Review: Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My first Emily Henry book and it went pretty well. Of course I loved the Bookish topics, vibes, love and job because I love books. And I could relate to Nora on many levels. So overall I did enjoy it. I did get annoyed with how repetitive certain statements became after awhile. Not everything needed to be restated quite as many times as it was. And Nora definitely needs to talk through her insecurities and worries because 10 years is a long time to be handling a situation. 

I 100% called the ending and the best solution to all of the problems (I told you i was a bit like Nora, though im surprised SHE didn't come up with the solution). 

Libby was... she was fine but I wish she had just been truthful from the beginning instead of misleading. No one likes to hear an announcement that big that comes out of nowhere. 

I liked Charlie. He's so surly and gruff but that's just the first layer. If your Nora, you can see all the other layers he's hiding deep inside. 

So yeah overall I liked it. Glad I experienced a book by this author. Not sure I'll be diving into her back log but you never know what may happen. 

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Review: A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I own these books because of the gorgeous sprayed edges and I definitely judged a book by the edges. I wanted to like it. How can I not like a book that's about a reader loving a book? That's what I do daily. 

Sadly though I was bored. I didn't care for the lyrical writing and I didn't like the almost poetry like parts. Effy wasn't a character that I liked. She was extremely judgemental towards Preston which I found hypocritical considering her situation and even though she admitted she was acting that way, it didn't make her a better person in my eyes. 

I love fae stories but this was a watered down version of any I've read. I know it's a made up world with different rules but the author didn't explain the rules well enough to follow. I predicted the reveal about the Fairy King. I predicted the author of Effy's favorite book wasnt the real author. I even had a feeling the main female character in the Fairy King book was real and the mom hiding in her room. Nothing surprised me by the end of the book and i couldn't even remember what the significance of the bells ringing meant and had to Google it. 

Suffice to say, I'm disappointed i didn't like this more. Definitely not my cup of tea but I'm glad I finally read it to realize this author may not be for me. 

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Review: Bedeviled by Laura Thalassa

Bedeviled by Laura Thalassa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm always sad when finishing a series and I'm especially sad about finishing Selene and Memnon's story. But I loved every moment of this journey with them and the final battles we got to experience with them in this novel. These two have a love that never ends and will defy all obstacles thrown their way. 

I love how both characters have grown so much from book 1 and how much they've both learned not only with their magic but with each other and in this 21st century world. They both have pure intentions (yes even Memnon) and seeing them fight for good was such a joy. 

I hope Laura Thalassa will revisit this world again (maybe a story for poor Candy Kane?! Love that nickname!). I also love the unexpected character drop off the Bargainer!!! Seeing him and Memnon together was amazing. 

So glad I decided to wait and binge this series because I was able to remember all the small details that otherwise would have been forgotten. 

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Review: The Curse that Binds by Laura Thalassa

The Curse that Binds by Laura Thalassa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great backstory. I love seeing Memnon with Roxi. I loved seeing him more human with more emotion when he first met her before he used so much magic that stripped him of a piece of himself. I absolutely love that he gave her her name! Seeing his family and his town with his people. Seeing how he's ALWAYS adored Roxi since the moment they were just voices in each other's heads. And the moment they met in person and he stole her frim being married only to be wed to him 20 minutes later? I wouldn't love that in person but for their story I was entrapped. 

And Roxi. She's a spitfire! She's definitely a survivor since the moment she lost her family as a child and seeing her absolutely thrive when she's with Memnon and his tribe? I adore that so much! She had to get past her own beliefs to transition to Memnon's lifestyle but I don't think that made her weak or meek. Instead she grew into an amazing woman and witch that was able to take care of herself and the people she loved. 

I am glad Laura Thalassa wrote this book because now we can see the differences between Roxi and Selene. They may be the same soul but they are different people with different ways of doing things. Deep down they have the same goals but that doesn't mean they will get to the resolution the same way. 

So excited to read the conclusion to this love story! 

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Review: Bespelled by Laura Thalassa

Bespelled by Laura Thalassa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm so glad I decided to wait for the whole series to binge because these endings are brutal! I once again got sucked into this story of Selene and Memnon. His determination and dedication to Selene is uncanny. Memnon's sole mission on earth is Selene. And power. He has so many secrets that will continue to keep Selene guarded, at least a little bit. Our at least it would be if I were in her shoes. 

Selene has come so far since book 1 with her confidence! Getting her memories back really was the best thing for her and being able to do magic with no repercussion has definitely allowed her to learn more. She's also extremely kind hearted and always looking out for everyone extremely tough most of them are ill intent.

So glad I'm binging this series and can't wait to see what happens next! 

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Review: Bewitched by Laura Thalassa

Bewitched by Laura Thalassa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With the last book coming out in this series, I decided to binge read all together and I loved it just as much as I did 3 years ago when I read it the first time. I definitely still love the "Mummy/Indiana Jones" vibes from the Amazon adventure and I still like Memnon more than I probably should have. Very excited to dive into book 2!

My review from March 23, 2023:

I received this free eARC novel from Edelweiss.  This is my honest review. 

I am quickly becoming a Laura Thalassa fan, which I knew would happen just by reading the synopsis of all of her novels.  This novel was so unique and different from many of the other books I've read in this genre.  It had a lot of mix going on in it, which really kept me on my toes.  Witchcraft, magical school, a flight to the Amazon forest, The Mummy vibes, Indiana Jones vibes, new adult feel being in school, other supernaturals?  I mean, all amazing things in my mind! 

I cannot imagine being Selene and losing her memories every time she does magic, which she loves so much.  If I were in her shoes, I'd forego magic and keep my memories - relying on past me to make notes wouldn't cut it.  But Selene makes it work for the most part, until she starts to use A LOT of magic and loses A LOT of memories. 

Memnon.  Am I supposed to hate him?  I'm not sure, but I really don't hate him lol.  I think he did bad stuff, but do I care?  Not really haha.  I love how in tuned he is with Selene.  I wouldn't like being called another name, but over time they grew to know the "today" versions of each other and I dunno, I just really liked all of the interactions between these two.  

I'm very very interested after the ending of this book to see what is going to happen.  Because things WILL happen and I will be along for the ride right away!

I'm so glad I got the chance to read this novel and I already have the physical copy on order to have this pretty book in my possession!

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Review: The Villain We Tempt by Jagger Cole

The Villain We Tempt by Jagger Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I barely put this book down, I was so engrossed by it! I love how addicting Jagger Cole's books are and how they always get me out of a book slump! 

Galina and Lochlan are *chef's kiss* together. You wouldn't think so on surface level but with their alter egos, they both deep down enjoy the same things. I was amazed at how long an identity was kept from the other one. I definitely couldn't be in their shoes cause I would want to know immediately! 

The smark and sass between these two were great along with the intense chemistry! I'm not sure how either are keeping their online identity a secret from their friends, but it seems to work for both of them. 

I was also a bit surprised that this book happened at the same time as book 1 in this series, so kudos to Jagger for, I'm sure, the meticulous notes that had to be kept to keep the same time line! 

So glad this book had beef created and we got this delicious unhinged book from this author! Can't wait for the next couple! 

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