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pagepixie's reviews
167 reviews
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed this book.
In beginning I was I throw off by the constant switching of characters. I was drawn in to each character’s story only to be pulled out and tossed into another. However, once we settled into the narrator I was hooked.
I was well and truest captivated by the author’s writing. The way each scene was set was so ma and civics considering the fact that this book is only 250 pages. The author has a way with describing the world without need too many words.
I wasn’t attached to all the characters equally. My favorite was by far Olive. I felt she was the most fleshed out and interesting. I liked the anxiety her character seemed to chart. The way she fixated on things like the colors of the hotel room and … well that would be a spoiler.
While Gaspry wasn’t the most interesting character (he felt more like a vessel for the story to progress) for most of the book, I was invested in his choices by the end.
Not only that but this book was the first book in a long while to truly make me gasp, sending goosebumps down my arms, at MULTIPLE TURNS. I’m not kidding I gasped at least three times!
While this is not typically a go to read for me, I will definitely be checking out other books by this author. Particularly The Glass Hotel. Iykyk.
In beginning I was I throw off by the constant switching of characters. I was drawn in to each character’s story only to be pulled out and tossed into another. However, once we settled into the narrator I was hooked.
I was well and truest captivated by the author’s writing. The way each scene was set was so ma and civics considering the fact that this book is only 250 pages. The author has a way with describing the world without need too many words.
I wasn’t attached to all the characters equally. My favorite was by far Olive. I felt she was the most fleshed out and interesting. I liked the anxiety her character seemed to chart. The way she fixated on things like the colors of the hotel room and … well that would be a spoiler.
While Gaspry wasn’t the most interesting character (he felt more like a vessel for the story to progress) for most of the book, I was invested in his choices by the end.
Not only that but this book was the first book in a long while to truly make me gasp, sending goosebumps down my arms, at MULTIPLE TURNS. I’m not kidding I gasped at least three times!
While this is not typically a go to read for me, I will definitely be checking out other books by this author. Particularly The Glass Hotel. Iykyk.
Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
dark
inspiring
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? No
5.0
I am literally salivating for book two. Is that enough of a review?
I have read a lot of fantasy romance books. This is one of my favorites! While it wasn’t wholly original, it had all the elements I love and it was executed so well.
I loved our main character, Thea. She was strong and driven and badass. More than that, she was loyal and merciful as well. She trained and she trained hard. She was stubborn but not to a fault because when she realized she was wrong she made efforts to change it. And share it with others.
Wilder Hawthorne. Another sexy, dark, brooding male love interest. Once again. I ate that right up. The slow burn was amazing, the restraint, but damn I do I hope we get something more than just pining in book two!!
Found family vibes was always present and amazing. One of my favorite aspects was Thea and her friendship with Cal and Kipp. I can’t wait to see how this trip progresses in the next books.
I’m so excited for the whole coming arc for Thea and more romance!
I have read a lot of fantasy romance books. This is one of my favorites! While it wasn’t wholly original, it had all the elements I love and it was executed so well.
I loved our main character, Thea. She was strong and driven and badass. More than that, she was loyal and merciful as well. She trained and she trained hard. She was stubborn but not to a fault because when she realized she was wrong she made efforts to change it. And share it with others.
Wilder Hawthorne. Another sexy, dark, brooding male love interest. Once again. I ate that right up. The slow burn was amazing, the restraint, but damn I do I hope we get something more than just pining in book two!!
Found family vibes was always present and amazing. One of my favorite aspects was Thea and her friendship with Cal and Kipp. I can’t wait to see how this trip progresses in the next books.
I’m so excited for the whole coming arc for Thea and more romance!
A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I’m still reeling from that ending!
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
4.5
I’m literally obsessed.
I want to write a thorough review but in all honestly I exhausted because I stayed up late to finish this and my eyes feel like they have weights tied to the lids.
I love Kat. She’s funny, kind, smart, and powerful. Is she a little childish with her mannerisms? Yes. Although it grew on me as we got to know her and I realized she’s probably just a little insane and gives 0 fucks what people think of her. She is totally badass and selfless which I love.
Griffin is sexy. He’s seems like a classic broody asshole fantasy male lead, but if you’re looking for the man to fall first? To be totally and utterly whipped and obsessed with the female MC? That’s him. To a T. He’s fierce and possessive but in a way I didn’t find toxic.
I lived for the romance between these two. It was the lifeblood of this book for sure. HOWEVER. The other ingredient was pure magic and action! There was never a dull moment. Cat was constantly saving the day or dying. Usually both. But I was never tired of everyone fawning all over her on her death bed, she deserves all the love.
I know this series has so much plot to give in the next three books. Cat has so many secrets, some I can guess and others I probably can’t get! Griffin also has secrets. But his ambition is going to be a driving force. I can’t wait to see them conquer!
