#ARCReview

[libraryofnika]

“𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓,” — “𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓?

𝙷𝚎𝚒𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙳𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝚃.𝙽.𝚅𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚜 ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ⊹˙⋆

Gracing you again with my unedited full review of 𝙷𝚎𝚒𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙳𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, a new high fantasy novel series that I enjoyed so much. I absolutely highly recommend this brilliantly written novel. My full review might contain SPOILERS, so be aware of that when you decide to read my unedited review.

◇

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Date Finished and Reviewed (Goodreads): June 21, 2024

Ratings: 4⭐️

◇

It took me a while to finish this because this novel was stressing me– NOT IN A BAD WAY BUT IN A GOOD WAY.

Going forward, the writing is brilliant. It did really well in drawing my attention and curiosity from the very start until the end. I was glad that the writing really did fit the story, I think that’s one of the main reasons I enjoyed this book very much.

The world building was intricate. I would say the author did well in introducing it in the novel, I quite enjoy it. The world building did really feel medieval to me and perhaps a little bit of the GoT atmosphere. I would definitely love to see more of it in the 2nd book. Although I’m quite waiting for the Dragon and Vampire concept to be shown more, it wasn’t that much here, so I hope the 2nd novel will exercise these more.

The plot was very much politial at the beginning. However, it did waned and went towards the character arc route, in my opinion, in like 60%, which I didn’t have a problem considering the characters were really likeable. I was really rooting for them all. Still, it was politically intrigued to me in some ways and more building of the storyline.

I would say I was more attached to the characters, especially Rhella and Virgil. Their dynamics and chemistry are undeniable. They’re giving me so much of a strong couple and ride or die couple vibes, and strangely, the Percy and Annabeth, I don’t know why, honestly. I’m definitely looking forward to the developments of this pairing.

Asriel, on the other hand, I was rooting for him to be honest, but after that scheme of his, I was upset. I was expecting so much of him, but I would say I’m disappointed with his character.

There are quite a few suspicious characters, in my opinion. I would say let’s see how it goes in the next instalment.

The parts towards the ending on the hand— I’m not quite sure how I should feel about it, I’m suspicious? It was abrupt to me and felt anticlimactic. That being said, let’s see how it would go after that part in the next instalment.

Overall, this was a solid introduction for the series. I’m really rooting for this and excited for the events, especially Rhaella, Virgil, Asriel, and the rest of the characters’ development in the next instalment ♡

If you like these, you’ll need to check this novel ♡

◇ political intrigue

◇ world building

◇ well written characters

◇ queer cast

◇ royals

◇ fantasy elements (dragons, prophecy, vampire, and the likes)

◇ strong and potentially ride and die couple

◇

Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity, I definitely had fun in this novel. I’m super excited and can not wait for the 2nd instalment ♡

P.S. I made an honest mistake on my tbr post and had this book under sapphic, but the right category would be queer for the characters 🔖

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[thelibrarysghost]

✶ 10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall ✶

• Goodreads • Author •

Genres: Romance, Adult, LGBTQ+, Contemporary, Queer, Fiction

This book is Alexis Hall at his finest in my opinion. While I adore his historical romance books and more fantasy/fantastical tales there is just something so strong about his contemporary romances. The banter, the characters, the heart of it all.

In regards to the 🎧 audiobook narration- Will Watt brought such an extra wonderfulness to an already wonderful story. From the bright undertones of Sam to the uncertainty and hesitation of Jonathan he truly encapsulated so many feelings for these characters in his tones and inflictions. His accent really brings the whole thing together as well and makes the conversations and humor pop that much more.

This book is laced with the specific type of heart that only Alexis Hall seems to deliver for me. These characters had me laughing out loud one minute and wanting to cry the next. This book truly felt like making friends with the characters and rooting for them along the way to what you hope will be a HEA.

I honestly took my time over these last two days listening to it in increments because I just didn't want it to end. I would sell my soul for a second story of these two and I really hope Alexis and the publishers make that happen. (Please give Alexis all the money/permission so he can write more Sam and Jonathan!)

✶ Read more of my reviews on my Goodreads, or follow me on my Bookstagram for more frequent and up-to-date updates!

[bookofawriter]

ARC applications for ON THE VERGE are open until JUNE 19. Apply now and get a free book in exchange for reviews🫶🏻

𝐎𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞 | Self-publishing August 17, 2023!

