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amy_reads4's reviews
284 reviews
The Throne of Broken Gods by Amber V. Nicole
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This series has my whole entire heart, and I shall be moving straight on to book 3 now!
It’s so difficult to talk about this book because it will spoil it for those who have not read it, this is an epic fantasy world with some of the best characters I have read in a very long time.
We see so much more of the world in this and more of the characters are introduced, in which have some of the funniest moments, Cameron had to be my favourite.
Samkiel had gone straight to the top of my book husbands list, he has a the best filthy mouth but is the epitome of a cinnamon roll man when it comes to Dianna. The dedication he has to her and helping her is everything!
If you love fantasy then you really need to read this series, it’s going to be very hard to top this for me, I am excited but also dreading book 3, and knowing we have to wait for book 4 is heartbreaking! I never wish to leave the Gods and Monsters world that Amber V. Nicole has created.
It’s so difficult to talk about this book because it will spoil it for those who have not read it, this is an epic fantasy world with some of the best characters I have read in a very long time.
We see so much more of the world in this and more of the characters are introduced, in which have some of the funniest moments, Cameron had to be my favourite.
Samkiel had gone straight to the top of my book husbands list, he has a the best filthy mouth but is the epitome of a cinnamon roll man when it comes to Dianna. The dedication he has to her and helping her is everything!
If you love fantasy then you really need to read this series, it’s going to be very hard to top this for me, I am excited but also dreading book 3, and knowing we have to wait for book 4 is heartbreaking! I never wish to leave the Gods and Monsters world that Amber V. Nicole has created.
The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was The Mythic Rose Book Club’s read for February and I am SO glad we chose this one, it is an amazing new world that I have wanted to get into for a while and it did not disappoint.
This was the perfect blend of high urban fantasy and a teeny sprinkle of sci-fi thrown in.
We follow Liam, a traumatised God who is guardian of all the realms, and Dianna, a turned creature who has done the bidding of her maker and capture for years, their breeds make them mortal enemies.
When Dianna is captured and Liam has returned to their realm they find an unexpected mutual goal, which leads them on an adventure together to try and hunt down an ancient book that no one knew existed.
I loved the take on this being a morally grey FMC and she starts out as the villain, but he will still burn the world for her, such touch her and die vibes. I also really enjoyed the storyline that ran through this and did feel like I was trying to guess what was coming next and was constantly looking for clues.
This is one of those fantasy novels where you have to just go with it for a little while and know that you will understand everything slightly better as the story progressing. That’s the only reason I didn’t give it a 5⭐️ as the beginning did feel slightly complicated and difficult to keep track of but the second half was impeccable and I will be moving straight on to book 2! Especially after that ending!
I have found a new favourite fantasy world that I am so glad to be pulled in to, it’s just so good and everyone needs to read it!
This was the perfect blend of high urban fantasy and a teeny sprinkle of sci-fi thrown in.
We follow Liam, a traumatised God who is guardian of all the realms, and Dianna, a turned creature who has done the bidding of her maker and capture for years, their breeds make them mortal enemies.
When Dianna is captured and Liam has returned to their realm they find an unexpected mutual goal, which leads them on an adventure together to try and hunt down an ancient book that no one knew existed.
I loved the take on this being a morally grey FMC and she starts out as the villain, but he will still burn the world for her, such touch her and die vibes. I also really enjoyed the storyline that ran through this and did feel like I was trying to guess what was coming next and was constantly looking for clues.
This is one of those fantasy novels where you have to just go with it for a little while and know that you will understand everything slightly better as the story progressing. That’s the only reason I didn’t give it a 5⭐️ as the beginning did feel slightly complicated and difficult to keep track of but the second half was impeccable and I will be moving straight on to book 2! Especially after that ending!
I have found a new favourite fantasy world that I am so glad to be pulled in to, it’s just so good and everyone needs to read it!
The Wrong Bride by Catharina Maura
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you so much to Tandem Collective Catharina Maura Source Books international and Bloom Books for having me on the readalong for The Wrong Bride 🩷
I loved this book so much I finished it within a 24 hour period and could stick to the readalong schedule as I was desperate to know what happened and what came next!
