4 ⭐️ This is a lovely book. Wonderfully written and incredibly fanciful lore.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ academic fantasy set in early 1900s ✨ setting: remote s4 ⭐️ This is a lovely book. Wonderfully written and incredibly fanciful lore.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ academic fantasy set in early 1900s ✨ setting: remote small village in Scandinavia ✨ she is a Cambridge professor writing an encyclopedia of faerie ✨ he is a Cambridge professor who offers to assist in her research ✨ academic rivals/friends to lovers ✨ forced proximity ✨ slow burn ✨ no spice ✨ fun banter ✨ neurodivergent FMC ✨ satisfying plot/conflict ✨ interesting faerie lore and world building ✨ HEA but leave door open for book 2
My Thoughts:
This was a solid story. It definitely falls into the cozy fantasy category with gentle pacing and vivid writing. It was honestly relaxing to read because there's no real urgency to finish. There are exciting moments of conflict and intrigue, yet due to the way it's written, I never felt strong emotions or an eagerness to read through the night in order to find out what happens next.
The book is written in diary format, which was done well, but personally, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story or connect with the moments being written about because I knew everything would be alright since Emily was recounting everything after the fact. On one hand, it's nice because I felt zero anxiety while reading, but at the same time, it takes away the excitement of not know if things are going to turn out okay.
My favorite part about this story was the faerie lore. I've never read a book that has this much world building and detail about the faerie. I'm honestly impressed with the creativity and/or folklore research about faerie and creatures that the author must have done to write this book. I loved learning about the difference faerie from their physical appearances to their behaviors / interactions with humans.
Emily Wilde is such a fascinating character. She is neurodivergent, and I loved seeing this represention in such a smart, strong, female lead. The way Emily is so focused on her research is admirable, and I respect that no matter what type of faerie she encounters, she is able to keep a clear head and interact with reason and curiosity.
The relationship between Emily and Wendell Bambleby is entertaining. The banter between the two is fun, and I enjoyed how easily these two fall into a harmonious rhythm with one another. But, just FYI, while there is some romance aspects that develop, I wouldn't call this story a romance. It's a very small aspect of the story, but it may evolve more in the next few books.
There is one thing that did irk me. This is 100% a personal pet peeve, but I absolutely loath when the potential love interest has romantic or sexual relations with other people. Emily is completely unbothered because she's just friends with Wendell and she knows he's a big flirt. So there is no jealousy on her end. However, I think it diminishes his 'love' for Emily. He's been friends with her for years while being in love with her, but at the same time he philanders about everywhere he goes. Even in front of her. This also makes me question why he 'loves' Emily in the first place. The story starts with her mentioning how annoying she finds him but that while he's her rival, he's also her only friend. Whenever they interact, she insults him or bosses him around, but Wendell honestly finds this amusing and replies sweetly. I think a lot of his feelings for her and how he acts makes sense with what we learn about Wendell, but at the same time, it doesn't convince me of their romance. I'm hoping this is explored more intentionally in the next book....more
I wanted to die. Conveniently, I now lived next door to a funeral parlor.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ ireland setting ✨ 3 ⭐️ It's good! It just wasn't quite for me
I wanted to die. Conveniently, I now lived next door to a funeral parlor.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ ireland setting ✨ she's a widowed animator looking for a fresh start ✨ he's a reclusive mortician in need of a wife ✨ somber x sunshine ✨ neighbors / forced proximity ✨ "I'll help you date" ✨ slow burn ✨ opposites attract ✨ he falls first ✨ tension and longing ✨ friends with benefits ✨ asexual rep ✨ size difference ✨ 2.5/5 ...more
3 ⭐️ This is a cute story about how even though a first date can go horribly wrong, sometimes fate has other plan
"I can't help it. I won't apologize f3 ⭐️ This is a cute story about how even though a first date can go horribly wrong, sometimes fate has other plan
"I can't help it. I won't apologize for wanting you. And, fuck, do I want you, Mia."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ bad first blind date ✨ she’s a sweet, family oriented teacher ✨ he’s her father’s new, young boss/nemesis ✨ dislike to love ✨ forbidden romance ✨ bickering and tension ✨ slow burn ✨ 3/5 ...more
3 ⭐️ A rom-com with depth but it didn't sparkle like other Emily Henry novels
In the best of times, it's inadvisable to start lusting after your roomma3 ⭐️ A rom-com with depth but it didn't sparkle like other Emily Henry novels
In the best of times, it's inadvisable to start lusting after your roommate, and we are nowhere near the best of times.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ Michigan setting ✨ small town romance ✨ Daphne is a librarian who's been dumped by her fiance for Mile's ex ✨ Miles is a bartender who's girlfriend dumps him for Daphne's ex ✨ living with your ex fiance's new fiance's ex ✨ roommates to best friends to lovers ✨ opposites attract ✨ forced proximity ✨ fake dating (sort of) ✨ 2/5 ...more
3.5 ⭐️ A good addition to the Gods and Monsters series
"When I burn this world to embers, and you paint me as the villain, remember, I really did try t3.5 ⭐️ A good addition to the Gods and Monsters series
"When I burn this world to embers, and you paint me as the villain, remember, I really did try to be good ......once."
