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cozysquib's Reviews (165)
How the Fox Runs by J.O. Ellis
It’s time to call it, Doc. Time of death: 10:06 p.m.
I really wanted to love this book and support an indie author, but unfortunately, I’m DNFing it at the 25% mark.
Please keep in mind that this is entirely a reflection of my personal tastes as a reader. I’m sharing why I chose not to continue, based on my experience with the first quarter of the book.
I picked this one up because it was labeled as fantasy. By 25%, I still hadn’t seen even a hint of a fantasy world. I double-checked the synopsis to see if I had misunderstood, but no, it promises a fantasy element that simply hadn’t materialized by the point I stopped. I didn’t pick up a fantasy book to read what felt like contemporary romance.
Even putting that aside, the execution didn’t work for me. The opening had promise, but it quickly started to fall flat. The dialogue felt clunky, with word choices that seemed more like written prose than natural conversation.
There’s also a weird, abrupt switch in Chapter 6 where use of the MMC’s last name suddenly changes to his first name. Under normal circumstances, this might not be a big deal, but given the power dynamic between the characters, the lack of explanation or context for this change made it feel jarring and out of place.
Then, when the MCs started showing romantic interest in each other, it felt completely unearned. There was no build-up or turning point to explain the shift in their feelings—it just happened, and I couldn’t buy into it.
Overall, the story felt disjointed and like it needed more refinement. But really, my biggest issue is that I picked this up expecting fantasy and got contemporary instead. I read across genres, but I choose them based on what I’m in the mood for. Getting the opposite of what I sought out is rarely going to work for me.
If you’ve read this and loved it, reach out and convince me to give it another shot. I’m not entirely opposed, but for now, this one didn’t land for me.
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#joellis #howthefoxruns #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited #dnf
It’s time to call it, Doc. Time of death: 10:06 p.m.
I really wanted to love this book and support an indie author, but unfortunately, I’m DNFing it at the 25% mark.
Please keep in mind that this is entirely a reflection of my personal tastes as a reader. I’m sharing why I chose not to continue, based on my experience with the first quarter of the book.
I picked this one up because it was labeled as fantasy. By 25%, I still hadn’t seen even a hint of a fantasy world. I double-checked the synopsis to see if I had misunderstood, but no, it promises a fantasy element that simply hadn’t materialized by the point I stopped. I didn’t pick up a fantasy book to read what felt like contemporary romance.
Even putting that aside, the execution didn’t work for me. The opening had promise, but it quickly started to fall flat. The dialogue felt clunky, with word choices that seemed more like written prose than natural conversation.
There’s also a weird, abrupt switch in Chapter 6 where use of the MMC’s last name suddenly changes to his first name. Under normal circumstances, this might not be a big deal, but given the power dynamic between the characters, the lack of explanation or context for this change made it feel jarring and out of place.
Then, when the MCs started showing romantic interest in each other, it felt completely unearned. There was no build-up or turning point to explain the shift in their feelings—it just happened, and I couldn’t buy into it.
Overall, the story felt disjointed and like it needed more refinement. But really, my biggest issue is that I picked this up expecting fantasy and got contemporary instead. I read across genres, but I choose them based on what I’m in the mood for. Getting the opposite of what I sought out is rarely going to work for me.
If you’ve read this and loved it, reach out and convince me to give it another shot. I’m not entirely opposed, but for now, this one didn’t land for me.
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#joellis #howthefoxruns #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited #dnf
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
I’ll keep this as spoiler-free as possible, but if you haven’t finished the book yet, come back later just to be safe.
I’ve been a fan of this series since book one, but I’ll be honest: I’m starting to feel a bit of series fatigue. The long waits between releases and those brutal cliffhangers are wearing me down. When I picked up Onyx Storm, I struggled to dive in at first.
That said, this ended up being my favorite book in the series so far… but the ending? Easily my least favorite. It felt abrupt and out of place.
