authorkristenelizabeth's reviews
34 reviews

The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams

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

4.5

I love this series! Nora and the gals are awesome. I loved the mystery of this - one death just spiraling into chaos. Newcomers in town - what are their secrets? This kept me wanting more and more once the questions kept piling up. I really loved Sheldon as a character - I really hope to see more of him in the series. He's a great addition to Miracle Springs. Jed and Nora being a couple is so sweet - I love the realism behind their relationship. It isn't perfect by any means but that's what makes it so endearing. I don't wanna give anything away - just know that this one got a little cray-cray! 

P.S. Warning - there is a scene of vandalism that is hate-based (a certain word is used) so be prepared if you aren't one for derogatory language used towards POC. It's a very small scene but wanted to make those aware so you aren't completely thrown off guard.
The One by Kiera Cass

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challenging dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious sad 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? It's complicated

4.25

Now this is what I wanted from this series! The drama gets so intense in this book. I can't even wrap my head around it all. I was thoroughly entertained - though I will say that at some point I did become annoyed with America and how she was handling things. The ending half of the book really got me - it was a rollercoaster of emotions! I know there's gotta be more in book 4 - I really want to know if the southern rebels get eradicated or at least arrested!
The Elite by Kiera Cass

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

4.0

I have so many thoughts on this book, but I don't want to give any spoilers away! All I can say is that I'm happy that America is finding her backbone in this series. This pretty much had a chokehold on me and I binge-listened to it in a day. The drama in here was great - I especially loved the fights (can't spoil who but it was glorious!) and the tension in the scenes with the rebels...it really made me think about what their goal could be as well. America standing up to the men in her life is chef's kiss - she really needs to quit doubting herself! I'll definitely be continuing this series - I'm at the point where I need to see what happens. It's like Gossip Girl but royalty and I'm here for it!
The Selection by Kiera Cass

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure when I first began it, but it's one of those guilty pleasures now! YA romance in a palace - yes please! I like America as an FMC - she's relatable in the fact that she doesn't let her past define who she is. I will say that I'm not a fan of the love triangle right now - I'm so on Prince Maxon's side to win her over! The setting of Ilia is odd in the fact that it's basicall  the US after a war with China - so some sorta post war vibes, but nothing too crazy. I also like the reality show vibe that it has going on - cameras documenting everything the girls do and broadcasting to the whole country. Its an interesting take for sure. It's a good read for some teen drama with a twist!
Drowning at the Diner by Beth Dolgner

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adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was a fun read! Olivia is a great FMC - I think she's so real for how she reacts to the problems she encounters. It's refreshing to see an "older" perspective. This murder mystery was super jam-packed with suspicion at every turn. I literally had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed! I love the characters of the Sanctuary - I want to meet them if ever possible (I know it isn't but they sound like a fun group). I really wanna see Damien and Olivia's relationship blossom - I'm kinda rooting for a romance between them. This was full of twists and turns. A great paranormal cozy mystery for sure!
A Court of Sugar and Spice by Rebecca F. Kenney

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense fast-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

4.0

I really enjoyed this read! It is definitely spicy - so you have been warned. I really loved the characterization of the squad - Clara, Louisa, Lir, and Fin. Clara and Louisa pretty much start out as naive young ladies trying to adapt to a new life with Drosselmyer - their Father's friend and their Godfather. Right off the bat, Louisa shows her flirty behavior, her first goal is to attempt to seduce Drosselmyer. Obviously this is not the way things go. Clara really grows throughout the storyline and changes for the better. Honestly though, I loved Fin and Lir. I think the Fae men are great and compliment their partners as well as each other so well! The action scenes were very descriptive - particularly when the rat soldiers are involved. They sound terrifying and disgusting. THE SPICE IS SPICY! I loved it though - I kinda wish there was more! Overall, great read for a romantasy retelling. It was fun!
Homicide At The Haunted House by Beth Dolgner

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adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed Olivia as a main character - she's essentially thrust into knowledge of the supernatural and is so relatable about it! I too would question my sanity and somehow gaslight myself for a bit that im hallucinating. She' an older character as well - in her 40s - which is refreshing to see. I loved the plot - murder with a dose of more supernatural mystery. I didn't connect the dots until the end, which definitely kept me on my toes. I really liked all the characters, particularly Mama. She's a hoot! If you're looking for a low-stakes paranormal cozy mystery, I definitely recommend this one. I'll for sure be continuing the series.
The Betrayed by Kiera Cass

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

4.0

I definitely enjoyed this more than book 1 of the series. Hollister is one of those characters who learns to stand her ground and become something more than what is expected of her. Her ever-changing relationship with Etan was nice - the banter made me laugh at certain points.
I'm still not entirely 100% on board with them falling in love. I get why story-wise, but it felt like Silas was all for nothing. Or maybe he couldve been the catalyst for them to be happy. Either way, I am still on the fence with it. The way that Etan and Hollis became rulers of their respective country was exciting. I really was not expecting Quintonto go down without a fight, and certainly not expecting Jameson to impale himself using the sword made by Silas. Both were unexpected twists I didn't see coming.
There is definitely more drama and action which I liked. I do recommend this series if you like a YA/teen period drama.
The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

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emotional funny lighthearted mysterious sad slow-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

3.75

It's been a while since I've read a YA book but I really enjoyed this one. I pretty much binged it in a day due to a road trip. I did enjoy the storyline, however it did seem slow in a lot of places to me. I was very much against the "love triangle" at first, but I warmed up to it a bit by the end. Hollis as a character is pretty aloof until she needs to act on a problem. I think I'll continue the series because I do have more questions than answers about the future that Hollis has outside of her cushy life at court. I will say that the twists that happened more toward the end threw me, which is why I'll also be continuing the series. It's a fun read for a teen drama set in royal life.
The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense 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

4.75

I loved this journey! Nora and crew are such great characters. The mystery surrounding Abilene and other newcomers to Miracle Springs had me on my toes the entire time. The twists were unexpected - I never clocked the killer until Nora faced them head to head. I loved the blooming relationship between Jed and Nora - how they overcome their past together and learn to trust is just so heartwarming. I was tearing up at the end! Really good story and I cannot wait to continue the series. Definitely a must read if you like cozy mysteries!