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bookphenomena_micky's reviews
4683 reviews
My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Headlines:
Spoopy romance
From different worlds
Amusing misunderstandings
My Vampire Plus-One was highly entertaining, quippy and fun. Between the pages was a real connection but I was allured to this story for the spoopy, vampiric clash with the human world.
Amelia was the straight-laced accountant who literally bumped into Reggie, a real-life bump in the night. These two fake dated their way into misapprehensions about one another and instead of it being frustrating, it was silly-fun. I enjoyed seeing the eventual realisation that Amelia came to, it was hilarious.
I was less keen on the back story of Reggie being on a vampiric wanted list and that whole plot line. I did like seeing the previous couple feature and being able to see their story move on through others' eyes.
Overall, this was fun and engaging but I don't think it will stay with me long. I'd definitely read more from the series/author however.
Thank you to Delrey UK for the review copy.
Spoopy romance
From different worlds
Amusing misunderstandings
My Vampire Plus-One was highly entertaining, quippy and fun. Between the pages was a real connection but I was allured to this story for the spoopy, vampiric clash with the human world.
Amelia was the straight-laced accountant who literally bumped into Reggie, a real-life bump in the night. These two fake dated their way into misapprehensions about one another and instead of it being frustrating, it was silly-fun. I enjoyed seeing the eventual realisation that Amelia came to, it was hilarious.
I was less keen on the back story of Reggie being on a vampiric wanted list and that whole plot line. I did like seeing the previous couple feature and being able to see their story move on through others' eyes.
Overall, this was fun and engaging but I don't think it will stay with me long. I'd definitely read more from the series/author however.
Thank you to Delrey UK for the review copy.
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Headlines:
Being special
Everyone's expectations
A difficult role in life
This story was as charismatic as it was dark. It was impossible not to be seduced by the writing, the world and it's characters, especially Hazel. Hazel, born a thirteenth child, unwanted by her parents but wanted by a godly godfather. Merrick's long-awaited entrance into Hazel's life was not at all what I expected, he lacked nurture but there was a sense of growth in their relationship.
Hazel's younger childhood was difficult to swallow and the stealing of her later childhood to become a healer, seemed a better outcome than the before. This story had phases, and each phase of Hazel's life was totally absorbing. I loved her early time in the inbetween, her first healing village but the time in the palace was frought with difficult charcters, illness and decisions.
The idea of the deathshead was chilling and Hazel's role was even more sinister. The decisions she had to make led to quite a responsibility to carry. The latter part of this book was rather twisty and I enjoyed having the rug pulled out from my perceptions about the characters in the palace.
The eventual romance was believable and had me cheering for these two. The ending shredded my heart with emotion but it was also beautiful; I literally ended on tears.
The Thirteenth Child was a fantastic dark fantasy standalone. It was grim, chilling but with warm characterisation that saw this reader through the tough bits. I am blown away.
Thank you Rock The Boat for the review copy.
Being special
Everyone's expectations
A difficult role in life
This story was as charismatic as it was dark. It was impossible not to be seduced by the writing, the world and it's characters, especially Hazel. Hazel, born a thirteenth child, unwanted by her parents but wanted by a godly godfather. Merrick's long-awaited entrance into Hazel's life was not at all what I expected, he lacked nurture but there was a sense of growth in their relationship.
Hazel's younger childhood was difficult to swallow and the stealing of her later childhood to become a healer, seemed a better outcome than the before. This story had phases, and each phase of Hazel's life was totally absorbing. I loved her early time in the inbetween, her first healing village but the time in the palace was frought with difficult charcters, illness and decisions.
The idea of the deathshead was chilling and Hazel's role was even more sinister. The decisions she had to make led to quite a responsibility to carry. The latter part of this book was rather twisty and I enjoyed having the rug pulled out from my perceptions about the characters in the palace.
The eventual romance was believable and had me cheering for these two. The ending shredded my heart with emotion but it was also beautiful; I literally ended on tears.
The Thirteenth Child was a fantastic dark fantasy standalone. It was grim, chilling but with warm characterisation that saw this reader through the tough bits. I am blown away.
