Series: Holiday Romances of Elora Station #2 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Maggie has come to Elora Station to follow her dream of opening her own bakerySeries: Holiday Romances of Elora Station #2 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Maggie has come to Elora Station to follow her dream of opening her own bakery. She is determined to get the shop opening before Christmas but it's a lot of work. What she doesn’t expect is the handsome Orc from the pub next door jumping at chances to help her and flirt with her.
This was another enjoyable Christmas story set at Elora Station. Maggie and Archibald were a very cute couple. Archibald falls for Maggie almost as soon as he sees her. He goes out of his way to spend time with her and help her get her business set up. I really liked how much effort he put into helping her achieve her dream and that he watched over her on opening day.
Maggie was a hard worker who was determined to achieve her dream. I really liked seeing her achieve her dream and find love at the same time. Also I liked that she was Sophie’s friend from Terratribe 1 and we get to see what Sophie and X’s future is like since this takes place a few years after their book.
Overall, this was an enjoyable Christmas story. I have enjoyed Elora Station and would love to read more holiday romances set on this station.
Series: Chronicles of Rhyacia #2; Elder Races #9.9 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This picks up right where the previous book left off. Dragos hasSeries: Chronicles of Rhyacia #2; Elder Races #9.9 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This picks up right where the previous book left off. Dragos has been possessed by an unknown malevolent force and is determined to keep control of his body. Pia and Dragos have to race against time to fight this unseen menace and deal with the fact that the being can take control of anyone.
This was an emotional conclusion to this story arc. Pia and Dragos have not had an easy marriage. It has been filled with a lot of trials but this one probably tops them all in emotional trauma. We see Pia having to make extremely tough decisions to try and get Dragos free. Then they both have to deal with a lot of trauma, especially Dragos, to stop the creature completely after he possesses someone they love. Like I said, this was a very emotional story for these two but they got through it together.
The unseen were a very interesting creature. I really enjoyed learning more about them and why Pia has been able to see them. Also I was not expecting the primal power to come into play in this story but it was an interesting revelation. This was a unique and interesting villain who really caused a lot of chaos in a short amount of time. But of course he was no match for the Great Beast and his sentinels.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story arc but hope Pia and Dragos actually get a vacation for once. They have been through so much and they need the break. I do hope we get more stories set in Rhyacia in the future so we can see how this community grows.
TW: torture; death; PTSD; injuries and violence...more
Series: Chronicles of Rhyacia #1; Elder Races #9.8 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
FYI this book does end in a cliffhanger.
After being leader of tSeries: Chronicles of Rhyacia #1; Elder Races #9.8 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
FYI this book does end in a cliffhanger.
After being leader of the wyr for centuries, Dragos is stepping down and moving to a new life in the Other land of Rhyacia. After months of preparation, they are finally ready to leave NY and start their new life in Rhyacia. Within a day of being in Rhyacia though, they quickly realize the land wasn’t empty like they thought. Something ancient, evil, and hungry is hidden in Rhyacia, and it wants to consume everything Dragos holds dear.
This started off as a cute little story with Pia and Dragos getting set up for their new life and the excitement of it all. It is great seeing how far these two have come and how determined they are to build a better life for them and their new baby Neill. Also I just love seeing all the previous couples come together in this to help out each other.
The calm doesn’t last long when things start being moved around and no one can see or sense the creatures doing it. I really enjoyed getting to see what this new Other world is like and these new creatures that live there. It is still a bit of a mystery of who and what they are but I assume that will be covered in book two.
The ending of this is very emotional and unexpected. I never expected things to end this way or for Dragos to be attacked like this. I won’t say more because it would be spoilers but this cliffhanger ending was so emotional and unexpected. I am going to be jumping right into book two now because I need to know what happens next. ...more
Series: Dandadan Ch. 148-156 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Momo and Unji have just defeated the last boss, but they quickly realize that isn’t a Series: Dandadan Ch. 148-156 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Momo and Unji have just defeated the last boss, but they quickly realize that isn’t a good thing. This isn’t an ordinary board game, it's a yokai. So now they have to deal with trying to defeat it but it can easily trap people and turn them against each other. Oakarun is finally back in the picture and helping fight.
This volume also finally gives us Unji Zuma’s backstory and of course it’s so sad. Every new character that seems to be introduced anymore has a very tragic backstory. This series does a really good job at being fun and silly, but also has serious moments that really make the characters relatable and real.
