theartsybookwitch's Reviews (393)

As far as debuts go, I really liked Reynolds work!

As far as shifters go, it was quite interesting to see Reynolds take. My experience with paranormal shifters wise has mostly been the Mercy Thompson series, multiple Kelley Armstrong & Ilona Andrews series, and it has been a fun time delving into her gang related world and how they differ.

I enjoyed seeing how much Jasper and Maxwell's relationship takes off from the very beginning, and how their dynamics grow and change from the start. Hearing how they grew up so sheltered and grew up in this very old-fashioned breaks my heart and I just want to hug them. I loved reading about all of the characters and seeing them all come together.

Spark is a fast paced read, but be aware of the trigger warnings and homophobia going into this.

But also, who gets Twilight vibes from the way Jasper describes the Spark? Like how they describe the way Sam felt after imprinting on Emily? No? Cool.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Ahh… my spring goddess, you have no idea who you just made a deal with"

Summary: I gave Hades a fake name at the club, and now, he's chosen me as his mate.

It was a single night, and we both wanted to forget someone. He said, I have six months before he returns. Six months to tell my old life goodbye. In my drunk state, I agreed, and he declared us as betrothed. The next morning, I ghosted him.

Imagine my surprise when I see him at my academy six months later. He's returned like a raging inferno to claim me.

Valerius Vitalli will never let me go.

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

I think Valerius Vitalli and Annabella Serra are one of my new favorite book couples! I loved their entire relationship from start to finish. The gritty, the tenderness, the vulnerability had me captivated from the very start.

A Beautiful Liar has my entire heart and soul.

I've always loved Khan's writing style and books, and it's no exception for ABL. Valerius is such an interesting and dynamic character that you can't help but fall in love with. (And the fact that he's a hacker makes him that much hotter) I didn't grow up an outsider like Annabella has, but I definitely found myself relating to her so much! (Glasses aside lol). Annabella is such a powerful new character and seeing her throughout her entire career at Saint Eudora had me tearing up.

The modern college setting of the Hades / Persephone was so well done, I can't ever get enough.

AND I NEED MORE.

I highly recommend A Beautiful Liar for any dark academia, mafia, gothic, dark romance fan.

TW // dubcon, graphic sexual content, violence, murder, blood, vomit, one night stands, drinking, needles,

AND THE COVER OMG

PUB: Apr 8, 2022
5/5

"May you always have the confidence of a drag queen."

I genuinely thought I wouldn't finish Murphy's Law. It took me a while to get into the story. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge lover of fantasy and angels / demons, but I think just the beginning fell flat for me. I was not a fan of the two gory scenes, and I ultimately skipped those chapters, cause of it.

By the end of the book, I ended up really liking the characters and became a huge fan of Murphy and Joy.

I really enjoyed the chapter titles and the quotes at the beginning of them, some giving a reference to the events in the book.

"Don't flatter yourself. I only look up to you because I'm short."

"Who doesn't love puppies? Sociopaths, that's who."

"It's okay if you don't like me. Not everyone has good taste."

THAT ENDING THOUGH.

Bright Ruined Things is a magical twist on Shakespeare's The Tempest and brings it. I'll be honest in saying that I've never read The Tempest or seen a retelling, but this is so powerful and beautiful. I loved Mae and seeing her journey from beginning to end. I'll admit I felt it dragged on at points but BRT was action packed and gave me a bit of Gatsby vibes. The writing style is impeccable and the storyline will have you falling in love.

Thank you to NetGalley, Samantha Cohoe and St. Martin's Press for the chance to review an ARC copy.