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crownedaimee's reviews
385 reviews
The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy
I need all of the hockey romances by Elle Kennedy that I can get because I will eat it every time.
The Dixon Rule is the second book in the Campus Diaries series and follow Diana and Shane. The two have never really gotten along after Shane has worked his through some of her cheer squad, leaving their hearts broken despite him making his feelings known towards them that he was not looking for a relationship as he was still hung up over his ex. So when Shane moves into the apartment across hers, Diana is quick to establish some rules. But when Shane's ex shows up at his house and Diana starts getting harassed. by her ex boyfriend, they rely on each other's and agree to a fake date thinking it would solve their problems.
I literally devoured this book, I mean what's not to love? You have the enemies to lovers and the fake dating, two of my favourite tropes, I honestly couldn't get enough. Diana and Shane's relationship was so well developed, their chemistry off the charts. It's also a bonus that I loved both of the characters separately as well. I was laughing so much when Diana kept removing Shane from the chats. Don't mind me as I send Shane a FWB application (IYKYK).
All the side characters provided some great comedic moments and see how they interacted with Shane and Diana is so funny. I also love how Elle Kennedy keeps having her characters from the Off Campus and Briar U series appear throughout the Campus Diaries series, reading more about them makes me happy.
The only things that didn't make me rate The Dixon Rule a five stars was it did feel slow in places here and there, as well as I felt like the whole situation with Percy was wrapped up a little too quickly for my likely.
I can't wait to read to see what's in store for the characters in the rest of the series, hoping that we get a Will & Beckett book soon, because you just know that book will be spicy as hell and I'm here for it, and them. While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading book one, The Graham Effect, to avoid any spoilers that you might across in this book. And be sure to check out any potential trigger warnings.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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
The Dixon Rule is the second book in the Campus Diaries series and follow Diana and Shane. The two have never really gotten along after Shane has worked his through some of her cheer squad, leaving their hearts broken despite him making his feelings known towards them that he was not looking for a relationship as he was still hung up over his ex. So when Shane moves into the apartment across hers, Diana is quick to establish some rules. But when Shane's ex shows up at his house and Diana starts getting harassed. by her ex boyfriend, they rely on each other's and agree to a fake date thinking it would solve their problems.
I literally devoured this book, I mean what's not to love? You have the enemies to lovers and the fake dating, two of my favourite tropes, I honestly couldn't get enough. Diana and Shane's relationship was so well developed, their chemistry off the charts. It's also a bonus that I loved both of the characters separately as well. I was laughing so much when Diana kept removing Shane from the chats. Don't mind me as I send Shane a FWB application (IYKYK).
All the side characters provided some great comedic moments and see how they interacted with Shane and Diana is so funny. I also love how Elle Kennedy keeps having her characters from the Off Campus and Briar U series appear throughout the Campus Diaries series, reading more about them makes me happy.
The only things that didn't make me rate The Dixon Rule a five stars was it did feel slow in places here and there, as well as I felt like the whole situation with Percy was wrapped up a little too quickly for my likely.
I can't wait to read to see what's in store for the characters in the rest of the series, hoping that we get a Will & Beckett book soon, because you just know that book will be spicy as hell and I'm here for it, and them. While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading book one, The Graham Effect, to avoid any spoilers that you might across in this book. And be sure to check out any potential trigger warnings.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Stalking
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
When I tell you I devoured this book, I mean it with my whole heart. I had high hopes for this book and let me tell you, it did not disappoint one bit. Can next year hurry up already because I need the next books in my hands right now. I don't know how you can expect me to cope until then.
The Crimson Moth follows Rune and Gideon who play a deadly game of cat and mouse between a witch and a witch hunter. Rune spends her days pretending to be a witch hating socialite but at night, she is the Crimson Moth, a vigilante who rescues witches from being killed. In a place where witches are outlawed, Gideon stops at nothing to hunt the witches, especially after they murdered almost everyone in his family. When word spreads about Rune's possible involvement with the Crimson Moth, he decides to fake court her in hopes to get more information. But what happens when they fall in love?
Their romance is doomed from the start and whilst pretending to woo each other they find themselves falling for each other. It was enemies to lovers at its absolute finest. The tension was so delicious, I was rooting for them so much, you don't understand. I couldn't read this fast enough, the way they were constantly trying to outsmart the other? Had me in an chokehold the entire time. The chemistry between Rune and Gideon was off the charts and I can't wait to see how they develop in the sequel.
Individually, both of the characters were so well written and I'm so glad that we got a dual pov with these two otherwise I don't think it would've worked so well just reading from one. I so can't wait to see the character development in the next book, especially after the ending! I just know it's gonna get juicy.
I absolutely love the magic system within this book. The witches aren't made to be invincible and do actually have weakness which is something that I have rarely read in books. I do however think this could be marketed more towards older young adults or even new adult so keep that in mind, as well as any potential triggers with the mention of abuse both physical and sexual, and self harm.
Prepare for the emotional damage that this book will you give and the rollercoaster you'll definitely be in. I cannot recommend this enough, you all need to go read this right now.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Crimson Moth follows Rune and Gideon who play a deadly game of cat and mouse between a witch and a witch hunter. Rune spends her days pretending to be a witch hating socialite but at night, she is the Crimson Moth, a vigilante who rescues witches from being killed. In a place where witches are outlawed, Gideon stops at nothing to hunt the witches, especially after they murdered almost everyone in his family. When word spreads about Rune's possible involvement with the Crimson Moth, he decides to fake court her in hopes to get more information. But what happens when they fall in love?
