erinnicolecreads's reviews
187 reviews

Open Arms by Kate McWilliams

dark hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

While this is a lower than usual rating for me, I do want to say this was a cute romance & a super super quick & easy read! If you’re looking for a quick palate cleanser, I do still think it’s worth giving a shot!

While this book had some cute moments, it unfortunately fell short for me. This is book 3 in a series of interconnected standalone romance books, & I did not read the previous two, & while it didn’t impact my experience reading the book, it may contribute to why I felt as some aspects were lacking. The characters felt very one dimensional to me - it didn’t seem as though they had much personality. Additionally, the romance between the two characters felt unnaturally fast paced & as if it lacked build up or tension. The plot also reminded me heavily of another somewhat popular cowboy romance, & while I recognize that a lot of them overlap coincidentally, this one felt a bit too similar for me to enjoy it as its own story. The “thrilling” plot of this story also felt rather underdeveloped & lacked build-up. I felt as though the twist wasn’t even really a twist as what we were originally led to believe didn’t have much build-up. Again, this story had many cute moments & I wouldn’t say it’s a bad story by any means, it just didn’t resonate with me unfortunately! Though I did pick it up & finish it all in one sitting, which was nice. Definitely not a bad option for a quick easy romance read! 

Thank you so much to Luna Literary & the author for the eARC!

Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle

adventurous funny inspiring mysterious reflective tense 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

5.0

I DEVOURED this book. The characters were amazing, the plot was amazing, the world building was amazing, the atmosphere was amazing, the magic system was amazing. I can’t believe more people aren’t talking about this book UGH I loved it. This was one of the most unique books I’ve read in a while! So so good. Possibly one of my new all time favourite books

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense 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

4.5

THIS WAS SO GOOD. I loved the characters (especially the side characters) & the take on our own reality that this book has. It really speaks to classism & elitism in a very intriguing & gripping way. I lacked a bit of emotional connection to the characters, but the plot gripped me so much I cannot wait for the next book!

Alive and Wells by Bailey Hannah

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.5

I don’t like comparing books to other books in my reviews, but THIS IS FOR THE CHESTNUT SPRINGS GIRLIES!! If you like your MMCs like daddy Cade, this is for you. This is a completely unique story in itself but it definitely gave me the same feelings as chestnut springs did. Definitely check out the trigger warnings, but I was so deeply invested in these characters & their development as individuals & together. This was so well done & so SWOON WORTHY!!!!! I can’t believe I didn’t read this sooner. This was scrumptious. & the spice??? So good & not cringey at all (which I find to be hard to find). I ate this up & I can’t wait to read the rest of this series

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, and Violence

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense 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

5.0

I don’t even have words right now this was so fantastic. I’m literally so distraught that this story is over. I am so in love with this world & characters. I read this book SO FAST I literally couldn’t put it down. I dare say this was even better than book one?? But I love both so much AHHH I don’t even know how to go about my day after finishing this. I was giggling kicking my feet, blushing, then all of the sudden I was sobbing in this book. UGH I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF NOW THAT THIS IS OVER. Marry me Gideon Sharpe. This is being added to my list of all time favourite books.

Thank you thank you thank you endlessly to the publisher for the eARC - I am eternally grateful 

The Desire Variable by Ana D'Arcy

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.25

This spicy romance was more than I bargained for! While it definitely had a lot of steamy moments, it also showed the highs & lows of navigating dating really well. The flaws that each character had felt so realistic & watching them work through various hurdles was raw & so relatable. The cast of characters was overall fantastic, I loved all the diversity & the female friendships! As a woman in stem myself, I resonated a lot with Andy’s mentality of assuming she was being discriminated towards by male superiors & feeling as though she needed to work significantly harder than male counterparts to prove her worth. Loved the characters in this & was hooked on the romance!

I do however wish one particular character was treated a bit better, but I also think that was the purpose of his role in the story.

Thank you so much to Love Notes PR & the author for the eARC!

Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

This was such a good easy to consume romantasy book. I definitely recommend to anyone in search of something to cure their ACOTAR or fourth wing hangover!! Really enjoyed the characters & the ending was absolutely WILD!! The sexual tension between the MCs was also delicious.

I do wish some plot lines were played out for a bit longer or woven into the story a bit more, but overall I really loved this read!!

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

adventurous challenging funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense 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

4.5

THIS IS FOR THE THRONE OF GLASS GIRLIES!!!

I get the hype. This was fantastic!! Took me a minute to get into as is the case with most fantasy books but after the introductory info I was HOOKED it was FANTASTIC! The political intrigue was so good, the characters were so good (DIEM SLAYS, ARGUE WITH ME ABOUT IT), the enemies to lovers slow burn!!! SO. GOOD. This was scrumptious & I need MORE NOW!! That ENDING!!! AHHHHH!!! 

Thank you Atria & NetGalley for the eARC!

Odd Spirits by S.T. Gibson

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was such a great novella & a great introduction to The Summoner’s Circle series! This story was such a magical retelling of how real relationships are & I really liked seeing the characters work through things & overcome their hardships as a team. The cast of characters also has me very intrigued to start Evocation! This was the most perfect fall read too with the witchy, occult magic vibes. It’s a very light story & the perfect ease into the big story of the main books! I’m just excited to find out what happens next.

Thank you so much to Angry Robot books for the early review copy!

Heir by Sabaa Tahir

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

AHHHH I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I’m already itching for book 2 I NEED to know what happens next. The plot in this was fantastic - if you liked the Daevabad trilogy or Throne of Glass, you’d love this. I feel so connected to all of the characters. The way the story is told is so unique & really has you in the dark for plot twists & grand reveals. The romance subplot!!!!! DELICIOUS. OH MY GOD. The dialogue between the two?? I could scream about it AH. This was just so well done. I need more like I need air. 

Thank you SO MUCH Penguin Teen Canada for the ARC, I absolutely LOVED this book so much!!!