Jodi @more.time.2read

This how you write a duology!

Revisado: 03-18-25

I love when the second book of a series is just as good if not better than the first! Rebel Witch was everything I wanted from this series and more!

Heartless Hunter ended on a cliffhanger and I was afraid we might have a long period without seeing Gideon and Rune interacting with each other. I was pleasantly surprised to see how soon we had scenes with them together and how much of the story they crossed over even though their motivations were opposite of one another. The banter was BANTERING in Rebel Witch and it filled my Enemies-to-lovers heart with how well it was written!

The world-building and magic systems aren't complex, making this a great series for someone who wants to dabble in fantasy and doesn't know where to begin. I also love that the magic used in this series has a cost and a symbol for its use so there's some thought put into how it should be used and the timing and consequences for its use.

Politics and too much power are a big theme of this series and they played heavily on this second book. Being forced to make difficult decisions with very little options forces you to really look at what is most important.

I was really happy with the ending although I would have changed one tiny little thing!

Some favorite non-spoiler moments:
"Next time, you're going to tell me the entire plan upfront!"
"If I'd told you the entire plan up front you wouldn't have agreed to it!"

"Men with guns are chasing us Gideon. Well-fitting clothes are the least of your concerns."

"She was like a magnet sending the arrows on his moral compass spinning. Making him forget who he was and everything he'd committed himself to."

"Rune is worth everything" (ch. 51)

The tropes were TROPING in Rebel Witch:
Enemies-to-lovers
Cat and mouse games
Fake wedding
He teaches her how to shoot
One Cabin, one bed
One horse
He gives her his last gun!!

Romance Content: 1 open-door scene (ch. 71) easy to skip. Very little language. They market this as a YA book, but I recommend 16 yrs & older!

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Great Urban Fantasy!!

Revisado: 02-11-25

This Urban Fantasy was a good time with an ACOTAR Inner Circle meets Crescent City vibe!

Darian, the leader of the 7 Devils is hired to track down a target, a human girl who was abandoned at a temple as a baby. When he locates her and discovers others are after as well as her friend was abducted in an attempt to grab Loren, Darian decides to protect her instead of turning her over. He has his work cut out for him, as everyone is on the hunt to find her.

Loren is taken into Hell's Gate, the home of the Seven Devils where she and Darian search for answers to try and locate Loren's friend and uncover why she is being hunted.

It's a world of Devils, Vampires, and Witches with a unique magic system including a home and vehicle protected magically by a Hob.

As much as Darian tries to prove to Loren that he's a broken monster and keep her emotionally at arm's length, you can't help but fall in love with how he protects her, watches chick-flicks with her, cooks her dinner, and makes a huge sacrifice to bring her happiness after a tragic loss. I'll continue the series for more Darian!

I'm a huge fan of found family and the pack of Devils stole my heart!

Romance Content: There's one lusty scene in chapter 35, and one open-door scene in Chapter 61. Contains language.

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I love seeing a favorite on audio!

Revisado: 01-30-25

Jenny Proctor is a master of writing low spice closed door romance and this story was pure perfection!

Laney is a vet in a small town who has no idea that the handsome bearded client with new puppies is actually the boyband crush of her childhood. Adam is enjoying living a quiet life out at his dog rescue ranch without any of the fame of his teenage years until his past catches up with him for a charity concert opportunity.

I loved Laney and Adam’s chemistry. I love that right from the beginning they were upfront in their communication and interest in each other. They grew a friendship with laughter and tender moments.

I loved that we spent time with the dog rescue ranch and we got a taste of the music industry. It made for such an entertaining journey!

Adam is still working through the grief of losing his mom. There’s a point towards the end of the story that was so heartfelt and tender, I cried like a baby.

Other fun moments:
Puppies
Fake fiancé
He sings to her
One room
One bed
Appies gear makes an appearance!

I struggled a little bit with the female narrator, her voice was too young for Laney, however I loved the male narrator.

Romance Content: Just kissing!

