{Review} Girls Weekend (Girls Weekend #1) by C.M. Nascosta

 

Page count: 180

Publisher: Meduas Editoriale

Published on: February 4, 2021

Genres: adult cozy monster fantasy romance

Format: eBook (personally purchased)

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 5/5 ✨

Spice: 4/5 🌶️

- shifts POVs between the 3 FMCs

- vacation romance to a nudist community

- short & spicy

- orcs & elves

Synopsis:

A weekend with friends, fun in the sun, and huge, naked orcs. What could be better?

That’s what three suburban elves think when they book a trip to an orc nudist resort, well known for its libidinous residents and hedonistic parties. Ris, Lurielle, and Silva arrive with plans to sample the DTF locals and work on their tans, not catch feelings.

When Lurielle meets a syrupy-voiced gentleman who seems interested in more than just a weekend fling, she finds sticking to the plan is easier said than done. From a public bathhouse to a back alley pub, the trip has unintended consequences on the lives of the three work friends and the orcs they meet.

Can a weekend of no-strings sex actually end in love?

Review:

[Check out my Instagram review here!]

This was just so much fun to read. I had the best time reading these elf girls’ stories and I can’t wait to dive into Parties once I get through my ARCs.

I really love how each girl had their part of the story and how their experiences throughout their vacations helped them become better versions of themselves. I also just really loved the MMCs too. They were so dreamy and I am so eager to get to know them better in Parties.

Nascosta’s writing style is so addicting and the romance storylines they create are just too fun. If you’re looking for spicy low-stakes fantasy, this is for you. Even if this wasn’t monster romance, I think Nascosta would be known for their excellent storytelling and style. The romances are the perfect blend of soft & sweet and spicy & hotttt.

I cannot wait to keep making my way through CM Nascosta’s work this year. I read Morning Glory & Mabon Fest last year and really had a good time, so I know I’m going to just have the best time this year.

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} Beetle and the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne

 

Page count: 256

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Published on: August 4, 2020

Genres: Middle grade fantasy graphic novel

Format: hardback borrowed from library

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 5 stars

S Y N O P S I S

An enchanting, riotous, and playfully illustrated debut graphic novel following a young goblin trying to save her best friend from the haunted mall—perfect for fans of Steven Universe and Adventure Time.

In the eerie town of ‘Allows, some people get to be magical sorceresses, while other people have their spirits trapped in the mall for all ghastly eternity.

Then there’s twelve-year-old goblin-witch Beetle, who’s caught in between. She’d rather skip being homeschooled completely and spend time with her best friend, Blob Ghost. But the mall is getting boring, and B.G. is cursed to haunt it, tethered there by some unseen force. And now Beetle’s old best friend, Kat, is back in town for a sorcery apprenticeship with her Aunt Hollowbone. Kat is everything Beetle wants to be: beautiful, cool, great at magic, and kind of famous online. Beetle’s quickly being left in the dust.

But Kat’s mentor has set her own vile scheme in motion. If Blob Ghost doesn’t escape the mall soon, their afterlife might be coming to a very sticky end. Now, Beetle has less than a week to rescue her best ghost, encourage Kat to stand up for herself, and confront the magic she’s been avoiding for far too long. And hopefully ride a broom without crashing.

~ ~ ~

R E V I E W:

I was so thrilled when my book club decided to read this. It’s safe to say that it was well beloved by all of us.

I loved everything about this graphic novel. The art and colors are just gorgeous, the world is well thought out and so fascinating, the characters and their designs was enchanting, and the relationships and plot that were developed were just too fun. The details the background were just so so good! I was particularly thrilled by the anthropomorphic frogs at the beginning, the details on the Hollowbones’ tails and necks, the pet fluffy spider, and the giant skeleton woman (also found on the back cover!). I can’t forget to mention Beetle and Kat because I just love them sooo much. And aaaah!!! Blob Ghost (🤩)!!!

I cannot wait to read more from the series 🤩

[OG Instagram Review]

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} How Not To Date A Demon by Lana Kole

 

Page count: 163

Publisher: Lana Kole

Published on: January 7, 2023

Genres: Adult fantasy romance, monster romance

Format: ebook personally purchased

Rating: 4/5 ✨

Spice Level: 2.5-3/5 🌶️

- monster romance

- both MCs are switches in the bedroom

- MMC has a tail and horns

- very romcom-y with wonderful spice

Synopsis: 

Did I swipe right on the wrong guy?