Thank you Rock The Boat for the review copy.
The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.5
This was my second attempt at reading this book. The first time, I set it down at about 10%. I managed to get through it this time but I still didn't get much in terms of sparks of interest in the characters and world. It felt long winded and incredibly pacey. Maybe it's a me problem.
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
This audio release might have hit me a bit better through ebook or physical. I didn't feel overly invested in the characters initially and the setting up was a little dull. Once they all got away on retreat and even more, once the two MCs started connecting, I was all ears. Hazelwood can write chemistry and the intimacy so well, that my investment notched up hugely.
I ended on a high with this one. I appreciated there wasn't a lot of communication or third act break up.
Great narration.
I ended on a high with this one. I appreciated there wasn't a lot of communication or third act break up.
Great narration.
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
3.5 stars
This story gave me serious Romeo & Juliet vibes without some of the tragedy. It felt upper YA in tone and plot. Sera and Ransom were pitched on different sides of magic ability and so an enemies to more theme emerged. It gave me some angst because of the investment I felt in this couple.
The magic system was really interesting. It rolled out to be quite a complex plot that had a few pacey moments but overall romped along well. It was quite a long read and I would encourage readers to bear with the slower start. The City of Fantome turned out to be darkish and bustling setting.
A lot happened in the final few chapters so there's plenty to feel excited about in the next book. Overall, a promising series starter.
Thank you Simon YA and Nina Douglas for the review copy.
This story gave me serious Romeo & Juliet vibes without some of the tragedy. It felt upper YA in tone and plot. Sera and Ransom were pitched on different sides of magic ability and so an enemies to more theme emerged. It gave me some angst because of the investment I felt in this couple.
The magic system was really interesting. It rolled out to be quite a complex plot that had a few pacey moments but overall romped along well. It was quite a long read and I would encourage readers to bear with the slower start. The City of Fantome turned out to be darkish and bustling setting.
A lot happened in the final few chapters so there's plenty to feel excited about in the next book. Overall, a promising series starter.
Thank you Simon YA and Nina Douglas for the review copy.
The Love Interest by Helen Comerford
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
Headlines:
Patriarchal, patronising society
Superhero males
Young female power
This story was a contrast in context. On the one hand it was a enemies-to-romance story, YA style. On the other hand there were rich themes about this patriarchal society where men with powers (not women) saved the day.
Jenna Ray was saved from a burning building by Blaze, a new superhero. Immediately, the media typecast her as 'the love interest'. Understandably, she didn't want to be seen this way and Blaze came across as somewhat egotistical in relation to all this. Was he oblivious or brain-washed? I wasn't entirely sure until later on. The feminist themes of the story were my favourite aspect but the romance didn't really bite me.
The plot was a little rambling at times and I found it to be a pacey read. I did appreciate the twists in the plot regarding powers in men and women. I found the villians and the heroes both irritating. Equally Jenna Ray and Blaze had their moments of frustration.
The story wrapped up well and overall, this was a likeable read. Thank you to Bloomsbury for the review copy.
Patriarchal, patronising society
Superhero males
Young female power
This story was a contrast in context. On the one hand it was a enemies-to-romance story, YA style. On the other hand there were rich themes about this patriarchal society where men with powers (not women) saved the day.
Jenna Ray was saved from a burning building by Blaze, a new superhero. Immediately, the media typecast her as 'the love interest'. Understandably, she didn't want to be seen this way and Blaze came across as somewhat egotistical in relation to all this. Was he oblivious or brain-washed? I wasn't entirely sure until later on. The feminist themes of the story were my favourite aspect but the romance didn't really bite me.
The plot was a little rambling at times and I found it to be a pacey read. I did appreciate the twists in the plot regarding powers in men and women. I found the villians and the heroes both irritating. Equally Jenna Ray and Blaze had their moments of frustration.
The story wrapped up well and overall, this was a likeable read. Thank you to Bloomsbury for the review copy.
The Bell Witches by Lindsey Kelk
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
An interesting premise and world but this was rather young YA.
Some books translate YA to older readers as well as young adults but The Bell Witches was not one of them. I know that if I was a teen reading this, I would have gobbled this up but older me could not gel with the immaturity of the main characters and all the instalove. There were so many "I love yous" and after no time at all. All this detracted from the plot which was pretty solid.
I can't see myself reading on because of this.
Audio wise, the narration was single POV with good narration and characterisation.
Thank you to Magpie for the audio review copy.
Some books translate YA to older readers as well as young adults but The Bell Witches was not one of them. I know that if I was a teen reading this, I would have gobbled this up but older me could not gel with the immaturity of the main characters and all the instalove. There were so many "I love yous" and after no time at all. All this detracted from the plot which was pretty solid.
I can't see myself reading on because of this.
Audio wise, the narration was single POV with good narration and characterisation.
Thank you to Magpie for the audio review copy.
My Rules by TL Swan
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
A disappointment after liking book one in this series. For me, this read like one of her older books which are not really to my taste. It is no exaggeration to say this MMC was a hideous character who didn't redeem that much. The FMC was a little insipid and also annoying.
I nearly gave up a third in but was able to continue better on audio and I just about rounded this up to 3 stars. Please let the next book be less a$$hole.
I nearly gave up a third in but was able to continue better on audio and I just about rounded this up to 3 stars. Please let the next book be less a$$hole.
Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a rich introspection on the relationship and life journey of a married couple but damn, it was sad. Early on, I started to catch the vibes that things were going to get rocky and so they did. The themes of womens' choice about motherhood were strong and very welcome but the direction the storyline took was hard to read. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion.
Efe was misunderstood by Sam and her family from about half way and I was so frustrated with people's attitudes and for not seeing what was under her nose. (view spoiler) Sam seemed initially a supportive partner but that partnership was so inadequate.
The way this ended broke my heart but also hardened it at the same time. I can't say I enjoyed this read but I valued it.
Efe was misunderstood by Sam and her family from about half way and I was so frustrated with people's attitudes and for not seeing what was under her nose. (view spoiler) Sam seemed initially a supportive partner but that partnership was so inadequate.
The way this ended broke my heart but also hardened it at the same time. I can't say I enjoyed this read but I valued it.
Keep Me by Sara Cate
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Headlines:
From like
To Love
To Wow (just my reactions)
Keep Me was a read that snuck in with interest, built to obsessive page turning and then sucker-punched me in the gut with a wave of feels so that I'm thinking of it now the pages are closed. The plot was strong but it was the two characters of Sylvie and Killian that reeled me in tight.
Sylvie was the entitled, brattish (I thought) Manhatten woman with famous parents and Killian was a brooding, mooding Scottish laird with a manor. Both were misunderstood and I encourage you to read this, as peeling back the layers of their characters and past was the best element of this book.
The story had chemistry that smacked you in the face and it had some sprinkings of spice but when it sprinkled, it was intense. The sex seemed inevitable, the connection was uncertain.
I don't want to explain too much about this story but it's my first from this author and I am feeling a sense of longing for these characters again. I don't know what is in store with this series but I will be rolling up for book two.
Thank you to Sourcebooks for the review copy.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience
From like
To Love
To Wow (just my reactions)
Keep Me was a read that snuck in with interest, built to obsessive page turning and then sucker-punched me in the gut with a wave of feels so that I'm thinking of it now the pages are closed. The plot was strong but it was the two characters of Sylvie and Killian that reeled me in tight.
Sylvie was the entitled, brattish (I thought) Manhatten woman with famous parents and Killian was a brooding, mooding Scottish laird with a manor. Both were misunderstood and I encourage you to read this, as peeling back the layers of their characters and past was the best element of this book.
The story had chemistry that smacked you in the face and it had some sprinkings of spice but when it sprinkled, it was intense. The sex seemed inevitable, the connection was uncertain.
I don't want to explain too much about this story but it's my first from this author and I am feeling a sense of longing for these characters again. I don't know what is in store with this series but I will be rolling up for book two.
Thank you to Sourcebooks for the review copy.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience