lattes_lipstick_literature's reviews
404 reviews

 *I received a copy of this book digitally for free and am leaving this review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

Do you ever think that a book would be absolutely perfect if not for this one character and their contribution to the plot? Well, that's what I thought, about Ex in the City and the drawn-out plot of Nicole, Rowan, and the mean girls of the PTA. I understand it a little maybe, but it went on for too long and seemed like an unnecessary obstacle to make things complicated for Dylan and Nicole. This is a second-chance romance, that right there is already complicated enough without having to include outside factors. I think Macintosh is a great writer but seems to throw in too much. 

Nicole is a great female lead, she's not an emotional mess, that lets everyone walk all over her like romance books like to portray women as. Dylan is that bad boy cinnamon roll who has gone to rock bottom but has come out on top and wants to show Nicole just how far he's come. Of course, their history complicates everything. There's hesitation to start over and potentially get hurt, and there is also the miscommunication of feelings, so I didn't understand why the drama of everything else.

Overall, fell a little flat but still entertaining. 

 *I received a copy of this book digitally for free and am leaving this review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

A big burly handsome demon who is a cinnamon roll who loves books? If Rom isn't on your top 10 lists of book boyfriends, I don't know what kind of list you have but it probably isn't good. Rom and Noelle were so cute and hot together. You do feel the chemistry when they get together and you root for them especially when you find out they used to be friends when they were younger. I think the story was a little too slow. Usually, the author introduces unnecessary drama which can ruin a story, but I wish Beastly & Bookish had a small smidge of it. There was nothing that didn't lead me to believe that these two would stay together. It was just a bit blah even with the juicy spiciness. 

Overall, a sweet second-chance romance that needed a tiny kick 

 *I received an advanced digital copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

I love Anthologies but I've never really read one like this. The combination of mystery and science fiction works incredibly well and may now be one of my favorite genre mashes. This mixed with the detective trope made The Reinvented Detective a fun read. I also really enjoyed each story and loved to see each author's interpretation and reinvention of the trope. Now, not every story takes place in a time far away, but some are like our modern society with a little more advanced technology. I find these stories intriguing as I feel like it may be achieved. Of course, with that being said I did like when they really leaned into the science fiction aspect and you see the creativity start to really flow. While I did not have a favorite story there were ones that I wish would be expanded upon or even made into a book series. 

Overall, a very entertaining anthology that I wouldn't mind getting more of. 

*I received an advanced digital copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily*
 

Hello Fellow Readers,

This was such an interesting take on the whole Fantasy/Magic school trope (even though we are told multiple times that Animalia is not magic). I found the world that Murphy built very interesting and couldn't wait to see how it's explored. Sunday was an interesting character, a child dealing with the death of her father, with a mother who muted her grief through addiction, all the while trying to make sure their candle shop stays afloat. While she is worried and scared to leave home, Sunday gets accepted into Svalbard a prestige school in Norway for their Animalia program, the same program that her father had been in. This is where the story picks up as there is a mystery at this new school that has Sunday suspicious and fighting her animalistic nature. I really hope there is a sequel as this can make a really interesting series. The mystery was predictable as I figured out the antagonist as soon as they were introduced, but that didn't bother me. 

Overall, a curious ending that makes me hope for a sequel. 

 *I received an advanced digital copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

While I usually love imperfect people in the books I read, Sophie was absolutely a hot mess that just frustrated me sometimes. Some of her actions I really questioned and shook my head at, but I did still end up rooting for her and Dash. Dash was great and an absolute sweetheart with very complicated family dynamics and drama. I did like the way Rosa handled the heavy topics that were discussed and bonus points for bi-sexual representation and the fact that the main character wore a pacemaker. Things like this need to be normalized in media and this is a very good start. 

However, I do feel like La Rosa relied too heavily on romance tropes for Plot Twist. I do wish she would have let her writing shine through more rather than rely on those old cliches. Sophie and Dash did have a lot of chemistry and I am very glad that we did not have to wait too long for that spicy heat to make an appearance, wow was it hot. I also really liked the ending and epilogue as I felt like these characters deserved it.

Overall, a solid romance especially if you're a fan of tropes. 

 *I received an advanced digital copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

Another hit from Devlin in the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series. I've already started reading the third book because I just enjoyed this so much. Hugh and Audrey's chemistry is amazing and I enjoy their interactions even with the budding romance vibes. Their relationship, unfortunately, would only end in heartbreak, since she's married (although she's technically a beard for her husband). Can I also mention that Hugh is actually a really good investigator? I know in the first book Murder at the Seven Dials he had falsely accused Philip (Audrey's husband) of a murder, but considering the era, evidence, and Philip's unwillingness to talk, you really can't blame the guy. 

Hugh really shined in Death at Fournier Downs and I have no doubt that without Audrey he could have solved the case (even if it would have taken longer). Audrey of course is the same stubborn and loveable heroine, and I absolutely would protect her with all my heart. Audrey did make better decisions in this one than in the first book, so I hope it continues going down the path of her learning she can't just rush blindly into situations. I do like that we got more of Philip with this one even if he did make me upset sometimes, but I do see where he is coming from. Devlin's writing is so good, Devlin can lay down the facts without info dumping on the page, but instead, she makes it enjoyable to read. Her writing keeps you engaged and entertained. 

Overall, this is very quickly becoming my favorite series. 

 

*I received a copy for free and I am leaving this honest and unbiased review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

While I don't talk about it too much I am a fan of historical marriage of convenience tropes. I don't read them as often as I should, but I am so glad I read 'Ruined'. Vaughn throws you straight into the deep end as we start with the walk to the wedding reception. Awkward and frustrating is the experience that comes to mind as you experience the new matrimony of two strangers. One trying to escape rumors and scandals, while the other is trying to fix his family's financial woes. Ruined pretty much describes it. 

This does start to click into place for the two newlyweds, you can start to see how much they come to care about each other, but of course Andrew, the male lead detests love and of course. all Catherine, the female lead wants is love. This leads to conflicts of the heart. 

One of the more surprising joys of 'Ruined' was how flesh out each character felt. Not just the two main leads but the side characters as well. I found myself being invested in everyone's stories and rooting for a happy ending for everyone. 

I will say that at first the art style through me off, but as the story progressed I found myself not bothered by it as much as I thought I would. By the end, I appreciated the character designs. I will say that this is an ADULT graphic novel with sex and nudity so if that puts you off this is not for you. 

Overall, a delightful story of growth and love. 

 *I received a copy of this book digitally for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

Before I start getting into the nitty gritty of my review I will admit that I am not as familiar with the story of the Nutcracker as others might be, but despite this, I felt this was the perfect book to kick off this holiday season (even with it being as dark as it is). Johansen's writing was imaginative and beautiful and I very much enjoyed her how very descriptive she but not in a way that felt too much.

This book is very much focused on Natasha 'The Dark Sister' and the consequences of her actions throughout the book, she's not a very likable character but I don't think any of the characters in this was likable or meant to be liked. This was fine, considering the nature of the book. I did very much enjoy the first part of The Kingdom of Sweets but admittedly the middle of the book lost a lot of its steam. There were a lot of parts that seemed to drag on. The ending did pick up a bit but I am not sure if I liked it or not. 

There was also a lot of repetition about the twin sisters and how Natasha was Dark and Clara was light. Yes, I get that it's important to the plot to understand why Natasha and Clara are the way that they are, but you don't need to constantly remind me about it. 

Overall, a gothic fantasy retelling for those who need a bit of darkness in their holiday reads. 

 *I received a copy of this book digitally for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers,

I am an absolute sucker for the fake dating trope, like frothing from the mouth, zombie wants brains kinda obsessed with the trope, so I'll pretty much read any book that has it. Love You, Mean It is basically made for me (not really but I feel like it is) If I wasn't a sleep-deprived mom, I would have read this in one sitting. 

The book is through Ellie's POV, which I love as it keeps the mystery of what Theo is thinking and lets us (the audience) pick things up with his words and actions. I don't mind dual POV sometimes it works out, but in this case, I think it worked well. Ellie is very entertaining, but she is also very stubborn. There were times I wanted to get the power to reach into the book and shake her, but it's only because Gagnon makes you care about these characters.

The side characters were great, I wish they were in the story more as I think it would have helped Ellie more and also provide insight and comedy. I love Sam (Theo's ex) but I do admit that I kept waiting for her to turn into a backstabber but am I very happy that Gagnon did not go that route. We get too many times where women are pitted against each other, especially in romance novels, so the fact that I wanted Sam and Ellie to be friends gives this an extra thumbs up.

Overall, a very entertaining Romance must-read.