You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
bookishspy's reviews
279 reviews
Lightlark by Alex Aster
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First book of 2025 and it was... fine?
There were a lot of things I liked in Lightlark, but also a lot of parts that fell flat.
Let's start with the good!
Firstly, there's a love triangle, and we all know I live for love triangles, so that's a positive in my book! I will also say that it seems to be the proper kind. The kind that is actually going to make you wonder or even hope for a RH situation by the end. Love that!
While I predicted the main plot points, there were a few little twists here and there that did actually surprise me. Obviously, I won't go into detail on those, but it's not often a book surprises me nowadays, so it deserves credit for that
I found the idea of this world and its problems intriguing. The curses were also interesting and brought a bit more of an urgency to the storyline that I enjoyed
And the FMC wasn't absolutely useless while being powerless. She did as much as she physically could manage despite being at a disadvantage from the beginning
Now, for the bad...
The writing. I'm sorry but it was not great. It threw me off multiple times. There was a sentence that bothered me more than anything -
<i>Her swords moved independently, in tandem, ...</i>
Like, excuse me, but that doesn't make sense π€¦ββοΈ those are literally opposites. They can't be both. Pick one.
The romance.. it was kind of out of nowhere. There was very little tension between her and one guy, and the other one had entirely too much tension out of nowhere. There was no in-between.
Also, the worldbuulding felt unfinished. Nothing was explained enough to actually make sense. We readers were just expected to accept these things as fact despite many issues with them.
Like these "games" really just seem pointless, if I'm honest. They weren't necessary, and they were sorted into teams to.. what exactly? Like there was no point. It just seemed like a reason for the FMC and one of the MMCs to talk to each other finally... but otherwise, it felt pointless??
On top of that, this did feel like a bad version of a bunch of different books, like ACOTAR, Crave, Harry Potter etc.. it took me out of the Lightlark world multiple times
Overall, I'll say I enjoy anything with a love triangle. It wasn't the worst I've read. But I also wouldn't exactly recommend it. Despite that, I will be continuing the series
β π π¬πππ«π¬
There were a lot of things I liked in Lightlark, but also a lot of parts that fell flat.
Let's start with the good!
Firstly, there's a love triangle, and we all know I live for love triangles, so that's a positive in my book! I will also say that it seems to be the proper kind. The kind that is actually going to make you wonder or even hope for a RH situation by the end. Love that!
While I predicted the main plot points, there were a few little twists here and there that did actually surprise me. Obviously, I won't go into detail on those, but it's not often a book surprises me nowadays, so it deserves credit for that
I found the idea of this world and its problems intriguing. The curses were also interesting and brought a bit more of an urgency to the storyline that I enjoyed
And the FMC wasn't absolutely useless while being powerless. She did as much as she physically could manage despite being at a disadvantage from the beginning
Now, for the bad...
The writing. I'm sorry but it was not great. It threw me off multiple times. There was a sentence that bothered me more than anything -
<i>Her swords moved independently, in tandem, ...</i>
Like, excuse me, but that doesn't make sense π€¦ββοΈ those are literally opposites. They can't be both. Pick one.
The romance.. it was kind of out of nowhere. There was very little tension between her and one guy, and the other one had entirely too much tension out of nowhere. There was no in-between.
Also, the worldbuulding felt unfinished. Nothing was explained enough to actually make sense. We readers were just expected to accept these things as fact despite many issues with them.
Like these "games" really just seem pointless, if I'm honest. They weren't necessary, and they were sorted into teams to.. what exactly? Like there was no point. It just seemed like a reason for the FMC and one of the MMCs to talk to each other finally... but otherwise, it felt pointless??
On top of that, this did feel like a bad version of a bunch of different books, like ACOTAR, Crave, Harry Potter etc.. it took me out of the Lightlark world multiple times
Overall, I'll say I enjoy anything with a love triangle. It wasn't the worst I've read. But I also wouldn't exactly recommend it. Despite that, I will be continuing the series
β π π¬πππ«π¬
The Pucking Coach's Daughter by S. Massery
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Here's the thing. I read this about 5 days ago and then got supremely distracted before coming back to review. This perhaps changed my opinions because... I've forgotten everything
No joke, I kinda remember themes and vibes, but the story as a whole has escaped me. Because I'm pretty sure there was absolutely no story. Basically, it's just all spice.
The FMC was insufferable. She would go through some horrible "trauma" and then just fix it with spice.
