hotmesslibrary's reviews
270 reviews

It's Elementary by Elise Bryant

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funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I loved Mavis! I cackled so much at her internal thoughts. She was so relatable as an overachieving Black woman. I enjoyed the mystery woven into a very realistic setting of being a minority in white spaces. This book truly made me never want anything to do with PTAs hahaha I enjoyed how everything was going, but the big reveal pertaining to our main suspect was just soooo....hahaha It was unnecessarily cringe. I liked what it did in terms of being different, but it almost felt like a waste. The rest of the story was still enjoyable, but a bit unsatisfying. I still enjoyed the characters so much that honestly, if this wasn't a mystery, probably would have rated even higher. 
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black

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fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I missed my babies! This book has a unique structure that gives you a look inside Cardan's head and heart. Loved the tale that he wove towards the end. I do still think we could have learned even more, but it was a beautiful, fun project that soothed some of my Cruel Prince withdraws hahaha
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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? N/A

5.0

"You wrote Blunder’s history... Now rewrite it."

My heart has been put through the WRINGER😭 The way I witnessed the most beautiful love story unfold alongside a heart wrenching  daunting adventure. Two Twisted Crowns was a beautiful finale to such a gorgeous tale of rewriting history and breaking the cycle. 

This duology deserves a whole dissertation, but I'll just wrap up with a special shout-out to my two bbs. Elm and The Nightmare. Icons. Legends. 
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

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adventurous tense medium-paced

4.75

 DID IT REALLY HAVE TO HAPPEN LIKE THIS😭😭 

Before I head over to Two Twisted Crows, let me just say that I LOVED this magic system so so much! Incredible story. Elspeth did exhaust me a little at times, but to be fair her magic was insane hahaha The Nightmare is my favorite character. Obsessed with him. Ravyn is so cold with it. Love him. Elm is hilarious because even though he was trying my girl, he absolutely had every right hahaha 

Okay okay let's see how in the WORLD they get out of this craziness 
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

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fast-paced

4.0

Chile it is confirmed that Freida makes every woman INSANE hahaha A fun set of circumstances! Did it hurt to watch ole girl be a dummy... absolutely? Now the twist / reveal of ole girl's past was iconic, even if I felt some revelations were a little too rapid fire. 
Elevator Pitch by Evelyn Leigh

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It is always so shocking to catch glimpses of yourself in a character. Watching Selah vocalize my own fears was nauseating at times, and watching her stand in her own way was humbling because me too girl! 

Greyson. So happy he got a second chance at trying to be a lover boy. He exceeded all expectations. His game was top tier 😍

There were moments in the story, where the prose got a bit tell over show, which could get a bit distracting. However, I appreciated many of the asides that were just full of life gems. 

I love a good friend group in romances and they both had some riders! This was such a cute story and can't wait to see who's up next in the series! 
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner

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4.75

Kissen! You deserve the world bb! THE ENTIRE WORLD! Such a fun book. This story was wild and the TWIST! I was shook, but we love a smart girlie who really tried to prevent it. Kissen literally is an icon. A legend! I adored the other characters of course, but Kissen really was the star for me. Elo... I understood but still wanted to mollywhop him! Especially after the full flashback! Get away from me! You literally owed that man NOTHING! Wrapping my arms around my bb Inara. May she collect more real af people on her journey. I need the next book immediately!! 
Tangling with Trolls by Hazel Mack

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medium-paced

3.25

So much ridiculousness (cc troll whip) hahah Wren was such a fun FMC and much needed breath of fresh air for the plus size romances. She's obsessed with her self as she should be and her insecurities have nothing to do with her body. A concept!  Ohken was chill, but Wren and her squad were the stars for me. Unfortunately the details of their particular brand of spice, just got old really fast. Also while I ignore the need for a big plot from a cozy read, it still was just not gelling for me. 

I still like so many of the characters and may pop back into the series later.
Heart of My Monster by Rina Kent

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dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

5.0

TENS TENS TENS!! 

Sasha and Kirill are IT!! Rina girlllll!! Perfection! This Mulan inspired Mafia was everything! Sasha is such an amazing character who did not let that man play in her face! Kirill is a petty, vicious drama king. Together they were THEM! My favorite Rina couple. My favorite Rina story! 



Lies of My Monster by Rina Kent

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funny tense fast-paced

5.0

"I wish him all the unhappiness in the world. I’m not much of a selfless person... I wish that he’ll see my shadow in every corner of this room and have nightmares about me. I hope you never forget about me and that the thought of me haunts you for eternity."

AHHHHHH THIS CLIFFHANGER WAS WORSE😭😭😭😭 AHHHHHHHH