The pacing starts off slow, jumping into the chaos of book two as the characters try to rebuild. But as a reader, it feels a little jarring. There are a lot of names thrown around and cryptic hints—like “that thing she’s doing”—that leave you wondering whether you missed something or are waiting for the reveal.
Once the story finds its rhythm, the narrative barrels forward, finally addressing some of the lingering questions that have been building throughout the series.
Violet’s growth is a huge highlight. She’s left behind some of the immaturity that made book two frustrating, which makes her far easier to root for. Unfortunately, some of those annoyances get handed off to other characters, but hey, progress is progress.
This series still knows how to hit you emotionally. Sweet moments, devastating twists, joy, heartbreak—it’s all there, pulling you in every direction. That emotional range is what keeps me hooked, and I’m glad it hasn’t lost that spark.
That said, the mountain of unanswered questions is starting to feel less exciting and more frustrating. While some loose ends were tied up, we face even more questions added to the pile.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—spoiler-free, please. Or, if you want to deep-dive into theories or really get into the weeds, feel free to DM me. Let’s talk because, whew, I have thoughts!
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#fourthwing #ironflame #onyxstorm #rebeccayarros #bookreview #bookrecommendations
I’ll keep this as spoiler-free as possible, but if you haven’t finished the book yet, come back later just to be safe.
I’ve been a fan of this series since book one, but I’ll be honest: I’m starting to feel a bit of series fatigue. The long waits between releases and those brutal cliffhangers are wearing me down. When I picked up Onyx Storm, I struggled to dive in at first.
That said, this ended up being my favorite book in the series so far… but the ending? Easily my least favorite. It felt abrupt and out of place.
The pacing starts off slow, jumping into the chaos of book two as the characters try to rebuild. But as a reader, it feels a little jarring. There are a lot of names thrown around and cryptic hints—like “that thing she’s doing”—that leave you wondering whether you missed something or are waiting for the reveal.
Once the story finds its rhythm, the narrative barrels forward, finally addressing some of the lingering questions that have been building throughout the series.
Violet’s growth is a huge highlight. She’s left behind some of the immaturity that made book two frustrating, which makes her far easier to root for. Unfortunately, some of those annoyances get handed off to other characters, but hey, progress is progress.
This series still knows how to hit you emotionally. Sweet moments, devastating twists, joy, heartbreak—it’s all there, pulling you in every direction. That emotional range is what keeps me hooked, and I’m glad it hasn’t lost that spark.
That said, the mountain of unanswered questions is starting to feel less exciting and more frustrating. While some loose ends were tied up, we face even more questions added to the pile.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—spoiler-free, please. Or, if you want to deep-dive into theories or really get into the weeds, feel free to DM me. Let’s talk because, whew, I have thoughts!
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#fourthwing #ironflame #onyxstorm #rebeccayarros #bookreview #bookrecommendations
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Before I dive in, let me make one thing clear: my reviews are based on my personal tastes as a reader, not the author’s skill or the book’s quality.
I’m a fantasy lover at heart. I want sprawling worlds, intricate plots, and series I can live in for ages. And that’s simply not what Lights Out is trying to be.
Let’s be real—this book is objectively good. It’s incredibly well-written, entertaining, and balances dark themes with comedic storytelling like a pro. The duet-style audiobook? Chef’s kiss. It’s just that, for me, it didn’t quite hit the mark.
Here’s the thing: I rarely enjoy contemporary books that lack an “other” element—be it magic, dystopia, or deep emotional punches. And Lights Out wasn’t bleak or moving enough to scratch that itch. This one leans heavily into lighthearted erotica, with a comedic edge and taboo flair. While entertaining, it didn’t feel like there was enough depth to the story or relationships to pull me in.
The focus is squarely on the spice, and to be fair, that’s the entire point of the book. But personally, I prefer tension and emotional connection that happens to lead to intimacy—not characters thinking about boning every five minutes. That’s just not my vibe.
I hesitated to pick this up because I had a hunch it’d be a middle-ground read for me—and I was right. FOMO got me, and while I don’t regret reading it, I also wouldn’t say I loved it. It was very fun, but too shallow for me. I need a little more meat on my plot bones.