We follow Raven and Ares, Ares is engaged to Raven’s older sister, but it was always supposed to be Raven. The marriage is arranged between their families to help with the business ties.
When Hannah, Ares sister, changes the plan completely can Raven really face marrying the man she’s always loved, when he has always loved her sister?
I ate this up, the spice was incredible, Ares is the dirty mouth possessive MMC that I dream of. You also can’t go wrong with a millionaire romance where he can buy her everything she has ever wanted!
I didn’t know much more than that when I went into it but I didn’t need to know anymore, I could not put it down, it was so easy to read and just kept me turning page after page. I need everyone who loves a spicy romance (with a sprinkle of taboo) to read this book!
Also the cover is a stunner 😍🩷
I loved this book so much I finished it within a 24 hour period and could stick to the readalong schedule as I was desperate to know what happened and what came next!
We follow Raven and Ares, Ares is engaged to Raven’s older sister, but it was always supposed to be Raven. The marriage is arranged between their families to help with the business ties.
When Hannah, Ares sister, changes the plan completely can Raven really face marrying the man she’s always loved, when he has always loved her sister?
I ate this up, the spice was incredible, Ares is the dirty mouth possessive MMC that I dream of. You also can’t go wrong with a millionaire romance where he can buy her everything she has ever wanted!
I didn’t know much more than that when I went into it but I didn’t need to know anymore, I could not put it down, it was so easy to read and just kept me turning page after page. I need everyone who loves a spicy romance (with a sprinkle of taboo) to read this book!
Also the cover is a stunner 😍🩷
When You Disappeared by John Marrs
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Firstly I need to say I think I did this book a disservice coming straight to it from having finished Keep It In The Family, which is an incredible book, and this just didn’t quite meet the standard, in terms of storyline, that set.
I am really enjoying John’s writing style and finding it easy to read and engage with.
I struggled with how much this book flitted between current and past, I am not someone who massively enjoys prequels or flashbacks so I did find by the end I was rushing to get to the reveals and what really happened and couldn’t help but feel I would of liked it to move at a little faster pace.
I didn’t mind the storyline, and I didn’t see the big reveal at the end coming, but by the time I got there I found I was just trying to get through it and skim reading a lot.
For me this is the perfect example of how you can enjoy an authors writing but not love all their books, and that’s ok! This wasn’t a bad book, it was more bad timing on my part as it just isn’t Keep It In The Family.
I am really enjoying John’s writing style and finding it easy to read and engage with.
I struggled with how much this book flitted between current and past, I am not someone who massively enjoys prequels or flashbacks so I did find by the end I was rushing to get to the reveals and what really happened and couldn’t help but feel I would of liked it to move at a little faster pace.
I didn’t mind the storyline, and I didn’t see the big reveal at the end coming, but by the time I got there I found I was just trying to get through it and skim reading a lot.
For me this is the perfect example of how you can enjoy an authors writing but not love all their books, and that’s ok! This wasn’t a bad book, it was more bad timing on my part as it just isn’t Keep It In The Family.
The First Girl by Claire McGowan
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Firstly I want to say thank you to Amazon Publishing Tandem Collective and Claire McGowan for having me on the readalong for this.
The First Girl is the story of Karen, her first love and best friend is in prison, the serial killer known as the Bagman.
Kate ran to the other side of the world to escape her small Yorkshire home town as soon as Aaron was imprisoned, but years later when another girl goes missing she is drawn back into the world she tried so desperately to get away from.
Claire does such a good job of keeping you engaged and guessing, just when you think you figured out what is happening another twist comes along and everything changes.
This book is full of complicated relationships, secret history, revelations and murder.
I do not want to spoil this for anyone as I think it is best enjoyed to go in blind with as little knowledge as possible. All you need to know is if you enjoy a twister thriller then this (like all Claire’s book) I can highly recommend.
The First Girl is the story of Karen, her first love and best friend is in prison, the serial killer known as the Bagman.
Kate ran to the other side of the world to escape her small Yorkshire home town as soon as Aaron was imprisoned, but years later when another girl goes missing she is drawn back into the world she tried so desperately to get away from.
Claire does such a good job of keeping you engaged and guessing, just when you think you figured out what is happening another twist comes along and everything changes.
This book is full of complicated relationships, secret history, revelations and murder.
I do not want to spoil this for anyone as I think it is best enjoyed to go in blind with as little knowledge as possible. All you need to know is if you enjoy a twister thriller then this (like all Claire’s book) I can highly recommend.
Keep It in the Family by John Marrs
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my first ever John Marrs book, and oh my goodness this blew me away, I read it in 24 hours!
We follow Mia and Finn, a married couple who have moved in with his over bearing parents whilst saving for a house of their own. When a renovation becomes available for purchase in the area they know this is their chance to make a start on their own. However, discovering the skeletal remains of children in their attic was not a part of the plan, and from there everything and everyone begins to unravel.
Firstly please check your trigger warnings for this, as it involves child loss and serial child unalivings. I am someone who normally really struggles to read about children suffering but I found John writes in a way that includes the story without being unnecessarily over the top.
His writing style was so easy to read, in fact I plan to move straight onto another one of his books next.
This was so jammed packed full of action and twists and turns that kept you guessing along the way. I did guess the reveals but it did not ruin my experience at all, in fact I really enjoyed following the breadcrumbs that were left for us as readers and seeing if my guesses were right.
I will be thinking about this book and recommending it to those who enjoy dark thrillers for a very very long time!
We follow Mia and Finn, a married couple who have moved in with his over bearing parents whilst saving for a house of their own. When a renovation becomes available for purchase in the area they know this is their chance to make a start on their own. However, discovering the skeletal remains of children in their attic was not a part of the plan, and from there everything and everyone begins to unravel.
Firstly please check your trigger warnings for this, as it involves child loss and serial child unalivings. I am someone who normally really struggles to read about children suffering but I found John writes in a way that includes the story without being unnecessarily over the top.
His writing style was so easy to read, in fact I plan to move straight onto another one of his books next.
This was so jammed packed full of action and twists and turns that kept you guessing along the way. I did guess the reveals but it did not ruin my experience at all, in fact I really enjoyed following the breadcrumbs that were left for us as readers and seeing if my guesses were right.
I will be thinking about this book and recommending it to those who enjoy dark thrillers for a very very long time!
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I am writing this review about 30 minutes after finishing the book, and I am still really struggling to process! I am going to try and review it without any spoilers but will give my feelings.
Firstly I was so nervous about this coming out, I really struggled with Iron Flame and the ending and it made me concerned about where this book was going to go, my concerns were not needed! This book and this story were everything I wanted it to be, and I am relieved yet also devastated.
I was worried that this book would go in one direction, and whilst it did, it was done so well. I was so cross at the end of Iron Flame at the choice that was made, but I feel Onyx Storm did a really good job of understanding why that choice was made, which was something I never thought I would understand.
Tairn is my favourite, and also my hear me out 👀, I love his relationship with everyone, his sarcasm and quick with, and his bond with Andarna, who is also hilarious as a petulant teenager.
Also Ridoc never fails to make me laugh out loud, and Xaden is the shadow wielding book boyfriend we have always wanted.
I also feel Violet is an incredibly strong FMC and I love seeing the adjustments she makes to get through every day life.
I could speak about all of the characters but that would then be far too long (which this is like to be anyway), but I feel the full cast of characters really makes this series everything it is!
All the elements that I loved in Fourth Wing were back in this book, the banter, the relationships, the loyalty, the training, the dragon bonds, the battles and arguments, and it was just everything that I wanted, but the ending, my soul has been ripped out, I am struggling to process and of it!
I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I cheered, I swore, it was every emotion and such a rollercoaster, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up on the series.
I need to know when the next one is coming out!
Firstly I was so nervous about this coming out, I really struggled with Iron Flame and the ending and it made me concerned about where this book was going to go, my concerns were not needed! This book and this story were everything I wanted it to be, and I am relieved yet also devastated.
I was worried that this book would go in one direction, and whilst it did, it was done so well. I was so cross at the end of Iron Flame at the choice that was made, but I feel Onyx Storm did a really good job of understanding why that choice was made, which was something I never thought I would understand.
Tairn is my favourite, and also my hear me out 👀, I love his relationship with everyone, his sarcasm and quick with, and his bond with Andarna, who is also hilarious as a petulant teenager.