About:
After the devastating events of The Book of Azrael, Dianna is hellbent on revenge. However, the one person standing in her way is her lover, the God King. Samkiel refuses to believe Dianna is truly a monster and will do everything in his power to save her from herself. But can he reach Dianna before her thirst for blood and revenge consume her? WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ fantasy romance ✨ gods and monsters ✨ morally grey heroine ✨ cinnamon roll hero ✨ forbidden romance ✨ forced proximity ✨ 3/5 ...more
5 ⭐️ Kilt Trip was written for me and everyone else who’s obsessed with Scotland. And if you're not already obsessed, you will be after you read this 5 ⭐️ Kilt Trip was written for me and everyone else who’s obsessed with Scotland. And if you're not already obsessed, you will be after you read this book. ...more
∞ ⭐️ My favorite book of 2023!!!!!! The most enchanting story I've ever read!
"He didn't want to live in a world without her and her words."
WHAT TO EX∞ ⭐️ My favorite book of 2023!!!!!! The most enchanting story I've ever read!
"He didn't want to live in a world without her and her words."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ historical romantasy ✨ gods war ✨ magical realism ✨ rival reporters to lovers ✨ pen pals ✨ hidden identity ✨ angst ✨ found family ✨ dual POV (mostly the FMC) ✨ TW: war, loss of a loved one
My Thoughts: The best way I can describe this book in one word is ✨ENCHANTING✨. From the moment I started till the end, I was completely captivated by the characters, the world, and the romance. I read this is one sitting because I simply could not put it down. There are only a few romance stories that make you believe in true love, and this is one of them. The connection between Roman and Iris is incredibly deep, and the love they share is breathtaking. This story also has the most beautiful prose I've ever read. Rebecca Ross is a master of her craft and skillfully shows it by making you fall in love with the characters and this story through such a romantic writing style. And that ending . . . it absolutely broke me. When I finished, I was at a complete loss for words. I felt heartbroken, angry, sad, and confused, but at the same time, hopeful. I cried till I had no tears left, and now I'm desperately waiting for December 26th to read Ruthless Vows. This gaping hole in my chest won't heal until I have a copy in my hands.
Like I said, Divine Rivals is my FAVORITE BOOK of 2023!!!!!! So if you haven't read it yet, please immediately add this to your TBR! Plus, it's free on Kindle Unlimited!
I hate you for leaving me like this. I hate you, and yet I love you even more, because you are brave and full of a light that I don't think I will ever find or understand. _______
"Your grief will never fully fade; it will always be with you - a shadow you carry in your soul - but it will become fainter as your life becomes brighter. You will learn to live outside of it again, as impossible as that may sound. Others who share your pain will also help you heal. Because you are not alone. Not in your fear or your grief or your hopes or your dreams. You are not alone." _______
"The days to come will only grow darker. And when you find something good? You hold on to it. You don't waste time worrying about things that won't even matter in the end. Rather, you take a risk for that light." _______
"Perhaps it begins with one person. Someone you trust. You remove a piece of armor for them; you let the light stream in, even if it makes you wince. Perhaps that is how you learn to be soft yet strong, even in fear and uncertainty. one person, one piece of steel." _______
"Sometimes strength isn't swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. Sometimes it's found in quiet, gentle places. The way you hold someone's hand as they grieve. The way you listen to others. The way you show up, day after day, even when you are weary or afraid or simply uncertain." _______
"You and I . . . we need to stay together. We're better this way." _______
I am coming to love him, in two different ways. Face to face, and word to word. _______
I am so afraid. And yet how I long to be vulnerable and brave when it comes to my own heart. _______
Even though she had been left, time and time again, by the people she loved, Roman had come to her. He was choosing her. _______
"I broke my engagement, quit my job, and traveled six hundred kilometers into a war-torn land to be with you, Iris." _______
"It's not a crime to feel joy, even when things seem hopeless. . . You deserve all the happiness in the world. And I intend to see that you have it." _______
"I pray that my days will be long at your side. Let me fill and satisfy every longing in your soul. May your hand be in mine, by sun and by night. Let our breaths twine and our blood become one, until our bones return to dust. Even then, may I find your soul still sworn to mine." _______
"I think you and I are simply better together, Kitt." _______
He is mine, she thought the words a pleasant shock to her soul. I am his. _______...more
3.5 ⭐️ This was a great addition to the Deviant Kings series. I couldn't put it down!
