sophs_mood_reading's reviews
399 reviews

Body Check by Elle Kennedy

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I finally gave in and picked up my first Elle Kennedy book, starting with this newly expanded edition. More hockey, more spice, sounds like a win to me.

And yep, this book delivers exactly what I expected: a fun, steamy romance with a hockey player who does not take no for an answer (in the best way). Brody? Absolute book boyfriend material. Confident, charming, and just the right amount of persistent. Hayden? She’s got every reason to avoid hockey players, but let’s be real, her resistance was never going to last. Add in dual POV (the superior romance format, fight me) and some great audiobook narration, and I was thoroughly entertained.

Also, the intimacy bridge? I will be giggling about that forever.

The Late Mrs. Willoughby by Claudia Gray

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funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Murder, meddling aunties, and adobo? Sure, why not.
This cozy mystery follows Lila, who moves back home post-breakup to help out at her Tita Rosie's struggling restaurant. But when a food critic (and her ex, because of course) keels over after eating her dessert, Lila suddenly becomes the prime suspect. With a detective who seems to have skipped the "investigation" part of detective school and no choice but to clear her name, Lila dives into amateur sleuthing, all while navigating small-town drama and nonstop meddling aunties.

The food in this book is everything: comforting, vibrant, and described so well I was practically drooling. I loved the mix of cultures and cuisines, and honestly, I wanted to eat my way through every page. That said, the plot was a little far-fetched at times (seriously, the detective jumped to some conclusions), but I was here for the twists, the fun, and the cozy vibes.
Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

Imagine if The Little Mermaid and Cinderella got a dark, enchanting makeover filled with faerie magic and betrayal. In the stormy port town of Saint-Malo, Lucinde is far from your typical society girl. While her sisters chase suitors, Luce is out sailing with her smuggler bestie Samuel. But everything changes when she rescues a mysterious man from the sea, pulling her into a world of glittering balls, dangerous secrets, and powers she never knew she had.

Kell Woods’s writing is an absolute dream, painting such a vivid and magical world that you’ll feel like you’re floating through it. The villains are complex, the heroes misunderstood, and trust is as slippery as sea glass. Every word feels carefully chosen, creating a lush, lyrical experience that’s pure magic. Sure, I had to look up a word or two, but that only added to the charm. This is the kind of book you’ll wish you could experience for the first time all over again.

Verdict: Magical, mysterious, and utterly mesmerizing

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 
Queen Bee by Amalie Howard

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funny lighthearted medium-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

Lady Ela Dalvi is back and she’s here to serve up some cold, calculated revenge. After her ex-bestie Poppy sabotaged her reputation and got her shipped off to finishing school, Ela’s ready to make a triumphant return. Disguised as a mysterious heiress, she’s got her eyes set on reclaiming her place in high society until a certain charming marquess complicates her plans.

Look, this isn’t a literary masterpiece, it’s a deliciously fun, easy read that feels like indulging in your favorite guilty pleasure. I loved the anti-historical vibe, much like Bridgerton, but without the spice, and with plenty of drama, sass, and a satisfying HEA.
Of Mountains and Seas by Emily Renk Hawthorne

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Magic-less in a family of shapeshifters, Davis is desperate for approval and power. Enter Iris, a girl with dreams as big as her mysterious illness is debilitating. Their paths cross in Yuras, a sleepy California town with a not-so-sleepy secret: a cave full of magic transferring stones. Jackpot, right? Not so fast. With locals snooping around and Davis’s skeletons threatening to burst out of the closet, their quest turns into a rollercoaster of secrets, magic, and a whole lot of drama.

This is a multi POV, timeline hopping adventure, shifting between the perspectives of the main characters across different points in time. It’s a perfect blend of shapeshifters inspired by Chinese mythology, strong female leads, and villains you’ll love to hate. The political intrigue surrounding magical folks blending in with the normies adds a juicy layer to the already rich plot. Think magical realism with a side of suspenseful drama.

I listened to the audiobook, which was pretty solid overall, though I did find myself wondering “Wait, which timeline are we in now?” a couple of times. But hey, the smooth narration made it easy to dive back in after those minor hiccups.
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

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funny lighthearted fast-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

3.5

Cassie Greenberg, an artist barely scraping by in Chicago, stumbles upon a ridiculously cheap apartment in a posh neighborhood. Too good to be true? Absolutely. Her new roommate, Frederick J. Fitzwilliam, is a total enigma—he sleeps all day, disappears all night, and talks like he just stepped out of a regency romance. He’s also annoyingly considerate, leaving swoon-worthy notes and showing genuine interest in her art. Oh, and did I mention he’s a vampire? When Cassie discovers bags of blood in the fridge, Frederick has to come clean. In return for the bargain rent, he needs Cassie’s help to adjust to modern life, and thus begins their hilariously charming cohabitation.

Now, let’s be clear: Frederick is no Spike or Damian. If you’re expecting a broody, dangerous vampire with a smirk and a leather jacket, think again. Frederick is more like Mr. Darcy with fangs, stuffy, formal, and painfully polite. Sure, the writing has its moments, like the dreaded “breath I didn’t know I was holding” line (cue eye roll), but if you can get past the clichés, it’s a delightful, quirky read. Plus, the vampire kidnapping subplot? Definitely not your typical romcom twist, and honestly, I’m here for it.

North is the Night by Emily Rath

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adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious 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? No

4.75

In the icy depths of the Finnish wilderness, besties Aina and Siiri are about to have their friendship seriously tested. Aina, the sweet and cautious one, gets snatched up by a death goddess and dragged into the mythical underworld Tuonela. Siiri, ever the fearless one, sets off on a wild journey to save her. She’s got to deal with trappers, wolves, and a snow witch, all while hunting down a legendary shaman, Vainamoinen, for help. Meanwhile, Aina’s stuck playing twisted games in the underworld, where she’s making unexpected allies and maybe even falling for the king of death. No biggie.

This book totally sucked me in with its fascinating and unique Finnish mythology. Aina’s storyline had me hooked; she’s not just some meek sidekick but a total badass in her own right. Siiri’s adventure added a nice layer, though her whole “I’m not like other girls” thing felt a bit overdone at times. And yeah, some of her scenes with Vainamoinen dragged a bit, but hey, I get it, they needed time to bond.

Verdict:  Dark, magical, and seriously epic.
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

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adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Inez Olivera, a high-society rebel with zero interest in playing by her aunt’s stuffy rules, ditches her cushy life to stow away on her uncle’s expedition in Egypt after her parents mysteriously disappear. Armed with a sharp tongue and a knack for breaking the rules, she’s determined to uncover the truth. Enter Wit, her uncle’s irritatingly good-looking (and equally infuriating) employee, who’s about as trustworthy as a mirage in the desert.

Dodging danger, decoding ancient clues, and trying not to throttle or kiss Wit, Inez soon realizes that trust is in short supply on this wild ride. The Egyptian setting, brimming with magic and mystery, pulled me in instantly. While I guessed a few plot twists early, the final stretch delivered a curveball I never saw coming, keeping me hooked until the very end.
The Scent of Oranges by Kathy George

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challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Imagine Oliver Twist reimagined through Nancy’s eyes. This fresh take dives into her life on the gritty streets of Victorian London, showing her struggles, loves, and hopes for redemption. From her days as one of Fagin’s pickpockets to her complicated relationships with Bill Sikes and newly introduced Mr. Rufus, this story gives her the depth and spotlight she’s always deserved.

I loved the premise and how easily you’re drawn into Nancy’s world. The writing captures her voice perfectly, complete with accents and clever moments that make you feel like you’re right there with her. It was fascinating to see a side of Nancy’s life that Dickens left unexplored, showing what could have been. The ending leans into a paranormal twist (no spoilers, but if you know the story, you know) that felt more like a strange bandaid, trying to fill in the conclusion Nancy couldn’t quite give us herself.

Thank you HQ for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review