Also Ridoc never fails to make me laugh out loud, and Xaden is the shadow wielding book boyfriend we have always wanted.
I also feel Violet is an incredibly strong FMC and I love seeing the adjustments she makes to get through every day life.
I could speak about all of the characters but that would then be far too long (which this is like to be anyway), but I feel the full cast of characters really makes this series everything it is!
All the elements that I loved in Fourth Wing were back in this book, the banter, the relationships, the loyalty, the training, the dragon bonds, the battles and arguments, and it was just everything that I wanted, but the ending, my soul has been ripped out, I am struggling to process and of it!
I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I cheered, I swore, it was every emotion and such a rollercoaster, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up on the series.
I need to know when the next one is coming out!
Dangerous Deceit by Audrey Rush
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Nothing wrong with the book at all, it’s completely an issue with me.
My Darling Jane by Ilsa Madden-Mills
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you so much to Tandem Collective Amazon Publishing and Ilsa Madden-Mills for having me on this readalong.
I loved this book!
We follow Jane, a single mum who is pursuing her dream of running her own matchmaking business, and her family friend Jasper, a very well known American football player.
The tension between them is palpable from the beginning.
I really enjoyed this, I laughed, I felt sad, I felt frustrated in places, it really took me on a rollercoaster of emotions.
There were topics in here that were very close to my life, and they were dealt with so sensitively and beautifully, and I love the resolve that was reached.
The comedy elements in this were so good, I found myself laughing out loud on so many occasions, I really loved when all Jasper’s family were together and how he is treated by his 4 sisters. The epilogue was exactly what I wanted and I could have read so much more of them like that, it was just soul warming.
I am so glad I picked this up as I think it’s the perfect little warming rom-com that I really needed, but it had enough depth to keep me invested.
I know there are other books in this series and I will definitely be picking them up
I loved this book!
We follow Jane, a single mum who is pursuing her dream of running her own matchmaking business, and her family friend Jasper, a very well known American football player.
The tension between them is palpable from the beginning.
I really enjoyed this, I laughed, I felt sad, I felt frustrated in places, it really took me on a rollercoaster of emotions.
There were topics in here that were very close to my life, and they were dealt with so sensitively and beautifully, and I love the resolve that was reached.
The comedy elements in this were so good, I found myself laughing out loud on so many occasions, I really loved when all Jasper’s family were together and how he is treated by his 4 sisters. The epilogue was exactly what I wanted and I could have read so much more of them like that, it was just soul warming.
I am so glad I picked this up as I think it’s the perfect little warming rom-com that I really needed, but it had enough depth to keep me invested.
I know there are other books in this series and I will definitely be picking them up
Her Soul for Revenge by Harley Laroux
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Oh my goodness, why has it taken me so long to read this?
Having just done a re read of book 1 I wanted to move on to book 2 and I am so glad I did.
Zane and Juniper are a top tier couple, I love them, even for how messed up they are! What will say is PLEASE check your trigger warnings before going into this, there is dark content, BDSM, body piercing, bodily fluids, CNC and so many other triggers, I personally loved it but I know it isn’t for everyone.
I really enjoy the over arching story that runs through the books and I am looking forward to seeing what happens and how Everly and Callum are going to finish everything.
I would love a novella of them all in Hell together once the series is completed!
This is dark, demons, spicy, lore, cults, gore, gods, creatures, creepy, small town and just everything I would want from a dark paranormal romance. I am so glad I carried on and picked this up!
Having just done a re read of book 1 I wanted to move on to book 2 and I am so glad I did.
Zane and Juniper are a top tier couple, I love them, even for how messed up they are! What will say is PLEASE check your trigger warnings before going into this, there is dark content, BDSM, body piercing, bodily fluids, CNC and so many other triggers, I personally loved it but I know it isn’t for everyone.
I really enjoy the over arching story that runs through the books and I am looking forward to seeing what happens and how Everly and Callum are going to finish everything.
I would love a novella of them all in Hell together once the series is completed!
This is dark, demons, spicy, lore, cults, gore, gods, creatures, creepy, small town and just everything I would want from a dark paranormal romance. I am so glad I carried on and picked this up!