bellebookcorner's reviews
1215 reviews

Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Go to review page

adventurous challenging mysterious tense 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

4.25

“If you fall in love someday, whoever they are, make sure it’s with someone you can be your whole self with. 
It’s dangerous to love half of a person.”
 
It took me a while to get hooked into the story, but my eyes were glued to my Kindle once I got to the part where the FMC, Ross Quest, entered a cutthroat competition to claim the prize – saving her mother. 
 
There are three phases in the competition, my personal favorite is the second phase, which includes longer schemes and forces the competitors to work together to succeed. 
Despite needing to suspend my disbelief here with teenagers planning such a complicated heist, I found it fun and thrilling to see how they strategize to stay ahead of the game, execute their plans, and improvise when things go awry. 
 
Ross has trust issues, which lead her to make questionable decisions throughout the story that at times felt slightly frustrating. But, deep down, she always craved a life like a normal teenage girl. 
I’m glad to see her slowly step out of her comfort zone with making new friends and rekindling her friendship with Noelia. 
I can’t say the same for the romance though as I didn’t feel the spark between Devroe and Ross, despite Devroe being a mysterious charming character. 
 
The last few chapters were quite intense as the stakes gets higher for the remaining competitors. Mind-blowing twists lead to a huge cliffhanger at the end! 
I'm excited to see what will happen next in the final book of this duology. 
 
Overall, Thieve’s Gambit is such a page turner! 
Highly recommend picking up this YA Thriller if you love: 
✨️ Heist Competition 
✨️ Rivals-to-Lovers 
✨️ Scheming                                                     
✨️ Betrayals and Alliances 
✨️ Shocking Plot Twists 
✨️ Diverse Characters 
 
I received an advanced review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Lethal Kings by Victoria McCombs

Go to review page

adventurous 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

4.0

“Games are always riveting until they take something you weren’t willing to give.”

Lethal Kings serves as a fitting conclusion to the Fae Dynasty duology with all the questions I had from the first book finally answered.
There are a lot of twists and turns as each secret is revealed when a mysterious figure called the Gamemaster shows up.

I enjoyed this story even more than the first book; the stakes are higher for the Mortal Queen’s fate. 
The Gamemaster creates a very intriguing game and I loved seeing how Althea tries to solve the riddles and pass the trials with the help of her family and friends.

While I appreciated the plot’s mystery and unexpected twists, I was hoping for more development from Althea and Bash's romantic relationship.
Instead, I often felt frustrated with how Althea act towards him. I was also disappointed not to see them work together as a team this time.

Nonetheless, this was a really good YA Fantasy series!
It’s highly entertaining with epic world-building and mind-blowing twists.
The ending was bittersweet—I can’t say more without spoiling the story, but one event truly shocked me and broke my heart….

Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark mysterious 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

4.0

“Strategize with your head, never your heart. 
Your head can save you. 
Your heart will only lead to him, and ruin lies there.” 
 
Embark on a fun and thrilling journey of a human queen trying to survive in a realm of mischievous and deceptive Fae. 
Mortal Queens is recommended for those who enjoy: 
• Forbidden romance 
• Clean fantasy 
• Puzzles and riddles 
• Epic world-building 
 
I absolutely enjoy seeing Althea learn her way around the Fae with the help of Talen and Odette (my fav side characters!) 
She learns to differentiate who is sincere and who is hiding something up their sleeves. 
She becomes stronger and clever enough to evade traps/curses through hard lessons which open her eyes and build a stronger character. 
 
The world-building is captivating, but danger lurks in every corner. There is a dark mystery, especially relating to the history of the mortal queens. 
There are still many unanswered questions that left me wondering, and it felt like we barely scratched the surface, so I’m hoping we get some answers and more exploration in the next book. 
 
Overall, this is a well-written YA fantasy with lots of twists and turns! 
I’m excited to pick up the sequel to see whether Althea will succeed in her mission. 
 
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Tale of the Heart Queen by Nisha J. Tuli

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful tense 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

5.0

Wow what a fantastic conclusion to the Artefacts of Ouranos series! 
It’s the thickest book compare to the other in the series, but the long journey was worth it to witness Lor, her family and friends’ happily ever after! 
 
