wonderwomannz's reviews
1194 reviews

As someone who leans towards action-packed stories, dark, especially in harem settings, Or fantasy I found myself stepping out of my comfort zone with this book about a hockey player grappling with his sexuality. While I don't usually gravitate towards cute or gay-themed narratives, I was curious enough to give it a shot.

To be honest, I had mixed feelings. The premise was cute, and the storyline held promise, but I often felt like it dragged a bit in parts. There were moments where the plot felt soft and slow, which left me feeling frustrated at times. I expected more tension and excitement, especially considering the backdrop of sports, but it didn't quite deliver on that front for me.

I've had a previous experience with a gay couple in a rom-com that was much more humorous and engaging, so perhaps my expectations skewed my perspective. This time, the pacing just didn't hit the mark, making it a bit of a chore to get through certain sections.

Adding to my disappointment was the narrator, he was not my favorite at all. It significantly impacted my enjoyment of the story, leading me to decide to skip the next two books in the series, which he also narrated.  I do believe that these books could be read as stand-alone stories. If I find myself lost in the fourth book, I’ll be sure to check out a few reviews online to catch up on any crucial details I may have missed.

Overall, while I didn’t hate the book, it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. I appreciated the effort, and hey I am still going to see if they improve in book 4.

The storyline felt similar to the first book, which was a bit of a mixed bag for me. While I appreciate the author’s style and the way she weaves her narratives, I found myself wishing for something a bit more distinct this time around.

Being a twin myself, I was particularly drawn to the themes in the book. It sparked my curiosity, New Zealand did a documentary about twins and they followed the life of them over a number of years. The exploration of twin dynamics in the story resonated with me, even if the plot didn’t fully captivate my interest.

I found the pacing felt uneven at times. Some parts of the story dragged on while others rushed through key developments, which affected my overall engagement. I found the character development could have been deeper, as it didn’t feel as deep as the first book.

I have naw listened to a number of books by Claire and this again is a little different from them which I love. Shows the diversity of her writing.

It is a captivating read with a good pace and a nice storyline that effortlessly draws me in, keeping me invested from start to finish. While I found the narration to be merely okay, it doesn't overshadow the effectiveness of the story itself.

The characters are beautifully layered.  Each character's journey adds depth to the overall narrative, and the emotional depth of the book delves into complex themes of love, trust, and betrayal, eliciting a range of emotions that resonate long after listening. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, creating a romantic tension that kept me rooting for their relationship despite the obstacles they face.

It is an engaging novel that combines a gripping plot with emotional depth. Despite my reservations about the narration, the story itself is certainly worth the read.
Interested to see what the next book in the series holds.

I've always enjoyed Claire's work, but this particular book felt like a refreshing departure from her darker themes. With its dual POV narration, it delivered a lighthearted and romantic comedy vibe that I found entertaining. The humorous moments sprinkled throughout kept me chuckling, showcasing Claire's skill in blending wit with charm.

However, as much as I appreciated the levity, I personally lean towards the more intense and darker sides of her storytelling. I miss the depth and complexity that come with those themes. That said, Claire is becoming one of my go to authors.

From the start, the book pulls you into a world of passion, tension, and richly developed characters. 

A standout of this book is Rocco. He is undoubtedly the best character in the series so far, bringing a blend of strength, vulnerability, and complexity that makes him truly memorable. Rocco's journey throughout the story is compelling and  his chemistry kept me read engaged.

The plot is engaging and well-crafted, weaving together themes of love, redemption, and personal growth. Contreras has a knack for creating emotional stakes that resonate deeply, making you invested in the characters' fates. The pacing is just right, with a perfect balance of tension and romance that kept me listening.  I bloody loved the spicy scenes in this book.

This is a worthy finale (is it?) to the series, leaving me satisfied yet eager for more from Claire Contreras. I can’t wait to see what she has in store next and will be listening to more of her books. 

I am still really enjoying this series but I am finding them somewhat similar.  Narrators were good in this one.  I am looking forward to the next one to finish off this series and yes I will be listening to others of Claire’s.

I am really liking these books, mafia style.  I love the characters, plot and the pacing is prefect, even some spice thrown in.  Oh and loved the narrators in this book.

I have enjoyed a couple of other books by Claire Contreras so was interested to listen to this series.  The plot was engaging and well-paced, keeping my interest throughout. The spice level was present but not as intense as other books I have listened too. 
The characters were interesting and well-developed, and I enjoyed the perfect balance of character development and an intriguing storyline.
I felt the ending a little rushed, but am interested to hear where this series goes. No cliffhanger.

I struggled with this book and sadly won’t continue the series.
I found it to be a mix of captivating world-building and some pacing challenges. The fantasy realm she creates is incredibly vivid, with rich descriptions that really bring the landscapes and cultures to life. You can tell that a lot of effort went into crafting this unique setting, and it truly draws you in.

One of the aspects I appreciated most was the detailed world-building. Kingsley has a knack for immersing readers in her lore and atmosphere, which added depth to the story and enriched my listening experience. However, I did feel that the pacing was a bit slow at times. While I enjoy character development and intricate storytelling, I sometimes found myself wishing for more action and excitement and spice to keep me engaged.

I also listened to the audiobook version, and I must say that keeping track of some of the characters was a bit challenging. There were several with similar names which created some confusion.

As for the characters, while some were well-developed and relatable, I felt there were others who lacked depth. This left me wanting to know more about their backgrounds and motivations.

“King of Shadows" showcases Kingsley’s talent for creating a captivating fantasy world. Though the pacing and character depth might not appeal to everyone, I think those who appreciate immersive settings and detailed storytelling will find something to enjoy in this book.

I've had "King of Flames" on my TBR list for quite some time, after seeing it recommended in a Facebook group. As a fan of fantasy, I was intrigued to explore this world, although the book wasn't quite what I expected. 

While I typically lean towards stories with more spice and romance, the fantasy elements in "King of Flames" did capture my interest. The world Kathryn has created is rich and mysterious, and I appreciated the imaginative setting. 

Listening to the audiobook, I found myself getting a bit distracted at times, which might have caused me to miss some details. 
One challenge I often encounter with most audiobooks is keeping track of character names, especially when some names sound similar. Unlike a physical book, where you can easily flip back to clarify who is speaking, audiobooks require a bit more attention to these details. 

The book ended on a small cliffhanger, and I will be listening to the next one in the series. I hope we get some romance or spice in the continuation.