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momwithareadingproblem's reviews
1177 reviews
Cinder & Glass by Melissa de la Cruz
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.
I don’t really have a good reason to DNF this one other than I wasn’t enjoying it. Slow build led to spots that I found myself extremely bored and unengaged. Great narrator, good concept, enjoyed the French setting.
Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost
adventurous
funny
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? N/A
5.0
Where do I even begin?! Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost is the first book in Ian’s and Veritas’ story. I freaking LOVED this book! The action, the drama, the romance, the BANTER (sorry there may be a lot of all caps in this one), ALL OF IT. If you are familiar with the Night Huntress series, you will be very familiar with Ian and Veritas who are finally getting their own story in this world. Ian was already one of my favorite characters for his comedic relief, but y’all, he straight up stole my heart in this book. If you are a fan of the world or enjoy paranormal romance/urban fantasy, I highly recommend it.
Told exclusively from the law guardian’s POV, Shades of Wicked begins with Veritas seeking out and finding Ian in the middle of a circus themed orgy. Did that surprise me? Not in the least, it’s perfectly fitting for the Ian we know at this point. Veritas is the surprise. She is a force to be reckoned with. She seeks out Ian to strike a bargain in destroying a demon, Dagon. In Into the Fire, Ian barters his soul away to Dagon to save Mencheres who actually didn’t need to be saved (check out that book for more info). Now he is living up the last remaining years he has until he must hand over his soul to the demon. Veritas offers a way out for him.
Neither trust each other in the beginning, but they do have mutual respect for their given talents and strengths. Ian knows that Veritas is hiding something, and he also knows she played a role in Katie’s “death.” What he doesn’t know is everything she has done behind the scenes in her role as law guardian to protect who she finds innocent. All these secrets between them bubble over and create some fantastic tension.
I’ve been trying to put my finger on why I loved this book so much more than the others in the series, and Brandee, one of the bloggers I buddy read this with, pointed out that this is the first spin off where the characters were already established. We met Ian in book 2 of the series (and had already heard Bones talk about him in book 1), and while he started off on shaky ground with Cat, he quickly became a favorite of mine. Veritas was introduced early as well as a friend of Mencheres and pops up frequently throughout the series. I loved getting to know both of them better, seeing how they worked together, and the explosive chemistry that resulted from it.
Overall, if you haven’t already guessed, I LOVED this book. There wasn’t a single thing I could ding on it, even the narration which as you know from my reviews of the previous book I struggled with. Tavia Gilbert’s narration for Ian and Veritas is perfection. I loved every minute of it. I know this review isn’t much of a review and more me being a rambling fangirl, but seriously it was great. The series plot set up here is intriguing, and I cannot wait to read more. Again highly recommend, even if you haven’t read the other books of the series, it is quite enjoyable.
*I buddy read this one with Berls @ Because Reading, Anne @ Books of My Heart, and Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms. We were all in agreement….5 stars!
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
emotional
funny
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
What a fun read! Well Met by Jen DeLuca is a contemporary romantic comedy about a young woman who moves to a small town to take care of her older sister and niece after her own life implodes. This story took me by surprise. I loved all the small town elements: everyone knowing everyone, mentions of things passed that are now traditions, no privacy 😂 and of course the quirky things that make a small town known. In this small town, it is their annual Renaissance Faire which serves as a fundraiser for the local school. When Emily discovers that her niece has to have an adult volunteer with her in order to participate, she can’t say no and disappoint her. That is how Emily finds herself training to be a tavern wench this summer and hilarity ensues.
I really enjoyed Emily. She is an easy character to relate to. In the beginning of the story, she has only been in town a few weeks. Her sister and niece are recovering from a car accident that severely injured her sister and mentally scarred her niece. Emily is trying to learn the ropes and balance a new routine of taking April to physical therapy and shuttle Cait to her school functions. When Emily finds herself roped into the Ren Faire, she doesn’t know what to expect. However, her almost English major background, her previous bar experience, and her own love of Shakespeare become an asset. If only she could avoid the person over the event.
Simon isn’t as easy to like as Emily. He’s serious, rarely smiles, and seems to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. When he criticizes Emily thinking she’s not taking the Faire seriously, the two become adversaries. Emily’s favorite thing to do at rehearsals is poke fun at Simon, and Simon has a tendency to poke back.
While I enjoyed Simon and Emily and absolutely loved how the author weaved in the Ren Faire, there are a few spots that left me wanting more. Lenore, one of the bloggers I buddy read with, pointed out that this book could have benefitted from the use of dual POV. I couldn’t agree with her more! Most of Simon and Emily’s good interactions are when they are in character at the Red Faire. When they aren’t in character, they can be kind of mean to each other, making their budding romance hard to buy into. Also character growth needed some work. Simon’s mostly happens off page so we have to trust that he’s worked his issues out. Emily’s comes super late in the story, almost as an afterthought, making it tough to believe.