This long journey is packed with action scenes, heart-breaking and heart-warming moments, and lots of twists and turns.  
Told from multiple POVs—Gabriel, Nadir, and Lor—we also gain more insight into the Aurora King through flashbacks, revealing a background story I didn’t expect. 
 
The last few chapters are my favorite part, with the series beginning with a deadly trial and ending it with another one! 
Lor has been through a lot of stuff, and I feel so proud for the person she becomes at the end of the series. 
 
The romance also never disappoints. Lor and Nadir deserves their happy ending after fighting so hard for each other and their dreams, despite almost losing each other in the process. 
They make such a great team during the trials, their chemistry is off the charts! 
 
Overall, this was a great book to end the series and I love this series as a whole! 
I have mixed feelings whenever a good series end; I felt sad to say goodbye to these characters but also felt satisfied with the thrilling epic journey the author created for us. 
 
I’m really looking forward to read more books by this author in the future! 
 
I received an advanced review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The Red Woman and the White Bear by Fern A. Ellis

Go to review page

adventurous dark 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

3.5

The world-building in this novel is nothing short of enchanting, unique, and exceptional! 
It’s written so vividly that it makes me feel as if I’m right there, experiencing the Seelie and Unseelie Courts through Aisling’s perspective. 
 
I really like the fact that both Courts are depicted as morally grey; they are neither wholly good nor entirely evil which makes the events that unfolded near the ending felt like a fitting end for the good of the Wild. 
 
As much as I adore the world-building and the characters, the pacing wasn’t entirely to my liking. 
The story felt rushed at the beginning and then slowed down in the middle, leaving little room to explore the characters’ depth. 
I would’ve preferred a slower pace to gain more insight into the characters, especially Aisling who is central to the story and the prophecy. 
 
Overall, for a debut novel, this was a pretty good with a captivating writing style that kept me interested from the beginning until the end with its epic world building. 
I’ll be keeping an eye out for the sequel and hope the sequel focuses more on the character development. 
 
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Bound Paths by Jillian Witt

Go to review page

adventurous challenging funny hopeful tense 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

4.25

The Compass Points trilogy finally concludes with Bound Paths.
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this book, and I’m satisfied with how it ends! 
 
Bound Paths picks up right after the ending of the previous book, Tangled Powe. 
Rose and the rest of Compass Points now have to rescue their friend, Luc while also figuring out a way to eliminate an evil god—a challenging task even with the help of two gods. 
 
I love seeing how these characters have grown throughout the series. 
Rose has come so far, from a mere weapons master to a Norden Point. She made the impossible possible by bringing all the Compass Points working together, even with the gods and goddess. 
Although, I was a bit sad that Rose and Luc were separated for much of the story, but I found myself rooting for them nonetheless! 
 
The addition of the new character, The Lady of the Veil, was a great touch to the story. Her background story was fascinating and I have a feeling we’ll get to explore more about her domain—the land beyond the veil—in the next series featuring a new couple! 
 
Overall, this was a wonderful conclusion for Rose and Luc’s story. They finally get to work on their dreams of creating a better continent with their friends. 
I’m looking forward for the next series in Compass Points universe and other books by this author in the future! 
 
I received an advanced review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The Songbird & The Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense 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

5.0

Another masterpiece from Carissa–it’s definitely going into my top favorite books of 2024 list for sure! 
 
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Mische’s book ever since I got to know her in the previous books. 
I would suggest reading The Serpent & the Wings of Night and The Ashes & the Star-Cursed if you haven’t to have a better understanding. 
 
I really enjoy getting to know the main characters, especially Mische. Learning more about her heart-breaking background when she was human made me love her character even more. 
And Asar is not the scary, ruthless Warden Mische thought. There’s more than meets the eye; he’s a selfless, patient, understanding guy with just the right amount of brooding and grumpiness. 
 
I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Mische and Asar. Watching them slowly form a bond as they made their way to the Underworld to complete the dangerous mission was delightful and captivating.  
The romance is a slow-burn, but their chemistry is off the charts!!–I can’t wait to see how their relationship will develop in the next book! 
 
