natashaleighton_'s reviews
1023 reviews

Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A decadently lush, slow-burn romantasy with plenty of high stakes action that kept me on the edge of my seat —and feeling ALL the emotions, ‘til the very end.

This is actually the first of Helen Scheuerer’s books I’ve read. But with vividly immersive prose, an endearing found family-esque cast of characters (Kipp and Cal were particular faves) and simmering romantic tension between protagonists, Wren and Torj —she’s completely won me over.

I was especially impressed with just how much depth we explore in each of our MCs. Particularly Wren, who was such quick witted and determined character, with a heartbreaking backstory that’s really taken her to some dark places emotionally (and alchemically.) But watching her work through that trauma, and come out the other side stronger and ready to embrace her abilites was amazing. 

Likewise, I really adored Torj, our brooding Warsword who uses his rough physical exterior and battle hardened reputation to hide his vulnerabilities from the world. But inside he’s a gooey (and unrelentingly loyal) cinnamon roll who’s willing to risk everything (and anything) for the people he cares for most. Which I found super fun to explore, even if it resulted in some heartbreakingly emotional scenes. 

Not to mention their swoon-worthy chemistry! I waited with bated breath through every one of their interactions just so I could bask in that deliciously romantic intensity. We do get some poignant moments too, a few of which very nearly broke me— so do be sure to stock up on tissues! 

It is technically a sexier, more adult spin off to the YA The Legends of Thezmarr series (being set after the Shadow War that Wren and Torj were heavily involved in.) 

But was incredibly enjoyable, even without prior knowledge of that series, as Scheuerer weaves the backstory and lore so skilfully into the plot—bringing soo much depth (and dimension) without slowing the pace or getting too exposition-y (which I loved!) 

If you’re planning to read The Legends of Thezmarr, however, I definitely suggest waiting to pick this up until after you’ve finished, so as not to spoil that series’ ending. 

Overall, a phenomenal series starter that’s perfect for anyone craving a slow-burn romance with a side of epic fantasy, political intrigue, or high stakes (poison based) plots (Just be sure to check the TWs.) I honestly don’t know how I’m gonna survive the wait ‘til book 2! 

Also, a huge thank you to Tor Bramble UK / BookBreak UK for the incredible proof
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The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I did enjoy this but felt the reveal/twist was a bit predictable. I also wasn’t a huge fan of Lara which was a shame as she was one of our POV characters. I did like Aren though and that ending has me all kinds of angry on his behalf! 

I already have physical copies of the next two books (in the series) so do intend to read them, but I wasn’t completely blown away but this like a lot of others readers were. Maybe my expectations were just too high or I’m just not in the right mood to fully appreciate it at this point in time.
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Unromance by Erin Connor

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A deliciously witty and fabulously swoon-worthy, Rom-com debut that very much lived up to all my expectations! 

Described as a love letter to the romance genre, Erin Connor captures its very essence with her humorous yet beautifully compelling (and uniquely self aware) romantic offering. 

Lovingly making light of the genres’ use of romantic cliches, (which Connor explores and skilfully subverts) we are given the opportunity to traverse a more relatable, complex and nuanced side to dating/relationships. That highlights just how much our values and expectations in relationships have shifted since contemporary Rom-coms first hit their stride.

From its wintery setting and movie worthy  premise, to the role reversed Nora Ephron-esque protagonists (our FMC, is a jaded romance author and our male lead, a hopelessly romantic TV heartthrob) this was just the perfect combination of romance and humour to start my year off with.

And the chemistry between MCs, Sawyer and Mason, was scorchingly good too! The intensity of their attraction for one another is never really in question (we do start novel with them having a rather sizzling one night stand.) But I really liked that they go beyond surface level attraction and actually develop their friendship as well. Allowing us to delve into their vulnerabilities and watch as they finally learn to trust (and communicate) with one another. 

Erin Connor has definitely won me over, and I can safely say I will be reading everything she writes from now on! 

I will say though, it does feature a lot of tropes (including the miscommunication trope) which might not be as enjoyable for anyone not overly familiar with or into romance tropes. So probably something to take into consideration before picking this one up. 

However, if you love trope filled romances that blend satirical elements with more emotionally poignant and in-depth scenes—then I definitely think you should consider adding to your TBRs.

Also, a huge thank you to HQ stories for the physical copy. 
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Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan

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adventurous dark emotional funny 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? Yes

5.0

Like the perfect blend of The Shadows Between Us and My Next Life As A Villainess: All Roads Leads To Doom; Sarah Rees Brennan’s Long Live Evil was a fun (and whimsically villainous) romp of a read, that I absolutely devoured! 

After reading soo many tension filled fantasy novels lately, this was definitely a bit of a palate cleanser that I think will be perfect for anyone looking for a pacey, humorous story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 

If you love portal fantasys or morally grey, self aware protagonists (full of depth and substance) who don’t mind being cast as the villain, then you really won’t want to pass up the chance to read this! 

Our MC, Rae, was such a delight to explore and I couldn’t help but root for all of her dastardly plans to succeed. And Key?! I absolutely adored him—even at his worst. As, despite his murderous tendencies, his respect and devotion for Rae was unapologetically swoon-worthy. 

The found family-esque group of misfits she assembles were really endearing too, (the Golden Cobra especially) and after THAT ending, I cannot wait to see where the sequel (please let there be a sequel!) will take us.

Though, as always, do check the TWs first. 
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Greenteeth by Molly O'Neill

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adventurous emotional lighthearted 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

5.0

A heartwarming, folklore-infused fantasy debut that’s bursting with magic and cosy, found family vibes that completely stole my heart! 

Honestly, I was utterly in awe at Molly O’Neill’s skill in bringing such an iconic figure in British Folklore to life. Let’s face it, Jenny Greenteeth, doesn’t have the best of reputations (historically portrayed as a malevolent creature who lures unsuspecting victims to their deaths.) 

But the depth and nuance O’Neill captures within Jenny, and her endearingly eccentric (non human) outlook on the world, was something I found soo refreshingly unique. 

Her friendship with witch, Temperance, is only the start to her journey of self discovery and redemption, but the vulnerability, courage and compassion she exhibits, (in conflict with her baser, more monstrous urges) really made her such an incredibly multilayered (and loveable) character. 

O’Neill also gifts us with deliciously vivid prose and an immersive setting that had me eager to set off on my own wilderness bound adventures (a miracle in itself, as I’m a self confessed city girl who loves her home comforts.) I loved that Folklore and mythology play such a huge role in the narrative, particularly in relation to the Folklore from the British Isles. 

Despite being British myself, I’m still not overly familiar with a lot of the folklore here (besides a small amount of Arthurian legend and a few fairytales) so really enjoyed the amount of research and detail that O’Neill put into this. Especially with lesser known mythological figures, like the Afanc (a Welsh river monster) that I hadn’t really heard of before, but whose backstory I now need an entire book on. 

Other mythological figures also make appearances (Gwyn ap Nudd, Creiddylad, the Erl King and Cavall) which I also found really intriguing, and has definitely motivated me into checking out the original stories each figure is attached to. 

There was definitely a hint of classic fantasy adventure stories to Jenny’s journey, that I found reminiscent in tone to C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. But with just enough of a modern, antihero-esque twist that is sure to appeal to all readers of fantasy—both newbies and connoisseurs alike. 

Honestly, this was such a beautifully crafted and unputdownable read! I don’t think my words can really do this story (or the emotions O’Neill’s prose cleverly invokes) justice. Though I do urge all morally grey loving, folklore aficionados to consider adding this to their TBRs when it releases in February— as it’s such a breathtaking debut! 

Also, a huge thank you to Orbit for the proof copy. 
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Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Dealing with slightly darker, more emotional themes than her previous books; Ali Hazelwood’s Not In Love was an incredibly enjoyable romance that fans of her other works (or characters with emotional depth) should definitely check out. Though I do suggest checking the TWs first. 
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A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon

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adventurous emotional tense 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

5.0

Breathtakingly plot twisty and brimming with even more tension than the last, Thea Guanzon has quickly become as one of my all time favourite authors. 

With even more romantic action between Alaric and Talasyn, (whose scenes are deliciously decadent and full of emotion) I all but devoured this! 

The writing is once gain beautifully detailed and vivid. And the twists?! I’m still reeling from that explosively intense (and action packed) ending and honestly, I would do just about anything right now to get my hands on book three. 

Oh, and did I mention? there’s also dragons. Sleepy ones, overprotective ones and a really REALLY scary one —but I loved every scene they appeared in, and look forward to (hopefully) seeing more of them in the rest of the series. 

I just cannot recommend this series enough! So if (like me), you’re partial to an intensely swoon-worthy epic fantasy, the enemies to lovers trope. Or enjoy exploring complex and multilayered characters, then you should definitely consider checking this series out— it’s MARVELLOUS! 
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Beating Heart by Laura Pavlov

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The heartwarming (and unputdownable) fourth instalment in the Magnolia Falls series was a sexy, swoon worthy and utterly satisfying read —that may have just turned me into a single dad trope convert. 

