vel629vet's reviews
1015 reviews

A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Weakest of the series so far - I think I’m done with the Bromance series after this one unfortunately. There was absolutely no effort put in to show WHY these 2 characters had feelings for each other, and especially why Colton insta-loved Gretchen. The drama with Gretchen’s rich family was fine, but Colton’s storyline was incredibly weak. Just not worth it. 

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Can’t wait to read more Rebecca Ross books because the prose was gorgeous. I loved the concept, I loved the story, and the only thing I wished for more of was more moments between Roman and Iris to just let them fall in love. More walks, runs, dates, whatever it may be. Otherwise, this story is so unique and lovely. Can’t wait for book 2!

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent

Moderate: Child death

Minor: Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Really struggled through this one but that is likely more about me than the book. 
So plot heavy that at times it seemed as though Yarros was just thinking, what could be the wildest thing to happen next??? Instead of considering the flow of the story. 

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I wanted more - the writing didn’t hook me at all and I had a really hard time getting into it. I did enjoy that there was more to the story than two people falling back in love, but the story still seemed to resolve very easily. 

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

funny 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? It's complicated

3.25

The first half of this book was decidedly rom-com and I was so excited for it. Excellent banter, unique setting, fun characters. 
Then we reached the halfway point and I suddenly found myself in an actual fantasy novel? With like, a whole plot? Idk - I wasn’t prepared for it. And I was honestly very frustrated to reach a cliffhanger and find out the next book releases in fall 2024. I guess my fault for not doing more research. 
Overall a cute, original book. Just not what I was expecting or wanting in my current mood read! 

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck

challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

I adored this. It has absolutely ruined at least the next few romances I read, because I will inevitably compare them to this. 
A When Harry Met Sally modern retelling but honestly so much more. Her characters are so intricately developed and I found myself in love with them while also thinking, man I wouldn’t be able to stand these people in real life. 
It was like the character development of an Emily Henry romance but with more nuanced and frustrating characters. Gosh I just loved it. Please read. 

Saga, Vol. 11 by Brian K. Vaughan

adventurous fast-paced

3.0

The problem with reading this epic ‘saga’ month by month from day 1 is I just don’t remember the intricacies of how these characters are connected. I want to be involved in reading each issue as it comes out, but I think I would be enjoying the overall story more if I waited and binged. 

The Amazing Spider-Man: One Moment in Time by Paolo Rivera, Joe Quesada

adventurous

3.5

I appreciate the quasi retcon or at least explanation of how our beloved characters believe they got to this point. And I like how MJ stood up for herself in this run. 

Amazing Spider-Man: The Gauntlet - The Complete Collection Vol. 2 by Zeb Wells, Fred Van Lente, J.M. DeMatteis

adventurous tense fast-paced

3.75

Intense and well written. More solo stories from Black Cat please!!! 

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

If you love fantasy and you love regency romance novels, this is absolutely for you. I only love one of those things, and I thought the fantasy would say the slow slow slow slow slow burn of this book but it just didn’t. I can’t do regency books. 
A couple of dangling plot holes, but otherwise a good story. 

Thanks to the author and publishers for the ARC!