Lydia's bookshelf: read-2023 en-US Mon, 31 Mar 2025 01:21:24 -0700 60 Lydia's bookshelf: read-2023 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Surrender (Kall Alien Warriors, #1)]]> 57014290 The spoils of war are being divided...

As Fiona struggles to survive in the aftermath of a brutal war, she worries her sick mother won't make it long without the medication she so desperately needs. When turncoats offer a way to keep her mother safe, she can't refuse � even though it means marrying Merokk, a fearsome Kall warrior, and posing as the First Daughter, Betsy Carson. The turncoats assure her the marriage will be in name only � but she soon learns Merokk not only intends to consummate their union, but he expects her to share his bed nightly. Furthermore, she will be subject to his rules and firm discipline.

He's been given a human female...

Kall warrior Merokk has mixed feelings about retiring from battle and marrying a human woman, but it's his duty to his people and he can't refuse. One look at Betsy and he's filled with the powerful urge to conquer the beauty who's been given to him as the spoils of war. He enjoys taming the headstrong human female and, as the months pass, discovers his feelings for his little wife run deep. But when he learns of her deceit after the real Betsy Carson surfaces, Merokk's new world comes crashing down. Can he learn to forgive Fiona, or will he spend the rest of their lives punishing her for a crime she never wanted to commit?

Publisher's Note: Surrender is a novel length re-release of a novella by the same name that was first published in 2012. This version has been significantly lengthened, re-edited, and includes a new ending.]]> 200 Sue Lyndon Lydia 3 ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023 - post alien/human wars where sexy aliens win
- ordinary girl has to pretend to be the presidents daughter and marry one of the alien warriors as part of the treaty
- he fucks. hard.

what more do you need to know ]]> 4.02 2012 Surrender (Kall Alien Warriors, #1)
author: Sue Lyndon
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2023/10/14
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023
review:
In summary:
- post alien/human wars where sexy aliens win
- ordinary girl has to pretend to be the presidents daughter and marry one of the alien warriors as part of the treaty
- he fucks. hard.

what more do you need to know
]]> Forget Me Not 61618737 An ambitious wedding planner must work with her grumpy florist ex, whose heart she broke, on the most high-profile wedding of her career, in this spicy and emotional romance from popular fanfic author Julie Soto.

He loves me; he loves me not...

Ama Torres loves being a wedding planner. But with a mother who has been married more times than you can count on your fingers, Ama has decided that marriage is not the route for her. But weddings? Weddings are amazing. As asmall business owner, she knows how to match her clients with the perfect vendor to give them the wedding of their dreams. Well, almostperfect�

Elliot hates being a florist, most of the time. When his father lefthim the flower shop, he consideredit a burden, but he’s stuck with it. Just like how he’s stuck with the way he proposed to Ama, his main collaborator and girlfriend (or was she?) two years ago. But flowers have grown on him, just like Ama did. And flowers can’t run off and never speak to him again, like Ama did.

When Ama is hired to plan a celebrity wedding that will bring her business national exposure, there's a catch: Elliot is already contracted to design the flowers. Things are not helped by the two brides, who see the obvious chemistry between Ama and Elliot and are determined to set them up, not knowing their complicated history. Add in a meddling ex-boss, and a reality TV film crew documenting every step of the wedding prep, and Ama and Elliot's hearts are not only in jeopardy again, but this time, their livelihoods are too.]]> 341 Julie Soto 1538740885 Lydia 5 “� I want to know you. I want to know what you like, what you hate–even if it’s me� I want to love what you love, even if it’s extinct.� This line are you fucking kidding me. I am about to go extinct.

I’ll start by saying it has been a long time since a romcom novel has made me feel this way. I’ve struggled with feeling motivated to read over the past few months due to brain overload and no books really lighting that spark in me� UNTIL THIS, which I devoured in a day and has put the “joy-of-reading� back in my life.

Forget Me Not is a second-chance romance that features:
- he-falls-first (& hard)
- Grumpy/sunshine
- a fmc with HBIC energy & running her own business
- spice!!
- a hot man running a floral business!!
“Love is like the wind. It will come and go. Weddings are just a party.�
The first character we meet is Ama Torres, a wedding planner who doesn’t believe in long term love (both likely a by-product of having a mother who’s been married 16 times). After leaving a large-scale wedding business three years prior to go out on her own Ama has just landed the “big one�, the wedding event that will put her on the map and open endless opportunities for her. The catch? Her clients are dead set on their florist� Elliot Bloom. Who also just happens to be Ama’s ex, who she hasn’t seen since they broke up over two years ago.