The men were all walking red flags of the worst kind, not even in a fun way. I didn't even understand why the FMC went through with half of this... it was just pointless
I know this was supposed to he dark romance or whatever, but there was zero romance.. it was just spice. She had no reason to "love" any of these people.
Also, the storyline with her mum... wow, that was pointless and a complete afterthought! Why bother?!
I wanted to like this because I have a special edition, but instead, it was just kinda meh. Also, the ending was meh.
Overall, I'll probably be destashing this book, so... I can't say I'd recommend it sadly
β π π¬πππ«π¬
No joke, I kinda remember themes and vibes, but the story as a whole has escaped me. Because I'm pretty sure there was absolutely no story. Basically, it's just all spice.
The FMC was insufferable. She would go through some horrible "trauma" and then just fix it with spice.
The men were all walking red flags of the worst kind, not even in a fun way. I didn't even understand why the FMC went through with half of this... it was just pointless
I know this was supposed to he dark romance or whatever, but there was zero romance.. it was just spice. She had no reason to "love" any of these people.
Also, the storyline with her mum... wow, that was pointless and a complete afterthought! Why bother?!
I wanted to like this because I have a special edition, but instead, it was just kinda meh. Also, the ending was meh.
Overall, I'll probably be destashing this book, so... I can't say I'd recommend it sadly
β π π¬πππ«π¬
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.0
I just finished this book and immediately bought a special edition of it π€
While I feel that should say enough, I'll give my full review either way π
This, for me at least, was enemies to lovers actually done correctly! There was stabbing, and there was a legitimate reason for the MMC to kill the FMC, etc. They hated each other but couldn't stop thinking about each other. It was perfect. Their notes, their vanter, omg just perfect!!!
Also, the relationship between them felt very Romeo and Juliet-ish as well throughout. Both trying to hide whatever this relationship between them is from their adopted "families."
I was a little disappointed at Larks storyline. He was such a cool character, but then he really didn't have much reasoning behind his actions, so that fell a bit flat for me. Really wanted more from him if I'm honest.
This book was also marketed as YA, but for me, it seemed a bit more NA than anything else at least. There was one scene where I had to ask myself if this was actually adult lol
Now, the plot... that held my attention! At times, I was worried it was becoming a bit too predictable, but the ending did take me by surprise because I wasn't sure if the author would actually take the book there. But they did, and it was pretty cool to read to be honest!
Overall, this book was everything I wanted, and though it wasn't the perfect read, it was pretty great still! Definitely would recommend it to anyone who is a Throne of Glass or Prison Healer fan
β π π¬πππ«π¬
While I feel that should say enough, I'll give my full review either way π
This, for me at least, was enemies to lovers actually done correctly! There was stabbing, and there was a legitimate reason for the MMC to kill the FMC, etc. They hated each other but couldn't stop thinking about each other. It was perfect. Their notes, their vanter, omg just perfect!!!
Also, the relationship between them felt very Romeo and Juliet-ish as well throughout. Both trying to hide whatever this relationship between them is from their adopted "families."
I was a little disappointed at Larks storyline. He was such a cool character, but then he really didn't have much reasoning behind his actions, so that fell a bit flat for me. Really wanted more from him if I'm honest.
This book was also marketed as YA, but for me, it seemed a bit more NA than anything else at least. There was one scene where I had to ask myself if this was actually adult lol
Now, the plot... that held my attention! At times, I was worried it was becoming a bit too predictable, but the ending did take me by surprise because I wasn't sure if the author would actually take the book there. But they did, and it was pretty cool to read to be honest!
Overall, this book was everything I wanted, and though it wasn't the perfect read, it was pretty great still! Definitely would recommend it to anyone who is a Throne of Glass or Prison Healer fan
β π π¬πππ«π¬
Older by Jennifer Hartmann
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
I went in blind and fell in love. Wow.
I can't explain how much I went on this ride with the characters themselves. It just vibed with me, I can't explain exactly how but it did
The trauma and responses felt so real. The reaction when Reed confronted her father was absolutely shocking. I have to say I was blown away at that point. I think I highlighted a good majority of this book too π₯Ή
But the way their relationship continued to be so forbidden did start to grate on my nerves a bit after a while, though. It felt too long, and I started skimming a little at times towards the end.
For me, the reasons this is not 5 star were the length, the conclusion, and the epilogue. Firstly, the conclusion took entirely too long to get to. Like at that point, I just couldn't justify their separation. I'm sorry but I couldn't. It seemed idiotic for them to still be apart even with the opinions of the daughter supposedly stopping them.
