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hotmesslibrary's reviews
270 reviews
Burned Dreams by Neva Altaj
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
Unfortunately she is not hitting the way she was supposed to. I think the Mafia hyper fixation has also ended. I will be back though later!
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"Magic is here. Alive. Closer than it’s ever been. Even if I can’t feel it now, I have to believe I will feel it again."
This was such an epic read, full of so many incredible twists and turns. Zélie had the future of a beautiful people in her hands, and had to hope her rage and grief would be enough to keep the cause alive. This story is riddled with characters wrestling with their "duty" and what they believe is right. We got to see magic be feared and revered as both a curse and gift. It was even more interesting to see people on both sides of this fight debate whether magic would bring peace or damnation. I enjoyed this exploration. I could even appreciate Zélie making mistakes along the way. It was a harder pill to swallow to watch everything that happened with a certain someone. Words from someone who literally doesn't see your people as people, should not have been so persuasive. I know it was more than words, but still. I get it, we all have to be young and dumb, but chilee. What a mess we are now in. Time to get into book 2!!
This was such an epic read, full of so many incredible twists and turns. Zélie had the future of a beautiful people in her hands, and had to hope her rage and grief would be enough to keep the cause alive. This story is riddled with characters wrestling with their "duty" and what they believe is right. We got to see magic be feared and revered as both a curse and gift. It was even more interesting to see people on both sides of this fight debate whether magic would bring peace or damnation. I enjoyed this exploration. I could even appreciate Zélie making mistakes along the way. It was a harder pill to swallow to watch everything that happened with a certain someone. Words from someone who literally doesn't see your people as people, should not have been so persuasive. I know it was more than words, but still. I get it, we all have to be young and dumb, but chilee. What a mess we are now in. Time to get into book 2!!
Fractured Souls by Neva Altaj
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I was not prepared for this mafia "Haunting Adeline" tale. The plot was plotting in a way this series hadn't done just yet. It was so sweet seeing Pasha help Asya through her trauma. He did not play about her triggers and it was amazing to see. Unfortunately, this age gap gave me the ick given the circumstances and the self-destructive third act was not for me. I have no regrets reading their story, and even enjoyed it. Now on to the arson king, I've been excited about!!
Stolen Touches by Neva Altaj
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Salvatore was obsessed but like in the actual anxiety fueled manic way which was a first for me hahaha It was an interesting start with some plot points that clearly just set up future books. However, Milene and Salvatore were a good time! Milene really like her sister, standing ten toes behind her man and his quirks. On to the next!
I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming
funny
fast-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? No
4.75
This book was so much fun! I'm a Kimberly stan, so I am biased, but she is also deserving of every bit of praise!
I understand Dory needing both Lok and Sol, because I too needed them both biblically hahaha This book was full of the absurdedness that is a Lemming book. At first, even I was like...where are we going? But as always the incredible character work, great friendships, and adorable moments come together to craft such a fun, original romance. If you are not a fan of why choose, this book is for you! It's a great cozy entry into a dynamic that can be a lot. Just take your favorite love triangle or gaggle of faves and imagine how fun it would be to have both, and you're ready for this book.
Also as always, while the romance is a big piece, these characters are the stars! I loved their back stories, candid moments, and amazing humor! I cackled so much! Kimberly continues to be the Black nerdy voice of my dreams and I can't wait to keep devouring her books!
I understand Dory needing both Lok and Sol, because I too needed them both biblically hahaha This book was full of the absurdedness that is a Lemming book. At first, even I was like...where are we going? But as always the incredible character work, great friendships, and adorable moments come together to craft such a fun, original romance. If you are not a fan of why choose, this book is for you! It's a great cozy entry into a dynamic that can be a lot. Just take your favorite love triangle or gaggle of faves and imagine how fun it would be to have both, and you're ready for this book.
Also as always, while the romance is a big piece, these characters are the stars! I loved their back stories, candid moments, and amazing humor! I cackled so much! Kimberly continues to be the Black nerdy voice of my dreams and I can't wait to keep devouring her books!
