sophs_mood_reading's reviews
390 reviews

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous funny tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Seventeen-year-old Alosa, daughter of the infamous Pirate King, lets herself get captured by her enemies on purpose, because, you know, that’s what confident pirate princesses do when they have a mission. She’s after a legendary treasure map hidden on their ship, and no one’s stopping her. But then there’s Riden, the ship’s clever (and, annoyingly, handsome) first mate, who’s a bit too quick to catch on to Alosa’s schemes. With Alosa’s wit and a few tricks up her sleeve, it’s anyone’s guess who’s outsmarting who.

I needed an escape, and this read was the perfect getaway. This book has everything: razor-sharp banter, a spirited heroine, and a dash of romantic tension that kept me grinning. Alosa and Riden are the ultimate YA duo, balancing each other out with sass and unexpected chemistry. And the twists kept me intrigued and added some fun to the ride. This was a swashbuckling escape into a world of high-seas adventure, and I couldn’t have asked for a better break from reality.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

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funny hopeful lighthearted 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

3.0

Elsie’s life motto? Fictional men > real men, because imaginary heartbreak is way less messy. So when her car breaks down and lands her in Eloraton—a town straight out of her favorite romance series—she’s basically living the dream. Eloraton’s got it all: charming locals, cozy vibes, and the bookshop of her dreams. But the grumpy (yet, ahem, swoon-worthy) bookshop owner with mint-green eyes? He’s not playing along, and he definitely doesn’t want her meddling in his town’s story. With a town that feels magical and a bookish mission in sight, Elsie’s got her hands full trying to create her perfect happily-ever-after. 
 
My take? This is basically the fantasy for any romance lover who’s dreamed of stepping into their fave novel’s pages, meeting beloved characters, and strolling through scenes. And this author usually nails the “stories with a touch of magic” vibe, but this time? It felt just a bit shy of the wow factor I wanted. Needed just a little more whimsy, a little more sparkle! Still, if small-town romances are your jam, you’ll be all over this one.
The Coven by Harper L. Woods

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Our girl Willow’s been trained as her dad’s weapon against the Coven that unalived his sister, which lands her in the hidden town of Crystal Hollow at Hollow’s Grove University. Think witchy students, secrets darker than a new moon, and a headmaster, Aleric Grayson Thorne, who’s as warm as an ice storm. And, of course, there’s a bloody past no one’s talking about, you know just a massacre, but no biggy.

I devoured this audiobook, dual POV, a deliciously dark MMC (more morally black than grey!), and all the dark academia, paranormal atmospheric vibes an October read should have. Fair warning: the pace is a little slow to start,  it reads like a 400-page prologue setting up the real action of a series. But once things take off in the second half of the book, it’s a wild ride. And that cliffhanger ending? It left me gasping and ready for more. It’s clear this is just the opening act in a much bigger story, but it makes the slow build worth it. Perfect for spooky season—just make sure to check those trigger warnings cause there are plenty and they are dark!
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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? No

5.0

After putting down the first book, I had to jump straight into the second instalment because who doesn’t love a good cliffhanger, right? This time, we’re back with Evie, our not-so-evil villain (think Disney villain vibes, not full-on dark overlord) and their quirky crew, still trying to outsmart King Benedict. Can’t spill too many secrets here, but just know that this sequel stepped up its game. The pacing? Way smoother. The twists? More “oh woah” moments this time around.  The adventure? Even more engaging. It’s got that quest vibe that kept me reading past my bedtime. 

But let’s talk about the real stars: the characters. Becky, who was giving ‘background extra’ energy in the first book, totally came into her own this time—girl’s got layers, and I’m loving it. And the banter between Evie and the Villain? Pure gold. It’s that slow-burn tension that’s basically torture (in the best way), but this time, they turned up the heat just a bit. Consider me fully invested, and waiting (impatiently) for more!
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Evie Sage is seriously struggling to make ends meet, so when a job falls into her lap working for Rennedawn’s most infamous villain, she grabs it—severed heads, suspicious eyeballs, and all. Sure, her new boss is terrifying, but he’s also annoyingly hot, and trying to keep her crush under wraps becomes just one more problem on the list. When she uncovers a plot to take down his evil empire, she’s suddenly got bigger issues than just workplace crushes and creepy dungeons.


This book is like a chaotic blend of medieval fantasy and office drama, where the copier is probably cursed, and the break room has skulls on display. The banter was great, the dual POV kept things interesting, and Evie’s journey from sceptical employee to loyal assistant was a treat. The romance—it’s very slow burn, like a candle trying to light in a snowstorm. Our villain could’ve used a bit more… well, villainy—he’s no stranger to brooding but could use a little more bite. And the modern corporate vibes in a medieval kingdom? It’s a little like bringing Wi-Fi to a sword fight. But if you’re here for a quirky, fun read with some danger and a dash of (eventual) sparks, it’s worth the ride.
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Immortal Dark is the dark academia fantasy mashup I didn’t know I needed! vampires and humans mingling in a world where bloodlines gain power through vampire companionship.

The story kicks off with Kidan Adane, an orphaned heiress determined to find her missing sister, June. Her prime suspect? The infuriating, enigmatic vampire Susenyos. Enter Uxlay University, where Kidan has to keep her wits about her while living with him (and completing the most complicated course known to man/vampire kind). Enemies-to-lovers tension? Check. Morally gray choices? Double check. But she’s on a mission—find June, unearth a centuries-old mystery, and maybe take down Susenyos along the way. No pressure.

The pacing has its ups and downs—it starts slow, heats up, stalls a bit, but picks up again when it counts. And while Kidan is a fierce protagonist, I didn’t always get behind her decisions (but hey, flawed heroines make for interesting reads, right?). But the world-building? Totally unique. And Susenyos? Definitely the kind of brooding, villainous love interest that’ll keep you flipping pages.

If you’re into dark romance, vampiric intrigue, and that sweet spot where love meets danger, this one’s for you. 
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Go Lightly by Brydie Lee-Kennedy

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Imagine Holly Golightly ditched breakfast at Tiffany’s for modern-day London, living off cabaret gigs and spontaneous romances. That’s Ada—our hot mess of a heroine, navigating love triangles and life’s chaos with a drink in hand. 
 
It’s like reading a friend’s unfiltered texts: funny, relatable, and a bit reckless. Just don’t get too cozy—the book ends like someone pulled the plug mid-sentence, leaving you blinking and thinking, “Wait, that’s it?” It’s a story about being young, care free and figuring it out—minus the tidy endings.
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood

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funny lighthearted 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

5.0

Audiobook-only alert! This is another spicy, enemies-to-lovers hit that follows Hazelwood’s signature formula: intelligent woman + hot, broody man = chef’s kiss. This time, it’s set in the world of video game design—Viola Bowen finally gets her dream project… except she has to work with her nemesis, Jesse F-ing Andrews. Cue the banter, tension, and, oh yeah, a forced winter getaway in a snowy mountain lodge. As always, it works, and you’ll be hooked from start to finish. If you’re craving a quick, sharp, yet oh-so-satisfying listen, go grab it! 
The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

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adventurous challenging dark emotional 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? It's complicated

4.0

Verdict: A classic morally grey MMC, rebellious, sassy FMC, contemporary set adult romantasy. Think crescent city vibes with extra dark academia. 

This romantancy throws you into an alternate reality NYC where monsters are real and peace between species is fragile. 
Kierse, a bold thief, breaks the rules and enters a monster’s lair, only to strike a dangerous bargain with a creature as charming as he is terrifying. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and every page pulls you deeper into a dark, seductive world.

The book was a slow to medium pace but really kicked off in the last third