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Phantasma

PhantasmaTitle: Phantasma
Author: Kaylie Smith
Series: Wicked Games #1
Genre: Romantasy
Format: Audio, Hard Cover
Pages: 497
Length: 13h 14m
Narrator: Laura Horowitz
Source: Owned
Reason: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

I absolutely adored PHANTASMA. It read as a dark gothic romantasy. Yum! I thought the levels of Phantasma were a creative nod to Dante’s Inferno and the nine circles of Hell.

I loved the characters, especially Blackwell and Poe (even though Poe’s just a cat). I thought Smith’s depiction of Ophelia’s struggle with OCD was very realistic and enlightening of how true OCD affects its victims.

While some of the spicier scenes made me roll my eyes, I really adored the banter and tension between Ophelia and Blackwell. (I’m sorry but no guy’s penis is so big around that a 5’9” woman can’t grab it without encircling it completely. Well, unless she has such small hands that that’s all people would notice about her.)

Anyway, I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment.

Love, Theoretically

Love, TheoreticallyTitle: Love, Theoretically
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 389
Length: 12h 33m
Narrator: Thérèse Plummer
Source: Library
Reason: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

I seem to go through a reading slump for a couple of months each year. Only when I force myself to start reading an old favorite or something fluffy do I successfully banish my slump to “The Upside Down.” LOVE, THEORETICALLY is that book for me this year.

LOVE, THEORETICALLY was a fun, compelling story with fantastic characters. I really loved this enemies-to-lovers romance. There was so much chemistry between Elsie and Jack. It made for a super cute read with a fair amount of spice. I definitely didn’t want to put the book down.

Stuck with You

Stuck with YouTitle: Stuck with You
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Series: STEMinist #2
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 127
Length: 3h 22m
Narrator: Meg Sylvan
Source: Library
Reason: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

STUCK WITH YOU is my least favorite of the STEMinist Novellas. Normally, instalove doesn’t bother me, but I couldn’t get over part of the premise. I liked the idea of them being stuck in the elevator together so they could air out their grievances, but Erik’s thoughts on why Sadie was mad at him was just too much for me.

I did like Sadie and Erik’s chemistry, and I think I might’ve liked this one better had it been a fully fleshed out novel.

Under One Roof

Under One RoofTitle: Under One Roof
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Series: STEMinist #1
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 112
Length: 3h 38m
Narrator: Emma Wilder
Source: Library
Reason: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

I read the STEMinist Novellas out of order and started with the third one first. Thankfully, you can read these in any order.

I loved BELOW ZERO and I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy UNDER ONE ROOF as much, but I did. I loved both Liam and Mara. I loved the forced proximity trope, their chemistry, and banter. It was a fun read. I still want more! (This is why I don’t read short stories very often.)

Below Zero

Below ZeroTitle: Below Zero
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Series: STEMinist #3
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 112
Length: 3h 42m
Narrator: Savannah Peachwood
Source: Library
Reason: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

I want more! I loved Hannah and Ian, and their story. I loved the setting and the idea of him rescuing her. I wish there was more to their story and relationship. Since this was a short story, Hazelwood did a great job of sharing the most important parts.

Also, I didn’t realize BELOW ZERO was the third book in a novella series until after I read it. Hopefully, they can be read out of order.