_isabel_'s reviews
1026 reviews

Marina Vivancos does it again. "Broken Ice" is sheer joy and delight in book form: I inhaled it in a day, I had the giddiest smile on my face for the whole time, and I lost count of how many times it made me swoon. I swear, this author's writing seems to be made for me specifically: everything I've read of hers has been an automatic favourite, and even now I can't stop re-reading them.

Broken Ice is set 10 years after the events of the previous "Alpha Omega Hockey" books, when Omegas are finally starting to come out and hockey seems to be finally becoming an inclusive space for everybody... Key word: seems, because as Beau, our protagonist, knows, discrimination is still rampant in the league.
I was a bit worried about the time jump, honestly, because I felt like the previous characters had so much left to say; I shouldn't have been though, because not only did it make sense from the series standpoint, but it was absolutely fascinanting to see how much (and how little) things have changed for Omegas.

Despite this somewhat bleak(ish) premise, this book is seriously joyful: Beau was put through the wringer by his previous team and coach, his body forced to endure supressants that messed up his heats and his health, but he never loses his smile and his playful attitude.
I loved him so much. He's so different from the previous protagonists: every single one of them has been one of a kind, but both Omegas (and one closeted, subby Alpha) were the same in the sense that they had something to hide, a hidden, scarred and terrified part of them that they thought the world shouldn't know about, or wouldn't want to know about. In other words, they were the grumps in the grumpy/sunshine equation. Here we get the sunniest, most playful, most idiotic and most oblivious Omega (Beau is the himbo), and the grumpiest (and most idiotic) Alpha, i.e. the love of my life, Emilio Torres (I might have a tiny, tiny crush on him okay?)

< They stared at each other. This was probably a good time to say something like, ‘What the hell was that last night?’, or ‘Is this really just sex?’, or ‘Blink twice if you want to keep me forever.’ >

I loved both of them to bits. Their relationship starts off with a bit of one-sided enemies-to-lovers dynamic (because Beau is a bit oblivious, and Emilio is a grump) but soon flourishes in the dirtiest, sexiest, most delicious, I'll-help-you-through-your-heats arrangement.
Of course, both of them are pining, insecure idiots, so it takes a while for them to understand that they're the loves of each others lives, but the bits in between were just as glorious as the ending: I loved their dynamic, their relationship, so damned much. Despite the rocky start, it was packed with playfulness and a smidge of (endearing) misunderstandings, so much care and protectiveness, so much joy and affection, and literally, the dirtiest stuff I've read in an omegaverse in a long time (i.e. since the last Vivancos omegaverse): "Broken Ice" is packed with all the delicious A/B/O tropes you could wish for. Heats (lots), and ruts? Scenting (lots and lots) and pack dynamics? Nesting, claiming, mating and everything in between? This book has it. Needless to say, I was obsessed.

< Beau jolted, a gasp ripped out of him. “Oh, my God.” “You’re gonna be fucking covered in me after I’m done with you,” Emilio promised, voice low and sure. >

I loved both of them individually too. Like I said, I have an enormous crush on Emilio: he's grumpy and respectful (sooooooo respectful), kind and lovely, with some hidden insecurities that were simultaneously heartwrenching and endearing.
And Beau: god, where do I start with him. He's a himbo, he's an idiot and a joker, he's oblivious, he can't shut up to save his life, but he's also damned sweet and affectionate, so desperate for pack and a place to belong it broke my heart, so insecure and afraid, despite all the bravado and smiles. I adored him, and while I did want to jump into the book and shake him a few times, I also wanted to wrap him up in blankets for everything he's had to put up with. This book is joyful and fun, I promise, but it wouldn't be a Marina Vivancos book without a bit of feels and a smidge of trauma.

I also adored the fact that this book has such a found family atmosphere: I loved how the author incorporated omegaverse dynamics into team dynamics, and I loved all the side characters. Now, I'm desperate to know if two other pining idiots will get their HEA soon: I'm desperate to talk about them, but I'll shut up now.

I wholly recommend this book: it can easily standalone (but the other three books are marvellous as well). I already can't wait to re-read this, and I'm so damned excited to see what else Marina has planned for this universe. I hope she never stops writing in it. 

