melstylensubstance's reviews
476 reviews

Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt

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5.0

Reread on audio Dec 2024. I loved this book even more on audio. The narrator did a great job on all the voices. I had forgotten how much plot is packed in to this story. Winter is a standout hero in the genre for many reasons. Georgian Batman( or Edwardian? Whatever the 1700s are), virgin hero, orphanage manager, crusader for justice. And Isabel is the right amount of proper lady, but with all the fun being a widow brings. The will they won’t they early parts in the book are fantastic. A classic fave.
Smoky Darling by S.J. Tilly

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4.0

Quick read. The first part of the book had me howling. I identified with Lou so hard over the camping distaste.  Forgetting a towel. And the struggle with the sports bra. So valid. Though, I would have just not showered for the duration, but then we wouldn’t have had these fun moments. It’s not often that I like the heroine more than the hero, but this book may be one. 
As for Beckett, he was just the right of alpha protective without being a toxic asshole. He pursued Lou and wasn’t ashamed of his feelings. Pretty awesome.
Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah MacLean

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4.0

I read this several months after the first book of the series, 9 rules. At the time I wasn’t compelled enough by nick to launch right in to his story, and honestly the corny title didn’t do it any favors either. But by the second chapter in, I was beside myself for all the characters in this book, especially once I realized that I was seeing events that were described as past events in SMs Rules of Scoundrels series - which I absolutely adore. So I was hooked early on In this book. The hero, heroine, supporting characters - all superb. The conflict was believable. Often times the “I can’t tell someone I love them because then that makes it true and I dont want it to be true for *reasons*” is overdone and overwrought, but it hit just right here. I can’t wait to move on to the next in the series now - despite the corny title.

What kept if from a 5 for me, in my twisted way of judging things, is that even though it was a great story, it didn’t grab me enough to want to finish it within 24h. I was looking forward to picking it up, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t a stay up all hours to finish it. Which is what would have made it a 5 for me.
All The Feels by Olivia Dade

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5.0

I loved it! Made me cackle to myself on several occasions. Both Alex and Lauren learn about themselves, in a completely believable way. I find the whole story to be nuanced in the emotions that underlie and motivate the characters
Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean

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4.0

I liked that we saw the characters from the first 2 books of the series, and watching leighton kind of come undone by Juliana was something to watch. Culminating of course in the grand romantic gesture at the northumberland ball! It was that scene that stole my heart and pushed my rating to 5 stars. True romantic drivel and I loved it!