That said, I completely understand why people love this book. It’s fun, sexy, and knows exactly what it’s doing. Now that I’ve read it, I can 100% recommend it to anyone who enjoys lighthearted comedic erotica with a focus on spice. If that’s your jam, Lights Out will absolutely deliver.
However, I'm not the person to take advice from here, for more contemporary recs, check out @kaylagetsbookish, @_ihavenoshelfcontrol, or @_shelfindulgences—they’ve got amazing taste in this genre!
Before I dive in, let me make one thing clear: my reviews are based on my personal tastes as a reader, not the author’s skill or the book’s quality.
I’m a fantasy lover at heart. I want sprawling worlds, intricate plots, and series I can live in for ages. And that’s simply not what Lights Out is trying to be.
Let’s be real—this book is objectively good. It’s incredibly well-written, entertaining, and balances dark themes with comedic storytelling like a pro. The duet-style audiobook? Chef’s kiss. It’s just that, for me, it didn’t quite hit the mark.
Here’s the thing: I rarely enjoy contemporary books that lack an “other” element—be it magic, dystopia, or deep emotional punches. And Lights Out wasn’t bleak or moving enough to scratch that itch. This one leans heavily into lighthearted erotica, with a comedic edge and taboo flair. While entertaining, it didn’t feel like there was enough depth to the story or relationships to pull me in.
The focus is squarely on the spice, and to be fair, that’s the entire point of the book. But personally, I prefer tension and emotional connection that happens to lead to intimacy—not characters thinking about boning every five minutes. That’s just not my vibe.
I hesitated to pick this up because I had a hunch it’d be a middle-ground read for me—and I was right. FOMO got me, and while I don’t regret reading it, I also wouldn’t say I loved it. It was very fun, but too shallow for me. I need a little more meat on my plot bones.
That said, I completely understand why people love this book. It’s fun, sexy, and knows exactly what it’s doing. Now that I’ve read it, I can 100% recommend it to anyone who enjoys lighthearted comedic erotica with a focus on spice. If that’s your jam, Lights Out will absolutely deliver.
However, I'm not the person to take advice from here, for more contemporary recs, check out @kaylagetsbookish, @_ihavenoshelfcontrol, or @_shelfindulgences—they’ve got amazing taste in this genre!
Fangs by K.L. Speer
How is book two this good? Seriously, it’s wild to me how it could manage even more impact than book one. From the first page, you’re completely hooked, fully invested in these characters and their journeys.
We left book one drowning in heartbreak and grief, that weight sinking deeper into our bones with every breath. There were moments of hope, sure, but they felt like the faintest whispers in a storm. Then book two comes along, and bam—you’re drowning in the seas of uncertainty right out of the gate.
It’s brutal, but it’s not all darkness. This book doesn’t just drag you through tragedy; it also cracks open the door to healing. It’s messy, raw, and sometimes hard to watch unfold, but that’s what keeps you clinging to every word.
We also get so much more this time around. New characters, new dynamics, new layers to the world—all of it adds depth to the story in such a natural way.
This is still very much a character-driven story, so the plot flows more like a winding river. There are calm, reflective moments that let you breathe, and then bam—out of nowhere, you’re swept under by a raging current. It’s a lot, but in the best way.
I didn’t expect to enjoy the slow trickle of worldbuilding as much as I did, but honestly? It works. The bigger picture creeps in slowly as the FMC’s understanding of the world around her grows more concrete. As the perspective zooms out, you start to see more and more pieces on the chessboard.
You’re left with so many questions, pulling you in deeper. Add in the raw, real reactions from the characters to all the horrors happening to and around them, and suddenly everyone feels so alive. It’s messy and emotional, and you can’t help but feel everything right along with them.
This book is just… it’s a journey. It’s heavy and heartbreaking but also hopeful in a way that sneaks up on you. If you’re ready for your heart to be shattered and stitched back together a hundred times, then absolutely pick this one up.
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#klspeer #bones #fangs #bookrecommendations #bookreview
How is book two this good? Seriously, it’s wild to me how it could manage even more impact than book one. From the first page, you’re completely hooked, fully invested in these characters and their journeys.
We left book one drowning in heartbreak and grief, that weight sinking deeper into our bones with every breath. There were moments of hope, sure, but they felt like the faintest whispers in a storm. Then book two comes along, and bam—you’re drowning in the seas of uncertainty right out of the gate.
It’s brutal, but it’s not all darkness. This book doesn’t just drag you through tragedy; it also cracks open the door to healing. It’s messy, raw, and sometimes hard to watch unfold, but that’s what keeps you clinging to every word.
We also get so much more this time around. New characters, new dynamics, new layers to the world—all of it adds depth to the story in such a natural way.
This is still very much a character-driven story, so the plot flows more like a winding river. There are calm, reflective moments that let you breathe, and then bam—out of nowhere, you’re swept under by a raging current. It’s a lot, but in the best way.
I didn’t expect to enjoy the slow trickle of worldbuilding as much as I did, but honestly? It works. The bigger picture creeps in slowly as the FMC’s understanding of the world around her grows more concrete. As the perspective zooms out, you start to see more and more pieces on the chessboard.
You’re left with so many questions, pulling you in deeper. Add in the raw, real reactions from the characters to all the horrors happening to and around them, and suddenly everyone feels so alive. It’s messy and emotional, and you can’t help but feel everything right along with them.
This book is just… it’s a journey. It’s heavy and heartbreaking but also hopeful in a way that sneaks up on you. If you’re ready for your heart to be shattered and stitched back together a hundred times, then absolutely pick this one up.
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#klspeer #bones #fangs #bookrecommendations #bookreview
Bones by K.L. Speer
Where do I even start with explaining this book? The ending? Heart-wrenching & heart-pounding. The beginning? Traumatic and morbid.
Well, damn. That’s not selling it.
This book is a slice-of-life romantasy, set it in a tragic dystopian wasteland full of trauma and abuse. You should go in blind (but read TWs)...
Still not selling it? Okay, let me try again.
I loved this book. The day-to-day storytelling pulls you into the FMC’s world, letting you experience her dark, brutal life through her eyes. It’s raw, immersive, and unapologetically bleak. There’s no sugarcoating, no sunshine, and no rainbows. Just survival and trauma, laid bare.
The pacing is unique—it slowly reveals the main story when you’re already in too deep. Some twists are predictable, but that doesn’t take away from their impact. Every moment hits hard, and you can’t help but feel the weight of her struggle.
The FMC is a grumpy, unreliable narrator carrying the scars of her reality. She stumbles into a found family, faces her dark past, learns to use her powers for good, and slowly gets won over by the most lovable, persistent sunshine golden retriever of a man I’ve ever read.
This story wrecked me in the best way. I’ll be diving into book two immediately. But let me be clear: this is not a happy, feel-good read. This is a story about trauma, and you will feel every bit of it.
Anyway, go read it. It made me so sad I cried and so mad I threw my Kindle. I want you to feel my suffering! But also… 🥺 why, Speer? How could you?
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#klspeer #bones #thebonesseries #bookrecommendations #bookreview
Where do I even start with explaining this book? The ending? Heart-wrenching & heart-pounding. The beginning? Traumatic and morbid.
Well, damn. That’s not selling it.
This book is a slice-of-life romantasy, set it in a tragic dystopian wasteland full of trauma and abuse. You should go in blind (but read TWs)...
Still not selling it? Okay, let me try again.
I loved this book. The day-to-day storytelling pulls you into the FMC’s world, letting you experience her dark, brutal life through her eyes. It’s raw, immersive, and unapologetically bleak. There’s no sugarcoating, no sunshine, and no rainbows. Just survival and trauma, laid bare.
The pacing is unique—it slowly reveals the main story when you’re already in too deep. Some twists are predictable, but that doesn’t take away from their impact. Every moment hits hard, and you can’t help but feel the weight of her struggle.
