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babsreads18's reviews
728 reviews
Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
I have mixed feelings about this book. I absolutely binged it in less than 24 hours, but also really did not enjoy most of it. I do think that is has potential and I found the overall premise to be really interesting, but there were some significant pacing issues and the characters were uninteresting and lackluster to me. The training part (aka torture) that took up a lot of the book was extremely repetitive. It got more interesting towards the end of the book, but was just kind of chaotic overall. The only character that I actually liked was Nyx. I found the love interests to be highly unbelievable; there was exactly zero chemistry between Alexis and anyone else. The forced wedding and ceremony were basically sexual assault (and that wasn't the first time something assault-like happened in the book).
I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narrator who brought plenty of emotion to the story and differentiated the characters voices.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the advance listening copy.
I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narrator who brought plenty of emotion to the story and differentiated the characters voices.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the advance listening copy.
Vilest Things by Chloe Gong
3.0
Vilest Things is book two in the Flesh and False Gods series. I kind of struggled through this one a little bit. While I usually love books with lots of politics, it felt like there was just a lot of information to digest before I really was able to get into the plot of the story. The pacing was pretty off for most of the book, but definitely picked up towards the end where it felt like everything finally came together. The cliffhanger has me excited for book three in this series!
Thank you to Saga Press and Netgalley for the ARC!
Thank you to Saga Press and Netgalley for the ARC!
DallerGut Dream Department Store by Mi-Ye Lee 이미예
3.0
Penny gets a new job in a department store that sells dreams. This story follows her as she learns to navigate the dream business. The concept for this book is so unique and interesting. I loved how it delved into deeper conversations around people's desires and different types of dreams. I also absolutely adored that there were dreams for pets too. So sweet! Overall I thought it was a fun read, but it was pretty low stakes and I would have loved a little bit more world-building.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Flirting With Disaster by Naina Kumar
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Thank you to PRH Audio for the free audiobook and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC.
Flirting with Disaster is a sweet and heartwarming reimagining of Sweet Home Alabama. Meena hasn't seen her husband, Nikhil, in years. She shows up in Texas to finally get him to sign divorce letters, but gets stuck there due to a hurricane. As they find themselves weathering the storm, her former feelings for him begin to resurface.
I adored this book so much. It was angsty and I was rooting so hard for Meena and Nikhil. The forced proximity really allowed them to reconnect and communicate a bit better than they had all those years ago. They clearly had some issues to work through, but their love for each other was so obvious and strong. I also really loved the way the author portrayed Meena's family dynamics which were complex due to the pressures she felt as a child of South Asian immigrants.
I listened to the audio and loved the way Soneela Nankani brought Meena's character to life. The narration really helped me feel all of the the emotions of the story.
Flirting with Disaster is a sweet and heartwarming reimagining of Sweet Home Alabama. Meena hasn't seen her husband, Nikhil, in years. She shows up in Texas to finally get him to sign divorce letters, but gets stuck there due to a hurricane. As they find themselves weathering the storm, her former feelings for him begin to resurface.
I adored this book so much. It was angsty and I was rooting so hard for Meena and Nikhil. The forced proximity really allowed them to reconnect and communicate a bit better than they had all those years ago. They clearly had some issues to work through, but their love for each other was so obvious and strong. I also really loved the way the author portrayed Meena's family dynamics which were complex due to the pressures she felt as a child of South Asian immigrants.
I listened to the audio and loved the way Soneela Nankani brought Meena's character to life. The narration really helped me feel all of the the emotions of the story.
The Conjurer's Wife by Sarah Penner
mysterious
4.0
Oscar Van Hoff is a world renowned magician in Venice during the 1820's. His magic is incredible, and even his wife and assistant doesn't know how he does it. She has always played her role perfectly onstage, reciting the agreed upon lines, but is starting to get tired of the role...and then she uncovers his secret.
I really enjoyed the magic in this short story, but Marmalade the fox was my absolute favorite part. The writing was fantastical and I was really immersed in the story. The ending did feel rushed and abrupt, but it was still a great and quick read.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the ARC.
I really enjoyed the magic in this short story, but Marmalade the fox was my absolute favorite part. The writing was fantastical and I was really immersed in the story. The ending did feel rushed and abrupt, but it was still a great and quick read.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the ARC.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
Thank you to PRH Audio for the early listening copy!
This book, the third in the When in Rome series, is Jack and Emily’s story. Emily is a perfectionist who needs to be needed. She’s been competing for everything in life with her arch rival, Jack, since college. When he moves in next door and starts renovating a house, their rivalry escalates before sparking into romance.
First, I really enjoyed the writing in this book. It was a cute and easy read with some heartwarming moments sprinkled throughout. The small town vibes were so enjoyable and I also enjoyed the fun banter between Emily and Jack at points. However, I really struggled with Emily’s character for most of the book. She was immature and made a lot of situations so difficult. It never really felt like she and Jack were actually enemies, but instead felt like Emily was just holding a petty grudge. Jack’s character was so patient and sweet, and I would have loved to hear more of his point of view.