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
What an unnecessary, messy start to what could have just been a mild-spicy, wholesome journey. Scarlett and Lukas had such sweet moments, but let the situation with Penelope be this dark cloud that just made it hard to root for them most of the book. Both Scarlett and Lukas enabled Pen and thus are their own villains, though hahaha Yet again Ali, my girl's girl author, writes a character who has TERRIBLE friendships. Lukas was really tasked with dealing with two delulus as best as he could. A Swedish king😍 Glad he got his happy ending!
Vengeful by V.E. Schwab
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
"Whatever's happened to you, however you're hurt, you've done it to yourself."
This was not the book that I thought I would be getting in this duology, but I'm not all the way mad at it. The story started with new characters and plots that had to be woven into our original, exciting tale. For the most part they fit in perfectly, but some left me wanting a bit more.
Vengeful was a bit of a misnomer as this really seemed more to be a story of my little Viscious family grieving. Grieving past choices, loved ones, current state of relationships, power and more. While we witness some growth, we also witness these characters being almost a shadow of their former glory and it stings them and us as the reader. The story is still amazingly paced with plot points that had me sitting up straight and screaming! The conclusion was for the best, but it still hurt. The Author did her job and wrapped this story, albeit with a depressing bow hahaha
This was not the book that I thought I would be getting in this duology, but I'm not all the way mad at it. The story started with new characters and plots that had to be woven into our original, exciting tale. For the most part they fit in perfectly, but some left me wanting a bit more.
Vengeful was a bit of a misnomer as this really seemed more to be a story of my little Viscious family grieving. Grieving past choices, loved ones, current state of relationships, power and more. While we witness some growth, we also witness these characters being almost a shadow of their former glory and it stings them and us as the reader. The story is still amazingly paced with plot points that had me sitting up straight and screaming! The conclusion was for the best, but it still hurt. The Author did her job and wrapped this story, albeit with a depressing bow hahaha
Kiss Me by Tiffany Patterson
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A little story about Dae's fine and crazy cousin? Sign me up! Taehyun and Tania had a crazy start, but I loved their short and sweet journey!
Reel by Kennedy Ryan
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
4.5
"Every single one of us is in that race, and a race against time is one you’ll never win. But how will you run?"
Kennedy's pen is nothing to play with! This story is so beautifully written and so unique. I took a break reading it only because I am not a fan of such crazy power dynamics, but these were grown people who handled this situation beautifully. Neevah was truly such a light and magnetic character. Watching Canon allow himself to fall in love with her felt right. I think this was some of the best communication I've ever witnessed. When things took a turn for Neevah, I loved how she vocalized her insecurities and fears. I loved even more how Canon reassured that their relationship could handle it if she let it. Kennedy always does a great job of writing such dynamic and whole characters, that , even when they aren't my faves, I can't help but love their story anyway.
Kennedy's pen is nothing to play with! This story is so beautifully written and so unique. I took a break reading it only because I am not a fan of such crazy power dynamics, but these were grown people who handled this situation beautifully. Neevah was truly such a light and magnetic character. Watching Canon allow himself to fall in love with her felt right. I think this was some of the best communication I've ever witnessed. When things took a turn for Neevah, I loved how she vocalized her insecurities and fears. I loved even more how Canon reassured that their relationship could handle it if she let it. Kennedy always does a great job of writing such dynamic and whole characters, that , even when they aren't my faves, I can't help but love their story anyway.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
The conclusion really ties these stories together in such a beautiful way. The Lovers story to me was the weakest, so if you find yourself not liking it, the last three are worth powering through it. Husband and Wife was heartbreaking but in the very best way. Sisters and Mother and Child were both tragic, but filled with so much great character developed and heart. What a unique take on time travel with a set of rules that seem so frustrating, but work together for something better than I've read in this type of story in a while. Definitely short and sweet.