Scan barcode
enchantedfiction's reviews
198 reviews
Red River Road by Anna Downes
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
**Thank you to Macmillan for the audiobook copy!**
Katy has embarked on the same journey her sister did a year ago before going missing to try and find some answers. She is unexpectedly joined by Beth, a woman with secrets and a past she'd like to leave behind. As they retrace Phoebe's route, Beth might be a key part in finding out what happened to Phoebe, but Katy might also be hiding some secrets.
I enjoyed this story - the contemporary themes of a solo woman van-life traveler and the lean into social media for documentation. I liked that both FMCs were not reliable, though it's hard to put your finger on why they feel that way. I knew something was up with both of them, Beth's predicament a little more obvious than Katy's, but I wasn't entirely prepared for everything that unfolded. I like when these types of stories take a turn I didn't foresee, but I felt like it took a long time to get to the turn of events and I was a little bored through the middle of the story. But once it ramped up to 11, I was hooked until I got to the end. I do feel like there wasn't a clear resolution for some of the events that happened, and it might have been nice to know what happened to certain characters.
I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy contemporary themes and thriller aspects, as well as more of a psychological analysis.
Katy has embarked on the same journey her sister did a year ago before going missing to try and find some answers. She is unexpectedly joined by Beth, a woman with secrets and a past she'd like to leave behind. As they retrace Phoebe's route, Beth might be a key part in finding out what happened to Phoebe, but Katy might also be hiding some secrets.
I enjoyed this story - the contemporary themes of a solo woman van-life traveler and the lean into social media for documentation. I liked that both FMCs were not reliable, though it's hard to put your finger on why they feel that way. I knew something was up with both of them, Beth's predicament a little more obvious than Katy's, but I wasn't entirely prepared for everything that unfolded. I like when these types of stories take a turn I didn't foresee, but I felt like it took a long time to get to the turn of events and I was a little bored through the middle of the story. But once it ramped up to 11, I was hooked until I got to the end. I do feel like there wasn't a clear resolution for some of the events that happened, and it might have been nice to know what happened to certain characters.
I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy contemporary themes and thriller aspects, as well as more of a psychological analysis.
The Castle Rose by Tabitha Caplinger
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
THIS STORY!!! A delicate mix of plot and romance, this story had my heart from the very beginning. The setting in New Orleans felt so fitting, and I could practically see the streets of the French Quarter in my head as I was reading. Both Odette and Bastian were lovely characters dealing with their own personal issues regarding love and acceptance that came together in a magical way. I love the Beauty and the Beast meets Phantom of the Opera description because it is literally so fitting. This is a faster paced story, so where I wish there may have been more of a slow burn element and more of the characters getting to know each other a little more, it obviously doesn't detract any stars. I can see this becoming a comfort read for years to come. If this one is not on your list, I HIGHLY recommend it.
That Prince Is Mine by Jayci Lee
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
3.75
*Thank you to Macmillan for the audiobook copy!*
Emma just wants her life to go according to plan. She wants to open a culinary school and find her perfect on paper match. But it seems like all the men her aunt sets her up with just aren't right, and then she meets Michele. A handsome visiting college professor, he convinces Emma to give him a chance against her better judgment.
Michele has come to Los Angeles to find his true love. As the heir to the throne of his home country, he wants someone who can rule by his side that he loves and has the country's best interest at heart, and not an arranged marriage, which is what he's facing once he returns. He only has three months to find someone with whom he wants to spend the rest of his life. So when he encounters Emma, he is determined to pursue her.
The two battle their own inner thoughts and problems while trying to navigate whatever kind of relationship they are creating together. And they might not end up the way they expected.
I enjoyed this one. I've somehow fallen into a hole of books, especially rom-com type stories, that have to do with baking or cooking, and I love it. I feel like food does bring people together, so it's a good element to be involved in romance stories. I enjoyed the overall writing style, the characters, and the overall story. Emma had some past relationship related trauma from her childhood that I feel so many people deal with with her parents' divorce and not wanting to end up that way, which I feel made sense for the story. She was a bit more two-dimensional than Michele, in my opinion, as it felt like he was just so focused on finding someone to fall in love with and lacked a little grit. I know with royal characters, they can feel that way a bit because they haven't really had to go through a lot of tough things, but I wanted a bit more from him.
I also felt like this one was a little long for what it was. There was the continued story of Emma saying, "This isn't going to go anywhere," and always looking for an out, and it started feeling a little overused. I wish that something else had come up sooner to cause more drama, but it wasn't so annoying that I didn't enjoy my listen. I did really enjoy the side characters, too. Auntie Sue had some pretty funny dialogue, and the dynamics between the characters worked well.
I would recommend this one to rom-com lovers and if you love books that have a food theme!
Emma just wants her life to go according to plan. She wants to open a culinary school and find her perfect on paper match. But it seems like all the men her aunt sets her up with just aren't right, and then she meets Michele. A handsome visiting college professor, he convinces Emma to give him a chance against her better judgment.
Michele has come to Los Angeles to find his true love. As the heir to the throne of his home country, he wants someone who can rule by his side that he loves and has the country's best interest at heart, and not an arranged marriage, which is what he's facing once he returns. He only has three months to find someone with whom he wants to spend the rest of his life. So when he encounters Emma, he is determined to pursue her.
The two battle their own inner thoughts and problems while trying to navigate whatever kind of relationship they are creating together. And they might not end up the way they expected.
I enjoyed this one. I've somehow fallen into a hole of books, especially rom-com type stories, that have to do with baking or cooking, and I love it. I feel like food does bring people together, so it's a good element to be involved in romance stories. I enjoyed the overall writing style, the characters, and the overall story. Emma had some past relationship related trauma from her childhood that I feel so many people deal with with her parents' divorce and not wanting to end up that way, which I feel made sense for the story. She was a bit more two-dimensional than Michele, in my opinion, as it felt like he was just so focused on finding someone to fall in love with and lacked a little grit. I know with royal characters, they can feel that way a bit because they haven't really had to go through a lot of tough things, but I wanted a bit more from him.
I also felt like this one was a little long for what it was. There was the continued story of Emma saying, "This isn't going to go anywhere," and always looking for an out, and it started feeling a little overused. I wish that something else had come up sooner to cause more drama, but it wasn't so annoying that I didn't enjoy my listen. I did really enjoy the side characters, too. Auntie Sue had some pretty funny dialogue, and the dynamics between the characters worked well.
I would recommend this one to rom-com lovers and if you love books that have a food theme!
Earthlight by J. Michael Straczynski
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
**Thank you, Libro.fm, for the audio copy!**
This was a fun, quick, full cast sci-fi experience that was fast-paced and exciting. I really liked how immersive the whole experience was with the added sound effects. I just found it a little bit hard to follow without a visual. I think this would make a really cool short film that would make the experience that much better. It was sometimes hard to determine who was speaking and what their role was in the grand scene, but I think the main points got across easily.
This was a fun, quick, full cast sci-fi experience that was fast-paced and exciting. I really liked how immersive the whole experience was with the added sound effects. I just found it a little bit hard to follow without a visual. I think this would make a really cool short film that would make the experience that much better. It was sometimes hard to determine who was speaking and what their role was in the grand scene, but I think the main points got across easily.
A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!*
Addie makes her return to her hometown, where she had hoped to leave secrets of the past behind. But when Aunt Bean begins having health issues and asks Addie to return to help her with her bakery and things around the house, Addie can't say no. But she knows that Aunt Bean has also asked Tessa Jane to come, her half-sister, whom she never had a good relationship with. And where Addie is working through coming to terms with the death of her best friend and the secrets she left behind, Tessa Jane has her own problems she needs to work through. Aunt Bean may be their reason for returning, but the Starlight might have their answers to repair relationships and forgive the past.
I don't read a lot of magical realism stories, but I'm so glad I picked this one up! The characters were charming, I loved the storyline, and it was just written beautifully. The duel POV with Addie and Tessa Jane showed glimpses into their individual lives and their views on their repairing relationship. I also actually found myself laughing out loud a few times at some of the things the characters said. It was such a cozy, small-town vibe, and I could really feel the love for the people in the story and for the Starlight field. There were enough complications in the story to keep it interesting, but was also very lighthearted.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys magical realism and family relationship repair stories.
Addie makes her return to her hometown, where she had hoped to leave secrets of the past behind. But when Aunt Bean begins having health issues and asks Addie to return to help her with her bakery and things around the house, Addie can't say no. But she knows that Aunt Bean has also asked Tessa Jane to come, her half-sister, whom she never had a good relationship with. And where Addie is working through coming to terms with the death of her best friend and the secrets she left behind, Tessa Jane has her own problems she needs to work through. Aunt Bean may be their reason for returning, but the Starlight might have their answers to repair relationships and forgive the past.
I don't read a lot of magical realism stories, but I'm so glad I picked this one up! The characters were charming, I loved the storyline, and it was just written beautifully. The duel POV with Addie and Tessa Jane showed glimpses into their individual lives and their views on their repairing relationship. I also actually found myself laughing out loud a few times at some of the things the characters said. It was such a cozy, small-town vibe, and I could really feel the love for the people in the story and for the Starlight field. There were enough complications in the story to keep it interesting, but was also very lighthearted.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys magical realism and family relationship repair stories.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Death of parent
The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
*Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!*
June Hart became a viral meme overnight when her boyfriend of 10 years dumped her on live television. Her high school best friend, Levi, had a very similar public break up around the same time. But June and Levi haven't spoken much since they had a falling out, only really checking up on each other through their mutuals. But when Levi returns to Benson Beach unexpectedly and the two are seen together, they go viral again as the Revenge Exes. Both have their reasons for keeping the charade going, but when June starts having old feelings towards Levi, she might just end up being burned again.
This story was really cute and makes me want all of the rom-com stories with a cooking/baking element. The fake dating of the golden retriever old best friend angle with some past shared grief sprinkled in was a good way to keep the story from feeling one dimensional. I was invested in both how June and Levi's story would end and how their individual stories would pan out. I enjoyed the side characters and the setting of Benson Beach. I actively wanted to punch June's ex, Griffin, in the fave, so I think the jerk angle was done well, too.
I just wish that there wasn't such a back and forth with June and Levi during one part of the story, but it wasn't enough to really put me off. I just felt like most of the story, June had a really good head on her shoulders after having been burned pretty badly from her past relationship, and then at one point, would trust Levi unconditionally, and then have all of these questions the next and not really trust him at all. If the weariness had stayed through this particular part, I feel like it would have made a little more sense.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good rom-com story and enjoys a fun summer vibe with a little cozy tea shop!
June Hart became a viral meme overnight when her boyfriend of 10 years dumped her on live television. Her high school best friend, Levi, had a very similar public break up around the same time. But June and Levi haven't spoken much since they had a falling out, only really checking up on each other through their mutuals. But when Levi returns to Benson Beach unexpectedly and the two are seen together, they go viral again as the Revenge Exes. Both have their reasons for keeping the charade going, but when June starts having old feelings towards Levi, she might just end up being burned again.
This story was really cute and makes me want all of the rom-com stories with a cooking/baking element. The fake dating of the golden retriever old best friend angle with some past shared grief sprinkled in was a good way to keep the story from feeling one dimensional. I was invested in both how June and Levi's story would end and how their individual stories would pan out. I enjoyed the side characters and the setting of Benson Beach. I actively wanted to punch June's ex, Griffin, in the fave, so I think the jerk angle was done well, too.
I just wish that there wasn't such a back and forth with June and Levi during one part of the story, but it wasn't enough to really put me off. I just felt like most of the story, June had a really good head on her shoulders after having been burned pretty badly from her past relationship, and then at one point, would trust Levi unconditionally, and then have all of these questions the next and not really trust him at all. If the weariness had stayed through this particular part, I feel like it would have made a little more sense.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good rom-com story and enjoys a fun summer vibe with a little cozy tea shop!
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief
A Lovely Deadly Muse by Evelyn Sloane
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you to Evelyn Sloane for the audiobook copy for review!*
Leo Daniels, a New York City lawyer, has some ghosts in his past. A girl from his high school days, Nik, who up and disappeared after committing an unthinkable act 11 years ago, continues to be on his mind, though he doesn't know where to start looking for her. But when he attends a mystery artist's show one night, he's surprised to see the exact girl he's wanted to find. Upon talking with her, he believes she is the Muse for this mysterious artist's work, drawing from the tragedies of her past. But the world she introduces him to is full of shady people with motives, but Leo is determined to prove to Nik he can redeem their past and reconcile his past failures to keep her close.
This was my first romantic thriller, and I'm glad to say it didn't disappoint! Both genres I highly enjoy colliding together in this story was very entertaining and worked well together. I was very invested in what Nik's past would lead her to in the present of the story and to see if Leo would fit into her world again. I liked all of the little nuances that showed how the past set up events for the present, like Leo's reasoning for becoming the type of lawyer he was, and that Nik was into the arts when she was younger. There was also a good build-up to the meat of the story with little reveals here and there, and the ending was left relatively open, which I think worked for this story.
There were some events in this story that were kind of unbelievable, but it was easy to overlook them and honestly didn't really harm the rest of the outcome of the story. Which, that's all I'm going to say because kind of spoilers.