Their romance is doomed from the start and whilst pretending to woo each other they find themselves falling for each other. It was enemies to lovers at its absolute finest. The tension was so delicious, I was rooting for them so much, you don't understand. I couldn't read this fast enough, the way they were constantly trying to outsmart the other? Had me in an chokehold the entire time. The chemistry between Rune and Gideon was off the charts and I can't wait to see how they develop in the sequel.
Individually, both of the characters were so well written and I'm so glad that we got a dual pov with these two otherwise I don't think it would've worked so well just reading from one. I so can't wait to see the character development in the next book, especially after the ending! I just know it's gonna get juicy.
I absolutely love the magic system within this book. The witches aren't made to be invincible and do actually have weakness which is something that I have rarely read in books. I do however think this could be marketed more towards older young adults or even new adult so keep that in mind, as well as any potential triggers with the mention of abuse both physical and sexual, and self harm.
Prepare for the emotional damage that this book will you give and the rollercoaster you'll definitely be in. I cannot recommend this enough, you all need to go read this right now.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Girl Abroad follows nineteen year old Abbey who is the daughter of a famous musician and tired of being in his shadow, she sets out to have her own adventures as an exchange student for the next year at a university in London. But she doesn't have the easiest start to her trip when she discovers she won't being living in with three other female roommates but rather three guys. During her time in London, Abbey is caught between a love triangle with two potential bachelors, one who happens to be rugby playing housemate and the other, a bass guitarist who just happens to have a girlfriend.
Despite this book having a love triangle, I really enjoyed this book, especially the plot that centred around the painting, all the mystery surrounding it and I loved how it paralleled Abbey's own life and struggles. I also loved the relationships in the book, especially with Lee, Cece, Jamie and other side characters. The found family dynamic is well written within in this book.
However I do feel like it read more of a Young Adult contemporary rather than a New Adult romance, if it wasn't for the spice then I would've easily mistaken it as Young Adult. While this isn't necessary a bad thing, we all know that Elle Kennedy can write New Adult quite well, just look at the Off Campus Series.
If you're a fan of any other Elle Kennedy's books or looking for a quick lighthearted romance then you'll definitely love this. I would highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Despite this book having a love triangle, I really enjoyed this book, especially the plot that centred around the painting, all the mystery surrounding it and I loved how it paralleled Abbey's own life and struggles. I also loved the relationships in the book, especially with Lee, Cece, Jamie and other side characters. The found family dynamic is well written within in this book.
However I do feel like it read more of a Young Adult contemporary rather than a New Adult romance, if it wasn't for the spice then I would've easily mistaken it as Young Adult. While this isn't necessary a bad thing, we all know that Elle Kennedy can write New Adult quite well, just look at the Off Campus Series.
If you're a fan of any other Elle Kennedy's books or looking for a quick lighthearted romance then you'll definitely love this. I would highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Secrets Ever Green: The Everlight Series by Sara Knightly
2.0
This book had a lot of potential and was looking forward to reading it based off the synopsis but it just felt a little flat to me.
Secrets Ever Green follows Ivy Rune who is on a quest to unravel her father's mysterious legacy when she discovers a hidden world that alters her destiny.
I think my main issue was the writing, it felt a lot more telling than showing what was going on and felt like it's more targeted towards middle grade fiction rather than young adult. Additionally, there are a lot of questions and I get its through Ivy's inner monologue but when it happens nearly every chapter, it starts to become repetitive. Also I don't understand why the Count had a randon pov towards the end, it felt out of place. It would've worked better if it was actually at the end of the book.
I was also confused on what the whole situation was Nicholas. He was introduced then completely disappeared for the rest of the book. I didn't quite understand the point of introducing this character for it to not even go away.
Another issue I had was I didn't feel like the plot was actually going anywhere until it got to the last couple of chapters and I was like finally, we're getting somewhere but then it ended. It felt as if it was more of a mystery then a fantasy book, whether that be something that is explored more for the second book, I'm not sure. I also felt like this book didn't have any conclusion, it just ended and rather sets the scene for the next book. If this book was longer than I think my rating would've be higher as it could've tied up any loose ends.
I'm still torn on whether I will read the second book or not, my interest is there and I am intrigued to see where the story continues but at the moment, I'm not itching to get my hands on it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Secrets Ever Green follows Ivy Rune who is on a quest to unravel her father's mysterious legacy when she discovers a hidden world that alters her destiny.
I think my main issue was the writing, it felt a lot more telling than showing what was going on and felt like it's more targeted towards middle grade fiction rather than young adult. Additionally, there are a lot of questions and I get its through Ivy's inner monologue but when it happens nearly every chapter, it starts to become repetitive. Also I don't understand why the Count had a randon pov towards the end, it felt out of place. It would've worked better if it was actually at the end of the book.
I was also confused on what the whole situation was Nicholas. He was introduced then completely disappeared for the rest of the book. I didn't quite understand the point of introducing this character for it to not even go away.
Another issue I had was I didn't feel like the plot was actually going anywhere until it got to the last couple of chapters and I was like finally, we're getting somewhere but then it ended. It felt as if it was more of a mystery then a fantasy book, whether that be something that is explored more for the second book, I'm not sure. I also felt like this book didn't have any conclusion, it just ended and rather sets the scene for the next book. If this book was longer than I think my rating would've be higher as it could've tied up any loose ends.
I'm still torn on whether I will read the second book or not, my interest is there and I am intrigued to see where the story continues but at the moment, I'm not itching to get my hands on it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.