Despite those issues, I really liked the story. Well Met is an easy read which left me smiling ear to ear. Simon and Emily’s banter as the pirate captain and tavern wench were spot on. The Ren Faire itself was a character in the story that I enjoyed seeing come to life. I opted to listen to the audiobook for this one and was NOT disappointed. Brittany Pressley has become one of my favorite narrators over the last year, and she delivers another amazing performance here. Highly recommend for fans of romance. Personally, looking forward to reading book two 😁
* I buddy read this book with Lenore @ Celebrity Readers and Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms. We were all in agreement, giving this one 4 stars.
The Raven and the Rush by Sarah M. Cradit
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I savored this one! Thank you to Lenore @ Celebrity Readers for my Jolabokaflod gift 💗 The Raven and the Rush by Sarah M. Cradit has been on my TBR for a while, and I just couldn’t seem to make time for it. I’m so glad I got a push to read it 😉 This is a standalone YA fantasy set in the same world as Cradit’s Kingdom of the White Sea series, which I didn’t realize until I was half way through. Despite not knowing that ahead of time and having not read that series, I was engrossed in Evra and Rhosyn’s story.
Evrathedyn Blackrook is finishing up his studies at university far from his father’s reach and planning to take the Scholar’s path (think monk-like teacher) upon completion when he receives news of his father’s death. While Evra wasn’t close to the man, he finds himself trapped as the heir since his older brother has not married yet. Recalled to the Westerlands, he discovers what is left of his homeland is in ruins. His father’s crusade to rid the Westerlands of magic has left it all but destroyed, its people dying of a plague that could easily be cured, and his brother who should be the Lord gone. Evra is far from where he wants to be and lost. His only hope is to bring magic back to his dying lands and save what’s left of his people.
Rhosynora Ravenwood is the second daughter of the high priestess, a silver-haired Raven who finds herself at the center of a prophecy and the next priestess as her elder sister has not fulfilled her duties. If Rhosyn could run away, she would, but to do so would put her chosen family, the Frosts, and the people she loves in danger. So she takes the next best offer: to aid Evelyn Frost through her delivery. As a Ravenwood, Rhosyn possesses a magic known only to her clan. She can heal and protect with it. When the new Lord of the Westerlands arrives worse for wear, Rhosyn finds herself inexplicably drawn to him and a forbidden love story begins.
This story is lush with details and beautifully written. Evra and Rhosyn are easy to root for and empathize with. I enjoyed the dual POV as it allows the reader to understand their motivation and feelings. In fact, I’m not sure this story would have worked otherwise as most of romance is told passively. I loved the small glimpses of politics at play and how Evra and Rhosyn are working at odds to each other. I will warn though that there is talk of incest, rape, and abuse which all happens off page.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Raven and the Rush. The world itself is amazing, and I cannot wait to dive into the other stories in The Book of All Things series. I also plan to go back and read the Kingdom of the White Sea trilogy which I’ve already purchased 😉 Highly recommend this one for fans of fantasy!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Incest, and Rape
End of Story by Kylie Scott
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
This is an exceptional story and a perfect ending to my 2022 reading! End of Story by Kylie Scott is a contemporary romance about two opposites planning to go their separate ways when fate decides otherwise. This is unlike anything I’ve ever read, and reminded me a little of the Keanu Reeves movie The Lake House. Fans of heartfelt romantic comedies will love Lars and Susie’s story.
This is an exceptional story and a perfect ending to my 2022 reading! End of Story by Kylie Scott is a contemporary romance about two opposites planning to go their separate ways when fate decides otherwise. This is unlike anything I’ve ever read, and reminded me a little of the Keanu Reeves movie The Lake House. Fans of heartfelt romantic comedies will love Lars and Susie’s story.
It’s been six months since Susie’s life fell apart after a humiliating public break up and losing her aunt unexpectedly. Now, she’s picking up the pieces, renovating her aunt’s home which is now hers. Imagine Susie’s surprise when she opens the door to the contractor to find her ex’s best friend there to do the work. Swallowing her pride isn’t easy, but she knows Lars will do good work and if he can handle it so can she.
Then they find a document hidden in the wall. Not just any document either. It has both their names on it and is a divorce certificate dated for 10 years later. Neither of them put it there, and after a bit of panic from both of them, they decide someone is playing a mean trick. Susie and Lars would never date each other. It would go against his bro code, and she could never date someone that could be friends with her horrible ex. End of story….oh how wrong they are!
Told exclusively from Susie’s perspective, the summer plays out. Lars and Susie develop a friendship built on the mysterious divorce certificate and the time they spent together when Susie was dating his friend. The banter for this one is truly what sold it for me. I loved the friendship they have, how blunt they are with each other, but also the support they find. Where I needed more was Lars. I feel this one would have benefited from dual POV. Lars is a man of few words, so his actions speak for him, but that leaves Susie insecure and wary. Her insecurities are valid based off her previous relationship, and I love the growth we see in her.
Overall I enjoyed End of Story. This was unique for me and unlike other romances I’ve read recently. I love the mystery surrounding the divorce certificate. It adds to the story rather than detracts from it. Highly recommend this one for fans of romance!