pagepixie's reviews
167 reviews

Agh man. 

I try. I really do. I keep trying “dark romance” and while this one was definitely not the worst I read (promises and pomegranates) it definitely walked that line I don’t like. 

I keep trying to find the perfect mafia romance that’s has the dark dangerous setting, high stakes, and morally grey man. I love the touch her a die vibes even. But I don’t want the that theme to mean he treats the mc abusively. This man is soooo toxic. More emotionally that physically but dude. 

I was kind of hoping that this book would end Callum and Bianca’s story and that the next book would be about Tatum and Romero because I love them a lot. 

Poor Tatum, I cried for her. I hope that man gets his karma. I’m sure he will.  

Overall, if Callum was a bit less toxic I could have enjoyed this one a bit more.

The spice was crazy high. 

This book was so charming and magical. 

When I first started, I found it to be a bit slow. I found Emily’s analytical nature and stiffness with the villagers to be a bit too cold and cruel. 

However, as the book progressed and Emily found herself being swept up into the life of the villagers despite her effort not to be, it got so much better. I found her awkwardness charming and endearing! Wendell of course softens her greatly and brings out her curmudgeon side in such a funny way. It’s clear they care for each other despite their constant bickering. 

The winter setting and the ice magic of the Hidden Ones makes this to perfect cozy winter read (I read it in summer lol). You really feel like you e stumbled upon the journal of Emily Wilde and are following her accounts with rapt attention. 

I loved the side characters! I don’t wanted more Poe so badly! I loved his connection with Emily. 

The romance was minimal but so so charming! I can’t wait to see Emily and Wendell’s romance progress in the next book and see how their story will go from here. I think, knowing Wendell’s goals, that things will only get more intense and fantastical in the next book! 

I just… I don’t know. 

I wanted to like this book and at parts I did. I liked that Camille seemed independent and passionate about her business. I also liked that while there was a lot of communication, Dimitri was never really violent like some mafia books. He really was mostly just a business man. 

However the amount of miscommunication in this book I just… didn’t make any sense to me. They don’t have a complete conversation until the last 10 pages. 

She assumes she killed ex in the first 10 pages. She assumes he doesn’t love her. She assumes he knows about the baby and doesn’t want it or her. She assumes he just wants her money. And while I understand being afraid of those things most of the time there isn’t much to back this up, especially if she has built that kind of connection she’s supposed to have formed with him. 

I did like the action packed in. But like… who was trying to kill her? Who was attacking her? It was clear the guy was a hit man who was hired by someone targeting the brothers but… we don’t really solve that problem of who hired him? I guess the only person who could have done it the rival Bravta but literally that’s just mentioned and brushed over. 

There is a lot of spice. I think that was the main focus and the plot was just… well yeah.

I said this was complicated for plot/character driven because it certainly did not feel like a character driven story and yet where was the plot? 

I read Happy Place in my happy place. In a cottage on the beach (sometimes on the beach itself) in Cape Cod where I've been going once a year with my family since I have been 5 years old. I saved it for this trip because I thought it seemed poetic. I'm a firm believer that reading a book in the right place, at the right time, the right moment, it can change your life. 

And while I will concede that I am often romanticize my own emotions to a fault and am a victim to my own wistful nostalgia, I think this book did that for me. I think Emily Henry does a wonderful job combing the romance genre with literary fiction. In real talk, I think what that means is she rights real romance. Romance that happens not in the pages of the book, but has probably happened to the woman you passed on the street the other day, and that couple you spotted in the corner of the coffee shop and thought "Wow, they have the real deal" without any firm grasp of what they went through to get there. Basically, romance with a big reality slap to the face. Sometimes it makes me laugh, though usually it make me cry. 

(I spent 60% if this book with tears in my eyes, and an extra 10% actually crying.)

I started this book and I loved it immediately. I loved the writing, the descriptions, the vivid imagery of the marshmallow boat seats and an artichoke-heart-hug. The writing in Emily Henry's books are beautiful and <I>cozy</I> and there are quotes everywhere that I just L O V E. 

Instantly I liked Harriet. And instantly I was in love with Wyn. Their banter, was so natural, and funny, and made me recall the few people in my life I have that kind of ease with. I loved them so much together that I was rooting for them the whole time. Desperate to find out where they went wrong because it just seemed impossible that the Harry and Wyn of the past could have somehow ended  up so far apart in the present. Usually I don't love dual timelines (I didn't know this book was dual timeline when I started), but I think it worked really well in this. It showed how things can go wrong even when you think you're doing what's right. How miscommunication often happens with the people we think we communicate with and know the best. 

About halfway through this book I started to get frustrated with Harriet. I was thinking, "Is this whole plot one massive miscommunication trope?" because that is my biggest reading ick, my pet peeve. Personally, I think I was right. But I didn't hate it. 

