_isabel_'s reviews
1026 reviews

 This was my first Avril Ashton novel, but I'm preeeetty sure it won't be my last.
Because "What You Need" was absolutely fantastic. Complex and bittersweet, romantic and steamy, with a truckload of exquisite hurt/comfort and all the angst my angst-loving heart desires.

Jack and Ashe were absolutely wonderful protagonists, and I ADORED seeing their relationship flourish: it's sweet and wonderful and respectful and loving and just, perfect. And I loved them individually too, so damn much.

I know I started Avril Ashton's backlog a bit backwards (this book works as a standalone, but it's interconnected to a lot of books and series), but I'm glad I stared here, with this novel. I really needed to read something like this. That being said; this one easily works as a standalone, and I wasn't lost at all, especially considering that much of this novel is centred on Ashe and Jack's romance, with very little action and a minimal subplot, but I'm still very intrigued by all the side characters and their stories. I think I'll have to start from the beginning now: I'm just dying to know more about them all. 

Well, this was freaking lovely.

River and Laysa's story absolutely stole my heart: I gasped out loud, I laughed, I swooned, and I was at the very edge of my seat the entire time.

There's something special about slightly unhinged, very ruthless, snarky disaster MCs as River, who are quite ready to sacrifice the world for anyone they love, and I loved being in his head so damn much: he's fun and hilariously snarky, but also, deep down, deeply devoted to his small family, to his twin and, of course, to his Laysa.
And Laysa? Oh god, that man (*cough* demon) was seriously hot. Dangerous and equally ruthless, but as Elethen before him, he's also got a marshmellow heart and I ABSOLUTELY adored him.
His and River's relationship, and dynamic, were seriously everything I dream of in my romances: absolute perfection, all around chef kissing, packed full with chemistry and sexy tension.

I also loved the plot, of course: it was entertaining and enjoyable, and some twists and turns actually left me gasping out loud. The side characters, the world-building, the writing, all of it was very, very engaging and riveting.

So yes, "The Elemental Ruins" was an absolute ride of a book and I enjoyed every second of it. I'd thoroughly recommend this series to any reader who wants a quick and easily devoured, fun and subtly sexy, read, one that is also packed with romance and action and magic.

I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review. 

Oh this was freaking good: hugely enjoyable, light-hearted but also kinda dark, pure, smutty entertainment.
Omegaverse has slowly become one of my favourite genres and Beau Brown's spin on it, "Omega Trapped", was an absolute delight to devour.

I managed to inhale it in less than a day: it's got my favourite ABO dynamics and tropes (fated, albeit reluctant, mates, heats and knotting, marking, mpreg, uber possessive alphas and feisty and obstinate omegas), plus arraged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, hate sex, hurt-him-and-you'll-die, and of course, mafia shenanigans.

Even though I know he’s joking, jealousy swamps me. “Oh, really?”
He sighs. “Can I help it if I’m popular?”
“You’re going to be dick-less if you cheat on me.”
He grins. “Well, that escalated quickly.”

Valentino and Nico's romance was absolutely explosive: dark and gritty and violent, but also surprisingly light-hearted and sweet at times, even funny. Both of them have highly questionable morals, and Valentino is decidedly a sociopath who does very horrible stuff (to Nico too, although, in his words, he didn't love him yet, so it was very justified *sarcastic eye roll*), but yeah, I loved them together. Their dynamic is highly addictive, gripping and packed with chemistry and attraction. I also adored the side characters, and I really hope the author has plans to add to this omegaverse mafia universe.

This book was the palate cleanser I needed to finally get over my slump (I HOPE), and I'm so glad I read it. If you're looking for an OTT, darkish and fun romance, this could be the read for you.

TWs/CWs: drug addiction, abortion discussion, non-con, violence, threats of SA/SA, death.

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

I only blame myself for this.
I always seem to get selective amnesia about how much Daddy/boy books aren't for me: I try them out, I don't like them, then my ever-so-hopeful, goldfish brain seems to forget about this fact and every single freaking time I come across an appealing blurb with a Daddy/boy dynamic I try them again, and every single time I'm reminded why I don't read them.
Ugh.
It's such a shame because this kind of dynamic could (and can! I have come across books with it that I love) be unbelievably hot; I think I only ever like it when it's firmly inside the bedroom, and not a 24/7 kind of dynamic.

Anyway, sorry about this preamble: "Chance Encounter" started off in a really enjoyable, bonkers way, but I started skimming after Chance got rescued and their dynamic turned a bit too saccharine for my tastes, with virtually no more action and outside plot.
A shame, because I was looking forward to an action-packed, plot-heavy and slightly OTT book that also featured BDSM (and that's such a rare feat in MM romance nowadays; it's either one or the other, so I'm always on the lookout for books where plot and kink go side by side).

Unfortunately Tate and Chance's dynamic did not work for me: it was too unbelievable and too my-teeth-are-rotting sweet. Again, this is my fault because I know that Daddy/boy books don't work for me, but I still gave another one a go, hoping, maybe, that there were some different elements to the romance that could have made their dynamic stand out.