I really liked the big twist close to the end of the story, as it's one that, to me, came out of left field and wasn't even on my radar. I always like when thrillers can surprise me!
I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys romantic thrillers or enjoys the two genres separately and is looking for something new!
Leo Daniels, a New York City lawyer, has some ghosts in his past. A girl from his high school days, Nik, who up and disappeared after committing an unthinkable act 11 years ago, continues to be on his mind, though he doesn't know where to start looking for her. But when he attends a mystery artist's show one night, he's surprised to see the exact girl he's wanted to find. Upon talking with her, he believes she is the Muse for this mysterious artist's work, drawing from the tragedies of her past. But the world she introduces him to is full of shady people with motives, but Leo is determined to prove to Nik he can redeem their past and reconcile his past failures to keep her close.
This was my first romantic thriller, and I'm glad to say it didn't disappoint! Both genres I highly enjoy colliding together in this story was very entertaining and worked well together. I was very invested in what Nik's past would lead her to in the present of the story and to see if Leo would fit into her world again. I liked all of the little nuances that showed how the past set up events for the present, like Leo's reasoning for becoming the type of lawyer he was, and that Nik was into the arts when she was younger. There was also a good build-up to the meat of the story with little reveals here and there, and the ending was left relatively open, which I think worked for this story.
There were some events in this story that were kind of unbelievable, but it was easy to overlook them and honestly didn't really harm the rest of the outcome of the story. Which, that's all I'm going to say because kind of spoilers.
I really liked the big twist close to the end of the story, as it's one that, to me, came out of left field and wasn't even on my radar. I always like when thrillers can surprise me!
I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys romantic thrillers or enjoys the two genres separately and is looking for something new!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Pedophilia, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Abortion, and Pregnancy
Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
** Thank you DAW books and Beth Revis for the review copy!**
Full Speed to a Crash Landing is a short novella-style book following Ada Lamarr, a metal scavenger in space who has gotten herself into a bit of a pickle. She's running out of oxygen and fast. When her mayday is finally answered, she finds herself on a ship with a crew who would rather her not know their intended mission. But since she beat them to the punch, she gives her insight into the way they can accomplish their goal, inserting herself smack dab in the middle of the operation. But trust is something hard to come by with this crew, and Ada might not be so trustworthy herself.
I really enjoyed this shorter story! I actually felt that the blatant nods to "you don't know everything that's going on" was refreshing, and I always love a super sassy, chaotic character. Ada's humor was sprinkled throughout the book mixed in with the obvious nods to her true motives, but I found it all very enjoyable. With such a short story, I think it could be hard to develop any feelings for any characters, but I think Revis did a wonderful job making me feel certain ways about all of the characters.
This is mainly a plot driven story and has a few anecdotal sections that help get a better feel for the characters, but no real character growth is accomplished as we only know the characters for a very short time.
I am looking forward to How to Steal a Galaxy in December!
Full Speed to a Crash Landing is a short novella-style book following Ada Lamarr, a metal scavenger in space who has gotten herself into a bit of a pickle. She's running out of oxygen and fast. When her mayday is finally answered, she finds herself on a ship with a crew who would rather her not know their intended mission. But since she beat them to the punch, she gives her insight into the way they can accomplish their goal, inserting herself smack dab in the middle of the operation. But trust is something hard to come by with this crew, and Ada might not be so trustworthy herself.
I really enjoyed this shorter story! I actually felt that the blatant nods to "you don't know everything that's going on" was refreshing, and I always love a super sassy, chaotic character. Ada's humor was sprinkled throughout the book mixed in with the obvious nods to her true motives, but I found it all very enjoyable. With such a short story, I think it could be hard to develop any feelings for any characters, but I think Revis did a wonderful job making me feel certain ways about all of the characters.
This is mainly a plot driven story and has a few anecdotal sections that help get a better feel for the characters, but no real character growth is accomplished as we only know the characters for a very short time.
I am looking forward to How to Steal a Galaxy in December!
The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
*Thank you, Macmillan, for the audiobook copy!*
Maya Hoshimoto used to be a thief. She has since gone back to school as a grad student, more or less in hiding from a disastrous job she was a part of 10 years ago. But her heart isn't completely in it, and she feels as though she can't make connections like the one she used to have. So when that friend comes to her with a job to find an artifact she has seen in her dreams, she can't refuse. A new band of misfit races is formed, and Maya can't help but realize that as they get closer to the Grail, they might be getting themselves deeper and deeper into trouble, with both the unknown and with human kind.