Elliot Bloom is a brooding, rude, tall, dark-haired, floral-tattooed, man who refuses to do things halfway (that includes relationships). After dropping out of architecture school to take over his family’s floral business after his father has fallen ill, Elliott’s life is thrown another curve ball when this short woman in 6-inch stilettos comes into his shop in hopes of using his services in an upcoming wedding she is planning. Despite a disastrous first meeting, featuring some flowers with less than complimentary meanings, Elliott quickly finds himself caught up in the hurricane that is headstrong, ambitious Ama Torres and soon their lives become entwined beyond “strictly-business�.

One of my favourite aspects of this book was that it is told using a parallel narrative. The first is told from Ama’s perspective as we follow her working with Elliott for the first time since their break-up. The second is Elliot’s perspective, three years prior, to when he first met Ama and when they first got together. This set-up truly worked so well for this story and these characters. Each narrative worked to show the respective characters personality, goals, and fears. Additionally, being able to see each character from the others POV, but from different points in time, really helped ground this relationship for me and understand what the other characters were likely feeling in each moment, without the need of their POV for that time.

I split my reading between the audiobook and the ebook. If you are into audiobooks, I would recommend this one. There is a male and female narrator for each POV, and I think having this read to me really upped the comedic aspect. I was cackling while listening to this. Also something about listening to the inner thoughts of Elliot as he released in his pants after some relatively quick heavy petting because he’s just so attracted to Ama had me rolling.

In summary, A GOD DAMN DELIGHT. So, if this sounds like something you’d enjoy. Read it. It doesn’t come out until July 12th but put in on your TBR, or pre-order it now!

Disclaimer: I received the ALC from Librofm and the eARC from Forever publishing via Netgalley.

Spoiler-ish but I just have to say it****
As soon as Ama said he had a new tattoo I knew what it was but it STILL KNOCKED ME ON MY ASS WHEN HE EXPLAINED IT.
“They-re the ones that I can’t have. Ones that can’t be used in arrangements, can’t be kept in the shop. Ones that are likely to disappear before I can love them.�
Fkafdjkhgbahjlfd ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? Someone add Elliott Bloom to the list of fictional men that have raised my bar WAY TOO HIGH.

---
Original review posted March 4, 2023

THIS WAS EVERYTHING!! Has the slump been broken??

Full review to come ]]> 3.94 2023 Forget Me Not
author: Julie Soto
name: Lydia
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2023/03/04
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: reylos-stay-winning, arcs, audiobooks, ebooks, 2023-anticipated, read-2023, hits-different, own, netgalley
review:
“� I want to know you. I want to know what you like, what you hate–even if it’s me� I want to love what you love, even if it’s extinct.�
This line are you fucking kidding me. I am about to go extinct.

I’ll start by saying it has been a long time since a romcom novel has made me feel this way. I’ve struggled with feeling motivated to read over the past few months due to brain overload and no books really lighting that spark in me� UNTIL THIS, which I devoured in a day and has put the “joy-of-reading� back in my life.

Forget Me Not is a second-chance romance that features:
- he-falls-first (& hard)
- Grumpy/sunshine
- a fmc with HBIC energy & running her own business
- spice!!
- a hot man running a floral business!!
“Love is like the wind. It will come and go. Weddings are just a party.�
The first character we meet is Ama Torres, a wedding planner who doesn’t believe in long term love (both likely a by-product of having a mother who’s been married 16 times). After leaving a large-scale wedding business three years prior to go out on her own Ama has just landed the “big one�, the wedding event that will put her on the map and open endless opportunities for her. The catch? Her clients are dead set on their florist� Elliot Bloom. Who also just happens to be Ama’s ex, who she hasn’t seen since they broke up over two years ago.

Elliot Bloom is a brooding, rude, tall, dark-haired, floral-tattooed, man who refuses to do things halfway (that includes relationships). After dropping out of architecture school to take over his family’s floral business after his father has fallen ill, Elliott’s life is thrown another curve ball when this short woman in 6-inch stilettos comes into his shop in hopes of using his services in an upcoming wedding she is planning. Despite a disastrous first meeting, featuring some flowers with less than complimentary meanings, Elliott quickly finds himself caught up in the hurricane that is headstrong, ambitious Ama Torres and soon their lives become entwined beyond “strictly-business�.

