bellebookcorner's reviews
1252 reviews

Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie Page

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-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

3.5

“You are beautiful capable enough.” 
 
Illusions of Stars is a very emotional book, the author did a great job in conveying the emotions that the characters are feeling especially about Isabel’s grief over losing one of her best friends. 
 
I really like the world building and the magic system, I found it very interesting. It was a bit hard to understand at first but it got easier once the story progresses. 
 
I really like the sweet and tender moment of Isabel and Erik starts opening up to each other and find that they’re not so different after all. The moment where they said ‘I see you..’ that’s one of my favorite! 
HOWEVER, I still felt like something was missing – there’s no spark between Isabel and Erik which prevented me from shipping them 100% together.. 
 
As much as I like this story, some parts of the book felt like it dragged on with repeated descriptions of a couple things throughout the story. 
I also felt that the storyline has too many sub-plot to follow that could deviate from the main plot which confused me and sometimes pull me out of the story. 
 
Nevertheless, this book was still an enjoyable and fun read to me! 
The ending was unexpected seeing how Isabel broke through and became a completely new person, I can’t wait to find out what happens next! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free from through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Massive thank you to the author and publisher!
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Fated by Sarah Ready

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-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? Yes

5.0

 “The only thing in life we can be sure of is that time moves on, and if you don’t reach out and hold onto what you love, then it’s time may have passed forever.” 
 
Out of all the books in this series, Fated is my favorite so far! 
But, don’t worry cause you can enjoy this book as a standalone just fine without reading the previous ones! 
 
Fated is a well-written story about love, hope, dreams, family and friendship. 
This story is such an emotional roller coaster ride – I laughed, almost cried and smiled all the way through reading this book. 
 
The plot was fascinating and I find myself wondering how Fiona and Aaron is going to meet up in the real world! 
Turns out it’s not just some easy and predictable storyline, there are times I find myself at the edge of my seat wondering if everyone will got their happy ending... 
 
I feel very satisfied with the ending, albeit a little sad for one of the characters but good news is the next book is gonna be about him and I can’t wait to read his happy ending cause honestly he really deserved it! 
 
Overall, it’s such a page turner, my eyes are glued to my kindle that I finished it in just one day! 
I’m looking forward to read the next book – Wished soon!  
 
I received an advanced review copy for free from through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Massive thank you to the author and publisher!
The Butcher and the Ballerina by Kris K. Haines

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challenging emotional mysterious medium-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

5.0

This book takes place a few centuries before the event of The Memory Puller. I highly suggest reading the first two books before jumping into this one! 
 
The plot is fascinating to follow of discovering Mireille’s past and also telling Ronin’s background story. It was very well written without too many info-dumping along the way. 
 
Then there’s our main characters – Ronin and Mireille. 
At first, they seem to be the polar opposites to one another but they’re actually have more things in common than they imagined. 
I love seeing their bantering which leads to some delightful spicy scenes. 
Oh and also a shout out to Ronin and Mireille’s wolves for their snarky comments which really liven up the story even more! 
 
Overall, this is a great addition to the series. I’m so glad Ronin’s story is not just a short novella. 
The last few chapters are quite tense with some shocking twists thrown there and the epilogue really had me looking forward to see Mireille and Ronin join the gang in book 3! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
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House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful tense medium-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

“I love you. 
I fell in love with you in the depths of my soul, and it’s my soul that will find yours again in the next life.”

It’s so good to be back here again with Bryce, Hunt and the rest of the gang! 
I was super excited to read this one ever since I find out from the previous book it’ll also take place at Prythian!! 

The storyline is quite complicated, some parts felt slow a little bit cause there’s a lot of information thrown in there. I would advice re-reading the previous ones so you can understand it better. 
Nonetheless, it was very well written that the plot flows smoothly. The occasional humour and sarcastic comments from Bryce really liven up this dark and nerve-wrecking story. 

It was also really cool seeing Bryce, Hunt and the rest of the gang showed their full power and directed them straight for the villains! Those power hungry people deserved that! So satisfying!

I also love the part where Bryce gets to spend a short time in the Night Court. Such a a great collaboration of two world - especially seeing them fight together! 

Overall, I really enjoy reading through Bryce’s journey from the beginning until the very end. This would be a fantastic series to binged again later!

As always it’s not SJM if she doesn't leave a few clues behind for future books because things are far from over!
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Heavy Crown by Sophie Lark

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dark emotional sad tense fast-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

2.5

It pains me to say this but I felt quite disappointed with the final book of this series.
I had such high hopes after reading the previous book about Raylan and Riona, unfortunately this one left me wanting for so much more.

I was really curious about Seb’s story right from the beginning when his dream as a basketball player was crushed early on because of that incident.
It’s pretty interesting to see another side of Sebastian since he was always portrayed as the kind-hearted boy.

Sebastian meet Yelena, they do have some sweet and tender moments with each other but I think it wasn’t really enough to get me thoroughly invested with the couple. I wish there’s more interaction between them throughout the story.

