itslorei's reviews
940 reviews

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐤 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭. 𝐋𝐞ś𝐧𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐝𝐚’𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦?



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First things first. I really liked the cover. It really gives off this fairy tale type of visual. I'd also like to include the Slavic myth premise, which was really intriguing and interesting. I've been wanting to read novels that feature Slavic Myth for a while now.

In the story, I would say it has so much potential, especially the slavic myth of a concept. It was something I really liked and was greatly anticipating. However, I felt that it wasn't captivating enough for me. I wasn't really that hooked on its storytelling. I also thought that it was way too dragging for my taste.

The characters may be fun, but I really didn't feel the connection between them in a romantic way? It was more of like budding friendship. No romantic chemistry. I did prefer the going on warming to each other in a friendship way?

The ending felt like there could have been more, so I'm thinking the author might give a sequel. 

Overall, this was a pretty intriguing read, still. I think this could have been better. 

Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity via Netgalley. 
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Date Released: September 10, 2024
Date Read: September 4- September 12, 2024
Ratings: 3⭐️

“𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐕𝐢𝐯. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐨 𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝.”


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Again, I wish I had read this romance series earlier than waiting for some time. 

3 things I enjoyed most in this novel:

The writing, which definitely was more enjoyable than Homerun Proposal. It was much more engaging and a page turner for me. Probably because of the hate/ annoyance to lovers going on trope, the roommates tropes as well.

Viv and Reese were also fun characters. They have endeared to me. There was such a fun walk through. I'd also like to mention Viv's character, which was really heartbreaking for me. I'm glad that nothing is more bad happened  and that Hallie and Reese were all there for her.

 I'm also not forgetting the bed scenes here that were such a 👌. Author Maren Moore really knows how to write sexy moments.

There might be some lagged moments along the way, especially the parts on 40%-ish and after 50%, but overall, it was fun read. It's definitely something I need after a stressful uni moment. 3.5⭐️

“𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥. 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬? 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐠?”


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If it's a literal enemies to lovers, you want— literally trying to kill each other every now and then, then yes. You must read this.

The Cruel Prince but vampires? Read this.

As expected, I love everything vampire, especially if it's done in a captivating and immersive flow. Put an interesting myth/ lore along with it that would make it even more compelling. There, you have it. 

Also, the writing for Immortal Dark– it was one of the page turner writing I ever read.

I also enjoyed the boarding school type of a setting or the academic setting of the plot. That part was also interesting for me. Getting to know the other families was a ride, if I'm being honest. Additionally, the mystery solving going on here was another thing I enjoyed. 

Taj, Inoki, Sen, The Dean— side characters that I was really intrigued and liked having around, and the other characters at the end that I shall be not naming that I am 50/50 about. I'm looking forward to them in the next book.

Kidan, and Yos. Their dynamic is really fun. As a reader, or as I get on the story– specifically, you can't help but feel frustrated, rooting, and like meditating for them. That's what I felt honestly. They really give off the vibes of Jude and Cardan, but more intriguing for Yos, for me (I think at some point I did hate Cardan once upon a time on the early chapters but I could be wrong). I believe I regard Kidan the way I regard Jude (frustrated and rooting for my girl). 

Anyway, their tandem was really fun, I also did enjoy their relationship growth. It was just perfect for their dynamic. 

Overall, this was a good read for me. I'm really looking forward to how the story goes. Also, the world-building here to be more fleshed out since I noticed that it wasn't really that visible here and more of character focused plot built.


Thank you, publisher, for the e-arc opportunity via Netgalley 🫶

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Released Date: September 5, 2024
Date Read: August 28- September 5, 2024
Ratings: 4⭐️

Idea and concept wise— interesting and has a lot of potential. I think that's the strength of this novel overall.

As much as I want to give this one a higher rating, I just couldn't. Again, this novel is interesting, that much I admit. 

My main issue and the reason why I can't give this a higher rating is because of the writing and execution overall. I wasn't really that convinced with the world-building and the plot flow. It feels like it wasn't that fleshed out for me, and it took me a while to really picture it out. 

Other than that, there's also some semi-direct nod to HOTD names that had me raising my brow.

Furthermore, the dialogues or some of the phrases felt awkward at times. You can also feel the inconsistency of it.

Another thing is the FMC. For a 26 years old FMC, she's quite immature and, at the same time, weak for me. Her character wasn't really that captivating for me. I really wish that she was much more likeable. 

MMC, quite intriguing, I hope to see more developments of him in the 2nd novel.

Although the romance could quite need developments and tweaking, I could say the spice were decent. 

Plus, points are also for the interesting characters here. I hope to see more of them in the 2nd novel.

Overall, it could have been better. Potential is there, I wish the execution delivered. Might be anticlimactic as well.I hope the 2nd one will be better.

Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.

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Release Date: September 5, 2024
Date Read: August 29- September 4, 2024
Ratings: 3⭐️

The start of Rum Sips and Salty Lips was promising. I was really expecting it to continue like that and more developments on the pairing, characters, and the writing.

Unfortunately, as the story goes, it becomes quite boring for my liking. 

The romance wasn't really that captivating for me and felt stagnant, or should I say bland. It didn’t really give that kind of spark.

I could say the same towards the general writing for this novel. I feel like the first few chapters were the only interesting ones.

Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.

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Released Date: September 20, 2024
Date Read: August 29- September 2, 2024
Ratings: 2⭐️

2nd book releases a month after book 1. Commending the author for the hard work and dedication for this duology ✨️

In all honesty, When He Takes is much better than the 2nd one. I think probably because the plot has been established, and it's now more on the mafia/ mob setting. 

