wendeedeedee36's reviews
229 reviews

A solid continuation for this series. I liked the growth between Elliot and Peggy throughout the story. The “sin” and guilt was a little meh for me at times but I appreciate the role it played. Elliot was absolutely yummy and his grovel game was on point so that made up for it. The side plots to Indiana, as well as Elliot connecting with his daughter Alice were incredibly sweet. Possibly my favorite parts of the story. The epilogue has me nervous for book for because I’ve had SO many questions about Sage and Bel this whole series and I’m nervous to actually get the answers.

This was pretty darn cute. From the cheesy lines, mystery plot, and epilogue. I loved that it was Christmas romance adjacent. It was obviously taking place at Christmas and it factored into the plot to some extent but it was also more. There were some twists here and there that I saw coming pretty early on but I think they interesting and well done. 
Amanda Friday & Andy Harrington were fun. I think their styles added to the quirky, fun vibes of this story and I liked their diction and speed.

First and foremost, I enjoyed this book WAY more than I expected to at the start. I think Kate Dylan has a unique beautiful writing style that doesn’t get so caught up in fancy prose as to overcomplicate it. She’s elegant yet still simple. The characters were great and the tension and mystery in the plot were fun to follow along. By about 15% into the story I was riveted. They action, intrigue, and romantic tension all shot up and then held until the end of the book. Cemmy has so many people in her life withholding information from her that it’s understandable why she struggles to trust and seems to always make the wrong choice. Her character arc a joy to read. Chase and his motives were my favorite mystery. I guessed pieces of it but was still shock the minute I realized the twist. 

My biggest “complaint” is that Dylan’s world building was too good for the length of the book. This world and the magic system are incredibly intricate and unique. It would be absolutely fascinating and less overwhelming if it wasn’t dropped on the reader so quickly. I think this could be solved with a magic chart and maybe an appendix of sorts to help the reader keep track of all parties, magics, and powers in play. 

Overall, very well done and I am glad I have an Illumicrate subscription. 

If a Hallmark Christmas movie were based on a book, this would be it. Very cute and seasonal. It basically gave me sugar cravings the whole time. The miscommunication trope towards the end was incredibly frustrating since it showed Daphne didn’t trust him by not believe his word. That aside, I enjoyed their relationship and how it developed. The ending was adorable and absolutely Hallmark-esque. 
Melanie Mendez did a wonderful job narrating the story. She has a very clear and soothing voice and is very easy to understand. She brought in different tones and emotions out which helped give each character their own flare. 
Overall, this is a very cozy story that is perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit! 

I absolutely love this series. It just gets better and better with each new duo. In Twisted Throne, you get mistaken identity, assassination attempts, political scheming, spies, forbidden romance, AND forced proximity! Keris might still be my favorite protagonist in the series, but Ahnna and James both come very very close. I love their chemistry together as well as their character and loyalty as individuals.
As always, Danielle Jensen has amazing narrators to bring her characters to life. Both Max and Summer bring emotion, clear diction, and the ability to make you recognize different characters speaking. This series is one of my favorites to listen to in audiobook form because it takes the experience up another level. I won’t lie, a part of me is sad I listened to this immediately because now I’m in for the LONG wait to get the conclusion and it’s going to be torture.

I’m not sure why I don’t see this book talked about more. I’ve been wanting to read something by Karina Halle for a while and didn’t even recognize this when it came up on Libby. I chose it for the blurb and it lived up to it, and I enjoyed myself. It is somehow cozy yet morbid. Like lower action but still a little gruesome. I’m not sure what genre that falls under…Dark & Cozy maybe? 
I liked that this was contemporary, but removed enough to still keep a fantastical feel to it. Lenore was a fun character to follow. She’s quite real in her desire to be tough but recognition that she’s panicking in a crisis. I had to warm up to Solon, but I do believe that is rather the point. I am interested to see where this duology goes next since we wrapped a lot of things up nicely in the book. 

I liked this book, but it didn’t really engage me or pull me in like I had expected it too. I enjoyed the 3 POVs and how they all converged together at the end. However, separately they felt a little slow a lot of the time. Cain was the one who had me intrigued from the start and I think it is because there was a murder mystery to catch my interest. His big moment at the end was almost anticlimactic, but I think that was the point and it suited him well. Loran’s story had a lot of potential, but felt a little bland for the first half of the book. She definitely took on more character and strength after leaving the underground castle. Arienne, I  think, had the most consistent arc and was interesting the whole way through the book. Especially with Eldred in the mix. The final battle(s) are really exciting and definitely what made this worth reading in the end. The final chapters don't give a HEA but they do give us a hope for the future. 

Overall, I think I was a good story that fell a little flat. I would recommend it to the right person for sure. It just was not quite my thing. 

First of all, I will listen to anything Robert Hatchet narrates. That man could make the Bible sound sexy 🫠 And let’s not forget Allie Shae because she’s phenomenal as well. She adds little sounds and laughs to make the story even more real. Amazing casting Jess! 
Now for the story: Honestly, my mind is so thoroughly blown right now I’m not even sure how to put thoughts together. What starts out as an edgy romance with a bit of action (and light amount of Stockholm Syndrome) for 90% of the book rapidly turns into a “how the hell did I totally miss that?!” kind of situation. It’s sooooo good and Jess absolutely killed it on the plot twists in this story. I have so many freaking questions, and now I’m considering rereading it just to see if there were tidbits I should have picked up on. Roman is dangerous yet a total simp with a lot of conflicting emotions. Gwynn’s story just feels so tragic and you want to root for her. The pull between them is magnetic and tantalizing. I couldn’t help but want to shake them a little when they would fight it the attraction. After that ending, I just need MORE. Of all the things but especially answers. 

It’s official: I love this series, and now I am sad I have to wait for the final book to release. I really enjoyed traveling to a new place and meeting new people in this book. I feel like even the “slower” parts were still very action packed and riveting. I love all the characters. Their growth has been so fun to follow. Nisha J Tuli is the master of redemption arcs, and Rabin is the groveling king 🥵 Yasen is forever the best and I adore him. I need him to have the happiest of endings or I might cry. Now I cannot wait to see who will appear and what will happen in Andhera. 

Shiroki Aserio continues to do a wonderful job job narrating this series. She gives each character their own flare, and manages to bring out the different emotions for each moment. I am interested in finding other books she has narrated. 

And lastly, a huge thank you to NetGalley & Nisha J. Tuli for the advanced copy! 🫶🏻 

This series just keeps getting better! We got more action, more banter, more slow burn, AND a good dose spice. I really enjoyed Zaraya’s interactions with the rest of court in this book. Naturally, her relationship with Ravin was a highlight, but in my opinion her friendship with Yas is the absolute best part of this series so far. I adore him. I am especially interested in where the series will go next since this almost feels like we’re moving from a part 1 to part 2 in plots. I’m excited to see more of Rahajhan.