What was the miscommunication about? Well, without spoilers, it's being adults. I feel like Harry and Wyn grew up together to the point where they didn't know how to adapt to each other in their new lives. Harriet always runs away from an argument, this frustrated me to NO END. But Wyn also projects his own feelings onto those around him, he thinks for other people and it is so damaging. They needed to talk it out and I was waiting for them to do that the whole time (spoiler: they do). 

Mostly though I think Harry bothered me so much because she really remind me of myself. The things that bother me the most about her are the things that I feel I also need to work on and because of that I think this book effected me way more than I anticipated. 

The friendship aspect of this book added so much more emotions and life lessons as well. Cleo, Sabrina, and Harriett had this amazing friendship that works so well on the page and while it was heartbreaking to see them all wrestle with how to they could keep themselves together in each of their new lives, it was comforting to see that new beginning for them all. That there were places for each of them in their respective lives if they wanted it. 

Overall, I laughed. I cried. I couldn't stop reading. I had to put it down for a moment because I couldn't keep going. At some points it felt like I was finally passing a car wreck, after sitting in traffic for hours, and even though I know I shouldn't, I couldn't help but try and catch a glimpse of the damage. 

I feel achey and satisfied. This book, about basically a group of friends going through a 1/3rd life crisis, effected me deeply and I would recommend it to so many people without an announce of embarrassment and slightly wicked intentions knowing it will make them laugh, but mostly cry too. I hope this review makes some sense, and I hope you love it!

I did not expect to actually, genuinely enjoy this book. I’ve read a lot of these because they’re weirdly addicting and entertaining. However, this one was kind of also a good story. 

The main character, Lila, is deaf. Waking up on an alien planet full of many different threats means she has to adapt her other senses to survive. EDIT: I had the privilege of communicating with a deaf sensitivity reader who advised that Lila is not an accurate or reliable deaf character and she would not consider her to be a good deaf rep mc. 

In the beginning Lila is shy and scared of everything. This is not unreasonable. It feels like a normal reaction to me but also stems from her past on Earth and how isolated she was growing up. Throughout the story, her character develops a lot of confidence. 

I also loved her and Rokan. Rokan was a favorite alien of mine. He was so gentle and kind and patient (a trait most of them lack). I loved how he so desperately wanted to learn “hand speak” for Lila and always talked about how perfect she was. His sixth sense, “knowing” was he called it, was also a cool tidbit. 

Overall probably my favorite, followed closely by Kira’s book. 

I started this to try and squeeze one more book into July and failed. How we now I think I’m on my to another weirdly obsessive streak of these books. 

This one was not one of my favorites. I skipped a few between book 3 and this one but oh well. I still like Kira’s story the best. 

I liked a grumpy male lead. However Josie realllly irked me in the beginning. She was so mean and so cruel, literally wishing him dead. And for what? Because he’s broody and protective she thought he “hated” her? I get they got some trauma but I didn’t like her at first. Almost stopped reading it bc of that. 

Anywho, once they caved to their feelings it worked out and I liked it better. 

I liked finding the crashed ship and new girls! 

I think this book was very interesting for a fantasy-romance. It had a classic feel to it that makes it a consumable but it also felt original too. 

This book follows Tisaanah, a slave girl, on her journey to freedom and freeing those she loved and left behind. In order to do so she travels to a distant land to join an scientific, magical, organization called The Orders. They are supposed to provide balance to the magic of the land, remain unbiased and unpolitical, and protect the people above all. Of course, like most organizations of such power they are not all that they seem. 

I really liked Tisaanah. She was such a cool character. She was elegant, but feral and driven and passionate at the same time. 

I actually loved Max so much. He was a breath of fresh air as a fantasy love interest. He was an enigma for sure. He was broody, but not your classic dark and broody, morally grey love interest. I’m fact, Max is awkward, prides himself on being morally superior to others, kind, compassionate. Ugh he’s just a mush honestly. He’s a broken, damaged, powerful mush! 

This is so torturously slow burn. It’s kind of a mentor, friends to lovers vibe. That I consumed and rooted for. They are so precious and perfect for each other. 

Now the second act of this plot, Tasaanah is imbibed with an ancient sentient magic that is vicious and possessive. It’s a very dark, interesting aspect of this story. It almost feels like a symbiotic yet parasitic relationship. At the very end something happens that I think changes the relationship between the two and I’m very interested in how that will be revealed in book two. 

Finally. There were many complicated relationships and characters in this book. Too many to get into individually. I will mention Nura, can’t decide whether I hate her or respect her. 

I hate Zeryth though. I hope that man dies an awful, brutal, bloody death at the hands of Max and Tasaanah. The “weapons” he’s so eager and stupid enough to think he can control. 

I will note that the magic in this world was very complicated and a bit confusing. Because of that I wouldn’t recommend for first time fantasy readers. 

I could not pick this, try to be different, give 4 stars on menial complaints and yet I would just be lying to myself that I didn’t fucking love this book like everyone else. 

Fourth Wing is so good. The idea is good, the plot is good, the dragons are awesome, the romance is amazing. But I think the  reason I loved this book is  because of Violet herself. 

As a first person narrator the pressure is high to be enjoyable. But I loved her so much. She was strong, persevering, kind, intelligent, sassy and funny and just straight up BAD ASS like what else could I possible want from her? She was aware of her weaknesses in a way that made her so powerful. 

She is forced into the Rider Quadrant after training to be a Scribe her whole life. Despite having a body that’s prone to injury, she is indestructible. And she fucking takes the bull by the horns and runs. She crushes it every step of the way, working with her body and mind to overcome the trials and tests she faces as a cadet and then as a rider. 

I really liked how naturally, history and facts about the world were given to the reader because of the way Violet spewed facts when she was nervous. It worked really well. 

Xaden was sexy from the first page he was on. And even though this might try to be enemies to lovers more of a Romeo and Juliette. Violet and Xaden’s parents may hav even enemies but they never really were. This man crumbled for her and I’m just as obsessed with him as he is with her. Xaden looks at Violet and all he sees is her strength, her courage, and how fucking hot she is. Is he wrong? 

The dragons. The DRAGONS. Please I need more dragons. I love them so much and the bond between the rider and dragon is so fucking beautiful. I can’t wait to see more of this grow in other books. Tairn is such a great character, giving badass and grumpy old man all at once . Goldie is just the fucking cutest with her lil paws. 

Now, bare with me. Dain. This fucking prick. I’ve never met a bigger ick, a bigger dick, a bigger piece of cowardly SHIT. I literally cannot talk enough trash about this man. If he gets a redemption arc it should be death. 

Liam. My baby. I’m so sorry. Have my heart. 

This book was definitely a set up for the world and magic system. I will say the writing was a little confusing at times. I wasn’t really sure how we moved from one scene to the next. The battle scenes and descriptions of the land layout were also a bit hard to follow at times. But overall, I fucking loved this book and will be at a loss until November comes around! 

I am obsessed!! 

Am I being too generous with 4.25? Maybe but honestly I fucking loved this book! 

There is something and slow burn sequels that are full of political intrigue, healing and smut that literally have me on my knees every time. ACOMAF, Traitor Queen, Vow of Thieves, and now THIS?! THIS!!! 

This book follows Lor after she’s been rescued (kidnapped) from the Sun King by the Aurora Prince Nadir. I did not want this book to end. 

I loved the trial, high stakes, action packed setting for the first book. We saw Lor’s scrappy, resilient side in that book. I’m this book we saw her HEART. We got to see her with her siblings, with people she cares about. We got to see her elegant, but feisty queen side come out. It was really great and I care so much more about her as a character than I did in the first book. 

 I also love her relationship with Nadir. I was afraid that I wouldn’t buy their attraction and relationship but honestly they spend every day together in this book. Despite the enemies to lovers side of things they get to know each other so deeply it’s UGH I LOVE IT. 

The dual timeline, flashbacks to Serce and Wolf had be aching with sadness. Knowing what their end was made it so hard to hear their beginning. I’m dying to what went wrong with their bonding. 

I’m am completely and utterly spent by the slow burn of this book I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one because I need to know what happens. I need need Lor to unlock her powers, I NEED them to finally get together. I need her to admit she loves Nadir so bad. He’s basically there fucking worshiping her already. 

How can I wait for book 3?!

Okay wow wow wow

I really enjoyed this book! After I read the blurb I immediately thought it was giving The Hunger Games mixed with The Selection Vibes and that is exactly what I got! 

Lor is a prisoner of the Aurora Court who is taken and entered into the Sun Queen Trials of the Sun Court. She has to compete and complete a series of 4 deadly trials in order to have a chance at becoming the Sun Queen.

Lor is driven by a desire to free her siblings and for the power to exact her revenge on the the Aurora King who took everything from her. Not only are these challenges life threatening but the people who surround her may be just as deadly. 

The Sun King, Atlas, is a very interesting character. He’s handsome and charming and completely smitten with Lor for a reason that no one can possibly understand. Their attraction is intense and passionate. 

Lor is a character I generally liked. She’s sassy and driven. She’s been through shit and it shows in her scrappiness and tenacity. There were a few times where I thought she was a bit dense but honestly I think she was more so playing the game of the trials than anything else. She has a secret that no one is supposed to know so I understand why she thinks it would be impossible that the Sun King would know. 

I will say I was hoping for more of a connection between her and Gabriel and Halo and Marci. I felt the friendships she made to be lacking a bit. 

Gabriel really made me angry. But I think his character may have redeemed himself. It was very Tamlin Lucien vibes but WORSE. 

I will say that Nadir’s pov really didn’t do much for me. I think this whole book could have Lor’s POV and if we just met him at the ball that would have been fine and much less distracting. I honestly think including his pov in this book was a major spoiler in itself. Imagine if we had Rhy’s pov in ACOTAR. That plot twist would not pack the same punch.

Overall, while I did think this book was a bit predictable, I still had loads of fun and I’m already preparing to download the second!