bryiennefaye's reviews
463 reviews

"Don't lie to yourself about what you want. And don't apologize for it either."

I'm not gonna apologize when the first thing that came to my mind when I finished this book is that Tiktok sound that says, "It is so bad I want to give you a zero. But that's not possible, so I give you a one."

This book started so entertainingly, but it suddenly went downhill as the story progresses. The blurb was also misleading because he's not even grumpy! Giving the one star for the spice.

Kind of disappointed that I didn't enjoy the last book that I read this year ☹️.

5 Fated stars

"Make sure you cast as many stones into that water before you go, so you may watch those ripples for centuries to come."

As someone who expects a lot from fantasy books, this sure exceeded all of my expectations.

I know that I could never go wrong with books with fae characters, but this one was so interesting because of the presence of witches. The way the magic system and the world-building in this book were so well-crafted and riveting that it got me instantly hooked.

For the characters, I really love Remy and the way she developed from being someone who's afraid of the world around her to becoming a powerful alpha woman. Hale, on another note, is something else that I instantly added him to my list of fictional boyfriends. However, the characters who really have my heart are The Eagles—Briata and Talhan—and Carys, as there was just something about their bond and how chaotic they are that I really enjoyed as the story unfolds.

And as for the tropes? It has reluctant allies, fake dating (well, sort of), and the found family trope, which I absolutely love. Also, the banters, flirting, and the palpable tension in almost every chapter was EVERYTHING. I was literally blushing, squealing, and punching my pillows because of them. But what really stood out the most about this book is the LGBTQIA+ representation, which is refreshing on my part as most of the fantasy books I read lack this.

The High Mountain Court had me so engrossed I even thought I had figured out the plot, but it kept surprising me with every turn of events.

5 spell-bounded stars

"Smiles meant nothing if there wasn't anyone to hear her cries."

With how much I was attached to Remy and Hale, I thought I wouldn't love this book, but damn I was SO wrong because everything just keeps getting better!

Rua was the character I never thought I would like because she was so cold-hearted, and she was so hard to love at first, but the thing about her character is that she was so real that you can't really help but understand and empathize with her; especially with her pains. Between Rua and Renwick, I can't choose who I love more because I really love how Renwick was the misunderstood villain in this series. You can clearly understand his actions and why he did them in the first place. Also, I don't usually fall for blond fictional characters because I'm always all for the dark-haired murderer type, but Renwick made it to my except-you list. I mean, who wouldn't fall for someone who reads and gifts books and tells you that you smell like home? Like, sir?

Reading this felt like a warm blanket on a very cold day! It was so cute I was just smiling the whole time. Charlie and Nick were so adorable together; they sure did give me butterflies!

3.5 stars

"Why must we wait until we run out of time to start to accomplish all that we dreamed, when once we had all the time in the world?"

I don't particularly believe in the idea of soulmates, but this book convinced me that it exists (even just for a little while).

A Thousand Boy Kisses is a very consuming and heartfelt story of two childhood best friends turned into lovers. It delved into how love can make two people chase their dreams and capture beautiful moments together with all the time they have

Spoiler

(or the lack thereof)

.

Despite having me shed some tears, I find this book lacking in some parts and quite predictable. I was probably three chapters in, and I already knew how the story might end. But all in all, the story was good and emotional, and the characters were lovable and as special as special can be.

Would probably give this a higher rating if I read this when I was still in high school.

“I lived in books more than I lived anywhere else.”

Is it weird that I find this book creepy and oddly comforting at the same time?

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a beautiful, captivating, and whimsical story that takes on the child's perspective around the wonders of the universe. There were a lot of fascinating things about this, but my favorite is how it was able to put a microscope on the metaphors of the smallest things that exist in this world and be able to see them through the innocence of a child.

This was the first book I read from Neil Gaiman, and it surely won't be the last.

(Please take time to read the trigger warnings first before you read this book)

"It would hurt dreadfully, but if he would just say it, she would know, and knowing—even if the knowledge was bitter—was always better than not knowing."

I would throw hands if the pall mall game won't be included in the adaption.

To be honest, I was reluctant to read this because I hated The Duke and I. That's why my expectations for this were low—my only thoughts were, "Okay, I'll just read this for the tv series." But surprise, surprise! The Viscount Who Loved Me was the redemption arc of this series. The characters' banter is adorable—I was just smiling the whole time. However, I really hated Anthony's ego on this one; thankfully, Kate doesn't take any shit from him. Perhaps, Anthony's attitude was one of the reasons why I didn't really connect to the story because I would always go back to his fragile masculinity (talk about redemption

4.25 stars

"Ya'aburnee. As in you bury me. A rough translation for the way I want to leave this world before you because I can't imagine having to go through a single day without you in it."

Lying supine on my fallen tears because I just want to be a fictional character who falls for a grumpy-man-who-only-has-a-soft-spot-for-you at this point.

Terms and Conditions is one of my anticipated reads this year, and the waiting was definitely worth it! I devoured this book with my whole being. Everything about Declan and Iris made me swoon and kilig (iykyk).

My cheeks hurt from smiling too much while reading this. Everything is just so WHOLESOME!

4.4 stars

'“He doesn’t love me like I love him,” I say hoarsely. “I love him enough to burn the world to the ground in his name.”'

I don't really read dark romance books, but this one made it to my books-i-read-because-i-was-curious-and-ended-up-loving list. So, I may or may not have finished this series in just three days.

Honestly, the writing was nothing special, but the plot was giving! I love the characters and their development throughout the series, especially the women *chef's kiss*. And I guess one of the reasons why I also love this book is because I'm a forensic science student, and I just find it really fascinating having to get to read things related to my program even though they're only teensy bits.

Reading this felt like I was at the edge of my seat, and my heart really felt like it might drop every time I got to the heavy parts.