Scan barcode
abegailev's reviews
41 reviews
A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
I really wanted to like this book. I loved Hades. Was even intrigued by all his "minions" and how irreverent some of them were, yet were protective and looked after him. But I had to DNF this because I HATED Persephone. I get that she's young, which is why she seemed small minded and quick to judge. She took for granted how Hades welcomed her into his realm and time after time acted like a spoiled brat when Hades did something she didn't like-often accusing him of being cold and ruthless, when really she was the one being cold, ruthless and manipulative. Hades did not deserve her; he deserved someone who saw him and not the lies Demeter fed Persephone. He also didn't deserve having to defend his actions especially when she refused to see his side. I tried to give her a chance. But I lost my patience with her. There's other Persephone/Hades retelling out there that are worth my time.
Neon Gods by Katee Robert
dark
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? Yes
3.5
Set on You by Amy Lea
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Yes I gave it a 2.75. Why? Because this book was just lacking.
First and foremost, I didn't enjoy the female character. Maybe that had to do with the person narrating it since I listened to this instead of reading it. I just found her annoying, and immature. She's supposed to be 28, but I swear she sounded younger and approached life as if she was younger than 28! The male narrator SAVED this book for me, and prevented me from not finishing it.
Second the story just dragged. To be honest, I SKIPPED chapters. That's how bad it got at times.
Third and probably even more important than the flat, two dimensional characters, is the lack of world building. If you've never read an Omegaverse/shifter/paranormal romance, you'd be wondering why being an Alpha or an Omega is a big deal. Or why sex with them would be different. We just have to accept that shifters are part of this Society. I think it was lazily done and could have been written better.
I know this book is getting a lot of exposure because of Ali Hazelwood's book. But take my word, there are way better shifter romance books out there than this. One that actually does a good job on world building; have a developed and likeable characters; and also has the spicy kink of shifter sex you're looking for. (Start with Lora Leigh & Nalini Sigh, they won't disappoint)
First and foremost, I didn't enjoy the female character. Maybe that had to do with the person narrating it since I listened to this instead of reading it. I just found her annoying, and immature. She's supposed to be 28, but I swear she sounded younger and approached life as if she was younger than 28! The male narrator SAVED this book for me, and prevented me from not finishing it.
Second the story just dragged. To be honest, I SKIPPED chapters. That's how bad it got at times.
Third and probably even more important than the flat, two dimensional characters, is the lack of world building. If you've never read an Omegaverse/shifter/paranormal romance, you'd be wondering why being an Alpha or an Omega is a big deal. Or why sex with them would be different. We just have to accept that shifters are part of this Society. I think it was lazily done and could have been written better.
I know this book is getting a lot of exposure because of Ali Hazelwood's book. But take my word, there are way better shifter romance books out there than this. One that actually does a good job on world building; have a developed and likeable characters; and also has the spicy kink of shifter sex you're looking for. (Start with Lora Leigh & Nalini Sigh, they won't disappoint)
The C*ck Down The Block by Amy Award
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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? No
4.75
This was a fun book to read. The plot is cute. The characters are funny-even the minor/side characters are enjoyable. It's a great "palate" cleanser after or while reading books that are heavy in world building and/or issues.
I love the body positivity in the story. It really shows that although people have done the work and made peace with their body, they still experience moments of self doubt and body consciousness. Society makes being curvy/plus size a negative thing; as if people who are fit & skinny can't be skinny or love the body they have. It also shows the battles couples have to fight since someone always has some negative opinion about their relationship. It portrays the struggle women face as they are objectified whether they're skinny or curvy, and how that makes loving and accepting your body so much more challenging.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I will definitely read the next book-and any book about the Kingsman Family! It was fun. The sex was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. But most of all, the characters were lovable.
I love the body positivity in the story. It really shows that although people have done the work and made peace with their body, they still experience moments of self doubt and body consciousness. Society makes being curvy/plus size a negative thing; as if people who are fit & skinny can't be skinny or love the body they have. It also shows the battles couples have to fight since someone always has some negative opinion about their relationship. It portrays the struggle women face as they are objectified whether they're skinny or curvy, and how that makes loving and accepting your body so much more challenging.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I will definitely read the next book-and any book about the Kingsman Family! It was fun. The sex was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. But most of all, the characters were lovable.
Big Little Spells by Hazel Beck
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
I tried hard to get through this book. I really wanted to like it but again, the FMC was difficult to like. It's hard for me to keep going when I have some pretty good books on my TBR pile calling my name. Maybe I'll get back to it one day? We'll see.
Leopard's Hunt by Christine Feehan
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
spicy scenes talks of knotting
funny
relaxing
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? Yes
4.75
I would call this an "intro" or beginner shifter romance. Ali Hazelwood did an amazing job introducing her fans to the fantasy/supernatural romance genre. Just like with most of her books, I couldn't put it down-she's perfected that lighthearted yet serious romcom and readers will enjoy her story telling. There's not much angst; the spicy scenes are nice and spicy (but not as spicy as most shifter romance I've read); and everything get tied up and resolved at the end. This is the first book I've finished since 2024, and broke the burnout ACOTAR and Iron Flame caused (seriously I couldn't get into any of these books). I've since read 9 books and it's all thanks to this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content