This is a question Maeve has no choice but to ask herself as her boyfriend’s sins pile up.

Besides the usual dirty socks on the floor, the dishes left sitting beside the sink, and having to clean up after him like his damned mother, now he’s brought home three solid black puppies. At the request of his boss, who’s been holding a promotion over his head since the beginning of their relationship.

So fine. She’ll watch the puppies. They are pretty cute, after all.

…If she can ignore the way they guard the bedroom door with glowing red eyes.

What’s not cute? Galen’s shirts appearing in the hamper with the same two tears along the shoulder blades, the late-night walks, and the weird chanting in the middle of the living room.

Determined to get to the bottom of her boyfriend’s sudden weirdness, Maeve concocts a plan, a series of tests to figure out what the hell Galen is exactly.

Vampire? Werewolf? Something from Hell itself?

She’s damned well going to find out, even if she has to use all the salt in the pantry.

~

Is Maeve right to lead her own investigation into her boyfriend’s weird antics? Get in on this silly adventure and learn How Not to Date a Demon.

~ ~ ~

R E V I E W:

This book was just incredibly fun. I really loved how the characters communicated their needs for their relationship and in the bedroom.

For a demon, Galen is the sweetest cinnamon roll. I wouldn’t have known he was a demon either, so Maeve’s confusion was just so valid to me. I loved how they came to terms with his monster status.

I think the reason I gave it 4 stars is because I wanted more from the world building. I’m not sure if I missed it at the beginning, but I had no idea that monsters had been reintroduced to the world at large in general. Knowing that monsters were becoming more accepted in society would have been really good to know. However, I really don’t know if that’s just something I missed. Once the rest of the books come out, you bet your booty I’ll be snagging all of them. I’m so invested. The world that the book ended with was so fascinating and the concept of hell that Lana Kole ended with is incredible. I want more!

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

Page count: 407

Publisher: Del Rey Books

Published on: September 27, 2022

Genres: Adult fantasy

Format: Hardback personally purchased

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 4.5 stars

TW: torture, death, gore, violence, child death, classism, murder, confinement, emotional abuse, child abuse, racism, war

#3/3 in the Scholomance Trilogy 

Book 1: A Deadly Education: 4/5 stars

Book 2: The Last Graduate: 5/5 stars

[original mini review on Instagram]

Synopsis:

Saving the world is a test no school of magic can prepare you for in the triumphant conclusion to the New York Times bestselling trilogy that began with A Deadly Education and The Last Graduate.

The one thing you never talk about while you're in the Scholomance is what you'll do when you get out. Not even the richest enclaver would tempt fate that way. But it's all we dream about, the hideously slim chance we'll survive to make it out the gates and improbably find ourselves with a life ahead of us, a life outside the Scholomance halls.

And now the impossible dream has come true. I'm out, we're all out--and I didn't even have to turn into a monstrous dark witch to make it happen. So much for my great-grandmother's prophecy of doom and destruction. I didn't kill enclavers, I saved them. Me, and Orion, and our allies. Our graduation plan worked to perfection: we saved everyone and made the world safe for all wizards and brought peace and harmony to all the enclaves of the world.

Ha, only joking! Actually it's gone all wrong. Someone else has picked up the project of destroying enclaves in my stead, and probably everyone we saved is about to get killed in the brewing enclave war on the horizon. And the first thing I've got to do now, having miraculously got out of the Scholomance, is turn straight around and find a way back in.

~ ~ ~

To say I've enjoyed this series is an understatement. Did the first book have a questionable anecdote? Yes it did, but it was fixed and readers have seemed to forgive Novik for her shortsightedness and appreciate her candor and urgency in fixing the wording. For that, I did not feel conflicted in finishing this series. 

I’ve really fallen in love with the Scholomance series. I think Novik has created a main character that is so incredibly realistic. I was kind of nervous about how she would represent the diaspora that comes with being from two cultures, but I also am not of that demographic. I can’t firmly speak to it, but from what I studied and from the classes I took in college, this seemed to be so beautifully done. Obviously, if POC readers disagree, what they say is so much more important that what I think. I can’t speak to it. I really really loved how El's character shifted and changed with her environment for the better. Her character growth was absolutely lovely. She really was a powerhouse in this book. 

