natashaleighton_'s reviews
1023 reviews

Red Flags by Sophie Jo

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emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Holly Bourne meets Dolly Alderton in this witty, escapist YA Rom-Com that deftly (and entertainingly) explores the nuances of relationships, and the differences between red flags, annoyances-turned-icks, and the flaws of being human. 

Given the misinformation and confusion that sometimes surrounds the term ‘Red Flag’, Sophie Jo brings a much needed dose of humour and clarity to a highly relevant topic. That I’m sure readers are will find just as entertaining and informative as I did. 

Told from the dual POVs of two commitment shy teens, and the “How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days” style premise they inadvertently find themselves in— Rom com lovers should prepare to be utterly hooked. 

Poppy and Cam, (our MCs) were both incredibly endearing and fascinating characters. Who despite their initial, opposing personalities and enemies to lovers-esque dynamics, really have more in common than they first realise. Their chemistry and banter was off the charts, and when compared with some of the other relationships we see, their rocky start doesn’t seem nearly soo bad. 

I adored the The Bookshop Date scene and Gnome conversation Poppy and Cam have, both of which gave me a good chuckle. But some of the most memorable scenes were actually ones where Poppy and Cam aren’t together.

It’s these quiet, more introspective scenes that really brought a sense of poignancy and depth to their characters; allowing us to delve a little into their thoughts and feelings, and learn why they’re both so against giving relationships a chance.

If you love 90s/ 00s Rom-coms, then you’ll be pleased to know those vibes were fabulously strong. And the character interactions (particularly Poppy’s narrative voice) felt very Georgia Nicholson-adjacent, (though with less snark and more kindness and inclusivity) that I know readers will very much appreciate. 

I don’t want to spoil anything plot wise, but I will say Sophie Jo captures the realities of teenage feelings and relationships really well. So if you have  any teen readers in your life, I throughly recommend gifting them a copy of this as soon as possible— ‘cause it’s absolutely AMAZING! 

And, a huge thank you to Tina Mories & Scholastic UK for the physical proof.
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Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Emotionally intense and utterly romantic, I couldn’t put it down! 
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Tenderly, I am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

Breathtakingly atmospheric and vividly enchanting! Lyndall Clipstone’s fourth published novel was a beautifully haunting, gothic romantasy. Bursting with dark and deliciously foreboding, (cottagecore-horror) vibes that had me in a literal chokehold. 

Firstly, I have to talk about Clipstone’s prose, which was gorgeously lyrical with lush, evocative imagery that I found utterly immersive. I truly felt transported to Verse, and could practically feel the sea spray— alongside the suffocating sense of dread and anticipation as Lark uncovers startling secrets and the ethereal, chthonic based powers that seem to be at play. 

I also loved the depth and complexity that we explore in our cast of characters, all of whom are trying to overcome their own individual struggles and trauma. For Lark, our protagonist, it’s the desperate desire to find a place (and people) to truly belong to. Having grown up an orphan with only her brothers to raise her. 

And for Alastair and Camille, (Lark’s childhood friends and neighbours) it’s their conflicted feelings towards family expectations (their duty and their loss of autonomy) at the expense of their own happiness. 

We learn soo much from their interactions with Lark, giving us a glimpse into their inner thoughts and emotions — which were as equally as intense and chemistry laden as they were compelling. 

It can be a bit of a slow-burn at times. But with such incredible writing, worldbuilding and lore to discover (particularly when it involved the God, Therion) I really didn’t mind the slightly slower pace. As it gave me a chance to soak up all the setting’s lush ambience. 

Though, the most compelling and emotionally endearing part for me, had to be the journey of sacrifice, self discovery and love (in all its many forms) that we get to watch unfold. With Lark and Co. delving ever deeper into a terrifying world of monstrous gods, ritualistic (salt based) practices and dark forces that threaten to upend the very lives they seek to preserve. 

I don’t think I can say anything else without spoilers, but fans of House of Hollow, For The Wolf or Erin A. Craig really need to consider adding this to their TBRs. Especially if, like me, you’re a sucker for a gorgeously written (plot twisty) gothic fantasy.

Also, a huge thank you to Lyndall Clipstone for the e-arc.
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Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley

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adventurous dark emotional 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? Yes

5.0

A sizzlingly delicious, Fae-filled Romantasy that’s dripping in political intrigue, sinfully sexy (morally grey) fae love interests, and a fast paced (but no less epic) plot that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

As an epic fantasy fan who adored Sarah Hawley’s previous series, I practically jumped at the chance to review this. And I’m pleased to report it was just as marvellous as I hoped it would be!

The worldbuilding was beautifully well executed, with a detailed magic system (and lore) that I found utterly fascinating. Both rich and immersive, Hawley’s atmospheric prose captures an intensity to the kingdom of Mistei that—along with the political intrigue and shady machinations of its inhabitants (magical and monstrous alike)— had me glued to my seat. 

