lilyandme123's reviews
322 reviews

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

🎤 Desiree Ketchum & Aiden Snow

📚 dual POV, 1st person 

Series: Magnolia Falls, book 2

Do I recommend this book: 🤷‍♀️👍

A playful and steamy read, though it had its cringy moments. River, a bold and dirty-talking lawyer, meets his match in Ruby. While the hate-to-love trope is a staple, this one leaned heavily into instant attraction, which didn’t quite land for me compared to Laura Pavlov’s other work. That said, if you’re in the mood for a spicy romance, it might be worth giving it a shot.

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Series rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️, not overly explicit 

Narration Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎤 Julia Whelan

📚 multiple POV, 1st person & 3rd person 

Series: The Black Witch Chronicles, book 5

Do I recommend this book: 👍

Will I read the next book in the series: 👍

I was so excited to dive back into The Black Witch Chronicles! I read the earlier books last year and absolutely fell in love with the world, the characters, and the gripping storylines.

One thing I sometimes struggle with in fantasy series is keeping track of a huge cast of characters, but this author makes it so easy. The characters are introduced gradually, and I’ve loved getting to know them and watching their stories unfold over time.

This book picks up after the Xshlion Moon and continues following the characters on their intense journeys. Many are focused on bringing down the Black Witch and of course, Elloren is leading the charge in her fierce fight against Vogel. A lot of the book builds up to and focuses on the battles, which were action-packed and intense. That said, as someone who loves romance, I did find the multiple battle scenes dragged a bit for me.

For my fellow romance readers, you’ll be glad to know there’s still plenty of romance. Relationships continue to develop, and we get more of the connection between Elloren and Yvan, which was a highlight for me.

It’s a long read, and personally I I think I could have been cut shorter, but I did enjoy it. A fantastic continuation of the series. I’ve grown so attached to these characters and their journeys that I know I’ll be rereading this series again and again. A truly satisfying end to a story I’ve adored. 

🎤 Helen Laser

📚 single POV, 3rd person 

Do I recommend this book: 👍

At first, I didn’t think this book was for me. The third-person perspective isn’t usually my thing as I often struggle to connect with the characters. But around the 30% mark, something shifted. I found myself drawn into the story, slowly but surely becoming invested in the characters and their journey.

If you’re on the lookout for a compelling literary fiction read, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a shot. It might just surprise you like it did me.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

🎤 CJ Bloom & Jason Clarke

📚 dual POV, 1st person 

Series: Magnolia Falls, book 3

Do I recommend this book: 👍

If you’re a fan of the brother’s best friend trope, this one hits all the right notes. There’s so much delicious yearning. 

Don’t let the unique names (Kingston and Saylor) throw you off, their love story is a perfect mix of sweet and spicy.

I also loved the cameos from characters in the Cottonwood Cove and Honey Mountain series; it felt like catching up with old friends.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read! If you’re in the mood for a light romance with just the right amount of spice, I’d definitely recommend picking this up.

Spice: 🌶️, explicit 

🎤 Mia Hutchinson-Shaw

📚 single POV, 1st person 

Series: Shards of Magic, book 1

Do I recommend this book: 👍🤷‍♀️

The narration in this book really stood out; it was incredible and probably the main reason I stuck with it. The story moved quickly, but I found myself relying on the narrator’s skill to stay engaged. Honestly, I can’t tell if it was the book itself or just my mood at the time. The ending did have me wanting more, so I will listen to the next book. If you’re into fantasy, though, it’s definitely worth checking out, you might connect with it more than I did.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

📚 dual POV, 1st person 

Series: The Davenports, book 2

Do I recommend this book: 👎🤷‍♀️

This book is smut with a side of story. If you’re into age-gap romance, marriage of convenience, and a hint of forbidden love, this book might be right up your alley. The story is there, but honestly, it leans heavily on the steamy side. While I can see how some readers would enjoy it, it just didn’t click for me. The plot was okay, but the focus on smut was more than I prefer.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️, explicit 

🎤 Teddy Hamilton & Jennifer Stark

📚 dual POV, 1st person 

Do I recommend this book: 👍

♥️ military romance 

♥️ brothers best friend 

♥️ heartbreaking 

This book came highly recommended on BookTok as one that will completely wreck you—and wow, it delivered. By the end, I was a full-on blubbering mess. The story itself was gripping, but honestly, it felt like this family just couldn’t catch a break—one heartbreak after another. That said, it does wrap up with a happy ending, so there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. If you’re planning to dive into this one, make sure you have a box of tissues close by. You’ll need them. 

🎤 Lauren Sweet

📚 single POV, 1st person 

Do I recommend this book: 👎

I picked up this book with high expectations after seeing it recommended on TikTok. Looking back, it must have been a paid promotion because it really didn’t live up to the hype. The story started off promising, but as it progressed, the main character became increasingly immature, which made it hard to stay invested. When the plot straight out of The Parent Trap revealed itself, I just couldn’t continue. Unfortunately, I ended up DNF-ing this one.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

🎤 Joe Hempel & Carly Robins

📚 dual POV, 1st person 

Series: Wolves of Collier Pack, book 1 

Do I recommend this book: 👍

♥️ Wolf shifter

♥️ Fated Mates 

This quick read is like a refreshing palate cleanser, blending romance with shifter wolves. While the story isn’t packed with surprises or groundbreaking twists, it’s an enjoyable escape that’s perfect for a laid-back reading/listening session.

Spice: 🌶️, not overly explicit 

🎤 Caitlin Kelly & Aaron Shedlock 

📚 duel POV, 1st person 

Series: City Lights, book 1 

Do I recommend this book: 👍

This was my first Emma Scott book, and it won’t be my last. The story follows Noah, a grumpy and blind main character, and Charlotte, a talented violinist from Juilliard. Both are grieving in their own ways, and their journey together is filled with so much heart and healing. It’s the kind of book that tugs at your emotions and leaves a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, moving read, I definitely recommend this one.