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It was everything I hoped it would be!

Revisado: 01-27-25

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW!!

Fourth Wing is the book that reminded me how much I love reading Fantasy and where I often read for the "vibes" of a story, this is one series I’ve enjoyed diving deeper into! Onyx Storm was everything my deep-diving fantasy heart was looking for!!

Onyx Storm gave us more world-building, expanded politics, the royals, more information on the Gods, new characters, new SIGNETS, and more DRAGONS!!

What I loved:
Xaden stole the show for me! I’ve always loved his ruthless spirit and strategic mind, but have you met JEALOUS Xaden? He’s my favorite!! I adore where he and Violet grew from the rocky days of Iron Flame into the place their relationship is in Onyx Storm and the romance is 🤌🏻! Special circumstances created a new slow-burn in the story and I was here for ALL OF IT!!

Violet has one goal in this book and when her brilliant mind combines with that ONE GOAL, she UNLEASHES her wisdom, courage, and determination in full force! I loved every minute of it!

The FOUND FAMILY in this story, including Violet’s squad, Bodhi, Garrick, Mira, Jessina, Brennan, and the dragons continues to get better and better!

There were so many funny moments and great quotes in the story, it felt like Rebecca Yarros had a good time writing the story!

What I didn’t love:
The new General of Basgaith!! (iykyk)
Some hard things Andarna had to go through!
Obviously the BAD GUYS!!

There were multiple POV’s at the end. I LOVED one of the POV’s, but the other 2 were longer than I thought they needed to be.

Quotes I loved that you’ll only know if you know:

“I live by you”

“Yes, love I’m jealous”

“I choose him”

“Draw up the papers. And her name ... is Violet Sorrengail. Two Rs”

“And I want a patch for this sh*t, Violet. A quest squad patch. Understand?”

“I kept the inside thoughts inside”

“Stay off the ice!”

Romance Content: 3 Open-door scenes.
(Closed-door modification: end of Ch. 3, Ch. 25, & ch. 49) with language and violence. (It’s a War college!!)

I started Onyx Storm with a list of questions, many were answered, however, as it is with all GREAT Fantasy series, Onyx Storm left me with 100 more questions!!!

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My favorite of the Appies series so far!

Revisado: 01-18-25

How does the Appies series get better and better with every book? I'm floored!!

The Appies Hockey series was written by two authors Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor. It's a fictional hockey team located in Harvest Hollow North Carolina. The team dynamics and brotherhood made me fall in love with the series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but the series so much more fun when you know (and love) the whole family!

Runaway Bride and Prejudice is book 5 in the series and tells Van's story, the cocky playboy of the team. Van walks in on his coach's daughter's fiance who's with another woman just before he's supposed to walk down the aisle to get married. Van forces the groom to tell his bride what he was doing and ends up being the getaway driver in a Runaway Bride situation.

The story grabbed my attention within the first few pages and held it throughout the journey!

It's the type of story you want to go into blind and let all the events unfold for you. I don't want to spoil your experience at all!

I will say that I adore Van, especially after learning more about his home life. Growing up with three sisters he sees things other people may not and has this sensitivity that we get to see on full display. His love language is physical touch!

Van's sisters are loyal, protective, (a little scary), and the exact people you want in your corner. I loved their part of the story!

The team group text is hilarious!

I loved watching Amelia grow through the book and find her voice!

Other fun moments:
Making up your own rules
Eating the opposite of wedding food
Nicknames
Theodore
A jersey moment

This is all I will say! Just read it!

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My new favorite Sarah Adams book!

Revisado: 01-09-25

I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much while reading a book! The playful banter between Jack and Emily was pure gold!

“Just how often do you picture me, Jackson?”
“More than either of us is comfortable with.”

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is hands down my new FAVORITE Sarah Adams book!

