⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

🌶️

Definitely read this book if you have not... Add it to your TBR... This book is packed full of action and curiosity. Lor is taken from prison in order to complete in the trials for Sun Queen... and each day is filled with adventure and questions. I will say that even though I saw some of the twist coming I did not see them all and I am still left with more than a few questions at the end of the book eagerly awaiting to start the next book tomorrow. The writing was so spectacular in that it kept you hanging on wondering what was going to happen next. 

It's only getting 4.25 stars from me for a reason other than plot, twist, character building, and world building. I listened to this book on Audible and I say that because I am not a huge fan of audiobooks. There is nothing wrong with them I am just usually doing other things while listening to them so my focus is split and I feel I miss things. I am wondering if I missed something with this book also. 

I realized after about the 3rd or 4th Nadir chapters that his chapters were written in 3rd person where Lor's were written in 1st. Im not sure if this stuck out to me more cause it was a dual narration audio book or if I missed why this was somewhere in the beginning but once I noticed it; it just bothered me. Since the chapters are labeled by who is narrating and it being dual narrated I just struggled with it.. I have not seen anyone else mention this in any reviews so maybe Im just the odd one out here. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️

First I want to say thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. Poetry by DEAD Men is definitely by far the best comtemporary romance Ive read in a while. 

I pride myself on keeping my reviews spoiler free, cause for me at least, I hate going into book and already knowing the biggest parts of the story. But I will say its a second chance romance full of love, sorrow, and tradgey. I will start this review off by saying.... PREORDER THIS BOOK!!! It releases in just a few days on July 10th. I will definitely be buying a copy to put on my shelf. I love books that involve music and a rockstar contemporary romance was exactly what I needed. This book had me laughing, gasping, hoping, crying, wondering, and Im sure I could list a few more adjectives to describe the emotions I went through. Those emotions hit at all the right times. The writing was amazing. There was such a flow to this book that just kept you wanting to continue and I could NOT put this down. That need to know took over. This story showcases the kind of love between two people that most of us or at least I wish and hope to be true. 

Please check the trigger warnings though.

Maybe that is why this book spoke to me in the way it did. As someone who has had to learn to accept and continue to grow in the aftermath of tragedy. I hope anyone else who has lived through or is living through this type of trama knows its not your fault.

#poetrybydeadmen #thenerdfam

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️

What can I say about this book...... if you want a fun make you laugh out loud romance with a little fantasy sprinkled in. GO pick this up. I listened to it on audiobook and I laughed so much.  It's not action packed but it is a well crafted slow burn.  The only reason this received 4⭐️s is because I found the ending predictable.  It's starts out in kind of a dark place but the way it's written you just gets snip it's so I don't believe any trigger warnings are necessary. Overall a great book and if you have Audible it's included. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
I/2 🌶️

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #midnightwitchhouse #thenerdfam

This is a great book to pick up if you want something that just keeps you on your toes and gasping for air… I am a little late getting this posted as the book released yesterday but its on KindleUnlimited…. You wont be disappointed if you add it to your TBR.

Summary: About a girl who thought she was an orphan until one day she received a letter from a lawyer stating her late uncle left her something in his will. Hoping for a fresh start in a town so she went looking for a home. What she found was far better and far, far worse. Love, lust, murder, magic, vampires, and witches all tangled into a wild ultimate scavenger hunt.

Review: This was relatively a good entertaining book. The twist and turns never disappointed.. It was fun to read and kept you wondering what would happen next. Cause just when you thought you knew another twist was thrown at you. I believe the writing could have been better. There were moments where certain words didn’t fit the dynamic of POV, some that were slightly overused. But it didn’t take away from the story. The only true downfall I had with this book was love story. It seemed a little over the top when the whole book spanned over a week. But it was definitely a solid 3.25 star read for me and I would definitely read another book by Julie Catherine. The imagination, the magic, the story was very good.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Death’s Kiss

The Order of the Tide Raiders book 1

by M. M. Reeves

Summary of book

A young woman going through the motions of life as the outcast not knowing who she is or where she came from. She has been tortured and tormented from the very moment she was “reborn” for lack of a better word. After years of causing mischief she found her place and even achieved the promotion. Though still having to constantly prove herself. She has to go through a series of trials going up against the best of the best. One in particular has had it in for her since his arrival. The promise of “freedom” lies with the wining crew and the almost certainty of death lies around every turn.

