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marvelousmarbles's reviews
138 reviews
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A prequel to Legends and Lattes, we get more of a backstory on Vic's story and career. Cozy adventure riddled with mystery and heartwarming friendships, all the same. I enjoyed following Vic and meeting some new characters from Murk.
Satchel is my favorite but Fern and Potroast are a close second. I love how Vic although a badass mercenary is kind and just wants to help others. Enjoyed the read and can't wait for the next!
-- Quotes --
“Because I’m headed down the hill, and you’re headed up it. I’m just glad we chanced to meet on the way.”
“You do something for years and years, and the only reason you continue is because once you stop, you won't really have anything.”
“See you in the story past the story.”
Satchel is my favorite but Fern and Potroast are a close second. I love how Vic although a badass mercenary is kind and just wants to help others. Enjoyed the read and can't wait for the next!
-- Quotes --
“Because I’m headed down the hill, and you’re headed up it. I’m just glad we chanced to meet on the way.”
“You do something for years and years, and the only reason you continue is because once you stop, you won't really have anything.”
“See you in the story past the story.”
Shaedes of Power: A Dark Fae Fantasy Romance by Jenny Grimes
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5
4.5⭐️
3🌶️
Debut author what?! Jenny's coming out the jump with an absolute gem!
I'm obsessed. Period. The end.
There is not one character I do not like. The color magic system is so unique. Fae AND Vampires! A love triangle (possibly more why choose situation) that honestly has more maturity than I have seen, thus far. This is such a quick and immersive read too, I would have read this in one sitting if I could have. Morally Grey and Cinnamon Roll MMCs that are wonderful in so many ways.
Opal and her friends are all so relatable. The love and care they have for each other is so refreshing. Watching their journeys into figuring out themselves/power was really enjoyable.
There were a few scenes that moved a bit faster than I would of liked, but all in all I wasn't ready for this to be over! Highly recommend and I cannot wait for the rest of this series. Thank you so much Jenny for this ARC for a honest review.
-- Quotes --
"Not everything that is dark is meant to be menacing. Sometimes something that is dark is just different, and different can be beautiful."
"If kissing him was the spark that started everything in motion, our hands were what kindled the flame."
"Little Prism, You, whom I have already silently pledged a thousand of my lifetimes to protect."
"He's harder to kill this way .... I approve"
3🌶️
Debut author what?! Jenny's coming out the jump with an absolute gem!
I'm obsessed. Period. The end.
There is not one character I do not like. The color magic system is so unique. Fae AND Vampires! A love triangle (possibly more why choose situation) that honestly has more maturity than I have seen, thus far. This is such a quick and immersive read too, I would have read this in one sitting if I could have. Morally Grey and Cinnamon Roll MMCs that are wonderful in so many ways.
Opal and her friends are all so relatable. The love and care they have for each other is so refreshing. Watching their journeys into figuring out themselves/power was really enjoyable.
There were a few scenes that moved a bit faster than I would of liked, but all in all I wasn't ready for this to be over! Highly recommend and I cannot wait for the rest of this series. Thank you so much Jenny for this ARC for a honest review.
-- Quotes --
"Not everything that is dark is meant to be menacing. Sometimes something that is dark is just different, and different can be beautiful."
"If kissing him was the spark that started everything in motion, our hands were what kindled the flame."
"Little Prism, You, whom I have already silently pledged a thousand of my lifetimes to protect."
"He's harder to kill this way .... I approve"
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
4 ⭐
2/3 🌶️
“From the very start, you had all the power. From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand.”
“I’m afraid of the unpredictability of existing.”
This officially jumped up as one of my favorite by Ali!
Used to be a swimmer so reading a story with diving and swimming was really cool, and even better that it kept a good balance of STEM. New genre unlocked: Sports-Stem Romance?
Lukas has been added to the new book BF list. Found Scarlett very relatable (“Mostly, I'm afraid of attempting something and not being perfect at it” - SAME girl.. SAMe).. and enjoyed watching Scarlett's growth inside and out of the pool, but I do have a little bit of a grip with a few situations between her and Penn. I would really consider this way more of a BDSM light which is totally okay, enjoyable and I think honestly fit the story of college kids exploring their own kinks/wants. I did go into this thinking there would have been a bit more, but all in all I enjoyed it.
2/3 🌶️
“From the very start, you had all the power. From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand.”
“I’m afraid of the unpredictability of existing.”
This officially jumped up as one of my favorite by Ali!
Used to be a swimmer so reading a story with diving and swimming was really cool, and even better that it kept a good balance of STEM. New genre unlocked: Sports-Stem Romance?
Lukas has been added to the new book BF list. Found Scarlett very relatable (“Mostly, I'm afraid of attempting something and not being perfect at it” - SAME girl.. SAMe).. and enjoyed watching Scarlett's growth inside and out of the pool, but I do have a little bit of a grip with a few situations between her and Penn. I would really consider this way more of a BDSM light which is totally okay, enjoyable and I think honestly fit the story of college kids exploring their own kinks/wants. I did go into this thinking there would have been a bit more, but all in all I enjoyed it.
Emerald City by Astrid Cole
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
3.5
⭐️3.5
🌶️2 /3
"You're the only goddess whose alter I would worship."
Following the aftermath of betrayals and twists in Diamond City, Sage has a whole lot more to work to do. Throughout Book 2 we are met with intensity from the star, and a back and forth on who can Sage trust, what will she do next and will she get the answers to so many questions she has. Sage and Damian have a good character growth here, as both characters evolve and work through emotional and traumatic events. The world building is more developed and I can see that continuing to grow throughout the rest of the series.
I mentioned in my previous review for DC that there are a few things/ tropes that popped up (without spoiling) that aren't for me and they those things do continue more heavily in book 2. With that being said, even with those - the plot/concept, humor, world building keep pulling me forward. I can't wait to continue on to Ruby City and see what happens next but more importantly, I need to know more about Samson!!
Also, excuse me, Astrid - the ending! What a way to end a book.
Thank you Astrid so much for reaching out with an ARC for my honest review.
🌶️2 /3
"You're the only goddess whose alter I would worship."
Following the aftermath of betrayals and twists in Diamond City, Sage has a whole lot more to work to do. Throughout Book 2 we are met with intensity from the star, and a back and forth on who can Sage trust, what will she do next and will she get the answers to so many questions she has. Sage and Damian have a good character growth here, as both characters evolve and work through emotional and traumatic events. The world building is more developed and I can see that continuing to grow throughout the rest of the series.
I mentioned in my previous review for DC that there are a few things/ tropes that popped up (without spoiling) that aren't for me and they those things do continue more heavily in book 2. With that being said, even with those - the plot/concept, humor, world building keep pulling me forward. I can't wait to continue on to Ruby City and see what happens next but more importantly, I need to know more about Samson!!
Also, excuse me, Astrid - the ending! What a way to end a book.
Thank you Astrid so much for reaching out with an ARC for my honest review.
Diamond City by Astrid Cole
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
3.75
⭐️3.75
🌶️2 /3
"Do what you love but be smart about it."
"You don't need to carry me anywhere." Sage snapped. " Who the fuck do I look like to you - one of those prissy bitches you were making out with all night? Now walk."
"You give what your partner gave to you," Damian said. "But there is one little detail that makes all the difference in a relationship." "What's that?" Sage panted.
"Your strive to give more."
"You are pure.. and I will let no one tarnish you. Anyone who does will pay with their life."
Astrid had me at 'Sage owns a pizza shop' I didn't even listen to much else before running and purchasing the Pizza sprayed edge SE's of this series. Literally not even joking and after finally reading Diamond City, I'm glad I did.
This is a sci-fi, dystopian fantasy romance. It was giving me, Mad Max x Jetsons-esque x otherworldly vibes. The world building and concept of this book was really intriguing and probably one of my favorite parts about it besides Sage and Samson who I truly adore. Witty banter, diversity throughout the characters and LGBTQIA+ representation was awesome to see.
Sage is a warrior through and through and as badass as she is at over 100 years ago, she still has random crushes on princes and really just wants a simple life with her family running her pizza restaurant. But obviously, things can't just be that simple.