Jack and Emily have been rivals since college where they met over a spilled coffee incident and shared much of the same ambition. They pushed each other’s buttons and competed for everything in their field until Jack moved away from the school they taught at mid-year with his fiancé. Now it’s the beginning of Summer and Jack has returned after calling off his wedding and ending his relationship. To Emilys surprise, her college nemesis is now her new neighbor.

Emily is the oldest sibling and after losing their parents, she’s sacrificed everything to love and support her siblings, but in the process closed herself off to anyone else emotionally.

“I happily take on the responsibility of everyone’s burdens because I only ever feel good when I’m being useful to someone.”

Having grown up with a narcissistic father, Jack has learned to read other people, especially Emily and although she drives him absolutely crazy, the more he’s around her the more he comes to understand the heart under all that sass.

Sarah’s ability to blend humor with emotional themes creates a perfectly balanced RomCom.

What you’ll find:
Rivals to lovers
The best banter ever written
Two teachers
Two secret writers
Red cowboy boots
He wears glasses and has tattoos
Scene blocking 🔥🔥🔥

Romance content: The story has 2 open-door scenes, but Sarah wrote the book with a closed-door modification, listing the 2 chapters to skip to make it closed-door - and it won’t affect the plot. I love that she took this into consideration.

Pub Date: January 7, 2025

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Book 2 is even better than book 1!!

Revisado: 01-08-25

I’m not sure how Demi Winters did it, but I enjoyed Kingdom of Claw even more than The Road of Bones!

I will keep my review vague so the story can unfold for you and there aren’t any spoilers!

Silla survived The Road of Bones and is on the run with a member of The Battle Axe crew, hiding in a safe house. She’s working to understand her background better and come to an acceptance of the information she learned about herself on The Road of Bones.

“I know who you are… I know why the queen is hunting you.”

There’s an added POV in book 2 from a different part of the Kingdom giving us an opportunity to learn more about the world and politics and the other POV is uncovering information pertinent to the story. With the additional POV, it expands our group of side characters, which is one of my favorite things about the series. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and this found family is well developed and treasured!

Silla, our FMC is a fighter and her growth in the series continues to surprise me!

The series is heavier on Fantasy with Romance on the side and the slow-burn finally starts to burn in Kingdom of Claw and I am here for it!!

“The last thought Silla had before falling into slumber was that even after eighteen winters, she still very much wanted to hold this man’s hand.”

I didn’t want the story to end and although it’s been days since I finished, I’m still thinking about the story!

The glossary at the end is helpful as well as the Zagadkian translations.

Romance content: 3 open-door scenes. (Closed-door modifications: Ch.49, 52, & 67)

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Viking Warriors!!

Revisado: 01-08-25

This Viking romantasy will sweep you into a world of fierce warriors, Norse mythology, and unyielding loyalty.

Silla’s life has always been one of adventure, secrecy, and survival—until tragedy strikes, leaving her alone and hunted. Taking refuge with The Battle Axe Crew, a band of Viking warriors, she must use her cooking skills, quick wit, and guarded truths to stay alive.

Along the way, she learns more than just combat skills—she discovers found family, strength, and maybe even love.

Why I loved it:
Viking stories have my heart, and this one delivered with:
Norse mythology & world-building
Found family vibes
Slow-burn romance
Plot twists that had me flipping pages!
Sassy banter and lessons in strength

“Because it takes a small man to be ruled by fear and a large one to show mercy. And anyone can see you are no small man.”

I did an immersive read with AUDIO and EBOOK initially to get familiar with the characters and the setting and slowed my audio speed down a bit. The audio narrator is fantastic!!

Romance Content: 2 Open-door scenes with a little bit of strong language. Closed-door Modifications: Ch. 38 & 48

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A new favorite!!

Revisado: 12-22-24

I didn’t think I could like a couple more than Seb + Maddie in Season’s Schemings by Katie Bailey, but then along came Aaron and Olivia, and that Enemies-to-lovers banter won out!

