megsshelves_'s reviews
32 reviews

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous emotional medium-paced

5.0

Spoilers ahead. If you choose to read ahead that's on you. 

I absolutely devoured this book like Xaden devoured Violet on that throne. 🥵 Xaden letting down his walls and finally becoming vulnerable with Violet was everything. I really felt for Violet this entire book. She is dealing with the trauma of watching Liam die, finds out everything she has been told her entire life has been a lie, and on top of that Xaden kept a bombshell of a secret from her. First off I understand Xaden keeping that secret, it wasn't his to tell. All of this is important because it explains Violets back and forth behavior, and why she seems different this book. 

One thing I have really loved about The Empyrean series is that the dragons power is channeled through the rider. I never mentioned that in my review of FW, but I thought it was such an interesting concept. I really enjoyed Andarna and Tairns banter throughout the book. It was very obvious that Andarna is not like the rest of the dragons in the vale. I believe she is the "and the one combined" that was talked about in the journal. I'm interested to see how Andarna affects Violets power since we know Tairn alone already provides a wealth of power. 

RY really went for the jugular making Violet have a vision of Liam when she was being held by Varrish. 😭 The whole time I was foolishly holding out hope maybe he somehow made it. I am selfishly hoping this isn't the last we see of him, maybe he will be a spirit guide to Violet? Was anyone else as devastated during that scene? 

Overall I loved this book. I obviously didn't enjoy the ending, but keep in mind this is only book 2 of a 5 book series. I'm very excited to see where the series goes. 

Plot: 4/5

Characters: 4/5

Spice: 2/5 but the throne scene 5/5🔥

Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair

3.0

I loved the first book in this series, completely devoured it. Queen of Myth and Monsters started out strong it picked up right where left off in King of Battle and Blood. I enjoyed the deeper connections found within the side characters. I loved the spice it was written so deliciously. Where it fell short for me was the last few chapters of the book. I felt in that time so much happened but I didn't get any answers. The book had many plot twists that kept me in my toes. If there is a third book I will absolutely read it. Like I said the only reason it's ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and not ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ is because of the ending. 

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 4/5

Shadows in the Golden City by Jennifer Kay

5.0

A book where the female is the heroine, the bad guy is actually the bad guy, and the good guy makes you believe in happily ever after. 

Shadows In The Golden City is about a shadow wielding female Robin Hood. There is world building, action, spice, and betrayal. This is an epic first book to what will be a series and I can't wait to read more. I really hope we see more of Galen and his back story *cough cough*

Tropes:

Enemies to lovers

Found family

Forced proximity

Plot: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

Spice: 3/5

A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

The Cursed (Coven of Bones Book 2) by Harper L. Woods, Adelaide Forrest

5.0

The Cursed by Harper L. Woods
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"We had centuries together—an eternity for me to worship every part of her."

“Let’s get one thing clear, Witchling. I am not jealous. I am possessive over what is mine.”

"For her, I'd spend my life on my knees if she asked it of me."

"Fuck the balance. I'll watch the world burn before I allow it to force you into something you do not want," he said."

I absolutely love a MMC who is possessive, has touch her and 💀 vibes, but still treats her as his equal. Alaric Gray is all of these and so much more. Knowing he doesn't always have to swoop in and save Willow, allowing her to fight her own battles just makes him top tier. I feel like in a lot of the books I've read once the FMC and MMC get together she just becomes a damsel in distress. That is not the case with The Cursed and it makes me love the book even more. 

In The Cursed we continue on our story at Crystal Hollow. As Willow and Gray navigate their new relationship, they must also navigate Willow's new role as Covenant. If you loved the steamy scenes in The Coven, I am here to tell you they are even better in The Cursed. HOLY SPICE- The buildup and writing of these scenes is phenomenal. 🥵🤤 I also want to mention how much I LOVED Jonathan in this book. If you enjoy touch her and 💀, political intrigue, enemies to lovers, possessive MMC, dark academia, and spice this book is for you. Please read trigger warnings before diving into the world of Crystal Hollow. 

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 5/5

Black Sunshine by Karina Halle

3.0

Rent to Be by Sonia Hartl

5.0

Brothers hot best friend as a love interest with friends to lovers vibes. Sign me the fuck up. Isla is having the month from hell, add in a family who treats her as the family fuck up she's just trying to survive. As she is sneaking her things into her brothers place we are introduced to Cade. I'd like to mention Cade is in a towel, that he drops, and eye contact was made with his member. Cue the sexual tension. This book is the perfect amount of rom-com, family drama, and sexual tension. The spice is chefs kiss. Highly recommend this book!

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 3/5

The Rebel King by Gina L. Maxwell

5.0

The Rebel King

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ MY #2 READ OF THE YEAR

I'm not going to lie I have beef with Gina L. Maxwell. How can she write a book THIS AMAZING and then make me wait for the next one. When I tell you I ate this book up I DEVOURED it. I laughed, cried, was angry, cheered, shocked- I literally felt every emotion in this book. Fi is such a lovable FMC but still has some bite to her. Tiernan gives major look at her and 💀 vibes. One major theme I loved with this book is just because something was doesn't mean that's how it always should be. 

Plot: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

Spice: 4/5

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense 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? No

5.0

My only complaint for this book was that Aelin was separated from Rowan initially. However this made for a perfect reuniting-her running into his arms *swoon* I was floored so many times in this book. Lysandra not only a good guy but also a shape shifter. Chaol actually being able to admit he's wrong, let down his pride, and be a team player. Color me shocked because I did not expect that to happen. Chaol redeemed himself slightly for me in this book. Don't even get me started on Manon and Dorian 🔥. I really hope we see more of them in upcoming books. I love how SJM writes Arlin's character. She is meticulous (SJM and Aelin) the fast that her plans are orchestrated so far in advance is amazing.

The Dark King by Gina L. Maxwell

medium-paced

5.0

Holy spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I absolutely devoured this book! From the storyline, the characters, and the spicy scenes it was all perfect!