The Golden Enclaves exceeded my expectations. I really wasn't sure where she was going with this book when I finished The Last Graduate.  It was incredible and I really had no idea what to expect. Once I read it, everything made so much sense. Every little puzzle piece fit just right and the little moments mentioned in the first novel came back full circle at the end. I loved it. That's one of my favorite things about reading fantasy novels with such lush and interesting worlds.  

Overall, I really loved this book. Novik’s writing style and the way she builds worlds and progresses story arcs is just phenomenal. I wish more people talked about these books in my little social media circle. They’re so good! I plan on diving into her dragon series once I'm back into my epic fantasy mood. 

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

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{Review} Go Hex Yourself (Hex #1) by Jessica Clare

Page count: 384

Publisher: Berkley Books

Published on: April 19, 2022 

Genres: Adult romance, paranormal fantasy

Format: paperback - personally purchased

Goodreads synopsis:

When Reggie Johnson answers a job ad in the paper, she's astonished to find that she's not applying to work at her favorite card game, Spellcraft: The Magicking. Instead, she's applying to be an actual familiar for an actual witch. As in, real magic.

The new job has a few perks - great room and board, excellent pay, and she's apprenticing to a powerful witch. Sure, the witch is a bit eccentric. And sure, there was that issue with the black cat Reggie would prefer to forget about. The biggest problem, however, is warlock Ben Magnus, her employer's nephew and the most arrogant, insufferable, maddening man to ever cast a spell.

Reggie absolutely hates him. He's handsome, but he's also bossy and irritating and orders her around. Ben's butt might look great in a crystal ball vision, but that's as far as it goes. But when someone with a vendetta targets the household, she finds herself working with Ben to break a deadly curse. Apparently, when they're not fighting like cats and dogs, things get downright...bewitching.

✨ Rating: 5 stars

Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶 /5

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine; enemies to friends to lovers; forced proximity

CW/TW: financial insecurity, death of parents (historical), toxic & manipulative parents, abandonment, mention of suicide (mention, side character, historical), murder (hist.), blood, knives, blood, death of parents (hist.)

This is probably one of my top favorite books from this year. I absolutely loved this spicy paranormal romance so much. Reggie and Ben had the best chemistry and I loved getting to experience how they fell for each other. This book was giving me cozy mystery, spicy witchy romance, paranormal goodness. Needless to say, it was everything I could have ever wanted.

If you can't tell from the cover, this book is essentially a Reylo fanfiction. I can't say that I'm part of that fandom or ship, but I definitely loved what I got from this book. (To clarify, I really enjoy SW, but it's not one of my main fandoms. I'm definitely knee-deep into the Reylo fandom. I'll leave that to my best friends.) If you're not familiar with Ali Hazelwood and her debut, Love on the Brain, first - wow! Welcome! You should definitely read it! Second, I saw that she raved about this book soon after starting and I have to agree with her! Masterful and everything you could want. 10/10. Love on the Brain is also a Reylo fanfiction that has been published. So I guess maybe I should just be pursuing witchy Reylo fic now? I'd honestly love more.

Anyway!

This book was exactly what I needed in my life. I'm absolutely desperate to get book 2. I need that couple's story so badly. Again, I'm desperate. I won't spoil who it is because I think it's worth reading AAAALL of Go Hex Yourself, getting acquainted with the characters, and being just as excited as I am when you read the synopsis to book 2. This is your push to read GHY. I mean, you can continue reading this review, but I insist! *nudge nudge* Get on it, little chickadee!

I loved Reggie and Ben so freaking much. One of the best parts of this book (for me) was that we got chapters from both of the leads' perspectives. I noticed that many people didn't enjoy Ben's POV, but those chapters made me absolutely feral. He's such a softy and I love his constant angst and devotion to Reggie -- even during the moments where he had no recollection or awareness of it.

Reggie was such a lovely, spunky MC. I usually have a love/hate relationship with characters that are described as "spunky," but I adored how her character was developed. She was strong, and she was a little obtuse, but she worked so hard and she does everything she can with the cards she was dealt. Her backstory is riveting and I loved seeing how she grew from her circumstances. Her parents can choke and Reggie deserves so much better. (Reasonably, yes, these are fictional characters with potential mental health issues, but just from their actions alone -- they should know better! They refuse to change and that's just horrible!)