TW: death of a parent and sibling (a child); suicide of a parent; bullying; ...more
Series: Extra! Extraterrestrial #2 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Well this was absolutely adorable and sweet! Hugo was abducted three years ago aSeries: Extra! Extraterrestrial #2 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Well this was absolutely adorable and sweet! Hugo was abducted three years ago and sold into servitude on the planet F’ukyuu where he is forced to work as a space stripper. When he accidentally proposes to a shark alien, everything changes but is it for the better. Hugo thinks he is just a pet for Roark, but Roark thinks he found the mate he has been waiting his whole life for. Now they have to figure out the language barrier and their growing feelings for each other.
Like I said, this was an adorable story. Roark and Hugo were both so sweet and cute together. Hugo has spent his life being ignored and Roark is the first person to actually see him. Roark fears giving his heart to anyone because everyone he has loved has died. Together these two learn to heal each other, while also barely being able to have a conversation due to the language barrier.
Fae has created a very interesting alien race with the Sahrks. I love the idea of this protective and yet kind race of shark like aliens who also can have tentacles. It’s part of the reason why this book caught my attention. Also now I want to read more books featuring this race.
Overall, this was a fantastic alien romance with hurt/comfort, size difference, and a language barrier. These two were just so adorable together that I couldn’t put the book down. I will be eagerly waiting to see if Fae writes more of these alien romances.
TW: abduction; sex work; PTSD; death of parent and mentor; neglectful parents; ...more
This was an interesting and beautifully illustrated story. I enjoyed Lamb’s journey from scared being to cult leader. Lamb learns how to save those inThis was an interesting and beautifully illustrated story. I enjoyed Lamb’s journey from scared being to cult leader. Lamb learns how to save those in need, build a community, and how power can corrupt. I enjoyed this and want to read more. Also the artwork is really good.
Series: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #11 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
There is apparently another tribe out there and so a group of warriors is Series: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #11 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
There is apparently another tribe out there and so a group of warriors is being sent to find them. Camille and Priya are going as well since they are anthropologists and cartographers. When Varrow learns that Camille will be leaving the settlement, he volunteers to go with them, even though he doesn’t know why. But before they set out the next morning, the Lavrika calls him and reveals she is his and he is even more determined to protect her now.
This was the first book in this series featuring a character with a disability. Varrow lost his arm as a child but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a strong warrior. Varrow is the strong silent type who are not really great at communication. Varrow was a man who was traumatized by the loss of his arm and family, and because of that he doesn’t really let anyone close. He really struggles with the idea that the Lavrika chose a mate for him. He also refuses to tell Camille about it, causing a lot of tension between them throughout this book. While I liked Varrow, I also found him frustrating because there were so many times he should have told Camille she was his mate and he just didn’t.
Camille is an anthropologist who is going along in the hope she could help if the sixth tribe didn’t have the same language/culture, and because Cece was pregnant and unable to be the linguist. Camille initially thinks Varrow doesn’t like her but once she realizes he just isn’t good at communication she makes more of an effort to get to know him. I liked how her feelings grew over the journey but I probably would have enjoyed it more if Varrow had been honest with her earlier and told her she was his mate. I wanted to see these two really bond as the journey progressed, but instead it was a tension filled one that I didn’t love. Which is surprising since I usually like tension filled relationships.
The introduction to the sixth tribe was very fast and very interesting. I wasn’t expecting the differences with them and I will be interested in what happens next with them. Also I will be interested in Priya’s side of the adventure because I want to know more about her.
Overall, this was a good addition to the series. Camille and Varrow’s relationship wasn’t my favorite but I still enjoyed these two as a couple. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if Varrow had just been honest with Camille, especially after learning she wants a mate. Hopefully we will get to the fight against the humans soon.
TW: death of parents and sibling mentioned; grief; near death experience; ...more
Series: MM Monster Christmas Rating: 2 stars - It was ok
This was ok. I was enjoying it up until it was revealed Kit was a cat shifter. At that point LaSeries: MM Monster Christmas Rating: 2 stars - It was ok
This was ok. I was enjoying it up until it was revealed Kit was a cat shifter. At that point Lachlan’s reaction to the news really made me not like him. Once they got over that, the romance was really fast and didn’t have a lot of depth. These two were just fine for me and I wish I had enjoyed it more.
TW: attack on MC in animal form mentioned; death/murder of parents mentioned; PTSD...more
Series: Morgana and Oz Ep. 20-39 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This picks up right where the previous volume ended. Morgana and Oz have just arriSeries: Morgana and Oz Ep. 20-39 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This picks up right where the previous volume ended. Morgana and Oz have just arrived on the doorsteps of a magician/healer and he takes them in after their attack. From there we see these two heal and then set out to help Oz’s fellow clan members.
