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readwatchcrochet's reviews
516 reviews
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Side note: I always forget their wear flight goggles. Just completely changes my image of them on the back of dragons (although, it does make sense).
Even though I’d just completed my reread of Iron Flame, there were so many characters in leadership, and elsewhere that I felt like I needed another glossary just to keep track.
Once we got into some of the action/ quest it was less focus on politics and I found it more engaging. Whilst Halden isn’t your typical evil character, I think he is one of the most dangerous.
Continue to love the dynamic between Violet and her dragons. Whilst there were aspects that made me teary, not unlike Violet.
Wasn’t expecting to fall in love with some of the side characters (Garrick, Dain “Don’t I know it” and Ridoc!)
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Felt like my memory had been wiped prior to reading this as the first 30% I kept on having to double check who certain characters actually were.
This review is really just an unedited jumbled collection of my thoughts.
This review is really just an unedited jumbled collection of my thoughts.
📚 cares for her when sick
📚single (mainly) POV
📚single (mainly) POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
This very much felt like the middle book in a series, as the ending just left me with a dozen burning questions, that will (I hope) be answered in the final two books.
Spent a lot of this book waiting for the ball to drop after the ending of book 2. And it definitely heightened my anxiety throughout the story.
Spent a lot of this book waiting for the ball to drop after the ending of book 2. And it definitely heightened my anxiety throughout the story.
“ I can’t. I won’t. I refuse to lose him, for him to lose himself.”
Side note: I always forget their wear flight goggles. Just completely changes my image of them on the back of dragons (although, it does make sense).
Even though I’d just completed my reread of Iron Flame, there were so many characters in leadership, and elsewhere that I felt like I needed another glossary just to keep track.
Once we got into some of the action/ quest it was less focus on politics and I found it more engaging. Whilst Halden isn’t your typical evil character, I think he is one of the most dangerous.
“He did Halden things and caused Halden-style ramifications…”
Continue to love the dynamic between Violet and her dragons. Whilst there were aspects that made me teary, not unlike Violet.
“Relief pricks at my eyes, and my vision wobbles. “Do not dehydrate on my account,” he lectures.”
Wasn’t expecting to fall in love with some of the side characters (Garrick, Dain “Don’t I know it” and Ridoc!)
““I’m going to hurt you.” “Gods, don’t I know it.”
Some other highlighted quotes:
“I will save him.” My throat tightens. “And not just because I can’t fathom living without him. I’m selfish when it comes to loving him, and maybe a little self-destructive lately—”
“I know that’s a shitty thing to say after you lost your mother—” “Pain isn’t a competition,” I assure him. “There’s always enough to go around.”
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The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy
Whilst things heated up there was still plenty of character development.
One thing I felt was that as the story was split between the three main characters pov, there were times where we didn’t hear a lot from one characters perspective. I’d imagine this is difficult to achieve when you’re also trying to tell an engaging story.
It also has some cameo’s from previous stars of Kennedy’s other series which should be a nice little treat for fans.
It also has a funny little fanfic embedded into the story that is a nice little running joke (Elizabeth II and Alexander the Great).
Had such a fun time reading this that I didn’t want it to end.
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Perfect meet cute, with them first getting to know each other anonymously via a dating app.
📚 hockey romance
📚 MFM romance
📚 multi POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
This book hooked me and especially enjoyed them knowing each other online and in person. Whilst it is a reverse harem romance, it’s definitely not as spicy as you’d expect (when compared to others in the genre). So this may be a good one to try if it’s a new sub genre for you.
“Statistically speaking, a woman’s sexual arousal heightens by three hundred percent at the sight of gray sweatpants”
Whilst things heated up there was still plenty of character development.
One thing I felt was that as the story was split between the three main characters pov, there were times where we didn’t hear a lot from one characters perspective. I’d imagine this is difficult to achieve when you’re also trying to tell an engaging story.
“I feel like I spend so much time fighting myself. My own nature. I don’t have to do that when I’m with my boys. They get me”
As Charlie continues to question where she fits in and explores the existence of her biological relative and Charlie’s conflict with her sorority were an additional layers that added to the story.
Both Will & Beckette have their own backstory and conflict which is heartbreaking. And there moments that had me giddy, kicking my feet and others that had me teary. And a dinner party is a great place for everyone to air their secrets.
Both Will & Beckette have their own backstory and conflict which is heartbreaking. And there moments that had me giddy, kicking my feet and others that had me teary. And a dinner party is a great place for everyone to air their secrets.
“You’re just as much a part of this family as your brother and sister are. Blood doesn’t make a family - love does”
It also has some cameo’s from previous stars of Kennedy’s other series which should be a nice little treat for fans.