One of my favourite aspects of this book was that it is told using a parallel narrative. The first is told from Ama’s perspective as we follow her working with Elliott for the first time since their break-up. The second is Elliot’s perspective, three years prior, to when he first met Ama and when they first got together. This set-up truly worked so well for this story and these characters. Each narrative worked to show the respective characters personality, goals, and fears. Additionally, being able to see each character from the others POV, but from different points in time, really helped ground this relationship for me and understand what the other characters were likely feeling in each moment, without the need of their POV for that time.

I split my reading between the audiobook and the ebook. If you are into audiobooks, I would recommend this one. There is a male and female narrator for each POV, and I think having this read to me really upped the comedic aspect. I was cackling while listening to this. Also something about listening to the inner thoughts of Elliot as he released in his pants after some relatively quick heavy petting because he’s just so attracted to Ama had me rolling.

In summary, A GOD DAMN DELIGHT. So, if this sounds like something you’d enjoy. Read it. It doesn’t come out until July 12th but put in on your TBR, or pre-order it now!

Disclaimer: I received the ALC from Librofm and the eARC from Forever publishing via Netgalley.

Spoiler-ish but I just have to say it****
As soon as Ama said he had a new tattoo I knew what it was but it STILL KNOCKED ME ON MY ASS WHEN HE EXPLAINED IT.
“They-re the ones that I can’t have. Ones that can’t be used in arrangements, can’t be kept in the shop. Ones that are likely to disappear before I can love them.�
Fkafdjkhgbahjlfd ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? Someone add Elliott Bloom to the list of fictional men that have raised my bar WAY TOO HIGH.

---
Original review posted March 4, 2023

THIS WAS EVERYTHING!! Has the slump been broken??

Full review to come
]]> <![CDATA[The Hurricane Wars (The Hurricane Wars, #1)]]> 75668288 The heart is a battlefield.

All Talasyn has ever known is the Hurricane Wars. Growing up an orphan in a nation under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor, Talasyn has found her family among the soldiers who fight for freedom. But she is hiding a deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins, a blazing power believed to have been wiped out years ago that can cut through the Night Empire's shadows.

Prince Alaric, the emperor's only son and heir, has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating any threats to the Night Empire's rule with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, Alaric has never been bested. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force the likes of which has never been seen.

Talasyn and Alaric both know this war can only end with them. But a greater threat is coming, and the strange new magic they can create together could be the only way to overcome it. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, they will confront the secrets at the heart of the war and find, in each other, a searing passion--one that could save their world...or destroy it.

An exquisite fantasy brimming with unforgettable characters, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and richly drawn worlds, The Hurricane Wars marks the breathtaking debut of an extraordinary new writer.]]> 472 Thea Guanzon 0063277271 Lydia 5 3.65 2023 The Hurricane Wars (The Hurricane Wars, #1)
author: Thea Guanzon
name: Lydia
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/06/01
date added: 2024/07/14
shelves: 2023-anticipated, reylos-stay-winning, arcs, ebooks, hits-different, pre-ordered, read-2023, own, rereads, audiobooks, read-2024
review:
Well after my audiobook re-read, figure it's time to write a more proper review ("proper" being used loosely here) considering I have minimum 5 copies of this book on my shelf right now
]]> <![CDATA[Some Shall Break (None Shall Sleep #2)]]> 61141211 �"A razor-sharp sequel" �Kirkus Reviews, starred review

New York Times bestselling author Ellie Marney returns with an electrifying, chilling thriller that follows junior FBI consultants Travis Bell and Emma Lewis with a new case that may unravel everything they’ve been working for.

After a harrowing encounter with juvenile sociopath Simon Gutmunsson, junior FBI consultants Emma Lewis and Travis Bell went their separate Emma rejected her Quantico offer, and Travis stayed to train within a new unit of the Behavioral Science division. But the unit’s latest case is feeling eerily familiar, and Kristin Gutmunsson—Simon's eccentric twin—reaches out to Travis to send a Emma is in peril.

