_isabel_'s reviews
1016 reviews

Oof this is a difficult one to rate.
This book should have TOTALLY been perfect for me. Roommates and teammates to lovers? A smidge of a kink awakening, with a D/s caretaking* dynamic? (* now I'm imagining Ethan being called out for being Riley's sugar baby LOL) Two protagonists that were really compelling? A whole lot of found family vibes and a fabulous cast of side characters? It has "me" written all on it.
Unfortunately, I got bored and started skimming. I don't know why, but this book felt too chunky and long, even though it's pretty short? I'm not sure how it's possible. I swear I've read 800 page tomes in less time.
Maybe I just wasn't in the mood. I've had a very stressful week, so a hockey/contemporary book might have not been the best choice to get out of my head. I'm very picky with those, and despite loving book one, this one didn't manage to hold my interest *ugh
A shame, since I really adored both MCs, especially Ethan (HE'S THE BEST!) and their dynamic was truly fire. 
I'm not sure if I should give book three a go now. I really want to read book four though, and I think a bit of the MCs backstory happens in that one. We'll see. I'm giving hockey romances a rest for a book or two though. 

What a freaking delight.
I adored this hockey romance SO MUCH.
I decided to dive into this series because I really want to read book four, but since all of these are quite short, I broke my rule about series made up of standalones (that is, I shouldn't have to read them all if I don't want to) and started at the beginning.
I'm so glad I did.
Lane and Jared are DELIGHTFUL protagonists, and their dynamic was so freaking cute and wholesome and lovely and perfect I had the urge to kick my feet and twirl my hair and squeal in my pillow. So cute. SO LOVELY. And the banter? Now, if you've read my reviews before you know I abhor pointless, childish banter, but the way these two were together, their inside jokes, the ribbing and the delightful way Jared teased Lane, it WAS EVERYTHING. I grinned non-stop til the end.
I adored both of them so so so much. I loved Lane, I loved how peculiar and unintentionally funny he was, I loved his no-filter big mouth, I loved how freaking precious he was. I'm pretty sure he's portrayed as being neuroatypical, and I absolutely freaking loved that. He was the best.
And Jared! UGH, I loved that grumpy sod so much. I loved seeing him grow throughout the novel, how he managed to get back his shine and his love for hockey thanks to Lane, and I loved being in his head. He was hilarious and snarky and lovely, and his past made me want to jump into the book and hug him to death.

< “J, hey. Wake up. I just thought of something.”
“God help us all,” Jared muttered, blinking sleepily at him. “What is it? Also. Do you know what I just thought of? We need a bigger bed. This one is terrible. Why are we sleeping on it?” Lane’s bed was a full-size mattress that was barely big enough for him, but he wasn’t thinking about that. “No. That’s not what I’m thinking about.”
“I know. It’s what I’m thinking about.”
“Wait your turn.” Lane stared at him. Jared stared back. >

I adored the side characters (Ryan and Zoe own my soul <3 and I cannot wait to get to Riley and Ethan's romance *happy dance*), and I loved how this series is set in a minor league hockey team. There was enough hockey to make my sports-romance loving heart happy, but it didn't feel overwhelming like some of these romances do.
"Breakaway" is a fairly short novel; but it feels so much longer. I don't know if it's an Avon Gale magical skill or something, I'll have to get back to you on that, but it's packed with so much character development, an emotional, angsty undertone that made my heart hurt, and a love story that stole my freaking soul. I loved the ending so, so, so much too.
I wholly recommend.

TWs/CWs: grooming and abuse (in the past), homophobia. 

Well, I'm a bit disappointed.
I requested this from Netgalley because it sounded very, very unusual and the premise sounded pretty cool; but yeah, maybe I underestimated how much disordered eating on page could have an effect on me (yep, that's one of my only triggers; I usually DON'T mind it, especially if the ED rep is well-done, but sometimes it makes me feel rubbish about myself and I have to give into the urge to skim). Also, I'm pretty sure I wasn't precisely in the mood for fantasy, especially of the complex variety, and I should have listened to myself. Oh well.

There were a couple of very positive things: I loved the dynamic between the two MCs, and I really liked both Fierre and Aiven as MCs. Their slow-burn relationship was my favourite thing of the novel: I decided to read through to the end (okay, yes; I also skimmed a lot) just because I needed to see them reach their HEA.
On the other hand, the world-building and the whole complex, political landscape left me VERY very confused. Again, maybe it was my brain's fault; maybe it was just a smidge too messy for my liking.

And yeah. Like I said; I enjoyed bits of this novel, and I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a queer high fantasy romance (and unlike me, if you have the bandwidth for a complicated, and quite fascinating in some ways, world-building); especially considering it's a debut.

All in all, definitely not for me, but who knows, I'm sure there are readers out there that will love it more than me.

TWs/CWs: eating disorder (starvation, induced vomiting), body shaming (internalized and by others), abusive parent, sexual assault and aggressive language, sex used as a means of self-harm, violence, slut-shaming.

Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest review. 

 This was a really fantastic read. It's my first book by Taylor McNiff, but I KNOW it won't be my last, because I WHEW, I devoured this gem in two nights. No sleep was had, but it was totally worth it.

SEE, now this is how I like my contemporary/sports romances. I'll have half a dozen like this one please! "Breakaway" is the perfect example of how a romance can be steamy and funny and heartfelt, without it feeling shallow, without all that forced light-heartedness and, god forbid, forced banter that always make me want to gouge my eyes out. This is how you write two leads, and this is you write an emotional, believable connection between them.

I adored it, needless to say. I loved Ethan and Hayden SO FREAKING MUCH. I loved their dynamic, I loved how skittish and grumpy Ethan was towards Hayden and I loved seeing their relationship slowly morph into respect and care and affection and love. Everything about their relationship felt emotionally charged and believable, and it had me in a chokehold IMMEDIATELY.
I loved the D/s undertones to their dynamic, and I adored Hayden's care-taking side so so so much.
I loved how Ethan's bi-awakening (and sub awakening lol) wasn't easy, but it wasn't full of meaningless drama either.
I adored Ethan as a lead: the depression rep was fantastic and yes, again, believable and it felt like something the author had probably witnessed up close, so it felt even more charged. I keep saying this but: please, my lovely MM romance writers, please please please include more mental health rep in your romances. ALSO, @friends, if you have recs: I WANT THEM.

I'm docking half a star because I would have loved to see a bit more of role reversal between the two leads. I was wholly weak for Hayden, so maybe that's the reason, but I wanted to see a smidge more of his past (especially that whole situation with his ex) and maybe see Ethan react to it, or even have a talk between them about it. Okay, yes, screw it: I loved Ethan's possessive/protective streak (if you read the book: yes, I'm talking about the bar scene), and I would have loved to see him use it a bit more for Hayden's sake. This book felt very much like Ethan's story, and that's completely fine and expected, considering the topic, but I really adored Hayden too, and I would have loved seeing him centred a biiiit more.

That aside; I loved this book. I loved this book so much that if Taylor McNiff were to kindly gift us Jules' story, I'd probably worship her capable, storytelling mind FOREVER. I loved Jules SOOOO much. SO SO MUCH. I want to see him get his own HEA *stomps feet* pretty please?

I think I'll probably re-read this book in the near future; I already can't wait. I'll definitely check out more books in this multi-author series too!
I wholly recommend this one: it was a delightful, meaningful, steamy as hell, gut-punch in book form, and it was totally worth all the sleep I lost.

TWs/CWs: depression, suicide (past), suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, hospitalization (past), death of a parent. 

This was very cute!
My first Denver Shaw romance, and I'm already pretty sure it won't be my last.
I'm not big on Christmas romances, apart from a few select authors, but the blurb on this one appealed so much I couldn't pass on it: single widower Dad, a pining (ex) best friend, years of absence, of yearning, of grief? The angst potential already had me clutching my heart in preparation.

I ended up enjoying this romance. Unfortunately it didn't totally work for me, so I'm sticking with this rating. I'm glad I read it though! It's a sweet romance, packed with a boatload of emotional hurt/comfort and lots of bittersweet, atmospheric Christmas vibes. Taran, one of the MCs, stole my heart: he was a fabulous protagonist, and I loved how devoted he was to his son, Rory. And Rory! Such a sweet, lovely kid. I haven't got a maternal instinct in my body, but I could change my mind if I had a child like Rory. 
Wynter, on the other hand... I wasn't wholly sold. He's great with Taran and Rory, and I loved seeing them re-create their little family of three, but in other ways, I wasn't sold. I didn't like the way he handled the whole Lisa situation (she's your wife for years; how is it he could forget about the supposed love between them in half a second? Also, yeah, okay, she cheated on you; she's still the person you married; I was expecting a bit more of thought through conversation and dynamic between them), and his POV chapters could be a little repetitive.

The romance was pretty cute, and I loved the initial build-up especially. The "will-they-won't-they", "this is wrong but I fancy you so much" phase of a relationship will always be my favourite. I admit, I was expecting a smidge more angst in some ways, but this is a short novel, so it couldn't have everything.
All in all, I enjoyed myself. I'll definitely be looking into Denver Shaw's backlist!

