orini's reviews
56 reviews

Tower of Tempest by Tee Harlowe

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring fast-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? It's complicated

4.5

Death and Sweet Temptations by Kristen Coar

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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? No

5.0

This book was thrilling! A story of a half-vampire hunting vampires with a police officer sidekick and loyal demon dog? I'm here for it. There is a lot of depth in the characters Coar created. This story is intense, with the occasional break for humor, which was a nice reprieve. The FMC is seriously a badass. The hunky MMC is certainly swoon worthy he has his magic, which definitely sets him a part, but I feel like he is very emotionally driven, whereas the FMC is logical and strategic. Regardless, their golden, growing relationship is complex and suspenseful. And the spice was very, very nice! 🥵
The loyal "dog" companion has filled me with intrigue at that last part of the book. Iykyk. I have my suspicions on where this goes next, but I will have to wait and see if I am right in book 2. Bravo Kristen Coar, and thanks for giving me a serious book hangover.
The Elflaine Chronicles: Ballad of Dawn by Haley Hamilton

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
This book was way too slow paced and predictable for my liking. I was finding myself making excuses not to read it. I loved the Scottish folklore, and the characters were well developed. This book just wasn't for me.
The Fall Gauntlet: BEAR by J.A. Merkel

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challenging emotional tense fast-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? No

5.0

The Spell Caster by Tamsin Hawthorn

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challenging emotional tense medium-paced

4.0

I love me a witchy story, and this one does not disappoint! Hidden witch communities, covens, talented spell casters with demon familiars, and an endless war against angels. Hawthorn takes a very interesting view on a biblical story and creates this brilliantly unique tale without getting into religion. They do a great job at creating interesting and expressive characters. The world building is intriguing because it's contemporary yet unique as the "circles" are hidden communities amongst the modern world. The plot was fascinating and kept me hooked as I was fed more and more parts to the puzzle. I would say my only complaint is how slow the burn is. And I am left sweltering in the heat without any relief. Cruel cruel authors. 😉 I'm looking forward to book two! 

Favorite quotes:

"It was delicious, and I feel fine. I can't count on you for anything"

"You mean the party where you sauntered around all night in the hottest dress I ever saw, with no idea everyone was drooling over you, and then you wound me up so bad, I couldn't think straight for days? That party?"
The Veiled Kingdom by Holly Renee

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

5.0

I am so mad. So mad, sad, glad. The feelings are feeling things!! 
This book was fanominal. I was kept on the edge of my seat through the entirety of it. Will the fmc get caught? Will her identity be discovered? Where can she hide? Will the mmc understand if she told him the truth? Uhhg, the suspense!! Their relationship is so complicated, and there are definitely some red flags, but I am here for it. 😆

Ultimately, this was a fast-paced quick read with a well developed plot, and a good amount of spice. The world building was good, could picture most of the story in my minds eye. I feel like it could have been more descriptive but I'm not upset by it. What I am upset with though is how it ended! Ya can't just leave me hanging like that!!! If I ever meet Holly Renee we will have words!!! 😂
Unbound by Brittany Gossin

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adventurous challenging emotional funny tense fast-paced

5.0

Afflicted by R.D. Baker

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challenging dark emotional tense fast-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? No

5.0

I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are entirely my own. 

Wow. Just wow. This book was incredible! I mainly read fantasy, and I admire how R.D. Baker has adapted this romantic fantasy into a post-apocalyptic world. The dual pov was well written. It never felt as if one character had more time on page than the other. The plot was thrilling and addictive. I could not put the book down! The romance was beautiful, and the spice burned so good. I am going to need to see a cardiologist because the way this book left my heart palpitating every chapter can not be healthy. 
There are some definite trigger warnings in this book, so READ THOSE first to determine if it is a good fit for you. 
Overall this book left me fully entertained and I will be reading everything else this author has written. 
If resident evil, underworld, the walking dead, twilight, and revolution had an orgie this book would be it's sweet scandalous love child.

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Shot in the Dark by Mary Dublin, Anne Kendsley

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adventurous challenging dark 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

Shot in the Dark is an thrilling adventure following a young fairy determined to explore the strange human world. Sylvia a fairy of 21 summers, grows bored with her home amongst the willow. Boredom and curiosity inspire this determined fairy to explore a nearby haunted manor house. The thrill seeking, treasure hunter stumbles into a very human(?) ordeal. Two hunters target Sylvia as a potential enemy on a case they are working on involving missing persons leading them to the manor house. Tensions run high as Sylvia and these hunters are thrown into a predicament and are forced to work together. Enemies become friends and friends become lovers and found family. If you enjoyed the hit TV series Supernatural you will enjoy this book. Our 2 mmcs are heavily inspired by Sam and Dean Winchester fighting the seedy supernatural underbelly of humanity. 
I really enjoyed this book. I am left intrigued to find out what mysteries Sylvia uncovers in the next book. 
Of Song and Darkness by Jessica Spruill

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adventurous emotional fast-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? No

4.5

This book was filled with adventure! Spruill thrusts us into a nostalgic mermaid tale with a twist. It has wonderful pacing, the characters were well developed, and the world building was excellent. If you enjoy the following tropes, you will enjoy Of Song And Darkness. 

🔹️Found Family
🔹️Fairytale retellings 
🔹️Coming of age
🔹️Strong FMC
🔹️Banter
🔹️Slow burn
🔹️Closed Door romance

Fair warning this book will suck you in, and before you know it, it's 3AM, and you're considering pulling an all-nighter to finish it. (Ask me how I know. 🫣) I really enjoyed the plot, and it has a completed finale. I do wish there was more. I have questions, and they remain unanswered for now. Who knows, maybe there will be a novella I can get those answers from. Or ask in person during a future book signing? Regardless, this is a wonderful piratey tale to get swept in to. I highly recommend it.