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ania_reads_'s reviews
128 reviews
The Reckoning by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4.0 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶
Oh my goodness everyone was right!
If you are thinking about reading this series and don't like it at first, get to this book. Sooooo much happens!
Things I realized while reading this book:
1. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Everything won't happen in one book.
2. I want Lance Orion to be a real human.
3. I ❤️❤️❤️ the push/pull between Tory and Darius.
4. Games and trials might be one of my favorite tropes.
5. Diego has always been suspect for me and gives me the biggest ick. 🤮
This book had me on the edge of my seat so many times, some of which at work 🫠 but it was so worth it. The love Tory and Darcy have for each other is big in every book, but I think it's highlighted beautifully as they are continually challenged in this one, both by thr Heirs and others.
I have a feeling that there might be feuds for love interests in the next book! And, OMG their Order emerged and it is literally one of my favorite creatures ever!
So excited to see what this series has next!
2.5/5 🌶
Oh my goodness everyone was right!
If you are thinking about reading this series and don't like it at first, get to this book. Sooooo much happens!
Things I realized while reading this book:
1. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Everything won't happen in one book.
2. I want Lance Orion to be a real human.
3. I ❤️❤️❤️ the push/pull between Tory and Darius.
4. Games and trials might be one of my favorite tropes.
5. Diego has always been suspect for me and gives me the biggest ick. 🤮
This book had me on the edge of my seat so many times, some of which at work 🫠 but it was so worth it. The love Tory and Darcy have for each other is big in every book, but I think it's highlighted beautifully as they are continually challenged in this one, both by thr Heirs and others.
I have a feeling that there might be feuds for love interests in the next book! And, OMG their Order emerged and it is literally one of my favorite creatures ever!
So excited to see what this series has next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Behind Closed Doors by A. R. Dow
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
3.5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶
Book 2 was definitely more action packed than book 1, which I enjoyed. I still struggled with it a bit, but at about the 40% mark, it picked up.
We finally see some "spice" in this book. I'm sensing that Tory is going to get a "why choose," and Darcy will have the "forbidden love" vibe with an age gap. Again, reading this as a woman in her 30s, Lance Orion has me in a chokehold.
I love that the girls are getting more into their power and learning, BUT i feel like it's still going soo freaking slow. I figured that they would be "naturals" but I have a feeling the power they have will be some kind of fifth element, never seen before. Excited to see what book 3 has.
1/5 🌶
Book 2 was definitely more action packed than book 1, which I enjoyed. I still struggled with it a bit, but at about the 40% mark, it picked up.
We finally see some "spice" in this book. I'm sensing that Tory is going to get a "why choose," and Darcy will have the "forbidden love" vibe with an age gap. Again, reading this as a woman in her 30s, Lance Orion has me in a chokehold.
I love that the girls are getting more into their power and learning, BUT i feel like it's still going soo freaking slow. I figured that they would be "naturals" but I have a feeling the power they have will be some kind of fifth element, never seen before. Excited to see what book 3 has.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Violence
The Awakening by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
3 ⭐️
0.5/5 🌶 - basically 🫑
I had such high hopes for this book, as it was very hyped and has a giant following. I was quite disappointed when finishing it, but will because I have all of the books on hand.
The good:
✨️ The world and magic system is pretty well thought out. I like how heavy the WB is in this book, and that they have an element AND an Order.
✨️ The main idea behind the plot - fighting for their throne as rightful Heirs.
✨️ Orion - maybe it's because I'm in mh 30s, but something about this character has me drawn to him.
Hoping for improvement with:
⚠️ Character growth - it seems like the Twins are super whiny and annoying to me. Like the whole book, Tory is still not believing in her situation, and is reluctant to the whole thing. She also seems pretty shallow (wanting of material things). Darcy seems like your typical 18 year old that runs head first into things. Hoping for better development in the next books.
⚠️ The writing - I know they both write a chapter each, but it seems really "young" to me. I feel like this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter than it was. I read over 400 pages and it just seemed to drag.
⚠️ The plot - I need more action. I get it, boom 1 is usually world building, but a lot of the plot is kids doing kid things and not thinking logically. But again, it's 18 year Olds, I shouldn't be shocked.
Hopefully I push through and am pleasantly surprised by book 14.
0.5/5 🌶 - basically 🫑
I had such high hopes for this book, as it was very hyped and has a giant following. I was quite disappointed when finishing it, but will because I have all of the books on hand.
The good:
✨️ The world and magic system is pretty well thought out. I like how heavy the WB is in this book, and that they have an element AND an Order.
✨️ The main idea behind the plot - fighting for their throne as rightful Heirs.
✨️ Orion - maybe it's because I'm in mh 30s, but something about this character has me drawn to him.