Olivia’s been a flight attendant stationed in London Heathrow for the past few years. She’s ready for more family time, so she takes the opportunity to move closer to her brother Jake by accepting a job out of Atlanta. Olivia's new life chapter in Atlanta comes with unexpected turbulence: a living arrangement nightmare and facing her infuriating nemesis, Aaron—the cocky hockey captain and Jake's best friend.

Aaron has worked hard to become Team Captain of the Cyclones. Even though he has a ladies-man reputation, Aaron swore off dating months ago to put all of his time and focus into the team’s success. Aaron is dealing with a relentless stalker threatening to tarnish his reputation, career, and Team Captain position. After taking Olivia home from a team party he sees the living situation she’s in and makes Olivia a proposal that will benefit her current living situation and hopefully take care of his stocker situation. Olivia reluctantly agrees and moves into his home temporarily during the Holidays.

Unfortunately, Olivia learned early in life to guard her heart so the people around her couldn’t let her down. This distrust began with a heartbreaking Christmas when she was young and she’s been avoiding anything that has to do with the holiday (or opening her heart) ever since.

“When I look at myself, I see that in contrast, I’ve been living in fear of investing in important relationships in case those people don’t invest in me, too, and caring about someone turns into something painful.”

Aaron grew up in a loving home with a strong family foundation. This man knows how to see and care for the people in his life! After Olivia opens up about her childhood, Aaron decides to try and replace her bad holiday memories with new “good” memories. These thoughtful “gestures” carefully pull down Olivia’s walls and allow her to see for the first time that she’s worth loving.

“For the first time in my adult life, I’m going to take a leaf out of Aaron’s book and fight or what - who - I love.”

One thing I love most about Katie Bailey’s writing is that she brings the heat into her relationships so well, while still keeping the story closed-door. It’s the perfect level of low spice to show relationships in a healthy intimate way without putting too many details on the page that you wouldn’t want your high school girls to be able to read!

Chapter 29 has one of the best kissing scenes EVER!!

From steamy arguments to quiet moments of unexpected connection, Katie Bailey once again proves that enemies can make the best lovers—especially when mutual walls come crashing down.

Publish Date: November 22, 2024

Romance content: Just [AMAZING] kissing!! Closed-door!

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I couldn't put it down!

Revisado: 12-10-24

4.5 Stars

I had every intention of picking this up to just read a few chapters before starting a buddy read with a friend on another book. I hit chapter 5 and I was a goner! I binged the whole thing in one day!

“By the end of that summer, she was my best friend. By the end of the next, she hated me. And I didn’t blame her.”

Rebecca Yarros’ gift is writing really good character based stories. In this dual POV I fell in love with Hudson and Allie!

Allie was raised by a mother who was an Elite ballerina and who has demanded rigidity and perfection Allie’s whole life. After losing her sister Lina in a tragedy, Allie’s mother focused even more on Allie and blamed her for losing Lina.

Hudson’s a coast guard water rescuer who jumps out of helicopters to save people when their boats sink. He put all of his dreams on hold to transfer back to his home town to help his sister raise his niece, Juniper.

Juniper has a dream and her best chance at achieving her dream means bringing Hudson and Allie together for a brief meeting for the first time in 10 years. There are so many unanswered questions and deep wounds that have scarred. It quickly becomes abundantly clear that Allie is the only woman Hudson will ever love and when I say love, I mean the I’ll burn the world down for you, soul mate kind of love!

“I fell in love with her all over again. Not the quiet, observant girl she’d been, or the friend I’d let down, but the woman she’d grown into, beautiful and strong, scarred and still laughing.”

The side cast of characters made the story even better. Growing up with such a rigid mother, Allie and her sisters loved and protected each other. I loved Allie’s friend Kenna and her mother, and Hudson’s siblings.

This is a story of broken people making bad decisions for the right reason.

Teddy Hamilton and Carly Robins are the narrators - so obviously you will want to do the audio!

If you loved In The Likely Event, you will love this too!

Romance Content: 3 Open-door scenes and strong language.

For Closed-door modifications:
Chapters: 20, 25, & 34

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