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bookishspy's reviews
279 reviews
Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-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
This book was too long. I am not saying that I don't like long books, I do. My favourite of another series is literally a book 200 pages longer than this.
What I'm saying is this book gave me literally nothing worth reading in the middle.
Sure, there were minor higher points, but they were surrounded by idiotic choices, painfully obvious problems, and circular thought patterns that I've read 100 times at this point. Protect the humans blah blah, am I doing the right thing blah blah, oh no, I've been betrayed again blah blah... I can't.
The previous book was great despite its length. This one was lucky I finished it. Also the slow burn kinda burnt out for me. I almost threw something every time they got interrupted, or they literally interrupted themselves, being like, "we have all the time in the world," like WHEN HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY TIME?!
On that note, I am sick of reading "hey everything is going so well," and then BAM, the worst thing ever is happening... I get that happening on occasion, but it happened EVERY SINGLE TIME. Like I need a moment of peace, please, thanks.
The cliffhanger... tbh we know it's gonna be fine because otherwise, there literally couldn't be another book... so, like... idk why we bothered
Overall, I will read the next book because I'm invested in the world and characters, but this book was aggravating at best
➛ 𝟐.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
What I'm saying is this book gave me literally nothing worth reading in the middle.
Sure, there were minor higher points, but they were surrounded by idiotic choices, painfully obvious problems, and circular thought patterns that I've read 100 times at this point. Protect the humans blah blah, am I doing the right thing blah blah, oh no, I've been betrayed again blah blah... I can't.
The previous book was great despite its length. This one was lucky I finished it. Also the slow burn kinda burnt out for me. I almost threw something every time they got interrupted, or they literally interrupted themselves, being like, "we have all the time in the world," like WHEN HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY TIME?!
On that note, I am sick of reading "hey everything is going so well," and then BAM, the worst thing ever is happening... I get that happening on occasion, but it happened EVERY SINGLE TIME. Like I need a moment of peace, please, thanks.
The cliffhanger... tbh we know it's gonna be fine because otherwise, there literally couldn't be another book... so, like... idk why we bothered
Overall, I will read the next book because I'm invested in the world and characters, but this book was aggravating at best
➛ 𝟐.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole
Taran was perfect, and I think I'm in love
Aemonn, on the other hand... I can't wait to see what happens with him. There were moments when I truly wanted to like him, though, so I kind of hope he's redeemable
Plot wise.. again, I could guess a lot of this, but it was beyond entertaining and still managed to shock me with exactly how these moments played out
Overall, I loved this with my whole heart and am fully invested in these characters! I will be moving on to the third book straight away, and I'm excited, plus a little scared
➛ 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
You know when you really love a book but don't want to spoil anything so you have no words? That's me right now!
I devoured this book! It had me hooked from the minute I started to when I finished it a day later!
It was definitely an intense read, though. I kept throwing the book down and having to walk around a bit because I was overwhelmed by the way absolutely nothing could go right for more than two seconds 😂
Diem is not a super likeable character, but at least she wasn't whiny like most FMCs. However, I will say that most of the time, I was questioning what was so wrong with Luther that she couldn't just get over it. I get Diem being mad about what happened, but like, it wasn't like he did it, ya know? And then she just stopped looking into who did it? Fyi, I can already guess anyway. I'll update in the next book if I'm right, but I'm 98% sure on this one.
Luther was everything 🥹 I wanted him to fight, though. Get mad. Do something. He was so quiet, and I felt for him
All the side characters had my heart! Taran, especially! I was laughing out loud practically any time he was speaking! How could you not with lines such as
I devoured this book! It had me hooked from the minute I started to when I finished it a day later!
It was definitely an intense read, though. I kept throwing the book down and having to walk around a bit because I was overwhelmed by the way absolutely nothing could go right for more than two seconds 😂
Diem is not a super likeable character, but at least she wasn't whiny like most FMCs. However, I will say that most of the time, I was questioning what was so wrong with Luther that she couldn't just get over it. I get Diem being mad about what happened, but like, it wasn't like he did it, ya know? And then she just stopped looking into who did it? Fyi, I can already guess anyway. I'll update in the next book if I'm right, but I'm 98% sure on this one.
Luther was everything 🥹 I wanted him to fight, though. Get mad. Do something. He was so quiet, and I felt for him
All the side characters had my heart! Taran, especially! I was laughing out loud practically any time he was speaking! How could you not with lines such as
“So Your Majesty, how does it feel to be sandwiched between two handsome, single Corbois Princes?”
Taran was perfect, and I think I'm in love
Aemonn, on the other hand... I can't wait to see what happens with him. There were moments when I truly wanted to like him, though, so I kind of hope he's redeemable
Plot wise.. again, I could guess a lot of this, but it was beyond entertaining and still managed to shock me with exactly how these moments played out
Overall, I loved this with my whole heart and am fully invested in these characters! I will be moving on to the third book straight away, and I'm excited, plus a little scared
➛ 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
Predictable but entertaining is how I would summarise this book
From almost the start, I'd guesses a good 98% of that plot line, but that didn't deter me. In fact, it almost made me want to find out how we get from A to B.
Diem was a bit annoying, though. How can you live your life as a healer and not know basically anything about the Descended? You live basically side by side. It makes no sense. That was probably my main issue with her. So smart yet so dumb.
Henry... I truly don't like him at this point. Maybe that'll change in the future. I see his side, I just don't like him either way.
And Luther was just so unlikeably likeable I LOVED him! I need more. He did everything right and Diem was just too darn stubborn
The romance was amazingly slow and I'm devouring it. Give me all the slow burn and angst!
Overall, I loved this. I was planning to move on to other books after this, but instead I will be continuing with the next in the series
➛ 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
From almost the start, I'd guesses a good 98% of that plot line, but that didn't deter me. In fact, it almost made me want to find out how we get from A to B.
Diem was a bit annoying, though. How can you live your life as a healer and not know basically anything about the Descended? You live basically side by side. It makes no sense. That was probably my main issue with her. So smart yet so dumb.
Henry... I truly don't like him at this point. Maybe that'll change in the future. I see his side, I just don't like him either way.
And Luther was just so unlikeably likeable I LOVED him! I need more. He did everything right and Diem was just too darn stubborn
The romance was amazingly slow and I'm devouring it. Give me all the slow burn and angst!
Overall, I loved this. I was planning to move on to other books after this, but instead I will be continuing with the next in the series
➛ 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
This one was cute!
Even had some plot in there (even if it was the most predictable ever)
The only part that gave me a bit of an ick was the part where they were all "in love" by the end of the book, and they'd only really been talking for like a week..
Very high school of them
But overall this was cute, festive, and entertaining 🥹
➛ 𝟑.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Even had some plot in there (even if it was the most predictable ever)
The only part that gave me a bit of an ick was the part where they were all "in love" by the end of the book, and they'd only really been talking for like a week..
Very high school of them
But overall this was cute, festive, and entertaining 🥹
➛ 𝟑.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Latte Darling by S.J. Tilly
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Personally, I need more plot than this book had. Actually, I need like... ANY plot lol
Also, Axel is definitely the most red flaggy man ever, but it didn't stop me from loving him, so I guess overly jealous older men who treat me like a spoiled daughter are my type? ☠️
Seriously though, I feel like this short book was extremely long. It felt long. It really just jumped into the insta-lust romance instantly, and like... while it kind of worked, it meant the middle of the book was slow, drawn out, and really had very little to it other than a shopping date and spice
As much as I enjoyed the relationship aspect, I did need more from this, but overall I'd recommend it if you're looking for an age gap spicy romance with no plot, and a *lot* of dirty talk 🥵
➛ 𝟑 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Also, Axel is definitely the most red flaggy man ever, but it didn't stop me from loving him, so I guess overly jealous older men who treat me like a spoiled daughter are my type? ☠️
Seriously though, I feel like this short book was extremely long. It felt long. It really just jumped into the insta-lust romance instantly, and like... while it kind of worked, it meant the middle of the book was slow, drawn out, and really had very little to it other than a shopping date and spice
As much as I enjoyed the relationship aspect, I did need more from this, but overall I'd recommend it if you're looking for an age gap spicy romance with no plot, and a *lot* of dirty talk 🥵
➛ 𝟑 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Underneath the Mask by Des Sweet
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Is it weird that this was kind of sweet? 🥹
Not gonna lie, I had two guesses for how this was gonna end, and one of them was accurate and I'm actually super glad it was that option and not the other
I will say, I wish this was edited better because I can't do big chunks of writing, it makes me skim, but it wasn't too bad
Overall, this is such a cute little spicy stalker romance, and I'd definitely recommend it!
