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cozysquib's Reviews (165)
Ghosts of Halloween by Layla Fae
Let’s kick this off with a big, warning sign—sirens blaring, lights flashing, the whole shebang.
This book is smut. Smut first, plot eighth. It’s dark RH smut, and it’s smutty smut smut smut. To put it into perspective: the smut is a 32oz cup of the darkest espresso, and the plot is a single tablespoon of 2% milk.
Are we clear? Good.
So, I had fun. The plot, while minimal, was compelling and interesting enough to keep me reading. That said, the hinting was so heavy-handed that it felt less like a carrot on a stick and more like being smacked with a carrot-shaped stick. But, it was fun none the less and kept me on the hook until the end
Honestly, the story is pretty interesting and I really enjoyed it. However, it starts so heavy with the spice that you don't get a good dose of plot until over 20% in. The author is talented, so my personal tastes wish for a better balance of the two.
Not to yuck anyone’s yum, but these boys didn’t do it for me. I have no triggers, but I do have personal "hot" and "not hot" categories, and most of this book landed firmly in the "not hot" or "limbo" zone. Which leaves me wondering: why, did I read a book that’s 90% smut for the plot? Why am I like this?
Self-evaluations aside, this book absolutely has an audience. It’s well-written, kink-friendly, and unapologetically smutty. I genuinely hope it finds its readers.
However, if you tend to share my tastes, this one might be fun but too plot-light to be rec-worthy.
#ghostsofhalloween #laylafae #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
Let’s kick this off with a big, warning sign—sirens blaring, lights flashing, the whole shebang.
This book is smut. Smut first, plot eighth. It’s dark RH smut, and it’s smutty smut smut smut. To put it into perspective: the smut is a 32oz cup of the darkest espresso, and the plot is a single tablespoon of 2% milk.
Are we clear? Good.
So, I had fun. The plot, while minimal, was compelling and interesting enough to keep me reading. That said, the hinting was so heavy-handed that it felt less like a carrot on a stick and more like being smacked with a carrot-shaped stick. But, it was fun none the less and kept me on the hook until the end
Honestly, the story is pretty interesting and I really enjoyed it. However, it starts so heavy with the spice that you don't get a good dose of plot until over 20% in. The author is talented, so my personal tastes wish for a better balance of the two.
Not to yuck anyone’s yum, but these boys didn’t do it for me. I have no triggers, but I do have personal "hot" and "not hot" categories, and most of this book landed firmly in the "not hot" or "limbo" zone. Which leaves me wondering: why, did I read a book that’s 90% smut for the plot? Why am I like this?
Self-evaluations aside, this book absolutely has an audience. It’s well-written, kink-friendly, and unapologetically smutty. I genuinely hope it finds its readers.
However, if you tend to share my tastes, this one might be fun but too plot-light to be rec-worthy.
#ghostsofhalloween #laylafae #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
The Ever King by LJ Andrews
Unfortunately, this one is landing in my DNF pile—but probably not for the reasons you’d expect.
I actually really enjoyed the story while I was reading it. The world-building is captivating, and the characters are so well crafted. It’s clear why this book is so well-loved, and I genuinely see the appeal.
However, I struggled with the author’s narrative tone. It’s not about grammar, spelling, or little mistakes—the tone itself just didn’t vibe with me. It took me almost 20% to pinpoint why I felt disconnected.
I soft-DNFed at 10% previously but tried again for a buddy read. I made it to 65% this time before deciding to DNF for real. And honestly, it’s a tough call because I am curious about where the story goes.
Part of the issue is personal: I’m not the biggest fan of pirates or ocean-themed settings. Pair that with my clash with the narrative tone, and I just don’t think this book and I are a good fit. I’d devour it while reading, but I dreaded picking it back up once I set it down.
An anticipated release dropped while I was mid-read, and I found myself in a day of limbo—torn between wanting to jump ship to my new book and feeling guilty about DNFing a story I still enjoyed to a degree. Ultimately, I don’t think I’ll come back to it if I step away now, so this is where I’m calling it.
That said, I still highly recommend you give this one a shot! My issues were entirely personal, and you may not share the same hangups that impacted my experience.
#theeverking #theeverseas #ljandrews #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
Unfortunately, this one is landing in my DNF pile—but probably not for the reasons you’d expect.
I actually really enjoyed the story while I was reading it. The world-building is captivating, and the characters are so well crafted. It’s clear why this book is so well-loved, and I genuinely see the appeal.