I listened to the audio and enjoyed the dual narration. I thought both narrators were fantastic at bringing the characters to life.
This book, the third in the When in Rome series, is Jack and Emily’s story. Emily is a perfectionist who needs to be needed. She’s been competing for everything in life with her arch rival, Jack, since college. When he moves in next door and starts renovating a house, their rivalry escalates before sparking into romance.
First, I really enjoyed the writing in this book. It was a cute and easy read with some heartwarming moments sprinkled throughout. The small town vibes were so enjoyable and I also enjoyed the fun banter between Emily and Jack at points. However, I really struggled with Emily’s character for most of the book. She was immature and made a lot of situations so difficult. It never really felt like she and Jack were actually enemies, but instead felt like Emily was just holding a petty grudge. Jack’s character was so patient and sweet, and I would have loved to hear more of his point of view.
I listened to the audio and enjoyed the dual narration. I thought both narrators were fantastic at bringing the characters to life.
Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland
adventurous
fast-paced
4.5
Thank you to Red Tower for the advance review copy!
I love that this book included a quick recap of what happened in Five Broken Blades. It was the perfect refresher before diving into this book! This book was full of action, politics, and drama. I love all of the characters and their secrets that are slowly coming to light. This book had me totally invested and absolutely wrecked me at points. I’m so grateful there isn’t going to be a long wait for book three because I need it as soon as possible!
Haunt Your Heart Out by Amber Roberts
medium-paced
3.0
This was a cute read overall, with fantastic small town and winter vibes. I really enjoyed James as a character and the anxiety representation in Lex’s character. The pacing of this book was a little bit off and there was a lot of miscommunication between Lex and James. I wish there was a bit more banter and chemistry between them throughout the book.
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis
adventurous
medium-paced
3.5
Thank you to PRH Audio for the free audiobook and Penguin Young Readers for the eARC.
Heist Royale is book two in the Thieves’ Gambit series. Ross was betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust, and now she has to work with him. As she and Devroe are pulled into a new Gambit, Ross has to make a deal with him to save her family.
I loved book one in this series which was action packed. This one took a little longer to get into the action and I found Ross’s character to be really self-centered. The second chance romance felt a little bit forced. I did really enjoy the adventure and suspense with the new Gambit, as well as how the characters teamed up to take on the challenge.
The audio was really well done and kept me engaged in the story. The narration was clear and easy to understand, even when sped up.
Heist Royale is book two in the Thieves’ Gambit series. Ross was betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust, and now she has to work with him. As she and Devroe are pulled into a new Gambit, Ross has to make a deal with him to save her family.
I loved book one in this series which was action packed. This one took a little longer to get into the action and I found Ross’s character to be really self-centered. The second chance romance felt a little bit forced. I did really enjoy the adventure and suspense with the new Gambit, as well as how the characters teamed up to take on the challenge.
The audio was really well done and kept me engaged in the story. The narration was clear and easy to understand, even when sped up.
Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you to PRH Audio for the free audiobook!
Thieves’ Gambit is a fun book full of mystery and heists. Ross Quest is a teenager and master thief. Her family is legendary in the heist world, but she wants more and has a plan to run away. Unfortunately, her plans are thwarted when a heist goes wrong, and her mothers life is in danger. Ross desperately enters the Thieves’ Gambit, a heist competition that provides one wish to the winner.
This book was action packed and had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the concept of the Thieves’ Gambit and all of the heists. The characters were fantastic, and I especially loved Ross for her strength, quick thinking, and bravery. There were so many plot twists and betrayals and I was on my toes the entire time. I was also totally rooting for the enemies to lovers romance. The plot twist at the end totally shocked me!
The audio was really well done with different voices for each character. I thought the narrator was able to really convey all of the emotions in the story. The narration was clear and easy to understand, even sped up.
Thieves’ Gambit is a fun book full of mystery and heists. Ross Quest is a teenager and master thief. Her family is legendary in the heist world, but she wants more and has a plan to run away. Unfortunately, her plans are thwarted when a heist goes wrong, and her mothers life is in danger. Ross desperately enters the Thieves’ Gambit, a heist competition that provides one wish to the winner.
This book was action packed and had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the concept of the Thieves’ Gambit and all of the heists. The characters were fantastic, and I especially loved Ross for her strength, quick thinking, and bravery. There were so many plot twists and betrayals and I was on my toes the entire time. I was also totally rooting for the enemies to lovers romance. The plot twist at the end totally shocked me!
The audio was really well done with different voices for each character. I thought the narrator was able to really convey all of the emotions in the story. The narration was clear and easy to understand, even sped up.