I can’t wait to get started on the next book. To see where these characters and the side characters (Beta Team boys in particular) grow! Also… Peire I’m watching you. Sus…
I want to write a thorough review but in all honestly I exhausted because I stayed up late to finish this and my eyes feel like they have weights tied to the lids.
I love Kat. She’s funny, kind, smart, and powerful. Is she a little childish with her mannerisms? Yes. Although it grew on me as we got to know her and I realized she’s probably just a little insane and gives 0 fucks what people think of her. She is totally badass and selfless which I love.
Griffin is sexy. He’s seems like a classic broody asshole fantasy male lead, but if you’re looking for the man to fall first? To be totally and utterly whipped and obsessed with the female MC? That’s him. To a T. He’s fierce and possessive but in a way I didn’t find toxic.
I lived for the romance between these two. It was the lifeblood of this book for sure. HOWEVER. The other ingredient was pure magic and action! There was never a dull moment. Cat was constantly saving the day or dying. Usually both. But I was never tired of everyone fawning all over her on her death bed, she deserves all the love.
I know this series has so much plot to give in the next three books. Cat has so many secrets, some I can guess and others I probably can’t get! Griffin also has secrets. But his ambition is going to be a driving force. I can’t wait to see them conquer!
I can’t wait to get started on the next book. To see where these characters and the side characters (Beta Team boys in particular) grow! Also… Peire I’m watching you. Sus…
Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
I really enjoyed this book.
I absolutely loved the characters, Griffin and an Winn were honestly the best. I thought at first their conflict would cause more trouble, but it wasn’t overplayed.
Griffin was not cruel to her, he didn’t cause a scene, or shit talk her to the town. He gradually came to the conclusion that they were great together and they WERE.
Also, the mystery side of this book was great. That was a little different for me and I would definitely read another romance with mystery subplot in the future! I had an idea as to who the culprit was, while I was on the right track, I was still surprised!
The ending was AWESOME!
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
I absolutely loved the characters, Griffin and an Winn were honestly the best. I thought at first their conflict would cause more trouble, but it wasn’t overplayed.
Griffin was not cruel to her, he didn’t cause a scene, or shit talk her to the town. He gradually came to the conclusion that they were great together and they WERE.
Also, the mystery side of this book was great. That was a little different for me and I would definitely read another romance with mystery subplot in the future! I had an idea as to who the culprit was, while I was on the right track, I was still surprised!
The ending was AWESOME!
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Heartless by Elsie Silver
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
2.5
I’m giving this one three stars because I did enjoy it, but it also wasn’t completely me.
I can see why people like these books. But the writing just wasn’t really there for me. The characters were fun, if not a little silly. The writing was just kind of easy and amateur. The sex scenes were just, honestly I laughed.
However, I absolutely adored the connection between Willa and Luke. It was so precious and while I did kind of wish she spoke to him a bit more seriously sometimes, I just really enjoyed the way their connection grew.
Cade was okay. He served his purpose and was a grumpy dad and I liked that. You wouldn’t catch me called “woman” but it’s all cool.
Willa was a bit too unserious for me. The jokes in this book were very cheesy and the dialogue could sometimes take me out of it, but I liked that she didn’t have things figured out in life. I liked that she seemed go with the flow.
Overall, I would check out the other books in this series for a quick entertaining romance.
Edited: after much consideration dropping this to 2.5 for my own records. Again, I can see why people like this but it wasn’t for me.
I can see why people like these books. But the writing just wasn’t really there for me. The characters were fun, if not a little silly. The writing was just kind of easy and amateur. The sex scenes were just, honestly I laughed.
However, I absolutely adored the connection between Willa and Luke. It was so precious and while I did kind of wish she spoke to him a bit more seriously sometimes, I just really enjoyed the way their connection grew.
Cade was okay. He served his purpose and was a grumpy dad and I liked that. You wouldn’t catch me called “woman” but it’s all cool.
Willa was a bit too unserious for me. The jokes in this book were very cheesy and the dialogue could sometimes take me out of it, but I liked that she didn’t have things figured out in life. I liked that she seemed go with the flow.
Overall, I would check out the other books in this series for a quick entertaining romance.
Edited: after much consideration dropping this to 2.5 for my own records. Again, I can see why people like this but it wasn’t for me.
Court of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
My goodness.
I thought I’ve read spicy books with no plot but this kind of takes the cake. The pacing of this book was so silly, which I guess makes sense know that it was originally three separate books.
But still I just really struggled to find myself attached to any characters, especially Mina. She honestly had no chance to even develops a personality, she was merely a empty narrator.
The only character I really appreciated and liked was Wolf. He was the most interesting (despite the ridiculous wolf puns throughout). He was a bit unhinged and odd but definitely the most interesting character.