The FMC is a grumpy, unreliable narrator carrying the scars of her reality. She stumbles into a found family, faces her dark past, learns to use her powers for good, and slowly gets won over by the most lovable, persistent sunshine golden retriever of a man I’ve ever read.
This story wrecked me in the best way. I’ll be diving into book two immediately. But let me be clear: this is not a happy, feel-good read. This is a story about trauma, and you will feel every bit of it.
Anyway, go read it. It made me so sad I cried and so mad I threw my Kindle. I want you to feel my suffering! But also… 🥺 why, Speer? How could you?
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#klspeer #bones #thebonesseries #bookrecommendations #bookreview
Blood and Ruin by Rumer Hale
So, I picked this book purely for the cover. Was that me using my critical thinking brain? Nope, not at all. Did it end up working out in the end? Also no. But should it be taken as a massive compliment to the cover artist? Abso-freaking-lutely!
The cover is, without question, the best thing about this book.
I wanted to give it a chance. I really did. I gave it time to cook, time to settle into its paces. I finished thw whole thing for heaven sake. Yet, somehow, it managed to get worse the further along it went.
It’s got bones. I'll give it that. There were pieces and parts I liked, and some plot points I wouldn’t mind seeing in future reads.
But overall, the writing felt so cheesy, it was like a high schooler posting Wattpad fanfic instead of a published book. This might be the single worst case of “telling, not showing” that I’ve ever come across.
The author clearly had a ton of ideas she wanted to include but no ability to tie them into a cohesive story. It feels like the writing equivalent of going to a froyo shop and coming out with a bowl that’s 90% clashing toppings and no actual froyo. Tone it down and focus on the core story—not all the fun flares.
The plot? More holes than a wheel of Swiss cheese. Add to that the intentional withholding of information between MCs, which felt unnecessarily close to the dreaded miscommunication trope. The pacing was jumpy, not a single idea was fully fleshed out, and the whole thing left me wondering how to even describe just how poorly done it was.
I’m really struggling to think of a single good thing to say about this book… other than that it has a pretty cover.
It has bones—they’re there—but they rattle, they’re assembled all wrong, and none of the connective tissue survived. So… good luck?
So, I picked this book purely for the cover. Was that me using my critical thinking brain? Nope, not at all. Did it end up working out in the end? Also no. But should it be taken as a massive compliment to the cover artist? Abso-freaking-lutely!
The cover is, without question, the best thing about this book.
I wanted to give it a chance. I really did. I gave it time to cook, time to settle into its paces. I finished thw whole thing for heaven sake. Yet, somehow, it managed to get worse the further along it went.
It’s got bones. I'll give it that. There were pieces and parts I liked, and some plot points I wouldn’t mind seeing in future reads.
But overall, the writing felt so cheesy, it was like a high schooler posting Wattpad fanfic instead of a published book. This might be the single worst case of “telling, not showing” that I’ve ever come across.
The author clearly had a ton of ideas she wanted to include but no ability to tie them into a cohesive story. It feels like the writing equivalent of going to a froyo shop and coming out with a bowl that’s 90% clashing toppings and no actual froyo. Tone it down and focus on the core story—not all the fun flares.
The plot? More holes than a wheel of Swiss cheese. Add to that the intentional withholding of information between MCs, which felt unnecessarily close to the dreaded miscommunication trope. The pacing was jumpy, not a single idea was fully fleshed out, and the whole thing left me wondering how to even describe just how poorly done it was.
I’m really struggling to think of a single good thing to say about this book… other than that it has a pretty cover.
It has bones—they’re there—but they rattle, they’re assembled all wrong, and none of the connective tissue survived. So… good luck?
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This is honestly my third or fourth re-read of this book since its release, and it still has its claws firmly in my heart.
I’ve gone on a massive journey through the romantasy genre, discovering new loves and forming deeper connections than I ever thought possible. So coming back to this book was intimidating—I worried it wouldn’t live up to the magic of my memories.
