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joyreads2024's reviews
93 reviews
Bloodstream by Emilee Carter
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
SHOWđź‘ŹNOTđź‘ŹTELLđź‘Ź
This book had SOOO MUCH potential at the start but ended up being so MEH it put me into the first reading slump of the year.
It was like the author had taken a “how to write a romance book” course and hadn’t changed ANYTHING up. There was no need for that third act whatever it was. There was also no need for Julian going hot and cold, that was not book boyfriend material atnall. He was SOO ANNOYING. Also, the “plot twist reveal” was so obvious and also just done quite poorly. And the addition of a native Hawaiian family gives off the vibe that she was just trying to fill the diverse requirement.
The biggest problem I had with this book was the writing. I understand that this is a debut novel, but it was traditionally published, and therefore you would think it would be better. I don’t need the giant slab of the same shit written each chapter ending instead of ang actual action. It’s like she was trying to have an inspriring, bring attention to women in F1 moment but failed miserably.
Though, a positive is that at least it got me into f1 đź‘Ť
This book had SOOO MUCH potential at the start but ended up being so MEH it put me into the first reading slump of the year.
It was like the author had taken a “how to write a romance book” course and hadn’t changed ANYTHING up. There was no need for that third act whatever it was. There was also no need for Julian going hot and cold, that was not book boyfriend material atnall. He was SOO ANNOYING. Also, the “plot twist reveal” was so obvious and also just done quite poorly. And the addition of a native Hawaiian family gives off the vibe that she was just trying to fill the diverse requirement.
The biggest problem I had with this book was the writing. I understand that this is a debut novel, but it was traditionally published, and therefore you would think it would be better. I don’t need the giant slab of the same shit written each chapter ending instead of ang actual action. It’s like she was trying to have an inspriring, bring attention to women in F1 moment but failed miserably.
Though, a positive is that at least it got me into f1 đź‘Ť
Archangel's Sun by Nalini Singh
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love LOVE LOVEEEEEE THIS BOOK OH MY GOODNESS, It ages like fine wine (but what GH book doesn’t??) Sharine’s growth, and Titus’ sarcasm combines into a MWAH cocktail. The book kind of wraps up loose ends, but more it sets the stage for the next two books. There are a lot of things slightly introduced but not delved too much into, probably because it would be several tens of pages longer. Their banter is the true beauty of this book, as is Sharine’s maturity and growth. And of course, Titus coming in strong as one of the best GH characters - a beautiful mix between Deacon and Ramson wrapped up in everything that it means to be an archangel. I love that Singh takes the time to flesh out more of Tanae, and the way she writes her characters in this book is oh so similar to the way she writes her Psy Changeling series where she introduces a bunch of characters, and leaves us hankering for more short stories about them or a full length book. Either or, i’m keen for the rest to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder, Pregnancy, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
Bride to the Fiend Prince by Rebecca F. Kenney
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I really struggled to choose whether to give it a 2.75 star or a 3 star.
It’s a beauty and the beast retelling, with magic, sorcerers and poorly organised rebellion.
Reasons I didn’t love the book/problems I had with it:
- I normally never complain about poor character development/portrayal of character, but these characters were SOO wishy washy. The FMC wanted to be so badass, and for like one moment she was portrayed like a warrior Princess, and then the other she was just wingy.
- Some of the side characters were cool
- the overall premise was a good idea, I just wish it had been more flushed out/had actual depth
- there was little worldbuilding, but enough that you got the overall gist
- random introduction of things
- the mmc needs to get a tad bit of a grip
- THE LINE OF “would you forgive me for all the war crimes” HOMIE WHY DONT YOU GET A BACKBONE AND BE LIKE I NEED TO REPENT OR SOMETHING DEAR LORD
Reasons I did like the book:
- the banter was pretty good
- ignoring everything else, the relationship between the two was good at some points
- the premise was good
- the conclusion wrapped things up pretty well
- she could sound pretty badass
- the mmc realising he’s an idiot
Also, everytime I started to enjoy the book/ the FMC started to be likeable, something stupid plot wise happened.
It’s a beauty and the beast retelling, with magic, sorcerers and poorly organised rebellion.
Reasons I didn’t love the book/problems I had with it:
- I normally never complain about poor character development/portrayal of character, but these characters were SOO wishy washy. The FMC wanted to be so badass, and for like one moment she was portrayed like a warrior Princess, and then the other she was just wingy.
- Some of the side characters were cool
- the overall premise was a good idea, I just wish it had been more flushed out/had actual depth
- there was little worldbuilding, but enough that you got the overall gist
- random introduction of things
- the mmc needs to get a tad bit of a grip
- THE LINE OF “would you forgive me for all the war crimes” HOMIE WHY DONT YOU GET A BACKBONE AND BE LIKE I NEED TO REPENT OR SOMETHING DEAR LORD
Reasons I did like the book:
- the banter was pretty good
- ignoring everything else, the relationship between the two was good at some points
- the premise was good
- the conclusion wrapped things up pretty well
- she could sound pretty badass
- the mmc realising he’s an idiot
Also, everytime I started to enjoy the book/ the FMC started to be likeable, something stupid plot wise happened.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Archangel's War by Nalini Singh
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The PERFECT end to the Lijuan shit show. I cried, I panicked, my heart beat in a rapid tattoo. I felt like I was hugged, I felt like I wanted to shout “TITUS YOU RULE.” I think the book can be best summarised by a line said by Michaela, “Why won’t the bitch fucking die?!”
Too true M, too true. Also, Kier, badass. Hannah, what a slay. Mele, I grieve for your loss.
The last word of the book being aeclari.. bruh. LOVE LOVE LOVE
Too true M, too true. Also, Kier, badass. Hannah, what a slay. Mele, I grieve for your loss.
The last word of the book being aeclari.. bruh. LOVE LOVE LOVE
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Archangel's Prophecy by Nalini Singh
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Archangel’s Prophecy slaps so hard I cannot even. From start to end, to the little slices of life to the introduction of Cassandra , it’s such an awesome book. And the way the ending flows to the next one. Love, love, love. We had a lil bit of Cadre, but mostly it was Elena hunting and the story building over time. Perfect.
Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
SOOOO good but man I wish the book was longer
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
adventurous
dark
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book started my paranormal romance journey nearly a decade ago, and it is still as good as I remember. Cat, her growth. Reading her from when I was a teenager to now, wow. Just wow.
A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
For anyone wanting mystery set in remote New Zealand with a touch of romance, pick this book up! It’ll leave you thinking about it for days to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 1 by Sorata Akiduki
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
MUCH LOVE
Twisted by Emily McIntire
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
The vibe was simply not vibing. Hooked flew, Scarred jogged, Wretched strutted and this, this flopped face first. Which is SO SAD. It was predictable, the female main character was unlikeable, and the vibe was just MEH.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture