⁀ ⊹ ₊ “Make no mistake, little imposter. I am not a hero. I am undoubtedly a villain. And if I don’t scare you now, I will make it a point to do so.”
i
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “Make no mistake, little imposter. I am not a hero. I am undoubtedly a villain. And if I don’t scare you now, I will make it a point to do so.”
i went into eyes of devious burgundy with high hopes. the premise was genuinely intriguing: assyria, a woman escaping eight years of horrific abuse at the hands of her husband, vagach, takes the ultimate step towards freedom by eliminating him and using her shapeshifting ability to become him. a woman masquerading as her abusive husband, leading an army against angels? sign me up!
‼️ this is a warning that this review has major spoilers. if you haven't read the book yet, it's best to stop reading now.
the first 35% of the book held so much promise, hinting at a dark, revenge-fueled story of female empowerment. but then... it all went downhill. fast.
the pacing ground to a snail's pace, bogged down in unnecessary details and meandering plot threads. and the characters? forget about them. i actively disliked almost everyone (except for xannirin, kiira, rapp, and olrus). assyria, who was initially presented as a survivor, a woman hardened by years of cruelty and ready to fight for her life, devolved into a simpering, submissive version of herself once rokath entered the picture. where did her strength go? where was the fire that drove her to kill her abuser? it vanished, replaced by an infuriating willingness to bend to rokath's will.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “You are beautiful, Assyria. The Weaver must have spent centuries creating you for how perfect you are for me.”
and rokath? oh, rokath. this character was a walking, talking, ego-stroking nightmare. his character seemed determined to hammer home how "strong" and "scary" he was, particularly in relation to his dick. the constant harping on his power became tiresome and, frankly, ridiculous. it felt like the author was trying too hard to create a dominant, alpha male, and instead, they just created a caricature.
the supposed "mate bond" between assyria and rokath felt forced and unearned. there was no genuine connection, just insta-lust and the convenient plot device of being "fated" to be together. it completely undermined any potential character development for either of them.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “Should a group of them drop from above or approach from the front, I would easily slaughter them. Especially with what I have to protect now.”
but my biggest issue, the thing that truly made me want to throw this book across the room, was the ending. rokath, the supposedly strong leader who cares for his people, sacrifices his own soldiers for assyria. let that sink in. he betrays his entire army, the people he's sworn to protect, for a woman he barely knows. it's a complete betrayal of his character, a slap in the face to any semblance of logic, and an utterly infuriating conclusion to a story that started with so much potential.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “I want you. I need you. I love you. You will not die today.”
i want to make it clear that i hold no negative feelings towards the author. these are just my opinions. i would definitely like to read the next book, hoping for more character development.
thank you, giuls, for sharing this reading journey with me! i can't wait for our next buddy read to be even better ...more
this book was very cutesy and very demure. i had a blast reading it, though i did notice a few spots that could use a little more pizzazz. still, it wthis book was very cutesy and very demure. i had a blast reading it, though i did notice a few spots that could use a little more pizzazz. still, it was a solid read overall. but i'm totally in a review slump right now, so don’t expect anything profound from me.
thank you valentine pr and literary management for e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
⤿ love at first sight ⤿ hockey romance ⤿ stop the wedding ⤿ roommates to lovers ⤿ close proximity ⤿ he falls first
౨ৎ ⋮ more by piper rayne ─ mr. heartbreaker ─ mr. broody...more
i can't buy a single one of those five-star ratings for this book.
⊹ wren and ellis are like two toddlers trapped in grown-up bodies, and their communi can't buy a single one of those five-star ratings for this book.
⊹ wren and ellis are like two toddlers trapped in grown-up bodies, and their communication skills are leveled to zero. ⊹ they couldn't even figure out each other's handwriting after swapping letters. ⊹ it just only took a couple of dialogues for them to realize they were head over heels for each other. ⊹ they managed to get a divorce without even having a decent conversation.
thank you st. martin's press and netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
⤿ childhood friends to lovers ⤿ second chance ⤿ marriage in crisis ⤿ road trip ⤿ small town
౨ৎ ⋮ more by tarah dewitt ─ savor it ─ co-op ─ rootbound...more
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “Lenny, when I look at your face, I feel like I’m finally home after a really long day at work.”
anyone who claimed this book was a five-star rea
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “Lenny, when I look at your face, I feel like I’m finally home after a really long day at work.”
anyone who claimed this book was a five-star read totally lied to my face.
promise me, sunshine had the potential to be a touching tale about dealing with loss, healing, and discovering love in unexpected ways. the setup, with lenny grappling with the death of her best friend lou and trying to fulfill her last wishes, seemed like it could pack an emotional punch. but honestly, the execution just didn’t hit the mark, leaving me more let down than moved.
lenny's grief, which is supposed to be the heart of the story, came off as kinda shallow. even though the plot revolves around lou's pre-death to-do list, i found it hard to connect with her sorrow or feel the deep loss the story kept insisting she was going through.
for sure, i get that everyone grieves in their own way, but honestly, this book just didn’t nail it.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ I like to take care of you.
