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irenemayblack's reviews
26 reviews
Court of Claws by Briar Boleyn
challenging
dark
funny
tense
slow-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
I absolutely adored every second of this book. The whole thing felt like a crossover of the challenges under the mountain in ACOTAR, and the hilarious banter of Fourth wing all mixed in with hints of Arthurian legend. In other words, a splendid fantasy novel and enthralling sequel.
To make things better— it was a bit spicier than Queen of Roses. I'm hoping to see this continue with the other books in the series.
The rising romance and banter between Morgan and Kairos was well written in my opinion for the rest of the plot going on around it. I loved getting to see their characters get more attraction to each other and to see character development grow stronger in them both as the book went on.
I received this book through Netgalley and I absolutely can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes!
⭐️ 4
🌶 2/5
To make things better— it was a bit spicier than Queen of Roses. I'm hoping to see this continue with the other books in the series.
The rising romance and banter between Morgan and Kairos was well written in my opinion for the rest of the plot going on around it. I loved getting to see their characters get more attraction to each other and to see character development grow stronger in them both as the book went on.
I received this book through Netgalley and I absolutely can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes!
⭐️ 4
🌶 2/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, and War
Minor: Cursing, Death, Infertility, Suicide, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book DESTROYED my social life. I spent every second I could reading this book. You know when people say they would die to read a book for the first time again? That is this book for me. I needed this in my life and didn't even know it.
Misery had this very I'm beautiful and could kill you vibe that I just ATE UP the whole book. She was a great friend, caring when she needed to be, and definitely the only person who could drink blood with a straw and not make it seem weird. Just saying. That's a little oddball.
I loved the romance in this book and how well paced out it was. Every second was the perfect amount of tension. I also adore the Romeo & Juliet vibes this book gives off, who wouldn't want that? Paranormal shakespeare is something I need more of in my life.
If you don't love Alex or Lowe, I can knot believe you. Read this book.
⭐️ 5
🌶 3/5
Misery had this very I'm beautiful and could kill you vibe that I just ATE UP the whole book. She was a great friend, caring when she needed to be, and definitely the only person who could drink blood with a straw and not make it seem weird. Just saying. That's a little oddball.
I loved the romance in this book and how well paced out it was. Every second was the perfect amount of tension. I also adore the Romeo & Juliet vibes this book gives off, who wouldn't want that? Paranormal shakespeare is something I need more of in my life.
If you don't love Alex or Lowe, I can knot believe you. Read this book.
⭐️ 5
🌶 3/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Blood
The Maiden and The Unseen by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"I won't share you, Persephone. When you're mine, you'll be only mine. I won't accept half of you."
This book was SO much better than I anticipated it to be. The writing was easy to understand, the characters weren't all insufferable (looking at you shadow & bone) and I enjoyed the spice.
And guys, even better, ARTWORK. There is spicy artwork scattered throughout the book in several chapters. I absolutely loved that little detail and you don't often see that in books.
Hades and Persephone had an interesting build up with their relationship. This is by no means a slow burn romance, we get instant tension from the beginning and a few ✨️special✨️ scenes before the relationship really kicks off later in the book. I was lucky enough to receive ebook copies of this series from the publisher, and I couldn't be more grateful. I can't wait to see what the sequel has in store for their relationship and new obstacles they'll be facing after the ending of this book.
Spoiler Alert: Jackson is a jackass.
⭐️ 4
🌶 4/5
This book was SO much better than I anticipated it to be. The writing was easy to understand, the characters weren't all insufferable (looking at you shadow & bone) and I enjoyed the spice.
And guys, even better, ARTWORK. There is spicy artwork scattered throughout the book in several chapters. I absolutely loved that little detail and you don't often see that in books.
Hades and Persephone had an interesting build up with their relationship. This is by no means a slow burn romance, we get instant tension from the beginning and a few ✨️special✨️ scenes before the relationship really kicks off later in the book. I was lucky enough to receive ebook copies of this series from the publisher, and I couldn't be more grateful. I can't wait to see what the sequel has in store for their relationship and new obstacles they'll be facing after the ending of this book.
Spoiler Alert: Jackson is a jackass.
⭐️ 4
🌶 4/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
Man Hunt by Vanessa Vale
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book was just what I needed: a strong male love interest, an interesting female lead, funny side characters, and plenty of spice. It is also lightly based on the movie Sixteen Candles.
I loved every second of this book and I absolutely cannot wait to read Man Candy after our sneak peak of Dex and Linda towards the end of the story. I have a feeling I may love their story even more.
Bridget and Maverick were a great couple. Mav was such a supportive and determined man for Bridget, and I especially enjoyed the way he handled her insecurities and doubts with their relationship and within herself.
Overall, the writing was easy to read and enjoyable. The characters were funny. The book cover is cute and eye-catching. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves spicy rom coms, billionaire romance, or just want a great summer read.
4.25 ⭐️
4/5 🌶
I loved every second of this book and I absolutely cannot wait to read Man Candy after our sneak peak of Dex and Linda towards the end of the story. I have a feeling I may love their story even more.
Bridget and Maverick were a great couple. Mav was such a supportive and determined man for Bridget, and I especially enjoyed the way he handled her insecurities and doubts with their relationship and within herself.
Overall, the writing was easy to read and enjoyable. The characters were funny. The book cover is cute and eye-catching. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves spicy rom coms, billionaire romance, or just want a great summer read.
4.25 ⭐️
4/5 🌶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia and Death of parent
Master Oradea by Sylvia Black
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
2.5
I received this book as an ARC copy, and I must say I went into it with higher hopes. I did not complete the book due to all the issues I saw with it. Instantly you are thrown into a world of difficulties, issues, and arguments on how best to handle things. You get no time to know the characters and names are thrown at you like dodge balls. There were many editing mistakes, but I understand that this is an uncompleted copy of the book.
Otherwise, I liked the general idea of the story and will likely give it a second chance in the future. I enjoyed the dark and gloomy feel it gave, as well as the romance plot. While the book was not for me, if you enjoy vampires, mafia, billionaires, and dark supernatural romance it's worth trying to read. I want to thank the author for the chance to read this book, and I wish them much luck with any future stories they write!
2.5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶
Otherwise, I liked the general idea of the story and will likely give it a second chance in the future. I enjoyed the dark and gloomy feel it gave, as well as the romance plot. While the book was not for me, if you enjoy vampires, mafia, billionaires, and dark supernatural romance it's worth trying to read. I want to thank the author for the chance to read this book, and I wish them much luck with any future stories they write!
2.5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶
All the Way: A Dad's Best Friend Novella (Unexpected Love Book 1) by Violet Haze
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
1.5
I read this out of basic curiosity and boredom, and can say while I didn't hate it, it also wasn't worth my time.
This was an older guy/younger girl romance as I was looking for, but it was poorly written, horribly paced, and continuously brought up how long Theo has known Greta through her life; which made the whole thing seem a bit weird.
Overall I didn't mind the story, and will possibly be keeping it on my ereader. But in future I'm not sure I will be picking up anything by this author again. I will also note that I am not a fan of the cover design.
If you enjoy wattpad type stories, you very well may want to try this novella. I liked the general idea and story, I just wish it'd be slightly better written!
Insta-love
Age gap
Dad's best friend
1.5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶
This was an older guy/younger girl romance as I was looking for, but it was poorly written, horribly paced, and continuously brought up how long Theo has known Greta through her life; which made the whole thing seem a bit weird.
Overall I didn't mind the story, and will possibly be keeping it on my ereader. But in future I'm not sure I will be picking up anything by this author again. I will also note that I am not a fan of the cover design.
If you enjoy wattpad type stories, you very well may want to try this novella. I liked the general idea and story, I just wish it'd be slightly better written!
Insta-love
Age gap
Dad's best friend
1.5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship and Death of parent
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
Well, it's about time I start giving better reviews for the books I read. So let's start with an easy one.
This novella takes place during the events of the third saga book, Eclipse. We follow Bree Tanner, a young and struggling vampire, through the preparations to battle the Cullens.
Reading the Twilight series growing up, I always wanted to know more about Bree. In Eclipse, she only shows up once as an important piece to further the Volturi plot. As thrilled as I was to read a novella about her, I am glad to say I wasn't disappointed. I read this book in one sitting!
The overall writing style worked very much like Twilight, and I'd say it's fairly well written for such a short story. I enjoyed seeing the background of Bree's character. If you enjoy the Twilight Saga, then I recommend picking this up as well.
3.25 ⭐️
0/5 🌶
This novella takes place during the events of the third saga book, Eclipse. We follow Bree Tanner, a young and struggling vampire, through the preparations to battle the Cullens.
Reading the Twilight series growing up, I always wanted to know more about Bree. In Eclipse, she only shows up once as an important piece to further the Volturi plot. As thrilled as I was to read a novella about her, I am glad to say I wasn't disappointed. I read this book in one sitting!
The overall writing style worked very much like Twilight, and I'd say it's fairly well written for such a short story. I enjoyed seeing the background of Bree's character. If you enjoy the Twilight Saga, then I recommend picking this up as well.
3.25 ⭐️
0/5 🌶
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Murder
Married to a Pirate by Athena Rose
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Sexual violence, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
The Rose Gate: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Hanna Sandvig
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Set on You by Amy Lea
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.25
blurb:
Crystal Chen, instagram influencer extraordinaire, shows her followers the view of self love and body positivity as a curvy fitness trainer. In comes her gym nemesis, Scott Richie. How can you love someone, if the world says you don't deserve them?
my thoughts:
I went into this book expecting a quick and easy rom com, and was surprised to find it full of realistic moments of self doubt, even if you hold confidence in yourself. As someone who has loved a "fat" person, I've seen Scott's side of this story for myself. It's hard for both parties when society claims perfection is the only answer.
Normally I am not a fan of the third act breakup, and dread it appearing in any story I read. But as an avid romance reader, it's just a fact. I was pleasantly surprised to find I found the third act tension of this book well done and fitting for the stress the characters are under, most especially Crystal.
Overall I would say this book was well done and I thoroughly enjoyed the simplistic writing style. This was my first time reading from Amy Lea, but I'll certainly be picking up more of her books in future! Loved the message and experience of this story every step of the way.
spice rating: 🌶🌶
Crystal Chen, instagram influencer extraordinaire, shows her followers the view of self love and body positivity as a curvy fitness trainer. In comes her gym nemesis, Scott Richie. How can you love someone, if the world says you don't deserve them?
my thoughts:
I went into this book expecting a quick and easy rom com, and was surprised to find it full of realistic moments of self doubt, even if you hold confidence in yourself. As someone who has loved a "fat" person, I've seen Scott's side of this story for myself. It's hard for both parties when society claims perfection is the only answer.
Normally I am not a fan of the third act breakup, and dread it appearing in any story I read. But as an avid romance reader, it's just a fact. I was pleasantly surprised to find I found the third act tension of this book well done and fitting for the stress the characters are under, most especially Crystal.
Overall I would say this book was well done and I thoroughly enjoyed the simplistic writing style. This was my first time reading from Amy Lea, but I'll certainly be picking up more of her books in future! Loved the message and experience of this story every step of the way.
spice rating: 🌶🌶
- he falls first & harder
- strong female lead
- golden retriever boy
- curvy, half asian girl
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer, Cursing, and Racism