Hoping for improvement with:
⚠️ Character growth - it seems like the Twins are super whiny and annoying to me. Like the whole book, Tory is still not believing in her situation, and is reluctant to the whole thing. She also seems pretty shallow (wanting of material things). Darcy seems like your typical 18 year old that runs head first into things. Hoping for better development in the next books.
⚠️ The writing - I know they both write a chapter each, but it seems really "young" to me. I feel like this book could have been at least 100 pages shorter than it was. I read over 400 pages and it just seemed to drag.
⚠️ The plot - I need more action. I get it, boom 1 is usually world building, but a lot of the plot is kids doing kid things and not thinking logically. But again, it's 18 year Olds, I shouldn't be shocked.
Hopefully I push through and am pleasantly surprised by book 14.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent
Credence by Penelope Douglas
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5⭐️
4/5🌶
I was NOT expecting to eat this book up. Finished in 36 hours, it was so good.
All three of them love her, would burn the world for her, but in such different ways. As much as she needs them, they also need her. They all needed to grow and get past trauma and bull shit, and they do it together. And the surprise with Kaleb at the end had me SOBBING.
This was my first taboo romance book, and I have to say, I enjoyed it. I think it was because the familial tie was a label only, and not a previous relationship. The forced proximity of this made the tension all the more better, and as a 33yo woman, I would NOT mind a Jake lol. However, I don't think I'll be able to look at a secluded cabin the same way again 🤣
4/5🌶
I was NOT expecting to eat this book up. Finished in 36 hours, it was so good.
All three of them love her, would burn the world for her, but in such different ways. As much as she needs them, they also need her. They all needed to grow and get past trauma and bull shit, and they do it together. And the surprise with Kaleb at the end had me SOBBING.
This was my first taboo romance book, and I have to say, I enjoyed it. I think it was because the familial tie was a label only, and not a previous relationship. The forced proximity of this made the tension all the more better, and as a 33yo woman, I would NOT mind a Jake lol. However, I don't think I'll be able to look at a secluded cabin the same way again 🤣
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
3.25⭐️
I want to start by saying this book was tough to get through. I had to use a study guide/analysis for each chapter, but relied on it less and less as I went on with the book. The editing also takes some getting used to.
That being said....
I do appreciate the themes in this book, and that Kurt Vonnegut uses his own lived experiences to show the atrocities of war, death, and the bombing of Dresden in WW2, all while being published during the Vietnam War. The concept of time-travel and the aci-fi elements are definitely original for a book published in 1969. However, even with an audiobook on while reading, I couldn't feel very connected to the characters and storyline.
I want to start by saying this book was tough to get through. I had to use a study guide/analysis for each chapter, but relied on it less and less as I went on with the book. The editing also takes some getting used to.
That being said....
I do appreciate the themes in this book, and that Kurt Vonnegut uses his own lived experiences to show the atrocities of war, death, and the bombing of Dresden in WW2, all while being published during the Vietnam War. The concept of time-travel and the aci-fi elements are definitely original for a book published in 1969. However, even with an audiobook on while reading, I couldn't feel very connected to the characters and storyline.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Pen Pal (Standard Edition) by J.T. Geissinger
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
3.5⭐️
4/5🌶
Trigger warnings (because there are NONE in the book):
1. Miscarriage (late-ish although not specified)
2. Strong sexual content
3. Murder
4. Domestic Violence
5. Narcissistic/Manipulative Partner (not MMC)
Holy crap that ending threw me for a loop! Throughout this book, I was picking up on little things here and there and after I finished I went BACK and read them again with so much clarity. This book has very clever plotting with tint breadcrumbs leading you to the end it, and even then, you'll be thrown in a different direction.
The spice in this book is wild and very BDSM, Dom/Sub like, so if you aren't into that, it might be much. And there is plenty of it, but its well spaced out. Be warned, it does get intense so proceed with caution. I do enjoy the aftercare he provides tho.
A large part of my rating is due to the fact that I can't get over the pet names they have for each other. So much so that I ALMOSF DNF'd this book, and started tabbing all the places the name was used. If you can get over it, I'm happy for you.
4/5🌶
Trigger warnings (because there are NONE in the book):
1. Miscarriage (late-ish although not specified)
2. Strong sexual content
3. Murder
4. Domestic Violence
5. Narcissistic/Manipulative Partner (not MMC)
Holy crap that ending threw me for a loop! Throughout this book, I was picking up on little things here and there and after I finished I went BACK and read them again with so much clarity. This book has very clever plotting with tint breadcrumbs leading you to the end it, and even then, you'll be thrown in a different direction.
The spice in this book is wild and very BDSM, Dom/Sub like, so if you aren't into that, it might be much. And there is plenty of it, but its well spaced out. Be warned, it does get intense so proceed with caution. I do enjoy the aftercare he provides tho.