"Things might be different for us outside these walls. But right 3.5 ⭐️ This was a great addition to the Deviant Kings series. I couldn't put it down!
"Things might be different for us outside these walls. But right now, in here, you're mine. Say it."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ paranormal romance ✨ fae, humans, vampires ✨ las vegas setting ✨ she’s the housekeeper and last lover of the the soon to be fae king of the Night Court ✨ he’s the playboy prince and future king who wants nothing to do with the crown ✨ royal x non-royal ✨ forbidden romance ✨ casual hookup to love ✨ forced proximity ✨ playful banter ✨ 3/5 spice ✨ heavy BDSM: dom/sub, sadism/masochism, rigging, whipping ✨ political intrigue ✨ murder mystery ✨ secret missions ✨ dual pov
My Thoughts:
This was such a fun and sexy story that dove way deeper into the Deviant Kings world and left me craving more. Seriously, The Vicious King (book 3) sounds incredible and I'm so glad we only have to wait a few months till it's release on December 5th!
What I liked:
Tiernan and his journey to becoming king. Tiernan has a boyish charm you can't help but love, a sharp mind, and a big heart - all qualities that make a great leader. No one wants the crown less than Tiernan, but unfortunately, it's fallen into his lap. And over time, with the help of a few friends, he accepts his responsibilities and realizes that maybe the Night Court needs a king just like him.
Fiona and her story. Fiona was a sweet secondary character from the first book who we hardly knew anything about, and this book did a fantastic job diving into her character. I love her kindness and caring nature towards others, her bravery and willingness to do what she can to help, and her fire and passion. She also has a complicated past with many twists and turns I didn't expect, so getting to know her was a blast!
The romance. Tiernan and Fiona are the epitome of a modern couple whose relationship starts with hooking up and ends with love. I love their playful banter. The forbidden element of their story made things exciting, and incredibly angsty. Seriously, them not being able to be together paired with the mystery plot had my heart clenching. It was a painfully delightful story. (lol) They obviously had a connection from the beginning but watching them grow as individuals and as a couple was lovely. Also, the nickname 'Little Red' is fucking adorable! And that ending was super cute.
The political intrigue and plot! I LOVE that we learn much more about the dark and light fae, and the added (murder) mystery element really kept me on my toes. It was so fun and I couldn’t put it down because I just had to know how things would unfold!
The smut. I’m really not into hardcore BDSM, but the scenes were done well. I never got the ick so that's always a good sign. The scenes seemed to have also been done in a proper and safe manner that aligns with the BDSM lifestyle, so that is very much appreciated.
The Bryn and Caiden cameos. I loved these two from The Dark King and was curious what life would be like for them afterwards. Turns out, it's just as crazy! I won't say more because it would spoil some things but they do play a role in this book, so get excited!
That second epilogue featuring Finnian has me salivating for book 3! I'm shook after all that new information and cannot wait to learn more about Taryn and how she's connected to Finnian!
What were my issues:
I didn’t like how Tiernan talked like a Gen Z-er. I know he's the relatable brother since he hangs out with humans all the time, but still, it was distracting and really hard to get past, especially since he's 150(?) years old. Here are some examples: "I'd fucking smash that look, no question," "bitch slap me in the face", "staying chill," "dude,". There's also a bunch of Twilight/Edward Cullen jokes which I didn't really get.
Sometimes, it felt like the plot was overshadowing the romance. I'm someone who likes both to be developed in the romance novels I read, but a lot of Tiernan and Fiona's romance was intertwined with whatever was happening politically/mystery plot-wise when I wish they had more romantic moments that would have unfolded without those outside factors. For example, the first time they 'play' is during an undercover mission at a BDSM club, and while it was hot, I wish they had an experience prior in a more private place so the moment was just about them.