We see a lot of growth in this volume with Morgana. She learns how to see and unravel her magic and the magic of her family. We also see her come to terms with the fact that her family might be as bad as the vampires claim. I am really enjoying the growth of Morgana’s character and how she continues to try and help those around her, even if she doesn’t know how to at first.
Morgana and Oz’s relationship is starting to grow as the story continues. We see Oz getting a bit protective of Morgana and getting hazed by his friends for it. I really am enjoying this enemies to lovers style story and the pace of it. Also, all the characters have been really interesting so far and it really makes me want to know more about everyone that has been introduced, like Victor.
Overall, another fantastic volume. I am very curious to see what will happen next after that reveal at the end.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.* ...more
Series: Holiday Romances of Elora Station #1 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
When Sophie finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her and she gets laSeries: Holiday Romances of Elora Station #1 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
When Sophie finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her and she gets laid off all in the same week, she decides to take a seasonal work contract on Elora Station. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for her alien coworker.
This was an adorable Christmas story. Sophie and X had a wonderful relationship that started with instant attraction but grew as they got to know each other over the December work season. They spend a lot of time working, talking, and flirting but never making a move because they both thought her stay would be temporary. I loved the sweet tension between these two as they tried to hide their feelings but wanted more.
This was a short story but it was really sweet. We only get a little bit of time with these two actually together but I think it worked out really well in the end. I really liked the epilogue and how we got to see a glimpse of their future together. These two were just really cute. I enjoyed this holiday romance, especially since it was centered around the couple and not so much the holiday. ...more
Series: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #15 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
I’ll be honest, when I started this series a month ago I thought the serieSeries: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #15 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
I’ll be honest, when I started this series a month ago I thought the series was finished. So imagine my surprise when I got to his book and realized, nope this is still an ongoing series. This doesn’t change my enjoyment of the book though.
This book is different from the previous books because the author released the two prequels as patreon bonus scenes and never expected to write the full story of these two. I don’t think the change in format affected my enjoyment of the story, it just clarified why there are two prequel chapters set during Halloween and New Years.
Fiona and Dalk had a very interesting relationship. Dalk is part of the group sent to guard the women at the Deep Sky settlement. He is quiet and grumpy and just isn’t really outgoing like some of the others. Fiona is the tattooed one of the group and is generally sweet and outgoing. Everything starts for them when Fiona gives Dalk a kiss during the New Years Eve party, which makes his feelings for her even stronger.
Like I have said before, I really enjoy the couples who start out without the mate bond first and fall in love. These two had a very cute relationship with Dalk struggling to control his feelings for Fiona and his jealousy whenever she interacted with others. Fiona started out viewing Dalk as a friend but it quickly changed the more she spent time with him and his grumpy demeanor. I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship, even with Fiona putting boundaries between them to try and protect both of them from potential heartache.
Overall, this was another enjoyable couple and I am curious to see who will fall in love next. I am also really wondering if we will ever get to the battle against the humans but I assume that will happen after the last human finds a mate. ...more
Series: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #14 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Abby has a secret. She is pregnant with a human baby and a boy babSeries: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #14 Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Abby has a secret. She is pregnant with a human baby and a boy baby at that. She has kept it a secret for fear of what the Sea Sand Gahns will do since they don’t want any male humans on the planet. Desperate, she deceives the Bitter Sea warrior Kokha to take her to the Deep Sky territory where she hopes she can break away and live in a cave alone with the baby. Instead the longer she is with Kohka, the less she wants to leave him.
This was a very emotional book. Abby has been living in fear for 9 months and is desperate to protect her baby. She doesn’t trust anyone, not even Kohka after getting to know him. I really liked Abby and her drive to protect her child, but I do think she should have told Kokha what was going on before her labor hit because she knew what kind of person he was by then.
Kohka was a sweet and protective man who just wanted to take care of Abby. From the very beginning he was drawn to her and traveling to Deep Sky just enhanced those feelings. I really am enjoying these ones where they fall before the mate bond is confirmed by their Vrika/Lavrika/Kell. These two were really cute together and I enjoyed how Kohka stepped up to being a father so quickly.
This story also had another section about the sky gods who were mentioned in the Bitter Sea cave. We have an actual appearance and battle that causes a lot of damage. I don’t know how I feel about this being added to this series if I am being honest. It feels like a way to sell interest in another series because it doesn’t fit well with the overall story so far (at least to me it doesn’t). I just really want to see some progress about this war with the humans and it just keeps not happening. ...more
Series: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #13 Rating: 2.5 stars
Ghan Errok has wished for a mate for years. Now that his mate has been revealed he isSeries: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #13 Rating: 2.5 stars
Ghan Errok has wished for a mate for years. Now that his mate has been revealed he is determined to have her and bring her back to the Deep Sky Mountains. But Stephanie isn’t having it. She doesn’t appreciate his arrogance and cockiness so she pushes him away. But as time passes she realizes that there is more to Errok than the arrogant and cocky side he shows to others.