If you're a Daddy/boy fan though, and a fan of morally gray assassin protagonists and bonkers, OTT plots, you'll definitely love this book. Objectively, "Chance Encounter" is a quick read, sweet and probably enjoyable to any fan of this kind of genre. And, to finish off this review with a more positive note, I absolutely adored Nova and I'm very curious about a few side characters now, especially the grumpy doctor. I'll definitely be reading other books in this multi-author series!

TWs/CWs: homophobia, child abuse, physical assault, injuries, PTSD and flashback, domestic abuse (mentioned, side character).

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

A perfectly lovely, steamy and fun (and just a smidge angst) way to conclude Logan and Caleb's story. Misha Horne is one of the only authors who can make me love the Daddy/boy trope. I'm not usually a fan of Daddy books (I'm always hopeful I'll love them, but then the cheese gets too much and I end up feeling like it knocks me out of the story), but Misha writes the trope in a way that is perfect for me. 
They manage to blend in kinky, spanky steam and gut-wrenching angst, dirty talk and heart-stopping romance, and it's always a joy to read their books. 
I enjoyed this novella, although there was a smidge too much football for my confused European brain, but I loved all Caleb and Logan scenes, and Ellis and Walker too: their banter, the tension... I'm so damned excited for their book.

I freaking loved this. 
I can't believe it took me so long to start this, but omg, it was perfect. Deliciously steamy, funny as hell (Edin, I'll love you forever and ever) and packed with lovely, Christmassy feels and lovely, lovely found family vibes. 
Obviously, OBVIOUSLY Edin and Hunter are, and will remain, my favs (also, I want to kick a wall in every time Hunter's mistreated by literally anyone, characters and readers alike, so seeing Edin fight for him was damned satisfying, and hilarious *claps hands* Hunter's my stubborn, angry grump and I love him sm okay???????? Also, disability rep makes me happy ♥️♥️✊🏻) but I loved Moth and Charlie's chapters too. Lilac and Seraph's and Danny and Wyn's were STEAMY, omg. I loved them *melts*
I love these monstrous couples so damned much; I can't wait to read Lily's next book in this world.

 I loved Ari Baran's debut, "Game Misconduct" so much; I was soooo looking forward to their second book, and for Nate and Zach's story. I've recently come to love friends-to-lovers, so I was doubly excited for them!

I'm sorry to say, but unfortunately "Delay of Game" did not work for me. I'm not sure what went wrong, maybe it was a timing issue or a me issue, but after the first few chapters I had the sudden urge to start skimming, and that's always a warning sign for me that the book is definitely not for me.
I think I got lost at the beginning because there was such a weirdly placed time jump: Nate and Zach meet, Zach hates him on sight, and then there's a time jump and they're BFFs. I think I would have probably liked this book a whole lot more if their relationship was given time to develop in a less abrupt way.

In terms of characterization, main character arc, and relationship arc, there was something missing. I kept getting their POVs confused too, but maybe that was my brain being glitchy.
So yes, while I did like a few things (Zach's devotion to Nate, for one, the sexual discovery, the first times, Bee and Mike stealing the show, some very interesting side characters in the team), I unfortunately didn't like this enough to warrant a more positive review. I skimmed till the end because I wanted to know how they'd get their HEA nonetheless.
I wasn't feeling the characters, I wasn't feeling their relationship and dynamic, and I felt like I was missing a good chunk of their arc and growth, and the fact that that feeling made an appearance straight away, spoilt my enjoyment of the rest of the book.

Again, I think this was probably a me issue: I know lots of people have enjoyed this much more, so if you're looking for a hockey-packed story, a friends-to-lovers dynamic, a book that deals with a whole lot of mental health hurdles and issues, maybe you can give this novel a go! I hope it works better for any reader that will decide to give "Delay of Game" a chance. It definitely works as a standalone too, but I wholly "Game Misconduct".

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

"Prince and Betrothed" was an absolute joy to read. I loved this book so, so much.

I know I say this about every Tavia Lark novel, but I swear, everything she writes seems to be tailored perfectly to my every taste and whim and preference.
And this fifth book in her "Perilous Courts" series is yet another example. I freaking adored every single minute I got to spend in this wonderful, complex, dangerous, magical world, and with its two unforgettable protagonists.

Marek and Sei were AMAZING characters. Both of them have their flaws, sure, but I loved them to bits, and I loved their chemistry and every single one of their interactions even more.

I've been curious about grails since the very first time that particular concept appeared in this series; so when Tavia Lark announced Marek's love interest was going to be a grail, I was ECSTATIC. I was excited to see how she would handle that particular type of character, since grails and power-sharing were both such a controversial subject in the previous books. And she did not disappoint.

Sei's a fantastic protagonist, and his growth is even more impressive. He's gentle and pleasant and nice, but he also learns how to become his own person, his own powerful, competent man, without ever rejecting and compromising his principles and his ideals and his wishes.