However, I struggled with the author’s narrative tone. It’s not about grammar, spelling, or little mistakes—the tone itself just didn’t vibe with me. It took me almost 20% to pinpoint why I felt disconnected.
I soft-DNFed at 10% previously but tried again for a buddy read. I made it to 65% this time before deciding to DNF for real. And honestly, it’s a tough call because I am curious about where the story goes.
Part of the issue is personal: I’m not the biggest fan of pirates or ocean-themed settings. Pair that with my clash with the narrative tone, and I just don’t think this book and I are a good fit. I’d devour it while reading, but I dreaded picking it back up once I set it down.
An anticipated release dropped while I was mid-read, and I found myself in a day of limbo—torn between wanting to jump ship to my new book and feeling guilty about DNFing a story I still enjoyed to a degree. Ultimately, I don’t think I’ll come back to it if I step away now, so this is where I’m calling it.
That said, I still highly recommend you give this one a shot! My issues were entirely personal, and you may not share the same hangups that impacted my experience.
#theeverking #theeverseas #ljandrews #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
I'll Be Home... by Tate James & Heather Long
What in the ever-loving holiday mashup did I just read?
I loved it. But I’m also so thrown for a loop that I don’t think I’ve fully recovered.
This is a Christmas book. But… not.
It’s a lighthearted, self-aware book. But… not.
It’s a super dark, wild ride not fit for the average reader. But also… not?
There’s a fine line between self-aware and full-on parody. I’ll Be Home... takes that line, turns it into a string of Christmas fairy lights, and uses it as a jump rope while belting “Jingle Bells” at the top of its lungs.
You’ve got Christmas themes so heavy you’ll need a map to find your way out of the eggnog. You’ve got dark themes so intense you’ll question why this is still technically a Christmas book. And then, somehow, there are sweet, funny, romantic moments that leave you asking, “Wait… am I into this?”
The names? Absolute gold. Some took me a second to catch, but once they clicked, I couldn’t stop laughing.
If you like your books just a little deranged but still crave a dash of holiday spice in your life, this one’s for you.
Thanks for the rec, @_shelfindulgences!
#illbehome #tatejames #heatherlong #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
What in the ever-loving holiday mashup did I just read?
I loved it. But I’m also so thrown for a loop that I don’t think I’ve fully recovered.
This is a Christmas book. But… not.
It’s a lighthearted, self-aware book. But… not.
It’s a super dark, wild ride not fit for the average reader. But also… not?
There’s a fine line between self-aware and full-on parody. I’ll Be Home... takes that line, turns it into a string of Christmas fairy lights, and uses it as a jump rope while belting “Jingle Bells” at the top of its lungs.
You’ve got Christmas themes so heavy you’ll need a map to find your way out of the eggnog. You’ve got dark themes so intense you’ll question why this is still technically a Christmas book. And then, somehow, there are sweet, funny, romantic moments that leave you asking, “Wait… am I into this?”
The names? Absolute gold. Some took me a second to catch, but once they clicked, I couldn’t stop laughing.
If you like your books just a little deranged but still crave a dash of holiday spice in your life, this one’s for you.
Thanks for the rec, @_shelfindulgences!
#illbehome #tatejames #heatherlong #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black
In my opinion, this is the weakest of the Elfhame novels.
That said, it’s still a Holly Black book through and through, and I loved diving back into the enchanting world of Elfhame.
My main struggle was connecting with Oak in the same way I connected with Wren—or even Jude and Cardan. With the POV shifting from Wren in The Stolen Heir to Oak in this one, it was harder for me to stay fully invested in the story.
That being said, I did enjoy exploring Oak’s character as an adult. Getting a deeper look at his powers and perspectives was fascinating, but I couldn’t help but feel the duology would have been stronger if Wren had remained the primary POV.
It was a nice, lighter YA palate cleanser after my recent spice-heavy reads. But within the Elfhame universe, I think The Cruel Prince trilogy remains unmatched. This duology feels more like a pleasant side story—a chance to revisit familiar characters in a different light—than an essential addition.
#thecruelprince #elfhame #theprisonersthrone #hollyblack #bookrecommendation #bookreview
In my opinion, this is the weakest of the Elfhame novels.
That said, it’s still a Holly Black book through and through, and I loved diving back into the enchanting world of Elfhame.
My main struggle was connecting with Oak in the same way I connected with Wren—or even Jude and Cardan. With the POV shifting from Wren in The Stolen Heir to Oak in this one, it was harder for me to stay fully invested in the story.
That being said, I did enjoy exploring Oak’s character as an adult. Getting a deeper look at his powers and perspectives was fascinating, but I couldn’t help but feel the duology would have been stronger if Wren had remained the primary POV.
It was a nice, lighter YA palate cleanser after my recent spice-heavy reads. But within the Elfhame universe, I think The Cruel Prince trilogy remains unmatched. This duology feels more like a pleasant side story—a chance to revisit familiar characters in a different light—than an essential addition.
#thecruelprince #elfhame #theprisonersthrone #hollyblack #bookrecommendation #bookreview
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Tears. Real, watery-eyed, sniffly-nosed, wobbly-lipped tears.
That’s what book two reduced me to.
While I’d say this installment is a little weaker overall compared to book one, it delivers some incredibly impactful moments—ones that hit hard in ways you might not expect.
The story picks up after the explosive ending of the first book, diving into some massive developments. The characters face serious hardships and are forced to actively change how they interact with each other to make things work. I adored the growth, both in their relationships and in their ability to understand and forgive themselves.
I’m still hopelessly in love with a certain someone, and I’m dying to know which way other readers lean.
The world remains fascinating, the plot is engaging, and the characters? Absolutely wrecked—in all the best and most tragic ways. I did manage to predict the twists with almost scary accuracy during my buddy read, but even so, the story still moved me deeply.
If you’re down for some darkness and depravity, I highly recommend giving this duology a try.
That’s what book two reduced me to.
While I’d say this installment is a little weaker overall compared to book one, it delivers some incredibly impactful moments—ones that hit hard in ways you might not expect.
The story picks up after the explosive ending of the first book, diving into some massive developments. The characters face serious hardships and are forced to actively change how they interact with each other to make things work. I adored the growth, both in their relationships and in their ability to understand and forgive themselves.
I’m still hopelessly in love with a certain someone, and I’m dying to know which way other readers lean.
The world remains fascinating, the plot is engaging, and the characters? Absolutely wrecked—in all the best and most tragic ways. I did manage to predict the twists with almost scary accuracy during my buddy read, but even so, the story still moved me deeply.
If you’re down for some darkness and depravity, I highly recommend giving this duology a try.
Feathers So Vicious by Liv Zander
Ugh! Someone hand me book two immediately. That ending was just cruel.
This book is unapologetically dark—with dark themes, dark actions, high spice, and a trigger warning list that takes the place of chapter one. So, fair warning: this story doesn’t pull its punches.
We enter a kingdom at war: humans vs. crow shifters who wield dark magic and harbor a long-standing feud with the human kingdoms. Galantia is innocent and naïve, but she’s also headstrong and cunning. When she finds herself in a deadly situation—a lone human among ravens—we start to see her true cleverness emerge. But not everything that sparkles is a treasure worth having...
I have feelings. Feelings!
I spent the entire book leaning one way, hoping for something, reluctantly adjusting as the story went on, only to end up where we did. And that ending?! Absolutely gut-wrenching.
The world and magic system are creative and fun, and the spice is frequent, twisted, and very full-on. The story has some predictable beats, but there are also enough subtle twists to keep you engaged.
I went into this completely blind, not knowing what to expect, and I came out the other side wanting to kick and scream at someone else who’s read it. If you’ve finished this one, please message me so I can vent about that ending.
Ugh! (But, like... in the best way.)
Ugh! Someone hand me book two immediately. That ending was just cruel.
This book is unapologetically dark—with dark themes, dark actions, high spice, and a trigger warning list that takes the place of chapter one. So, fair warning: this story doesn’t pull its punches.
We enter a kingdom at war: humans vs. crow shifters who wield dark magic and harbor a long-standing feud with the human kingdoms. Galantia is innocent and naïve, but she’s also headstrong and cunning. When she finds herself in a deadly situation—a lone human among ravens—we start to see her true cleverness emerge. But not everything that sparkles is a treasure worth having...
I have feelings. Feelings!
I spent the entire book leaning one way, hoping for something, reluctantly adjusting as the story went on, only to end up where we did. And that ending?! Absolutely gut-wrenching.
The world and magic system are creative and fun, and the spice is frequent, twisted, and very full-on. The story has some predictable beats, but there are also enough subtle twists to keep you engaged.
I went into this completely blind, not knowing what to expect, and I came out the other side wanting to kick and scream at someone else who’s read it. If you’ve finished this one, please message me so I can vent about that ending.
Ugh! (But, like... in the best way.)
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
What in the Russian fever-dream fairytale did I just read?
This is objectively a good book and a very interesting story, but it didn’t quite resonate with me personally. I spent most of the time feeling a little flabbergasted as to what was happening—and a little confused.
The storytelling has a vibe very reminiscent of a Naomi Novik book, which I did enjoy. There were fascinating themes and odd, whimsical elements that kept me tethered in this strange waking limbo between reality and the story world.
I think what tipped it from being an intriguingly odd tale into something not quite my taste was the romantic plotline. The more books I binge, the better I understand my preferences, and this romance just didn’t hit the mark for me. I’m not a big fan of insta-love/insta-lust unless it’s done really well and evolves over time.
That said, I did appreciate that the FMC wasn’t a freshly 18 character like so many books seem to feature these days. However—and this is the only time I will ever say this—her being 25 didn’t quite work because her personality, decisions, and behaviors seemed more suited to a younger age. GASP! I know. Wild how the one time we get an appropriately aged character, they end up feeling like they’d be better written as younger.
You win some, you lose some!
This one lands firmly in my “maybe” recommend pile because it’s not a book for everyone. If you love quirky, surreal storytelling with a dash of fairytale weirdness, you might love this. For me, it was an interesting ride, but not one I’d take again.
What in the Russian fever-dream fairytale did I just read?
This is objectively a good book and a very interesting story, but it didn’t quite resonate with me personally. I spent most of the time feeling a little flabbergasted as to what was happening—and a little confused.
The storytelling has a vibe very reminiscent of a Naomi Novik book, which I did enjoy. There were fascinating themes and odd, whimsical elements that kept me tethered in this strange waking limbo between reality and the story world.
I think what tipped it from being an intriguingly odd tale into something not quite my taste was the romantic plotline. The more books I binge, the better I understand my preferences, and this romance just didn’t hit the mark for me. I’m not a big fan of insta-love/insta-lust unless it’s done really well and evolves over time.
That said, I did appreciate that the FMC wasn’t a freshly 18 character like so many books seem to feature these days. However—and this is the only time I will ever say this—her being 25 didn’t quite work because her personality, decisions, and behaviors seemed more suited to a younger age. GASP! I know. Wild how the one time we get an appropriately aged character, they end up feeling like they’d be better written as younger.
You win some, you lose some!
This one lands firmly in my “maybe” recommend pile because it’s not a book for everyone. If you love quirky, surreal storytelling with a dash of fairytale weirdness, you might love this. For me, it was an interesting ride, but not one I’d take again.
Reveler by Jane Washington
(Ironside Academy)
Well, I’m officially dying for book 5...
It took me a bit longer to finish book four compared to the first three. Maybe it was the holidays, or maybe it was the extra 100 pages—I’m not entirely sure. Either way, I’ve still really enjoyed this series so far.
That said, this is the first book where the plot seemed to slow down a bit. Between some questionable choices from the characters and more elaborate descriptions, the pacing felt less dynamic this time around.
I do love that we’re getting to see more of the unique qualities of the MMCs. However, with such a large cast, it’s inevitable that some feel left out of the spotlight in each book. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does shift who those “background” characters are from book to book.
A minor gripe—and maybe this is just me—but it feels like the dynamic of most of the guys wanting to “destroy/ruin” her sexually is leaning a bit too hard on a single trope. Then they temper that energy because of “how intense they can be.” It’s starting to feel overused, and it undermines one of the best parts of a harem setup: the variety in dynamics and tension. It’s creating an artificial slow burn, which is a shame because slow burn tension is one of my favorite aspects of romance.
Despite all that, this story is still super unique and compelling. I will one million percent be finishing the series as it releases. The blend of omegaverse, academia, and reality TV remains fascinating, and I’m completely invested in the characters. I can’t wait to see where this wild ride goes next.
(Ironside Academy)
Well, I’m officially dying for book 5...
It took me a bit longer to finish book four compared to the first three. Maybe it was the holidays, or maybe it was the extra 100 pages—I’m not entirely sure. Either way, I’ve still really enjoyed this series so far.
That said, this is the first book where the plot seemed to slow down a bit. Between some questionable choices from the characters and more elaborate descriptions, the pacing felt less dynamic this time around.
I do love that we’re getting to see more of the unique qualities of the MMCs. However, with such a large cast, it’s inevitable that some feel left out of the spotlight in each book. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does shift who those “background” characters are from book to book.
A minor gripe—and maybe this is just me—but it feels like the dynamic of most of the guys wanting to “destroy/ruin” her sexually is leaning a bit too hard on a single trope. Then they temper that energy because of “how intense they can be.” It’s starting to feel overused, and it undermines one of the best parts of a harem setup: the variety in dynamics and tension. It’s creating an artificial slow burn, which is a shame because slow burn tension is one of my favorite aspects of romance.
Despite all that, this story is still super unique and compelling. I will one million percent be finishing the series as it releases. The blend of omegaverse, academia, and reality TV remains fascinating, and I’m completely invested in the characters. I can’t wait to see where this wild ride goes next.
Sauter by Jane Washington
(Ironside Academy)
The story is picking up beautifully, and the interpersonal relationships are really starting to brew.
I’m still unable to pin down a favorite MMC, but I definitely have a tier list at least. Every time I try to decide, I’m reminded of what I like about one of the others. They’re all so distinctly different.
We’re also finally getting a few touches of spice peeking through the thick, slow-burn romantic tension, and I am living for it.
There are still some oddities with the narrative voice that can make dialogue a bit confusing at times. But overall, this story and its world feel pretty unique compared to previous reads.
I love that this harem manages to maintain a bit of toxic masculinity and possessiveness among the group. They’re all friends and accept the situation, yet they still get pissed and attempt to maim each other whenever one of them gets intimate with the FMC. It adds a fun touch of jealousy to the dynamic that can sometimes be missing from harems.
This book checks all my favorite boxes: urban, paranormal, academy, slow burn, and of course, reverse harem.
I’ve binged these books one a day so far, and I already know I’m going to kick myself by the end of the next book for not timing this binge better with the release of book five!
(Ironside Academy)
The story is picking up beautifully, and the interpersonal relationships are really starting to brew.
I’m still unable to pin down a favorite MMC, but I definitely have a tier list at least. Every time I try to decide, I’m reminded of what I like about one of the others. They’re all so distinctly different.
We’re also finally getting a few touches of spice peeking through the thick, slow-burn romantic tension, and I am living for it.
There are still some oddities with the narrative voice that can make dialogue a bit confusing at times. But overall, this story and its world feel pretty unique compared to previous reads.
I love that this harem manages to maintain a bit of toxic masculinity and possessiveness among the group. They’re all friends and accept the situation, yet they still get pissed and attempt to maim each other whenever one of them gets intimate with the FMC. It adds a fun touch of jealousy to the dynamic that can sometimes be missing from harems.
This book checks all my favorite boxes: urban, paranormal, academy, slow burn, and of course, reverse harem.
I’ve binged these books one a day so far, and I already know I’m going to kick myself by the end of the next book for not timing this binge better with the release of book five!
Tourner by Jane Washington
(Ironside Academy)
I am loving this series.
After a few bumps in the writing style from book one, I’ve fully adapted and am now one million percent on board.
The story is so interesting and engaging, and the MMCs are unique and distinctly different.
I love the subtle development in Isobel’s character. She’s growing into her skin, and we’re starting to see more sparks of her confidence coming to the surface.
At every turn, the story goes in a different direction than I expect, and I’m thoroughly enjoying being kept on my toes.
I’m having a hard time picking a favorite, but I’ve definitely got everyone pinned down into tiers. It’s difficult to fully decide since there are so many MMCs and only so many pages to showcase them.
The romantic tension is ratcheting up, and I am absolutely living for that anticipation.
(Ironside Academy)
I am loving this series.
After a few bumps in the writing style from book one, I’ve fully adapted and am now one million percent on board.
The story is so interesting and engaging, and the MMCs are unique and distinctly different.
I love the subtle development in Isobel’s character. She’s growing into her skin, and we’re starting to see more sparks of her confidence coming to the surface.
At every turn, the story goes in a different direction than I expect, and I’m thoroughly enjoying being kept on my toes.
I’m having a hard time picking a favorite, but I’ve definitely got everyone pinned down into tiers. It’s difficult to fully decide since there are so many MMCs and only so many pages to showcase them.
The romantic tension is ratcheting up, and I am absolutely living for that anticipation.