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xandra_lyn's reviews
512 reviews
The Dancer and the Robin by Laura Greenwood
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was just ok. I was indifferent about the characters, and I wanted it to be more Christmas-y.
Up on the Rooftop by Kristine Grayson
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Super cute Christmas story!! I love the world building and hope for more in future books.
Dukes, Actually by Erica Ridley
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really loved this one!! It wrapped up a little too quickly, but other than that it was perfect!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
They kiss and almost have sex but then don't.
The Wolf of Christmas Past by Kristen Strassel
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I didn't understand why the female MC fought the relationship in the beginning, and I didn't understand why she suddenly was ok with it. It was basically just drama for dramas sake. But it was an interesting world and I'm curious to get to know the characters more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Blitzen's Fated Mate by R.E. Butler
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It was an interesting premise, but the writing was a little clunky. But mostly I hate when shifters bite during the spicy scenes in order to mark their mates. Instant turn off for me, so I won't be reading more of this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Hidden Gift by Annette K. Larsen
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a really sweet re-imagining of St. Nicholas. It didn't quite take place at Christmas (it ended Dec 2), but it would have been good to get into the Christmas spirit. (I think it also came out in November, and it is part of a 12 book compilation, so that would make sense)
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
Bullying: there was a servant overseeing her that kept hurting girls he was interested in. It was never sexual, although he did somewhat threaten her saying if she didn't marry him then he'd see her family evicted. He was stopped immediately, and she wasn't attacked. But it was uncomfortable and so needed to be mentioned
Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If I could rate this one 100 stars I would!!!
From the first few books, we knew Virginia was different, but sometimes quirky characters become more "normal" in their own books. Instead, the author intentionally coded her with autism, which I felt was so special and wonderful. I LOVED Virginia, and I LOVED Theo!! I knew it would end in HEA, but I was so curious how it would get there.
My only disappointment was this one was shorter than the other books by about 3 chapters.
Interestingly, there was no spice. It didn't bother me at all, but if you're reading for spice you'd be disappointed.
From the first few books, we knew Virginia was different, but sometimes quirky characters become more "normal" in their own books. Instead, the author intentionally coded her with autism, which I felt was so special and wonderful. I LOVED Virginia, and I LOVED Theo!! I knew it would end in HEA, but I was so curious how it would get there.
My only disappointment was this one was shorter than the other books by about 3 chapters.
Interestingly, there was no spice. It didn't bother me at all, but if you're reading for spice you'd be disappointed.
Content Warnings
Minor: Forced institutionalization
A Little Elfin' Around by Julia Mills
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
I could not handle the PAGES of parentheticals, and then have the author go immediately back to the regular story, usually answering a question that I'd forgotten about.
I also hated how Ella treated her elf familiar Edgar. They were so mean to each other.
I also hated how Ella treated her elf familiar Edgar. They were so mean to each other.
The Hunger and the Dusk: Book Two #3 by G. Willow Wilson
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The best one so far in this second run! I loved the small glances of hope throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and War
The Hunger and the Dusk: Book Two #2 by G. Willow Wilson
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood