Tag Archive for: 5 Stars

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Phantasma

PhantasmaTitle: Phantasma
Author(s): Kaylie Smith
Series: Wicked Games #1
Genre(s): Romantasy
Format(s): Audio, Hard Cover
Pages: 497
Length: 13h 14m
Narrator(s): Laura Horowitz
Source: Owned
Reason(s): Book of the Month
Rating:
Spice: 4 Flames

My Thoughts

I absolutely adored this dark, gothic, romantasy. 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.

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Onyx Storm

Onyx StormTitle: Onyx Storm
Author(s): Rebecca Yarros
Series: Empyrean #3
Genre(s): Romantasy
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 527
Length: 23h 52m
Narrator(s): Rebecca Soler, Teddy Hamilton, Justis Bolding, Jasmin Walker
Source: Library
Reason(s): None
Rating:
Spice: 3.5 Flames

My Thoughts

Holy crap! That ending! Why do I read these series before all the books are out?! It’s going to be torture waiting for the next book. I feel like I did after watching Avengers: Infinity War for the first time–numb, sad, and trying to be hopeful despite the crushing weight of grief. So many tears! So many! Rebecca Yarros certainly knows how to hook her readers and stomp all over their hearts.

From the instant I started reading ONYX STORM, I was hooked. I wanted to know everything and make sure my favorite characters made it out of the story alive. I loved learning more about Andarna and seeing more of the world than in previous books.

I’m excited to see where this series goes next and I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for the next book.

People We Meet on Vacation

People We Meet on VacationTitle: People We Meet on Vacation
Author(s): Emily Henry
Genre(s): Romance
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 388
Length: 10h 46m
Source: Owned
Reason(s): Book of the Month
Rating:
Spice: 2.5 Flames

My Thoughts

I really loved this friends-to-lovers romance. It was super cute, emotional, sensual, and just a lot of fun to read. I related to both Poppy and Alex on a deep level. (I whole-heartedly agree with Alex about the sax.) I loved Poppy’s and Alex’s friendship and watching it turn to love. They had great chemistry and sexual tension. This is my second Emily Henry book and I’ve loved both. I look forward to reading more books written by her.

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Ruthless Vows

Ruthless VowsTitle: Ruthless Vows
Author(s): Rebecca Ross
Series: Letters of Enchantment #2
Genre(s): Romantasy
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 420
Length: 14h 6m
Narrator(s): Rebecca Norfolk, Alex Wingfield
Source: Library
Reason(s): None
Rating:
Spice: 2 Flames

My Thoughts

RUTHLESS VOWS was everything I wanted in a sequel to DIVINE RIVALS and more. I was hooked on page one and despite the bittersweet ending, I loved this story immensely. I loved seeing more of the magic in this installment and learning more about Enva and Dacre and even getting their perspective every now and then. I really enjoyed seeing the contrast between Enva and Dacre’s relationship and Iris and Roman’s as the story progressed.

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Divine Rivals

Divine RivalsTitle: Divine Rivals
Author(s): Rebecca Ross
Series: Letters of Enchantment #1
Genre(s): Romantasy
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 357
Length: 10h 50m
Narrator(s): Rebecca Norfolk, Alex Wingfield
Source: Owned
Reason(s): Book of the Month
Rating:
Spice: 2 Flames

My Thoughts

Gah! I’m glad I chose to read DIVINE RIVALS after RUTHLESS VOWS was published. I need to read the rest of this story now! It was such a compelling read. I loved the premise so much. It felt like a “You’ve Got Mail” romantasy taking place during a war between Hades and Persephone but from the human perspective. I loved gradually learning about Enva and Dacre through the myths Iris and Roman shared with each other. Speaking of Iris and Roman, I loved them so much. The chemistry between them was fantastic. I also loved their banter.