I really enjoyed this story. I am a big fan of space opera style stories, and this one was fast-paced and interesting. Although there were a few things I might have missed to help understand the story, which may have been because it was an audiobook and not physical, I was still able to enjoy the story highly. I liked that a big focus on the story as it progressed was how little we still know about space, even in this fictional future. I felt like there were a lot of revelations in the story that were news to everyone involved, and that made it feel more believable and likable.
I felt this story was more plot driven than character driven, as there wasn't a lot of character growth. It felt more like Maya was finally getting back to what she was good at instead of just going through the motions of being a grad student. Which is not a bad thing, I just know some people are more about character driven stories than plot, so I always think it's worth mentioning.
I would recommend this one to lovers of space opera sci-fi with a more plot driven story and uncovering some of the fictional unknowns of space.
Maya Hoshimoto used to be a thief. She has since gone back to school as a grad student, more or less in hiding from a disastrous job she was a part of 10 years ago. But her heart isn't completely in it, and she feels as though she can't make connections like the one she used to have. So when that friend comes to her with a job to find an artifact she has seen in her dreams, she can't refuse. A new band of misfit races is formed, and Maya can't help but realize that as they get closer to the Grail, they might be getting themselves deeper and deeper into trouble, with both the unknown and with human kind.
I really enjoyed this story. I am a big fan of space opera style stories, and this one was fast-paced and interesting. Although there were a few things I might have missed to help understand the story, which may have been because it was an audiobook and not physical, I was still able to enjoy the story highly. I liked that a big focus on the story as it progressed was how little we still know about space, even in this fictional future. I felt like there were a lot of revelations in the story that were news to everyone involved, and that made it feel more believable and likable.
I felt this story was more plot driven than character driven, as there wasn't a lot of character growth. It felt more like Maya was finally getting back to what she was good at instead of just going through the motions of being a grad student. Which is not a bad thing, I just know some people are more about character driven stories than plot, so I always think it's worth mentioning.
I would recommend this one to lovers of space opera sci-fi with a more plot driven story and uncovering some of the fictional unknowns of space.
The Legacies of Traitors - ARC by C. M. Leyva
adventurous
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? Yes
5.0
Maia just wants to follow in her mother's footsteps as a healer, but her grief has distracted her and thrown her from that path. With nowhere left to turn, she is now set to follow in her father's footsteps as a rebel against the government, Portico. But she doesn't realize that for her, joining the rebellion means embracing her darkest parts. Through heartache, betrayal, and highstakes odds, can Maia and her band of rebels give a voice back to the people?
*Thank you to CM Leyva for an e-copy of the book!*
I love me a good rebel story. And this one did not disappoint. I highly enjoyed the plot twists I did not see coming in the second half of the book, and the first half was a good, slower paced build-up for what was to come. I really liked all of the rebels in Maia's squad (special shout-out to Briar!!!) and I felt like the character growth was believable. The setting was really fun as a post-apocalyptic Virginia, and I liked the different elements included in the story.
At first, I thought the story was going in one direction, but like I mentioned above, there were a few plot twists that felt like they changed the whole trajectory of the story, which I really liked because it showed how adaptable the characters also had to be. I also really liked the believability that Maia wasn't instantly amazing at defending herself like some characters in books. She ended up in a lot of situations that she didn't come out unscathed, and I really liked that aspect.
To avoid giving any actual spoilers, I think I'm going to end my review here. I highly recommend this debut novel by CM Leyva if you enjoy heists gone wrong, rebellions, and found family.
*Thank you to CM Leyva for an e-copy of the book!*
I love me a good rebel story. And this one did not disappoint. I highly enjoyed the plot twists I did not see coming in the second half of the book, and the first half was a good, slower paced build-up for what was to come. I really liked all of the rebels in Maia's squad (special shout-out to Briar!!!) and I felt like the character growth was believable. The setting was really fun as a post-apocalyptic Virginia, and I liked the different elements included in the story.
At first, I thought the story was going in one direction, but like I mentioned above, there were a few plot twists that felt like they changed the whole trajectory of the story, which I really liked because it showed how adaptable the characters also had to be. I also really liked the believability that Maia wasn't instantly amazing at defending herself like some characters in books. She ended up in a lot of situations that she didn't come out unscathed, and I really liked that aspect.
To avoid giving any actual spoilers, I think I'm going to end my review here. I highly recommend this debut novel by CM Leyva if you enjoy heists gone wrong, rebellions, and found family.