About: Explore my August Wrap Up featuring 25 books with a 4.03-star average rating. Discover a long-awaited romance favourite and my mystery/thriller journey!
(more…)August Wrap Up: 25 Books Read
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Sweet Yet Anti-climatic: A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
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The Gist: A standalone epic fantasy loosely based on the mythology of Hades and Persephone, and while an enemies-to-lovers romance that has its sweet parts, the lack of world-building, endearing characterizations and number of plot holes made the novel quite anti-climatic.
Series: Married to Magic, #1*
Release Date: November 6, 2020
Synopsis
Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and Uprooted, this stand-alone, fantasy romance about a human girl and her marriage to the Elf King is impossible to put down!
The elves come for two things: war and wives. In both cases, they come for death.
Three-thousand years ago, humans were hunted by powerful races with wild magic until the treaty was formed. Now, for centuries, the elves have taken a young woman from Luella’s village to be their Human Queen.
To be chosen is seen as a mark of death by the townsfolk. A mark nineteen-year-old Luella is grateful to have escaped as a girl. Instead, she’s dedicated her life to studying herbology and becoming the town’s only healer.
That is, until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives… for her.
Everything Luella had thought she’d known about her life, and herself, was a lie. Taken to a land filled with wild magic, Luella is forced to be the new queen to a cold yet blisteringly handsome Elf King. Once there, she learns about a dying world that only she can save.
The magical land of Midscape pulls on one corner of her heart, her home and people tug on another… but what will truly break her is a passion she never wanted.
A Deal with the Elf King is a complete, stand-alone novel, inspired by the tales of Hades and Persephone, as well as Beauty and the Beast, with a “happily ever after” ending. It’s perfect for fantasy romance fans looking for just the right amount of steam and their next slow-burn and swoon-worthy couple.
Ending
HFN but the extended epilogue shows it’s a HEA (you can access the extra scene through the back of the ebook or on Elise Kova’s website)
Representation
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Parental neglect
• Themes of isolation and abandonment
• Themes of isolation and abandonment
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW/OM drama (kind of)
– The Heroine was in love with her childhood best friend, but he turns out to be an asshole. And, apparently, she wasn’t “in love” with him but loved the idea of him? (There’s kissing *before* the Heroine meets the Hero)
– The Hero tried to date/court *his* best friend 3-4 years ago; she’s currently the Hand of the King. They both agreed they were better off friends. Their relationship didn’t progress past kissing but apparently, that attempt made them closer as friends.
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Does have OW/OM drama (kind of)
– The Heroine was in love with her childhood best friend, but he turns out to be an asshole. And, apparently, she wasn’t “in love” with him but loved the idea of him? (There’s kissing *before* the Heroine meets the Hero)
– The Hero tried to date/court *his* best friend 3-4 years ago; she’s currently the Hand of the King. They both agreed they were better off friends. Their relationship didn’t progress past kissing but apparently, that attempt made them closer as friends.
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 3-stars
*Each novel in the series is Standalone
(more…)Why I’m So Done with “Bad Boys” in New Adult Romances
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Anyone else just done with certain types of “bad boys” in new adult romances? I’ve decided to start something new on my blog called an opinion piece which targets issues I’ve discovered in literature and where I use a specific book (In this case After by Anna Todd) to demonstrate my point. I have come to believe that the propagation of certain types of cliched “bad boys” should not be romanticized; what are the damages of rationalizing behaviours that are demeaning, womanizing and, in the context of this piece, abusive? Please remember this is my opinion and you’re welcome to disagree!
Books are works of fiction but at their core, they can reflect the realities of society and therefore what we’re taught as “dismissible behaviour.” Therefore, I think it is worth discussing the impact of the cliched bad boy when they’re depicted in certain ways as media in all forms is such a huge influencer in our lives.
(more…)Surviving Amber Springs by Siobhan Davis
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Series: Standalone
Release Date: December 26, 2018
<strong>Synopsis</strong>
Let him who is without sin cast the first stone…
I’m the second-most hated person in Amber Springs.
First place honors go to my twin, Ethan; however, hate isn’t a strong enough word to convey how people feel about him.
Not that I blame anyone—some days, I hate him too. Mostly, I’m just lost and afraid, drowning in a sea of betrayal and guilt, wondering how this happened right under my nose.
There’s no choice but to leave. To move clear across the country in a last-ditch attempt to start over.
Transferring to a new school midway through senior year is hellish for most people. For me, it’s a welcome relief—until someone discovers our secret and now everyone knows.
The pointing, whispering, and scathing looks follow me around again, and I’m back to square one. Except, this time, I’m not alone.
Axel, Skeet, and Heath took me under their wing from the minute I arrived here. I’ve no idea why three of the hottest guys in town took any interest in me or why they continue to have my back, but I’m so grateful to have them in my corner.
Because, right now, they’re the only reason I’m not following my brother into an early grave.
This is an upper YA/NA reverse harem STANDALONE contemporary romance. Due to sensitive content, sexual situations, and possible triggers, this book is recommended to readers aged 18+. Full length novel.
<strong>Ending</strong>
HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Side characters with a disability
• Main character struggles with depression
• Main character struggles with depression
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Gun violence (School shooting)
• Sexual violence: Gang-rape (Discussed but no flashback)
• Bullying
• Suicidal ideation
• Suicide attempt
• Sexual violence: Gang-rape (Discussed but no flashback)
• Bullying
• Suicidal ideation
• Suicide attempt
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing away
• Does have a significant separation (1.5 years) between the Heroine and Heroes (One hero is celibate, and another is also celibate, although he attempted to hook-up with an OW but couldn’t at the last minute. The last hero is NOT celibate, at all.)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing away
• Does have a significant separation (1.5 years) between the Heroine and Heroes (One hero is celibate, and another is also celibate, although he attempted to hook-up with an OW but couldn’t at the last minute. The last hero is NOT celibate, at all.)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: Kindle
Rating: 3.75/5 stars
(more…)Waking Olivia by Elizabeth O’Roark
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Series: Standalone
Release Date: March 14, 2016
<strong>Synopsis</strong>
“That girl isn’t just trouble of the not-a-team-player, not-a-reliable-runner variety. She’s trouble of the devious, manipulative, too-f***ing-hot-for-her-own good variety. She’s the kind of girl who causes trouble merely by existing, and then makes sure to cause more.
And the last thing I need right now is more trouble.”
And the last thing I need right now is more trouble.”
A failing farm.
His father’s debt.
And a struggling college track team.
Will Langstrom has too many responsibilities, and the last thing he needs is Olivia Finnegan, a beautiful but troubled new transfer student.
A smart mouth.
A strong right hook.
And a secret that could destroy her.
Olivia is her own worst enemy, with a past she can’t seem to escape, and the last person she wants help from is a cocky track coach she can never seem to please.
Refusing to be pushed away, Will is determined to save her.
And determined to resist an attraction that could destroy them both.
<strong>Ending</strong>
HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Physical abuse (Memories, flashbacks and on-page)
• Significant PTSD
• Attempted rape (Memories, off-page)
• Significant PTSD
• Attempted rape (Memories, off-page)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Not Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OW/OM
– The Hero has a longtime girlfriend for a significant portion of the book
– The Heroine flirts and attempts to hook up with an OM but doesn’t follow through
– The Heroine goes on dates with a different OM throughout the novel
• Does have descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
– It’s between the Hero and his girlfriend. There’s only one.
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a brief separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Does have OW/OM
– The Hero has a longtime girlfriend for a significant portion of the book
– The Heroine flirts and attempts to hook up with an OM but doesn’t follow through
– The Heroine goes on dates with a different OM throughout the novel
• Does have descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
– It’s between the Hero and his girlfriend. There’s only one.
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a brief separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4/5 stars
(more…)Bound Spirit by H.A. Wills
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Series: The Bound Spirit
Release Date: July 27, 2018
<strong>Synopsis</strong>
Seventeen year old, Callie thought climbing out of her hell of an abusive home life was going to be her biggest struggle, but it’s only the beginning. Starting over in a small nowhere town in Oregon with an aunt she didn’t know existed until a week ago, she makes five new guy friends that are each something otherworldly. Something supernatural– and they say she is too. As if high school wasn’t hard enough.
In this captivating and vivid, paranormal reverse harem, join Callie on her journey of healing from the horrors of her past, while discovering that the world is far weirder than she could’ve possibly imagined.
Warning:
This book contains graphic violence, adult language, underage drinking, mild sexual content, and deals in sensitive issues such as abuse, suicide, and PTSD. Reader discretion is advised.
<strong>Ending</strong>
HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Black main character
• Hispanic main character
• Bisexual main characters
• Hispanic main character
• Bisexual main characters
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Heroine has been emotional, physically and psychologically tortured by her father (flashbacks and memories)
• Murder of whole family (and one of the heroes)
• Violence
• Significant PTSD
• Suicide ideation
• Murder of whole family (and one of the heroes)
• Violence
• Significant PTSD
• Suicide ideation
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW: most of the heroes, except for the ghost, have an OW. Also, the series will eventually have M/M relationships in the harem.
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Does have OW: most of the heroes, except for the ghost, have an OW. Also, the series will eventually have M/M relationships in the harem.
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4/5 stars
(more…)Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata
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Series: Standalone
Release Date: June 10, 2017
<strong>Synopsis</strong>
Ruby Santos knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she signed up to write a soldier overseas.
The guidelines were simple: one letter or email a week for the length of his or her deployment. Care packages were optional.
Been there, done that. She thought she knew what to expect.
What she didn’t count on was falling in love with the guy.