 What a ride. "Glitterland" was absolutely, freaking gorgeous.

I've been waiting for a chance to read this series, and the re-releases seemed like the perfect opportunity; I can't believe I ever doubted these books would work for me. Because wow: I think I love Alexis Hall the best when his writing and his stories are like this, an emotional punch to the gut in book form.

< I seized another kiss, swift and sweet from the corner of his lips. “All my smiles, you can have all my smiles, whenever I can find them.” “See,” he said, as though it was the simplest, most obvious thing in the world. >

I loved this book with my whole soul: it's packed with so much raw, unadultered angst and feels, so many hard, complex themes, and so many beautiful, hideous complicated human emotions. I read it at the precisely right time in my life as well: 2023 was a hard year for me, and seeing Ash struggle with his depression, with his out-of-control feelings, with his hopelessness, with not recognizing himself anymore, was hard, of course, but also cathartic. I think this genre needs more representation like his: it's important, necessary even, to see more mental health rep (and not only that!) on page, authentic, realistic, thought-through rep.

I didn't find the darkness to be overwhelming though: this is still a romance, and oh god, what a romance.
I didn't think it would work for me, but yep, it totally did: Ash and Darian's romance stole my soul. I loved them so damned much. They're so different from one another, but that's why they work; Darian's never known a different Ash, and Ash can be himself around Darian in a way he never could when so many people in his life are expecting the "broken, uncapable of change, bipolar depressive".

< “Darian. Darian.” He rolled over, tousled and lovely, blinking dazedly in the half- light. “What’s wrong, babes?” I stared at him, for a moment utterly speechless at the magnitude of everything. “I’m going to make you so unhappy,” I blurted out. “What? When? Can’t you like do it in the morning?” >


I loved their relationship, I loved how lighthearted and sweet and sexy they were with one another, and I loved their most difficult conversations and moments too.

Darian was a total sweetheart. I don't know how to describe him, but if I knew I person like him in my life, I'd probably be ready to go to war for them. He's lovely. Absolutely, 10000%, one of the loveliest love interests I've ever had the pleasure of meeting on page. He deserves the whole damned universe. He's funny and sweet and genuine and forgiving and friendly and kind, and just, the best person ever.

< “I’m not a fucking plural,” I snapped. “What?” I pointed at myself. “Item: one babe.”
“Ahwight,” he said. “Mister A.A. Winters, Esquire."

AND ASH. God, I don't know where to start, but boy, did I see myself in him. Not in his self-destructive ways, but in the way he's constantly doubting what he sees and feels and knows. He's complicated and rude and sarcastic and insecure and afraid, and I adored him even when I wanted to kick him (or maybe hug him?) for being all of that. I love a complex protagonist, a walking, talking contradiction of a mess of a MC, and Alexis Hall delivered (and then some) on that front.

The writing was lovely (if a bit flowery at times, BUT it was probably in line with the way Ash's mind works) and the humour was just right (and totally on brand for Alexis Hall: a bit hard, a bit rude, but thankfully it never reached Luc's levels) (YES, OKAY, after this one I will stop dropping hints about how angry "Husband Material" made me, I swear).
The romance was fantastic and the main characters stole my heart; the side characters were as complex and interesting as the two protagonists, and I wanted to hit Niall with something blunt, but I can't wait to read his book. Also, Amy? I loved her, I soooooo hope we'll get to see more of her (and Max, together thanks).
The ending was... abrupt, but thankfully there's an "Aftermath" short story that made it sweeter and more satisfying.

I'm excited to jump into book two! With brand new characters, but I can't wait to meet them.

TWs/CWs: mental illness (depression, bipolar disorder), suicide attempt and self-harm (referenced), panic attacks, one brief instance of biphobia (side characters), suicidal thoughts. 

 My favourite out of these. I adored "Patron of Mercy" so much!

This third installment is the perfect mix of romance and plot: I was hooked from the very first page. Thanatos and Lach's story is an achingly soft second chance romance, one fraught with past hurts, disappointments and broken hearts: I've come to adore this kind of trope, because it delivers a special kind of angst, and I adored how Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes managed to portray it here. The chemistry between them was palpable from the very first page, despite the betrayals and hurt Lach has caused Thanatos in their millennia-old romance: their dynamic was absolutely fantastic and fascinating, especially in regards to the power imbalance between them and how they handled it, and I adored seeing Lach redeem himself and finally be deserving of the loyalty and love sweet, gentle Thanatos seems to give out so freely. If there's a thing I adore, it's a good redemption arc.

I adored both leads: Lach was a complex mess of an immortal pirate, both confident and self-loathing, and Thanatos was such a lovely, wonderful soul, so gentle and kind, despite him being the embodiment of Death. I loved seeing a bit more of Hermes (I'm SO EXCITED to jump into the next series about the sons of Zeus!), and I loved the plot; I thought that underlying hint of a subplot was going to be resolved (or reveal itself) here, but no. Now I'm even more excited to read the rest of the books about this fabulous world of meddling, disastrous gods and goddesses, myths and magic.

I received an ARC of the "Lords of the Underworld" box set in exchange for an honest review. 

"Prisoner of Shadows" was absolutely delightful. 
I loved the premise, I loved both protagonists and all the wonderful side characters that we get to meet, and I absolutely loved the underlying plot that Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes have weaved into this book. I can't wait to see what they have in store for book three. I adored how every plot point seems to be coming together!

This second book was even more complex and magical, world-building wise. We get to meet new creatures and new gods, new prophecies and new curses. And vampires! The way they're depicted here, as protectors instead of predators, was absolutely fascinating.

Julian and Prometheus's romance stole my heart: it's sweet, lovely, respectful, but it's also spicy and pretty much packed with tension and chemistry since their very first meeting. I loved them individually too, especially sweet, joyful, broken Prometheus. I felt for him so much, and I adored being in his head.

I wish a couple of things had been developed slightly more, and some scenes felt unnecessary at times (I skimmed a few, especially in the second half of the book), but all in all, I really enjoyed this book.
I'm excited for book three, and I'm also damned excited to get to know a few more gods a bit better.

TW/CWs: torture, imprisonment, violence, death of loved ones.

<b> I received an ARC of the "Lords of the Underworld" box set from the authors in exchange for an honest review. </b>

"Prince of Death" was damned enjoyable. I've been meaning to try out this series for ages, and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to do it now.

Greek mythology was my childhood and early adolescence obsession; like so many, I adored all the capricious gods and goddesses, their stories, the betrayals, the relationships, the sheer amount of drama.
So of course I'd devour any sort of book, of any type of genre, that revolves around them. Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes are a formidable writing duo, and if this first book is any indication, I'm pretty sure I'm going to adore the rest of the series.

Theo and Lysandros were fantastic protagonists, and I loved their relationship so much. It was sweet and lightly spicy, with a few initial misunderstandings and mistrust, but everything turned out beautifully between them.
Lysandros was so damned sweet and precious; sexy, damaged, anxious gods who are surprisingly insecure? SIGN ME UP. I just wanted to jump in the book and hug him.
And Theo was fantastic: he's brave and stubborn, anxious and insecure, quietly badass and fierce, despite (or maybe thanks to?) his human mortality.

I adored the world-building, the mythology aspects were FANTASTIC, and I adored all the side characters, from Hades and Persephone to the most meddling and unhinged of the Greek gods (Hermes? I'm damned curious about him).
I can't wait to read book two!


I received an ARC of the "Lords of the Underworld" box set from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

Obviously, "Home for the Howlidays" was my favourite. It's Joker and Gio, how could I not love their Christmas novella the most?!

I swear I could read hundreds of Joker-centric novellas like this one (and I might actually go and do re-read of his book right away...). If there's one thing that's my absolute catnip, it's gruff, assholish grumps who have a secretely soft and subby side, only shown to their love interests: I'm WEAK for characters like Joker, and I loved him to bits in this novella.
He was hilariously grouchy as usual, his shenanigans with Ace were priceless, and the love and the bond he has with Chip made my heart sing. And yes, his relationship with Gio is, as usual, absolutely lovely, and I swooned and sighed and melted so many times.

This Christmas novella is packed with lighthearted humour and an impeccable holidays atmosphere, found family (The Boyfriends taking care of Joker?! PRICELESS) and even a smidge of drama and angst. I loved this third installment to bits, and I loved that we got to see Joker and Gio work through their misunderstandings, and making their love even stronger.
I can't wait to read the next (and sigh, last) novella. 

Another absolutely adorable installment in this Christmassy series. 
Jack and Fitz were so cute, and the Ace hijinks and shenanigans were freaking PRICELESS. This one made me laugh out loud and smile and swoon; I'm so excited to be back in Gio and my precious Joker's heads for the next one.

 Absolutely ADORABLE.

Charlie Cochet's books never fail to make me happy.
"Not So Silent Night" was the perfect Christmas novella: it's fun and lighthearted, hilarious and sweet and romantic, and absolutely packed with found family feels. Every time Colton or Ace said "our family" I MELTED.

It was so great to be back with these characters: Ace was absolutely hilarious as always (I love that chaotic goofball with my whole soul <3), and I loved all the group interactions as well (also, Joker, you're still my fave; I can't wait to read your novella *jumps in excitement*)

I'm so excited to read the next books in this Christmassy series. 

This was absolutely lovely.
Cute and heartwarming, with an underlying current of angst anf heartache, and a smidge of spice too. Claire Cullen's omegaverse series never fail to make me happy.

I loved Rex and Brennan with my whole heart, and they were both perfect for one another. Rex was beyond lovely (and hot!), and Brennan was so damned brave and interesting and sweet.

I loved this series to bits! I can't wait to read the next series in this same universe.

Oh I don't know where to start.
I've been (im)patiently waiting for Misha's book since the first time he appeared in Roan and Sasha's duology, in all his badass, complicated, contradictory glory. I was immediately intrigued by him, and I seriously could not wait to have his book in my hands.
I was expecting to love "The Deliverance of Marek Sommers", and while I did enjoy this book, I wasn't totally sold on it, unfortunately.

First things first though, the good:
- The characters. I absolutely adored Misha: he's that perfect mixture of gruff and strong, sweet and caring. I loved how loyal he was to his people, and I loved how protective and loyal he was to Marek: if there's one thing I'm weak for, it's dangerous heroes being soft for their love interests.
I loved Marek too: he's a complicated man, and his "run before I get hurt" personality IS very realistic considering his past, and, like Roan, he's got a distinct lack of morals and a ruthlessness that make him the perfect man for Misha's very violent and very criminal "career". Both MCs were multifaceted and complicated, and I always appreciate that in the romances I read.

- I loved the writing, I loved Bri and Ezra and Nadia, and I loved seeing a bit more of Misha's men too: they're so loyal to him, and it made me smile how they acted a bit like mother hens when it came to his safety.

So why 3.5 stars?
Well, although I DID enjoy this book, I thought it was a bit too long for starters. Maybe it was necessary for Misha and Marek's development as a couple, considering Marek's past and his understandable skittishness towards big, powerful men, but I still ended up skimming quite a few chunks of the book.
And I also found this book... I don't know, a bit too unfair? Gratuitous? Some things happen that left me feeling quite a bit unsettled, and it kinda spoilt the ending for me: although it's a very, very happy HEA, some things were just a bit too dark and too unfair, too unforgivably violent, for me too accept that ending as a satisfying one. I know this is a dark romance, so maybe it's my fault for expecting something different, but still, there has to be a line somewhere.
I don't know, maybe I haven't read enough of this kind of genre, and mine's probably an unpopular opinion, but still, some things that happen left me with a bad, bitter taste in my mouth, and I couldn't get over it.

But yes, like I said, mine's probably an unpopular opinion, and if you love dark romances with a hard-won HEA, complicated, dangerous men and lots and lots of steam, this is the book for you. Plus, it has a really sweet epilogue, despite it all.

TWs/CWs: attempted sexual assault (on page), sexual assault (past), abusive parent, drug addiction, death of family members, violence.

Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.