Thankfully, it didn’t just live up to it—it soared. I adore this book just as much on my fourth read as I did on my very first. Sure, I can see more of the flaws now, and I truly understand some of the criticisms others have. But for me? Those flaws don’t even come close to dampening my love for this story.
Violet’s journey resonates deeply with me. Tairn and Andarna are nothing short of perfection. And Xaden? Let’s just say I’m still utterly, hopelessly obsessed.
I’m not someone who cries easily at books. It takes something monumental to coax a tear from me. But when I say I bawled during you-know-what... I mean ugly, heart-shattering sobs. Even now, as I’m writing this, I feel tears welling up because all I can see are the comparisons to my baby brother. The signs were there all along, and yet, knowing what was coming, I read on, watching as my heart was slowly ripped from my chest until it was ultimately shattered once again.
I don’t think I’ll ever fall out of love with this series. If the journey I went on last year before picking it up again is any indication, this story is here to stay, forever etched in my soul.
Read it and form your own opinion. It’s not perfect. It’s not for everyone. But for me? It’s everything, and I’ll love it forever and always.
This is honestly my third or fourth re-read of this book since its release, and it still has its claws firmly in my heart.
I’ve gone on a massive journey through the romantasy genre, discovering new loves and forming deeper connections than I ever thought possible. So coming back to this book was intimidating—I worried it wouldn’t live up to the magic of my memories.
Thankfully, it didn’t just live up to it—it soared. I adore this book just as much on my fourth read as I did on my very first. Sure, I can see more of the flaws now, and I truly understand some of the criticisms others have. But for me? Those flaws don’t even come close to dampening my love for this story.
Violet’s journey resonates deeply with me. Tairn and Andarna are nothing short of perfection. And Xaden? Let’s just say I’m still utterly, hopelessly obsessed.
I’m not someone who cries easily at books. It takes something monumental to coax a tear from me. But when I say I bawled during you-know-what... I mean ugly, heart-shattering sobs. Even now, as I’m writing this, I feel tears welling up because all I can see are the comparisons to my baby brother. The signs were there all along, and yet, knowing what was coming, I read on, watching as my heart was slowly ripped from my chest until it was ultimately shattered once again.
I don’t think I’ll ever fall out of love with this series. If the journey I went on last year before picking it up again is any indication, this story is here to stay, forever etched in my soul.
Read it and form your own opinion. It’s not perfect. It’s not for everyone. But for me? It’s everything, and I’ll love it forever and always.
Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl
What a great start to the 2025 reading year.
This is a super quick read and very easy to get through. It’s definitely romantasy/fantasy in its themes and overall plot, but it reads much more like a romance-first story set in a fantasy world. The fantasy aspects are simple and easy to understand.
We see a lot of little slice-of-life moments throughout the storytelling that really let you witness the feelings develop on-page. These small moments feel organic and aren’t just implied growth or told only through grand, plot-moving events.
I enjoyed the balance struck with the MMC as well. He’s finally an MMC I could see holding a healthy relationship long-term. He’s morally gray and ruthless when needed but also lighthearted and understanding when the mask of his responsibilities comes off. It really helps that both main characters are 25 or older, and they feel like healthy, mature adults.
A minor dislike was the perpetuation of the “mean girls” trope that’s very popular right now. The author managed to display such a healthy balance in the MMC, so it’s a shame she didn’t apply that same energy to the female friendships and relationships.
The general vibes and story fall somewhere between Viciously, Yours and Quicksilver, with a bit of These Hollow Vows mixed in.
Overall, it was enjoyable, easy to understand, and quick to read. However, nothing stood out as super unique or memorable.
I’d still recommend it as a good book, just not a groundbreaking one.
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#bowbeforetheelfqueen #jmkearl #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
What a great start to the 2025 reading year.
This is a super quick read and very easy to get through. It’s definitely romantasy/fantasy in its themes and overall plot, but it reads much more like a romance-first story set in a fantasy world. The fantasy aspects are simple and easy to understand.
We see a lot of little slice-of-life moments throughout the storytelling that really let you witness the feelings develop on-page. These small moments feel organic and aren’t just implied growth or told only through grand, plot-moving events.