<strong>Ending</strong>
HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Hispanic main and supporting characters
• Gay side characters
• MM side couple
• Attempts to address fatphobia… but doesn’t do it successfully.
• Gay side characters
• MM side couple
• Attempts to address fatphobia… but doesn’t do it successfully.
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> No
• No abuse.
• No OTT sad parts.
• No OTT sad parts.
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OW/OM drama:
– Hero has had 20+ ex-lovers (so he was very promiscuous in the past)
– Hero and Heroine weren’t a couple ’til the end, so OW would constantly flirt with the Hero and he wouldn’t put a stop to it. The Heroine would get very upset and jealous as a result.
– Heroine was hung up on her brother’s BFF–they had sex but the OM said it was a mistake and to not tell her family the next day. The Heroine, as a result, has not dated or had sex since.
– The Hero convinced the Heroine to date in their letter exchanges. Those dates with OM never went further than a first date and kiss.
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a significant separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Does have OW/OM drama:
– Hero has had 20+ ex-lovers (so he was very promiscuous in the past)
– Hero and Heroine weren’t a couple ’til the end, so OW would constantly flirt with the Hero and he wouldn’t put a stop to it. The Heroine would get very upset and jealous as a result.
– Heroine was hung up on her brother’s BFF–they had sex but the OM said it was a mistake and to not tell her family the next day. The Heroine, as a result, has not dated or had sex since.
– The Hero convinced the Heroine to date in their letter exchanges. Those dates with OM never went further than a first date and kiss.
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a significant separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: Kindle
Rating: 1.5/5 stars
(more…)Pestilence (The Four Horsemen, #1) by Laura Thalassa
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Series: The Four Horsemen*
Release Date: March 20th, 2018
<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
They came to earth—Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.
When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed.
Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed.
Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her … and hers towards him.
And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she’ll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.
<strong>Ending</strong>
• Concerning the couple: HFN
• Concerning the remaining Horsemen: Cliffhanger
• Concerning the remaining Horsemen: Cliffhanger
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Attempted murder
• Torture
• Stockholm syndrome
• Torture
• Stockholm syndrome
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Rating: 3.25/5 stars
*Each novel in the series is Standalone
(more…)Wings of the Walker (The Walker, #1) by CoraLee June
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Series: The Walker
Release Date: December 15, 2017
<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Josiah Stonewell dug his hands into the filthiest parts of my soul and molded a perfect little Walker. I don’t know the exact moment I fell in love with him, but I do know that if anyone found out about our lingering stares, it would end his political career.
Josiah’s unexpected engagement has me squinting down the barrel of heartbreak, and to make matters worse; I find myself traded to Cyler Black and his leadership council in a distant Providence.
Soon, Cyler and his team of passionate leaders start to feel like family, and I’m promised freedoms I never imagined were possible; But Josiah’s not through with me yet, and war is on the horizon. Can I find happiness in my new home? Or will Josiah finally choose me?
This is a slow-burn reverse harem romance and the first book in the series.
<strong>Ending</strong>
HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Indentured servitude
• Fatal virus
• Death
• Abduction
• Fatal virus
• Death
• Abduction
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OW/OM
– Heroine is in love with her childhood best friend (and, now, owner)
– One of the Hero’s has an ex-lover who he’s still in contact with
– The sister of one of the Heroes is (unrequited-ly) in love with one of the Heroes
• Does have the Heroes and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Heroes and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Does have OW/OM
– Heroine is in love with her childhood best friend (and, now, owner)
– One of the Hero’s has an ex-lover who he’s still in contact with
– The sister of one of the Heroes is (unrequited-ly) in love with one of the Heroes
• Does have the Heroes and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Heroes and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Rating: 4.25/5 stars
(more…)Becoming Elemental (Five Elements, #1) by Ryann Elizabeth
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Series: The Five Elements
Release Date: December 16th, 2017
<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Eighteen year old Breanna Hunter has always seen herself as just an awkward teenager with the unfortunate aptitude for winding up in crazy and unexplainable situations.
After tragedy strikes, she ends up on a path she never knew was possible. Bre hoped her first year of college would be a life-changing experience and a new start. She will soon discover just how transformative college can be.
After another dangerous encounter, she meets five alluring strangers who are not as they seem. Together they uncover the truth, she is like them. She is an Elemental. Through them she learns that the Elemental world is not only filled with magical gifts and bonding, but also demons and danger.
Bre and the guys need to work together to figure out where she came from while keeping her safe from those who want her dead.
<strong>Ending</strong>
Cliffhanger
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Traumatic death of best friend (on-page)
• Violence
• Violence
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have OW drama
– She ends up staying at the guys’ house because she’s family friends with one of the heroes.
• Does have the Heroes and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Heroes and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have OW drama
– She ends up staying at the guys’ house because she’s family friends with one of the heroes.
• Does have the Heroes and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Heroes and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Rating: 3/5 stars
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