Review

I could not have been happier than I am to have received this book from the author and The Nerd Fam to review. This book is a 4.75 star read for me. The only thing keeping it from 5 stars is that it is very long (662 pages) and I am not convinced it had to be. There were some moments that felt lagging. But overall this book delivered. It has unique magic, tons of mystery, trials and competition, and a lot of sarcasm and funny moments. I literally laughed out loud multiple times throughout this book. It kept getting better as the book continued and I am more than ready for the second book in the series to come out. It was a lot of characters to keep track of but it brought so much of the story to life. I love the use of the foreign language. It wasn’t a lot so it didn’t seem to interfere with the story but it was neat to want to figure out what they were saying even though the FMC doesn’t. The ending has a twist I DID NOT see coming and then one I did. Though even the one I did will make for an amazing plot in the next book. There is still a characters story I am curious to read about as Kleio breakup is not discussed as to the why. And I cannot wait to see how Agni and Boreas handle whatever comes next. So much still to learn and discover

This book is currently on Kindle Unlimited if you have not read it. Put it on your TBR for sure!!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️

Second book in the Espirithean Trilogy. I found this book better than the first. The setting was its own, we were introduced to a whole lot of new characters. This was more enemies to lovers though it did seem a little cliche after the first book. But I did enjoy this book a lot more. I feel we got a lot more detail about the surroundings and what and why things were happening as Fia was more questionable in this book. I found the MMC in this book so much more entriguing and mysterious than Laryk in the first book. I never did really enjoy his character and Aether is a lot more believable given the situation and his questionable past. ☹️

⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️

Hmmmm what can I say... This book had a lot of potential. The magic was different and the character stories were pretty good but, most of the story just felt done before. Fia is a child from a realm of people that started a rebellion and is marked along with the other children orphaned after their parents were killed.... Sound familiar? Once you get past the back story the book is decently written and not hard to get through but I have been reading a lot of fantasy/romantasy this year and nothing really stands out in this book. Fia goes through some self discovery and the more she branches out the more she learns about herself and her abilities. She makes decisions to protect those she loves. The ending was good, a small cliff hanger which is what got me to 3 stars. I did not see this book as an enemies to lovers; more forced proximity. But I do believe my definition of enemies to lovers is different than most. 

⭐️⭐️.5

I was not a fan of this book. It really lost its originality here. The second book started to in the middle but the ending redeemed itself. Our Fault was way to Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele for me. In the sense of the back and forth. Not really trusting the other. I do not believe for one second they would be together given the circumstances that happened at the end of book two and his reaction. The first book and second book their relationship was mostly believable. It's what I liked about it but the third book was just a nope that wouldn't happen. I guess it could but not the way the first half of this book was written. The ending was cute. I did enjoy how it tied back to the first book. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️

As the sequel to My Fault I came into this book unsure of how good it would be. I enjoyed this book for the simple reason that they showcased real life problems with relationships and age gaps. I can say that I was shocked by the turn of events. Nick and Noah had their own insecurities which led to big mistakes 

The book was good though it started off better than it finished. Which is why it got 3.5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Best book so far! Not just in Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac but to include the first three books in Zodiac Acedemy. This book was a whirlwind of emotions. The book just kept getting better. It was the largest book so far at 633 pages but it's so worth it. So many things happening and the end WOW.  None of what I was expecting happened. It was so much better. Leon is my favorite character. He's so funny and clever. I crack up at him and he's got these wonderful swoon worthy moments. I'm nervous for the next book. Hard to follow that one. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

This book was more spicy moments than plot in my opinion. Though the plot moments delivered when they came out. I don't mind the spice and she's definitely dealing with everything in her own way. I just find it a little funny that the FMC seems small and average though she's immune to certain magical gifts and she is breaking down not only one Alpha, but four. Is it just sheer determination or is there more lurking under her skin....The ending if this book had me a little taken aback; though I'm curious how the next book will play out now there are two possibly three wars on the horizon. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️🌶️.5

I am definitely intrigued by this series. I wanna know..... who killed him? Were any of them involved? Which one does she choose?

I liked this book, the use of magic and its intensity was more than what you got in the first three Zodiac Academy books. Though this academy isn’t has structured as ZA so it makes sense it wouldn’t be as controlled. I liked it though, gave us more interesting scenes. But I will say that I am glad I read those three first. Zodiac Academy and a couple names are mentioned in this book that I was grateful for being able to tie them to a person or a place... The world building is more intricate in ZA so I am also grateful for having that also going into this series. That being said the suspense in this series is stronger. I am slightly curious how we were getting a specific point of view based on the situation but I'm more curious to find out if it gets explained in the next book or by the end of series. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is a long series so I can't expect each book to be a 5. This one fell short for me. I'm struggling with what everyone defines as "enemies to lovers". These guys have been pining after one another since book one. I definitely get a you don't want me but I fall in love with you vibe for some but again yes what they are doing is not based on their own hate at least for the Heirs. I definitely laughed. I had a couple of WHAT moments and the ending was a bit of a twist. But I didn't like the ending for two of the MCs. As I believe the blame is completely misplaced and the way he fights says that he doesn't deserve her anger.

