teaand_tomes's reviews
407 reviews

Truly Madly Magically by Hazel Beck

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fast-paced

5.0

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and The Hive for the gifted review copy!

A delightful addition to the Witchlore series, featuring well-crafted character development of Ellowyn and Zander and exploring themes of found family and support within the Riverwood coven. The book delves into the familial bonds among coven members, adding depth and context to their motivations. The camaraderie and genuine support among the coven members make the story endearing and engaging. Overall, it's a charming, cozy, and witchy read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

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Big Little Spells by Hazel Beck

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fast-paced

5.0

A compelling second installment that follows Rebekah's return home after a ten-year absence, where she faces emotional challenges and rekindles a romance with Nicholas. The narrative skillfully blends themes of sisterly love, friendship, and family bonds with a gripping mystery as Rebekah and her sister uncover dark secrets in their town. The character development, particularly Rebekah's and Nicholas's evolving relationship, adds emotional depth. The detailed world-building and seamless integration of magical elements enhance the story's immersive atmosphere. 

Natalie Duke's narration significantly enhances the listening experience by bringing characters to life and maintaining consistency across the series, making it feel immersive and engaging. 
Small Town, Big Magic by Hazel Beck

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

5.0

A captivating and humorous read, set in the charming town of St. Cyprian. The book features excellent writing, witty dialogue, and a well-constructed plot that keeps readers engaged. The protagonist, Emerson Wilde, is an inspiring and relatable character with a strong female perspective. Her dynamic with Jacob North adds a heartwarming romantic element. The book blends fantasy, romance, and humor, making it an unforgettable and highly recommended read that celebrates women's power and small-town charm.

🎧 The audiobook narrator excellently portrayed Emerson's strong, feminist personality, enhancing the listening experience by vividly bringing characters to life, including her confrontations with Mayor Skip Simon and her discovery of hidden magical powers. 
What Monstrous Gods by Rosamund Hodge

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

5.0

A deeply captivating story set in a perilous, religious world with intricate politics and diverse cults. The narrative features mysterious characters with hidden layers, a slow-burning romance, and a plot full of twists culminating in a surprising ending. The main character, Lia, undergoes a profound crisis of faith after her goddess rejects her, leading her to sorcery and complex interactions with the villain, Ruven. The story's focus on faith, morality, and personal growth adds emotional depth and distinguishes it from typical love stories, making it a standout read. 

🎧 Exceptional narration brought the characters to life, particularly Lia, adding depth and emotion to the story and making moments between Lia and Ruven especially poignant. 
The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

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fast-paced

4.0

Thank you Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the gifted review copy.

A heartwarming and inspiring read about second chances, self-discovery, and hope. The story flows effortlessly, intertwining individual character journeys with themes of finding one's path in life. Despite occasional clunkiness due to translation, the book's life lessons and the delightful, magical element of talking cats offering wisdom and star chart consultations shine through. It's a beautifully crafted tale perfect for those who enjoy magic, astrology, and the comforting presence of cats, providing both entertainment and introspection.
Bridesmaid Undercover by Meghan Quinn

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emotional funny lighthearted sad slow-paced

4.0

Thank you Meghan Quinn and Hambright PR for the gifted review copy!

Had its share of enjoyable moments, particularly in the chemistry between Everly and Hardy. Their interactions felt genuine, and their budding romance was sweet and engaging. The spicy scenes added a nice touch of heat to the story. Hardy's chaotic antics were genuinely hilarious, providing highly enjoyable moments and showcasing Quinn's talent for writing dialogue. The banter between Everly and Hardy was a highlight, making their relationship refreshing and memorable. Despite the book's issues with pacing and emotional depth, these positives added charm and delight to the overall reading experience.

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The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

A lush, ethereal fantasy with dream-like world-building and immersive prose. It features a compelling romance between Leelo and Jaren, strong cult-like vibes reminiscent of Midsommar, and a richly detailed setting. The protagonist Leelo's internal struggle and the well-developed secondary characters add depth to the narrative. The book blends fairytale-like atmosphere with real human emotions, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and courage. Overall, it is a captivating and haunting tale that leaves a lasting impression.
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

Thank you Orbit Books and Goodreads for the gifted review copy!

A delightful and enchanting cozy fantasy, perfect for fans of magical creatures and romance. The detailed portrayal of magical creatures and the dedication to conservation efforts provide a unique and engaging backdrop. The enemies-to-lovers romance between Aila and Luciana, a rival griffin keeper, adds depth and emotional resonance to the story. Overall, this book is a must-read for animal lovers and fantasy fans alike, blending real-world issues with a magical setting and a compelling romance.
Minor Works of Meda by Juliette Caruso

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adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Thank you author Juliette Caruso and Book of Matches Media for the gifted review copy!

I loved this book. The story evolved from a rivals-to-enemies romance into an intricate tale. Kalcedon's grumpy, multi-layered personality and Meda's single-minded determination stood out. The captivating magic system, with witches as human descendants of fae and the wild nature of the fae, added depth to the story. The adventure and mystery, along with Meda's inspiring quest to save humanity, made it a thrilling read. This book is a must-read for fans of intricate magic, multi-layered characters, and a touch of romance in fantasy. 

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Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

Thank you Del Rey and NetGalley for the gifted review copy.

Ava Reid's Lady Macbeth is a captivating retelling that offers a fresh interpretation of Shakespeare’s character, bringing depth and complexity to her story. Despite my limited familiarity with the original play, I found the novel's dark and gothic prose mesmerizing. Reid masterfully blends power, magic, and fate, crafting a compelling and atmospheric narrative. This beautifully written book is a must-read for fans of reimagined classics and gothic tales.