natashaleighton_'s reviews
976 reviews

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a paranormal romance written by the Queen of contemporary STEM romance, but I had no reason to fear as Hazelwood’s signature brand of humour, chemistry laden romance and endearing characters were all here. So if you’ve loved all of Hazelwood’s other works, you’ll probably gonna enjoy this just as much.

Our protagonist Misery, much like Hazelwood’s other leading ladies was utterly in a quirky, Jess from New Girl kind of way that I couldn’t help but find endearing. Her loneliness and longing to find connection tugged at my heartstrings and I loved the tentative bond we see form between Misery and Lowe (our sexy alpha werewolf and love interest) as they (not so slowly) begin to give in to their mutually growing attraction.

I really enjoyed the banter too, which was incredibly entertaining,though the plot was a little predictable. But it certainly makes up for it in the romance stakes as the sexual tension was OFF THE CHARTS!

The only thing I wasn’t keen on was then the misunderstanding/ conflict that takes place (which I found a little irksome), but the ending (and those gloriously steamy scenes) definitely more than made up for it!

Overall, a fun and deliciously romantic read that Rom-com lovers currently entering their paranormal romance eras, (or anyone who liked Twilight back in the 2010s) should definitely consider checking out.

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How to Kill a Guy in Ten Ways by Eve Kellman

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dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Insatiably funny and gloriously unrepentant in its vigilante-style (serial killer) shenanigans. Eve Kellman’s dark, satirical and fabulously witty take on revenge and feminine rage, was an engaging and utterly unputdownable read —that fans of Katy Brent and Julie Mae Cohen don’t want to miss!

Feminist revenge thrillers have quickly become one of my favourite sub genres as of late. I’ve pretty much devoured (and loved) every single one I’ve picked up—and Kellman’s debut is no exception.

How To Kill A Guy In Ten Ways masterfully explores the very real issue of violence towards women and girls, through the eyes of a morally grey protagonist who seeks to avenge them.

When her baby sister is sexually assaulted on a night out, Millie Masters sets up a hotline (called Message M) to help women who feel unsafe going home alone. But, even after all the late nights and countless women she’s saved from creepy men, Millie has realised something very crucial. Those men may have been thwarted once, but it won’t stop them doing bad things again. Eventually they’ll hurt someone else, someone she can’t save. Like her sister.

So, after one heroic plan leads her into accidentally killing a man, she decides to shift her focus. To really make a difference Millie must get to the root of the problem— creepy entitled men— and remove them from the world, permanently…

I absolutely loved this! The writing style was witty and sarcastically clever in its depiction of the simmering rage fuelling Millie’s vengeance. I also liked that, unlike many books in this genre (with characters who are already pros when we meet them), Millie is a virtual rookie learning the ropes and making mistakes that could very easily unmask her.

Which added to the suspenseful, edge of your seat tone that helped make for quite an intense reading experience. I had no idea whether Millie’s actions would see her get caught, but I was thoroughly invested in seeing how far she could go (and rooting for her to succeed) before things spiralled too far.

As a character, Millie was a well written and endearing character (despite her serial killing tendencies), whose self-deprecating personality, deep sense of justice and caring, protective nature (particularly when it came to her sister and best friend) quickly won me over. I also really liked Nina (Millie’s bestie) who, despite not being as in depth or detailed a character, was still a wonderful character to get to know.

Given the Dexter-esque premise, things do get pretty dark and gory at times (there’s one particularly graphic vomit scene you definitely don’t want to read if you’ve just eaten/ planning to eat) so do be sure to check the TWs beforehand.

Overall, a pacy, plot twisty and unputdownable read that has me eager of a sequel.

Also, a huge thank you to Maddie at Avon for the incredible proof and PR goodies (the Macaron was really delicious.)

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The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A thoroughly insatiable, dark YA fantasy that merges science, magic and Vietnamese culture in such a unique way! The tone is a little macabre (which is to be expected with a blood-based magic system.) But, thanks to the pacing and unputdownable plot twists, Vanessa Le’s remarkable prose is almost guaranteed to leave you breathless, if not a little emotionally scarred.