I'm reading in the spoiler free version recommended by @That Girl Reads.  So off to Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book two much better than book one. This had me cracking up. I was shocked. I was worried about the outcome. I was excited. It had an epic battle. I am so ready to start book three after work tomorrow. If it's half as good as book two this is going to be a great series. Out of the six main characters I can't even say who my favorite is yet. I like all for different reasons. Trying to put some of the pieces together between book 1 & 2 is not easy. I'm still on the fence about a couple characters based on the clues but who does Tory really wanna be with?  I think I know. And after this book how forbidden is it really?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️

Ive been wondering if I should rate these books individually or as an entire series due to its sheer size. As I find it hilarious when someone recommends the sixth but not third in a series.🤣 Not sure I know anyone that is just going to skip over books. Good, bad, or indifferent there is always information you need for the rest of them. But I decided to at least start this one off. 

I have seen a lot of reviews on this series and how some DNFd it due to how cruel they were. Minus the end I didn't get that vibe. Yes they were mean but it wasn't really over the top and a hell of a lot more tame than other books I've read or movies Ive seen. That being said; It was a good book. What kept this from being a 5⭐️ read for me is I thought the banter could have been better. The fact that they were bullies im not sure how and anyone would constantly second guess their intentions. But being more new adult makes it a bit more believable. The ending did shock me though leaving eager to start book two. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️

I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN…….

THIS BOOK HAD ME SO CONFUSED. THE BACK TALKS ABOUT A WOMAN AND A HOMICIDE DETECTIVE AND HOW THE FMC IS STUCK IN A MARRIAGE AND SHE RECEIVES A MYSTERY INVITATION TO JOIN A SECRET SOCIETY AND FATE PUT THE MMC IN HER PATH….. SOUNDS LIKE A MYSTERY LOVE STORY RIGHT? WEEEEEEELLL, THE PROLOGUE TALKED ABOUT DIFFERENT CHARACTERS AND MAGIC AND GYPSYS AND SHE WAS MOVING TO TAKE ON WHAT HER AUNT HAD STARTED BEFORE SHE DIED. I WENT INTO THIS BOOK NOT READING THE BACK SO I ASSUMED THE PROLOGUE WAS THE BEGINNING OR INSIGHT INTO THE STORY…. NOPE NOT AT ALL. THAT PROLOGUE HAD ME WONDERING IF I LOST MY MIND AND MADE IT UP. I HAD TO GO BACK AND REREAD THE PROLOGUE AFTER I 

FINISHED THE BOOK CAUSE IT WAS SO DIFFERENT. THE BOOK WAS GOOD AND WORTH THE READ BUT THAT CAUSED ME TO NOT GET AS INVESTED IN THE BOOK CAUSE I KEPT WONDERING WHEN THE MAGIC AND OTHER STUFF WAS COMING. THE ROMANCE IN THE BOOK WAS FASTIN THE BEGINNING BUT I ENDED UP REALLY ENJOYING IT. THOUGHT IT JUST MADE ME WHAT TO READ WHATEVER STORY WAS BREWING IN THAT PROLOGUE. 

sorry for the caps. I was 😡 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Rating this book was rather difficult for me. This is definitely not a YA book but due to the age of the FMC it has some YA moments. That being said the writing for this book was impeccable. The banter between well everyone is hilarious and had me cracking up at times. I went with a 4.5 star rating because I do not agree that this is an enimies to lovers trope. They were caught in a compromising situation at the beginning and then were inconvenienced with each other by their own doing. They may have hated the situation but never was there true hate between these characters. The romance was believable; happened overtime and wasn't forced. There was betrayal and twists and shocks throughout. And the ending was exactly perfect. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️

I want to start off by saying I don't think it's completely the books fault my review isn't higher. I chose this book to complete my book bingo card and give me a laugh right after being devastated by Onyx Storm.