[Design templates from Freepik]

[wellreadwyvern]

🐉RATING: 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5 🎉Happy book birthday to Hannah Whitten and The Foxglove King! The Foxglove King is full of mythology and court intrigue. Caught in the middle are the three main characters - Lore, Gabriel, and Bastian. Lore grew up working for her mothers as a poison runner and spy. Gabriel is a member of the Presque Mort, an elite cadre of monks protecting the kingdom. Bastian is the Sun Prince, a charming rogue set to inherit the throne. None of them can fully trust the others as they work together to uncover the King’s plans and stay alive. While not a fan of love triangles, I did like the three main characters and all their smoldering desire. I enjoyed how they were caught up in the power plays of church and state. They knew they were being used as pawns, but fought against their manipulation. All this maneuvering is set against a dark world with catacombs, necromancy, mysterious deaths, and a burried goddess leaking deadly “Mortem.” This is the first book in a new series, but the plot lines wrap-up enough at the end to give the reader some satisfaction. I am curious about how the relationships will play out in the next book. I expect there will be more secret maneuvering and a greater focus on the theme of destiny vs. free will. I also hope the world building expands. The threat of war is ever present in The Foxglove King, so perhaps we will learn more about the neighboring kingdom, its rulers and mythology. I’m definitely on board to continue reading this series, and eager to see how the story plays out. This eARC was provided by @orbitbooks_us and @netgalley for review. #thefoxgloveking #hannahwhitten #fantasybooks #fantasyseries #lovetriangle #bookreview #bookrecommendations #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreview #arcreview #bookdragon #readersofinstagram #bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CpfDmc5hqDS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[raimskie]

Raimskie Read: Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa (@jonnyinstas) Digital Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC), To be released on May 2, 2023 . Let me be honest with all of you because I almost put this book on my DNF list. . [FULL BOOK REVIEW on @raimskiereads and on my #BookTube with the same name.] . 🇨🇦🍁 🤗 📕📙📒📗📘 🤗 🍁🇨🇦 . #RaimskieReads #AndiSantiWereHere #JonnyGarzaVilla #AdvanceReadersCopy #ARC #AdvanceReadersCopyReview #ARCReview #AnderLopez #SantiagoGarcia #AnderSanti #Sander https://www.instagram.com/p/CqMG9u2vKgs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[bucolicbook]

Never Ever You: A Novel by Sarah Echavarre 

US pub date - 9/17/24

I was 12 chapters in before I knew it. Off to read more now.

I was so excited when I started this; it was so promising.  

I had my issues with this early on - 

*you never really get to know Riley as a main character, to say nothing of her romantic partners and friends - this doesn’t delve deep into character and what character evolution there is, is lacking, imo - I found this too superficial to be a satisfying read

*jumping into a new relationship directly after the breakup of a marriage seems unhealthy and problematic to me and the storyline often reminded me of this thought

Unfortunately, the early excitement grew to discomfort the more I read this one. I wasn’t the right reader for this. 

I’m rating this at 2 because it really caught my interest early on. 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC 

[j0an0fcartxreads]

Super duper late bc my phone broke but OH. MY. GOD. I very much enjoyed this ARC read; I finished it a lot faster than other reads (go me). One of the things I enjoyed was that the apocalypse didn't become something that was just *there* sometimes, and it actually stayed relevant!! The way Blakely writes the FMC anxiety is painfully realistic and relatable to me, and It's nice to see that the MMCs struggles w/ nicotine addiction and alcoholism was actually talked about in a graceful way (which I appreciate, always). The side characters were super lovable also!! Overall I'm very "normal" about this read. #romanticread #romantictragedy #apocalypseromance #apocalypsebooks #arcread #arcreview #bookreview

[matthewdante]