A large part of my rating is due to the fact that I can't get over the pet names they have for each other. So much so that I ALMOSF DNF'd this book, and started tabbing all the places the name was used. If you can get over it, I'm happy for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, and Murder
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Phantom by H.D. Carlton
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.75 ⭐️
4/5🌶
True to form, H.D. Carlton brings you a spicy good time telling the story of Gigi and Ronaldo! This was definitely more focused on their love story rather than the background plot, which was kind of surprising to me since she does a good job in her other books with that.
However, when picking this up, I knew it would be different from the Cat & Mouse Duet, set in a different time. I did love how she kept true to the 1940s dialogue and verbiage; I completely expected Gigi to be the modest housewife for this book.
I loved seeing Gigi grow into herself. This novel highlights an issue we still see in society today: women suppressing who they are for society's views, but growing into loving themselves and who they are. Obviously reading C&M first, the ending had me tearing up a bit, too.
Overall, if you're looking for spice with a little plot splattered in, this is for you. No need to read the Cat & Mouse Duet to enjoy.
4/5🌶
True to form, H.D. Carlton brings you a spicy good time telling the story of Gigi and Ronaldo! This was definitely more focused on their love story rather than the background plot, which was kind of surprising to me since she does a good job in her other books with that.
However, when picking this up, I knew it would be different from the Cat & Mouse Duet, set in a different time. I did love how she kept true to the 1940s dialogue and verbiage; I completely expected Gigi to be the modest housewife for this book.
I loved seeing Gigi grow into herself. This novel highlights an issue we still see in society today: women suppressing who they are for society's views, but growing into loving themselves and who they are. Obviously reading C&M first, the ending had me tearing up a bit, too.
Overall, if you're looking for spice with a little plot splattered in, this is for you. No need to read the Cat & Mouse Duet to enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual content, and Stalking
Moderate: Gun violence, Infertility, Rape, Sexual assault, and Murder
Minor: Death, Drug use, and War
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
We don't talk about Toni Morrison enough. Her writing is heavy, full of topics others would want to sweep under the rug. She calls out issues in society as a whole, but also within the black community itself, which is usually taken with negative criticism.
For being written in 1970 (about 1930s era black communities), this books themes of race/racism, women/femininity, home/family (or the lack of...), and sex/sexuality and how our characters deal with all of these things rings so true in today's world. The characters in this book all carry their stories with them, and are products of their environment and lack of addressing or growing from experiences.
The way that this book focuses on Pecola's story all while telling stories of those around her is astounding and masterful. Each character, possibly aside from Frieda and Claudia, all struggle with ingrained self hatred because of the racism they've encountered in their world. This book highlights how even within a community, especially one so affected by racism, racism exists inside of it, with lighter vs darker skinned African Americans. It shows how they strive for a sense of family and home, but have to distor it and find their own way to create it and "love" or love in their surroundings.
A book everyone should read and learn from.
For being written in 1970 (about 1930s era black communities), this books themes of race/racism, women/femininity, home/family (or the lack of...), and sex/sexuality and how our characters deal with all of these things rings so true in today's world. The characters in this book all carry their stories with them, and are products of their environment and lack of addressing or growing from experiences.
The way that this book focuses on Pecola's story all while telling stories of those around her is astounding and masterful. Each character, possibly aside from Frieda and Claudia, all struggle with ingrained self hatred because of the racism they've encountered in their world. This book highlights how even within a community, especially one so affected by racism, racism exists inside of it, with lighter vs darker skinned African Americans. It shows how they strive for a sense of family and home, but have to distor it and find their own way to create it and "love" or love in their surroundings.
A book everyone should read and learn from.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Misogyny, Vomit, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Pregnancy
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
4.5⭐️
3.5/5🌶
Kingfisher has officially breached the ranks of my top 5 shadow daddies. The way he would burn the world for her, or give her the match if she wanted to do it herself is wonderful.
This book has it all:
Plot & Action ✅️
Romance / Spice / Banter ✅️
Humor in the form of great characters ✅️
The plot twists that kept coming the last 100 pages had me holding onto my chair. The enemies to Lovers trope is written well, but once it sparks, it completely ignites from 0-100. I love the world in this and how Callie I produces other characters of lore, too.
Overall, great read! Idk why I waited so long to read it! Can't wait for book 2!
3.5/5🌶
Kingfisher has officially breached the ranks of my top 5 shadow daddies. The way he would burn the world for her, or give her the match if she wanted to do it herself is wonderful.
This book has it all:
Plot & Action ✅️
Romance / Spice / Banter ✅️
Humor in the form of great characters ✅️
The plot twists that kept coming the last 100 pages had me holding onto my chair. The enemies to Lovers trope is written well, but once it sparks, it completely ignites from 0-100. I love the world in this and how Callie I produces other characters of lore, too.
Overall, great read! Idk why I waited so long to read it! Can't wait for book 2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and War
Minor: Infertility and Death of parent