The FMC and MMC are co-worker rivals after a merger. They spend the first part of the book hating each other though when it shifted to more it wasn't a gradual shift. This book was funny and it had some great moments but for a RomCom it was more cheesy Hallmark romance than comedy. I love Hallmark but when reading a book I expect things to be more gradual as there's time as opposed to a movie which is limited. I am in no way saying it's not worth the read. I am actually still very intrigued for movie that is being made based on this book. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️

This is going to be the hardest spoiler free review I think Ive ever written.  What can I say...... I WAS NOT PREPARED. I had my thoughts and my theories and yep I was 98% wrong, but I think what really got me was when I turned the page so engrossed that I didn't realize I was at the end until I saw a blank page and at midnight I wanted to throw my book across the room cause I just needed MORE. This series has made be vow to myself that I will not read another series that is not complete. My mind, body, and soul cannot take the stress. This book builds from chapter one all the way to the end.  It's a constant uphill momentum and I LOVED IT! As much as I love Xaden and Violet; I have to say that Ridoc and Andarnas sarcastic smart ass comments had me literally laughing out loud. This book took me through every emotion and then left me staring at a blank page internally screaming that it was over. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️

🫑

I downloaded the sample to this book last night and was immediately hooked and bought the book for my kindle so I could read it. It started off with trauma and sacrafice winding this up to be another great book by Anne-Marie Meyer. Imagine my disappointment when half way through the book the characters got repetitive and kept saying the same things not only as the other MC but themselves for pages. The FMC talks about getting answers but the end they never have the conversation but it's a romance book so they are in love and together. I did finish it but the second half of the book just fell short for me. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️

This book caught my attention from a commercial advertising the movie coming out in a few months. It looked intriguing and the books are always better so I grabbed a digital copy on my Kindle app and was glad I did. 

This story follows a girl from Canada that is uprooted and moved to California after her mom re-married. Her new stepdad is a millionaire and his 21 almost 22 year old son lives there. It starts off very classic. She doesn't want to be there. Stepbrother and her don't get along. But then she intangles her life in his and things start to change. The author pretty much laid out Nicks story but she did an amazing job of holding in Noah's. There were signs and I think for someone whose lived through similar you could spot them but I was not expecting what was brought to light. I would consider this book more new adult than young adult and there is some vanilla spice but that's it. The only thing that held this back from being a 5 ⭐️ read was how quickly Nicks "bad boy" life ended. I there was enough there they shared that could have kept some of the thrill that was in the beginning. That being said there are two more books so maybe she does. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🫑

This is book about girl and her older brothers best friend. From a young age they practically grew up together developing a fun back and forth sarcastic banter. Some time goes between them seeing each other as adults though they are brought back together by circumstances happening within both their lives. 

this was a good book to read in a few hours. It received a 4 star rating simply because the ending was predictable for me. The sarcastic banter and overall relationship they had as friends is one everyone should strive for though. Maybe one day I'll be close enough to someone to habe a safety net moment. It's definitely worth the read if you're a romance/ Hallmark lover. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I want to start by saying this took me way too long to read and it wasn't because the book was bad in any way. Obligations and then the flu knocked me out for few days. Though I can say I have now finished and HOLY COW! For me, I struggled in the beginning as it was a little slow to start. Though I came to appreciate all the back story and character building of the three different POVs as the story progressed. The entire second have of the book I spent in shock. The sacrafices, the betrayal, and the secrets oh my!  Could not believe how their stories were unfolding. Being that it is 1am I will be started book two tomorrow. Well.... later on today. 

This is the first book I've read by John Gwynne and if you have not picked this up do it now. It's the first book in a trilogy and the third book just released this past November. So it is a completed series now. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️.5

This morning, I wanted a quick read. Knowing I'm not a huge fan of short stories I find it difficult to decide on one. That being said, I needed something I could get into and finish quickly to remind myself reading is not a chore. After seeing it posted on social media and reading the synopsis I chose to read a short story by Rebecca Yarros, Point of Origin. When I read that this was a firefighter romance, I was skeptical and almost chose not to read it. As hot as they are it's one that is overused. But Rebecca never disappoints, and I was very pleased to find this wasn't a "typical" firefighter story. I was able to complete this book in just a few short hours and still felt alongside the characters. For a quick love story with some spice this is a great one to pick up. 

⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is a very quick read. I finished this book in just a few hours. There was potential for this book, but for me I am not a fan of short stories. You lose to me what makes books great over movies; the indebth character building. I didn't necessarily find this book very christmacy as the main focus of this book is the spice. I will note that this is a father (step) and son duo which is not appealing to me either which is why this book rated so low. But if you want a lot of spice and dont want to take hours to get to it, this is the book for you. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another amazing book for Rebecca Yarros. She has truly earned the bestseller title. I just loved this story. The struggles the MFC and MMC went through throughout their lives and still managed to achieve their goals teaches that no matter what life throws at you; you are able to climb above, triumph, and win in the end. I loved how it showed us what truly matters in life and how doing what we love means so much more than doing so out of obligation. After reading The Empyrean series first two books this was a great read to pass the time. After watching Hallmark movies my whole life I can usually play out a romance after the first couple of chapters and even though I was spot on for some I was utterly shocked for most of the book.