The writing style never disappoints. The author excels at conveying the emotions of each character, a fair amount of action scenes, and crafting a unique world-building, especially the Descent into the Underworld. 
 
Overall, this is a well-written action-packed and emotional journey about love, pain, and forgiveness and vulnerability making it impossible to put down! 
I’m definitely looking out for the sequel because I need to know what happens next after that HUGE CLIFF-HANGER!!!! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Holiday Wedding - Spicy by Melissa Dymond

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.25

Holiday Wedding is a suspenseful, swoony, spicy romance mystery that comes with the festive and heart-warming atmosphere of the holiday season! 
 
There are two love story you’ll get to follow: Gwen and Caleb as well as Dean and Jenny. 
I wasn’t aware this was part of a series, but I’m glad to say I could enjoy this one just fine without reading the 1st book cause the author did a great job providing enough background information so I didn’t feel lost or miss anything. 
 
As much as I love reading about the sweet and lovey dovey moment between Gwen and Caleb as they overcome each obstacles in planning their perfect wedding, I preferred the sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance of the grumpy and moody Dean and the cheerful sunshine Jenny. 
I adore their bantering and I really like the part when they’re stuck together due to an unexpected storm, which kinda forces them to bond! 
 
This book comes in two different version, the sweet and spicy version. I got the spicy version and found the spicy scenes well-written and perfectly balanced, not overtaking the main plot. 
 
Overall, it’s an entertaining and enjoyable read! Such a page turner! 
 If you’re looking for a holiday read with tropes like grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and one bed, then you’ll love this one! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
 
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: sexual content, kidnapping, pregnancy, stalking, gun violence, panic attacks, PTSD, brief mention of death of a parent 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional tense 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

4.0

The Shadows Rule All is the thrilling conclusion to the Dominions trilogy! 
 
I’ve been waiting this book for a long time. It’s been a while since I read the 2nd book, so my memory about it is a bit hazy, which is part of the reason it took me a while to get hooked into this book. 
 
But I love that this story is much more action-packed, with the characters constantly on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of the villain and save the Dominions. 
The thrilling scenes kept me at the edge of my seat, there were also heart-breaking moments that brought me to tears. 
 
Meren, the FMC goes through a lot in this final book, and my heart ached for her. 
It was sad to see Meren being so hard on herself and shutting down her emotions, leading her to make questionable decisions, but given what she’s been through, it’s understandable especially with Eidolon keeps bothering her. 
 
As for the romance, there are plenty of angsty moments between Meren and Reven especially after knowing what happens to him in this book, adding another problem to Meren’s huge list of problems. 
However, I was hoping for more from their relationship… I wish there were a few chapters from Reven’s POV to see from different perspective regarding their relationship. 
 
Overall, I’ve enjoyed reading through Meren’s journey with her found family. I love watching her character grow from the first book until the last. 
Loveable characters, epic world-building, unique magic system and a satisfying ending make this trilogy well worth reading. 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
The Flame and the Forsaken by Sarah M. Cradit

Go to review page

adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

4.0

Recommended for those who loves; 
💖 Enemies to Lovers 
💖 Forced/Arranged Marriage 
💖 Female Robin Hood 
💖 Close Proximity 
💖 The Princeling and the Pauper 
 
This is a sequel to The Sylvan and the Sand, but it’s totally fine to read as a standalone. However, you’ll have a better understanding about Erran’s past if you do. 
 
I really like reading about Erran and Mariel’s love story which evolves from enemies-to-lovers. I absolutely loved the part where they’re stranded on an island and have to work together, allowing them to bond and discover things about each other they didn’t know before.  
 
I was hooked right from the beginning. The book is a roller coaster of emotions. 
The last few chapters include a twist between the Rutland and the Ashdown that really surprised me. 
 
Overall, this is a well-written heart-warming story and I felt satisfied with the ending especially, the epilogue, which offers us a glimpse of what happened to those characters five years later. 
I’m looking forward to read more books by this author in the future! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
 
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: On page sex, Violence, Backstory for FMC includes family death, Imprisonment, Descriptions of starvation and poverty, Alcoholism (side character), Fire, Depictions of a loved one hanging 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings