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cozysquib's Reviews (165)
These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
I am still stuck in my YA rabbit hole...
This book however, was uh-may-zing!
I absolutely loved the ending! The growth leading up to it, literally had me up at 3 am binging as many pages as I could.
Although a lot of Brie's choices do reflect the YA demographic, her growth throughout the journey is very well done. She learns from her past and adapts before the next obstacle.
In my typical fashion, I was instantly rooting for the mysterious broody villain over the kind hearted lifelong friend. 🤷♀️ What can I say, I clearly have a type.
I am absolutely buzzing about the ending and am seriously debating ignoring my real life tasks to start book two immediately.
Similar vibes:
Cruel Prince
Spark of the Everflame
Red Queen
Defy the Night
I am still stuck in my YA rabbit hole...
This book however, was uh-may-zing!
I absolutely loved the ending! The growth leading up to it, literally had me up at 3 am binging as many pages as I could.
Although a lot of Brie's choices do reflect the YA demographic, her growth throughout the journey is very well done. She learns from her past and adapts before the next obstacle.
In my typical fashion, I was instantly rooting for the mysterious broody villain over the kind hearted lifelong friend. 🤷♀️ What can I say, I clearly have a type.
I am absolutely buzzing about the ending and am seriously debating ignoring my real life tasks to start book two immediately.
Similar vibes:
Cruel Prince
Spark of the Everflame
Red Queen
Defy the Night
This Blood That Binds Us by S. L. Cokeley
This book was an absolute treat to read.
The vibes are somewhere in the ball park of Twilight and Vampire Diaries with a college age feel.
MMC is a reluctantly turned vampire who gives off the most wholesome golden retriever energy. FMC starts off as a black cat, but as she opens up around our MMC his infections positivity rubs off on her.
I loved the brothers and the family dynamic. The whole book was supportive and wholesome while keeping an undercurrent of mystery and danger.
This was a very fun read and a pretty unique one compared to everything I've read over the past year.
My only note is that is suffers from some pacing issues. There were a few times where the "every day" casualness dragged and the time jumps felt a bit jarring. But, overall that is a minor point and will not stop me from continuing the rest of the series going forward.
This book was an absolute treat to read.
The vibes are somewhere in the ball park of Twilight and Vampire Diaries with a college age feel.
MMC is a reluctantly turned vampire who gives off the most wholesome golden retriever energy. FMC starts off as a black cat, but as she opens up around our MMC his infections positivity rubs off on her.
I loved the brothers and the family dynamic. The whole book was supportive and wholesome while keeping an undercurrent of mystery and danger.
This was a very fun read and a pretty unique one compared to everything I've read over the past year.
My only note is that is suffers from some pacing issues. There were a few times where the "every day" casualness dragged and the time jumps felt a bit jarring. But, overall that is a minor point and will not stop me from continuing the rest of the series going forward.
Thrum by Meg Smitherman
This book is short, sweet, to the point, and I absolutely loved it.
This is a super short, standalone, sci-fi thriller set in deep space.
Ami wakes up unexpectedly after years in stasis during a journey across the stars. As she wakes, she begins to notice that things aren't quite right with her ship, and some things aren't adding up.
The suspense is perfectly drawn out. I had no idea what to expect next at any given moment during this read.
Sitting at just 122 pages, I read the whole thing in a single sitting.
Although this is in space, and technically, considered Sci-Fi due to some of the over arching themes, the space backdrop is simply there as a means to progress the sense of isolation. There is no technical talk, no ship/space lore, and no need to be super into sci-fi to enjoy this read. View it more as a thriller/horror where the setting is casually set in space.
Overall, I loved this read. It was quick, clean, and thoroughly entertaining. I used it as a palate cleanser between romantasy and it fit the bill perfectly. Highly recommend!
This book is short, sweet, to the point, and I absolutely loved it.
This is a super short, standalone, sci-fi thriller set in deep space.
Ami wakes up unexpectedly after years in stasis during a journey across the stars. As she wakes, she begins to notice that things aren't quite right with her ship, and some things aren't adding up.
The suspense is perfectly drawn out. I had no idea what to expect next at any given moment during this read.
Sitting at just 122 pages, I read the whole thing in a single sitting.
Although this is in space, and technically, considered Sci-Fi due to some of the over arching themes, the space backdrop is simply there as a means to progress the sense of isolation. There is no technical talk, no ship/space lore, and no need to be super into sci-fi to enjoy this read. View it more as a thriller/horror where the setting is casually set in space.
Overall, I loved this read. It was quick, clean, and thoroughly entertaining. I used it as a palate cleanser between romantasy and it fit the bill perfectly. Highly recommend!
The Bone Witch is a very well thought out and well written Dark Fantasy YA trilogy.
It has a very slow and methodical pacing filled with an interesting magic system and detailed world. There are Asian themes throughout both the world, and the naming conventions. The magic system felt a bit complicated in the beginning, since it was difficult to separate world specific terminology from those used for simple clothing items or other daily use. This was a bit of an oversight and a needless complication.
I loved the smaller moments of this book, where the interactions with Fox invokes some sibling comradery and help keep our FMC grounded. I didn't love the frequent swapping between the past and the present. Unfortunately, that is simply a writing style I dislike and typically it's use in a book can sour my opinion. I don't mind it as a backstory or context device, but I don't enjoy stories where the majority of it is told in tandem with frequent time jumps.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. It has very fun witchy vibes, necromancy, and dark themes. It covers a large range from cultural explorations to war time struggles, and tells the story through the lens of a woman of color facing a world of discrimination due to the powers she was born with.
The characters are lovely and the plot was engrossing. Though, the elaborate fantasy and slower pacing are not enough to encourage me through two more books. I am on a doom spiral through YA, and simple seeking faster, dirty, quicker reads.
It has a very slow and methodical pacing filled with an interesting magic system and detailed world. There are Asian themes throughout both the world, and the naming conventions. The magic system felt a bit complicated in the beginning, since it was difficult to separate world specific terminology from those used for simple clothing items or other daily use. This was a bit of an oversight and a needless complication.
I loved the smaller moments of this book, where the interactions with Fox invokes some sibling comradery and help keep our FMC grounded. I didn't love the frequent swapping between the past and the present. Unfortunately, that is simply a writing style I dislike and typically it's use in a book can sour my opinion. I don't mind it as a backstory or context device, but I don't enjoy stories where the majority of it is told in tandem with frequent time jumps.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. It has very fun witchy vibes, necromancy, and dark themes. It covers a large range from cultural explorations to war time struggles, and tells the story through the lens of a woman of color facing a world of discrimination due to the powers she was born with.
The characters are lovely and the plot was engrossing. Though, the elaborate fantasy and slower pacing are not enough to encourage me through two more books. I am on a doom spiral through YA, and simple seeking faster, dirty, quicker reads.
The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe
This is a fairly short high spice retelling of Peter Pan and Wendy in Neverland with the added twist of being a Reverse Harem with some of the Lost Boys.
Now, I am a pretty big fan of Reverse Harems in general. However, this particular book sits in the same limbo as Den of Vipers for me. The plot was just not quite up to snuff. Although I love the sub-genre, I am still a plot over spice girlie. The book was spicy off the bat, and some of the motivations or lead-up felt surface level at best.
That being said; the way book one ends opens book two up for a more original story rather than being backed into the corner of a re-telling.
I am going to sit on this one for a while before I decide if I will continue on to book two.
This was still a pretty fun read, and super quick to get through. I know there are others who prefer a higher spice level and type, so this one would be perfect for that.
This is a fairly short high spice retelling of Peter Pan and Wendy in Neverland with the added twist of being a Reverse Harem with some of the Lost Boys.
Now, I am a pretty big fan of Reverse Harems in general. However, this particular book sits in the same limbo as Den of Vipers for me. The plot was just not quite up to snuff. Although I love the sub-genre, I am still a plot over spice girlie. The book was spicy off the bat, and some of the motivations or lead-up felt surface level at best.
That being said; the way book one ends opens book two up for a more original story rather than being backed into the corner of a re-telling.
I am going to sit on this one for a while before I decide if I will continue on to book two.
This was still a pretty fun read, and super quick to get through. I know there are others who prefer a higher spice level and type, so this one would be perfect for that.
Ledge by Stacey McEwan
I don't know how I feel about this book.
On the one hand, the story is very interesting. I loved the journey, and I left the book wanting to know what happens next.
On the other hand, the writing style (specifically the perspective) is SO damn strange that I had to force myself to get over it and I remember it rather than the plot...
It is a super strange combination of 3rd person, while also being focused on a specific first person. If that makes any sense at all. I could tell when a chapter was from the FMCs pov, vs the MMCs pov, all while never leaving 3rd person.
I honestly can't describe it and it made the book super hard to get into. Since I was forced to actively read the whole time, I never sank into the story and forgot I was reading like I typically do.
No notes on the content of the book. The rest was good, just overshadowed by the weird writing style.
I don't know how I feel about this book.
On the one hand, the story is very interesting. I loved the journey, and I left the book wanting to know what happens next.
On the other hand, the writing style (specifically the perspective) is SO damn strange that I had to force myself to get over it and I remember it rather than the plot...
It is a super strange combination of 3rd person, while also being focused on a specific first person. If that makes any sense at all. I could tell when a chapter was from the FMCs pov, vs the MMCs pov, all while never leaving 3rd person.
I honestly can't describe it and it made the book super hard to get into. Since I was forced to actively read the whole time, I never sank into the story and forgot I was reading like I typically do.
No notes on the content of the book. The rest was good, just overshadowed by the weird writing style.
Reckless by Lauren Roberts
I wanted to like book one, but the near blatant plagiarism held me back. I heavily debated on giving book two a chance.
Well, after some encouragement from a friend, here we are... and I am still not a fan.
The story held a lot more of it's own merit this time around and I couldn't tell if there were any more directly copied scenes. However, not much happened and it still feels a tad too cheesy. The inner monologuing and flowery descriptions are just far too frequent and seriously detract from the story. That doesn't even take into account the repetitiveness of those monologues. It felt like we were rehashing the same thoughts constantly.
In my honest opinion the writing style of both books aims for "quotable" moments and lines. So instead of filling the plot with... plot, we are filling the pages with things that can be used on Instagram for engagement.
I listened to the audiobook instead of physically reading like I did with book one, so I will give credit where credit is due, the narrators who worked on this did an amazing job. Their efforts and voices were the best part of the book.
Although I am hating on this book, I will admit that I would have loved this as a teenager or young adult. I am simply no longer the target audience and as an adult it feels gimmicky. That being said, I should have stuck to my guns and left this one un-read. I knew going into it that I am not a fan of the author's writing style and that fact stayed true. The characters carried book one, but there wasn't enough actual story for them to carry book two.
Remember, this review is a reflection of my personal taste, not a reflection of the author, their work, or readers. I am simply explaining why this book was not for me.
I wanted to like book one, but the near blatant plagiarism held me back. I heavily debated on giving book two a chance.
Well, after some encouragement from a friend, here we are... and I am still not a fan.
The story held a lot more of it's own merit this time around and I couldn't tell if there were any more directly copied scenes. However, not much happened and it still feels a tad too cheesy. The inner monologuing and flowery descriptions are just far too frequent and seriously detract from the story. That doesn't even take into account the repetitiveness of those monologues. It felt like we were rehashing the same thoughts constantly.
In my honest opinion the writing style of both books aims for "quotable" moments and lines. So instead of filling the plot with... plot, we are filling the pages with things that can be used on Instagram for engagement.
I listened to the audiobook instead of physically reading like I did with book one, so I will give credit where credit is due, the narrators who worked on this did an amazing job. Their efforts and voices were the best part of the book.
Although I am hating on this book, I will admit that I would have loved this as a teenager or young adult. I am simply no longer the target audience and as an adult it feels gimmicky. That being said, I should have stuck to my guns and left this one un-read. I knew going into it that I am not a fan of the author's writing style and that fact stayed true. The characters carried book one, but there wasn't enough actual story for them to carry book two.
Remember, this review is a reflection of my personal taste, not a reflection of the author, their work, or readers. I am simply explaining why this book was not for me.
The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman
This book was an absolute treat from start to finish.
The Wolf King is the perfect mix of Outlander meets Werewolves. Although there are moments where the Outlander inspiration went a step too far into the direct borrowing territory. I'm not saying Outlander owns those common minor sub-plots, but it did make them very predictable due to their similarities.
Romance is the driving force behind the story and I'd put the book closer to a traditional romance than a fantasy. The intimacy is mild and infrequent, but the tension and build up well done.
Callum is not my typical type, and I maaaayy have been rooting for the dark sneaky villain, but I couldn't help reading his lines in a deep Scottish accent. He is definitely a kind hearted, softy, knight in shining armor, saving the damsel in distress.
Aurora is a good blend of naïve princess and feisty little firecracker. For an experienced fantasy/romantasy reader, her plot lines and actions will be predictable, but still a very enjoyable journey.
I loved the vibes. The pacing was perfect. The story is fun, and I can't wait for book two.
I finished the whole book in just three sittings. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down, and that to me is the biggest indicator of my enjoyment.
This book was an absolute treat from start to finish.
The Wolf King is the perfect mix of Outlander meets Werewolves. Although there are moments where the Outlander inspiration went a step too far into the direct borrowing territory. I'm not saying Outlander owns those common minor sub-plots, but it did make them very predictable due to their similarities.
Romance is the driving force behind the story and I'd put the book closer to a traditional romance than a fantasy. The intimacy is mild and infrequent, but the tension and build up well done.
Callum is not my typical type, and I maaaayy have been rooting for the dark sneaky villain, but I couldn't help reading his lines in a deep Scottish accent. He is definitely a kind hearted, softy, knight in shining armor, saving the damsel in distress.
Aurora is a good blend of naïve princess and feisty little firecracker. For an experienced fantasy/romantasy reader, her plot lines and actions will be predictable, but still a very enjoyable journey.
I loved the vibes. The pacing was perfect. The story is fun, and I can't wait for book two.
I finished the whole book in just three sittings. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down, and that to me is the biggest indicator of my enjoyment.
slow-paced
Vesselless by Cortney L. Winn
Right off the bat, I loved the FMC and I loved the direction of the story.
The pacing felt a bit on the slower side, but not in a bad way. It felt, methodical and intentional in its slower pace.
I'm a big fan of stabby FMC's. Nizzara's perpetual fight between her inner rage and desire to do no harm spoke to my soul. I love that she could harbor so much violence and rage inside her while still choosing kindness and compassion.
The slow burn was slow burning, and the spice levels are minimal. I absolutely adore the way Dagen falls for Nizzara and his mental checks early on.
The magic system was VERY fun!! There were times when all the terminology fell through the sieve that is my brain, but the concept was fun and different.
My biggest gripe is with the naming convention for the kingdoms. With so many ze, zim, zar, zo, zum's, going on, it got muddled. I can confidently say I have no clue which goes where and who did what. That shit was zzzzzzooooo unnecezzzzzary!
Right off the bat, I loved the FMC and I loved the direction of the story.
The pacing felt a bit on the slower side, but not in a bad way. It felt, methodical and intentional in its slower pace.
I'm a big fan of stabby FMC's. Nizzara's perpetual fight between her inner rage and desire to do no harm spoke to my soul. I love that she could harbor so much violence and rage inside her while still choosing kindness and compassion.
The slow burn was slow burning, and the spice levels are minimal. I absolutely adore the way Dagen falls for Nizzara and his mental checks early on.
The magic system was VERY fun!! There were times when all the terminology fell through the sieve that is my brain, but the concept was fun and different.
My biggest gripe is with the naming convention for the kingdoms. With so many ze, zim, zar, zo, zum's, going on, it got muddled. I can confidently say I have no clue which goes where and who did what. That shit was zzzzzzooooo unnecezzzzzary!
The Hunted Heir by Holly Renee
*sigh*
By all metrics Dacre should fit right in with all my favorite book boyfriends; he's just the right amount of damaged. However, something about him gives me a major ick.
The first 60% of book two was pretty promising and I kept waiting for something to happen. Verena was still a delicate damsel in distress, which isn't my favorite FMC type, but the set up for interesting plot lines was there. But, by the time we reach 70% we're back to throwing all story out the window for the cringiest intimacy. When the end finally arrived we're left with a cliffhanger and 200 pages of not a damn thing actually happening.
It feels like the author couldn't decide what the story was supposed to be. There were so many fantasy elements that could have been explored to make it a worthwhile fantasy book. Or, the fantasy themes could have been dropped completely to make it a romance story with light fantasy touches. But the introduction of potential with no follow up just puts the book in a weird genre limbo. I feel c0ck blocked...
No different from book one, the intimacy really, REALLY wasn't my thing. Not yucking anyone's yum, but I personally do not enjoy being commanded to beg for EVERY scrap of intimacy. Especially, since Dacre owed Verena some serious groveling. This ties into the soft girl FMC type that I just cannot relate to at all.
I wanted to like this series. I kept holding on to the hope that ANY of the potential would get fleshed out. Alas, I was thoroughly and completely disappointed.
The repetitive phrases stuck around as well. With the "pressing" and "clamping" of thighs being repeated numerous times. There seemed to be a little acknowledgement of the repetition, because she started adding "legs" into the mix. My girl has a leg/thigh kink, I'd bet money on it.
*sigh*
By all metrics Dacre should fit right in with all my favorite book boyfriends; he's just the right amount of damaged. However, something about him gives me a major ick.
The first 60% of book two was pretty promising and I kept waiting for something to happen. Verena was still a delicate damsel in distress, which isn't my favorite FMC type, but the set up for interesting plot lines was there. But, by the time we reach 70% we're back to throwing all story out the window for the cringiest intimacy. When the end finally arrived we're left with a cliffhanger and 200 pages of not a damn thing actually happening.
It feels like the author couldn't decide what the story was supposed to be. There were so many fantasy elements that could have been explored to make it a worthwhile fantasy book. Or, the fantasy themes could have been dropped completely to make it a romance story with light fantasy touches. But the introduction of potential with no follow up just puts the book in a weird genre limbo. I feel c0ck blocked...
No different from book one, the intimacy really, REALLY wasn't my thing. Not yucking anyone's yum, but I personally do not enjoy being commanded to beg for EVERY scrap of intimacy. Especially, since Dacre owed Verena some serious groveling. This ties into the soft girl FMC type that I just cannot relate to at all.
I wanted to like this series. I kept holding on to the hope that ANY of the potential would get fleshed out. Alas, I was thoroughly and completely disappointed.
The repetitive phrases stuck around as well. With the "pressing" and "clamping" of thighs being repeated numerous times. There seemed to be a little acknowledgement of the repetition, because she started adding "legs" into the mix. My girl has a leg/thigh kink, I'd bet money on it.