hrtlss_grl's reviews
117 reviews

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book embodies the idea of 'What would happen if Friday the 13th were a Rom-Com?' It's a fast paced fun romp with low stakes and a lot of heart. We follow the story of the Duchess of Death, and her family trying to figure out life and love. Even though these characters are monsters, they are very human and have hopes and dreams, wants and needs just like everyone else. I would also like to point out that this book is written by a man. And while there is some disagreement on whether or not men can write women, I would say of all the men writing women, he definitely did the best. It's not perfect, but for sure better than some female authors I've read. *cough cough Galenorn cough cough* These characters feel real. Their emotional struggles feel real. At the same time this book is so lighthearted and fun. I know there is some heavy stuff listed in the warnings, but they are mostly just mentions and very little is seen on page. Please give it a try. I really enjoyed it a ton!

Content Warnings

Luck in the Shadows by Lynn Flewelling

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adventurous mysterious 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? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

Cassiel's Servant by Jacqueline Carey

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring 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

A retelling of the first book in the Kushiel's Legacy Series (Kushiel's Dart), this book is so much more. It actually fleshes out the character of Joscelin, giving him more agency and showing us a whole different side of Terre d'Ange. While written to match the first book, it is considerably shorter do to less description, giving it a different feel from Phedre's voice. Joscelin is definitely his own person with his own way of seeing things, giving this book a less prose heavy bent. I loved the glimpses of things we never got to see in the original book, and plan to read it side by side with the original any time I read this series from now on. Just remember, it does follow the plot of the first book, and so it has graphic violence and also torture and slavery and the inability for Joscelin to prevent what happens to Phedre which makes him suicidal, and you do get to see his thought processes through all that.

Content Warnings

The Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne Denker

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emotional hopeful 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

3.75

Content Warnings

Not Another Vampire Book by Cassandra Gannon

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Forgive the grammatical errors plaguing the latter half of this book, and just enjoy the ride. NOTHING about this book is serious. It is definitely just a bit joke, and one that is a lot of fun.

Content Warnings