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cozysquib's Reviews (165)
Plier by Jane Washington
(Ironside Academy)
Um, hello?
I am dying to see how the characters move forward from that ending.
This story is so wild and unique. It’s an academy setting, reality TV, game show competition, omegaverse, and reverse harem. I swear I have to be missing something in there.
The plot is fun but a bit jumpy at times due to some setup before a few time skips. While I can’t say I’m in love with the writing style, I am fully hooked on the story itself. I’m writing this as quickly as I can just so I can jump into book two.
There’s a large cast of main characters in this one, so we don’t get a deep introduction to all of them in book one. A personal pet peeve of mine is that all ten MMCs are called by their first and last names interchangeably. When you’re already trying to keep track of ten new characters, switching up their names just adds a layer of complexity—though I’ll admit it’s an accurate representation of how male friend groups often speak.
The omegaverse aspect has a surprising amount of depth and some pretty unique takes on the theme. I’m invested and itching to learn more.
Honestly, I don’t know what else to say because this universe is so unique that I’m drawing blanks on how to fully capture its vibe. You really just need to read it. I finished book one in a day, and it’s definitely sucked me in—I’m already binging the series.
(Ironside Academy)
Um, hello?
I am dying to see how the characters move forward from that ending.
This story is so wild and unique. It’s an academy setting, reality TV, game show competition, omegaverse, and reverse harem. I swear I have to be missing something in there.
The plot is fun but a bit jumpy at times due to some setup before a few time skips. While I can’t say I’m in love with the writing style, I am fully hooked on the story itself. I’m writing this as quickly as I can just so I can jump into book two.
There’s a large cast of main characters in this one, so we don’t get a deep introduction to all of them in book one. A personal pet peeve of mine is that all ten MMCs are called by their first and last names interchangeably. When you’re already trying to keep track of ten new characters, switching up their names just adds a layer of complexity—though I’ll admit it’s an accurate representation of how male friend groups often speak.
The omegaverse aspect has a surprising amount of depth and some pretty unique takes on the theme. I’m invested and itching to learn more.
Honestly, I don’t know what else to say because this universe is so unique that I’m drawing blanks on how to fully capture its vibe. You really just need to read it. I finished book one in a day, and it’s definitely sucked me in—I’m already binging the series.
Free Me by Ashley N. Rostek
Soooo, I love this series.
Right off the rip, after finishing, I will say I feel like there was one boyfriend who didn't get quite as much spotlight as the others. I still don't have a favorite, and that blows my mind. But I did find myself waiting for a certain someone to get a bit more solo time, especially since it felt like he was the only one who didn’t get it as frequently as the others.
The mix of adrenaline and love continues through the final book. This perfect storm of emotions keeps me hooked and begging for more after every chapter. The pacing is just chef's kiss—I couldn’t put it down even when I wanted to. The way Ashley weaves the tension and sweetness is absolute magic. There’s this constant push-pull between swooning and holding my breath, which made every moment feel so intense.
There is a clear peak to the anticipation, then a switch that flips from flight to fight mode, and you can feel that shift in the energy of the story. It’s so well done, and I loved the final resolution. I can’t wait to read the bonus chapters to feed my addiction to these dirty stone boys. Seriously, I’m in deep, and I’m not sorry.
The poor choices from book three are still present, but they taper off, and Shiloh is back to making hard but at least consistent choices. I greatly preferred this to the odd dismissal of her gut feelings and logic in book three. It felt like such a refreshing return to her growth and strength.
The way this series balances emotional highs and heart-pounding moments is just brilliant. I’ve been flip-flopping between swooning and holding my breath the whole time, and it’s an emotional rollercoaster I didn’t want to get off. The character dynamics are so rich, and seeing Shiloh experience these moments with each of the boys in their own way has been such a wild, heartwarming ride.
Amazing. I love it. Give me 20.
#freeme #witsec #AshleyNRostek #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
Soooo, I love this series.
Right off the rip, after finishing, I will say I feel like there was one boyfriend who didn't get quite as much spotlight as the others. I still don't have a favorite, and that blows my mind. But I did find myself waiting for a certain someone to get a bit more solo time, especially since it felt like he was the only one who didn’t get it as frequently as the others.
The mix of adrenaline and love continues through the final book. This perfect storm of emotions keeps me hooked and begging for more after every chapter. The pacing is just chef's kiss—I couldn’t put it down even when I wanted to. The way Ashley weaves the tension and sweetness is absolute magic. There’s this constant push-pull between swooning and holding my breath, which made every moment feel so intense.
There is a clear peak to the anticipation, then a switch that flips from flight to fight mode, and you can feel that shift in the energy of the story. It’s so well done, and I loved the final resolution. I can’t wait to read the bonus chapters to feed my addiction to these dirty stone boys. Seriously, I’m in deep, and I’m not sorry.
The poor choices from book three are still present, but they taper off, and Shiloh is back to making hard but at least consistent choices. I greatly preferred this to the odd dismissal of her gut feelings and logic in book three. It felt like such a refreshing return to her growth and strength.
The way this series balances emotional highs and heart-pounding moments is just brilliant. I’ve been flip-flopping between swooning and holding my breath the whole time, and it’s an emotional rollercoaster I didn’t want to get off. The character dynamics are so rich, and seeing Shiloh experience these moments with each of the boys in their own way has been such a wild, heartwarming ride.
Amazing. I love it. Give me 20.
#freeme #witsec #AshleyNRostek #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
Love Me by Ashley N. Rostek
I have burned through these pages. I swear, this series is going to give me a heart attack from all the adrenaline that is constantly pumping through me.
The pages are laced with crack. Between that and my impending heart failure, this series is going to take me out.
The relationship with the boys is developing even further, and we get to see so many sweet moments with each one. I still don't have a favorite at all, which is absolutely wild to me.
I did find this one to be a bit more frustrating because of Shiloh's constant incompetence in handling the reality of her situation and making poor or dismissive choices instead of taking the obvious and safe route, despite knowing what is at stake.
Given everything that she has experienced, checking cameras and double-checking her own safety should be her first instinct. So it was a little frustrating when the obvious answers were skipped for the sake of keeping the plot tense.
Despite that, I am still absolutely in love with this series and all the emotions it manages to pull out of me. I flip-flop between swooning and having a panic attack every few chapters. The constant shifting between peace and panic keeps you engaged and alert the whole time you're reading.
I have finished the first three books in three days, and now I am off to devour book 4 as well.
#loveme #witsec #AshleyNRostek #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
I have burned through these pages. I swear, this series is going to give me a heart attack from all the adrenaline that is constantly pumping through me.
The pages are laced with crack. Between that and my impending heart failure, this series is going to take me out.
The relationship with the boys is developing even further, and we get to see so many sweet moments with each one. I still don't have a favorite at all, which is absolutely wild to me.
I did find this one to be a bit more frustrating because of Shiloh's constant incompetence in handling the reality of her situation and making poor or dismissive choices instead of taking the obvious and safe route, despite knowing what is at stake.
Given everything that she has experienced, checking cameras and double-checking her own safety should be her first instinct. So it was a little frustrating when the obvious answers were skipped for the sake of keeping the plot tense.
Despite that, I am still absolutely in love with this series and all the emotions it manages to pull out of me. I flip-flop between swooning and having a panic attack every few chapters. The constant shifting between peace and panic keeps you engaged and alert the whole time you're reading.
I have finished the first three books in three days, and now I am off to devour book 4 as well.
#loveme #witsec #AshleyNRostek #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
Find Me by Ashley N. Rostek
My heart is racing, and I wanted to jump straight into book 2 rather than writing this review.
This book is amazing!
The juxtaposition between the sweetest tender moments and the brutal horrors that Shiloh has faced absolutely make this book.
I read 88% of the book in a single sitting, binge-reading for hours and staying up until 5 a.m. to do so.
There are some absolutely dark and heavy themes in this book that constantly break my heart and have me on the edge of tears. We have anxiety-inducing moments that had my heart racing. Then there were so many of the sweetest, most heartwarming moments that had me kicking and squealing like a schoolgirl.
I rarely venture out of fantasy, but when I do, I can only hope that the book catches me as perfectly as this series has.
I have never had an RH where I genuinely love all the boys so equally that I can't even pin down a favorite!
Oh my god, am I obsessed.
Thank the gods for @kaylagetsbookish and her rec for this series.
Goodbye. Must. Read. Book. Two. Immediately!
#findme #witsec #AshleyNRostek #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
My heart is racing, and I wanted to jump straight into book 2 rather than writing this review.
This book is amazing!
The juxtaposition between the sweetest tender moments and the brutal horrors that Shiloh has faced absolutely make this book.
I read 88% of the book in a single sitting, binge-reading for hours and staying up until 5 a.m. to do so.
There are some absolutely dark and heavy themes in this book that constantly break my heart and have me on the edge of tears. We have anxiety-inducing moments that had my heart racing. Then there were so many of the sweetest, most heartwarming moments that had me kicking and squealing like a schoolgirl.
I rarely venture out of fantasy, but when I do, I can only hope that the book catches me as perfectly as this series has.
I have never had an RH where I genuinely love all the boys so equally that I can't even pin down a favorite!
Oh my god, am I obsessed.
Thank the gods for @kaylagetsbookish and her rec for this series.
Goodbye. Must. Read. Book. Two. Immediately!
#findme #witsec #AshleyNRostek #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
Save Me by Ashley N. Rostek
These books are filled with crack... there is no better explanation. They are full of drugs, and I am a helpless addict. This is the second book in a row that I read in a single sitting and stayed up way too late to do so. I literally cannot. Put. Them. Down.
The way Ashley flows the story through such a wide range of emotions keeps you engaged the entire time you're reading. You get lulled by the sweetest of moments until a niggling of anxiety creeps in. You start cautiously waiting for something to go awry. Then there you are, on a ledge of anxiety, free-falling into the horrors of Shiloh's past.
I am on a current of emotions the whole time I'm reading. Sitting there on the verge of crying, only to flow further down the river with butterflies in my stomach and a heart bursting with love.
I love, love, love that all the boys are getting different types of moments with our FMC. It's so heartwarming to see her getting to experience firsts in so many different ways. It's the perfect way to handle the jealousy and dynamic of this harem. This is the only harem I have EVER read where I didn't have a favorite... I have read many, many why-choose... I ALWAYS have a favorite...
Soooo, I'm in love. I have thoughts and feelings. But mostly, I need YOU to be in love and send ME all your thoughts and feelings. I need more people to gush about this series with!
#saveme #witsec #AshleyNRostek #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
These books are filled with crack... there is no better explanation. They are full of drugs, and I am a helpless addict. This is the second book in a row that I read in a single sitting and stayed up way too late to do so. I literally cannot. Put. Them. Down.
The way Ashley flows the story through such a wide range of emotions keeps you engaged the entire time you're reading. You get lulled by the sweetest of moments until a niggling of anxiety creeps in. You start cautiously waiting for something to go awry. Then there you are, on a ledge of anxiety, free-falling into the horrors of Shiloh's past.
I am on a current of emotions the whole time I'm reading. Sitting there on the verge of crying, only to flow further down the river with butterflies in my stomach and a heart bursting with love.
I love, love, love that all the boys are getting different types of moments with our FMC. It's so heartwarming to see her getting to experience firsts in so many different ways. It's the perfect way to handle the jealousy and dynamic of this harem. This is the only harem I have EVER read where I didn't have a favorite... I have read many, many why-choose... I ALWAYS have a favorite...
Soooo, I'm in love. I have thoughts and feelings. But mostly, I need YOU to be in love and send ME all your thoughts and feelings. I need more people to gush about this series with!
#saveme #witsec #AshleyNRostek #bookrecommendations #bookreview #kindleunlimited
The Kindred's Curse Saga by Penn Cole
This series scratched and inch that I have been chasing since Throne of Glass. I absolutely ate this series up! I finished all three books in 5 days despite it being a cumulative 2,101 pages.... that's 421 pages per day. I can't wait until June when book 4 comes out so I can hop right back into this world.
Diem is super Aelin coded and probably the closest feeling character I've found since finishing ToG. She makes secret decisions without telling anyone and constantly blows minds with her subtle mind games. She is not quite as conniving as Aelin, but she is every bit as ruthless while somehow maintaining her morality and innocence in a way that Aelin was never allowed to.
The slow burn romance with her shadow daddy is amazing, and the constant will-they, wont-they tension is exquisite. The books are clean until book 3, but the little scenes feed that romance itch just fine. The number of giddy school-girl giggles that came out of me every time Luther called Diem, "my queen!"
The twists, the turns, the unexpected gasp worthy moments! I am an avid fantasy reader, but there were so many unexpected moments, thanks to having an unreliable first-person pov, that I was gasping and clutching my pearls.
The world is detailed and complex. Each realm has very unique governing bodies, and the further in you get, the more details we get. It is very easy to get into because the world builds as the books go on, rather than info dumping right at the start.
I can not recommend this book enough. Think Aelin, if she was a healer, not an assassin. Think Violet Sorrengail, driven by feminine rage. READ IT! I am BEGGING you!
This series scratched and inch that I have been chasing since Throne of Glass. I absolutely ate this series up! I finished all three books in 5 days despite it being a cumulative 2,101 pages.... that's 421 pages per day. I can't wait until June when book 4 comes out so I can hop right back into this world.
Diem is super Aelin coded and probably the closest feeling character I've found since finishing ToG. She makes secret decisions without telling anyone and constantly blows minds with her subtle mind games. She is not quite as conniving as Aelin, but she is every bit as ruthless while somehow maintaining her morality and innocence in a way that Aelin was never allowed to.
The slow burn romance with her shadow daddy is amazing, and the constant will-they, wont-they tension is exquisite. The books are clean until book 3, but the little scenes feed that romance itch just fine. The number of giddy school-girl giggles that came out of me every time Luther called Diem, "my queen!"
The twists, the turns, the unexpected gasp worthy moments! I am an avid fantasy reader, but there were so many unexpected moments, thanks to having an unreliable first-person pov, that I was gasping and clutching my pearls.
The world is detailed and complex. Each realm has very unique governing bodies, and the further in you get, the more details we get. It is very easy to get into because the world builds as the books go on, rather than info dumping right at the start.
I can not recommend this book enough. Think Aelin, if she was a healer, not an assassin. Think Violet Sorrengail, driven by feminine rage. READ IT! I am BEGGING you!
These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan
This is book two of a duology. Although I really enjoyed book one, I loved book two.
There was significantly more action, intrigue, and romance in the second book than there was in the first.
Can I just say that I am absolutely in love with the MMC... There were moments in this book that genuinely had me grinning like a school-girl while kicking my feet. I love romantic tension and sweet moments. Oh boy did this sweet little treat deliver. The burn was slow and I live for that.
While the series is considered YA, book two had multiple scenes of on page intimacy with vague descriptions of what was happening. It was definitely open door, which IMO, should immediately bump a book to NA even if the scenes are not explicit. I read all ranges of spice, so this was fine for me, but worth noting for those who prefer closed door.
The story was easy to follow and engaging with touches of complexity and twists. This honestly gave me the same general vibes of ACOTAR but with younger target audience. I was left with a few questions still by the end, but the overall plot was a fun read.
I would definitely recommend this duology in general, but especially for someone chasing ACOTAR vibes but less spicy.
This is book two of a duology. Although I really enjoyed book one, I loved book two.
There was significantly more action, intrigue, and romance in the second book than there was in the first.
Can I just say that I am absolutely in love with the MMC... There were moments in this book that genuinely had me grinning like a school-girl while kicking my feet. I love romantic tension and sweet moments. Oh boy did this sweet little treat deliver. The burn was slow and I live for that.
While the series is considered YA, book two had multiple scenes of on page intimacy with vague descriptions of what was happening. It was definitely open door, which IMO, should immediately bump a book to NA even if the scenes are not explicit. I read all ranges of spice, so this was fine for me, but worth noting for those who prefer closed door.
The story was easy to follow and engaging with touches of complexity and twists. This honestly gave me the same general vibes of ACOTAR but with younger target audience. I was left with a few questions still by the end, but the overall plot was a fun read.
I would definitely recommend this duology in general, but especially for someone chasing ACOTAR vibes but less spicy.
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
So this is no Cruel Prince, but I still really enjoyed this book and will be reading number two when I get my hands on it.
We jump back into the land of Elfhame, but instead of following Cardan and Jude, we are met with Oak and Wren.
Oak is all grown up and engaging in his own world of plotting and schemes. Although he is no Jude, he was raised in a family of conniving minds and brutal swordsmanship.
Wren is a child of trauma and abuse who finally found a semblance of escape before being dragged back into this world of cruelty. Forced to face her past head on and learn to trust someone other than herself.
The book is missing a bit of the ooph of The Cruel Prince, but is still quite good. I think the main characters resemble Jude and Cardan a bit too much to fully detach from comparison, however they fall a bit short when set side by side. A better move in my opinion would have been to differentiate them a bit more to avoid the comparisons altogether.
I am glad I waited a while after finishing TCP to pick this up, because it does make separating the stories easier.
Can't wait to get my hands on the next book and dive even deeper into Elfhame.
So this is no Cruel Prince, but I still really enjoyed this book and will be reading number two when I get my hands on it.
We jump back into the land of Elfhame, but instead of following Cardan and Jude, we are met with Oak and Wren.
Oak is all grown up and engaging in his own world of plotting and schemes. Although he is no Jude, he was raised in a family of conniving minds and brutal swordsmanship.
Wren is a child of trauma and abuse who finally found a semblance of escape before being dragged back into this world of cruelty. Forced to face her past head on and learn to trust someone other than herself.
The book is missing a bit of the ooph of The Cruel Prince, but is still quite good. I think the main characters resemble Jude and Cardan a bit too much to fully detach from comparison, however they fall a bit short when set side by side. A better move in my opinion would have been to differentiate them a bit more to avoid the comparisons altogether.
I am glad I waited a while after finishing TCP to pick this up, because it does make separating the stories easier.
Can't wait to get my hands on the next book and dive even deeper into Elfhame.
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
Is it possible to love a character and hate them at the same time?
This book went above and beyond my expectations. I am absolutely hooked.
This book leans very heavily towards fantasy and political intriguing with lighter touches of Romantasy. There is only one scene of on page intimacy and it is extremely mild.
The story throws you into the deep end right at the beginning and continues throwing buckets of information at you until you feel like you are drowning. I did not enjoy that experience in the slightest after having become acclimated to romantasy.
However, once you get your footing, the picture before you is breathtaking. The world is insanely detailed with unique kingdoms, diverse biomes, and unique applications of magic.
The romantic plot line is warring kingdoms, enemies to lovers, arranged political marriage, and power struggles. With the two main characters on opposing sides of a deadly war spanning decades, they fight their feelings and eachother every step of the way.
I have never been more confused by my own feelings towards an MMC and love interest. On the one hand I want them to overcome and find their way to eachother in earnest. On the other hand, we experience the story from the FMC's perspective, and my anger at his actions on her behalf have not subsided. I'm genuinely puzzled if I love this man for who he is or despise him for what he's done...
Amazing! I love where we ended and I am eager to get the next book.
I wasn't sure what to expect for this one after seeing it on bookstagram constantly. Although, it wasn't what I expected, I am actually very happy with what I got.
If you love both heavy fantasy (a la Brandon Sanderson) but also complicated romantic plot lines (a la Cruel Prince) then I highly recommend giving this a shot.
Is it possible to love a character and hate them at the same time?
This book went above and beyond my expectations. I am absolutely hooked.
This book leans very heavily towards fantasy and political intriguing with lighter touches of Romantasy. There is only one scene of on page intimacy and it is extremely mild.
The story throws you into the deep end right at the beginning and continues throwing buckets of information at you until you feel like you are drowning. I did not enjoy that experience in the slightest after having become acclimated to romantasy.
However, once you get your footing, the picture before you is breathtaking. The world is insanely detailed with unique kingdoms, diverse biomes, and unique applications of magic.
The romantic plot line is warring kingdoms, enemies to lovers, arranged political marriage, and power struggles. With the two main characters on opposing sides of a deadly war spanning decades, they fight their feelings and eachother every step of the way.
I have never been more confused by my own feelings towards an MMC and love interest. On the one hand I want them to overcome and find their way to eachother in earnest. On the other hand, we experience the story from the FMC's perspective, and my anger at his actions on her behalf have not subsided. I'm genuinely puzzled if I love this man for who he is or despise him for what he's done...
Amazing! I love where we ended and I am eager to get the next book.
I wasn't sure what to expect for this one after seeing it on bookstagram constantly. Although, it wasn't what I expected, I am actually very happy with what I got.
If you love both heavy fantasy (a la Brandon Sanderson) but also complicated romantic plot lines (a la Cruel Prince) then I highly recommend giving this a shot.