Idk the plot was a bit ridiculous but it also was so underdeveloped and anticlimactic. Mina did pretty much nothing in this book. She made no decisions, had no opinions, no talents. The only thing she really ever wanted to do is have sex with one or all of the men. Yet, even when she said she loved them it felt so empty.
I think this book really solidified that while I do love enjoy fantasy romance, I do not enjoy fantasy erotica. The lack of romance in this “fantasy romance” really does place it in a whole different category.
Anyway, I did read it fairly quickly and was entertained by the spice and amused by pretty much everything else.
I thought I’ve read spicy books with no plot but this kind of takes the cake. The pacing of this book was so silly, which I guess makes sense know that it was originally three separate books.
But still I just really struggled to find myself attached to any characters, especially Mina. She honestly had no chance to even develops a personality, she was merely a empty narrator.
The only character I really appreciated and liked was Wolf. He was the most interesting (despite the ridiculous wolf puns throughout). He was a bit unhinged and odd but definitely the most interesting character.
Idk the plot was a bit ridiculous but it also was so underdeveloped and anticlimactic. Mina did pretty much nothing in this book. She made no decisions, had no opinions, no talents. The only thing she really ever wanted to do is have sex with one or all of the men. Yet, even when she said she loved them it felt so empty.
I think this book really solidified that while I do love enjoy fantasy romance, I do not enjoy fantasy erotica. The lack of romance in this “fantasy romance” really does place it in a whole different category.
Anyway, I did read it fairly quickly and was entertained by the spice and amused by pretty much everything else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Physical abuse and Trafficking
Blood Of Azura (The Four Realms #1) by Scarlett Drake
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
4.5
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.5
I AM LITERALLY SCREAMING!
My hands are shaking right now and I can barely type this out before I go starch the third book into my greedy hands!
Okay so I enjoyed this book immensely. I enjoyed all the characters points of view. If the first book was world building this book was character building at its finest. I was invested in every crevice of this book.
I loved the development of Ruhn’s character the most. I also loved for the delicate and dangerous romance between him and Lidia. Almost more so than Bryce and Hunt.
I will say I wished we got MORE of Bryce and Hunt in this one. I wish we saw more of Bryce’s training. I think there was tiny bit too much going on to really get that glimpse.
I LIVED for the build up though. I KNEW it wa going to be epic and while I figured out some of the plot twists, I enjoyed piecing it together and was still left shocked by more revealed.
I literally sobbed with joy and disbelief at that last line of the book. I don’t think any characters have ever effected me the same way Rhys and Feyre have. That’s all I’ll say.
I need book three immediately!! I need my poor bby Hunt and Ruhn to be SAFE! I NEED SOME MORE BRYCE AND REYRE AND RHYSAND!
My hands are shaking right now and I can barely type this out before I go starch the third book into my greedy hands!
Okay so I enjoyed this book immensely. I enjoyed all the characters points of view. If the first book was world building this book was character building at its finest. I was invested in every crevice of this book.
I loved the development of Ruhn’s character the most. I also loved for the delicate and dangerous romance between him and Lidia. Almost more so than Bryce and Hunt.
I will say I wished we got MORE of Bryce and Hunt in this one. I wish we saw more of Bryce’s training. I think there was tiny bit too much going on to really get that glimpse.
I LIVED for the build up though. I KNEW it wa going to be epic and while I figured out some of the plot twists, I enjoyed piecing it together and was still left shocked by more revealed.
I need book three immediately!! I need my poor bby Hunt and Ruhn to be SAFE! I NEED SOME MORE BRYCE AND REYRE AND RHYSAND!
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Ruthless Vows was not quite as satisfying as its perfect predecessor Divine Rivals.
Divine Rivals was one of my favorite books, possibly of all time. So I think I was just slightly more disappointed than usual with its sequel. While I do love Ross’s writing, the almost lyrical tone of it, there was just something indescribably missing from the plot of this book.
It felt a bit aimless. A bit anticlimactic. Don’t get me wrong, I was on the edge of my seat waiting, practically begging for all my loves to get a happy ending. But most of the book felt like something was about to happen and then… it didn’t.
Still, everything was wrapped up. I cried, I love Roman so so much and I love Iris. And I LOVE them together!
I will definitely be checking out Ross’s other books to see if she should be an auto buy for me in the future.
Divine Rivals was one of my favorite books, possibly of all time. So I think I was just slightly more disappointed than usual with its sequel. While I do love Ross’s writing, the almost lyrical tone of it, there was just something indescribably missing from the plot of this book.
It felt a bit aimless. A bit anticlimactic. Don’t get me wrong, I was on the edge of my seat waiting, practically begging for all my loves to get a happy ending. But most of the book felt like something was about to happen and then… it didn’t.
Still, everything was wrapped up. I cried, I love Roman so so much and I love Iris. And I LOVE them together!
I will definitely be checking out Ross’s other books to see if she should be an auto buy for me in the future.