It’s the first single dad romance I’ve ever read, (at least that I can recall) but Nash’s unwavering devotion to son, Cutler (who is the sweetest, fictional six year old I’ve ever encountered) and his irresistibly growly ‘who hurt you’ demeanour for newly arrived paediatrician and neighbour, Emerson was all kinds of delicious. 

And, when paired with the beautifully compelling small town setting (and the hallmark worthy hospitality of its residents) really brought an immersive sense of warmth and depth that I just couldn’t get enough of! 

Nash and Emerson’s slow burn chemistry was really enjoyable too! And I loved watching how far their relationship came (from that frosty first meeting to one of the sweetest, most tender love stories I’ve read (as they let down their walls and finally opened up to one another.) 

We do get some conflict, in the form of Nash’s ex Tara (who I disliked instantly) but it did give us the opportunity to explore a vulnerable, more emotional side to Nash that made me love him even more.

I don’t think my words can adequately do this justice, but it’s full of soo much warmth and emotion. And fans of small town contemporary romance (or lovers of the single dad and found family tropes), definitely need to consider picking this up— It was marvellous! 

It is the fourth in a series, but definitely works as a standalone (so you don’t technically need to have read the other three to enjoy this.) This is actually the first of Laura Pavlov’s books I’ve ever read, but I can safely say, it certainly won’t be the last.

Also, a massive thank you HQ Stories for the stunning copy. 
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Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I picked the first book in this series up back in 2021 on a whim and really loved it. So, when I recently found out there were several more—including a Christmas sequel—I knew I had to read it immediately. And it was just as heartwarmingly charming as I hoped it would be! 

Set months after Jude and Elliot’s stay at The Borrow A Bookshop, we follow Magnús Sturluson (an Icelandic ex-bookseller) seeking comfort from the failure of his own beloved bookshop. And Alexandra Robinson, who flees her small village of Port Kernou (and finds herself inadvertently stranded in Clove Lore) after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity.

After Magnús helps to save her during a storm, the pair become close, working together at the bookshop (and adjoining bakery) and that begins restore Magnús’s faith in book selling and Alex’s faith in herself.

Firstly, I loved returning to Clove Lore and getting to see soo many of the village’s residents again. And also loved that, though we primarily follow Magnús and Alex, (our incredibly engaging and relatable protagonists) we do also get POV chapters from some of the other villagers (like the matchmaking Mrs Crocombe, bookshop owner Jowan and even Minty-who owns the local Manor House) which I felt really added a realness and depth to the story. 

It’s the second in the series (and can technically be read as a standalone) but I do suggest checking out book 1, as it was such a good read. 

The layers of emotion Kiley Dunbar manages to capture and the intense, but utterly adorable romance that blossoms between Alex and Magnús literally stole my heart. 

Plus, I learnt about a fabulous Icelandic Christmas tradition- Jólabókaflóð or Yule book flood, where families exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the evening reading them. It sounds like such a great tradition, and one I now need to convince my family to include in our own festivities. 

Overall, this was a warm cosy hug of a read that really embodied the spirit of Christmas, community (and has me soo eager to explore the rest of the series.)
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Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful tense 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 breathtakingly pacy, Cyberpunk-infused space heist, from debut author Makana Yamamoto, was an absolute joy of a read that I genuinely couldn’t put down. 

From the endearing (and phenomenally inclusive) cast of characters, their defiance (in the face of systemic oppression), the found family dynamics and of course, the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance that intricately ties it all together— I was completely transfixed!

With current world events and timely discussions around class, privilege and inequality taking place right now; Hammajang Luck’s social commentary—especially in regards to the experiences of marginalised communities— was both evocative and tremendously on point. 

Yamamoto’s vividly detailed and emotionally raw prose also really captured the depth of the characters, and the struggles they all face trying to survive a system that only sees them as commodities (to be exploited for profit.)

Like Edie (our protagonist) and their family, who are deep in dept from the expensive medical procedures Edie’s niece needs to save her life. 

So, it’s no wonder Edie feels the need (after eight years in prison) to return to their life of risky, high octane heists. Even if it means working for the person solely responsible for their arrest.

If you love your protagonists rebellious,  resilient and deliciously complex (in an endearing, underdog type way) then you’ll almost certainly love Edie. Flawed but fiercely determined to fight back against the oppression and provide for their family— Edie’s efforts and journey will have readers cheering them on every step of the way. 

The supporting cast were pretty endearing too, and I adored LGBTQIA rep and the strong found family-esque bond they all share.

Overall, this was a vibrant, immersive and unforgettable read that really showcases Yamamoto’s profound love of Hawaii. Sci-Fi and Cyber Punk fans (or fictional heist enthusiasts) should definitely consider checking this one out. 

Also, a huge thank you to Gollancz for the stunning proof.
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