Another thing I didn’t like in this book is how the characters from the previous books seems to changed. I felt really disappointed with how Dante reacted with the whole thing as well as the Griffin family. I get that the Griffin is trying to clean themselves up but the Gallo are their in-laws I thought they would’ve done something…..

The ending also ends rather abruptly, everything happened too fast.
Although, I was intrigued with the epilogue at the very end showing the next series is gonna be about their children.

While I didn’t really like this one, overall this whole series is a pretty enjoyable read if you wanted something simple, quick, spicy dark romance.
I’m still excited to see the next spin-off series with the next generation!

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
 

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Broken Vow by Sophie Lark

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dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-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? Yes

4.25

“Be slow with your fists 
But fight for things that matter.”
 
I spoke too soon, this is my new favorite from the series! 
The storyline is actually pretty interesting with a slight mystery of finding an assassin whose trying to eliminate Riona and Raylan comes to the rescue as a 24/7 bodyguard…! 
I also like the change of scenery closer to nature with Raylan’s ranch instead of playing around Chicago city. 
 
Riona reminds me of Nesta, I wasn’t a huge fan of her in the beginning but this book changes the way I see Riona. There’s a reason to her cold demeanour, she actually feels more than she let on. 
I absolutely adore Raylan (he reminds me of Cassian) - he’s flirty, chatty but also a sweetheart which really annoyed Riona but he’s transforms to something hot and wild when he enter the bedroom…. 
Despite how different they seem, they actually fit in together like puzzle pieces. 
 
Overall, this book is a great addition to the series that comes with a satisfying ending! 
Fans of enemies-to-lovers and bodyguard romance definitely need to try reading this book! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
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Bloody Heart by Sophie Lark

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dark emotional sad 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? Yes

3.75

Dante’s story is one I’ve been curious since the 1st book and I gotta say his love story is quite heart-breaking.
While I do adore Dante’s character, I’m not too sure about Simone… I wish we get to see Simone standing up to her parents more even after all those years.
This story was super-fast-paced that at some point I wished it would've be slower to give room for the characters to process their feelings when certain events happened.

I also adore some parts where the author drops a few scenes of showing how the couples from the previous books are faring like Aida and Callum.

The last few chapters are quite intense but, the story ended with happiness for all the characters.
It also offer a small snippet of the new couple featuring in the next book. 

Overall, it’s a good addition to the series. I think Bloody Heart is my favorite out of the Brutal Birthright series so far…
If you’re looking for a fast-paced second chance mafia romance story then this one might be for you!

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
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Savage Lover by Sophie Lark

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-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? It's complicated

3.75

Savage Lover is a bit different compare to the first two books, I really like the progress of how the main characters come to like each other. Even though there’s not a lot of mafia activity on this story beside planning a bank heist. 
 
Nero and Camille is giving a good girl x bad boy kinda vibes, they are totally polar opposites of each other. 
I admire Camille’s character, she’s very brave, determined and love her family dearly that she’s willing to do anything for them. 
I also love to see the other side from Nero’s bad boy personality, he’s so much more than that once we got to know him a little bit more in here. 
 
Overall, it’s a good addition to the series although it’s missing the mafia elements a little bit but I was still able to enjoy this fast-paced romance with a bit of Fast & Furious vibes! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
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Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark

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dark emotional tense medium-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

3.5

Stolen Heir has a beauty and the beast vibes but darker and more ruthless set in modern time. 
 
I love seeing some of the artwork insides that portrayed some of the scenes here, it’s very beautiful! 
The pacing is a little bit slow at first to give room for the main characters to develop feelings towards one another. 
 
I do enjoy seeing Nessa’ character grow from the spoiled and innocent little girl to a more daring and confident kind of girl after meeting Miko. 
I like Nessa’s love for dancing, my favorite part is when Nessa and Miko dances together for the first time. 
 
Overall, it’s pretty enjoyable to read if you can suspend disbelief while reading this and just go with the plot. 
I would also highly  suggest checking out the trigger warnings listed below because some parts may be sensitive to some readers. 
Nevertheless, I’m excited to continue this series and read Nero’s story next! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
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The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos by Melissa de la Cruz

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-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

3.5

Let’s talk about the good things first, the first half part of the book is very entertaining as Evan enter the five stages of courting a girl from the Philippines. I wasn’t aware of those courting stages so I find the experience really sweet and also funny. 
 
Dalisay and Evan grew up differently and comes from different culture but it didn’t stop them from falling to one another nonetheless, I was rooting for them both right from the beginning! 
I love the warm-hearted feeling of Dalisay’s family and how they welcome Evan right in as well. 
 
However, I find the second half of the story a bit weird. I wasn’t really a huge fan of the third break-up scene near the ending, not to mention Dalisay can be very frustrating. 
I wish Evan didn’t have to do the five stages again, instead I was hoping Dalisay would do it in return. Evan has done so much but it seems like Dalisay didn’t give the same effort in this story.
 
 
Overall, it’s a pretty entertaining and enjoyable read. The courting stages are absolutely fun and I kind wish it was still practiced nowadays! 
If you’re looking for a simple slow-burn workplace romance then you might like this one! 
 
<i>Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tour, Netgalley, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily! </i> 
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