➛ 𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Not gonna lie, I had two guesses for how this was gonna end, and one of them was accurate and I'm actually super glad it was that option and not the other
I will say, I wish this was edited better because I can't do big chunks of writing, it makes me skim, but it wasn't too bad
Overall, this is such a cute little spicy stalker romance, and I'd definitely recommend it!
➛ 𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Sexual content, Blood, Stalking, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Minor: Cursing, Sexual violence, Vomit, and Alcohol
Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fun, but ultimately flawed
I really truly did binge read this whole book in a few hours. I know the humour is very specific, but for me it was laugh out loud funny at times. It's probably because the humour was so shocking coming from the absolutely insane FMC
I have to say, I expected more spice or something. There was very little. It was more spice adjacent than actually spicy
And the info dumo at the start seemed a bit much. I feel like that could've been sprinkled in throughout.
Also, I wanted more of Patro and Achilles. Like they were there, they were important, but ultimately, the time spent with these characters was wasted. For some reason, time always skipped when she was living in a house with them?! Like why. I was excited for those moments, but they were just pointless
Usually I'm all for the "who did this to you?" moments too, but somehow this story made these moments with the FMC excruciatingly boring. That's a talent just fyi.
To be really honest, I was also a bit sick of the FMC being the most actually dumb person in the world. The way I figured out so early on what was happening, who she was etc, and she was just like "omg no one ever explains anything," like YOU NEVER ASK! Nor did she ever let someone finish talking when they were actually getting to the point
I will say, despite all of that, I did really like this. I was dreading it ending because I knew the next one wasn't going to be out for a while, but I'm glad I read it!
Overall, I did really enjoy the mindless read! I'd have to say I'm excited for the next book, I'm hoping it's a little more relationship focussed instead of monotonous background drama focussed
Hard to rate, though I think because I enjoyed it, I may let the nitpicky things slide! Can't wait for the next one
➛ 𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
I really truly did binge read this whole book in a few hours. I know the humour is very specific, but for me it was laugh out loud funny at times. It's probably because the humour was so shocking coming from the absolutely insane FMC
I have to say, I expected more spice or something. There was very little. It was more spice adjacent than actually spicy
And the info dumo at the start seemed a bit much. I feel like that could've been sprinkled in throughout.
Also, I wanted more of Patro and Achilles. Like they were there, they were important, but ultimately, the time spent with these characters was wasted. For some reason, time always skipped when she was living in a house with them?! Like why. I was excited for those moments, but they were just pointless
Usually I'm all for the "who did this to you?" moments too, but somehow this story made these moments with the FMC excruciatingly boring. That's a talent just fyi.
To be really honest, I was also a bit sick of the FMC being the most actually dumb person in the world. The way I figured out so early on what was happening, who she was etc, and she was just like "omg no one ever explains anything," like YOU NEVER ASK! Nor did she ever let someone finish talking when they were actually getting to the point
I will say, despite all of that, I did really like this. I was dreading it ending because I knew the next one wasn't going to be out for a while, but I'm glad I read it!
Overall, I did really enjoy the mindless read! I'd have to say I'm excited for the next book, I'm hoping it's a little more relationship focussed instead of monotonous background drama focussed
Hard to rate, though I think because I enjoyed it, I may let the nitpicky things slide! Can't wait for the next one
➛ 𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
It's honestly so true, and A Novel Love Story is that book for me. I can truly see myself reading and re-reading this over and over
Eloraton was everything. Delving into the characters and their troubles, despite having had their perfect meet-cutes and happily ever afters once upon a time, it was fascinating!
And then there was Anders and his cat 🥹 oh my gosh, he really was the perfect book boyfriend! He even comes with romance book knowledge 😍 The one part I really wasn't a fan of was that part towards the end, but I'll pretend that never happened and chalk it up to grief. The way I scoffed at him for that... he's lucky I forgave him
This book is honestly so quotable, I'm going to have to re-read this soon and annotate!
