Tipori: A Tale From Dessos by Cindy L Sell review

 

Tipori: A Tale From Dessos by Cindy L Sell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ to 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice — it’s hard to really put a level, really lol

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

Let me start by saying I have not read any other books by this author before, so I had no idea about the world it was based in — it was all totally new to me.

To say this book was dark would be an understatement. I love a dark read and morally grey men like a lot of readers do, but DAMN, this was dark. I hate, with a deep hate, the mistreatment of people — it’s a massive off-putting thing for me as a reader. So I was shocked to find that not only was this book well-written enough to keep me reading and wanting to learn more about this well-detailed, horror-filled world I found myself in, but the layers and everything going on left me both intrigued and rage-filled.

Maralla — I love her strength and the light she shone on this book. I felt like she was so, so needed, and it made swallowing all the harshness of this world a little easier, really. I wanted to burn the whole world down 🔥 and my list of people I wanted to watch die was so long I might need to invest in a notebook 📝. But that being said... there was so much going on and a clear view of the horror of this world, its views, and how it treated its people — I was horrified and wishing I could just eliminate the problem and make it all better.

I felt conflicted about Mascha as a person, and it made me feel dizzy 🤯, but it was so, so, so well written and put together that I could only imagine the time and thought put into it. I would say the ending left a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth — mostly because I wanted a massive turnaround or something — but that being said, it was not a bad ending at all.

To sum up the book, I would say it’s dark and deeply rich in the world it weaves. It will have you pulling at your own hair, wishing you could push your own will into the book and bring a little light for those that should have it. I feel like some people might have trouble with a LOT of the content, so checking trigger warnings is a must ⚠️. But clearly, the book was a massive labor of love on the author’s part, and while it’s not sunshine and rainbows, it does pull you in and make you question everything.

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Phantasma (Wicked Games, #1) Phantasma by Kaylie Smith review

 

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️3 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️3 spice.

I know a LOT of people totally love this, and while the premise of the story is really great, I really struggled at first to get into the book. I normally devour books quickly, but starting this one, I struggled—like, really struggled. I wasn’t sure if it was the writing style or just that it didn’t grab me, but I worked through it. I started to like it a little more as the story progressed, and the spice was definitely there. However, I didn’t love the book; I liked it, but I didn’t feel really connected to it, if I’m being honest. It’s sad because there were lots of layers in the book, lots of mystery, and interesting things going on, but ugh... I just couldn’t, for the life of me, get into it. It’s sad, but it happens. I didn’t dislike the book at all, but I don’t think I would choose to reread it.

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Direbound by Sable Sorensen review

 

Direbound by Sable Sorensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Holy moly! 😳 What a fantastic read! 👏 Where the hell should I start? I feel totally lost for words. The story in this book is just spectacular!! I love the struggles and the desire to push forward and protect. The view of family life that is not always conventional—family comes in many forms and dynamics. The strong female lead was super enjoyable, but she was by far not perfect and made rash and stupid choices that had me pulling out my hair.

I had feelings for a person in the book, and I felt like I was going mad, wondering if maybe I was being mean because I felt distrust and icky about them—but that’s what good books are about: reading, getting lost in its words and its world, questioning everything you thought was true, and being left speechless and wanting more.

I absolutely 💯 was gripped by this book and its characters—for better or worse. The things I didn’t like about this book didn’t make me dislike it; they were told in such a way that added to the big wow at the end. The spice in this book is sprinkled throughout, but honestly, I was more in love with the story and what was going on than the smut side, which really shocked me.

I absolutely love the direwolves in this world 🐺, and enjoyed learning about the world the author wove and created into such a lush and brilliant fantasy realm. I would have loved to see more use of power and more combat scenes ⚔️. I felt the book had so much to give, and it hit all the right spots for me—even my epic rages and screaming at the lead seemed worth it for such a great start to a series.

Fantastic! I don’t know how I’m going to be able to wait for the next book. 😍🔥

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Dragon's Gift by Jasmine Walt review

 

Dragon's Gift by Jasmine Walt
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

It’s a pretty short first book, so it didn’t take long to read. While the premise of the story is really cool, I felt like it sort of missed the mark. There were parts I liked more than others, but I had major issues with the pacing. The way our lead did some things felt too fast — I expected more internal thought or hesitation, which left me feeling kind of meh about it. 😕

There is spice, but again, I didn’t really feel much for it — it was like going through the motions without any real emotional pull. Maybe it was the way it was described? I’m not sure. It just didn’t draw me in the way I hoped.