The Warlord aka Damian is an androgynous MMC and the relationship between him and Sage although was a little too hate to insta-lovey for me was still cute. What I really enjoy more than anything between the two of them is the general roles/norms if you will flipping back and forth, it’s so refreshing to see.
There's are couple things that popped up that aren't my favorite and to not spoil anything I won't mention it here but, overall if you like sci-fi/dystopian fantasy's with banter, badass characters, swearing, fighting and so many other things I would recommend!
I'd also like to add that, I already started reading Emerald City and I can't wait to see all the twists, turns, potential deceptions that's to come! Thank you Astrid so much for reaching out with an ARC for my honest review.
🌶️2 /3
"Do what you love but be smart about it."
"You don't need to carry me anywhere." Sage snapped. " Who the fuck do I look like to you - one of those prissy bitches you were making out with all night? Now walk."
"You give what your partner gave to you," Damian said. "But there is one little detail that makes all the difference in a relationship." "What's that?" Sage panted.
"Your strive to give more."
"You are pure.. and I will let no one tarnish you. Anyone who does will pay with their life."
Astrid had me at 'Sage owns a pizza shop' I didn't even listen to much else before running and purchasing the Pizza sprayed edge SE's of this series. Literally not even joking and after finally reading Diamond City, I'm glad I did.
This is a sci-fi, dystopian fantasy romance. It was giving me, Mad Max x Jetsons-esque x otherworldly vibes. The world building and concept of this book was really intriguing and probably one of my favorite parts about it besides Sage and Samson who I truly adore. Witty banter, diversity throughout the characters and LGBTQIA+ representation was awesome to see.
Sage is a warrior through and through and as badass as she is at over 100 years ago, she still has random crushes on princes and really just wants a simple life with her family running her pizza restaurant. But obviously, things can't just be that simple.
The Warlord aka Damian is an androgynous MMC and the relationship between him and Sage although was a little too hate to insta-lovey for me was still cute. What I really enjoy more than anything between the two of them is the general roles/norms if you will flipping back and forth, it’s so refreshing to see.
There's are couple things that popped up that aren't my favorite and to not spoil anything I won't mention it here but, overall if you like sci-fi/dystopian fantasy's with banter, badass characters, swearing, fighting and so many other things I would recommend!
I'd also like to add that, I already started reading Emerald City and I can't wait to see all the twists, turns, potential deceptions that's to come! Thank you Astrid so much for reaching out with an ARC for my honest review.
Dead By Dusk by E.C. Hill
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
⭐3.5
🫑-🌶️.5-1
"Bobby got kebabbed"
"Home, Killer. I want to go home."
A suspenseful thrilling ride. Giving 'Ready or Not' vibes. Action packed from the start and very very bloody. Triller in every way with just the right amount of romance throughout.
POVs following Silene and Ronan, where they and 4 others all wake up in a strange house in a secluded area with forced amnesia. They don't know who they are, who they can trust and someone is lying - someone is a traitor. They while are trying to find their way out, their all being hunted. As they fight to survive their memories start start to resurface through flashbacks/dreams etc - creating more mistrust and filling them with rage and uncertainty.
Silene is an absolutely amazing FMC. She is loyal, smart, badass fighter. She has so much strength and rage. Her flaws, vulnerability, the way she is fighting through her demons make her someone you want to see win.
Ronan is the best of the best, a mans man if you will - quick and extremely amazing fighter but his affection and love and the way he really sees Silene - is everything.
I did find that some of what was being revealed to be more of a 'telling vs. showing' and almost wished there were more POVs from the other characters or more information/backstory as we find out who the traitor was. I did predict some of it but damn some of those twists really got me.
I absolutely love this cover btw - Overall really enjoyable romantic thriller. I can't wait to see more from E.C Hill. P.S the note from E.C Hill's dog is amazing.
Thank you so much for the ARC and opportunity to read for my honest review.
🫑-🌶️.5-1
"Bobby got kebabbed"
"Home, Killer. I want to go home."
A suspenseful thrilling ride. Giving 'Ready or Not' vibes. Action packed from the start and very very bloody. Triller in every way with just the right amount of romance throughout.
POVs following Silene and Ronan, where they and 4 others all wake up in a strange house in a secluded area with forced amnesia. They don't know who they are, who they can trust and someone is lying - someone is a traitor. They while are trying to find their way out, their all being hunted. As they fight to survive their memories start start to resurface through flashbacks/dreams etc - creating more mistrust and filling them with rage and uncertainty.
Silene is an absolutely amazing FMC. She is loyal, smart, badass fighter. She has so much strength and rage. Her flaws, vulnerability, the way she is fighting through her demons make her someone you want to see win.
Ronan is the best of the best, a mans man if you will - quick and extremely amazing fighter but his affection and love and the way he really sees Silene - is everything.
I did find that some of what was being revealed to be more of a 'telling vs. showing' and almost wished there were more POVs from the other characters or more information/backstory as we find out who the traitor was. I did predict some of it but damn some of those twists really got me.
I absolutely love this cover btw - Overall really enjoyable romantic thriller. I can't wait to see more from E.C Hill. P.S the note from E.C Hill's dog is amazing.
Thank you so much for the ARC and opportunity to read for my honest review.
Ruins of Starlight by B.C. FaJohn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
3.5⭐️
2🌶️
'Doves have talons all the same. Continue with the nickname, and I'll slice you open'
'With his touch, I was transported to a world where I wasn't broken, damaged goods. A world where I was worthy of being loved."
This story starts out a bit confusing and slow as your getting introduced in the world and magic of our MCs. Morgana, our assassin FMC and Aster the morally grey shadow cursed Prince, are a bit of broken, lost souls, haunted by their trauma's. While Morgana is on a desperate journey to find her missing brother. Aster is desperately searching for a cure for his curse and the clock is ticking. The slow-burn between these two brought on for really great banter and tension. And, although I would have loved more background on the magic system, more time with Morgana's friends/ her job and a few other things, I really enjoyed this book. Looking back, I feel as though, all the confusion, missing pieces of information etc.. are all very much purposely and very intentionally done.
Then que in the the ending of this book. I had to pick my jaw off the floor. It's a roller-coaster that you don't want to get off of. It's emotional, climactic and honestly a bit diabolical. As if I didn't already have enough questions, I'm not left with a desperate need for what's to come.
Thank you B.C. FaJohn for this ARC for my honest review!
2🌶️
'Doves have talons all the same. Continue with the nickname, and I'll slice you open'
'With his touch, I was transported to a world where I wasn't broken, damaged goods. A world where I was worthy of being loved."
This story starts out a bit confusing and slow as your getting introduced in the world and magic of our MCs. Morgana, our assassin FMC and Aster the morally grey shadow cursed Prince, are a bit of broken, lost souls, haunted by their trauma's. While Morgana is on a desperate journey to find her missing brother. Aster is desperately searching for a cure for his curse and the clock is ticking. The slow-burn between these two brought on for really great banter and tension. And, although I would have loved more background on the magic system, more time with Morgana's friends/ her job and a few other things, I really enjoyed this book. Looking back, I feel as though, all the confusion, missing pieces of information etc.. are all very much purposely and very intentionally done.
Then que in the the ending of this book. I had to pick my jaw off the floor. It's a roller-coaster that you don't want to get off of. It's emotional, climactic and honestly a bit diabolical. As if I didn't already have enough questions, I'm not left with a desperate need for what's to come.
Thank you B.C. FaJohn for this ARC for my honest review!
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
Just posting a few quotes. No spoilers. Love this series and this book. The End.
"Good think I fuck like a third."
"Then let us be menaces."
"Every possible path."
"Good think I fuck like a third."
"Then let us be menaces."
"Every possible path."
Cursed in Love by Emily Colin
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
⭐3.75
🌶️1-ish
"I don't do chaos, Rune"
"I'm not suggesting that you do me!"
“I was wrong. You’re not a chocolate bar with cayenne, Rune. You’re a goddamn addiction.”
Well wasn't this just a heartwarming, funny and intriguing journey through Sapphire Springs. A paranormal/fantasy romance, with witchy vibes but a bit darker than your norm, which I personally really enjoyed. A tale of opposites attract / Grumpy Sunshine with Rune Whitlock, the unreliable Seer, Graphic Designer who is just awkward, funny and chaos ensues everywhere she goes x Donovan Frost, the non-nonsense super organized data engineer and developer, AKA Ice Man AKA Sex Spreadsheet guy.
The banter - Check. The towns people are fun as hell - the ladies of the seniors' book club - The Sinning Spinsters AKA the Sinsters are amazing. Officer Asshat aka Andrew Cooper aka okay redemption. Valentine the Cat.
Chaos is now one of my favorite nicknames. Super entertaining, more plot heavy than romance. Low spice IMO and a bit of enemies to insta love which isn't usually my vibe. Overall would totally recommend ~ Another Emily Colin book down my roster and I cannot wait for more!
Thank you so much for the ARC for my honest review!
🌶️1-ish
"I don't do chaos, Rune"
"I'm not suggesting that you do me!"
“I was wrong. You’re not a chocolate bar with cayenne, Rune. You’re a goddamn addiction.”
Well wasn't this just a heartwarming, funny and intriguing journey through Sapphire Springs. A paranormal/fantasy romance, with witchy vibes but a bit darker than your norm, which I personally really enjoyed. A tale of opposites attract / Grumpy Sunshine with Rune Whitlock, the unreliable Seer, Graphic Designer who is just awkward, funny and chaos ensues everywhere she goes x Donovan Frost, the non-nonsense super organized data engineer and developer, AKA Ice Man AKA Sex Spreadsheet guy.
The banter - Check. The towns people are fun as hell - the ladies of the seniors' book club - The Sinning Spinsters AKA the Sinsters are amazing. Officer Asshat aka Andrew Cooper aka okay redemption. Valentine the Cat.
Chaos is now one of my favorite nicknames. Super entertaining, more plot heavy than romance. Low spice IMO and a bit of enemies to insta love which isn't usually my vibe. Overall would totally recommend ~ Another Emily Colin book down my roster and I cannot wait for more!
Thank you so much for the ARC for my honest review!
Of Withering Dreams by Rowyn Adelaide
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
2🌶️
"I didn't realize then that nightmares could be mistaken for dreams."
"Don't apologize for feeling."
"The good thing about breathing... I could do it anywhere, even while snooping, scheming, stabbing - or whatever one did to topple unjust tyrants."
"It was nice knowing you before I lost my marbles." (ifykyk)
I've never highlighted so many things in a book before. Engaging. Addicting. Seriously Impressive. Insanely descriptive. I forced myself to read this slowly and sit with it because 1. I didn't want to miss anything (I could picture everything that was being described.) and 2. The world building is top tier and just needed to just.. sit in the brilliance.
I love the characters and creatures (main and secondary). Minus the fucking..spiders haha.
Debut author who? ROWYN ADELAIDE IS WHO! I still can't believe that. Rowyn is one to watch out for, I promise.
I am honored to be part of the Wicked Dreams ARC team and I'm at the edge of my seat for Book 2! I received an ARC for my honest review.
"I didn't realize then that nightmares could be mistaken for dreams."
"Don't apologize for feeling."
"The good thing about breathing... I could do it anywhere, even while snooping, scheming, stabbing - or whatever one did to topple unjust tyrants."
"It was nice knowing you before I lost my marbles." (ifykyk)
I've never highlighted so many things in a book before. Engaging. Addicting. Seriously Impressive. Insanely descriptive. I forced myself to read this slowly and sit with it because 1. I didn't want to miss anything (I could picture everything that was being described.) and 2. The world building is top tier and just needed to just.. sit in the brilliance.
I love the characters and creatures (main and secondary). Minus the fucking..
Debut author who? ROWYN ADELAIDE IS WHO! I still can't believe that. Rowyn is one to watch out for, I promise.
I am honored to be part of the Wicked Dreams ARC team and I'm at the edge of my seat for Book 2! I received an ARC for my honest review.