then there's Miles, the grumpy uncle, who seemed like he could bring some hope. his offer to help lenny with lou's list in exchange for bonding with his niece had potential for a cool dynamic. i really loved how miles was portrayed in this book. the way he supported lenny during her tough times was just adorable but his own struggles were just glossed over.
honestly, this book kinda feels like a letdown. the cool idea behind it was wasted because the characters just didn’t have enough depth, and the heavy themes it tried to cover weren’t explored well. sure, it might be a chill read for some, but if you’re after a real, emotional take on grief and healing, you might end up feeling let down. i wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone wanting a story that really hits you in the feels.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “There’s only you, Lenny. Every time . . . it’s just you,” he says, muffled as he kisses me. “And you.” He kisses me again. “And you.”
thank you so much fadhee for reading this with me otherwise i'd have totally dnfed this book ...more
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “This is what matters. You are my gift, my second chance, and I will cherish you and your dream. I will protect both of you."
i can't believe how
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “This is what matters. You are my gift, my second chance, and I will cherish you and your dream. I will protect both of you."
i can't believe how beautiful this story was. i'm seriously on the verge of tears because i just didn't want it to end.
kulti is more than just a love story, it’s a total vibe of slow-burn tension that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, craving more. mariana zapata nails it with a plot that’s all about that unresolved chemistry, awkward moments, and the magnetic connection between two people who just can’t quit each other, no matter their past or the hurdles they face.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “Don’t argue. You would do it for me.” “Just because I would—“ “I would do anything for you.”
at the center of it all are sal, a fierce and talented pro football player, and kulti, a retired legend turned her assistant coach. the almost thirteen-year age gap, the power dynamics, and sal’s childhood crush on kulti—who was her idol and the reason she got into football—create a super intriguing setup.
zapata is a pro at cranking up the tension between sal and kulti. every moment they share is packed with unspoken feelings, lingering looks, and that undeniable awareness of each other. kulti’s tough exterior starts to crack, giving us glimpses of the real dude behind the gruffness. meanwhile, sal is a total powerhouse, fiercely herself and tackling the challenges of being a pro athlete while dealing with her long-time feelings for kulti.
the side characters are also well-crafted, adding layers to the story. the football team’s camaraderie, the nosy family members, and the constant social media chatter all make the world feel real and engaging.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “I’ve been waiting, and I will keep on waiting until the time is right. You are my equal, my partner, my teammate, my best friend. I’ve done so many stupid things that you’ve made me regret—things I hope you will forgive me for and look beyond— but this, waiting a little longer for the love of my life, I can do."
the "hate to friends to lovers" trope is done so well here. the tension between sal and kulti is built on years of hidden admiration and a need to prove themselves to one another. watching them transition from rivals to friends, peeling back the layers to reveal real affection and respect, is super satisfying.
sure, the slow burn might test some readers’ patience, but that’s what makes kulti so addictive. zapata lets the characters grow, their feelings deepen, and their bond strengthen over time. By the time they finally connect, it feels like a huge win that’s totally deserved.
in the end, kulti is all about chasing your dreams, facing your fears, and finding love in the most unexpected places. it’s a beautifully written, emotionally charged read that’ll stick with you long after you finish. if you’re into slow-burn romances with strong female leads, grumpy heroes, and a sprinkle of sports, then kulti is totally for you....more
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “I love you. This is better than any fucking medal I could’ve won.”
double fault serves up a cute, if kinda predictable, love story that mixes th
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “I love you. This is better than any fucking medal I could’ve won.”
double fault serves up a cute, if kinda predictable, love story that mixes the stress of college debt with the struggles of being a single parent and the intense world of pro tennis. we follow sabrina, a totally relatable college student drowning in student loans. in a desperate search for a way out, she finds a gig as a nanny for noah's daughter.
noah is a well-known tennis star still dealing with the loss of his ex-wife. his grief has hit his game hard, leading to a bunch of losses and a ton of pressure, plus he’s emotionally checked out when it comes to his kid. he really needs someone to help him through this tough time, and sabrina steps in just when he needs it most.
honestly, i get that this is a debut novel and i wanted to be super nice while reviewing it, but i just can’t? the concept is cool, but the plot felt kinda empty. like, nothing felt fresh? just the same old tropes recycled. plus, the steamy scenes were kinda cringe. i was lowkey bored. for a debut, it’s not terrible, but i guess this book just wasn’t for me.
“Noah,” I gasp. “Oh my God.” My words dissolve into a garbled chant. “Right-fucking-yes-there-holy-shit. Oh-my-fucking-God-I-love-your-dick.” His laugh is dark and dangerous. “You’resofuckingdeep.” The words come out slurred together. “I can feel you in my throat.”
okay that's it, thank yeww.