When new evidence points to a copycat of Daniel Huxton, the serial killer that she escaped, Emma returns to Quantico and is thrown back into her past traumas. Compelled to prevent more tragedy—even if it means putting herself in danger—she looks to Simon once again. But can he be trusted to help stop the killer before time runs out for his next victims?]]> 400 Ellie Marney 0316487813 Lydia 5 4.29 2023 Some Shall Break (None Shall Sleep #2)
author: Ellie Marney
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2023/10/13
date added: 2024/01/21
shelves: 2023-anticipated, audiobooks, own, pre-ordered, read-2023, hits-different
review:
not to be demanding but I NEED A THIRD BOOK NOW.
]]> <![CDATA[Stolen Life (Beauty in the Stolen, #2)]]> 56928106 A DIAMOND MAGNATE NOVEL
Ian Hart stole a night of my life but he took so much more. His obsession pinned a label on me. His lust put me in an impossible situation. Now I have to choose sides. I have to decide between right and wrong. Only, no matter what choice I make, each comes with dreadful consequences. There’s only one way this can end—how every tragedy ends.

*Stolen Life is Book 2 of the Beauty in the Stolen trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Book 3 will be released on 22 June 2021.

Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Beauty in the Broken (Standalone)

Diamonds are Forever trilogy
Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1)
Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2)
Diamonds are Forever (Book 3)]]> 240 Charmaine Pauls 2491833107 Lydia 4 read-2023, kobo-plus, ebooks 4.31 Stolen Life (Beauty in the Stolen, #2)
author: Charmaine Pauls
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/08
date added: 2024/01/21
shelves: read-2023, kobo-plus, ebooks
review:
unexpected travel days and I am gobbling these up.
]]> Snow, Lights & Monster Nights 199515928 Time for snowy nights, holiday lights, and sexy monsters!

This charity anthology is sure to warm you up on a cold winter's night! Light, sweet, and spicy--perfect to curl up and read as the snow falls down!

Authors
ALISHA WILLIAMS & CASSIE LEIN
C. ROCHELLE
CASS ALEX
EVE L. HART
IVY TEMPEST
JADE WALTZ
JESSICA GRAYSON
KATE PRIOR
KATHRYN MOON
NESSIE SREIL
OCTAVIA KORE
PHANTOM DAME
SABRINA CASSIDY
SUE MERCURY
WENDI GOGH]]> 302 Alisha Williams Lydia 4 for charity 4.12 Snow, Lights & Monster Nights
author: Alisha Williams
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/26
date added: 2023/12/26
shelves: ebooks, kindle-unlimited, read-2023
review:
for charity
]]> <![CDATA[Mafia Monster's Forced Bride (Mafia Brides Book 1)]]> 61765564 Alex Greco hates her husband.

To keep the peace between her crime lord father and the Greco mafia’s boss, she’s forced to marry his son, Roman. He’s cold and has a reputation for hurting those close to him. There is no wedding night, and the first months of their marriage are awful.

Roman doesn’t want a wife, and certainly not an outsider who doesn’t know their ways. Unlike the women he’s used to, Alex thinks for herself and isn’t afraid to tell him no. He plans to prove she isn’t a sweet innocent, and he orders his friends to seduce her to show she’s not worthy of him.

When her life is endangered, it is up to Roman to save her and the peace pact between their families. By his father’s order, he has to make this stubborn woman fall in love with him.

Her husband is not as cold and callous as Alex originally thought. He’s a monster to everyone but her, and she never expected to fall in love with him.

She didn’t count on finding out he was a liar, either. His father told him to make her fall in love with him, but how far was he willing to go?
]]> 266 Sam Crescent 0369506650 Lydia 3 read-2023, ebooks, kobo-plus 3.99 Mafia Monster's Forced Bride (Mafia Brides Book 1)
author: Sam Crescent
name: Lydia
average rating: 3.99
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2023/12/11
date added: 2023/12/12
shelves: read-2023, ebooks, kobo-plus
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Stolen Love (Beauty in the Stolen, #3)]]> 56928136 A DIAMOND MAGNATE NOVEL
Once upon a time, a thief stole me in the middle of the night. He took what he wanted, gave me an illusion, and ripped it all away to claim his ultimate trophy. My heart may be physically weak, but fighting to live made me stronger. I won’t perish as easily as that. I’m turning the tables on him. After all, I learned from the best. I’m robbing him of what he stole from me.

*Stolen Love concludes the trilogy.

Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Beauty in the Broken (Standalone)

Diamonds are Forever trilogy
Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1)
Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2)
Diamonds are Forever (Book 3)]]> 220 Charmaine Pauls 2491833115 Lydia 4 ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023
Devoured. Obsessed. I want to read the other series but I fear I may have started with the GOAT with Cas and Ian :/ ]]> 4.01 Stolen Love (Beauty in the Stolen, #3)
author: Charmaine Pauls
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.01
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/08
date added: 2023/12/08
shelves: ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023
review:
look I grabbed this series as a random Kobo+ read for my flights that looked like it had tropes that I find enjoyable & entertaining. BUT OH MY GOD THE CHOKEHOLD THIS ENDED UP HAVING ON ME.

Devoured. Obsessed. I want to read the other series but I fear I may have started with the GOAT with Cas and Ian :/
]]> <![CDATA[Stolen Lust (Beauty in the Stolen, #1)]]> 56928067 A DIAMOND MAGNATE NOVEL
Ian Hart is the most notorious criminal in the country. Like the thief he is, he came in the dark and stole a night of my life.

He left me with souvenirs. Disaster and fear are my new realities. I'll forever look over my shoulder, terrified he'd return, because when he took me, he stole more than just a few hours of my time.

His crime has consequences neither of us could've imagined. If I'm to escape the nightmare of my life, I have to outsmart him. If I'm to survive, I have to outwit every enemy he's turned against me, including Ian himself, the most dangerous and cleverest man I know.

*Stolen Lust is Book 1 of the Beauty in the Stolen trilogy. Book 2 will be released on 18 May 2021 and Book 3 on 22 June 2021.

Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Beauty in the Broken (Standalone)

Diamonds are Forever trilogy
Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1)
Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2)
Diamonds are Forever (Book 3)]]> 220 Charmaine Pauls 2491833093 Lydia 4 ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023 4.12 Stolen Lust (Beauty in the Stolen, #1)
author: Charmaine Pauls
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/08
date added: 2023/12/08
shelves: ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Deep (Chicago Underground, #8)]]> 42845314 "Possessive. Protective. Territorial. Philip Murphy is exactly what I want in an alpha-male!" - Lynda Chance, New York Times bestselling author

A thrilling new standalone novel from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren...

Dark. Powerful. Dangerous.

Philip Murphy has all of Chicago under his thumb. Except me.

We met in a perfect storm of violence and lust. He saved me and then disappeared from my life. Now I pretend I never knew that kind of darkness. I focus on midterms and campus parties, as if they can wipe the slate clean.

Then he turns up outside my dorm room--wounded and barely conscious. He's the head of a criminal empire, a powerful man, but he needs me now. There are traitors in his midst.

I can help him, but I can't fall for him.

Not again.

*

Author's Note: DEEP is a dark contemporary romance novel that can be read as a standalone! It's set in the Chicago Underground world, and you are invited to read those books next once you read Philip's story.

Praise for DEEP:

"Intriguing, raw and captivating through the end, this book sizzles with intensity and achingly real characters. Do not miss this!" Lina's Reviews, A Book Blog

"Deep is an incredibly erotic, emotionally captivating story that left me craving for more. Skye Warren consistently delivers raw, powerful, and seductive writing that grabs ahold of the reader with full force and doesn't let go." - Sammy, Just Let Me Read

"Philip and Ella's chemistry is explosive and the loves scenes made my heart skip a beat. Some of the things he says to Ella made my heart palpitate. Philip is so full of passion and he pushes Ella past her limits, he breaks her down and puts her back together again." - Kimberly, The Book Sirens]]> 381 Skye Warren Lydia 4 ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023 3.80 2016 Deep (Chicago Underground, #8)
author: Skye Warren
name: Lydia
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2023/10/31
date added: 2023/10/31
shelves: ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023
review:
Just binging kobo+ reads on my long ass flights. Writing this though is how I find out this is book 8 in an anthology. That might explain the weird time jump with minimal info? But also maybe not, it’s a common trend in these styles lolol
]]> <![CDATA[Commander's Slave (Kall Alien Warriors, #2)]]> 57044710 She’s given to a savage alien warrior�

Sentenced to a lifetime of slavery on the Kall homeworld, First Daughter Betsy Carson expects the rest of her days to be a constant struggle for survival. She’s stunned when a wiseman purchases her from the auction block as a gift for his younger brother � a savage Kall warrior named Edek who loathes humans with his every breath. Her hopes to be left alone by her new master are dashed when he orders her to sleep in his bed, and she soon discovers disobedience will be met with firm consequences.

The little human consumes his thoughts�

Commander Edek is still grieving the loss of his wife and sons. He blames humans for the accident that stole his family, and he shouldn’t feel such an intense attraction to the little human slave his brother has thrust upon him. Though he tries to build up walls around his heart, Betsy’s sweet presence gradually calms the storm raging within, and he becomes fiercely possessive of the small female. But can a Kall commander and a human slave share a future that doesn’t end in tragedy?

Publisher's Note: Commander's Slave (Kall Alien Warriors, #2) is a novel length re-release of a novella by the same name that was first published in 2014. This version has been significantly lengthened and re-edited.]]> 203 Sue Lyndon Lydia 3 ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023 Book 2 &gt; book 1 4.22 2021 Commander's Slave (Kall Alien Warriors, #2)
author: Sue Lyndon
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2023/10/31
date added: 2023/10/31
shelves: ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023
review:
Book 2 > book 1
]]> Mine (Ties that Bind, #1) 50853256 But she did.

I shouldn’t have looked twice at her.
But I did.

The criminal underworld is no place for a girl like her.

One night with Katerina isn’t enough, but men like me can’t afford to be weak.
So, I tell her to leave me behind.

She does, but not before she sees something she shouldn’t.

When she goes into hiding, it’s my duty to hunt her down.
I have a job to do, and she needs to disappear for good.

But four years later, Kat isn’t alone anymore.
And the little boy right beside her looks just like me.

]]> 310 Natasha Knight Lydia 3 ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023 3.86 2020 Mine (Ties that Bind, #1)
author: Natasha Knight
name: Lydia
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2023/10/14
date added: 2023/10/13
shelves: ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023
review:
Back to my classic Russian mafia palette cleanser
]]> <![CDATA[The Last Tale of the Flower Bride]]> 114933265
Once upon a time, a man who believed in fairy tales married a beautiful, mysterious woman named Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada. He was a scholar of myths. She was heiress to a fortune. They exchanged gifts and stories and believed they would live happily ever after—and in exchange for her love, Indigo extracted a promise: that her bridegroom would never pry into her past.

But when Indigo learns that her estranged aunt is dying and the couple is forced to return to her childhood home, the House of Dreams, the bridegroom will soon find himself unable to resist. For within the crumbling manor’s extravagant rooms and musty halls, there lurks the shadow of another girl: Azure, Indigo’s dearest childhood friend who suddenly disappeared. As the house slowly reveals his wife’s secrets, the bridegroom will be forced to choose between reality and fantasy, even if doing so threatens to destroy their marriage . . . or their lives.

Combining the lush, haunting atmosphere of Mexican Gothic with the dreamy enchantment of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is a spellbinding and darkly romantic page-turner about love and lies, secrets and betrayal, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.]]> 9 Roshani Chokshi 0063206536 Lydia 3 own, audiobooks, read-2023
bullet point review:

- really cool premise, just not the best execution
- I liked all the references to fairytales and lore, although the flowery language of the bridegroom could be a bit much at times
- couldn't care less about the bridegroom. As soon as we got Azure's POV every time we switched back to him I was disappointed
- very accurate & jarring depiction of a toxic friendship
- if I didn't listen to the audiobook for this one I doubt I would've finished it
- when I was in it I was in it, but as soon as I had to stop, I didn't really think of it again. I was intrigued, but it didn't pull me in enough to make me want to just sit down & devour it
- I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS!! MANY OF THEM!!


**ALC was provided by Libro.fm]]> 3.47 2023 The Last Tale of the Flower Bride
author: Roshani Chokshi
name: Lydia
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2023/03/26
date added: 2023/03/27
shelves: own, audiobooks, read-2023
review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️�

bullet point review:

- really cool premise, just not the best execution
- I liked all the references to fairytales and lore, although the flowery language of the bridegroom could be a bit much at times
- couldn't care less about the bridegroom. As soon as we got Azure's POV every time we switched back to him I was disappointed
- very accurate & jarring depiction of a toxic friendship
- if I didn't listen to the audiobook for this one I doubt I would've finished it
- when I was in it I was in it, but as soon as I had to stop, I didn't really think of it again. I was intrigued, but it didn't pull me in enough to make me want to just sit down & devour it
- I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS!! MANY OF THEM!!


