worth your time!
The real strengths lie in Vrana's writing of the dynamics between Miya and Kai. Honestly, some of the most interesting character work that felt really raw and honest. Although you can read this without first reading the duology that precedes it, I wonder if I would have enjoyed this even more with a clearer understanding for the lore and world-building. Overall, definitely worth your time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I'm 100% committed to ruining my life with an epic Fantasy series. The Realm of the Ederlings seemed like a good candidate. I can report that it was the right choice!
This was epic and can't wait to work my way through 15 more.
This was epic and can't wait to work my way through 15 more.
Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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 goes on the list of my favourite Romance reads of the year. I adored the dual timeline, dual POV. The way this was structured with Elliot's past POV contrasting against Ama's present narration was amazing and gave the dynamic between the two so much tension. Easy five star read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Rein Me In by Kayla Grosse
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A sweet (and 🌶️) cowboy Romance 🤠
Blake and Gavin are both working their way through grief and it was sweet to see their relationship unfold and their mutual healing. I found myself skipping out most of the 🌶️ scenes (especially the second epilogue from Gavin's POV) as it wasn't for me. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
Blake and Gavin are both working their way through grief and it was sweet to see their relationship unfold and their mutual healing. I found myself skipping out most of the 🌶️ scenes (especially the second epilogue from Gavin's POV) as it wasn't for me. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Unbearably Yours by Elodie Colliard
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
I know one shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but the artwork of "Unbearably Yours" immediately appealed to me. Charlee and Oliver's story is summed up so well in the cover art. It's the satisfied feeling you get once you've been on a journey and you've pushed through to reach the final destination. You get to relax and rest knowing that it was all worth it.
The dual timeline of present day Charlee and Oliver, contrasted against the letters they exchanged, added a lot of depth to the story as well as driving the narrative forward in a compelling way. The representation of hypersensitivity was also something I haven't come across in a novel like this and it was dealt with such care. I also loved the inclusion of a playlist of songs for each chapter. I will definitely be reading the first two books in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for access to an ARC of "Unbearably Yours"
The dual timeline of present day Charlee and Oliver, contrasted against the letters they exchanged, added a lot of depth to the story as well as driving the narrative forward in a compelling way. The representation of hypersensitivity was also something I haven't come across in a novel like this and it was dealt with such care. I also loved the inclusion of a playlist of songs for each chapter. I will definitely be reading the first two books in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for access to an ARC of "Unbearably Yours"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer and Death of parent
Slaying the Shadow Prince by Helen Scheuerer
Did not finish book. Stopped at 70%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 70%.
I think that this series is just not for me. DNF @ 70%
I wanted to read the prequel in hopes of filling in the backstory to Legends of Thezmarr series. For me, like my review for "Vows and Ruin", the plot and world building to 🌶️ is not to my taste.
I wanted to read the prequel in hopes of filling in the backstory to Legends of Thezmarr series. For me, like my review for "Vows and Ruin", the plot and world building to 🌶️ is not to my taste.
Marrying Off Morgan McBride by Amy Barry
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The second installment of The Brides of Montana series proves to be just as delightful as the first (with a little more 🌶️). It was so enjoyable to be back in that world, witnessing Junebug's second foray into wife hunting for her brothers. A wonderful Historical Cowboy Romance 🤠❤️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Sexual content
The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
I went into this expecting something "same, same but different" knowing that it's explicitly marketed as a Beauty and the Beast/Hades and Persephone retelling. However, I've found the lack of world building combined with confusing motivations for the FMC, Wren, quite frustrating. Perhaps a POV from The North Wind himself would help me to care about him in the slightest. Or a scene or two, by nearly 40% in, where readers actually get the opportunity to understand something about his character other than he's a brooding, non-communicative brute. I think there are other books that execute this kind of story more successfully.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Infinity ✨⭐✨
Abby Jimenez writes the greenest of green flag MMCs and Jacob is the greenest of all 🥹💚 And the growth in her FMCs, like Brianna, is just so heartfelt. It was like getting to cheer on your two best friends as you watch them fall in love.
A Romance that sensitively explores social anxiety, chronic illness and how to trust yourself again after failed relationships. A wonderful read ❤️
Abby Jimenez writes the greenest of green flag MMCs and Jacob is the greenest of all 🥹💚 And the growth in her FMCs, like Brianna, is just so heartfelt. It was like getting to cheer on your two best friends as you watch them fall in love.
A Romance that sensitively explores social anxiety, chronic illness and how to trust yourself again after failed relationships. A wonderful read ❤️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, and Gaslighting
Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lyla Sage's books have been on my TBR since I first saw the cover art on "Done and Dusted." I was so excited to read "Lost and Lassoed" and after finishing it, I immediately wanted to go back in time to tell past me to read the beginning of the Rebel Blue Ranch series.
All the promised tropes were well executed with great pacing. I also enjoyed the dual POV that gave the characters depth and motivation with a good touch of humour as well. I'm definitely going to enter my cowboy Romance era and read the rest of the series now.
Thank you to Hachette Australia and New Zealand and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
All the promised tropes were well executed with great pacing. I also enjoyed the dual POV that gave the characters depth and motivation with a good touch of humour as well. I'm definitely going to enter my cowboy Romance era and read the rest of the series now.
Thank you to Hachette Australia and New Zealand and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content