Also, the way I must've looked absolutely insane when I was laughing my head off towards the last few pages. They were talking about the book club books, and there was a cute little nod to The Dead Romantics and the word "doggo" 😆 just fantastic
This is why Ashley is one of my absolute favourite authors of all time. I have no notes. Everything was perfect. I really needed this book, so thank you 🫶
➛ 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
Ashley Postons writing just speaks to my heart 😭
I had saved this story for a rainy day, and yesterday I was feeling especially slumpy, and it was raining, so I snuggled up with it and then barely put it back down. Binged the whole thing.
This story had me reading and re-reading this first paragraph at chapter five -
I had saved this story for a rainy day, and yesterday I was feeling especially slumpy, and it was raining, so I snuggled up with it and then barely put it back down. Binged the whole thing.
This story had me reading and re-reading this first paragraph at chapter five -
Sometimes, a book can change your life. It's hard to explain that to someone who doesn't read or who has never felt their heart bend so strongly toward a story that it might just snap in two. Some books are a comfort, some a re- prieve, others a vacation, a lesson, a heartbreak. I'd met countless stories by the time I read a book that changed my life.
It's honestly so true, and A Novel Love Story is that book for me. I can truly see myself reading and re-reading this over and over
Eloraton was everything. Delving into the characters and their troubles, despite having had their perfect meet-cutes and happily ever afters once upon a time, it was fascinating!
And then there was Anders and his cat 🥹 oh my gosh, he really was the perfect book boyfriend! He even comes with romance book knowledge 😍 The one part I really wasn't a fan of was that part towards the end, but I'll pretend that never happened and chalk it up to grief. The way I scoffed at him for that... he's lucky I forgave him
This book is honestly so quotable, I'm going to have to re-read this soon and annotate!
Also, the way I must've looked absolutely insane when I was laughing my head off towards the last few pages. They were talking about the book club books, and there was a cute little nod to The Dead Romantics and the word "doggo" 😆 just fantastic
This is why Ashley is one of my absolute favourite authors of all time. I have no notes. Everything was perfect. I really needed this book, so thank you 🫶
➛ 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
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? Yes
3.5
I thought this one was pretty cute!
For what it was (like 50ish pages), it fit a lot in, and the characters were pretty cute!
Is it unbelievable? Sure.
Did I think they needed just one date where nothing required her to be saved? Yep I did
But overall, this was just a quick, fun read with a bit of spice. Lay off the C word, though... I'm Aussie, and even I don't use it that much lol
➛ 𝟑.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
For what it was (like 50ish pages), it fit a lot in, and the characters were pretty cute!
Is it unbelievable? Sure.
Did I think they needed just one date where nothing required her to be saved? Yep I did
But overall, this was just a quick, fun read with a bit of spice. Lay off the C word, though... I'm Aussie, and even I don't use it that much lol
➛ 𝟑.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Twisted Heathens by J. Rose
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I... don't know if I liked this or if I just wanted to watch a train wreck
Firstly, check TWs before even touching this book. This was definitely one of the darkest books I've read
Secondly, I can't say I liked anyone. Maybe Eli. That's about it. But his name being Elijah Woods threw me off lol
Maybe Kade too, but he was kind of blah and very whiny
The FMC was kind of okay half the time, but I really didn't feel much of a connection between her and anyone but Eli
Also, there was very little plot in this 400+ page book, which is probably why it dragged in the middle. This definitely could've been shortened or had a little more plot
Overall, objectively, it wasn't the worst, and I kind of want to read the next one, but I can't exactly say why?
➛ 𝟑 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Firstly, check TWs before even touching this book. This was definitely one of the darkest books I've read
Secondly, I can't say I liked anyone. Maybe Eli. That's about it. But his name being Elijah Woods threw me off lol
Maybe Kade too, but he was kind of blah and very whiny
The FMC was kind of okay half the time, but I really didn't feel much of a connection between her and anyone but Eli
Also, there was very little plot in this 400+ page book, which is probably why it dragged in the middle. This definitely could've been shortened or had a little more plot
Overall, objectively, it wasn't the worst, and I kind of want to read the next one, but I can't exactly say why?
➛ 𝟑 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Bullying, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Eating disorder, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Cursing, Terminal illness, Vomit, and Dysphoria