crystal_dark's reviews
320 reviews

Crystalline by Riona Beck

Go to review page

lighthearted

4.5

This is a very interesting story with hints of Cinderella and a few hints of The Frog Prince if you squint. I liked both the main characters Rodan (water spirit) and Ella and enjoyed seeing how their story unfolded. The epilogue at the end was a good way to tie the story up and I liked seeing how Ella and Rodan were doing.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Three Nights: a Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling by Kelsie Engen

Go to review page

fast-paced

4.5

This was a quick and enjoyable Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princess that I thought did a good job of retelling this fairy tale. I liked the main characters Bianca and Silvanus. I hope this author writes more Fairy Tale retellings in the future.

Seven Kingdoms
šŸ» The Bear in the Forest: Retelling of Snow White and Rose Red
šŸ‘  Three Nights: Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princess
šŸ‘ The Scarred Shepherdess: Retelling of The Dirty Shepherdess
The Bear in the Forest: a Snow White & Rose Red fairy tale retelling by Kelsie Engen

Go to review page

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

This was my first fairy tale Retelling of Snow White and Rose Red and is a fairy tale that I am less familiar with. I enjoyed the characters and the story in this fast paced retelling. I look forward to reading the next book in this series of standalone fairy tales.

Seven Kingdoms
The Bear in the Forest: Retelling of Snow White and Rose Red
Three Nights: Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princess
The Scarred Shepherdess: Retelling of The Dirty Shepherdess
Protected by the Alien Mercenary: A Steamy Sci-fi Monster Romance by Robin O'Connor

Go to review page

adventurous emotional
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

It was really interesting getting to read about how Thar'oc and Rikki get together in this book after having read Caught by the Alien Mercenary and hearing about them briefly. They were both really likable characters and I enjoyed their story as well as the epilogue at the end. I put There's an Alien Down My Chimney on my TBR list since it is about Tharā€™ocā€™s friend Ruā€™ol and his mate so that should be fun to read. I also look forward to reading more about the other characters in the Monster Mercenary Mates series.

Monster Mercenary Mates
Prequel is Protected by the Alien Mercenary: Thar'oc & Rikki
Caught by the Alien Mercenary: Captain Asmoded & Manyin

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Goldie's Grumpy Grizzly by Coco Elliot

Go to review page

emotional reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This was a very enjoyable Retelling of Goldilocks set in Fable Forest. I really liked getting to know all the different characters especially Rae Golding & Cole Osborne. The rest of the Osborne family were fun to get to know and seeing how they all interacted with one another was great, especially Mama Osborne. I look forward to seeing what other stories this author comes up with in the future.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dad Bod Gorgon by Kat Baxter, Violet Rae

Go to review page

  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

This was my first romance book with a Gorgon as a main character and it was really interesting. I enjoyed getting to know both Gideon and Verity as well as the mention of Fable Forest from the new Filthy Fairy Tales multi-author series. This was my first book from either of these authors and I plan to look into their other books in the future.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pursued By The Hunter by Lynnea Lee

Go to review page

  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

This book is the prequel to the Xarc'n Warriors Series and does a good job of introducing the world this series takes place in. I backtracked for this book since I have already read a lot of the books that have been released so far and have enjoyed them all so far. It was nice to get to read about Cynthia & Covā€™k and I also enjoyed the mentions of other characters whose stories I have already read.

Xarc'n Warriors Series
Prequel is Pursued by the Hunter: Cynthia & Covā€™k
Claimed by the Hunter: Alice & Kajā€™k
Wanted by the Hunter: Natalie & Rajivā€™k
Taken by the Hunter: Connie & Jorgā€™k
Cherished by the Hunter: Evie & Tarvā€™k
Rescued by the Hunter: Nikki & Korivā€™n
Stolen by the Hunter: Meghan & Malā€™k
Captured by the Hunter: Tilly & Raykā€™n
Hunter's Quest: Morgan & Rhazā€™k
Protected by the Hunter: Siobhan & Zecā€™k
Desired by the Hunter: Aanya & Haaxā€™l
Coveted by the Hunter: Heather & Novā€™k
Craved by the Hunter: Sam & Kanā€™n

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An Enduring Hope: A Wild Swans Retelling by

Go to review page

emotional hopeful
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This was a fairy tale Retelling of Wild Swans about Nadja, her seven brothers, and her childhood sweetheart Maxmillian. I really enjoyed reading about Nadja and Maxmillian and hearing them reminisce about their childhood when they were reunited at the beginning of the story before Nadja's father married their stepmother. This was an enjoyable retelling of this fairy tale and I look forward to reading more from this series of standalone fairy tale retellings.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alien in Disguise (Forbidden Bonds #05) by Cara Bristol

Go to review page

adventurous emotional
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is the fifth and final book in the Forbidden Bonds Series by Cara Bristol and although it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone it is better after reading the previous books. I really enjoyed reading this book and all the characters including the occasional scene involving Jessie's tuxedo cat James Bond. Maxx was a fun character to get to know. This story had a few unexpected twists and I liked how the epilogue tied things together as well as gave us a chance to see characters from previous books. I look forward to seeing what Cara Bristol comes out with next.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Forbidden Bonds Series
Alien With Benefits (Forbidden Bonds Book #01): Holly Winters & Prince Aeon
Alien Incognito (Forbidden Bonds Book #02): Giselle Cartier & Joule
Alien Undone (Forbidden Bonds Book #03): Millie Rogers & Nadir
Alien Disgraced (Forbidden Bonds Book #04): Kat Whalen & Prince Lomax
Alien in Disguise (Forbidden Bonds Book #05): Jessie Sayles & Maxx
Saved by the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

This was a fun standalone instalove romance about Colin & Violet set in Rosewood Ridge, Tennessee. I enjoyed meeting both the characters in this story and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series about Topher and his new nanny.

Prequel is Taken by the Mountain Man: Cooper & Lynlee
Protected by the Mountain Man: Dylan & Delaney
Challenged by the Mountain Man: Nate & Terra
ā›°ļø Saved by the Mountain Man: Colin & Violet
Charmed by the Mountain Man: Topher & New Nanny?
Loved by the Mountain Man
Rescued by the Mountain Man

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.