Check out this amazing review! • @ltcreadsmmromance ✨A͜͡R͜͡C͜͡ R͜͡E͜͡V͜͡I͜͡E͜͡W͜͡✨ Avenging Des by Matthew Dante ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 I love that Matthew Dante's MC's always match one another's energy. If one MC is crazy, their love interest is just as crazy. With Cillian and Des being friends since childhood they had a matching energy that scorched the pages. Blurb: Des (The Destroyer) 29, strong-willed, on the run from a gangster who wants me dead. Oh yeah, and I’m secretly in love with my best friend. Love. What a pain. Why is it that some people are blessed with all the good looks and charisma, while the rest of us mere mortals must work hard to even be noticed? Take my best friend Cillian, for example. The guy is a walking wet dream and has a personality that can charm the pants off a cobra. Is it any wonder I’ve secretly had feelings for the guy since we were kids? What can I say? He’s always been there for me. My guardian, my protector… and the one place I’ve always felt safe. That’s what I need right now. A place where I can hide and figure out what to do about the man who wants me dead. Cillian Fitzpatrick 29, Irish, professional barback… well, as professional as you can get. It’s not like you need a certificate or anything. Oh yeah, and apparently, I’m a so-called manwhore. All right, I get it. I’m a good-looking guy, and I enjoy the company of women… lots of women. Okay, perhaps a few too many women. But it’s just because I haven’t found the right one – that special someone you can’t bear to be without. You know, that one person you would battle a thousand demons to protect. Kind of like the way I feel about my best friend, Des. He and I have been through a lot together. There are no lengths I wouldn’t go to keep my buddy safe. So naturally, when I discover that some guy is trying to kill him, I take matters into my own hands… with the help of my crew, of course. 💫Amazon link in bio for easy access 💫Edit is mine, photos are not (Photoshop, Unsplash, Pinterest) #matthewdante#avengingdes#roughedges#mmcontemporaryromance#mmfriendstoloversromance#lgbtqromance#biawakeningromance#arcreview#newrelease#bookreleaseday#ltcreadsmmromance https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp25ryLrtC_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[inge-universe]

#happypubday #happybookbirthday Leslie Sommers & Janice Sommers - The Amulet Series 1 - Brighde Reborn @lj_sommers @thebakingnonna @4horsemenpublications #brighdereborn #lesliesommers #janicesommers #theamuletseries ............ #arcreview #review I received an ARC from the author. Thanks Leslie. I really loved the cover #coverlove So I was interested in the interior too. It is a great YA novel with Celtic Sottish mythology and folklore influences. An interesting read for sure. A lovely lovestory. The dreams are so cool. Love the writing style. The characters are so nice and real, I can relate to them. Although I sometimes wanna scream at them for the choices they make. They feel like friends after you read the book. The world building is both fantasy but also feels kinda real. Makes it very interesting. It has some great fantasy action scènes. Love to see that evolve. A lovely enemies to lovers and coming of age story. "With great power comes great responsibility." I am really interested in the rest of the series. I hope they are at least as good as this one is. 4 ⭐ ............ #instabook #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookstagrammers #boekstagram #boekenwurm #booktrovert #books #bookmail #dutchbookstagram #reading #boekenpost #lezenisleuk #ya #youngadult #dutchbookstagrammers #fantasy #yafantasy #dutchbookstagrammer #yainsta #fantasybook https://www.instagram.com/p/CpA58hULKsB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[indiesbookshelfgy]

Absolution - Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray

𝓐𝓫𝓼𝓸𝓵𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝑀𝓎𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓎, 𝒫𝒶𝓇𝒶𝓃𝑜𝓇𝓂𝒶𝓁, 𝒯𝒽𝓇𝒾𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓇, 𝑅𝑜𝓂𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒, 𝒜𝒹𝓊𝓁𝓉, 𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸𝓎, 𝒮𝑒𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓈

✧*̥˚ 5 stars *̥˚✧  

It’s a bit impossible for me to not RAVE about how fantastic this book was! I was unable to put it down for more than a few minutes at a time because it was THAT good!

Enter the world of Dominic, Juliana and Whitney, all intertwined by the single thread of fate in very unexpected ways. Prepare to have your mind simply blown away with intricate plot twists that just leave you begging for more. That’s how I felt - completely in trance! All within the same day of receiving this ARC, I completed it and I just could not wait to sit down and talk about how good this book had me. 

Just remember to have a check of the trigger and content warnings to ensure you are comfortable entering the dark world Dominic has to offer...

It has elements to tug you in, pull at your heartstrings and keep you guessing. The spiciness is definitely there! It was so well executed alongside a one-of-a kind plotline. 

Dominic curates his revenge against the one woman he’s only ever loved, yet when faced against her and one who shares very uncanny features, maybe revenge isn’t the only thing he wants. 

If you think you are going to expect anything that will be thrown your way, spoiler alert: you won’t! 

Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, disclaimed: you don’t!

Absolution is just, amazing. I enjoyed every single page of it and what it had to offer. You should definitely pick this up, especially if you love when thriller and mystery mixed with pleasure, lust and feelings. 

Thank you to the team from BookSirens for providing me with an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily! 

[libraryofnika]

⋆˙⊹ “𝑹𝒖𝒆. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”⊹˙⋆

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 Release Day and Book Review✨

When I said I just knew that I'm gonna like this new novel of hers after reading her vampire and werewolf paranormal romance, I was right 🤚🏽

I would go as to say that this romance novel captivated me from the start, the middle, and the end. I truly am invested with the drama and the tea revolving Kline and Harkness (which I really can't help but read Harkoness— I really don't know why ����)

Anyway, the writing in this novel was much better, compelling, and flawlessly in terms of storytelling. To be brief about it, I would go as far as to say it was excellent.

The characters, on the other hand, really shine their own way. They were more developed and well written characters that I remember them from the start until the end. Tisha, I really love Tisha. She's so real. Minami, she deserves better, I hate how Florence did her dirty.

The pairing: Rue and Eli REALLY HAD CHEMISTRY. THEIR TENSION EVERYONE 🤚🏽 Eli was really pinning the most of it, and that didn't stray him off his plot most of the time. This man is really driven. Rue, another excellent woman, is equally driven and passionate. These 2 really took their time, not really complaining. Their interaction was really fun, as well as their banter. I also liked how they opened up with each other, trusting to the point of sharing tragic or traumas of the past.

The spice or the smut 🌶🌶🌶 again, they really took their time. It was HOT. I enjoyed most of it.

The drama, tea, or the conflict, IT WAS A LOT. I wish there were more of the showing of this part in the novel, as someone who's a STEM student before, I enjoyed how the STEM content here was laid, it was really interesting and intriguing, although I wish there were more if it the same wit the conflict.

Other than that, I think the most important part here is the content or conflict of power hungry org, or just anyone with power stealing intellectual property, especially of young and aspiring academic people, as well as of taking advantage of their endeavour to profit from them, worse, take their rights off of their well hard earned achievement.

I think my only issue from this book is the sudden switch from 3rd to 1st pov. That part was a little bit off for me, I didn't notice it until I took a little break and started again.

Furthermore, the conclusion as well, I wasn't fun of it, I really wish Florence did pay more for her sins. She did many people dirty, and I would go as far as to say people like her who never get punished for it would do it again if the chance aroused.

●

Thank you, PRH International and Berkley, for the free book ♡

Finished Date: June 9, 2024

Final Ratings: 4.5⭐️

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[thelibrarysghost]

✶ The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro ✶

• Goodreads • Author • Released 5/30/23

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBTQ+, Retellings, Gothic

This book is a perfect embodiment of the vibes of Sleepy Hollow (the Tim Burton film) and old-school creature flicks like The Wolfman!

We follow Emile, an orphaned 17-year-old marquis who is in hiding awaiting his 18th birthday in 6 months. The goal is to lie low so his wicked aunt can't use nefarious ways to steal his fortune before he is of age to claim it for himself. The plan is pretty fool-proof and he plants himself as a servant in the Montoni family household to wait the 6 months out.

What Emile doesn't realize, however, is that by putting himself with THIS specific family, he has also become an unwilling party in the dark, dangerous and disturbing series of events to come.

This book is so incredible and exactly my type of style. From the gothic scenery and setting, the eerie mystery and mildly disturbing events, to the delicious love "triangle" between Emile, Henri (red) and Brams (grey). I just couldn't put it down! I was eager for every new chapter to unravel more of the mystery of what was going on and to see if our dear Emile would be able to keep himself safe from what was lurking in the night. I found myself completely enamored with all of the main characters and had moments I was stressed out, worried, angry and even happy. It really was a rollercoaster lol.

🎧 The audiobook is extremely well done. The narrator has a wonderful voice that gives life to all the individual characters and really sells the chill throughout the book.

If you're a fan of Sleepy Hollow or stories/themes that have that classic Victorian era gothic gloom, then this is the book to read! It's YA so it does hold back in some areas, but I don't think that takes away from the enjoyment of it at all!

Please check the TW for your safety/comfort before reading ♥

✶ Read more of my reviews on my Goodreads, or follow me on my Bookstagram for more frequent and up-to-date updates!