⤿ single dad ⤿ sports romance ⤿ grumpy x sunshine ⤿ forced proximity
thank you to valentine pr & literary management for e-arc in exchange for my honest review!...more
this book spins a wild story about broken dreams, bouncing back, and the unbreakable strength of love whe
⁀ ⊹ ₊ "When I look at you, I see everything."
this book spins a wild story about broken dreams, bouncing back, and the unbreakable strength of love when life gets super tough. we dive into trina's world, a young woman full of dreams who’s ready to chase her modeling aspirations. at first, it feels like a dream come true, but soon the shiny surface cracks, exposing a dark side filled with exploitation and abuse that could swallow her whole.
the first half hits hard, showing the trauma and struggles trina faces, but then things take a turn when cole, her old flame, steps back into the picture. now a law enforcer and a single dad of two little girls, he’s a rock of support. his return brings a glimmer of hope, and their rekindled bond helps trina find some healing.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “For the first time in a long time, I love myself too.”
cole’s protective instincts kick in as he sees the dangers lurking in trina’s life. he goes all out to keep her safe, using his skills and connections to shield her from her past. the tension is real as he races against time, piecing together clues while battling his own issues to protect the woman he loves.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ Somehow. Some way. I’d stand by my word. I’d always be there for her.
but then trina’s husband shows up, throwing everything into a whirlwind. the vibe shifts, bringing a whole new level of chaos and danger.
while the plot is super engaging, the real magic lies in the characters. trina’s journey shows how strong the human spirit can be when it comes to healing. cole’s dedication to her safety is both heartwarming and motivating.
that said, the book has its hiccups. sometimes the pacing feels off, with parts dragging while others zoom by.
all in all, this is a gripping and emotionally charged read. even with its heavy themes, it ultimately delivers a message of hope and resilience. if you want a story that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish, this is it.
3.75 stars ⊹
⤿ second chance ⤿ angst ⤿ first love ⤿ protector ⤿ redemption ⤿ heroine in danger ⤿ single dad ⤿ slow burn
thank you to valentine pr & literary management for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
౨ৎ ⋮ more by stacey lynn ─ just one song series ─ nordic lord MC series ─ tangled love series ─ crazy love series...more
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “You know you’re kinda stuck with me now. Like forever and ever.”
burn for me plunges into the well-loved hate to love theme, mixing forced proxi
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “You know you’re kinda stuck with me now. Like forever and ever.”
burn for me plunges into the well-loved hate to love theme, mixing forced proximity with a strong undercurrent of attraction. the story revolves around may and rafael as their first encounter is anything but friendly. their personalities clash dramatically, their living styles are completely different, and their exchanges are filled with enough sarcasm to make a cactus wilt.
the highlight of this book is definitely the chemistry between may and rafael. the author, skillfully creates characters with relatable flaws and motivations. their ongoing arguments are genuinely fun, filled with clever comebacks and unspoken tension that simmers just below the surface.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “They’re what make you, you. I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you if you weren’t a little bit crazy. If you weren’t strong and rude."
what makes this book unique is that rafael develops feelings first. this adds depth and vulnerability to his character. watching him navigate his initial dislike for may while grappling with feelings he can't ignore is truly engaging.
the book does have some flaws. the plot outside of the romance felt underdeveloped, which sometimes takes away from the overall enjoyment of the story, leaving me wishing for more depth. additionally, the supporting characters lacked depth.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ "I love you, May, more than I ever thought was possible. Screw whatever unwritten rule is sitting between us where we don’t talk about how we feel for each other.”
despite these small issues, burn for me is a fun read for anyone looking for a light and steamy romance. the mix of clever dialogue, building tension, and the unique twist of the boy falling first creates an engaging story. in the end, it is a delightful and captivating tale about how love can grow in the most surprising situations, even among laundry piles and passive-aggressive notes.
3.75 stars ⊹
⤿ hate to love ⤿ age gap ⤿ he falls first ⤿ grumpy x sunshine ⤿ slowburn ⤿ roommates ⤿ forced proximity ⤿ taunting nicknames ⤿ found family
thank you to luna literary management for providing me with e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
౨ৎ ⋮ more by birdie charles ─ bound to you (the ruby cove #1)...more
dark matter drew me in with its complex and unexpected storyline, skillfully crafted to reveal its depth upon re
⁀ ⊹ ₊ "Are you happy with your life?"
dark matter drew me in with its complex and unexpected storyline, skillfully crafted to reveal its depth upon reflection. the story keeps its mysteries well-hidden until the final moments.
even though the plot touches on quantum physics and parallel universes, there's no need to feel overwhelmed. these intricate concepts are woven into the story with just enough clarity, making the book easy to understand for everyone, from science fans to casual readers.
⁀ ⊹ ₊ “If there are a million ponds out there, with versions of you and me living similar and different lives, there’s none better than right here, right now. I’m more sure of that than anything in the world.”
jason's character adds to the book's appeal. the novel presents intriguing alternate versions of him, illustrating how different decisions shape a life. blake crouch not only builds a compelling main character but also explores how circumstances influence identity. i found each version of jason captivating, which greatly increased my enjoyment of the story.
thank you to my gorgeous girl manas for reading this with me!!
── ୭ ˚. pre read review
it's about time i dive into something different and exciting, and of course, my darling manas is reading this with me. fingers crossed it's a winner.
the feast will be laid out, the house will shine like a diamond, and if cash rivers wanted it, i'd pop out 10 kids without breaking a sweat.the feast will be laid out, the house will shine like a diamond, and if cash rivers wanted it, i'd pop out 10 kids without breaking a sweat....more
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