And Marek! God, he must be the stubbornest character Tavia Lark has ever created. He's so damned pig-headed, a floundering, gorgeous idiot who doesn't seem to think things through, but he's also patient and strong and competent and good, and actually, maybe, the sexiest character Tavia Lark has ever created too. God, I loved him, and I loved his character arc so much.

And their relationship! I was obsessed. Miscommunication and stubborness aside, their dynamic was absolute fire. And their chemistry was freaking incredible. Their journey to love is pretty much slow-burn, but the protectiveness, especially from Marek's side, and the simmering attraction is there from the start.


< “I want you to kiss me,” Marek says instead. “Show me what you’ve learned, teacup.” >


Every single one of their interactions are unforgettable, and their scenes together equally so: funny, lovable, sweet, hot... I loved every single second I got to spend with them. The more they got comfortable with one another, the more I fell in love with them, both as individuals and as a couple.

The side characters were also incredible; and Loska and Osric stole the damned show. I love those two so much! Where does one go about acquiring a giant, murderous, mischievous, magical cat and an eternally love-sick, hilarious and lovable dragon? I need to know.

The world-building was majestic and complex and magical as usual; and the plot kept me hooked from the start.
This book is mostly about Marek and Sei's relationship, but the underlying plot is developed a fair bit, and it's fraught with twists and turns, political upheavals, discoveries and betrayals. I have a feeling the next book is going to destroy my heart, because oh god, that finale! What will happen?! *stomps feet in frustration*

Also, I'm dying to talk to somebody about Kazia. I'd seriously sell some non-vital organs (and maybe a few vital ones too) to have his book in my greedy hands. I have a very ominous feeling about some stuff that has happened, and my heart already can't take it. I'm certain that little, lonely brat will steal my soul: I can't wait to discover what's behind his cruel, childish mask.

So yes, Tavia Lark's latest masterpiece is an absolute joy to devour. I wholly recommend this series to any lover of high-fantasy, but especially if you're looking for magical world-buildings, heart-stopping romance, a boatload of touch-starved sweethearts, protective love interests, hurt/comfort and all the best tropes your heart could wish for.

I'm so damned excited for the next book, but in the meantime, I think I'll have to re-read these books from the start.

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

Cute, sweet and the perfect epilogue. ♥️
Also, I kinda want a Christopher novel now too?

"A Restless Truth" was absolutely gorgeous. I freaking adored it.
Freya Marske is a seriously gifted writer: not only the plot was damned clever, and the world-building spectacular, but this book flowed like a dream; I was completely immersed in it. It felt to me like I was actually, physically inside the book, one of Maud's co-conspirators, helping along on her quest to find the second piece of the Last Contract.

Everything about this book was unforgettable, from the magical world-building to the mystery at the heart of the story, but Maud Blyth stole the show. She's MY kind of protagonist. Good, stubborn and brave, with a hidden side of ugliness and subtle cunning; in some ways, she reminded of my absolute favourite character of all time, KJ Charles' Will Darling, because both of them are riddled with warring sides and subtle, hidden depths, and gaping wounds behind all that bravery and stubborness. Maud's such a nuanced protagonist, and I wouldn't be exaggerating if I told you I'd let her run me over with a truck. I just loved her so, so much.

< "Maud Blyth. You are a terror and you should not be allowed to run loose in the world." >

And oh god, the other characters, Where do I start?
I really adored Violet too, although I spent half of the book thinking she wasn't enough for Maud. I don't think Violet's kind of character is MY kind of character, unlike Maud, so that's probably the reason why I couldn't connect with her as much. Her personality is kinda overshadowed by her many, many masks (purposefully, I think). We do eventually get to know the real, gritty Violet by the end, and I was glad of that, because I ended up really liking her too.
Violet and Maud's romance was freaking gorgeous. Slow-burn, and fueled by an undeniable, sizzling chemistry and attraction, and it left me swooning, blushing and sighing wistfully. I loved them together, and although I wished that their HEA was a bit less HFN, I'm sure we'll be finding them both in the next book, and we'll get to see them being all lovey dovey and happy. I also can't wait to see Violet interact with Edwin and Robin. I seriously can't tell what will happen.

Hawthorne, who'd already stolen my heart during the previous book, has a bigger role here, and yep, he still owns my heart (and has officially stolen my soul too). I freaking loved that big, angry, snarky, cold, hard mess of a man, and I cann0t wait to read his story. I'm sure it will break my heart to itty, bitty pieces because I already felt it cracking here.
And Ross! God, I can't wait to see them interact more. I'm already thoroughly obsessed with their dynamic.

The plot was absolutely unforgettable as well. It's a quest on a ship, a misadventure with a side of heist on sea, a murder mystery with complicated, stunning magic, convincing villains and a cast of impressive, quirky side characters. The story is complex and clever, full of twists and turns, betrayals and murders, jewel heists, daring escapes and a whole of B&E. And the underlying plot of the Last Contract kept getting even more interesting and gripping.
I'm not sure how our characters will pull of the grand finale, but I can't wait to discover it.
I'm so freaking excited for "A Power Unbound".