More characters— intriguing characters appear, especially Cleo, Vita, and Alessio. I'm really intrigued by them.

Unfortunately, Blake has failed to endeared me throughout the novel. Her character is enjoyable in the first half, but in the end half, not so much. I just think that her characters are just so weak. With that being said, I also didn't like the romance that much because of it.

The last 30% also felt a little bit plain for my liking. I think that's the only thing I could say.

Overall, this was an okay read. 

Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity. 

Finally, I was able to read this sports romance novel. I've been really wanting to read this one after seeing this for many times on booksta.

What excites me as well is the fact that it's a baseball sport, I have yet to really baseball sports romance, so that part is another piqued to my interest. 

To make it short, I think this romance is quite cute and wholesome? I enjoyed the characters and the relationships— the friendship specifically. Another thing I like is how light it is.

Romance wise, it's pretty cute as well. Most specifically, the spice, I think author Maren really put on everything on the spice— the dirty talking.

My only issue is the writing. I feel like it's quite cringey and awkward at times. I wasn't captivated by the writing, in all honesty. It wasn't compelling for my taste.

Overall, this was still an okay read for me. I'm definitely reading the next one for sure ✨️.

“𝑯𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒊𝒇 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒛𝒖𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒊𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅, 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈…𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆?”


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(REREADING)

Novels that have death tropes, kind of doomed lovers, obsessive male characters, and traumatising (NOT THE TOXIC WAY) will ways have my heart 🫶


In a nutshell:

1. Compilation of Lou Binghe's unhinged, crybaby, possessive, and obsessive moments.

2. Shen Qingqiu stressing moments. 

3. Qingge angry moments.

4. Tianlang Jung chaotic moments.

5. Of course, all those tragic moments that make me wanna cry.

Not gonna forget the captivating world lore here and the power or cultivation system 🤌🏽 

SVSS will always have my heart 🤧🫶 Volume 2 and Volume 3 will always be my favourite ♥️ INFINITE 5⭐️

“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞.” 


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Another anticipated reads/ releases/ sequel of mine which arc I really did manifested. 

The novel starts right after the part where the first book .. So obviously, it's gonna be thrilling and intense. 

I think the strength of this novel is that the writing is quite engaging and, at the same time, the type to make the readers really anticipate and a page turner.

Another thing is the spice. Author Holly Renee, as my experience with their fantasy romances, the spice scenes were really well written, so do expect that those parts will gonna deliver.

My issue on this is the lack of character developments of our FMC. I was quite frustrated how weak she was. I mean, I understand the situation, but it feels like she's just not trying. And I'm honestly worried about how she'll go in the next book.

Although the MMC did have a little development? I just felt that it wasn't enough? The grovelling or redemption part felt short for me. Still, there was a little development on his part.

Another thing is the fact that this book IS REALLY RUSHED. Even if it was engaging, you can really feel that the novel was way too rushed? There's also parts or phrases I don't find necessary, which felt like it was constructed out of need to make it wordy?I'm sure what happened, but it was abrupt for me. It's quite awkward as well at some point.

There's also no world-building here nor anymore further delving into the magic system, which was also a letdown, in my opinion 

Overall, I think this could have been better. WAY BETTER IN ALL HONESTY. More world-building, character developments, and the magic system. I REALLY HOPE THE 3RD ONE DELIVER.

I think I'll be generous with my 3⭐️ since I was still entertained by the novel despite the issues. I still have hopes for the 3rd book.

Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity via Valentine Pr.


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Date Released: August 20, 2024
Date Read: August 26- August 28, 2024
Ratings: 3⭐️

𝐒𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝. 

This sequel did indeed deliver and made me impatient for what's about the happen next. Can I also say that the writing was freaking compelling? IT WAS 🤌🏽

I think this novel is more focused on the new romance, I would say I did enjoy the developments, especially the relationship going on here. It really is something to be anticipated as the story goes on. 

Nia, I love her developments and as an fmc and at the same time is worried about her well-being. What also made me wonder more about her powers is that I would really love it if the book would explore more about it. It feels like there's a little less explanation regarding it.

Talan. He's charismatic, magnetic, mysterious, and all things unholy. I want him for myself (I'm so sorry 🙈). He's just so appealing to me, and the fact that the book kind of left me vague in his true intentions or motivations. Is he the villain? 

The romance going on with Nia and Talan 🤚🏽 I AM INVESTED. I am really excited about the next book.

The other characters, on the other hand, the new ones and old ones, I wish we get to see more of them here and not just some kind of fleeting moments, but still they endeared themselves to me and I was also sad about what happened towards the end. 

Also bye bye Raphael.

With that being said, Vale Of Dreams is a little slow paced. The plot seems to be slow as well, in my opinion, and a little bit of world building along the way. There's still things and plot points left to be explored, I think. More political intrigue as well, in my opinion, but was overshadowed with the character build-ups. Even though that's the case, a lot of things still happened revolving around the characters.

Overall, this was a solid read for me. Characters are definitely the strength of this novel, and at the same time, the lore revolves around the story in general. I enjoyed it so much ✨️ I am so eager to read the next one 🫶. 

What to expect 📍

౨ৎ Fake relationship 
౨ৎ New Love Interest
౨ৎ Political Intrigued 
౨ৎ Character Driven
౨ৎ Banter
౨ৎ Intriguing Lore
౨ৎ Sexy moments 

Thank you, authors, for the e-arc opportunity 🫶


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Release Date: August 23, 2024
Date Read: August 23- August 26, 2024
Ratings: 4⭐️