Scan barcode
itslorei's reviews
947 reviews
A Wildfire in the Grove by Esmeray Sultan
3.0
Idea and concept wise— interesting and has a lot of potential. I think that's the strength of this novel overall.
As much as I want to give this one a higher rating, I just couldn't. Again, this novel is interesting, that much I admit.
My main issue and the reason why I can't give this a higher rating is because of the writing and execution overall. I wasn't really that convinced with the world-building and the plot flow. It feels like it wasn't that fleshed out for me, and it took me a while to really picture it out.
Other than that, there's also some semi-direct nod to HOTD names that had me raising my brow.
Furthermore, the dialogues or some of the phrases felt awkward at times. You can also feel the inconsistency of it.
Another thing is the FMC. For a 26 years old FMC, she's quite immature and, at the same time, weak for me. Her character wasn't really that captivating for me. I really wish that she was much more likeable.
MMC, quite intriguing, I hope to see more developments of him in the 2nd novel.
Although the romance could quite need developments and tweaking, I could say the spice were decent.
Plus, points are also for the interesting characters here. I hope to see more of them in the 2nd novel.
Overall, it could have been better. Potential is there, I wish the execution delivered. Might be anticlimactic as well.I hope the 2nd one will be better.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
—-----
Release Date: September 5, 2024
Date Read: August 29- September 4, 2024
Ratings: 3⭐️
As much as I want to give this one a higher rating, I just couldn't. Again, this novel is interesting, that much I admit.
My main issue and the reason why I can't give this a higher rating is because of the writing and execution overall. I wasn't really that convinced with the world-building and the plot flow. It feels like it wasn't that fleshed out for me, and it took me a while to really picture it out.
Other than that, there's also some semi-direct nod to HOTD names that had me raising my brow.
Furthermore, the dialogues or some of the phrases felt awkward at times. You can also feel the inconsistency of it.
Another thing is the FMC. For a 26 years old FMC, she's quite immature and, at the same time, weak for me. Her character wasn't really that captivating for me. I really wish that she was much more likeable.
MMC, quite intriguing, I hope to see more developments of him in the 2nd novel.
Although the romance could quite need developments and tweaking, I could say the spice were decent.
Plus, points are also for the interesting characters here. I hope to see more of them in the 2nd novel.
Overall, it could have been better. Potential is there, I wish the execution delivered. Might be anticlimactic as well.I hope the 2nd one will be better.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
—-----
Release Date: September 5, 2024
Date Read: August 29- September 4, 2024
Ratings: 3⭐️
Rum Sips and Salty Lips by Rebecca V. Archer
2.0
The start of Rum Sips and Salty Lips was promising. I was really expecting it to continue like that and more developments on the pairing, characters, and the writing.
Unfortunately, as the story goes, it becomes quite boring for my liking.
The romance wasn't really that captivating for me and felt stagnant, or should I say bland. It didn’t really give that kind of spark.
I could say the same towards the general writing for this novel. I feel like the first few chapters were the only interesting ones.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
—---
Released Date: September 20, 2024
Date Read: August 29- September 2, 2024
Ratings: 2⭐️
Unfortunately, as the story goes, it becomes quite boring for my liking.
The romance wasn't really that captivating for me and felt stagnant, or should I say bland. It didn’t really give that kind of spark.
I could say the same towards the general writing for this novel. I feel like the first few chapters were the only interesting ones.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
—---
Released Date: September 20, 2024
Date Read: August 29- September 2, 2024
Ratings: 2⭐️
When He Takes by Gabrielle Sands
3.0
2nd book releases a month after book 1. Commending the author for the hard work and dedication for this duology ✨️
In all honesty, When He Takes is much better than the 2nd one. I think probably because the plot has been established, and it's now more on the mafia/ mob setting.
More characters— intriguing characters appear, especially Cleo, Vita, and Alessio. I'm really intrigued by them.
Unfortunately, Blake has failed to endeared me throughout the novel. Her character is enjoyable in the first half, but in the end half, not so much. I just think that her characters are just so weak. With that being said, I also didn't like the romance that much because of it.
The last 30% also felt a little bit plain for my liking. I think that's the only thing I could say.
Overall, this was an okay read.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
In all honesty, When He Takes is much better than the 2nd one. I think probably because the plot has been established, and it's now more on the mafia/ mob setting.
More characters— intriguing characters appear, especially Cleo, Vita, and Alessio. I'm really intrigued by them.
Unfortunately, Blake has failed to endeared me throughout the novel. Her character is enjoyable in the first half, but in the end half, not so much. I just think that her characters are just so weak. With that being said, I also didn't like the romance that much because of it.
The last 30% also felt a little bit plain for my liking. I think that's the only thing I could say.
Overall, this was an okay read.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
Homerun Proposal by Maren Moore
lighthearted
3.0
Finally, I was able to read this sports romance novel. I've been really wanting to read this one after seeing this for many times on booksta.
What excites me as well is the fact that it's a baseball sport, I have yet to really baseball sports romance, so that part is another piqued to my interest.
To make it short, I think this romance is quite cute and wholesome? I enjoyed the characters and the relationships— the friendship specifically. Another thing I like is how light it is.
Romance wise, it's pretty cute as well. Most specifically, the spice, I think author Maren really put on everything on the spice— the dirty talking.
My only issue is the writing. I feel like it's quite cringey and awkward at times. I wasn't captivated by the writing, in all honesty. It wasn't compelling for my taste.
Overall, this was still an okay read for me. I'm definitely reading the next one for sure ✨️.
What excites me as well is the fact that it's a baseball sport, I have yet to really baseball sports romance, so that part is another piqued to my interest.
To make it short, I think this romance is quite cute and wholesome? I enjoyed the characters and the relationships— the friendship specifically. Another thing I like is how light it is.
Romance wise, it's pretty cute as well. Most specifically, the spice, I think author Maren really put on everything on the spice— the dirty talking.
My only issue is the writing. I feel like it's quite cringey and awkward at times. I wasn't captivated by the writing, in all honesty. It wasn't compelling for my taste.
Overall, this was still an okay read for me. I'm definitely reading the next one for sure ✨️.
The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong (Novel) Vol. 3 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“𝑯𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒊𝒇 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒛𝒖𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒊𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅, 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈…𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆?”
–----
(REREADING)
Novels that have death tropes, kind of doomed lovers, obsessive male characters, and traumatising (NOT THE TOXIC WAY) will ways have my heart 🫶
In a nutshell:
1. Compilation of Lou Binghe's unhinged, crybaby, possessive, and obsessive moments.
2. Shen Qingqiu stressing moments.
3. Qingge angry moments.
4. Tianlang Jung chaotic moments.
5. Of course, all those tragic moments that make me wanna cry.
Not gonna forget the captivating world lore here and the power or cultivation system 🤌🏽
SVSS will always have my heart 🤧🫶 Volume 2 and Volume 3 will always be my favourite ♥️ INFINITE 5⭐️
–----
(REREADING)
Novels that have death tropes, kind of doomed lovers, obsessive male characters, and traumatising (NOT THE TOXIC WAY) will ways have my heart 🫶
In a nutshell:
1. Compilation of Lou Binghe's unhinged, crybaby, possessive, and obsessive moments.
2. Shen Qingqiu stressing moments.
3. Qingge angry moments.
4. Tianlang Jung chaotic moments.
5. Of course, all those tragic moments that make me wanna cry.
Not gonna forget the captivating world lore here and the power or cultivation system 🤌🏽
SVSS will always have my heart 🤧🫶 Volume 2 and Volume 3 will always be my favourite ♥️ INFINITE 5⭐️
The Hunted Heir by Holly Renee
3.0
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞.”
—----
Another anticipated reads/ releases/ sequel of mine which arc I really did manifested.
The novel starts right after the part where the first book .. So obviously, it's gonna be thrilling and intense.
I think the strength of this novel is that the writing is quite engaging and, at the same time, the type to make the readers really anticipate and a page turner.
Another thing is the spice. Author Holly Renee, as my experience with their fantasy romances, the spice scenes were really well written, so do expect that those parts will gonna deliver.
My issue on this is the lack of character developments of our FMC. I was quite frustrated how weak she was. I mean, I understand the situation, but it feels like she's just not trying. And I'm honestly worried about how she'll go in the next book.
Although the MMC did have a little development? I just felt that it wasn't enough? The grovelling or redemption part felt short for me. Still, there was a little development on his part.
Another thing is the fact that this book IS REALLY RUSHED. Even if it was engaging, you can really feel that the novel was way too rushed? There's also parts or phrases I don't find necessary, which felt like it was constructed out of need to make it wordy?I'm sure what happened, but it was abrupt for me. It's quite awkward as well at some point.
There's also no world-building here nor anymore further delving into the magic system, which was also a letdown, in my opinion
Overall, I think this could have been better. WAY BETTER IN ALL HONESTY. More world-building, character developments, and the magic system. I REALLY HOPE THE 3RD ONE DELIVER.
I think I'll be generous with my 3⭐️ since I was still entertained by the novel despite the issues. I still have hopes for the 3rd book.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity via Valentine Pr.
—------
Date Released: August 20, 2024
Date Read: August 26- August 28, 2024
Ratings: 3⭐️
—----
Another anticipated reads/ releases/ sequel of mine which arc I really did manifested.
The novel starts right after the part where the first book .. So obviously, it's gonna be thrilling and intense.
I think the strength of this novel is that the writing is quite engaging and, at the same time, the type to make the readers really anticipate and a page turner.
Another thing is the spice. Author Holly Renee, as my experience with their fantasy romances, the spice scenes were really well written, so do expect that those parts will gonna deliver.
My issue on this is the lack of character developments of our FMC. I was quite frustrated how weak she was. I mean, I understand the situation, but it feels like she's just not trying. And I'm honestly worried about how she'll go in the next book.
Although the MMC did have a little development? I just felt that it wasn't enough? The grovelling or redemption part felt short for me. Still, there was a little development on his part.
Another thing is the fact that this book IS REALLY RUSHED. Even if it was engaging, you can really feel that the novel was way too rushed? There's also parts or phrases I don't find necessary, which felt like it was constructed out of need to make it wordy?I'm sure what happened, but it was abrupt for me. It's quite awkward as well at some point.
There's also no world-building here nor anymore further delving into the magic system, which was also a letdown, in my opinion
Overall, I think this could have been better. WAY BETTER IN ALL HONESTY. More world-building, character developments, and the magic system. I REALLY HOPE THE 3RD ONE DELIVER.
I think I'll be generous with my 3⭐️ since I was still entertained by the novel despite the issues. I still have hopes for the 3rd book.
Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity via Valentine Pr.
—------
Date Released: August 20, 2024
Date Read: August 26- August 28, 2024
Ratings: 3⭐️
Vale of Dreams by Alex Rivers, C.N. Crawford
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
𝐒𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝.
This sequel did indeed deliver and made me impatient for what's about the happen next. Can I also say that the writing was freaking compelling? IT WAS 🤌🏽
I think this novel is more focused on the new romance, I would say I did enjoy the developments, especially the relationship going on here. It really is something to be anticipated as the story goes on.
Nia, I love her developments and as an fmc and at the same time is worried about her well-being. What also made me wonder more about her powers is that I would really love it if the book would explore more about it. It feels like there's a little less explanation regarding it.
Talan. He's charismatic, magnetic, mysterious, and all things unholy. I want him for myself (I'm so sorry 🙈). He's just so appealing to me, and the fact that the book kind of left me vague in his true intentions or motivations. Is he the villain?
The romance going on with Nia and Talan 🤚🏽 I AM INVESTED. I am really excited about the next book.
The other characters, on the other hand, the new ones and old ones, I wish we get to see more of them here and not just some kind of fleeting moments, but still they endeared themselves to me and I was also sad about what happened towards the end.
Also bye bye Raphael.
With that being said, Vale Of Dreams is a little slow paced. The plot seems to be slow as well, in my opinion, and a little bit of world building along the way. There's still things and plot points left to be explored, I think. More political intrigue as well, in my opinion, but was overshadowed with the character build-ups. Even though that's the case, a lot of things still happened revolving around the characters.
Overall, this was a solid read for me. Characters are definitely the strength of this novel, and at the same time, the lore revolves around the story in general. I enjoyed it so much ✨️ I am so eager to read the next one 🫶.