And then the epilogue just came out of nowhere after it finally concluded? And it was everything I hate about epilogues. Like why do they always have to just jump to everything being happy family blah blah like that, ugh?!
Overall, though, this was my first introduction to this authors writing, and I just loved it. I will now be looking into every other book this author has ever written. I would definitely recommend this
β π π¬πππ«π¬
I can't explain how much I went on this ride with the characters themselves. It just vibed with me, I can't explain exactly how but it did
The trauma and responses felt so real. The reaction when Reed confronted her father was absolutely shocking. I have to say I was blown away at that point. I think I highlighted a good majority of this book too π₯Ή
But the way their relationship continued to be so forbidden did start to grate on my nerves a bit after a while, though. It felt too long, and I started skimming a little at times towards the end.
For me, the reasons this is not 5 star were the length, the conclusion, and the epilogue. Firstly, the conclusion took entirely too long to get to. Like at that point, I just couldn't justify their separation. I'm sorry but I couldn't. It seemed idiotic for them to still be apart even with the opinions of the daughter supposedly stopping them.
And then the epilogue just came out of nowhere after it finally concluded? And it was everything I hate about epilogues. Like why do they always have to just jump to everything being happy family blah blah like that, ugh?!
Overall, though, this was my first introduction to this authors writing, and I just loved it. I will now be looking into every other book this author has ever written. I would definitely recommend this
β π π¬πππ«π¬
My Ex-Boyfriend's Brothers by Rebel Bloom
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Nope. No. Nup. Had potential but completely squandered it on a miscommunication trope and underdeveloped relationships!
There were some good moments, don't get me wrong. Christina was fantastic. Her possible relationship was great until the last few chapters forgot about the best friend? Gregor was amazing too, hilarious tbh and the most sensible of all of them. The guys had their funny and sweet moments too, and I did laugh out loud at times!
But how can these men claim they love the FMC at all? Like they went on maybe 2.5 dates between them and then just banged the rest of the time before they disappeared without hearing her side of the story
Not to mention, and I'm sorry but β οΈSPOILER ALERTβ οΈ for below because I NEED to talk about this, you have been warned
The pregnancy at like one month into even seeing these people again and IMMEDIATELY after they've apologised for leaving?! Married within a year?! SECOND CHILD ON THE WAY?! No. Absolutely not.
I hated that ending. I skimmed at best once I saw her vomiting "randomly". We all knew what that was.
Overall, if those tropes are your jam and you dont mind relationships that have zero depth, go for it, but otherwise I can't say I'd recommend this
β π π¬πππ«π¬
There were some good moments, don't get me wrong. Christina was fantastic. Her possible relationship was great until the last few chapters forgot about the best friend? Gregor was amazing too, hilarious tbh and the most sensible of all of them. The guys had their funny and sweet moments too, and I did laugh out loud at times!
But how can these men claim they love the FMC at all? Like they went on maybe 2.5 dates between them and then just banged the rest of the time before they disappeared without hearing her side of the story
Not to mention, and I'm sorry but β οΈSPOILER ALERTβ οΈ for below because I NEED to talk about this, you have been warned
I hated that ending. I skimmed at best once I saw her vomiting "randomly". We all knew what that was.
Overall, if those tropes are your jam and you dont mind relationships that have zero depth, go for it, but otherwise I can't say I'd recommend this
β π π¬πππ«π¬
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, Sexual assault, and Gaslighting
Minor: Infidelity, Vomit, Stalking, Car accident, and Alcohol
Borrowing My Bestie's Brothers by Sam Hall
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
3.0
Good, but needed some tweaking
Firstly, Jamie made me want to smack my head against a wall. Every time anything good happened with these men, she just panicked and ran, or slept with them again? It was really annoying
But the men themselves were adorable! Except I feel poor Hunter was really put to the side. He barely had any part in the "fake dating" and the relationship as a whole
As for the "fake dating" like... it wasn't. They all said it wasn't, and Jamie was like "no but it's fake" π uhhuh sure. Tbh I would've loved more fake dating in this
And the editing needed serious work. There were times I just skipped whole paragraphs because it just added nothing to the story or reiterated something that had already been said a bunch of times. Or it just did not read right.
