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167 reviews
Twisted Lies by Ana Huang
dark
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
4.0
It’s shocking that this book can be marked “dark, emotional, and light hearted” and yet that’s how I’d describe it!
This was my favorite Twisted book (I skipped book 3 for now). I loved Ava and Alex, but I think the plot in this one was a bit more fleshed out and there was more going on.
I don’t know what it is but Ava Haung’s has something in it that’s addictive to me right now.
While I could have done with a few less “whiskey eyes” and descriptions of the way they flicked darker or dangerously or softened (this was the only way Christian’s feelings were described) I still loved this book!
I mean what really is there to say? My review is one of thousands so how deep do I really have to go here?
There’s a broody billionaire, fake dating (without the awful reveal to all), touch her and die, doesn’t believe in love until her, totally dirty love interest. I also related to Stella a lot. I liked that she talked about her lack of sexual connections in the past. She’s not a blushing virgin, just not easily attracted to people.
Anywho! On to the next Ana book XD
This was my favorite Twisted book (I skipped book 3 for now). I loved Ava and Alex, but I think the plot in this one was a bit more fleshed out and there was more going on.
I don’t know what it is but Ava Haung’s has something in it that’s addictive to me right now.
While I could have done with a few less “whiskey eyes” and descriptions of the way they flicked darker or dangerously or softened (this was the only way Christian’s feelings were described) I still loved this book!
I mean what really is there to say? My review is one of thousands so how deep do I really have to go here?
There’s a broody billionaire, fake dating (without the awful reveal to all), touch her and die, doesn’t believe in love until her, totally dirty love interest. I also related to Stella a lot. I liked that she talked about her lack of sexual connections in the past. She’s not a blushing virgin, just not easily attracted to people.
Anywho! On to the next Ana book XD
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
This might be an unpopular opinion (as unpopular as you can get reading such a popular book lol) but I like this book better than book 2?!
I read Twisted Games first last year because the plot appealed to me better, people seemed to say it was the best one, and my sister happened to get in a blind date with a book. While I did enjoy Bridget and Rhys’ story, I think the thing that bothered me the most was that there were so many time jumps throughout the book that it felt choppy.
Reading book one I can see why that happened because Bridget and Rhys’ plot is ongoing simultaneously to this plot.
I liked the grumpy sunshine trope in this book a lot. I liked the dangerous side of Alex and the characters. I like romance but I do love when the stakes are high and there are so many other emotions twirling around.
Alex is a classic example of a man I would never date and actively avoid if I met him in real life. His jealous threats are insane. But clearly there is truth in the idea that you can like love something on paper but not tolerate in real life. Because I liked Alex despite all his insane red flags.
Again, wasn’t a fan of the huge time jumps at the end but not as bad as in book two.
Anywho! I have to go decide which book I want to read next!
I read Twisted Games first last year because the plot appealed to me better, people seemed to say it was the best one, and my sister happened to get in a blind date with a book. While I did enjoy Bridget and Rhys’ story, I think the thing that bothered me the most was that there were so many time jumps throughout the book that it felt choppy.
Reading book one I can see why that happened because Bridget and Rhys’ plot is ongoing simultaneously to this plot.
I liked the grumpy sunshine trope in this book a lot. I liked the dangerous side of Alex and the characters. I like romance but I do love when the stakes are high and there are so many other emotions twirling around.
Alex is a classic example of a man I would never date and actively avoid if I met him in real life. His jealous threats are insane. But clearly there is truth in the idea that you can like love something on paper but not tolerate in real life. Because I liked Alex despite all his insane red flags.
Again, wasn’t a fan of the huge time jumps at the end but not as bad as in book two.
Anywho! I have to go decide which book I want to read next!
For the Crown by Melissa Mitchell
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
For the Crown is a fun, romantic, and high stakes ya fantasy romance. It’s perfect for fans of The Selection and to quench the need for dragons after Fourth Wing!
I am not ashamed to claim that I am an OG fan of Mitchell’s writing and the Dragonwall World. Reading For the Crown was like coming home!
I loved Lena and Tristan’s story. I found Lena’s mischievous nature entertaining and telling of her character and upbringing. While it may have seemed immature at times, it was contrasted by Lena’s maturity and instincts to rule demonstrated in the scenes with her father. Additionally, throughout the book we see her mature from her first scene to her last as she realizes that phase of her life is better behind her. She always had good intentions with her pranks but now that she’s older she can peruse those intentions more maturely and effectively to make the changes she desires. Overall I thought her character progressed so well for such a short book.
I also enjoyed the ceremony and tournament aspects of this book. I wish our dear Tristan had more page time! He didn’t show up until the tournament, but it’s okay.
Finally, the attacks leading up to the final battle was the best part! Since I’m familiar with DrengrxRider pairs from the authors other works, I was on the edge of seat!!
Overall, I loved this little romance and it may be time to revisit Talon the Black for a reread!
I am not ashamed to claim that I am an OG fan of Mitchell’s writing and the Dragonwall World. Reading For the Crown was like coming home!
I loved Lena and Tristan’s story. I found Lena’s mischievous nature entertaining and telling of her character and upbringing. While it may have seemed immature at times, it was contrasted by Lena’s maturity and instincts to rule demonstrated in the scenes with her father. Additionally, throughout the book we see her mature from her first scene to her last as she realizes that phase of her life is better behind her. She always had good intentions with her pranks but now that she’s older she can peruse those intentions more maturely and effectively to make the changes she desires. Overall I thought her character progressed so well for such a short book.
I also enjoyed the ceremony and tournament aspects of this book. I wish our dear Tristan had more page time! He didn’t show up until the tournament, but it’s okay.
Finally, the attacks leading up to the final battle was the best part! Since I’m familiar with DrengrxRider pairs from the authors other works, I was on the edge of seat!!
Overall, I loved this little romance and it may be time to revisit Talon the Black for a reread!
The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I finally finished a book this month!
I downloaded this book on iBooks for either a dollar or two or it was free, I can’t remember. Either way I’ve been meandering through for a couple weeks.
I enjoyed this book. It was a lighthearted, easy read with a sweet main character and classic “ideal man”.
There are multiple threats to be uncovered and solved in this book. The MC, Ellie, has a stalled from her past recently out on the loose. Meanwhile the book starts with her becoming a witness in a shooting involving two international arms dealers who want her eliminated from testifying.
Somehow, despite the high stakes I didn’t find this book particularly dark, gory, or action packed. I could be disappointed but honestly I think it’s a refreshing take.
If you’re interested in high stake, catch the bad guy, touch her and die vibes but without all the toxicity and heavy graphic violence that comes with those tropes, this is the book for you.
Even the sex scenes are lightly described, no more than a few sentences. They are not part of the plot or graphic or overdone.
Overall, it was a nice breather between books and to coast me through a book slump.
I downloaded this book on iBooks for either a dollar or two or it was free, I can’t remember. Either way I’ve been meandering through for a couple weeks.
I enjoyed this book. It was a lighthearted, easy read with a sweet main character and classic “ideal man”.
There are multiple threats to be uncovered and solved in this book. The MC, Ellie, has a stalled from her past recently out on the loose. Meanwhile the book starts with her becoming a witness in a shooting involving two international arms dealers who want her eliminated from testifying.
Somehow, despite the high stakes I didn’t find this book particularly dark, gory, or action packed. I could be disappointed but honestly I think it’s a refreshing take.
If you’re interested in high stake, catch the bad guy, touch her and die vibes but without all the toxicity and heavy graphic violence that comes with those tropes, this is the book for you.
Even the sex scenes are lightly described, no more than a few sentences. They are not part of the plot or graphic or overdone.
Overall, it was a nice breather between books and to coast me through a book slump.
Beach Money: Creating Your Dream Life Through Network Marketing by Jordan Adler
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
Just put it down and never picked it up again.
Gleam by Raven Kennedy
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Holy SHIT!
This book was, for lack of a better word, amazing! It surpassed my expectations and I am OBSESSED!
I don’t know how we went from a first book that was about a 2.75 star book for me to a book three that’s almost a complete 5 stars! The only reason I can’t go for a full five is because Queen Malina’s POV just irked me and felt like it really ruined the flow of things for me.
If you’ve read books one and two and are hesitant about book three because you’re not sure if the character development is coming, well don’t hesitate. This book DELIVERS. We get to watch Auren fucking explode! It’s worth the wait. It’s amazing. I was SCREAMING.
