_isabel_'s reviews
1025 reviews

 Damned lovely. This was my first F1 romance, and I feel like I totally need to read a dozen more now: who would have thought?

I didn't think "Pole Position" would manage to hook me as much as it did because I'm VERY, very picky with my contemporary romances; plus, I've become such a mood reader recentely. I shouldn't have worried though, because omg, I was absolutely ensnared from the very, very start: I managed to devour this book in two days, and I'm pretty sure I'll be thinking about it for the next two weeks, at least. Or, scratch that, till the next book is out. I'm already so damn excited for it.

"Pole Position" is the perfect mixture of lighthearted, fun, romance shenanigans (enemies-to-lovers, opposite attracts, age gap, a smidge of forbidden romance, hurt/comfort? CHECK) and heart-wrenching angst: I spent the last 30% of the book sobbing, swooning and screaming in frustration; rinse and repeat.

I adored Kian and Harper's relationship, although damn, I admit I spent half of the book wanting to jump into it to take a chair and smash it against Harper's head. Yeah, I know; he's a realistic character in a way that's very familiar to me (both of us are commitment-phobes with abandonment issues *high five*) but oh god, he could be such an insensitive jerk at times. Kian had the patience of a saint. I would have totally ended up loving him more IF ONLY he'd grovelled a smidge more too. Ugh, what does a girl have to do to get a good 'ol grovel fest romance around here?

I loved Kian though. He was the absolute best; and he was relatable too, in the way that he's so tightly wound and anxious and guilt-stricken all the time. I really felt for what he was going through, and despite my thoughts on Harper, I was so damn glad he'd finally found his perfect match with a person who made him feel both stronger and so much more lighter.
I adored their relationship, and surprisingly I didn't mind the push-and-pull and miscommunication between them: I was absolutely LIVING for the drama.

"Pole Position" was a damned fun book, but it also dealt with a whole lot of tough topics too: I spent many chapters just crying my eyes out, so be prepared.

All in all, despite some niggles, I enjoyed the hell out of this book. I can't wait to read book two to get more F1 shenanigans; also, Johannes is so intriguing: I cannot wait to discover what's been happening with him.


I received an ARC from Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

What a ride!
I can't believe I've finally managed to reach the end of this complex, gripping story. And although I think I loved book three just a smidge more, I still enjoyed the hell out of this fourth book.
"An Oath and a Promise" is a compelling conclusion to the Riehse Eshan series, and although there's a fifth novellla/installment (which I'm assuming will be a lot less stressful and anxiety-inducing than this one; I hope at least: please, no more death and violence *sobs*), Mat and Ren's HEA was as satisfying as I hoped it would be.

I really enjoyed the story in this one: it's packed with daring escapes, kidnapping attempts, violence and confrontations and political scheming; it's also packed with heartfelt romance, panty-melting, kinky steam, banter and a whole lot of funny moments.
I think, after four books, I can firmly say that Mat's probably my favourite: he's still as quick-to-assume and prickly as he was in the first book, but I loved seeing him bloom into this version of himself, where he can be himself, without shame and recrimination and fear. I loved it for him, and he honestely deserves the world after what he was put through, in the previous books but also in this one too. He's messy disaster with a bratty attitude and a tendency to martyr himself for the people he loves and cares about: in other words, my favourite kind of character.
Ren, I admit, was a biiiit more difficult for me to love wholeheartedly because his non-stop flirting can get tiring after a while; but I admit I did end up loving nonentheless. Plus, he's so damn devoted to Mat it made me tear up more than once... and yeah, I adored those two idiots to bits.

All the side characters were absolutely fabulous: from Valeri and Astrid to El, Luis and Jiron. I loved them all, and I can't wait to see them all again in the final novella (and to also read Jiron's novella about his own shot at happiness after the events of this book *tears up*)


Like I said, I loved book three a smidge more because I think I liked the plot more there, and because Ren's non-stop flirting and innuendos got on my nerve more than once. This book is definitely a bit more darker, and a whole lot of traumatic, violent things happen to our beloved characters, and although the banter was a much needed way to lighten the mood, it sometimes felt more than a little forced. Like, I wished the tone had been more serious at times, more high-stakes, Idk.

Anyway, regardless, I still enjoyed it and I'll be diving into the fifth novella asap, as soon as my heart stops beating out of chest and my blood pressure can take. Whew, what a ride.


TWs/CWs: sexual assault (with the magical equivalent of drugging) and repeated threats of rape, violence, death, mutilations, drug use, torture, misogyny, homophobia and transphobia, brief suicidal ideation.

 What a freaking gem. Eliot Grayson does it again, friends. "The Captive's Curse" was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and not only did it meet my expectations, it surpassed them: this is a delicious, wonderfully heartfelt and funny, absolutely gripping and ridiculously fun and steamy romp of a book. I devoured it; I never wanted to leave it, and I never wanted to leave its two ridiculously chaotic protagonists. Cyril and Enzo own my whole damn heart.

This second book in the "Twilight Mages" series is as gripping as its predecessor, and although it's decidedly less angsty, it's still as heartfelt and addictive: I enjoyed it immensely.
The story was bonkers, in the best way possible (failed kidnapping and ransom plot? A captor who's actually a sweatheart and a sap, and a captive mage who manages to have him completely whipped in *count pages* immediately? A mad ghost, ft. a whole lot of bedroom swapping, pillow stealing and boiling hot tension?), and I laughed out loud, swooned, banged my head in frustration, then swooned once again; rinse and repeat, from start to finish. What a freaking ride.
I loved the writing and I adored the world-building in this one too: the way Eliot's plotted this series, the Twilight mages curses, the political intrigues and the simple yet vivid high fantasy atmosphere, made everything even more special.

I obviously adored both leads. Both of them are chaotic gremlins, the silliest, horniest, most idiotic and dramatic disasters to ever exist: I laughed out loud so many times. Their banter never felt forced, and the underlying tension and frustration behind it made it 100 times better.

< “Was I face- up in your lap or face- down?” I demanded. “If I was face- down, then everyone saw my ass sticking up! It probably looked huge. Were you staring at it?”
His eyes widened absurdly, his mouth dropping open. From behind him, Leander made a sound I couldn’t quite identify. “I beg your pardon?” Enzo choked. “Last night you bent over and— were you— was I— fuck, I never should have kidnapped you.” Leander’s noises resolved into gurgles of laughter. >

I loved their dynamic so damn much, and I loved how hilarious both of them were in their own way. Like I said, they're silly and horny and quite possibly share a lonely braincell when it comes to thinking before acting and/or speaking, but I adored them. Their chemistry was fire, so damn piping hot, and I loved the steam SO. DAMN. MUCH. Eliot Grayson never fails.
I adored Cyril and his own dramatic, high-handed, flirty self, and I loved Enzo with his snark and his protectiveness.

< “Gods, Enzo, please! But not in the mud!” I cried desperately, as he yanked me closer. “Sometimes I think I don’t have the slightest idea what’s in that head of yours,” Enzo muttered, shoving me away again, already busy stripping off his coat, “even though you talk more than anyone I’ve ever met.” He laid his coat on the ground and spread it out. “There, Lord Fastidious. Get your pants off before I rip them off.” >

Like I said, I never wanted to leave.
I cannot wait to read book three: I have no idea who'll be next; or I might have an idea, but I have no idea what to expect. I do so wish Leander would be next though; I seriously doubt it, since these books are all standalones with very minor overlapping, but I'd gnaw my own foot off for him to be a Surprise/Secret Dawn Mage *prayer cicle*
Like I said, this is wishful thinking, and I'd read whichever book and couple Eliot writes next regardless. She's become one of my favourite authors ever, and I can't wait to devour whatever comes next.

I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review. 

Absolutely wonderful, freaking delicious gem of a romance romp: I'd totally forgotten how great Keira Andrews is when it comes to this kind of genre ("Wed to the Barbarian" is *chef's kiss*), and I'd also forgotten what a freaking delight pirate romps and historical bodice rippers are. I definitely need more recs after this one because my god, I was obsessed.
Forbidden relationship, captive/captor with kidnapping, angst, hurt/comfort, enemies-to-grudging-respect-to-lovers-to-soulmates? This is my jam, 100%.

Once again, thank you Chelsea (and your amazing review) for the rec, it was precisely what I needed.

I loved this book so freaking much. It's fun, it's hot, it's delicious, it's packed with tension and angst and all my favourite tropes (age gap, forced proximity, forbidden relationship, first times ft. "whoops, I was just scratching an itch but now I can't help but climb you everytime I see you", hurt/comfort and all the possessiveness my little romance-lovin' heart could wish for), plus the two main characters are fantastic. Their dynamic had me in a chokehold, I am FERAL over them; their chemistry was truly top-notch, and the forbidden aspect of their bond made it even more delicious; and the way they both got to know each other, slowly over time? The way both of them became more and more whipped for one another? GAH. I loved it.
Individually they're both pretty great, and I adored seeing both of their more vulnerable sides come out: Nathaniel (HOW CUTE IS THE NICKNAME "PLUM" THOUGH?!?!) with his insecurities and secret shame, Hawk with his loneliness and the way he was so scared of getting close to another person *tears up* they broke my heart, and then remade whole by how freaking cute and precious their bond was.

Keira's writing was great as well, and I definitely need to read a few more of her books now. I also need a loooong list of pirate and historical romp recs, because omg: I love this genre so damn much: it's so fun. I spent three whole days giggling and kicking my feet in the air, and I have zero regrets: it was just what I needed. 

 Well, what a third installment!
This one's my favourite out of them all for now: I adored "A Shadow and a Storm", and I managed to devour it, start to finish.
I was absolutely hooked!
I'm so glad I decided to give this series another go, after not loving book one, because I swear these keep getting better and better. The writing is wonderful, despite some word usage being a bit too modern and jarring for the high fantasy atmosphere, and the pacing is absolutely fantastic: I swear I was on the edge of my seat the whole damn time, drowning in what-the-hell-will-happen-now anxiety, but I still managed to enjoy the story a whole lot. I loved seeing Mat and Ren (finally, FINALLY) at such a good point in their relationship, and I adored seeing them both so devoted and in love with one another. I swooned a whole lot.
Also, I think this is the first time I've actually loved them wholeheartedly start to finish: character arc and development, better writing, or maybe I've just given in and my heart is firmly in the "they're my sons, your honour" stage now? I don't know, and I don't care. I loved them, and I loved them as a couple too. The kinky D/s relationship they share is explored a smidge more, and whew *fan herself*, thank you Adelaide Blaike for that.

I loved the side characters a whole lot too: Mat's siblings, and of course El and Luis and Jiron (AND if something were to happen to them, especially after losing Ad.... I swear I'll- *sobs*). I cannot wait to read book four: I already know it's going to be epic, especially after THAT cruel, cruel ending. 

 So so fun, and so delicious and delightful.

M.A. Grant is one of favourites out there, and I'm so glad she's decided to come back to us with a hoot of a book like this one: it's not her usual brand of fantasy and paranormal, but the writing is majestic as usual. "Under His Name" is quick, action-and-mystery-packed gem of a book, with just the right amout of spice and romance. It has absolutely wonderful protagonists (I adored both Sam and Nico) and some pretty unforgettable side characters (from Bev to Sam's infuriating twin), and I adored it, start to finish.

The plot is bonkers and so damn fun it kept me hooked from the very first page: a honey pot case, a handsy bad guy with a penchant for blondes, a trafficking ring to dismantle, a very mysterious (and intriguingly hot) Director with a secret agenda, spy work and near-miss disasters, faulty kidnappings, swapped identities and high stakes: this little book has it all. Plus, like I said, the romance! It's all on the low-key considering the fact that the plot is pretty much central, but god, I adored it. There's a little spice, a whole lot of chemistry, a smidge of jealousy and possessiveness, plus the emotional side was very, very satisfying. Sam and Nico's story made me very happy, and I definitely need to look into the other books in this series, asap. 

 First DNF of the year? Ugh. TOD: 31%
A shame since I've loved a few of this author's books.
Anyway, it's too long and a smidge shallow. I'm very picky with my contemporary romances (and my hockey ones too, I think; when did that happen?), and the MCs aren't leaving much of an impression. I'd hoped, since it deals with a couple of tough themes, that the book would have a smidge more heft, but yeah, nope. Like I said, I've become very picky.
I usually don't write reviews for DNFs, but I need to remind future me that I gave this one a try and that, despite the appealing blurbs, I doubt the rest will work for me. 

God, what a treat.
This third book in the "Coven Ties" series was absolutely lovely: sweetly gut-wrenching, emotionally packed, steamy and absolutely, ridiculously romantic. I loved Cross and Alex's story so damn much!

I adore a fake "you're my client" relationship turned real love with my whole damn heart, and this one was even more special because of how vulnerable Cross was, of how intimate their proximity had to be, or how the D/s relationships works in Marina Vivancos' "Coven Ties" universe.
Both characters stole my heart, but I literally wanted to jump into the book and hug Cross to death.
In just over 200 pages, he managed to make me feel so damn much: his thoughts and feelings of unworthiness, the way he kept thinking he was manipulating the Meliora coven into caring for him, the fact that he couldn't seem to trust his brain anymore... God, it absolutely resonated with me so much, and I can only thank Marina for it: Cross made me feel seen, and he made me feel so damn much.

Alex too was such a great character! A great friend, a great person, and I loved how open he was to his new life in Meliora, despite his past and his own fears about love and belonging.

The whole cast of side characters, from our previous MCs (I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOUR!) to Connie and Ursula, were absolutely unforgettable. The found family atmosphere between them all was so damn lovely.
However, I'm once again, begging Marina to gift us a book about Archie: that man is a damn mystery, and I'd seriously sell a kidney to see his defences crumble around a sub. Pretty please?

Anyway, I love this universe so much. Biological kink dynamics are such a fun thing to write (and read about!), and I can only hope Marina has many more books planned for it.

"In this Shadow, Longing" was a gorgeous, gorgeous book, an emotional, sweetly angsty ride of a romance, and I could not get enough. I wholly recommend this series to any lover of magic driven romances (and kink!), with so much heartwarming, aching healing. Marina Vivancos is one of a kind in the emotional angst department, and every single one of her books have absolutely destroyed me. In the best way possible.

TWs/CWs: suicidal thoughts, depression (implied), disordered eating, medical issues (including fainting, vomiting, weight loss), domestic abuse (past), violence and death (past), childhood abuse (past).

Thanks GRR for the ARC. This is my honest review.

I read the Eliot Grayson and Tavia Lark short stories, and both were absolutely wonderful. Cute, steamy, lovely!
Both of these authors are among my favourite paranormal romance writers, so I definitely couldn't miss out on them. I haven't read the rest, so my rating is based solely on these two short stories.
The premise was fantastic and cute though! I love the idea of a Cupid controlled dating app.

Freaking adorable. What a resounding success my first Con Riley book was! I can't believe I haven't tackled this author's backlist yet, but "Second Song" was a beautiful introduction to it.

Sweet, soft, lovely, gut-wrenching in the best way possible; a tale of second chances, of healing, of finally finding yourself after years of pain and uncertainty. It made me feel a truckload of emotions, from start to finish, and I absolutely fell in love with all its beautiful, complicated characters, and the beautiful, complicated, wholesome found family they've made for themselves in this dream of a school for second chances: despite not knowing any of these minor characters previously, I fell in love with them so fast, and I also fell in love with the two protagonists. Liam and Rowan were unforgettable MCs: Rowan, with his quiet grit, his bravery, his vulnerabilities, his enormous heart, and Liam with his painful past and present, his sweet gruffness, his protectiveness and the sheer amount of care he has for the people he loves. I loved them individually, and I loved them as a couple too. I have a thing for a good ol' protector/whoops-I'm-a-danger-magnet trope, and they absolutely did not disappoint in that regard: they made me laugh and swoon and sigh, and they had me smiling like a fool from start to finish. They made such a lovely couple.

I loved the side characters, and I seriously cannot wait to go back and meet Charles and the padre, Luke and Austin and all the others from the very start. I'm sure all of their stories will be an emotional, gut-punching ride, and I cannot wait to dive in.

I also adored the writing: it's very evocative and poetic, although at times I had a few difficulties following along. I think it's partly because Rowan's past is pretty much muddled in secrets and events he can't remember, and also because my brain's not at its best at the moment. I'm sure my next Con Riley will be MUCH more easier on my brain now that I know what to expect.

Anyway, I wholly recommend this book: it made me cry, it made me swoon, and I finished it with a huge, proud smile on my face. I adored it!


TWs/CWs: PTSD, war stories, loss of family members, grief, childhood trauma, SA, non-consensual drugging, bullying.

Thanks GRR for the ARC. This is my honest review.