courtsbooknook's reviews
1086 reviews

Out of the Darkness, by Lauren Jarvis-Gibson

fast-paced

4.0

I loved this. There's something so raw and real about reading poetry and it also felt like a story. I enjoyed how it was divided and it felt like a true full cycle moment. The words were put together beautifully and I could tell quickly how personal the words were to the writer. I love feeling something when I'm reading and this not only brought on the feelings, but time to reflect and move forward. Overall, it was a well done collection!

Chaos & Flame, by Tessa Gratton, Justina Ireland
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.

This was kind of dragging for me and I while I liked the concept I don't think it was executed in a way that pulled me in.

Blaze, by Helen Hardt

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.5

I always feel like the one word titles fit perfectly to the story and I wouldn't be surprised if that was fully intentional. Blaze finished Callie and Donny's story with a bang and it'll be interesting to see them through other character's perspectives. There was so much drama and I have so many questions about what's going to happen. I enjoyed the various conversations and important things Callie and Donny brought into their relationship. This one also had a really interesting balance of the spice and romance and mystery. I couldn't put it down and I will literally champion any couple Helen writes for this series.

Flame, by Helen Hardt

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated

4.5

The mystery is back!! This book had so much tension in the best way. The Steel mystery is alive and well and I'm on the edge of my seat. I love these characters and I love the love they have for each other. Callie and Donny are incredibly passionate and they're so hot for each other. I just want to know what is going to happen and Helen just completely immerses you in this world. This book was quick and I enjoy that there's no slow burn and they just get right to the point if you know what I mean. I can't wait for Callie to open up some more and I think it'll be great for her and Donny's relationship. Their trilogy is almost come to a close and so many things are going to be revealed. so I'm excited for that part of their journey!

Spark, by Helen Hardt

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Whoa Donny and Callie's story is all hot all the time. I loved these two. I think this one was interesting because it brought some of that classic Steel family mystery and drama. There was a twist in this one I wasn't expecting and I'm curious to see how this new narrative will play out. I enjoyed getting to know the Pikes more and I know they're definitely going to be relevant for further installments. I loveee the Steel family so much and Callie and Donny's chemistry was immediate and unmatched. Onto book 20!!

Freed, by Helen Hardt

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Something about Dale and Ashley really just did me in. I liked their story from the beginning and it was truly a great way to start out the next generation. So much happened in this book and you got to know even more of the characters and their pasts. This one definitely had the darkness mixed with spice that Hardt does so well and I couldn't stop turning the pages. These book are so good. I love love love the fact that each character gets their own beginning middle and end and it's so nice to see how all the stories kind of tie together.  Also DAMN, Ashley and Dale's chemistry hit me so hard. These books are amazing and I say that on the regular!!

Cherished, by Helen Hardt

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I love these books so much, but I think the second book in Dale and Ashley's story might be one of my favorites. I think their relationship developed so well and I loved the parallels to Jade and Talon. I also loved how present those two were in this book. Talon and Dale's relationship has come so far and their conversations were incredibly important. The wine, I can't not talk about the wine. I feel like I'm learning so much and really enjoy that it's the background of the story. It's also a huge part of Dale and Ashley's growth and it just fits so well. There is a ton of healing in this book and seeing Dale open up like he did was amazing. I am so excited to see how their story wraps up and I'm OBSESSED!!!

Awakened, by Helen Hardt

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

What a magnificent introduction to the next generation of the Steel family. I absolutely loved Dale and Ashley's beginning and I think these books are going to be a wild ride. There wasn't too much of the sark elements in this one except the mentions of Dale and Donny's past. I loved seeing the OG Steels and I think the family dynamic is unmatched. I really enjoyed the winemaking/ tasting sub plot and it was really interesting to read about. I think some of the other books were really focused on the beef so it was great to see the wine be at the forefront. Also, I thought the synesthesia was something I hadn't really known too much about so I thought that was cool as well. The spice was fantastic and there was so much immediate tension between Dale and Ashley and I am living for all of it. Very excited to continue with more of these books!

Descent, by Helen Hardt

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The last book for each character always goes so hard. it never disappoints and I was fully captivated. I read this book in one sitting and it was so good. Daphne was such a strong character and I loved seeing her full journey as a mother with all four of her kids. It was crazy to see the events that happened in the beginning of the series unravel from a different perspective. I loved Daphne and Brad as a couple and Brad truly was the definition of the anti-hero, so part of me was still rooting for him the whole time. The spice in this one was great and there was so much tension throughout the story. I was on the edge of my seat an this one pulled me in without a doubt. I love this series so freaking much holy cow!!

Legacy, by Helen Hardt

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I loved getting further into Daphne and Brad's story. Witnessing their love for Jonah and how the steel legacy began was great. There was definitely some darkness in this book and I expect nothing less from Helen. I also wasn't surprised at the twist at the end. I want Brad and Daphne to have more conversations and we saw him step into the patriarchy of the family even at 23. This was not as much spice as I was anticipating and it gave time for Daphne to be fall into her role as a mother. I really love these books and I'm curious to see how the mystery will unravel further and tie into the rest of the story.