It also has a funny little fanfic embedded into the story that is a nice little running joke (Elizabeth II and Alexander the Great).
Had such a fun time reading this that I didn’t want it to end.
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Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
*check for TW
Always appreciate infertility representation in novels and this does a heartbreaking, yet accurate job at depicting the heartache and struggles of dealing with it. As well as the toll it has on your mental health and relationships.
Had a seething hatred for her ex and was glad that there was a nice resolution to their relationship ending.
This is not just a story about love but about complicated relationships.
Enjoyed that no character was truly perfect and whilst the story didn’t rely heavily on a plot, I kept my attention and was paced well.
Not usually a fan of books that don’t necessarily have a clear cut happily ever after, but this is an exception.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thought provoking yet there is something about seeing people at their messiest that is so engaging.
📚 dark humour
📚 second chances
📚 complicated relationships
📚 dual timeline/ flashbacks
📚 complicated relationships
📚 dual timeline/ flashbacks
📚 single POV
🌶️ ( closed door sexual references)
*check for TW
|Thoughts|
Was really unsure at this at the beginning but got to the point where I just couldn’t put it down (I even read this over Onyx Storm). The brutal honesty that Pheobe begins to show was refreshing.
“The only good thing about being nobody, is that she can now say whatever she fuck she wants. Even to the bride”
Always appreciate infertility representation in novels and this does a heartbreaking, yet accurate job at depicting the heartache and struggles of dealing with it. As well as the toll it has on your mental health and relationships.
Had a seething hatred for her ex and was glad that there was a nice resolution to their relationship ending.
“I loved our life”
“Apparently not”
“I’m sorry, this will only take a minute” (paper jam)
“That’s what you’re sorry about?”
This is not just a story about love but about complicated relationships.
Enjoyed that no character was truly perfect and whilst the story didn’t rely heavily on a plot, I kept my attention and was paced well.
Not usually a fan of books that don’t necessarily have a clear cut happily ever after, but this is an exception.
”this wedding will never be a waste. Because I came here to die. And now look at me”
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Vacation Wars by Meghan Quinn
Liked Tessa & Myles together but there wasn’t enough of their relationship and more friendship drama.
Also, wasn’t a fan of the drawn out ending that was riddled with miscommunication.
medium-paced
3.0
Wanted to like this more but just found parts a bit immature.
📚 childhood crush
📚 set in Greece
📚 dual POV
🎧 dual narration
🌶️🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
The was nothing overly memorable about this story except that I found the group of ‘friends’s sister immature and toxic.
I know they never shared their feelings before. But found her interactions and actions more fitting for someone much younger, rather than a thirty year old. Just let her enjoy her holiday.
I know they never shared their feelings before. But found her interactions and actions more fitting for someone much younger, rather than a thirty year old. Just let her enjoy her holiday.
“That wasn’t fair…what she just did to you…I want you to know that”
Liked Tessa & Myles together but there wasn’t enough of their relationship and more friendship drama.
Also, wasn’t a fan of the drawn out ending that was riddled with miscommunication.
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Do Me a Favor by Cathy Yardley
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Satisfying and easy to read romance
📚 second chance romance
📚 older MC (48f 42m)
📚 forced proximity
📚 one bed
📚 forced proximity
📚 one bed
📚 dual POV
📚 slow burn
🎧dual narration
📚 slow burn
🎧dual narration
🌶️🌶️ (one real scene)
|Thoughts|
Have to love it when a cute dog plays a part on their meet cute. And found the general flirting in their friendship that merged into a relationship cute to read.
Found I agreed with her parents about her late husband, who seemed overly selfish. But happy that she was getting the time to find herself.
Found her job as a food writer/ creator interesting. Would have liked to have a more satisfying ending to that part of her life. Did enjoy the dynamic with her family and the party scene with the cookies.
This was cute - a little light on the plot and focused more on the growth of the characters.
Found I agreed with her parents about her late husband, who seemed overly selfish. But happy that she was getting the time to find herself.
Found her job as a food writer/ creator interesting. Would have liked to have a more satisfying ending to that part of her life. Did enjoy the dynamic with her family and the party scene with the cookies.
This was cute - a little light on the plot and focused more on the growth of the characters.
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The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
Does give enough behind the scenes for those who are here for snippets of life in the set of Gilmore Girls.
Whilst she did deal with her own life and relationship struggles, this memoir is more focused on the positives of life and letting fate sort things out for you.
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
Never realised she started as a dancer & was the original Sheila in A Chorus Line
📚 Behind the scenes of the entertainment industry
📚 Gilmore Girls, A Chorus Line, Dirty Dancing
📚 memoir from a recent
|Thoughts|
Found this entertaining and a nice break from my usual romance/ fantasy reads. If you’re someone who finds the behind the scenes of the entertainment industry interesting, you should enjoy this.
I’ve read a handful of actors memoirs and this was refreshing as her career has spanned over so many decades and wasn’t focused on drug use (minor reference).
Felt like there was nice pacing to the story and I listened to the audiobook narrator by the author in under 24 hours. Story focused on her life but is bookended by her two most popular performances (A Chorus Line & Gilmore Girls).
Enjoyed how honest she was about her thoughts on motherhood and choices she had to make surrounding this. And agree with her love of dogs.
I’ve read a handful of actors memoirs and this was refreshing as her career has spanned over so many decades and wasn’t focused on drug use (minor reference).
Felt like there was nice pacing to the story and I listened to the audiobook narrator by the author in under 24 hours. Story focused on her life but is bookended by her two most popular performances (A Chorus Line & Gilmore Girls).
Enjoyed how honest she was about her thoughts on motherhood and choices she had to make surrounding this. And agree with her love of dogs.
“I have to admit, given a choice with a handful of exceptions, I tend prefer the company of animals to the company of people. Animals are honest…their capacity to love and be loved outshines ours to a million”
Does give enough behind the scenes for those who are here for snippets of life in the set of Gilmore Girls.
“Emily never bored me. There wasn’t a day when I didn’t look forward to getting to this studio and walking in the set”
Whilst she did deal with her own life and relationship struggles, this memoir is more focused on the positives of life and letting fate sort things out for you.
“When I’m asked, I’ll choose Pollyanna over bitter any day of the week”
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The Wingman by Stephanie Archer
Especially after her ex was just an all round horrible person, it was sweet to see how much Hayden cared for her and cheered her on/ supported her passions.
And just like the previous books in the series, Stephanie Archer knows how to write spice. Looking forward to hook 4…
4.5
Even though Hayden played hockey, this book was hotttt.
📚 friends to lovers
📚 forced proximity/ roommates
📚 one bed
📚 hockey romance
📚 dating coach
📚 he falls first
📚 one bed
📚 hockey romance
📚 dating coach
📚 he falls first
📚 dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️+
“Hayden always gets what he wants in life. He’s the perfect wingman, the perfect guy to teach me how to date.”
|Thoughts|
Read this directly after The Fake Out (book 2) and probably enjoyed this one even more. Loved the friends to lovers aspect of this story (more than I usually do). Especially their cute little jokes (looking at you Daniel the gnome and their joint love of fantasy).
“Good luck! I’ll be watching your games (and sleeping in your bed). - Daniel (the gnome)”
Especially after her ex was just an all round horrible person, it was sweet to see how much Hayden cared for her and cheered her on/ supported her passions.
“The difference between us,” I tell him, “is that I’ll do whatever it takes to make her happy.”
And just like the previous books in the series, Stephanie Archer knows how to write spice. Looking forward to hook 4…
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The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer
Love his little nickname for her (a micro trope I love - fire breathing dragon). And loved the side aspect of him buying of things.
This story was on the spicy side for a hockey romance but I’m here for it. As it also has a strong amount of plot, just that the spicy scenes were detailed.
Part of the story also takes place over the festive season. So that was a nice little part of the book.
Cute and makes it to one of my fav hockey romances (and I’ve read a lot).
4.0
Skated happily through this one
📚 hockey player
📚enemies to lovers
📚 he falls hard
📚 he falls hard
📚 dual POV
📚 cute nickname
📚 forehead kisses
📚 washes her hair
📚 cute nickname
📚 forehead kisses
📚 washes her hair
🌶️🌶️🌶️+
“I forget we’re in the bar. I forget this is fake. When Rory Miller kisses me, I forget what it’s like to have my heart broken.”
|Thoughts|
Fell in love with book 1 in the series (Behind the Net) and this was no exception. Enemies to lovers is such a premier trope and it shines in this story.
“I hate Rory Miller’s stupid fucking arrogant grin. I hate it so much that I think about it all the time.”
Love his little nickname for her (a micro trope I love - fire breathing dragon). And loved the side aspect of him buying of things.
“If you really were my girlfriend, Hartley,” he whispers, his breath sending electric currents over my skin, “there’s no limit to what I would spend on you, so if we want to sell this? Let me.”
This story was on the spicy side for a hockey romance but I’m here for it. As it also has a strong amount of plot, just that the spicy scenes were detailed.
“And even when we’re a hundred years old,” he whispers, “I’ll be flirting with you to get your attention.”
Part of the story also takes place over the festive season. So that was a nice little part of the book.
“You bought ten poinsettias and you’re wearing an ugly Christmas sweater.”
Cute and makes it to one of my fav hockey romances (and I’ve read a lot).
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