I wish Tiernan and Fiona had a BDSM scene before the sex club. We knew both characters had experience with BDSM so it's not like they needed to learn about it, but Tiernan gave up the lifestyle because of a bad experience. So him being forced to do BDSM with Fiona (for the first time) in a sex club while on a secret mission just seemed contrived and cruel. Especially because he does end up having a trauma response to the entire experience, which Fiona does talk him through. But my tender heart didn't want to see him suffer, so I personally, wish their first BDSM experience had been in a safe environment without any pressure.
Occasionally, the story sometimes moved from political drama to romance so quickly it was a bit jarring. One paragraph would be politics and then next would be romance. I think it sort of aligns with my point above, but the romance moments needed some time to breath without the other angst and tension from the mystery/political plot.
Thank you Entangled and Gina Maxwell for sending me an arc copy! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
"Power is as ruinous as it is advantageous." _______
"I felt like I'd finally found what I hadn't even known I was searching for. You are my little treasure. You are worth more to me than all the riches of Faerie and this world combined. You must believe me." _______
"It's okay to be mad at your eyes. I'll show them enough love until you're ready to love them, too." _______
And suddenly I want to wipe it all off, to get rid of anything that disguises the real her. So that for the first time in her life, she doesn't have to hide who she is, because who she is naturally is perfect. _______
"I swear to the gods, Fiona, if you die on me, I will follow you. I will find you in whatever afterlife exists for humans, and I will drag your cute ass back to the land of the living, even if it costs me my soul's place in Mag Mell." _______
"Know that you belong to me, just as I belong to you. Now and always, no matter what." _______
"Whether fae, human, or other, everything about you is - and always has been - fucking perfect." _______ ...more
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ Greek Tragedy ✨ gods and men ✨ first half is Achilles and3 ⭐️ Achilles didn’t deserve Patroclus
"If you have to go I will go with you."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ Greek Tragedy ✨ gods and men ✨ first half is Achilles and Patroclus childhood, second half is the Trojan War ✨ MM romance ✨ friends to lovers ✨ no spice vague descriptions ✨ single POV (Patroclus) ✨ themes: power of love, fate, destiny, pride, violence, honor, morality ✨ tw: rape, slavery, murder, human sacrifice, violence, war, torture
My Thoughts:
The story was an interesting adaption of Homer's Illiad, but if you already know Achilles' story, this may be very boring. The only new thing is the focus of MM romance, and truly, that was the most interesting part of the story, but it also was a small subplot. So, as someone who is very familiar with Achille's story, I didn’t fully invest because there was nothing new to anticipate. It's almost like I was reading Achilles fanfic, where some aspects of the story changed, but the characters and events that played out stayed the same.
It was also frustrating reading about a good person like Patroclus falling for an unawarely arrogant and selfish person who ultimately chooses fame and glory over their love (multiple times). So I couldn’t root for Achilles and Patroclus, and when the end came, I was angry and not sad because Patroclus deserved a life and death that wasn’t lived solely for Achilles and his whims. BUT at the same time, this is a classic Greek tragedy, so all of this is to be expected, and I can’t really fault the story for that.
Was the writing good? Yes? No? I don't know. It wasn’t bad by any means. It felt like I was reading a modern, revised version of the Illiad or something, so in that regard, it felt pretty true to how these stories are meant to be told. However, that writing just isn’t my favorite, so I was never going to click with it. Also, I've heard a lot of people commend the prose, but there wasn't an abundance of beautifully written sentences, so I'm not really sure what everyone was referring to.
So would I read this again? No, because it already felt like I was rereading it, even though it was my first time.
Was this as heartbreaking as everyone said it would be? No. I knew how this story would end, and the way things came to made me more angry than sad.
Would I recommend it? Yes. But only if you enjoy Greek Tragedies or aren’t incredibly familiar with Achilles' story.
Favorite Quotes:
We were like gods, at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other. _______
I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell, I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world. _______
"He has light enough to make heroes of them all." _______
In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood, like a hundred golden urns pouring out the sun." _______...more
4.5 ⭐️ Such a fantastic ending to Zarrah and Keris’ story!
This has less spice than their first book BUT more action, twists, and turns! It was so muc4.5 ⭐️ Such a fantastic ending to Zarrah and Keris’ story!
This has less spice than their first book BUT more action, twists, and turns! It was so much fun diving back into this world! Zarrah and Keris both learn to become the best version of themselves and make difficult decisions for the good of their people. Loved seeing them grow individually and as a couple. Keris’ absolute dedication and love for Zarrah melt my heart. ...more
3 ⭐️ The ending . . . I cried. I had a heart attack. And now I’m staring into space like life has no meaning. I am unwell.
"The first year is when some3 ⭐️ The ending . . . I cried. I had a heart attack. And now I’m staring into space like life has no meaning. I am unwell.
"The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity."
Prepare to join the revolution.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ adult romantasy ✨ book 2 of the Empyrean Series ✨ established romance (but they're stubborn idiots) ✨ war college setting ✨ dragon riders ✨ magic ✨ unique world building ✨ complex politics ✨ found family ✨ chronic illness rep ✨ action-packed ✨ high stakes ✨ 2.5/5 ...more
3.75 ⭐️ So much fun!! This book had me hooked from the start!
”There isn't a single dish that I could create that would taste as good as the both of us3.75 ⭐️ So much fun!! This book had me hooked from the start!
”There isn't a single dish that I could create that would taste as good as the both of us together.”
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ modern spin on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing ✨ indian wedding planning ✨ punjabi main characters ✨ she's a loyal, controlling wedding planner trying to plan her best friend’s wedding ✨ he's an egotistical and irritatingly sexy chef who's supposed to help her with the menu since he’s the groom’s best friend ✨ first impression gone wrong ✨ hate to love (on her side) ✨ forced proximity ✨ similars attracts: stubborn, workaholics who don't want a relationship ✨ "you make me crazy" ✨ amazing banter ✨ he falls first ✨ found family ✨ plus size fmc ✨ 2.5/5 spice ✨ kinks: praise, bondage, cl*t slapping, minor exhibitionism, toys ✨ taylor swift references
My Thoughts:
Okay, so I liked this book! I really did. Especially the first half!
We start off with a bang in the prologue where Benjamin and Bobbi meet 10 months ago. There's so much sexual tension between the two and they share an almost kiss! But thanks to four stupid words (said by Benjamin, of course), Bobbi currently hates him. This is a hate to love (on Bobbi's end) romance, where no matter how hard Benjamin tries, he can't seem to do anything but piss her off. I LOVED their vexing banter and how hard they fight their attraction to one another. But thanks to their friends forcing them to work together, they are unable to resist.
Benjamin and Bobbi were also extremely likable and very similar characters! Bobbi is such a loving and loyal friend. She does everything with 100% of her entire heart and won't stop until it's done to perfection. That's what also makes her an incredible successful wedding planner. I also appreciated that she was plus size and extremely confident in herself! And we were able to learn a bit more about perceptions of being plus size not only by American standards but those of Punjabi men and women.
Benjamin is also an incredibly kind and loyal friend. He is extremely confident and straightforward, but plays mediator for his family, which tends to pull him between his passions and 'responsibilities'. Throughout the book, Benjamin realizes he needs to prioritize himself and his happiness instead of being manipulated and controlled by his family. Watching him grow and go through this journey was a very cathartic experience for me.
On a side note, one of the main themes of this book is community whether it be your friends or family and I love that!
I also really enjoyed that the non-romance plot was centered around Prem and Kareena's wedding! These two are just the cutest! Seeing their love story unfold in Dating Dr. Dil was a delight, so to see their wedding play out was a special treat. Maybe in the next book, we'll see them having kids. ...more
1 ⭐️ I swear my p*ssy sewed itself shut while reading this.
I hate this book so much that I don’t even want to write a review. It just kept getting wo1 ⭐️ I swear my p*ssy sewed itself shut while reading this.
I hate this book so much that I don’t even want to write a review. It just kept getting worse the more I continued so I fully read till 30%, skimmed till 77%, and had to jump to the end.
***SPOILERS****
Here’s everything wrong with Maxen (Ash) Colchester aka the creepy, self-absorbed predator, I mean, President:
1. He has an intense make-out session with a 16-year-old when he’s 26 years old. But after learning she’s not 18, he keeps kissing her and says, “Why aren’t you eighteen.” ...more
4.25 ⭐️ I loved this book for a very surprising reason
Without her, I am darkness and death, and that is what I will be until I get her back.
WHAT TO E4.25 ⭐️ I loved this book for a very surprising reason
Without her, I am darkness and death, and that is what I will be until I get her back.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ dark romantasy ✨ revenge ✨ angst ✨ redemption ✨ continued world building ✨ action-packed ✨ multiple POVs (Auren, Slade, Malina, Osrik) ✨ established and new romances ✨ "you're mine" ✨ 1.5/5 spice (one sex scene) ✨ found family ✨ plot twists and reveals ✨ cliffhanger ending
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
(I don't spoil any plot twist or reveals but if you don't want to know anything about this book, DO NOT READ FURTHER.)
My Thoughts:
Gold is a fantastic addition to The Plated Prisoner series that will make you laugh, cry, melt, and scream! Everything finally comes together in this book and by the end, you just know we are on the precipice of an epic finale!
What I liked:
Queen Malina. Yep! You're reading this right. I acutally like Queen-fucking-Malina. I know we're all here for Auren and Slade, but this book was really all about Queen Malina's redemption arc. There are a lot of chapters in her POV (13/53), so we really dive deep into her character and see her deal with the consequences of her actions. I love how Raven Kennedy can take a morally gray MC I absolutely hated and turn her into someone I admire.
A little note about Malina's storyline compared to the others. Because there's a big focus on Malina and her character development, so her storyline moves quickly. However, Slade, Auren's and Rissa/Osrik's storylines move at a much slower pace and the big conflicts from the end of Glow are not resolved or are resolved but only at the very end. Just FYI, Slade and Auren are not reunited in this book.
The continued world-building! We finally are in Annwyn and it is beautiful. While the realm is similar to Orea, it’s fundamentally different due to magic. I loved how Auren describes how it feels to be there.
Auren's return to Annwyn is bittersweet but we finally get her backstory. Annwyn was her home, filled with so many wonderful memories, until it was taken away from her. It's easy to understand how Auren's first priority is to get back to Slade, but after learning more about the civil unrest in Annwyn and what role Auren plays in all of it, she realizes there's a lot more at stake. I love Auren's bleeding heart and how it always leads her to helping others. Slade's revenge rampage. Slade feels split in two without Auren, and when he realizes he can't immediately open up a rip to get back to Auren, he decides to destroy everyone who ever hurt her. Watching him go from kingdom to kingdom to doll our punishments was so fucking satisfying.
4 ⭐️ Even if you're not into omegaverse, this is your sign to read this book
We revolved around Rake the way a pack did around their omega; he was our 4 ⭐️ Even if you're not into omegaverse, this is your sign to read this book
We revolved around Rake the way a pack did around their omega; he was our sun to orbit. But Lola was like a magnetic force, drawing us in and holding us together, creating one planet out of many.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ omegaverse (not shifters) ✨ reverse-harem ✨ she's a beta with a traumatic past ✨ they want her in their pack ✨ billionaire romance ✨ boss x employee ✨ age-gap ✨ slow burn ✨ 4/5 spice ✨ mm / mf / mmf / mmmm / mmfmm ✨ mating instincts, pheromones, biting, knotting, bonding marks, anal ✨ emotional healing journey ✨ found family ✨ angst ✨ HEA ✨ TW: physical, psychological, and sexual abuse (flashbacks), emotional trauma
My Thoughts:
I've only read a few omegaverse stories, but all of them have been so smut focused with little regard to plot or emotional impact. But that is definitely not the case here. Yes, this story does involve one woman finding romance between six incredibly sexy men, but it's so much more than that.
Lola & the Millionaires: Part 1 is a meaningful story with a perfect combination of smut and substance. Lola, a beta, suffers from past abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional), and while she's learned to managed it in order to get through the day, she hasn't really worked through the trauma. That all changes when she meets a gorgeous beta at a club. Throughout this story, Lola embarks on a beautiful healing journey with the love and support of a pack of six incredible men. PS: This is only part one to the story, so not every relationship is fully explored. Each man offers something different to Lola, and they all are incredibly patient and understanding of what she needs.
For anyone with trauma, I think they'll find ways to relate to Lola and what she has gone through. It was moving how this group came together to support Lola and provide her with reassurances when the world hasn't been so kind to her. And by the end of Part 1, while she isn't completely healed, she has her spark back and a confidence in herself that's been missing since before the abuse. The men help empower Lola till she realizes she has enough strength to empower herself - all because they want to see her shine.
This story does an amazing job navigating the effects of abuse and provides hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Now, the smut. Damn this book is filled with pages and pages of thrilling sexual encounters. These men are hot and are so eager to please Lola. ...more
5 ⭐️ If Throne of Glass, Divergent, Eragon, and Zodiac Academy had a baby. . . but this is better!!!
*PS: I don't really even like ZA, but it's similar5 ⭐️ If Throne of Glass, Divergent, Eragon, and Zodiac Academy had a baby. . . but this is better!!!
*PS: I don't really even like ZA, but it's similar because of the academic setting, the heroine's journey to understanding her strength, and the enemies-to-lovers aspect (it's not quite a bully romance though).
You know when you finish a book, and it leaves an ache in your chest because it was so good, and now it’s over? Yeah, that’s exactly how I feel after finishing Fourth Wing.
Summary:
There are only two ways to leave Basgiath War College: graduate or die. Violet was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant and live a quiet life among books. However, when her mother, the commanding general, forces her to join the Riders Quadrants to become a dragon rider, she must push herself past all limitations in order to survive. Staying alive would be a lot easier if Violet didn't have a target on her back for not only being 'small and frail' but the daughter of the woman responsible for the deaths of many cadet's traitorous parents, including Xaden Riorson's - the most powerful and ruthless wingleader. She should stay away from him, but a fire burns between these two that is bound to consume them both. With stakes this high, every day could be her last. So Violet must learn to do the one thing she was never trained to do: fight.
"I will not die today." -Violet Sorrengail
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ adult romantasy ✨ true enemies to lovers ✨ war college setting ✨ dragon riders ✨ magic ✨ underdog fmc / chronic illness rep ✨ scarred anti-hero mmc ✨ unique world building ✨ complex politics ✨ found family ✨ high stakes ✨ insta-lust with slow burn ✨ 2/5 ...more
3.5 ⭐️ but rounding up to 4-stars because it was enjoyable and I read it quickly
"She may not need to define long-term, but to me, forever sounds nice3.5 ⭐️ but rounding up to 4-stars because it was enjoyable and I read it quickly
"She may not need to define long-term, but to me, forever sounds nice.”
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ sacramento setting ✨ wedding centered ✨ she’s an upbeat up and coming wedding planner who doesn’t believe in long term relationships ✨ he’s an tattooed asshole and the best florists in town, but he doesn’t do casual hookups ✨ forced proximity ✨ co-workers to lovers ✨ second chance romance ✨ grumpy x sunshine ✨ he falls first ✨ “I hate everyone but you” ✨ so much tension ✨ witty banter ✨ size difference ✨ 3/5 spice ✨ dual pov ✨ dual timeline: flashbacks are in his pov ✨ lgbtq rep ✨ tw: death of a parent (past, off page)
My Thoughts:
As a fan of Julie's Dramione fanfics, I was eager to read her first traditionally published book - and it did not disappoint! This was such a fun, sweet, and sexy story that I know many will fall in love with.
What I liked:
The second chance romance portion was done extremely well. I'm not usually a fan of this trope, however, it made perfect sense why Ama was so reluctant to marriage and ended her relationship with Elliot. I also understood Elliot's hesitation to Ama, but absolutely adore his continued commitment of love to her even though she rejected him in the past.
Writing in dual POV and dual timelines was a good move. I loved seeing how they fell in love the first time from Elliot's POV and their second chance from Ama's POV. This really let the reader understand the characters - their reservations, fears, hopes, and dreams.
The wedding planning premise and having both Ama and Elliot a part of the wedding industry was so much fun. Weddings are exciting and the perfect opportunity to bring people together. There were already so many stressful elements to planning the wedding, but then add Ama and Elliot's tension and you've got so much drama and angst. It was a wild ride!
Jackie and Hazel, whose wedding Ama was planning, were great characters that never overshadowed the MCs. Sometimes side characters can play too big of a role in the story or they can be annoying, but Jackie and Hazel did, and were, neither. They were perfect and added just enough drama to make things interesting.
The overall writing was well done. I really loved Julie Soto's use of prose. She also writes stories and characters that you feel attached to but she does so in a way that's easy to read and follow along.
I liked Ama but I loved Elliot. This man, with his grumpy attitude and tattoos, is the epitome of falling hard and never moving on. But I loved how he didn't just fall all over Ama the second she came back into his life. Instead she had to earn his trust back. And seriously, his tattoos, while lovely by design, have such beautiful meanings behind them. ...more
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