What to expect 📍
౨ৎ Fake relationship
౨ৎ New Love Interest
౨ৎ Political Intrigued
౨ৎ Character Driven
౨ৎ Banter
౨ৎ Intriguing Lore
౨ৎ Sexy moments
Thank you, authors, for the e-arc opportunity 🫶
—----------
Release Date: August 23, 2024
Date Read: August 23- August 26, 2024
Ratings: 4⭐️
This sequel did indeed deliver and made me impatient for what's about the happen next. Can I also say that the writing was freaking compelling? IT WAS 🤌🏽
I think this novel is more focused on the new romance, I would say I did enjoy the developments, especially the relationship going on here. It really is something to be anticipated as the story goes on.
Nia, I love her developments and as an fmc and at the same time is worried about her well-being. What also made me wonder more about her powers is that I would really love it if the book would explore more about it. It feels like there's a little less explanation regarding it.
Talan. He's charismatic, magnetic, mysterious, and all things unholy. I want him for myself (I'm so sorry 🙈). He's just so appealing to me, and the fact that the book kind of left me vague in his true intentions or motivations. Is he the villain?
The romance going on with Nia and Talan 🤚🏽 I AM INVESTED. I am really excited about the next book.
The other characters, on the other hand, the new ones and old ones, I wish we get to see more of them here and not just some kind of fleeting moments, but still they endeared themselves to me and I was also sad about what happened towards the end.
Also bye bye Raphael.
With that being said, Vale Of Dreams is a little slow paced. The plot seems to be slow as well, in my opinion, and a little bit of world building along the way. There's still things and plot points left to be explored, I think. More political intrigue as well, in my opinion, but was overshadowed with the character build-ups. Even though that's the case, a lot of things still happened revolving around the characters.
Overall, this was a solid read for me. Characters are definitely the strength of this novel, and at the same time, the lore revolves around the story in general. I enjoyed it so much ✨️ I am so eager to read the next one 🫶.
What to expect 📍
౨ৎ Fake relationship
౨ৎ New Love Interest
౨ৎ Political Intrigued
౨ৎ Character Driven
౨ৎ Banter
౨ৎ Intriguing Lore
౨ৎ Sexy moments
Thank you, authors, for the e-arc opportunity 🫶
—----------
Release Date: August 23, 2024
Date Read: August 23- August 26, 2024
Ratings: 4⭐️
Frederica by Georgette Heyer
3.5
In all honesty, I expected this to be a 'historical romance' and not a 'classic historical romance,' so imagine my shookness to find out that this is a classic historical romance.
Anyway, my experience with Frederica is quite fun and generally detailed in the sense of the Regency season, and it was informative, in my opinion.
I think the strength of this novel is its wit and humour, which I find entertaining. I could say the same with the cast, which I find most of them well written. The family WAS REALLY LIVELY. I had fun going on with them, and interactions were also interesting.
There's also a few characters where the envy part happened. Was pissed at that.
My only problem is that the romance? I didn't like Frederica with all her smartness, didn't realise that the Marquis LIKES HER. I think the romance was a little bit underwhelming?
Also, the Marquis seemed to be too perfect for me? I mean, we always want a perfect man, but HE WAS WAY TOO TOO PERFECT that kind of tick me?
I also found that some parts were confusing to me? Especially the characters since, in my mind, the names end up jumbling.
Despite that, I really did enjoy this. The characters were definitely the highlight and also the Regency details part 👌 Just some parts I find confusing and bothering, especially the romance part and the marquis. I'm also excited for the other books I had on my Kindle library. 3.5⭐️
Anyway, my experience with Frederica is quite fun and generally detailed in the sense of the Regency season, and it was informative, in my opinion.
I think the strength of this novel is its wit and humour, which I find entertaining. I could say the same with the cast, which I find most of them well written. The family WAS REALLY LIVELY. I had fun going on with them, and interactions were also interesting.
There's also a few characters where the envy part happened. Was pissed at that.
My only problem is that the romance? I didn't like Frederica with all her smartness, didn't realise that the Marquis LIKES HER. I think the romance was a little bit underwhelming?
Also, the Marquis seemed to be too perfect for me? I mean, we always want a perfect man, but HE WAS WAY TOO TOO PERFECT that kind of tick me?
I also found that some parts were confusing to me? Especially the characters since, in my mind, the names end up jumbling.
Despite that, I really did enjoy this. The characters were definitely the highlight and also the Regency details part 👌 Just some parts I find confusing and bothering, especially the romance part and the marquis. I'm also excited for the other books I had on my Kindle library. 3.5⭐️
Barbi & the Villain by Veronica Lancet
2.0
EDITED (CHANGED MY MIND): So as I was in deep thought and went over the points. I decided to settle with 2⭐️. Because:
1. I wanted a dark way of telling the story?
2. The writing was once again cringe, and I think the story deserved better writing than what this one presented.
3. Because of said issue, the potential was somehow wasted.
Overall, again— I think this could have been better. It was promising, but I don't think I could rate this higher than 2⭐️, despite my intrigue at the end. Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
౨ৎ
Release Date: August 15, 2024
Date Read: August 20- 22, 2024
Ratings: 2⭐️
—-----------—
Isekai comic concept and let met tell you how exactly this book is like that in telling the story.
Obviously, I liked the concept, the premise, and even the plot. I'm really intrigued about it, especially what happened at the end, and of course, after reading the MMC's p.o.v. I'll definitely be watching out for the 2nd one.
My main issue of this book is how it's told. I'm not really a fan of it, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if the writing was told in a novel like voice and not how the way Isekai comic way. I find it cringe at times and really took away my like scale. Although there are parts that I find enjoyable, I just hope it was more in a novel like told.
Other than that, I also find the FMC's voice irritating at times, probably because of how the story is told, so that's that.
As for the romance, I think it wasn't really fleshed out in a way that I liked. So to say, I'm 50/50.
There are a set of other intriguing characters and developing plots, so I'm really expecting more and intrigued how the next one would deliver. I just hope that the voice of the storytelling would be better.
What to expect📍
౨ৎ MC X Villain
౨ৎ Soul mate bond
౨ৎ Isekai Comic concept
౨ৎ Magic/ Mythical Creatures
౨ৎ Animal Lovers
౨ৎ Spice also
౨ৎ Betrayal
1. I wanted a dark way of telling the story?
2. The writing was once again cringe, and I think the story deserved better writing than what this one presented.
3. Because of said issue, the potential was somehow wasted.
Overall, again— I think this could have been better. It was promising, but I don't think I could rate this higher than 2⭐️, despite my intrigue at the end. Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
౨ৎ
Release Date: August 15, 2024
Date Read: August 20- 22, 2024
Ratings: 2⭐️
—-----------—
Isekai comic concept and let met tell you how exactly this book is like that in telling the story.
Obviously, I liked the concept, the premise, and even the plot. I'm really intrigued about it, especially what happened at the end, and of course, after reading the MMC's p.o.v. I'll definitely be watching out for the 2nd one.
My main issue of this book is how it's told. I'm not really a fan of it, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if the writing was told in a novel like voice and not how the way Isekai comic way. I find it cringe at times and really took away my like scale. Although there are parts that I find enjoyable, I just hope it was more in a novel like told.
Other than that, I also find the FMC's voice irritating at times, probably because of how the story is told, so that's that.
As for the romance, I think it wasn't really fleshed out in a way that I liked. So to say, I'm 50/50.
There are a set of other intriguing characters and developing plots, so I'm really expecting more and intrigued how the next one would deliver. I just hope that the voice of the storytelling would be better.
What to expect📍
౨ৎ MC X Villain
౨ৎ Soul mate bond
౨ৎ Isekai Comic concept
౨ৎ Magic/ Mythical Creatures
౨ৎ Animal Lovers
౨ৎ Spice also
౨ৎ Betrayal
Haunt by Christina Maraziotis
dark
mysterious
tense
1.5
DNF @35% 1.5⭐️
°
As much as I want to enjoy this, the writing isn't just for me. I feel like the author did too much in general, and I really think the descriptions or the paragraphs— it could have been constructed in much better lines.
Interesting concept, tho and really intriguing, in my opinion, but the writing just couldn't do it for me 🙈
°
As much as I want to enjoy this, the writing isn't just for me. I feel like the author did too much in general, and I really think the descriptions or the paragraphs— it could have been constructed in much better lines.
Interesting concept, tho and really intriguing, in my opinion, but the writing just couldn't do it for me 🙈