When I said I just knew that I'm gonna like this new novel of hers after reading her vampire and werewolf paranormal romance, I was right 🤚🏽
I would go as to say that this romance novel captivated me from the start, the middle, and the end. I truly am invested with the drama and the tea revolving Kline and Harkness (which I really can't help but read Harkoness— I really don't know why 😆)
Anyway, the writing in this novel was much better, compelling, and flawlessly in terms of storytelling. To be brief about it, I would go as far as to say it was excellent.
The characters, on the other hand, really shine their own way. They were more developed and well written characters that I remember them from the start until the end. Tisha, I really love Tisha. She's so real. Minami, she deserves better, I hate how Florence did her dirty.
The pairing: Rue and Eli REALLY HAD CHEMISTRY. THEIR TENSION EVERYONE 🤚🏽 Eli was really pinning the most of it, and that didn't stray him off his plot most of the time. This man is really driven. Rue, another excellent woman, is equally driven and passionate. These 2 really took their time, not really complaining. Their interaction was really fun, as well as their banter. I also liked how they opened up with each other, trusting to the point of sharing tragic or traumas of the past.
The spice or the smut 🌶🌶🌶 again, they really took their time. It was HOT. I enjoyed most of it.
The drama, tea, or the conflict, IT WAS A LOT. I wish there were more of the showing of this part in the novel, as someone who's a STEM student before, I enjoyed how the STEM content here was laid, it was really interesting and intriguing, although I wish there were more if it the same wit the conflict.
Other than that, I think the most important part here is the content or conflict of power hungry org, or just anyone with power stealing intellectual property, especially of young and aspiring academic people, as well as of taking advantage of their endeavour to profit from them, worse, take their rights off of their well hard earned achievement.
I think my only issue from this book is the sudden switch from 3rd to 1st pov. That part was a little bit off for me, I didn't notice it until I took a little break and started again.
Furthermore, the conclusion as well, I wasn't fun of it, I really wish Florence did pay more for her sins. She did many people dirty, and I would go as far as to say people like her who never get punished for it would do it again if the chance aroused.
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Thank you, PRH International and Berkley, for the free book ♡
💬 What are some of your favorite romance tropes? 📖🤎 My favorites are enemies to lovers, fake dating, and friends to lovers! Thank you to @berkleypub for gifting me all of these amazing books! . . . h a s h t a g s : #berkleyromance #berkleypublishing #sadieonaplate #mrwrongnumber #ifyouaskme #goodreads #theleagueofgentlewomenwitches #romancebooks #romancereader #romancereadersofinstagram #igreads #alwaysreading #booksbooksbooks (at Paradise) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbusZSBuTxr/?utm_medium=tumblr
★ What genre(s) have you been reading a lot of lately? I’ve been on a big romance binge for awhile now, but especially the last several months! I definitely prefer books that have romance in them, even if it’s just a little bit, otherwise I find my mind wandering and tend to disengage from the story. I’ve read some really great romantic comedies this year, but also a ton of historical romance, dark romance, fantasy romance, contemporary romance, and forbidden/taboo romance. Do you have a favorite romance subgenre, or one you want to read more of? ★ Featured is a stack of most of my @berkleyromance books! I love the illustrated cover trend and seeing this colorful collection on my shelves brings me so much joy. ★ CURRENTLY // 🎧 The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe 📖 The Pool Boy by Nikki Sloane 📖 Eternal Sin by Ariana Nash ★ HASHTAGS // #bookstagram #bookworm #bookphotography #bibliophile #booklover #bookaddict #bookobsessed #bookish #booksbooksbooks #beautifulbooks #prettybooks #bookdragon #berkleyromance #romancebooks #shelfie #stacksaturday #bookstack #shelfiesunday #hyggelife #romancereader https://www.instagram.com/p/CSC8brlBA3W/?utm_medium=tumblr
I just completed the #loveyourbookstore challenge by visiting my local @barnesandnoble. I have a stack of new books for myself and others this winter holiday season. I challenge @neilhimself, @realcharlaine, @jonathanmaberry, Larry Correia, and Mercedes Lackey, as well as my writing group (Marcella Sands, Rhett McPherson, Mark Sumner, Sharon Shinn, and Deborah Millitello), and all of my wonderful readers to complete the #loveyourbookstore challenge too! If you complete the challenge before Monday, not only are you loving your bookstore, you'll be entered to win tons of great bookish prizes too - pass it on! #LKH #LKHamilton #laurellkhamilton #neilgaiman #charlaineharris #jonathanmayberry #larrycorreia #mercedeslackey #readmorebooks #supportbrickandmortar #ichallengeyou #writersofinstagram #writerswrite #readerchallenge #Berkleypub #berkleyromance #penguinrandomhouse https://www.instagram.com/p/BqBSEEQAPLG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1a7xnhagb3a16
One of my most anticipated releases of 2024 ✨️ I would say, is a general statement that I did enjoy this one, most especially the detective plot and mythology this novel inclined to.
The writing is quite good. It was engaging and immersive enough for me. Although I did feel that the writing was more of a romancy-writing, mixed with the mystery and the fantastical vibe it imbued to.
The world building or the lore, although fascinating in my opinion and reminds me so much of a mix of Tale of the Nine Tailed, Doom at Your Service in some way— I feel that it was quite lacking for me. I definitely wanted to be more engrossed towards the world, but sadly, I think it wasn't vividly as I wish it to be.
The mystery, the detective, the Fallen God plot was so good to me, I was obviously eating it up, reminding me so much of Loki, that's why I was quite excited and wishful it had more of Seokga and Hwanin content. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was more of that content.
Furthermore, it was more plotty, which I did like, another thing I thought, is that I would have enjoyed it more if there’s no romance? Not that I didn't like the romance, I did like it in some length– I just think I would have enjoyed it more if there was no romance at all. I think I would have preferred them to be like a duo? Partners in chaos and all things and like that.
The characters, on the other hand, were okay. I just think the way they were written was more of 'romancy' formula. They didn't feel like a character that is over a thousand years old. Other than that, I also find Hani a bit annoying at times. She seems to be spiteful without much depth to it. Seokga, on the other hand, didn't present as cunning, in my opinion. Despite that, that didn't mean I didn't like them— I like them overall. It's just that I just find them lacking.
Overall, I think this was a good read. I definitely did enjoy it, most especially the concept and the lore, the writing in general, as well. I think this will have a sequel? Or perhaps a prequel. If there is, I definitely will read them, especially the prequel if this book will have one.
Thanks for the free book, PRH International and Del Rey, publishing for the e-arc ♡
Have you picked up any new books lately? 🎥 NOT LIKE THE MOVIES by Kerry Winfrey came out yesterday, and it is SO dang cute! It's a follow-up companion to WAITING FOR TOM HANKS, though it could be read as a standalone. I adored the first book, but I think I liked this one even more. I just adored Chloe and Nick, and their reluctant but explosive love story. This book really has some of the best romance tropes (including grumpy cinnamon roll hero & only! one! bed!), and they are all executed to perfection. . . Thanks to @berkleyromance for the digital ARC! This was an especially fun one to look forward to reading during late nights pumping & feeding babies. . . #onmyereader #whatiread #bookreview #berkleyromance #ebooks #waitingfortomhanks #notlikethemovies #kerrywinfrey #romancebooks #romancebookstagram #IReadRomance #romancereader #bookgram #mybookfeatures #mybookstagram #bookishlife https://www.instagram.com/p/CCZXT7ug0So/?igshid=5tvj3rjlu810
Happy almost-release day to REAL MEN KNIT by Kwana Jackson & thanks to @berkleyromance #partner for this advanced copy! . . I read this one last month & it was very sweet, although I wish the romance had been a little more significant. Still, I loved the characters, their shared history, and the love they both feel for the yarn shop and their neighborhood. REAL MEN KNIT is out tomorrow. . . Do you have any crafty hobbies? I have learned how to knit & crochet, and I am pretty terrible at both. 😆 But I am an okay sewer, and putter with some other crafts like painting and jewelry making. I'm not great at any of them, but I find the activities soothing. . . #storiesbdaymay2020 - #readinglife #booksofmay20 - memories . . #realmenknit #berkleyromance #newbook #booksiread #whatiread #romancebookstagram #romancebooks #IReadRomance #romancereaders #romancenovels #bookflatlay #bookishflatlay #bookandtea #mybookfeatures https://www.instagram.com/p/CAVmVkUgi7s/?igshid=1xipc179lo3tu
I finished this last March, and I WAS HELLA OVERWHELMED right after finishing this emotional and wreckingly cute-ass-of-a-slowburn romance.
My initial thoughts of this novel were utterly destroying. I was torn apart, gagged, and somehow represented throughout the story.
This novel is one of my most anticipated releases of this year, and obviously, I am super grateful for the review copy given to me.
This romance novel is full of angst, self questioning/ reflection, and just ALL EMOTIONS. So full of deep conversations and internal conversations/ monologues that I can't help but feel attacked in every direction. I had to pause and switch to tiktok just to breathe 😆.
The characters are just so CHEF KISS 💋 🤌🏽 I love them so much, especially my gay parents 💗 and, of course, the super cute daughter. She's so everything 🤧 my precious princess.
Anyway, I really liked how slow burn it was, SO PAINFULLY SLOW BURN, I'M TELLING YOU.
Overall, this one was one of beloved romance read 💗 Obviously, with that MANY HIGHLIGHTS & BOOKMARKS— A FAVE 🫶
Thank you once again @prhinternational for the free book 🩷