I was apprehensive about this book because I didn’t like Gahn Errok in the previous book. He was too cocky and arrogant for my liking, and sadly, my feelings didn’t change much with this book. Errok is arrogant, cocky, and extremely dramatic. He expects Stephanie to just fall at his feet and worship him since she is his mate and he doesn’t take it well when that doesn’t happen. I found him annoying and unlikable for the majority of this book. Even when he did start showing his true side, I still found him a bit too much.
Stephanie I liked for the most part. She doesn’t let Errok push her around or get his way. She makes him confront his feelings and voice them, not hide behind the perfect image of masculinity. I was expecting more of her meteorologist background to come into play, but it really felt like it was just tacked on in sections.
Overall, this was just ok for me. Since I didn’t like Errok it muffled my enjoyment of the whole book. I am interested in seeing who will fall in love next. Also I wonder what is happening with the human military.
TW: death of parents mentioned; injuries and blood; rockslide that leads to people being trapped; ...more
Series: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #12 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
When Lerokan was exiled from his tribe because he didn’t want a mate he diSeries: Fated Mates of the Sea Sand Warlords #12 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
When Lerokan was exiled from his tribe because he didn’t want a mate he didn’t expect to find himself rescuing a strange, mouthy woman. Before he can return her to her people, a storm rolls through and traps them together for days. With each day that passes he finds that he actually likes her and is starting to change his views on mating.
This is the first book featuring the new tribe of aliens. Lerokan is basically the same as the Sea Sands warriors, but violet/ blue in color and they ride winged creatures. Lerokan is an oddity in this world because he doesn’t want a mate. He refuses the Vrika, their version of the Lavrika, call and is exiled because of it. Lerokan was also different from the other men in that he was actually sarcastic, which was a nice change of pace.
Priya is a cartographer and has been making maps of their whole journey. When she is kidnapped by Lerokan, she expects it is because she is his mate and is angry but quickly realizes that isn’t the case. I liked that these two bucked tradition and wanted to make their own choices for their futures. I think it makes their relationship more impactful that they fell hard before the Vrika confirmed it.
The new tribes are really interesting, especially with their flying mounts. I am really interested in learning more about them and the area that they live in. The next book, I assume anyway, will probably feature Lerokan’s cocky brother and I am eager to see him fail to woo his human mate. Overall, this was enjoyable but I am eager to see the final battle against the humans.
TW: death of parents mentioned; grief; violence; kidnapping; ...more
As someone who wanted to learn more about the Israel-Palestine conflict and what started it, this was the perfect book to pick up. This gives a brief As someone who wanted to learn more about the Israel-Palestine conflict and what started it, this was the perfect book to pick up. This gives a brief overview of the rise of Zionism, the creation of Israel, and the repeated genocide of the Palestinian people.
I learned a lot from this book, but I also know that there is still a lot left to learn about this conflict since this was very brief. I think this is a good book for those who want to learn about this topic but don’t want to be overwhelmed with too much information at once. ...more
Series: Goliaths of Wrestling #4 Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
I will admit, I was a little apprehensive about starting this book because I couldn’t seeSeries: Goliaths of Wrestling #4 Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
I will admit, I was a little apprehensive about starting this book because I couldn’t see these two getting over their anger at each other to be in a relationship. But, I should know by now to trust Mayne because she really made these two work perfectly together and made one hell of a story.
These two have a hate to love relationship, and I do mean Hate with a capital H. From the very beginning of these series these two have constantly been sniping at each other and have made their feelings about each other known. This is causing tension with the wrestlers and they are being told they have to make up or at least be civil or they will potentially be fired. I will admit, I was very anxious going into this because I knew how much tension there was between these two but it made more sense once we got to know more about their pasts. Also it kept me hooked and I didn’t want to put the book down.
High Lord Crossbody is a royal fae who everyone thinks is kind of pompous but he really isn’t. He just struggles to be a part of the group because he was raised to think he was the best because of his royal status and was never taught how to be normal, especially for the human world. I was very surprised by how quickly my feelings for Crossbody changed and I really ended up loving him.
Vince is a ghoul who is known as the Rolling Rimmer. From the very beginning of this series I found Vince to be a fun and carefree character, except when it came to Crossbody. I liked getting to know more about him and what pushed him into wrestling. It was great seeing him come to the realization that Crossbody is just like everyone else and isn’t being supported by his family. Also I liked that he repeatedly apologized for his behavior towards Crossbody and actively tried to make things better for him with the other wrestlers.