I did enjoy a few moments, but sadly, there were more things I didn’t like than things I did. I’m still deciding if I’ll read the next one or not. 🤔

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A Soul to Keep (Duskwalker Brides, #1) A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne review

 

A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was recommended this book by a friend, and I was a little unsure at first—but wow, I am so glad I read it.

To start with: what a hell of a story! A world of humans and demons can be hard to make feel fresh after so many books portray it this way and that, and honestly, I thought there were no new ways left to make it unique. But this? This was fantastic. I was sucked in pretty much from the first word.

I really loved learning and getting to grips with everything going on. While the book is on the darker side and pretty open about it… it didn’t feel that dark while reading, which is kind of wild considering what actually goes on in the story.

The SPICE in this book was GIVING inferno—I honestly thought I might catch on fire! But weirdly, despite how many spicy parts there were, it didn’t feel like that was all there was. There was a great balance of story and spice.

Call me crazy, but I couldn’t help but feel for the characters—seriously, I got butterflies of my own. Orpheus? I couldn’t help but totally love him. It was easy to fall down that rabbit hole… and before you knew it, you were too far gone to turn back.

If you love monster spice books, this is a big must-read. Fantastic read, and I’d totally read it again in a heartbeat.

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Bound (The Spider's Mate, #3) Bound by Tiffany Roberts review

 

Bound by Tiffany Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Wow, what an epic ending!!! I ate this series up like it was my first meal in days. This is the last book in the series, and I was not disappointed at all. There was a really cool story throughout all the books, but the last one truly captured so much more giving you a real look not only at the current problems, but also a glimpse into the Vrix people at the heart of the whole thing.

I was totally pleased with how much was packed into this book the action, the growth and it left a warm feeling inside. Watching the struggles and changes unfold, I felt it in my own heart. I was gripped totally gripped!

And yes, of course, there’s spice in the book three longer scenes dotted throughout but honestly, while I loved the spice, I was completely enthralled by the story itself. Book 3 is by far my favorite of the trilogy, and it just left me really wanting more.

The ending was just chef’s kiss!! Loved it. I would totally recommend this series to others with the same easygoing taste in books as I do.

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Enthralled (The Spider's Mate, #2) Enthralled by Tiffany Roberts review

 

Enthralled by Tiffany Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Oh my gods!! I mean, I was sort of worried this wouldn’t be as good as the first but shockingly, I was totally wrong. Not only that, but now that I know the layout of the worlds and their people, I felt like I could understand more and get a better grasp on the story.

The ending had me twisted up, sobbing, screaming, and so ticked off like why?? But I know why… and it was amazing and heartbreaking. I just wanted to slap a Vrix across the face and murder another, but wow it had me on the edge of my seat, pulling at my hair, wide-eyed.

There’s spice dotted throughout the book I think about three longer spicy parts and they’re really good! It fits with the story and is just so well done. I honestly didn’t think I’d become this invested in the series, but I am so ready to run to the third book!

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Ensnared (The Spider's Mate, #1) Ensnared by Tiffany Roberts review

 

Ensnared by Tiffany Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am not a fan of spiders in fact, they scare the hell out of me. It's an ongoing joke in my house that I would throw a match at my house to kill a spider rather than get near one. So, I was totally unsure and a little apprehensive about reading this book at all.

That being said, going into the book was a little overwhelming at first. There was a lot of worldbuilding happening right away, and I felt a bit out of my depth with so much thrown at me at once. But I think around the 10% mark, I found my footing and from there, I was sailing.

I really enjoyed the story and the interactions between Ivy and Ketahn, and seeing this world unfold I all but ate it up. I also hated the queen with a fiery passion that had me grinding my teeth and silently wishing she'd fall into a death pit. But honestly, it all worked to make the book that much better.

There were moments I was holding my breath and groaning, and others times where It was just the MML and FML, and i was completely giddy, biting my lip, and full of hope.

I’d say the spice isn’t the main focus, but there’s a steady undercurrent of tension throughout the book. The real spice hits around the 80% mark, and while it doesn’t overwhelm the story, it’s definitely not lacking or short.

Overall, I really liked the book and would absolutely read it again. I’m planning on diving into the second book soon though I’m a little worried about what’s coming next.

Totally surprised and super pleased with this one! 🕷️ (even with the spiders... shudders)

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Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver review

 

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars
Second-half spice: 🌶️🌶️ or maybe even 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Audiobook – listened to.

Damn!! Damn!! Let’s start with the fact that Lucy Rivers and Joe Arden did an amazing job performing this. Joe’s voice had my heart racing wow, bravo!

This book had me howling with laughter one moment from all the banter, then clutching my heart at the longing and tension. I was on the edge of my seat, completely unable to stop listening. And then… the spice. The spice doesn’t really kick in until the second half of the book, so you’d think it might feel rushed or flat but NO. Lords, no! The spice had my heart pounding, my face blushing, and my fan working overtime. Absolutely amazing.