**ALC was provided by Libro.fm
]]> <![CDATA[Love is a Game (Bloody Romance #3)]]> 54227822
Lily
My father sold me to a monster to pay off a debt.

I went from poor to property.

I’ll do anything to gain my freedom.


Baran
It started as a game.

Then I got stuck with her. For life.

She will pay for playing me...


Disclaimer:
*contains adult language and (explicit) steamy scenes.
*Contains a dominant alpha male who thinks he's God's gift to women.
*no cliffhanger]]> Shanna Bell Lydia 3 kobo-plus, ebooks, read-2023 4.00 Love is a Game (Bloody Romance #3)
author: Shanna Bell
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2023/03/07
date added: 2023/03/07
shelves: kobo-plus, ebooks, read-2023
review:
the formula of already having a very fast paced book and then squeezing a minimum of 3 (arguably unnecessary) new conflicts in in the last 4 chapters makes me laugh, BUT APPARENTLY I JUST EAT THAT SHIT UP.
]]> <![CDATA[Love is Rage (Bloody Romance #2)]]> 49870269 Viking
Elena was the love of my life, my obsession, and my ruin.

Sixteen years ago she betrayed me by marrying my enemy.

Now, I discover her betrayal didn’t end there; she stole my kid.

I’m gonna take away her future, just like she took mine.


Elena
Viking is the love of my life.

I both saved and betrayed him.

One look in his eyes and I know he wants to break me.

Fight or flight?

Note:
- This is a dark romance with explicit steamy scenes. Contains an over the top alpha male who thinks he's king of the world, and a feisty woman who refuses to take his sh*t.
- It can be read as a stand-alone. No cliffhanger.]]> 388 Shanna Bell Lydia 3 kobo-plus, ebooks, read-2023 3.87 Love is Rage (Bloody Romance #2)
author: Shanna Bell
name: Lydia
average rating: 3.87
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2023/03/05
date added: 2023/03/07
shelves: kobo-plus, ebooks, read-2023
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Bratva Queen (Bratva Royalty Duet Book 2)]]> 61082919 This is part 2 of a duet, and can't be read as a standalone.]]> 225 Shanna Bell Lydia 3 ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023 4.30 Bratva Queen (Bratva Royalty Duet Book 2)
author: Shanna Bell
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2023/03/05
date added: 2023/03/05
shelves: ebooks, kobo-plus, read-2023
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Sweet Giant: A Fantasy Monster Romance (Cascade Beasts #3)]]> 63852777 The massive wildman has sworn to protect me.

After scaring away my abusive ex, the handsome Sasquatch known as Mastorr refuses to leave my side. He promises to keep me safe, and he also insists we’re fated mates�

But I'm not ready for another relationship. Not now. Maybe not ever. What if I'm too broken inside?

Mastorr's size scares me, but little by little, he starts to gain my trust. His huge, furry arms become my refuge, and I start to believe we might actually share a future together. He gradually helps me heal, and I'm pretty sure he's the most patient and affectionate male on the face of the earth.

But my ex isn't finished with me yet, and he has powerful friends...]]> 223 Sue Mercury Lydia 4 read-2023, kobo-plus, ebooks 4.36 2023 Sweet Giant: A Fantasy Monster Romance (Cascade Beasts #3)
author: Sue Mercury
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/02/01
date added: 2023/03/01
shelves: read-2023, kobo-plus, ebooks
review:
if you don’t love me at my big-foot-romance, you don’t deserve me at my Pulitzer Prize
]]> <![CDATA[Wicked Mafia Prince (Dangerous Royals, #2)]]> 30884689 “My brothers think I’m obsessed. Imagining ghosts. But I’ll always know you.� ~Viktor

Who is the nun who never shows her face?

Ever since killing the love of his life, the beautiful and fierce mafia assassin named Tanechka, Viktor has lived in utter torment.

Now, years later, he comes upon a nun who will never show her face.

Viktor is sure this is Tanechka herself � that she has improbably, impossibly survived. Is it obsession? A figment of a guilty conscience? Or is this their second chance?]]> 317 Annika Martin Lydia 3 kobo-plus, ebooks, read-2023 3.88 2016 Wicked Mafia Prince (Dangerous Royals, #2)
author: Annika Martin
name: Lydia
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2023/02/19
date added: 2023/03/01
shelves: kobo-plus, ebooks, read-2023
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Bratva Kingpin (Bratva Royalty Duet Book 1)]]> 58102694 I live in a world surrounded by ruthless men. At their head? Kristoff Romanov, according to some, the most heartless kingpin of all.

I am protected, yet caged, cherished, yet kept at bay.

He vowed to protect me and give me anything I need, except his heart.

He promised to always have my back.

He lied.

Kristoff.
Would you destroy the woman you love, to avenge the one you lost?

I live for my Bratva and my vengeance.

Katya is the only thing that’s good about me.

And I will wreck her.

note:
This is book 1 of a duet. This book ends on a cliffhanger. This is a mafia romance with triggers.]]> Shanna Bell Lydia 4 ebooks, read-2023 full review likely to come ]]> 4.14 Bratva Kingpin (Bratva Royalty Duet Book 1)
author: Shanna Bell
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.14
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2023/02/28
date added: 2023/03/01
shelves: ebooks, read-2023
review:
okay Kobo+ finally came through with a banger.
full review likely to come
]]> An Enchantment of Ravens 30969741 Every enchantment has a price.

With a flick of her paintbrush, Isobel creates stunning portraits for a dangerous set of clients: the fair folk. These immortal creatures cannot bake bread or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and they trade valuable enchantments for Isobel’s paintings. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—Isobel makes a deadly mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes, a weakness that could cost him his throne, and even his life.

Furious, Rook spirits Isobel away to his kingdom to stand trial for her crime. But something is seriously amiss in his world, and they are attacked from every side. With Isobel and Rook depending upon each other for survival, their alliance blossoms into trust, perhaps even love . . . a forbidden emotion that would violate the fair folks� ruthless laws, rendering both their lives forfeit. What force could Isobel's paintings conjure that is powerful enough to defy the ancient malice of the fairy courts?

Isobel and Rook journey along a knife-edge in a lush world where beauty masks corruption and the cost of survival might be more frightening than death itself.]]> 304 Margaret Rogerson 1481497588 Lydia 4 own, read-2023 3.64 2017 An Enchantment of Ravens
author: Margaret Rogerson
name: Lydia
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2023/01/14
date added: 2023/01/14
shelves: own, read-2023
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mysteries of Thorn Manor (Sorcery of Thorns, #1.5)]]> 61272184 In this delightful sequel novella to the New York Times bestselling Sorcery of Thorns, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas must unravel the magical trap keeping them inside Thorn Manor in time for their Midwinter Ball!Elisabeth Scrivener is finally settling into her new life with sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn. Now that their demon companion Silas has returned, so has scrutiny from nosy reporters hungry for gossip about the city’s most powerful sorcerer and the librarian who stole his heart. But something strange is afoot at Thorn the estate’s wards, which are meant to keep their home safe, are acting up and forcibly trapping the Manor'� occupants inside. Surely it must be a coincidence that this happened just as Nathaniel and Elisabeth started getting closer to one another� With no access to the outside world, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas—along with their new maid Mercy—will have to work together to discover the source of the magic behind the malfunctioning wards before they’re due to host the city’s Midwinter Ball. Not an easy task when the house is filled with unexpected secrets, and all Elisabeth can think about is kissing Nathaniel in peace. But when it becomes clear that the house, influenced by the magic of Nathaniel’s ancestors, requires a price for its obedience, Elisabeth and Nathaniel will have to lean on their connection like never before to set things right.]]> 192 Margaret Rogerson 1665935626 Lydia 5 the world needs MORE 4.05 2023 Mysteries of Thorn Manor (Sorcery of Thorns, #1.5)
author: Margaret Rogerson
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2023/01/13
date added: 2023/01/14
shelves: arcs, 2023-anticipated, own, pre-ordered, read-2023
review:
the world needs MORE
]]> <![CDATA[Sorcery of Thorns (Sorcery of Thorns, #1)]]> 42201395
Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire. Elisabeth’s desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.

As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she’s been taught—about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined.]]> 456 Margaret Rogerson 1481497618 Lydia 5 own, read-2023 4.03 2019 Sorcery of Thorns (Sorcery of Thorns, #1)
author: Margaret Rogerson
name: Lydia
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2023/01/13
date added: 2023/01/14
shelves: own, read-2023
review:
I’m mad at myself for taking this long to read this but also really glad I waited until I had the ARC of the novella. See y’all in a bit.
]]>