Also that’s slow burn romance we’ve been being drip fed well… boy does it finally BURN! Rip is so freaking sexy and he worships the ground Auren walks on. I can’t wait to see how they grow as a pair now.
I love the found family vibes. There are so many possibilities for the next two books I have no idea what to expect anymore!
The first two books I saw most of the plot twists coming but in this one I was surprised and SHOOK by the end. I’m so glad I already downloaded book 4!
This book was, for lack of a better word, amazing! It surpassed my expectations and I am OBSESSED!
I don’t know how we went from a first book that was about a 2.75 star book for me to a book three that’s almost a complete 5 stars! The only reason I can’t go for a full five is because Queen Malina’s POV just irked me and felt like it really ruined the flow of things for me.
If you’ve read books one and two and are hesitant about book three because you’re not sure if the character development is coming, well don’t hesitate. This book DELIVERS. We get to watch Auren fucking explode! It’s worth the wait. It’s amazing. I was SCREAMING.
Also that’s slow burn romance we’ve been being drip fed well… boy does it finally BURN! Rip is so freaking sexy and he worships the ground Auren walks on. I can’t wait to see how they grow as a pair now.
I love the found family vibes. There are so many possibilities for the next two books I have no idea what to expect anymore!
The first two books I saw most of the plot twists coming but in this one I was surprised and SHOOK by the end. I’m so glad I already downloaded book 4!
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Did not finish book. Stopped at 66%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 66%.
I liked this book in the beginning but slowly I became really irritated with the characters. Their relationship is insanely toxic for reasons that just mind boggle me. I had more patience when they were in high school but that patients fizzled as they got older and their characters seemed to only spiral.
I wanted to like this book and maybe I’ll pick it up again. But I can just feel that opening ending meant for “interpretation” approaching and I’m not sure it would satisfied me lol.
I wanted to like this book and maybe I’ll pick it up again. But I can just feel that opening ending meant for “interpretation” approaching and I’m not sure it would satisfied me lol.
Glint by Raven Kennedy
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
At first this book didn’t seem much better than the first other than the fact that there was less Midas and less rape threats.
It was definitely slow paced, slow burn, and not much happened exactly. Where book one seems to have a lot of action, this one seemed to be a lot of well… waiting.
I wouldn’t have minded so much if I didn’t fine Auren to be so frustrating most of that time as well. I understand her Stockholm Syndrome, but she can be really DAFT sometimes. I feel like it was used to push the plot often which was annoying.
I did really love all the new characters we got though. Keg, Lu, Judd, Heigel (?). I love the way she can make people like her reluctantly.
I was disappointed by the other “saddles” and how much they shunned her despite all her kindness. I don’t like Rissa. I think there is a lot of internalized sexism. All these other female characters hate Auren even though it’s Midas they should hate. Ugh it’s disgusting and infuriating to read.
I could not stand the switches to the alt Queen’s POV either. I found it very disruptive and boring. I want to sympathize with her but her hatred for Auren and the way she treated the peasants was disgusting as well.
However, I’m still hooked. That ending caught me so off guard I don’t know how I didn’t realize it was coming! I thought this was going the love triangle route but DAMNN IM SHOOKETH.
Overall I have high hopes for Auren’s character now that she’s had a break through and hopefully this slow burn can do some real burning in book THREE!!
It was definitely slow paced, slow burn, and not much happened exactly. Where book one seems to have a lot of action, this one seemed to be a lot of well… waiting.
I wouldn’t have minded so much if I didn’t fine Auren to be so frustrating most of that time as well. I understand her Stockholm Syndrome, but she can be really DAFT sometimes. I feel like it was used to push the plot often which was annoying.
I did really love all the new characters we got though. Keg, Lu, Judd, Heigel (?). I love the way she can make people like her reluctantly.
I was disappointed by the other “saddles” and how much they shunned her despite all her kindness. I don’t like Rissa. I think there is a lot of internalized sexism. All these other female characters hate Auren even though it’s Midas they should hate. Ugh it’s disgusting and infuriating to read.
I could not stand the switches to the alt Queen’s POV either. I found it very disruptive and boring. I want to sympathize with her but her hatred for Auren and the way she treated the peasants was disgusting as well.