In a world where a rare, blood based magic allows its practitioners to alter the human body, (and the fear of such power leading to colonisation, oppression and the mass genocide of those who wield this unique ability.) We follow the orphaned Nhika, who has lived in hiding her whole life; unable to get close to anyone for fear of ending up on a mortuary slab.

After a job leads to her capture by black market dealers (known as The Butchers) Nhika is sold to the highest bidder, (the heirs of one of the wealthiest families in Theumas) and finds herself set an impossible task— to help solve a murder, by saving the life of it’s only witness.

I absolutely loved reading this was soo impressed by the ease and skill with which Le tackles some of the plot’s heavier themes (identity, grief, generational trauma, medical ethics and colonialism.) And building a vivid, compelling and character driven narrative that I was fully invested in.

The characters were exceptionally well written and full of depth which had me eager to see where their journeys would take them. Especially Nhika whose initial, morally grey demeanour (and badass take no prisoners outlook) slowly reveals a compassionate and tender-hearted young woman determined to honour her family’s legacy.

Her experiences as part of the Yarongese diaspora was explored with such incredible nuance and emotion that really tugged on my heartstrings. Given what’s currently happening right now in the world, it’s hard not to resonate with Nhika’s story and her yearning to recapture the heritage lost through violent occupation (and the destruction of her ancestral homeland and it’s people.)

It may be a tough read for some (and will most certainly emotionally devastate you) but it’s an absolute must read that fantasy lovers and fans of anti-colonialism and stories that overcome adversity should definitely consider to checking out — just be sure to check TWs and prepare to SOB an unprecedented amount.

We do also get a delicious, but fairly swift, enemies to lovers-style relationship between Nhika and love interest, Kochin (which I loved) that does break up some of the more emotionally intense scenes.

Overall, a beautifully thrilling new YA fantasy from a phenomenal new voice that has me eager to get my hands on the sequel immediately!

Also, a huge thank you to Rock the Boat for the gorgeous proof.

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Kindling by Traci Chee

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.5

Hauntingly atmospheric and heartbreaking in its depiction of shared trauma and the psychological effects of war. Traci Chee’s epic, fantasy reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai was a powerfully poignant and compelling read that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Firstly, I should probably mention that though it alternates between the POVs of all seven MCs and one antagonist, it is written in the second person. Which does take a bit of time to get used to (and might not be to everyone’s taste), but I personally really enjoyed and felt it gave us (the readers) the chance to fully immerse ourselves in the narrative, and feel a sense of kinship with our protagonists.

Taken from their families at the age of five and forced into a gruelling training schedule that molds them into deadly, magic wielding (child) soldiers is utterly heartbreaking to explore—but their struggles from the abandonment once their abilities are no longer required is even more so.

Delving into themes of loss, trauma, PTSD, identity, self reflection and the effects of colonialism; Chee’s masterful and emotionally wrought prose paints a stark and vivid picture of life after war and the struggles faced by soldiers who no longer have a purpose.

Amity, Leum, Kanver, Emara, Ket, Ben and Siddie were all soo phenomenally complex as characters, with flaws, motivations and backstories that made them feel incredibly real. The nuance and emotion brought a rawness and vulnerability that really resonated with me and will most definitely capture the hearts of a lot of other readers too.

I grieved with these characters, laughed with them and felt every moment of loss, pain and uncertainty alongside them—which made for one of the most moving reading experiences I’ve ever had.

I don’t think my words can truly capture the importance that this story has right now, but I urge everyone who loves tales of endurance, resilience and hope to definitely check it out. Just be sure to check the TWs first.

Also, a huge thank you to Harper360YA and InstaBookTours for the incredible finished copy.

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The Mars House by Natasha Pulley

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Quite possibly the strangest, most whimsical historical Rom-Com I’ve ever read, I loved every second of it!

Definitely different from Sally Thorn’s other work but if you love a quirky, eccentric and confident FMCs then you’ll absolutely love Angelika. The romance was actually rather sweet (once you get past the whole raising a man from the dead after shopping for body parts at the morgue), I also loved the way consent was handled when it came to their relationship —this might just be my all time fave reimagining of Frankenstein.

It’s is fairly lighthearted but given subject material, I’d still suggest checking TW/CWs

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Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White by Amélie Wen Zhao

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adventurous challenging emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The breathtaking conclusion to Amélie Wen Zhao’s Xianxia- based, fantasy duology was an exquisitely detailed, emotional rollercoaster of a read that had me utterly hooked!

The prose was masterfully wrought with emotion that had me in a chokehold the entire time! And, the world-building, multifaceted characters and Qi-based magic system was all gloriously rich in detail too— allowing us to delve ever deeper into the history of The Last Kingdom; including the gods, demons and many generations of magic practitioners who fought not only to free their homeland from oppressors, but also save their cultural heritage from total eradication.

Given the shocking turn of events at the end of Book 1, neither Lan nor Zen are in the best place emotionally as their opposing views, (Lan’s to destroy the Demon Gods and Zen’s to use their power for vengeance) lead them in very different directions. I was particularly intrigued in how they navigated this newfound dynamic and it’s affect on the swoon-worthy, slow-burn romance that’s been simmering between them for some time.

The pacing was quicker than I anticipated too, but did help in conveying the panicked sense of urgency that spurred Lan and Zen into action. I was a little surprised at the brand new villain we are introduced to, though their presence does make a lot of sense plot-wise and closes up a few loose ends that I’ve been wondering about since the first book.

I can’t really say anything more without spoiling the plot, but I will say I did NOT see that ending coming.

Overall, a marvellously immersive and action packed read that lovers of epic fantasy (or poignant tales of triumph and resistance) will definitely want to add their TBRs ASAP.

Also, a thanks to Insta Book Tours & Harper Voyager Uk for the finished copy & my spot on the blog tour.

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Clairmont by Lesley McDowell

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emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A beautifully written and emotional read, Leslie McDowell’s Clairmont explores the life of a complex and fascinating woman that history has, for the most part, all but forgotten.

As the stepsister of Mary Shelley (and sometime lover to Lord Byron), Claire Clairmont was at the centre of The Romantic poetry scene (she actually introduced Percy Bysshe Shelley to Byron!) And yet her story, condensed mostly to footnotes (as background character and witness to literary genius) is far more compelling than history has led us to believe.

Spanning three timelines and emotional stages of Claire’s life (including the infamous night that birthed Frankenstein.) Mcdowell’s fictionalised version of the flawed muse finally gives her a voice, shedding light on her (fascinating yet tragic) story of love, loss, motherhood and betrayal— alongside her path to the enlightened, independent woman she had always strived to be.

I loved Claire, as impulsive and rebellious as she was, and really enjoyed her rather candid narrative voice. McDowell does a brilliant job in portraying both the emotional, vulnerable and more nuanced side of Claire’s personality with her bolder, risk taking demeanour she uses to impress and shock Byron.

But it’s the depth and emotion, particularly surrounding her fraught, abusive relationship with Byron, the manipulative whims of the Shelleys (and later surrounding the loss of her daughter) really kept me engaged and rooting for her to find some semblance of happiness.

It’s by no means a lighthearted or easy read given the tragedy she experiences throughout her life, but still utterly unputdownable nonetheless. Just make sure you have some tissues handy as you may (if you’re anything like me) find yourself teary eyed during several of the more emotionally intense scenes.

The biggest surprise for me was just how dislikeable many of the people in her life were. I had expected Byron’s awfulness given his “mad, bad and dangerous to know” reputation (as well as Percy’s whose abandonment of his first wife is pretty well known), but Mary was a bit of a shock.

Despite her literary darling status and reverence from Shelley, Byron and even Polidori, she comes across as a rather jealous woman who needed constant adoration to feel validated. I’m not familiar enough with Mary Shelley to know whether McDowell’s version is accurate to the real Mary —but the fictional version’s hypocrisy and lack of empathy when it came to Claire (and women in general) was more than a little rage inducing!

Overall, a well researched, incredibly evocative and memorable read that historical fiction lovers are bound to find utterly captivating—but do be sure to check the TW/CWs first.

Also, a huge thank you to Headline/ Wildfire for the proof.

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The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Ally Carter’s adult debut was a hilariously fast paced, spy filled Rom-com that reads like the love child of Argylle, Atomic Blonde and The Bourne Identity— if you love your Rom-Coms heart-poundingly swift and full of danger, then you’re sure to be as utterly addicted as I was!

With a plot that plays up to all the conventions of a classic spy caper (think mistaken identities, amnesia and plenty of gun toting bad guys.) Carter allows the delightfully witty banter and swoon-worthy chemistry of protagonists,Sawyer and Zoe (and their adorable Grumpy/Sunshine dynamics) to take centre stage.

I loved Zoe, our sunshiny, amnesiac MC —whose (rogue spy) identical twin,Alex has her fending off operatives from every government intelligence agency-in the most chaotic and entertainingly endearing way possible.

Like a Blonde Jessica Day (from New Girl) she stumbles into one dangerous situation after the next without a care in the world— something that would usually annoy me. But thanks to her unrelenting selflessness and optimistically quirky outlook on life, I couldn’t help but root for her every step of the way. Starting from the moment we first meet her: laying on a snowy Parisian street, intending to take a nap.

Sawyer, the Nick Miller to Zoe’s Jess was also an enjoyable character to get to know. As the second POV character in this Dual POV Rom-com, I loved getting to explore his perspective on the increasingly dire situations they have got themselves tangled up in. As Zoe’s only lifeline to her sister (whom he worked beside before she ran off with a very important flash drive), Sawyer knows that he can’t let her out of his sight. For selfish reasons of course (he needs to find that drive asap) but also for less tangible reasons too.

His attraction and slow realisation to his developing feelings for Zoe, (and his initial reluctance) was quite interesting to explore and, along with some rather stellar comedic timing—made for quite a lighthearted juxtaposition to the more life threatening events around them. This is definitely a story that would be marvellous on the big screen, I’m already mentally compiling my dream cast (so please whoever’s in charge of such decisions, can you please adapt this immediately.)

Overall, a fun and fabulously addictive read that adventure seeking Rom-Com lovers should definitely consider checking out.

Also a massive thank you for Chloe over at Pan MacMillan for the finished copy.

Content Warnings

Hate by Tate James

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’ve heard soo much about Hate (and the Madison Kate series in general) but put off checking it out for soo long—and now, having all but devoured it, I can’t believe I waited soo long!

I don’t know what kind of witchcraft went into making this but I was throughly hooked and genuinely couldn’t put it down. The plot was a lot more action packed than I had expected and all three of the love interests were fabulously broody (or in Kody’s case ridiculously flirty) in the most delicious of ways. If you love the intensity and chemistry of a classic enemies to lovers—but yearn for a spicier outcome —then this’ll definitely be right up your alley!

I’m still quite new to dark romance, particularly of the contemporary variety (I’m an epic fantasy girl at heart), but found this quite an easy intro into the genre and think it’s a good starting point for anyone also new to dark romance.

Obviously given the dark designation, it does deal with themes that may not appeal to everyone, and as such, I highly suggest checking the TWs beforehand.

The drama, the atmosphere and THAT nail biting, cliffhanger of an ending! I have soo many questions, the most important being WHO IS MADISON’S CREEPY STALKER?! I can’t for the life of me figure it out, so I’ll definitely need to get my hands on the rest of the series ASAP!

Also, a huge thank you to Bloom books and Tandem Collective for the PB copy

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natashaleighton_'s reviews 976 reviews

natashaleighton_'s reviews
976 reviews