Reviews

I do not review every book I read, but I try to review as many as possible. I try to post reviews as soon as possible, but life sometimes gets in the way, and that is not always possible. For ARCS, I try to post my reviews before the release date.

I try to be open and transparent in all my reviews – I’m never going to state I like something just because everyone else did. You’ll get my full, honest thoughts. Naturally, I tend to gravitate to books I think I will likely, so you’ll likely see many positive reviews here, but I strive to accurately capture my thoughts on a book.

Rating scale

I review books on a 5-star scale. Each star rating:

5 Stars – This book blew my socks off and left me with a book hangover. How soon is too soon to reread? I will recommend this book to everyone, including random people on the street.
4 Stars – This book was great and I really enjoyed reading it. I’ll definitely be rereading in the future or continuing on with a series. I would recommend it to most readers.
3 Stars – This book was okay – nothing fabulous, but nothing terrible. It didn’t blow me away or leave a huge impression on me. Likely won’t reread it and would recommend checking out from the library if interested.
2 Stars – This book was meh. I didn’t enjoy it that much or had some issues with the book that left a not-great lasting impression. I wouldn’t recommend it.
1 Star – I did not like this book at all. Can I have my time back? I definitely wouldn’t recommend it.
DNF – Did not finish this book. I attempted and read at least half, but just could not finish.

Book Subjects of Interest:

I consider myself a very moody reader, but these are the main genres I find myself drawn to:

• Historical Romance – I have become a huge historical romance fan over the last few years (before Bridgerton making them so popular), particularly those set in Regency England, Victorian England or the Gilded Age. Some of my favorite authors include Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, Lorraine Heath, Lenora Bell, Julia Quinn, Joanna Shupe, Julie Anne Long, and Lisa Kleypas. Tropes I LOVE include: fake relationships, enemies to lovers, wallflower/blue stocking transformations, matching making for someone but falling in love with that person (there’s probably a better name for that), gaming hell/casino/secret club owners and anything with strong, kickass heroines who call the hero on their shit. Not a huge fan of marriage of convenience or surprise pregnancies.
• Lady Detectives in Historical Fiction – this might not typically be a real genre, but it’s one I cite all the time as my personal favorite. Think ladies solving crimes in Victorian England or times when they wouldn’t really be respected for that work. My favorite series that I classify as being in this genre include the Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn, the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas and the Lady Darby Mystery by Anne Lee Huber.
• Contemporary Romance/Rom-Coms – I’ve always been a contemporary romance fan and love me a good rom-com – particularly if we have a friends-to-lovers/enemies-to-lovers trope in it. Good banter is also a must! Pretty much enjoy a lot of the same tropes as in historical and dislike the same tropes. Some of my favorite authors include: Lauren Layne, Sarah Dessen, Christina Lauren (though can be hit or miss), Helena Hunting, and Kristen Callihan.
• Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Fantasy/Science Fiction – I love some good urban fantasy/paranormal fantasy/SciFi books. Bonus points if we get romance in it as well. I’m not the biggest fans of vampire/werewolf books (since there are SO MANY OF THEM) though I still read them – but give me a unique magic system or world and I’m hooked. Some of my favorite series in this genre include: Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews, Hidden Legacy by Ilona Andrews, Alex Craft/Grave Witch by Kalayna Price, Dorina Basarab by Karen Chance, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, The Mortal Instruments/Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare, anything by Jessie Mihalik and anything by Holly Black.
• Fantasy – I’m always down for some fantasy worlds – particularly in this day in age. Give me a unique world, some fun magic systems or a epic journey and I am here for it. Some of my favorite authors/series include: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, Graceling series by Kristen Cashore, The Books of Pellinor by Alison Croggon, The Orphan Queen series by Jodi Meadows, anything from Megan Whalen Turner and Sarah J. Maas.
• Young Adult fiction – while I don’t read as much of this as I used to, if they fall into any of the above genres, I’m still likely to pick them up. Some of my favorite YA authors are listed in the genres above.

Things I do not read/review:

• Non-fiction
• Self-published novels

If you send me a request for a book that I state here I do not read, I will not respond back to your email. I just do not have time for books that do not interest me.

[The FTC Disclaimer]

I am not compensated for any reviews of review copies I receive from publishers, agents and authors. I receive review copies in return for an honest, fair review.

This review policy will be updated when I see fit. It is subject to change.