I really appreciated how the conflict was handled throughout. There were multiple issues that cropped up throughout the story and there were facets of the plot that tied into the overarching conflict, but they weren't overdone. Sometimes it feels like some romance novels just have too many points of conflict that affect the characters. It gets overwhelming and strange and it usually messes with the flow and pacing of the novel. I'm happy to say that this book didn't do this AT ALL.

I also adored the world-building incorporated throughout. I'm obsessed with the magic system and the concepts discussed throughout. Magic users are descended from the children of the gods? That genuinely sounds plausible! Tell me more! I can't wait to learn more in book 2. Gimme gimme.

This book just ticked every box for me and I cannot wait to read more witchy romance from Jessica Clare. I'm unfortunately not her target reader for her other books (cowboys do not do it for me and neither do billionaires typically). I definitely need more witchy romance recs so please comment below if you have any titles you recommend.

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia
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{Review} King of Blood & Battle by Scarlett St. Clair

 

Page Count:  368

Publisher: Bloom Books

Published on: November 30, 2021

Genres: new adult fantasy, paranormal

Amazon // Indie Bound // Barnes & Noble // Better World Books

Content Warnings: does contain some sexual/spicy scenes, death, gore, blood depictions, war themes, murder

Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Their Union Is His Revenge.

Isolde de Lara considers her wedding day her death day. To end a years-long war, she is to marry vampire king, Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, and kill him. ⠀

But her assassination attempt is thwarted and Adrian threatens that if Isolde tries kill him again, he will raise her as the undead. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most, Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court. ⠀

Except it isn’t the court she fears most—it’s Adrian. Despite their undeniable chemistry, she wonders why the king——fierce, savage, merciless—chose her as consort. ⠀