I loved the storyline it was just so much fun and totally enjoyable. I listened non-stop all night and well into the morning until I passed out, feeling blissfully satisfied.

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Fated to the Warrior Wolf by April L. Moon review

 

Fated to the Warrior Wolf by April L. Moon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟 (3 stars)
🌶️🌶️ (2 peppers)

Book 3 of The Hunted Omegas series.
I don’t think I liked this one as much as I liked book 2. Right now, book 2 is still my favorite. I’m not really sure where to start, so here goes...

I didn’t enjoy the back-and-forth dynamic in this book it got old pretty fast and left me feeling kind of meh at times. While there was a lot happening story wise and in terms of overall plot progression, I felt like the romance in this one just left me feeling... off. Something about it felt confusing and borderline dysfunctional.

Instead of feeling excited or getting that fluttery-stomach feeling, I was left uneasy and kind of underwhelmed by the relationship aspect, which is surprising because I’ve liked all the characters across the series so far.

What I did enjoy was the action and how the story continues to grow. With each book, more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, and I love watching the characters grow and become stronger. That said, I can’t give this book more than 3 stars, mainly because I don’t think I’d ever reread it.

But I’m really glad I got through it!

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Fated to the Feral Wolf (The Hunted Omegas #2) Fated to the Feral Wolf by April L. Moon review

 

Fated to the Feral Wolf by April L. Moon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book 2 of the series, and I think I might have liked this one even more than the first. You get more of the storyline unfolding and more action taking place, whereas book one felt like it was mostly stuck in one place.

While this book follows two new characters (not the same ones from book one), you’re still actively seeing and following the original characters—just from a different point of view, which I really enjoyed.

It was a quick, easy read but with more story than the first book. There is spice in this one, but I felt like it was a little less than the first, or maybe it just seemed that way because there were more plot elements going on at the same time.

I’d say if you’re looking for a deep, emotional read, this might not be for you. But if you’re after something quick, fun, and enjoyable, this series might be just what you need.

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Fated to the Wolf Prince by April L. Moon review

 

Fated to the Wolf Prince by April L. Moon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)

I think I really needed this book after the last book I read tore my soul out. It was so nice to fall into a story that just wrapped me up and felt easy to read—something that hit all the right spots without too much drama or questionable choices.

The storyline in this book is pretty simple and easy to follow. Not a whole lot really happens—so if you’re looking for a deep, impactful plot, this might not be the one for you. But if you want something light and a little fluffy at times, this is definitely more your vibe. Don’t get me wrong, there is stuff happening, but nothing really gets resolved. It felt like some things were opened up and just... left open. But since it’s part of a series, I’m guessing those loose threads will get picked up later.

Honestly, I didn’t read this one for the story. I just needed a break from books that leave me broken-hearted and raging and this one thankfully left me feeling happy.

I debated whether to give it 3 or 4 stars, but I settled on 4. It was super easy to read, didn’t take long to finish, and had a good amount of spice without going over the top. The story kept me interested enough to avoid boredom. Would I read it again? Maybe. And the fact that I feel like picking up the next book makes me believe it was worth the 4 stars.

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Shadows So Cruel (Court of Ravens, #2) Shadows So Cruel by Liv Zander review

 

Shadows So Cruel by Liv Zander
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

🌟🌟 (2 stars)

What can I say... I was hopeful—maybe at the beginning—that I would feel differently about book two than I did about book one. While the first book had me questioning my own mental state, this one… left me feeling cheated by how it all ended.

Like with the first book, there’s so much going on that made me want to scream and punch something—but I can’t deny it’s well written and super easy to get sucked into. Still… there was one shining light in this books, the thing that helped me get through book one and most of book two. And when that little light was taken from me, I raged. I felt empty and upset.

I’m all for character growth, forgiveness, and the idea that two wrongs don’t make a right, but AHHH, I’m so deeply mad about how this one made me feel. By the end, some chapters became almost impossible for me to read without wanting to throw my Kindle at the wall. If I had a paperback copy, I probably would’ve burned it in total rage.

I know not every book is for everyone—we all have different things we love or hate—but I was just so ticked off. If I had even the slightest idea of the ending or what was coming, I honestly don’t think I would’ve picked up these books. My mental health and heart would have been better off.

I cried. I was upset. I was mad. I literally just finished it, and my brain is still all over the place.

Would I read it again? HARD NO.

I’m going to post this review and go find some cute puppy videos to watch… maybe grab a whole tub of ice cream for my poor broken heart and to cool my rage. 🐶🍦💔🔥

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