 Well, who would have thought that it would take a new-to-me author to make me SOB, cry literal big fat tears, for the first time in I don't know how many months? Animals were involved, so no surprise there: those last few chapters HIT HARD.

Anyway, this was a delight. "Something Unavoidable" was an enemies to lovers romance done seriously right, with the right amount of animosity and misunderstandings and annoyance to make the transition to lovers believable (and not completely impossible!); the protagonists were WONDERFUL. Both of them are snarky and grumpy in very different ways, and I loved seeing them come together and find the ways they manage to fit. Keegan was fabulous, so damn assertive and domineering and protective, but also kind and patient (without being a doormat!), while Izzy was literally the human equivalent of a stray cat, hissing and spitting: he attacks first because he's afraid of being hurt, he sleeps around because he's touch-starved and doesn't think he deserves more, he's an asshole but hides such much heart and kindness. Ugh, I loved them both.
Their dynamic was absolutely FIRE. I won't lie, the reason I wanted to read this book was because it had a D/s relationship (and fisting was mentioned). Who am I to resist? I'm glad to say that the steam did not disappoint, even though I maybe wanted a smidge more just for funsies. I loved how well they fit together, and I loved their dynamic both inside and outside the bedroom. Seeing them go from strong dislike to love was a treat.

I loved the side characters: I'm not sure if I'll read all of the previous books now, but I'll definitely give a few a go. A few characters intrigued me, and since quite a lot of the secondary romances on page had Daddy kink, I'm going back on my promise to never touch a Daddy romance (apart from a select few authors!) to see if Rory Maxwell can make that short list.
And of course the animals: I'm a big animal softie, so no surprises there, but without spoiling too much, I shed most of my tears because of them and their bond to their humans. UGH, so cute.

This book can definitely standalone in my opinion. Sure, you'll miss out on a few backstories, but if you don't mind that, you definitely won't feel lost. I highly recommend this romance!

TWs/CWs: sexual assault (past, secondary characters), suicide (past, secondary character), grooming (past), panic attack, heavy drinking, sexual relations while drunk (not between main characters), animal mistreatment.

Thank you GRR for the ARC. This is my honest review.

 

 What a freaking delightful installment <3

This might be my favourite Maya Jean, quite possibly.
Nobody is surprised by this by now, because I always tend to repeat it in my reviews, but I love my contemporaries when they have a bit more heft, from an angst point of view, and "The Remarkable Lover" was precisely my kind of romance in that specific way.
It's still a very sweet, very light-hearted romance, but it has an emotional, angsty undercurrent that hit just right *chef's kiss*
It's definitely Maya Jean's most mature romance, I think, and I seriously cannot wait to see the even bigger improvements we'll be definitely getting in the next novel in this "Sweet Southern" series.

Angst and emotional upheavals aside, what I loved most in this installment was how well-rounded both protagonists felt: they shine brighter, and feel more realistic and complex, especially Harper, and I adored seeing their dynamic change and their relationship grow.
Harper especially was a delightfully complex character: he hisses and attacks like a stray, touch-starved cat, but he's also so unbelievably lovely and thoughtful and ughhhh, he deserves happiness SO MUCH. I loved him! And I loved Jackson too. The previous love interests in this series always felt a smidge too perfect for my liking, but Jackson, while absolutely perfect (and a literal dreamboat *swoons*), is also freaking lovable and well-rounded, with a few hidden vulnerabilities: he's both a sunshiny goofball with so much golden retriever energy he'd give Harper's service dog, Honey, a run for her money, but also SO domineering and possessive and the literal embodiment of a Service Top with some serious Daddy energy... give me a man who can do both *nods in approval*
I usually steer clear of Daddy kink, apart from a few authors I trust can do it right, but I think Maya Jean is now officially on that (very short) list.
Speaking of which, the steam was fire. Hands down the best steam this author has written, maybe because I felt so connected to both MCs and their dynamic.

As usual, I adored the side characters and the found family vibes they always have going on. The group interactions were so lovely. I cannot wait to be back with them all for Benji and Nolan's romance. I CANNOT WAIT to see what will happen with those two as well... I'm so intrigued.

Anyway, back to Jackson and Harper... black cat/golden retriever, one sided annoyance to lovers, a ton of hurt/comfort, delicious size difference, ALLLLL the first times, plus Lite Daddy kink? Set in a wonderfully wholesome small-town, with found family, and the most adorable service dog? PLUS chronic illness and anxiety rep? I was hooked from the start, and I wholly recommend if those tropes appeal to you.
I cann0t wait to read the next book (and also, the one after that too: I'M INTRIGUED *cackles gleefully*).

TWs/CWs: epilepsy and off-page seizure, injury (past), toxic parent relationship, brief mention of instances of racism, self-deprecating jokes about suicide ideation struggles, mental health struggles (self-worth, anxiety).

Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review. 

"A Power Unbound" is the most wonderful conclusion to Freya Marske's magical, historical trilogy. I've had this book on my shelf for quite a bit, but I'm so glad I got over my fear of finishing series and dove into it.

I admit, my memory wasn't precisely cooperating at the beginning: I'd read Maud and Violet's installment more than a year ago, so I couldn't remember too many details (apart from: "Maud Blyth, I love you" and "Jack Hawthorn, I'd die for your grumpy, mean ass"), but thankfully Freya did a fabulous job at dropping enough hints and recaps for my brain to catch up.

I adored this final installment so so much! The plot was absolutely MASTERFUL, freaking addictive, complex, packed with twists and enough political (and magical) machinations to make my heart happy. I adored the world-building and the atmosphere even more! I've always praised Freya Marske's ability at creating wonderfully evocative and magical world-buildings, and this trilogy was a delight from that point of view.

I also LOVED the two protagonists, even though Jack had most of my heart. 
Alan was a fabulous counterpart to Jack, angry and complicated and lovable, but Jack stole my freaking soul. Give me all the mean, angry, snarky asshole nobles hiding squishy hearts and vulnerable, damaged pasts: I'll never tire of them. 
I loved their dynamic (FREAKING FIRE), and I adored the build-up of their relationship: they made me swoon and ache and nearly cry. Ugh, they deserve happiness so freaking much!
I knew Elsie's story, and Jack's bond to her, were going to destroy me, but the reality was even worse: her death was SO DAMN UNFAIR, and my heart still hurts for poor Jack and what he was forced to hide and endure. 
The story is pretty much packed with these more bittersweet moments, so beware, but they made me fall in love with the book even more. I came out of it elated, satisfied and worryingly close to sobbig my eyes out: who would have thought?!

I loved all the side characters to bits, and I loved seeing all the gang interact and scheme, fight and plot their way into saving Britain's magic from the greedy hands of those looking for the Last Contract. A special mention to Maud for being FABULOUS, to Robin for being an absolute dreamboat (and a rugby icon), to Edwin for breaking my heart, to Violet for being a badass (and a wonderfully dramatic actress) and to Adelaide for being a competent queen.

Ugh, I'm going to miss these characters so much. But I'm so happy I finally gave in and finished this series. It's been a fun, emotional ride, one I won't forget anytime soon.

Well, this was a delightful, kinky gem. I've had this book on my radar for ages: I'm so glad I gave it a go.
"Fawned" was the perfect balance between kink and romance, light-hearted steam and angst. I managed to devour this chunky book in two days, I literally could not stop reading!
Both protagonists were wonderful, multi-layered and complex and lovable, and while I had a couple of issues with the pacing and the writing at times, I found both Gil and Barnaby so so so fabulous and relatable. It's so rare that I find myself in both characters of a romance (a kinky, new-adult, one at that!), but I found Gil and Barnaby's struggles so relatable and close to my own experience. Mental health struggles are no joke, and I so wish more authors would be brave enough to include them n their romances.

Emotional angst aside, I loved the kinky aspects of their relationship: this was my first pet play book, I believe? And while I don't think I'm too eager to look for more, I still loved how it was portrayed! I also absolutely adored how their romance developed, and I even adored the third-act break-up and all the angst it entailed. It was necessary for both MCs, and while I still wanted to kick Gil's ass for being an idiot, I adored how they managed to overcome it, how Gil let himself be in love for once (also, yep, highly relatable *imaginary high five*)

I had a few issues with the pacing (yep, the middle bit became a smidge repetitive and I started skimming a few chapters!) and the writing could have probably been more polished, but all in all I was very satisfied. The one thing that kind of bothered me the most was Seth, and the fact that his and Barnaby's (very toxic) friendship is kinda left unresolved: I spent most of the book despising Seth, and I really would have loved to see a resolution or for Gil to kick his ass for being a terrible friend. Raul, Diana, Savannah... they all had less of a chapter each, and they still managed to be so much better friends to Barnaby than Seth. UGH.

Anyway, those issues aside, I really enjoyed "Fawned". It was highly entertaining, a fun and emotional ride of a book.

TWs/CWs: suicide ideation, suicide attempts (past), self-harm (past), toxic friendship, ableism, depression, anxiety, self-loathing (because of body image) and fat-shaming (self-directed).