These two were a fantastic couple in the end but they had to work through their shit first to get there. I was really surprised by how far these two came in such a short amount of time and how strong their bond became. Also their relationship was so freaking steamy!! I was not expecting a dom/sub relationship and man was it so good.
Like all of these books, I love the camaraderie and banter between all the wrestlers. It's always amusing and just so ridiculous. Also it was great seeing how the other couples are doing and how much they are still head over heels about each other. The found family in these books are just perfect and I can’t wait to get to know the new wrestlers now.
Overall, this was just another fantastic book and I really can’t wait for the next one. Also I just loved the Granny Lizard Mafia and Lady Potato.
TW: toxic parents (one emotionally unavailable and manipulative; the other irresponsible and abandoned him with a relative; absent father mentioned); alcohol use; ...more
Series: Nocturne Falls #16.5 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Holly Winters is ready for a peaceful Christmas in her family’s cozy mountain cabin. But when Series: Nocturne Falls #16.5 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Holly Winters is ready for a peaceful Christmas in her family’s cozy mountain cabin. But when danger threatens Nocturne Falls, Holly finds herself teaming up with her vampire neighbor Demetrius Voss to defeat it. Will they save the town before Christmas and will they get an unexpected gift they never saw coming?
This was a great Christmas novella set in the outskirts of Nocturne Falls. Holly and Demetrius� relationship was enjoyable but it wasn’t the main focus of most of this book. The focus was on the danger lurking in the forest and Holly and other witches from town trying to contain it. While this is all going on, Demetrius and Holly are constantly together and realize that they like what they see and in the end, they admit it to each other. This was basically the very beginning of their relationship and the events that pushed them together, which I didn’t mind.
Nocturne Falls continues to become a town that is accepting of everyone but also constantly in danger. I really love this town and the characters within it. I do wonder if we will see this danger appear again in future books or if it is completely contained now. Overall, this was enjoyable though and a great little Christmas story. ...more
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #2 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
It’s been two months since Merit has been turned into a vampire and she is getting used to Series: Chicagoland Vampires #2 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
It’s been two months since Merit has been turned into a vampire and she is getting used to being the house Sentinel. But problems arise that can easily turn the public against them if they don’t figure out a way to stop it quickly.
Neill has created an interesting world of vampires in houses and the hierarchy surrounding it. This is a very unique vampire world that has a lot of politics and machinations going on. I have enjoyed this world so far and like that we are starting to learn more about the shifters who also reside in the city.
Merit has a lot to deal with in this book. She has to step back into the Chicago elite to find information they need, which means dealing with her family more. She also is caught between two vampires, her master Ethan and the Navare master Morgan. I will admit, I am not a fan of love triangles so I haven’t really enjoyed the romance aspect of this series so far. Also, I am not really a fan of Ethan to begin with because to me, it seems like he is just pursuing Merit because she denied him to begin with and he refuses to back off.
Celina is back in play again in this one. Which isn’t really a surprise because I didn't expect someone with that much lust for power to go down so easily. She causes more issues for the Cadogan vampires and for Merit in this one. Celina is an interesting villain and I like learning more about what is driving her.
Overall, this was an interesting continuation of Merit’s story. I am enjoying these books but I also struggle with them because of the love triangle. I plan to keep reading to see what will happen next, especially after that ending where we learn the truth about her vampire side. ...more
This was a very poetic and beautiful written collection of essays that brings Native teachings to common views about nature and science. I quite enjoyThis was a very poetic and beautiful written collection of essays that brings Native teachings to common views about nature and science. I quite enjoyed this and learned a lot. If you are interested in the natural world, plants, or Native teachings then pick this one up.
Also, the narration by Robin was beautiful and very calming. I loved that we got to hear this book in their own words and tone. ...more
This was a very helpful and easy to read guide to car ownership and maintenance. Chaya takes step by step through owning a car from buying a car, to gThis was a very helpful and easy to read guide to car ownership and maintenance. Chaya takes step by step through owning a car from buying a car, to getting it insured, to finding a mechanic, and dealing with maintenance and energies. This was an extremely helpful guide and even though I knew some of this information from my experience owning a car, I still learned a lot about car ownership. I especially like Chaya’s writing style and how easily they explain everything.
This is just an extremely helpful guide to car ownership and I highly recommend it if you are a new driver or just as a reference guide about cars. ...more
Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads)
>
Books:
2024
(530)
![ダンダダン 18 [Dan Da Dan 18]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1735199819l/221715565._SY75_.jpg)
Loading...
