bekahzabel's reviews
320 reviews

Blood & Brujas by Mikayla D. Hornedo

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-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? No

4.75

What a badass action packed ride this was!

Dayanara is a forceful witch destined to become the next Acna, the most powerful witch in command of the entire clan. Her mother, the current Acna, arranges a marriage to a rival vampire king, Kaizer, to bring peace between their lands. Daya is expected to fulfill her role and mother’s orders, but everything is not as at seems… and Daya begins her search for the truth amongst what the vampires truly want in regards to the arrangement. 

This was a fast paced and gripping read with all of the best pieces in a romantasy. Witches, vampires, shifters, unique magic systems and twists and turns that’ll leave you reeling. I cannot wait for the next book because wow this had me hooked from start to finish. Mikayla has a way of writing that’s almost conversational and so fluidly written. 

Diverse characters, slow burn, why choose, lgbtq rep, forced proximity, … one of the most badass & sassy FMC’s I’ve read so far this year.  

Oh and did I mention that Daya is a 170+ year old witch? So those of you who want a baddie FMC over 25 years old… this is the one 👀

Blood & Brujas is sure to check quite a few boxes for romantasy lovers…. Buckle up for an adventure, because this is one that’ll stick with you long after the final page.

4.85 🌟/2.25 🌶️
Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This has been my favorite in the series thus far. These books never fail to give me a cozy lighthearted feel throughout the plot. 
Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Not my favorite yet but still in my rabbit hole of IPB guilty pleasures. (No pleasures are guilty in my world let’s be very serious) 

Aehako’s sassy mouth did it for me though, I like him. Didn’t like the miscommunication but overall quick easy and entertaining read! 
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

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adventurous mysterious sad 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? No

4.0

Lyrical, adventurous, and heart wrenching.

Really enjoyed this writing style, the world building was a bit heavy in the beginning since you essentially build two worlds. The second half was non stop and really drew me in though, I was left with my jaw on the floor by the end. 

I love the unique concepts, hidden city, and the dream walking magic. Overall this story really struck me as one in its own league, and I’m definitely going to read the second of the duet! 
Barbarian Alien by Ruby Dixon

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Yeah I’m down the rabbit hole and I have no guilt or shame.

I liked this one better than the first honestly. And Vektal and Georgie were pissing me off ngl. But The Grumpy x Sunshine // German Shepherd x Black Cat energy was 🔥

If you don’t like unexpected pregnancies these prolly aren’t for you lol. 
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Aight I’ll give it to y’all straight… 

Is this going to win a Pulitzer? No
Is it entertaining? Very
Am I going to continue? Hell Yeah 
Am I down for that Alien 🍆? I am 

Let’s just say things got moving very quickly 😳 Not a fan of insta love, but I’m a big ol’ simp for fated mates & monster romance. A palette cleanser that will get you out of a slump in no time. Easy reading, the smut be smutting, and keeps you wanting more. 

3/5 🌟 // 🌶️🌶️.5
Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer

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adventurous dark hopeful inspiring mysterious 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? No

4.25

This is a hidden gem. I tandem read this book on my kindle alongside listening to the audio, and that slow burn tension? THICKKKKK. He trains her, badass FMC, dark mysterious past MMC, heats up with spice once the burn gets burnin’. 

I really enjoyed this book. It was a highly anticipated since I’ve see many people I trust read and love it. Perfect balance of fantasy and romance in my opinion and a super engaging plot line. The writing style flows like butter, easy reading, and great narration on the audio. 

4.25 stars rounded up, and 🌶️🌶️
Lullabies by Lang Leav

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emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

Quick reread on Valentine’s day.

Leave it to me to pick up poetry I know will make me cry on the day of love. 

This collection finds you in the moments you need it. Each time I dive in to one of Lang’s collections, different pieces stick out to me profoundly. If it makes me cry it gets 5 stars, almost always. 

Lang Leav is one of my all time favorite modern poets. I will recommend any of her collections forever & always. 
The Ever Queen by LJ Andrews

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious 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? No

4.0

Another absolute banger from LJ Andrews. 

This series definitely has a special place in my heart. I devoured this first book as well as this one. However, I did feel that it was a bit of a slower start and plot line than the first book. I loved this conclusion to Livia & Erik’s story though, and I will continue reading this series & recommending these books. 

I really loved that the door to the Elven realms and people were introduced. The added depth into bonded family with Valen & Livia also really touched my heart, as well as the way Valen & Erik’s relationship evolved along the way. The world building is spectacular, and really creates immersive  scenes & settings for a reader. 

Swashbuckle Fantasy Romance, 
Pirates of the Caribbean Meets Fae & Elves,
Unique Magic & Realms,
Bonded Mates, 
Good Character Development,
Found Family,
Strong & Powerful MC’s

4/5⭐️ 
🌶️🌶️
The Princess Saves Herself in this One by Amanda Lovelace

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emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

A journey through emotional abuse, heartbreak, & grief. A finale of finding the light along the path to self love again. 

A quick & emotional collection of modern poetry. Really enjoyed this, & I know people say that the spacing of words doesn’t make it poetry.. but who are we to say what contemporary poetry is and is not? What are we creating? Personally I loved the cadence and pacing, & it was impactful for me. 

Would recommend this if you enjoy modern works like Rupi Kaur & Lang Leav.