The answer will shatter her world.

~~~~

“All of the stars in the sky are not as bright as my love for you.”

This book really did it for me. I was absolutely obsessed with the writing style, the characters, their chemistry, the world, the conflict -- everything. It ticked all of the boxes for me and I just so thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I didn't want to put it down. It took over all of my thoughts until I could finish it. Now it's over and I'm in agony and I want the next book. This is why I end up waiting two months to read my most anticipated releases. I'm always blown away and then I don't have the sequel. It's a curse!

Looking back, there were bits that weren't done as much to my liking, but I really didn't mind it at all. It didn't take me out of the story and I didn't really notice it while I was reading. Those moments just kinda popped into my mind as an afterthought as a way of saying "Hm, maybe if it was executed like this, the moment or writing would have blown me away even more!" In the end, I didn't enjoy the big twist because I felt like the concept and hints were introduced too far toward the end. However, I think the trope that was introduced is just something that I'm not all that impressed by. It's mainly me because anyone else that I talked to agreed that it was hinted toward too far into the story, but they love how it turned out nonetheless. Even though I didn't fully 100% love the twist, it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. It's just my preference for tropes.  

Let's discuss Adrian and Isolde because I just adored them from their first interaction. They gave me the vibes from some of my favorite fictional couples and I am so into it. Adrian and Isolde were so passionate and their chemistry was so well done. 

I also really loved the vampire mythology that St. Clair took the bits and pieces from to make this world. They're not overly sentimental and sparkly. They're capable of so much cruelty and violence that reminds me of the Dracula stories and various blood-sucker lore found in European history. I loved it. 

This summer, I read St. Clair's first book in her Hades x Persephone series, Touch of Darkness and I was honestly underwhelmed. King of Battle and Blood completely redeemed her writing for me. I'm definitely going to be giving the rest of the Hades x Persephone series a chance. I need it all. 

I cannot recommend this book enough. You definitely need to give it a try. It was so addicting and exactly what I needed. 

Happy reading!

Olivia

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{Review} The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

 

Page Count: 394

Publisher: Tor Books

Release Date: March 17, 2020

Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, LGBTQIA+

Amazon // Indie Bound // Barnes & Noble // 

Better World Books

April 10 - April 13

Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

~ ~ ~

This book. 

Guys!

This book!!!!

If you've been amongst the book community since this book was released, you probably have either seen it or have witnessed the hype that has accumulated around the story. I'm here to tell you -- it's so worth the hype. 

This book was everything I could have hoped for. Maybe more? 

Yeah. It was even better than I could have imagined. 

When first reading the synopsis of this novel, my interest wasn't all that peaked. When I started listening to it through the Libby app (thank you library!), I was instantly hooked. This story was just so compelling to me from the get-go. 

The House of the Cerulean Sea follows Linus -- a forty-year-old caseworker that works for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth where he oversees the children that are housed in government-run orphanages and homes. One day, Linus is plucked from his ordinary life by Extremely Upper Management and sent to the Marsyas Island Orphanage. He doesn't know what his assignment is -- he isn't even allowed to read about the location until he arrived. He meets six children of extraordinary abilities and their caretaker, Arthur. Arthur isn't like other caretakers. To the children, he is their ultimate protector and Arthur will do anything to keep his kiddos safe. 

This book was whimsical, magical, charming, inspiring, and like a breath of fresh air. This book is technically adult, but I just want to push it off into my younger siblings hands, my mom's, all of my family members -- heck, I bought three copies to gift my friends and then pushed my copy into my fiance's hands to read after his finals are concluded. This is one of those books that I was everyone to read. 

This book was the warmest hug that my soul needed during these crazy times we live in. This book is probably one of my newest comfort reads. You bet your patooty that I'll be picking it up at least one more time this year. I can't stop thinking about it. This is the sort of book that needs to be adapted and promoted toward other modes of media. This book is incredibly hopeful, relevant, and uplifting and I hope it is received by more open-hearted readers. I hope it inspires change and love in the hearts of whoever reads it. 

I went into this book knowing it had queer representation, wonderful characters, heartwarming and loving vibes, and that it was incredibly beloved by all who've read it. Because of that, I don't want to reveal more about the book other than what's included in the synopsis. Trust me as I continue to just gush and gush about this book. Please read it. I don't think you will be disappointed at all.

Happy reading!

Olivia

~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Review} The Tea Dragon Society, The Tea Dragon Festival, & Dewdrop by Katie O' Neill

Hey, guys!

This summer I fell deep into love with Katie O'Neill's writing style, art style, and overall skill. Her books are so engaging and entertaining. I've loved all three that I have read and they have been instant 5-star reads.  

If you adore beautiful art, wholesome and complex stories with wonderful and complex characters, and engaging story-lines --- YOU WILL LOVE THESE BOOKS! 

Please read these books! They deserve every bit of hype that they receive!

Dewdrop is out April 7, 2020

an eARC copy of this book was provided via NetGalley!

This is such a wonderful and uplifting little book.

Dewdrop is so encouraging and works to empathize with their friends to try to make sure that they aren't damaging their mental or physical health.

The different characters all have different struggles that they face. They all overcome their issues with simple, relatable solutions, and they're generally positive and relatable overall.

I think that this is such an important little book for young readers. It shows readers that everyone struggles at times, but with the proper encouragement and a different look on life, you can accomplish anything. I cannot wait to share this with my younger reader friends, older friends, kiddos --- well, anyone! This was such a delight!

I'm definitely going to be a long-term Katie O'Neill fan! 

The Tea Dragon Festival was released September 17, 2019

An eARC was provided via NetGalley for my honest review

This was such a lovely and perfect little story. I absolutely adore everything about this story, the art style, the plot, and the characters. The representation in this book was so freaking wonderful! Wonderfully done! I loved learning more and more about the world of dragons and tea dragons. I'm so in love with this world. I hardcore recommend this book to anyone who loves whimsical, lovely, soft stories. Everything by Katie O'Neill is perfect so far.

The Tea Dragon Society was released on October 31, 2017

I borrowed this sweet book from my local library

This was such a perfect story. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel so much emotion! If you haven't read this beautiful story yet, you are missing out!

Katie O'Neill has a magical, heartwarming storytelling skill that I rarely find in my favorite books. I tend to go for the darker, more violent stories and protagonists, but this book and her later books made me really appreciate the more wholesome and fluffy aspects that I love in my favorite characters, fantasy worlds, and my dragon babies. 

I don't want to spoil too much of this book, but I honestly think that every moment of it is perfect. I cannot wait to read it again and binge all of O'Neill's books. She deserves the world!

Happy reading!

Olivia

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