I enjoyed the balance struck with the MMC as well. He’s finally an MMC I could see holding a healthy relationship long-term. He’s morally gray and ruthless when needed but also lighthearted and understanding when the mask of his responsibilities comes off. It really helps that both main characters are 25 or older, and they feel like healthy, mature adults.
A minor dislike was the perpetuation of the “mean girls” trope that’s very popular right now. The author managed to display such a healthy balance in the MMC, so it’s a shame she didn’t apply that same energy to the female friendships and relationships.
The general vibes and story fall somewhere between Viciously, Yours and Quicksilver, with a bit of These Hollow Vows mixed in.
Overall, it was enjoyable, easy to understand, and quick to read. However, nothing stood out as super unique or memorable.
I’d still recommend it as a good book, just not a groundbreaking one.
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#bowbeforetheelfqueen #jmkearl #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Umm, excuse me! Ma'am! I need book two TODAY, please. What the eff just happened?! You can't just leave me like this! This is cruel and unusual punishment. I'll take 20!
This story follows Brynn, an orphan girl training to join the guard of a seafaring kingdom. She's struggled to fit in her whole life, so she's determined to make a name for herself in the guard. That is, until the rug is pulled out from under her, and everything she believes to be true is flipped upside-down.
Throughout the book, it's difficult to get a gauge on Brynn's feelings and motives. She is fighting within herself to pick the right path forward in an unfamiliar setting with unlikely companions. It's hard to answer who she is and what she wants because SHE isn't clear on who she is or what she wants. Brynn is a very unreliable narrator because of this. But, I love a suspicious black-cat FMC.
I went into this book completely blind, like didn't even read the synopsis, blind. When I literally could not put this book down, I knew I was hooked. It's such a unassuming and easy read to get into that I didn't expect the subtly and depth.
The second those toesies touched dry land! Oh boy, does chaos reign! There were tense moments, sweet moments, funny moments, and all kinds of subtle world building without feeling info dumpy.
I love the characters and can't wait to see what they get up to next. Give me all that yummy tension and character growth! Ma'am, the whiskey glass! 💋🤌✨️
I loved it. I loved the journey. I need book two.
*P.S. In case you don't understand that I loved this book. I finished it in two days, then spent a whole dang day ranting about it to @kaylagetsbookish while GOING BACK to RE-READ large portions of the book to look for breadcrumbs about the ending!!!
Umm, excuse me! Ma'am! I need book two TODAY, please. What the eff just happened?! You can't just leave me like this! This is cruel and unusual punishment. I'll take 20!
This story follows Brynn, an orphan girl training to join the guard of a seafaring kingdom. She's struggled to fit in her whole life, so she's determined to make a name for herself in the guard. That is, until the rug is pulled out from under her, and everything she believes to be true is flipped upside-down.
Throughout the book, it's difficult to get a gauge on Brynn's feelings and motives. She is fighting within herself to pick the right path forward in an unfamiliar setting with unlikely companions. It's hard to answer who she is and what she wants because SHE isn't clear on who she is or what she wants. Brynn is a very unreliable narrator because of this. But, I love a suspicious black-cat FMC.
I went into this book completely blind, like didn't even read the synopsis, blind. When I literally could not put this book down, I knew I was hooked. It's such a unassuming and easy read to get into that I didn't expect the subtly and depth.
The second those toesies touched dry land! Oh boy, does chaos reign! There were tense moments, sweet moments, funny moments, and all kinds of subtle world building without feeling info dumpy.
I love the characters and can't wait to see what they get up to next. Give me all that yummy tension and character growth! Ma'am, the whiskey glass! 💋🤌✨️
I loved it. I loved the journey. I need book two.
*P.S. In case you don't understand that I loved this book. I finished it in two days, then spent a whole dang day ranting about it to @kaylagetsbookish while GOING BACK to RE-READ large portions of the book to look for breadcrumbs about the ending!!!
Glisser by Jane Washington
(Ironside Academy, Book 5)
I’ve officially fallen head over heels for this series. It’s not only climbed its way on to my favorite harems list but has also earned “Roman Empire” status—this series lives rent-free in my head constantly.
The wait for Glisser was excruciating, but it was absolutely worth it.
I might approach RH books a little differently than most. My biggest draw in books isn’t the spice—it’s the romantic tension, the slow burn, and the intricate relationship dynamics that come with building a connection between the main characters.
With harems, you naturally get more of that. More characters mean more relationships to explore, and each new dynamic feeds my obsession with emotionally charged moments and chemistry. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a well-written spicy scene, but it’s not my primary focus.
That’s why I categorize RH books into two camps:
Plot Harems: Stories where the relationships and narrative take center stage.
Smut Harems: Books primarily focused on the steam and group intimacy.
The Ironside Academy series firmly belongs in my Plot Harem category. Yes, there’s spice, and yes, it’s delicious, but it’s not the dominant force driving the story. The narrative here is layered, fulfilling, and constantly evolving. We get a balance of small, meaningful moments and the larger, overarching conflicts that keep things fresh and exciting.
This might be my favorite installment in the series so far, thanks to a few deeply emotional bonding scenes that left me absolutely melting. I’ve always loved the way this series can pull those fluttery, joyful emotions out of me, but Glisser took it to a whole new level thanks to which MMCs were responsible for the pull.
And let’s talk about the MMCs. I’ve spent *hours* trying to rank these guys, and I just... can’t. They’re all so unique, bringing wildly different energy, skills, and perspectives to the table. Every time I think I’ve nailed down my top three, I remember another character and scrap the list entirely.
That said, there is one standout who’s officially earned a spot on my personal Book Boyfriends list. If you read the series, come back and tell me who you think my book boyfriend is. I dare you to guess. 😉
If you’re a fan of harems that deliver on plot, relationships, and a sprinkle of spice, Glisser and the Ironside Academy series are absolute must-reads. Now excuse me while I go swoon over these Alphas some more.
(Ironside Academy, Book 5)
I’ve officially fallen head over heels for this series. It’s not only climbed its way on to my favorite harems list but has also earned “Roman Empire” status—this series lives rent-free in my head constantly.
The wait for Glisser was excruciating, but it was absolutely worth it.
I might approach RH books a little differently than most. My biggest draw in books isn’t the spice—it’s the romantic tension, the slow burn, and the intricate relationship dynamics that come with building a connection between the main characters.
With harems, you naturally get more of that. More characters mean more relationships to explore, and each new dynamic feeds my obsession with emotionally charged moments and chemistry. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a well-written spicy scene, but it’s not my primary focus.
That’s why I categorize RH books into two camps:
Plot Harems: Stories where the relationships and narrative take center stage.
Smut Harems: Books primarily focused on the steam and group intimacy.
The Ironside Academy series firmly belongs in my Plot Harem category. Yes, there’s spice, and yes, it’s delicious, but it’s not the dominant force driving the story. The narrative here is layered, fulfilling, and constantly evolving. We get a balance of small, meaningful moments and the larger, overarching conflicts that keep things fresh and exciting.
This might be my favorite installment in the series so far, thanks to a few deeply emotional bonding scenes that left me absolutely melting. I’ve always loved the way this series can pull those fluttery, joyful emotions out of me, but Glisser took it to a whole new level thanks to which MMCs were responsible for the pull.
And let’s talk about the MMCs. I’ve spent *hours* trying to rank these guys, and I just... can’t. They’re all so unique, bringing wildly different energy, skills, and perspectives to the table. Every time I think I’ve nailed down my top three, I remember another character and scrap the list entirely.
That said, there is one standout who’s officially earned a spot on my personal Book Boyfriends list. If you read the series, come back and tell me who you think my book boyfriend is. I dare you to guess. 😉
If you’re a fan of harems that deliver on plot, relationships, and a sprinkle of spice, Glisser and the Ironside Academy series are absolute must-reads. Now excuse me while I go swoon over these Alphas some more.