kimberlys_reads's reviews
97 reviews

IJzer by Holly Black

adventurous dark mysterious 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

4.0

This book was a pleasure to read, with its full dive into faerie politics, which I really enjoyed. I also liked how it showed different character perspectives and brought together characters from the first two books—this was done really well.

However, something felt a bit off for me, though I can’t quite put my finger on it. Overall, though, I’d still recommend this series—it’s definitely worth the read!

Heartless by Elsie Silver

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted 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

5.0

Wow, this book completely stole my heart! Elsie Silver, you and your cowboys have officially won me over, and we’re only on book two in the series!

Luke and Willa’s connection had me hooked right from the beginning. And Cade, the ultimate grump, warming up just made everything better. One of the highlights for me was the strong family presence in the story. As someone who loves family, I really enjoyed the banter and close connections between all the characters—it added so much warmth and made the story feel alive.

There was just one trope that isn’t usually my favorite, but it was so well written that it didn’t bother me at all.

I’m already counting down to the next book to get to know this family even better!

Well Written by Elle Sprinkle

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-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

I had the pleasure of reading this book as an ARC—many thanks to the author! Well Written is a heartfelt LGBTQ+ novella that’s easy to get lost in, with a charming gay romance that flows effortlessly. 

The story brings out themes of love and acceptance, and I really appreciated the sensitive portrayal of mental health, which added depth and authenticity. 

The ending was a blend of heartbreak and healing, leaving a lasting impression. This novella is a gem, and I truly adored every page!

Nature Fairies by Victoria Liiv

adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

I had the pleasure to arc read this book for the author, and I’m so grateful for the chance!

Nature Fairies delves into the beginning of the story between King Grath and Princess Siya. We first met King Grath in Fairies of Death, where he came across as cold and distant. But now we see a whole new side to him: he’s sweet, passionate, and genuinely amazing!

At first, Siya felt a bit bland to me, always so scared and hesitant. Thankfully, she evolved into a total badass queen by the end, and I came to love her too! I was also thrilled to see some chapters from Isay's perspective—she's just such a queen, and I adore her.

I absolutely loved and devoured this book, and I can’t wait for book three to read more about King Grath and Siya!

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

adventurous dark mysterious 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

This book is the perfect read for spooky season! The mysterious and gothic vibes were incredible and added so much to the story. The characters were well-developed, each bringing a unique vibe; some were more lovable than others, which added depth.

I also loved the idea of Death finally finding a match, and the way this played out was amazing to read! The murders in the story completely consumed me—I was convinced I had the culprit figured out, only to be totally shocked when the real killer was revealed!

Spiegelgeest by Cocky van Dijk

adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

I received this book as a birthday gift from my best friend last year, and I’m so grateful to her for it. It’s even signed by the author with a sweet personal note inside, which makes it extra special to me.

Normally, this isn’t the kind of book I’d pick up in a store, but reading it turned out to be a pleasant experience.

Although the writing style didn’t completely match my personal taste, it didn’t make the book any less enjoyable. The story was engaging, with a good amount of action that kept me hooked. All in all, it was a solid read!

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

I honestly don’t know why I let this book sit on my shelf for so long—what a great read! The characters are so fun, the banter is perfect, and there’s a lot of self-reflection that gives the story depth.

And the movie quotes! They added such a cute and clever touch, making the whole reading experience even more enjoyable.

This is a fantastic book if you love giggling like a little girl and kicking your feet with excitement!

Bloed by Holly Black

adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

This book focuses on a new main character, but for some reason, I just couldn’t fully connect with her. There was something about her vibe that didn’t quite resonate with me. The story itself started off a bit slow, and it wasn’t until later in the book that the action picked up, which was definitely needed!

Some characters, like Lolly, got on my nerves at times, but I really enjoyed Ruth as a character. I also loved that Roiben made a (brief) appearance in this book—it was a nice touch to see him again.

One positive aspect of the book is how it addresses addiction and its challenges, bringing some important awareness to the topic.

Water by Holly Black

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

This was a fun book and a quick read, but definitely very YA! The writing style flows nicely, and I enjoyed the world Holly Black created. However, I felt like the story could have used a bit more plot development or drama. At times, it felt a little slow, and I found myself wanting more excitement.

Overall, it’s a good read for fans of YA fantasy, but if you’re looking for something more intense or action-packed, this might feel a bit tame.

Flawless by Elsie Silver

emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.0

This is my first time reading a cowboy romance (and Elsie Silver), and let’s just say both are right up my alley! The book is well-written and flows smoothly, making it a joy to read. The characters are delightful and engaging, each bringing their own unique flair to the story.

The storyline is captivating, with a perfect mix of romance and adventure that kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved the chemistry between the main characters, which added to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Overall, "Flawless" is a fantastic introduction to the cowboy romance genre, and I can’t wait to explore more of Elsie Silver’s work!