ashley_a_reads's reviews
2413 reviews

Savage Bonds by J. Bree

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I liked this book more than book one, because the bullying really leveled down. It’s not zero, but it’s much more manageable for me. 

Also some questions were answered, so the big “scary” secrets are coming out and it makes me less annoyed with stuff. Still not a huge fan of reverse harem, but it’s still doesn’t bother me too much with this series, for some reason. I think it’s the fact that even though they have the bonds, they’re all getting to know each other and it isn’t like an insta-love thing. 
Broken Bonds by J. Bree

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I’m really not sure how I feel about this book. I liked the story and the world, but the MMCs in this pissed me off so much I felt like I was hate reading it. But also I’m immediately going into book two. So it got me I guess.

 I still hate the guys. And I’m not usually a fan of Reverse Harems. This is definitely a bully romance, too. So not things I normally like. And I definitely don’t but the rest of this story was pretty interesting. I’m also really wanting more explanations of the world. 

So here I go into book two.
Grimstone by Sophie Lark

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This book was a wild ride. It was underwhelming and overwhelming at the same time. Things moved at a crazy and choppy pace. The “mystery” was really just randomly thrown in at times. There so many storylines that just didn’t flow together. The spice was good, but not well written IMO. I think you’re good not reading this. 
Man Spread by Vanessa Vale

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

These books are always quick and exactly what I’m looking for. Very light easy reads, with hallmark-esque love stories! A great way to relax and fill a couple hours!
Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley

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adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was really good. I enjoyed the world and the magic. It was dark and gritty. It’s what I wanted Powerless to be. It’s very Hunger Games vibes. 

It decently paced and I like how the world building unfolded. I am definitely excited to read on in this series. 

I didn’t like the love interest in this book because it felt unnatural, but it makes sense later. I think the rest of this series will open up a lot more from the ending of this book, which I’m super excited to see. 

I am not a fan of love triangles but the one in this book didn’t bother me all that much. Probably because I never trusted Drustan and who I assume is going to be the true pick wasn’t really a love interest in this story. But because Kallen is a shadow daddy of course he’s the love interest.
The Mirror by Nora Roberts

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dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I loved the first book in this trilogy. This one was very similar but much slower and more “day in the life”. We learned a lot less and the overall plot of the series didn’t really move. I still loved the character and all that went on, but it didn’t give me the rush the first one did. I’ll definitely finish the series, I think 3 will be a banger.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

This book was interesting. It took a while to find its feet. The first 65% felt like throwing everything at the wall to see what would stick. It was fun though. I did enjoy it. 

Some of the dialogue felt clunky and anachronistic. The world building felt so rushed that it felt like the author didn’t really know what was happening.

The last 35% though really found itself. I don’t know if I just got used to it, or it really got better, but it felt smoother. Things also picked up plot wise and we got some answers to questions. 

Overall, I found the magic interesting, the world enticing, and the characters enjoyable. The spice spiced. The batter from him was great, from her I felt like it was a little  juvenile. But, hey, he practiced for over a thousand years.

Definitely give it a go, if you’re on the fence. 
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver

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dark emotional lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5