Lastly, the spice. There were some icks. Stop wringing out balls for one, thats weird and sounds painful. And two, I get that Aussies say the C-word. I'm Aussie, I get it. But calling her anatomy that every single time was pretty annoying, not gonna lie. But it was hot otherwise
Overall, it had its cute and funny moments despite all that, and I love the poly/defacto/no kids rep! I need more of that in my reads
β π π¬πππ«π¬
Firstly, Jamie made me want to smack my head against a wall. Every time anything good happened with these men, she just panicked and ran, or slept with them again? It was really annoying
But the men themselves were adorable! Except I feel poor Hunter was really put to the side. He barely had any part in the "fake dating" and the relationship as a whole
As for the "fake dating" like... it wasn't. They all said it wasn't, and Jamie was like "no but it's fake" π uhhuh sure. Tbh I would've loved more fake dating in this
And the editing needed serious work. There were times I just skipped whole paragraphs because it just added nothing to the story or reiterated something that had already been said a bunch of times. Or it just did not read right.
Lastly, the spice. There were some icks. Stop wringing out balls for one, thats weird and sounds painful. And two, I get that Aussies say the C-word. I'm Aussie, I get it. But calling her anatomy that every single time was pretty annoying, not gonna lie. But it was hot otherwise
Overall, it had its cute and funny moments despite all that, and I love the poly/defacto/no kids rep! I need more of that in my reads
β π π¬πππ«π¬
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Cursing, and Alcohol
Minor: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, and Pregnancy
Gifted To His Dad by J. Wilder
And
Talk about concerning.
Ignoring all that for a second, objectively, the insta love?! What on earth?! Like she hadn't told the boyfriend of 3 months that she loved him until now, but then she tells stepdaddy Griffin that she loves him within like... two days? I think? Or a week? It wasn't overly clear, but either way... no
And Coles' whole personality is essentially 'goes to university but smiles when his dad, who he has weird, repressed feelings for, does something inappropriate with his girlfriend'
And the spice was the kind where the wind blows in the FMCs direction and she orgasms. And consent seemed to be questionable a couple of times... so even that was disappointing
Look... this was definitely one of those "what the absolute heck just happened?" kind of reads.
Overall, I can only say I'd recommend this if you're after unhinged reads... which I was... so I guess I wanted to give it an extra half star for at least meeting that expectation
But then I saw that the author "wanted it to be spicy and sweet," which honestly didn't track, so I took the .5 back sorry π
β π π¬πππ«
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
... was this unintentional dark romance?
I love a darker read, but like... this was not advertised as such. They essentially manipulate this woman into being with them both? Like it's a plan. From the start.
But she was completrly unaware of her partners intentions, and maybe still doesn't know about said original plan by the end(?) and has been dating the son for three months, all while thinking things like *ahem*
I love a darker read, but like... this was not advertised as such. They essentially manipulate this woman into being with them both? Like it's a plan. From the start.
But she was completrly unaware of her partners intentions, and maybe still doesn't know about said original plan by the end(?) and has been dating the son for three months, all while thinking things like *ahem*
Guys like Cole donβt bring girls like me home. Weβre from different worlds.
And
Iβve chased the approval of men for most of my life, but nothing compares to him.
Talk about concerning.
Ignoring all that for a second, objectively, the insta love?! What on earth?! Like she hadn't told the boyfriend of 3 months that she loved him until now, but then she tells stepdaddy Griffin that she loves him within like... two days? I think? Or a week? It wasn't overly clear, but either way... no
And Coles' whole personality is essentially 'goes to university but smiles when his dad, who he has weird, repressed feelings for, does something inappropriate with his girlfriend'
And the spice was the kind where the wind blows in the FMCs direction and she orgasms. And consent seemed to be questionable a couple of times... so even that was disappointing
Look... this was definitely one of those "what the absolute heck just happened?" kind of reads.
Overall, I can only say I'd recommend this if you're after unhinged reads... which I was... so I guess I wanted to give it an extra half star for at least meeting that expectation
But then I saw that the author "wanted it to be spicy and sweet," which honestly didn't track, so I took the .5 back sorry π
β π π¬πππ«
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Rape and Alcohol
One More Gift by Holly June Smith
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I read this because I saw a tiktok from Tierney recommending it, and damn she was right on with this one!
Pure spice. But somehow, I loved the characters! Kinda wholesome, a little bit of jealousy, but overall just fun spicy vibes. With toys! And consent! Love that!
The best friend was absolutely adorable, and tbh I'd have fallen in love with him too if I were her
The FMCs ex-husband was absolutely toxic, but only in the best way possible and I loved it!