However, I’m still hooked. That ending caught me so off guard I don’t know how I didn’t realize it was coming! I thought this was going the love triangle route but DAMNN IM SHOOKETH.
Overall I have high hopes for Auren’s character now that she’s had a break through and hopefully this slow burn can do some real burning in book THREE!!
Gild by Raven Kennedy
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book is HEAVY. It’s honestly emotionally taxing and I wasn’t expecting it.
I was deeply d saddened by the themes of the book and it made it difficult to get through at certain parts. It’s violent. Mostly towards women.
However, I was gripped from page one.
I liked three characters in this book. The MC, Auren, I liked Sail (my baby boy) and Digby. By the end I liked Rissa too.
Mostly I hate everyone tho lol.
However! I love the turn this book took at the end! I can’t believe I didn’t guess it earlier! Auren is the one who can turn things to hold and not Midas! I’m ecstatic!
I’m also excited to see some real romance bloom between our girl and a man who turkey respects her and loves her for HER.
9/9 EDIT: thinking about it, I need to lower my rating I think this book compared to the others was just not good. The violent themes toward women didn’t sit well with me, and compared to my other 3 star ratings it just doesn’t compare. I’m sorry.
I was deeply d saddened by the themes of the book and it made it difficult to get through at certain parts. It’s violent. Mostly towards women.
However, I was gripped from page one.
I liked three characters in this book. The MC, Auren, I liked Sail (my baby boy) and Digby. By the end I liked Rissa too.
Mostly I hate everyone tho lol.
However! I love the turn this book took at the end! I can’t believe I didn’t guess it earlier! Auren is the one who can turn things to hold and not Midas! I’m ecstatic!
I’m also excited to see some real romance bloom between our girl and a man who turkey respects her and loves her for HER.
9/9 EDIT: thinking about it, I need to lower my rating I think this book compared to the others was just not good. The violent themes toward women didn’t sit well with me, and compared to my other 3 star ratings it just doesn’t compare. I’m sorry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, and Trafficking
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, and War
The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I am rating this book with my whole heart!
I’m obsessed with this book. It could be because of nostalgia. I am, a Gallagher Girl, and have been since I was about 12. That series ignited by love for reading and writing in a way I’m incredibly lucky to have experienced.
This book was very reminiscent of the Gallagher Series. Ally Carter’s writing is so funny and flirty and easy to slip back into. It’s a great escape.
I loved Zoe’s character. She was hilarious. She was badass. She was quirky. And while on the run for her life and planning to save her sister, she just crushed it!
I loved Sawyer too. He was so Zach coded it was fabulous. He called her sweat heart, baby, love, ugh SWOON.
I loved the twists! I was not exactly surprised, but it was riveting and nail biting and FUN!
While I loved the veiled references to “spy school” I was so hoping for a real life cameo from one of our beloved original gang. In my head Sawyer was probably in their class or a bit behind them in school haha
This book is a face paced, high speed chase, and high stakes romcom. There is no spice, just some sexy promises and fade to black.
If you loved the OG series you have to check out Ally’s breakout into Adult romcom!
I can’t wait for Alex’s enemies to lovers story coming next ;)
I’m obsessed with this book. It could be because of nostalgia. I am, a Gallagher Girl, and have been since I was about 12. That series ignited by love for reading and writing in a way I’m incredibly lucky to have experienced.
This book was very reminiscent of the Gallagher Series. Ally Carter’s writing is so funny and flirty and easy to slip back into. It’s a great escape.
I loved Zoe’s character. She was hilarious. She was badass. She was quirky. And while on the run for her life and planning to save her sister, she just crushed it!
I loved Sawyer too. He was so Zach coded it was fabulous. He called her sweat heart, baby, love, ugh SWOON.
I loved the twists! I was not exactly surprised, but it was riveting and nail biting and FUN!
While I loved the veiled references to “spy school” I was so hoping for a real life cameo from one of our beloved original gang. In my head Sawyer was probably in their class or a bit behind them in school haha
This book is a face paced, high speed chase, and high stakes romcom. There is no spice, just some sexy promises and fade to black.
If you loved the OG series you have to check out Ally’s breakout into Adult romcom!
I can’t wait for Alex’s enemies to lovers story coming next ;)