This isn’t a short book by any stretch (It’s 400+ pages) but I honestly flew through this soo quickly! Thanks in part to Hawley’s exquisitely endearing, and emotionally complex (and occasionally brutal) characters. My favourite of which has to be protagonist, Kenna. She’s fiercely cynical of life but her courage, resilience and unrelenting loyalty to her friends (and the people she cares about most) had me rooting for her almost instantly. 

With nothing to lose (except her own life), a pent up rage aimed at her magical oppressors, and a need to exact revenge — I was utterly invested Kenna’s journey. But especially in the multilayered and emotional bonds we see her form with several characters, including the Fae king’s executioner, a flirtatious(Fae) Prince, the daughter of a noble Fae house and a magically sentient dagger (yes, you read that correctly, and its name is Caedo.)

The steamy romantic scenes were really good too, (even if I was rooting for Kenna to get with a different Fae character) and should come as no surprise if you’ve read Hawley’s previous books. But if you’re new to her work then just be aware they can get pretty spicy (so do take into consideration if that’s not your thing.) 

Overall, this was plot twisty and richly imagined story (exploring the meaning of friendship) that I absolutely loved! And anyone itching for a new Fae-filled fantasy  series to be obsessed with, should definitely consider checking this out! But do be sure to check the TWs first. 

And a huge thank you to Javerya over at Gollancz for the finished copy 
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The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

Themes of jealousy, betrayal and vengeance abound in this dark and deliciously atmospheric, gothic retelling of The Nutcracker —that I found both eerie and compelling in equal measure. 

Firstly, I didn’t realise this was written by the same author as The Tearling trilogy until I was halfway through. But I should’ve guessed, as I adored Erika Johansen’s vividly descriptive prose in that series soo much (particularly for a lot of the dream/ flashback sequences.)

Her almost effortless ability to weave such intricate details into pacy, plot twisty narratives; whilst retaining the depth and emotion that makes her writing soo compelling is simply breathtaking. 

And worked perfectly for this dark (and beautifully immersive) Grimm’s fairytale-like setting. With its eerie cast of mysterious, yet sinister characters (Drosselmeyer and The Sugar Plum Fairy)— readers are almost guaranteed to be on the edge of their seats for the majority of the story.

However, the complex and juxtaposing dynamics between Twin sisters, Clara and Natasha (pitted against one another at birth) is what really captivated me the most. Told entirely from the POV of Natasha, the “bad/cursed” twin —I couldn’t help but find her perspective endearing.

Slighted and neglected by everyone around her (including her own parents), and forced to live in the shadow of her twin, it’s not surprising that she finally acts upon the resentment and jealousy she’s bottled up her whole life. And everything that happens after that was deliciously intense! 

It’s definitely the darkest take on The Nutcracker I’ve ever read, but has easily become my new favourite. I finished this in November and must say the gothic, horror-like tone pared perfectly with the dark and chilly weather the UK is having. As such, I highly suggest reading this during the colder months, as the lush world-building and atmospheric descriptions will feel waay more immersive.  

And, if like me you love a dark fairytale retelling or have been eager to delve into a spookier, less saccharine take on The Nutcracker— then this is definitely one you don’t want to miss! Though do check TWs first.

Also, a huge thank you to Chloe Rose and Penguin for this absolutely stunning (Micaela Alcaino designed) PB copy.
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Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee

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

3.5

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The Half King by Melissa Landers

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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

4.0

An action packed, epic romantasy with a deliciously intense romance between a trainee Seer (born without the gift of foresight) and the cursed King she’s sent to serve.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this (especially as the romance was described as being slow burn) but I was pleasantly surprised by how fabulously pacey it was. 

Delivering enough action (and high stakes danger) to keep readers on edge, whilst also weaving an intricate, lore-based magic system into the faith based political setting. Melissa Landers’ has laid a solid foundation for a truly spectacular series — that I can definitely see rivalling Gild or From Blood and Ash (especially when it comes to the danger, intrigue and unexpected twists we encounter.) 

But what truly won me over was our endearing protagonist, Cerise. Raised solely to serve the goddess as a seer (despite not receiving the gift of foresight) her hope, optimism and unwavering compassion was wonderfully inspiring.

Her sheltered upbringing (and naivety when it comes to the political machinations of everyone around her) is something that usually irks me in a character, but with Cerise it felt organic and genuine—which only made me love her more. 

And gave us the opportunity to watch Cerise evolve as a character, slowly piecing together past events and finally learning to see herself as someone of worth. 

The romance was really good, Cerise’s chemistry with the mysterious King was delicious, but their actual time together was pretty brief. This is the first in a new series but do I anticipate they’ll have a lot more scenes in the next instalment. The scenes we are treated, however, to were sizzlingly addictive. 

Overall, a great series opener that already has me eager for the sequel!

Also, a huge thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours and Bantam Books for the gorgeous proof. 
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Her Dark Wings by Melinda Salisbury

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adventurous dark emotional 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

A contemporary take on the Persephone Myth, Melinda Salisbury’s Her Dark Wings was a beautifully written coming of age story, blending Greek myth with the angsty, emotional rollercoaster of adolescence that readers young and old are sure to find compelling. 

Brimming with heartbreak, betrayal, complicated friendships and unbridled rage I was blown away by how deeply intense the emotions (conveyed through protagonist Corey) were. 

I adored Salisbury’s The Sin Eater’s Daughter series and fell absolutely in love with her prose which is just as atmospheric as I hoped it would be. What impressed me the most however, was how very relatable this story and world itself actually was. I genuinely felt I could walk right onto the island and follow Corey straight into the Underworld. 

Delving primarily into Corey’s life and her journey to self acceptance, as she comes into her powers and deals with the challenges that life throws her way (mainly cheating boyfriends and ex best friends.) It can be a bit of a slow burner, but I found it such a satisfying read a d though it has one of the most unique takes on Hades and Persephone that I’ve read in a while. 

So, if you enjoy your fantasy a little on the modern and relatable side, with a coming of age style premise and deeply endearing protagonist —then I definitely think you should consider picking this one up. Just be sure to check TWs. 
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In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price

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funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that Tirzah Price is the queen of Jane Austen-based, YA mysteries. And like many others, I’m soo glad she’s returned once again to her Jane Austen Mystery protagonists, Lizzie and Darcy, for a delightfully chaotic and action packed spin-off that will steal you heart and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Now, this does have some spoilers for Price’s Jane Austen Mysteries series (which makes sense as it is a spinoff.) So if you haven’t had the chance to read that series yet, I highly recommend doing so before picking this up. But if you’ve been eager to see more of Lizzie and Darcy since heir appearance in Manslaughter Park, then you’re in for a treat! 

Weaving cameos from the Dashwood sisters (and even a brief appearance of Miss Woodhouse) with themes of war, immigration, institutional misogyny and the pressures of family expectation—Price has managed to craft a compellingly modern take on the source material that I feel even Austen herself would approve of.

The cast of characters were all so quite interesting and multifaceted, but I think I adored Lizzie; whose stellar observational skills and ability to win over anyone (including children, dogs, Darcy) the most! Her tenacious drive to succeed will almost certainly endear old and new readers alike. 

Plus, her temerity in the face of adversity, as a woman working in a male dominated field (and positively thriving) had me cheering her on every step of the way!

Darcy, no longer at loggerheads with Lizzie, was a wonderfully supportive character to explore as well. I enjoyed seeing just how far he’s come on his journey to being less prideful and stubborn, and found his efforts (in learning from his past mistakes, owning up to them and trying to make amends) pretty satisfying. 

Together, he and Lizzie are a crime solving force to be reckoned with, and the snippets of romance and affection we encounter between them was soo enjoyable. I can’t wait to see what the pair with uncover next!

Overall, a really fun read that mystery, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen or Tirzah Price fans definitely don’t want to miss. 

Also, a huge thank you to Harper360YA for the stunning proof.



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Hyo the Hellmaker by Mina Ikemoto Ghosh

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

4.0

Interwoven with gorgeous illustrations to fully immerse in, and a detailed, slow burn mystery to solve. Mina Ikemoto Ghosh’s Hyo The Hellmaker was an entertainingly plot twisty read that manga-loving, high fantasy lovers should definitely consider picking up! 

I found the lore surrounding Gods, Demons and curses was incredibly intriguing and I loved delving into the details around how the curses and magic system worked. Especially when it involved our protagonist Hyo, whose family carry a generational curse.

The illustrations definitely capture the magic of Ikemoto Ghosh’s prose which was both richly complex and full of humour. However, I was a teensy bit disappointed we didn’t get to explore Hyo’s backstory (or that of her family’s cursed legacy) in very much detail (but we did learn was really interesting and I have high hopes for a sequel.) 

The action, mystery and plot twists we encounter within the pacy narrative, did make up for it though, and kept me on the edge of my seat for all 500+ pages. 

The ensemble cast was marvellously impressive too! They were all really well written, endearing and soo much fun to explore (Particularly Natsuami, Tokifuyu and Hyo’s brother Mansaku —all of whom had such amazing, whimsical personalities.)

There are quite a lot of interactions between Gods and humans in this, so watching the stark cultural differences and customs between humans and their immortal counterpoints was pretty fascinating. 

The God’s lack of interest/ opinions when it came to humans reminded me a little of the wealth/class divides seen in our own societies. Where the richest 1%ers live such vastly different lifestyles they become almost detached from the struggles most people face.

Here the Gods are soo emotionally detached from humans, their fragility and very short lifespans are almost incomprehensible to them. Something that I found super intriguing —and isn’t really explored as much you’d think in a genre (fantasy) that celebrates soo many different types of immortal beings (gods, demons, vampires, fae, etc.) 

Overall, an intricately crafted and atmospheric read that has definitely made Mina Ikemoto Ghosh an author to watch out for. 

Also, thanks to Scholastic & Lorraine Keating PR for the finished PB copy. 
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