kearbetweenchapters's reviews
429 reviews

Magic Tests by Ilona Andrews

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hopeful lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I’ve always liked this story where we start to see the world through Julie’s eyes!

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

So here’s the thing…

I went into this expecting a quick, steamy cowboy romance, which is pretty much what I got. It was fun, the steam was good, and the banter swoon-worthy.

Plus Luke Brooks was yummy.

It had some typical debut issues (a bit too much telling instead of showing, pace issues, etc.), and probably could’ve used more conflict. Likely I’d have given it a 3-3.5 (which is a solid rating in my book) based on enjoyment despite flaws.

BUT. Reading Emmy took me so utterly by surprise in exactly the way the author intended. I saw so much of my own tendencies and stress responses in her in a way I’ve literally never found in a romance book. And it’s never written as flaws… just as Emmy’s normal way of being. I found myself choked up at times.

I felt seen.

So I happily rate this one a 4, and I look forward to reading what Lyla Sage does next. Officially a fan.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

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emotional lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.25

I really enjoyed this book!!! It brought me back to picking up old school paranormal romance/urban fantasy for the first time and falling in love. Sure, it didn’t reinvent the wheel. But Hazelwood put her own twist on it, and it was a super quick, fun read!! Hoping for a book 2!!

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is an odd one, because I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I don’t know if I’d have it as much if I hadn’t listened to Joe Arden narrate it. His friggen VOICE! *swoon*

Genuinely, though, while the ick factor got me at parts, this one was fun. They may have been serial killers, but their love was pure romance. And the mouth in Rowan… the steam was steaming.

I’ll definitely read book 2!

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