The only reason this lost a star for me was the ending. I didn't need the extra player, sorry π₯Ή I know that like... that made it all fair etc but personally, I could've lived without it
Overall, just your every day plot-free smutty Christmas novella with her ex-husband and best friend, what more could you ask for π€
β π π¬πππ«π¬
Pure spice. But somehow, I loved the characters! Kinda wholesome, a little bit of jealousy, but overall just fun spicy vibes. With toys! And consent! Love that!
The best friend was absolutely adorable, and tbh I'd have fallen in love with him too if I were her
The FMCs ex-husband was absolutely toxic, but only in the best way possible and I loved it!
The only reason this lost a star for me was the ending. I didn't need the extra player, sorry π₯Ή I know that like... that made it all fair etc but personally, I could've lived without it
Overall, just your every day plot-free smutty Christmas novella with her ex-husband and best friend, what more could you ask for π€
β π π¬πππ«π¬
25 Reasons to Hate Christmas and Cowboys by Elle Thorpe
Yes, that was β¨οΈduringβ¨οΈ
Then there's this gem...
You read that right, folks. She told him to think about his mum and dad "getting it on" during their first time. And she also brought that up A SECOND SEPERATE TIME. MID THRUST.
I can't. This book had some goodish moments, but every single time they were just ruined to the point of me wanting to throw the book... the extra star is for those few small moments of clarity from the author...
β π π¬πππ«π¬
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
All I have to say is what the?!
Big fat no from me. And I really wanted to like this.
Firstly, after meeting our FMC, he literally runs home and tells mummy he's in love. Now I could've written this off as cute holiday shenanigans, but it gets worse.
Not only do they say "I love you" within three weeks of knowing each other, but he PROPOSES at four?! Insanity.
Now, I'd thought maybe the spice would be good, at least... and to that, I have a couple of quotes for you. Yes, quotes. Word for word.
Big fat no from me. And I really wanted to like this.
Firstly, after meeting our FMC, he literally runs home and tells mummy he's in love. Now I could've written this off as cute holiday shenanigans, but it gets worse.
Not only do they say "I love you" within three weeks of knowing each other, but he PROPOSES at four?! Insanity.
Now, I'd thought maybe the spice would be good, at least... and to that, I have a couple of quotes for you. Yes, quotes. Word for word.
For a brief moment of horror, I thought he'd suck my toes or something equally hideous, but he bypassed my feet entirely.
Yes, that was β¨οΈduringβ¨οΈ
Then there's this gem...
"I don't know how I'm going to last one second once I'm inside you."
I shifted my hips, seeking more contact. "Just think about one-eyed baby puppies. Or your mum and dad getting it on."
You read that right, folks. She told him to think about his mum and dad "getting it on" during their first time. And she also brought that up A SECOND SEPERATE TIME. MID THRUST.
I can't. This book had some goodish moments, but every single time they were just ruined to the point of me wanting to throw the book... the extra star is for those few small moments of clarity from the author...
β π π¬πππ«π¬
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Cancer and Toxic friendship
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges by Layla Hartley
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Cute, festive, and spicy, but missing something
The FMC was a bit silly, to be honest, especially with almost losing her job (which she really needed) immediately after getting it. Like, just keep your mouth shut lol I was cringing
And the men were just generic. They had like two personality traits and were "hot," but that's about as deep as they went, which was sad.
I felt this lacked any kind of plot after she moved in. I was hoping she would run into her ex again or something at least to give it a flare of drama, but nothing happened. Even when they gave her car back? Like, how?
Anyways, ignoring the glaring issues, it was fun! Very spicy π€
Overall, if you're looking for a short, light-hearted read with a tonne of spice and no plot, this is likely the book for you!
β π π¬πππ«π¬
The FMC was a bit silly, to be honest, especially with almost losing her job (which she really needed) immediately after getting it. Like, just keep your mouth shut lol I was cringing
And the men were just generic. They had like two personality traits and were "hot," but that's about as deep as they went, which was sad.
I felt this lacked any kind of plot after she moved in. I was hoping she would run into her ex again or something at least to give it a flare of drama, but nothing happened. Even when they gave her car back? Like, how?
Anyways, ignoring the glaring issues, it was fun! Very spicy π€
Overall, if you're looking for a short, light-hearted read with a tonne of spice and no plot, this is likely the book for you!
β π π¬πππ«π¬
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Grief