[melanie-moreland-author]

Amazing edit and review 💕💕💕 Repost from @tri_book_reads • The Image Of You by @morelandmelanie 2nd Edition Release Date:- 1 December 2022 EPIC ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 It was really hard to drop this book down and take a minute break. I read the whole book in three hours. ADAM - What shall I even say about him? How can someone love unconditionally like him? The way he calls her nightingale and snuggles with her. Damn!!! He's so perfectly. Living a life of a photographer is hard and I'm so glad he found an anchor to return back home safe. His Ally is everything for him. ALEXANDRA - She's an excellent Nurse. I felt so bad for the unnecessary guilt she held on herself due to such an annoying mom of hers. The girl fights so hard with her cruel Step-Dad but luckily she has got a Guardian Angel (Elena) who's her Stepfather's Sister. I would speak for hours about Elena. I loved her so much and she was everything for this lovely couple. (Adam&Ally) they both just adored her lots. I literally cried knowing I couldn't see her more as the story went on. I really wanted Elena to be there for ALLY and ADAM forever. Tropes:- Tattooed Hero Sweetheart Heroine Mother issues Friends to Lovers Heroine forgets Hero (But he makes sure she remembers him) Not to forget I truly loved all the encounters of Hero with Heroine's mom (Sarah) Adam and Sarah (My favourite scene of them together) I couldn’t resist. “Hey, Mom. Miss me?”I held out my arm. “How about a welcome-home hug?”“What are you doing here?”she hissed, her gaze darting around the room. She was cornered, and she knew it. I tilted my head to the side, studying her impassively. “I came home to get what’s mine, Sarah. Did you honestly think you’d get away with this?” That one scene had me laughing in a serious moment 🤣 More like Adam rocked and Sarah Shocked. This is my second book from the author and I completely loved it. 'The Contract' book of hers lives rent free in my heart ❤️ Thank you so much for the ARC @morelandmelanie #ARCreview #bestbooks #Theimagesofyoy #melaniemoreland #bestread #favouriteauthor https://www.instagram.com/p/Cle9CrStkk3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[wellreadwyvern]

🐉RATING: 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5 A Fire Endless, by Rebecca Ross, continues the storylines from A River Enchanted, but also greatly expands the world building of Cadence. The four main characters - Jack, Adaira, Torin, and Sidra - struggle to halt a growing threat and adapt to their new responsibilities on the island. A River Enchanted, the first book in the Elements of Cadence duology, was set primarily in the East, focusing on the Tamerlain clan. In A Fire Endless, much of the plot is set in the West - where we learn more about the Breccan Clan - and in the mysterious world of the spirits. The introduction of new spirit characters strengthens the magical vibe that I found so appealing in book one. Bane, the North wind, makes an excellent villain, feared by both Breccans and the spirits he rules. Kae, a wind spirit, is banished to the mortal world and provides valuable information to both Adaira and Jack. We also meet Hap, an earth spirit, who guides Torin in the spirit realm. It’s Torin and Sidra who are tested most often and show the most growth in character. Ross does a brilliant job writing them both with realistic doubts, desires, and fears. As a reader, I’m always rooting for them. They are the more fallible, more human couple. Jack and Adaira, in contrast, are intriguing and inspiring, but far less relatable. The transition from A River Enchanted to A Fire Endless is seamless. The relationships continue to be beautifully written, and the plot has an urgency that will keep you turning the pages. If you enjoyed A River Enchanted, A Fire Endless is a sequel you shouldn’t miss. ❓Do you enjoy “best of” lists at year-end? Do you create your own? Thank you @avonbooks @harpervoyagerus and @netgalley for this ARC. #afireendless #rebeccaross #bookreview #bookrecommendations #fantasybooks #netgalleyreads #arcreview #fantasyduology #elementsofcadence #ariverenchanted #bookdragon #bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CmZRib1rka5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[raimskie]

Raimskie Read: In The Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune (@tjklunebooks) Physical Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC), To be released on April 25, 2023 . Did I just read my first cozy read for 2023? Yes—yes, I think I did. . [FULL BOOK REVIEW on @raimskiereads and on my #BookTube with the same name.] . 🇨🇦🍁 🤗 📕📙📒📗📘 🤗 🍁🇨🇦 . #RaimskieReads #InTheLivesOfPuppets #TJKlune #AdvanceReadersCopy #ARC #AdvanceReadersCopyReview #ARCReview #VictorLawson #HystericallyAngryPuppet #Hap #VictorHap #Haptor https://www.instagram.com/p/CpoV5hyL-fm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[gaybookpromotions]

🌈 #Bloggers and 📚#Reviewers are invited to join the RELEASE BLITZ for Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin  

➡️ Sign up here: