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tartan_teapotsandbooks_croft's reviews
300 reviews
Nora Roberts Land by Ava Miles
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
sad
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
4.0
I actually loved this book! It was such a great start to a small town series. As you all know, small town is without doubt my favourite trope!
The story was very well written and descriptive. I thought that the story flowed really well and no plot holes. There were no unanswered questions when the book was finished either. Big wins! The premise of this was fun. Looking for Nora Roberts happy ending in a small town. It makes me want to read Nora's. I've read some of her J.D. Robb books but never any under her own name!
The characters were great. Tanner is definitely new book boyfriend number four of 2025. He was just dreamy. Meredith was a great FMC. She was sassy and fun. I loved all the side characters. Especially Jill, Meredith's sister and Arthur, Meredith's Gramps. They all worked so well in the story and helped being the story along.
The story was written in third person. Mostly from Meredith and Tanner's POVs. We did get a little from Jill too which I enjoyed.
I really recommend this one. It's a fun romance. If you love the tropes mentioned, it's definitely for you.
The story was very well written and descriptive. I thought that the story flowed really well and no plot holes. There were no unanswered questions when the book was finished either. Big wins! The premise of this was fun. Looking for Nora Roberts happy ending in a small town. It makes me want to read Nora's. I've read some of her J.D. Robb books but never any under her own name!
The characters were great. Tanner is definitely new book boyfriend number four of 2025. He was just dreamy. Meredith was a great FMC. She was sassy and fun. I loved all the side characters. Especially Jill, Meredith's sister and Arthur, Meredith's Gramps. They all worked so well in the story and helped being the story along.
The story was written in third person. Mostly from Meredith and Tanner's POVs. We did get a little from Jill too which I enjoyed.
I really recommend this one. It's a fun romance. If you love the tropes mentioned, it's definitely for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Kidnapping, and Grief
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Drug use and Car accident
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I have such fondness for this book. This is a re-read for me and I still love this book. It's a classic that has stood the test of time for almost 88 years.
I find the characters in the book very charming. I always felt a wee bit sorry for Bilbo because he just wanted to be at home in his wee Hobbit Hole enjoying a quiet life. I get that. Instead he's thrown into the throng with Thorin Oakenshield and his Dwarf colleagues. I like the Dwarves, they're charming. Gandalf is alright but he could be a wee bit rude at times. All side characters were great.
The story was just lovely. Yes I know there's battles and peril but it's just so charming. I'm sorry for the excessive use of this word but there really is nothing else I can say to describe it. It keeps the reader engaged and turning the page to see what Bilbo and his friends will do next.
The book is told in the style of a narrator. No specific POVs from the characters. It worked for this book.
If you've never read this then I cannot recommend it enough. It's a timeless classic and will always be worth a read.
I find the characters in the book very charming. I always felt a wee bit sorry for Bilbo because he just wanted to be at home in his wee Hobbit Hole enjoying a quiet life. I get that. Instead he's thrown into the throng with Thorin Oakenshield and his Dwarf colleagues. I like the Dwarves, they're charming. Gandalf is alright but he could be a wee bit rude at times. All side characters were great.
The story was just lovely. Yes I know there's battles and peril but it's just so charming. I'm sorry for the excessive use of this word but there really is nothing else I can say to describe it. It keeps the reader engaged and turning the page to see what Bilbo and his friends will do next.
The book is told in the style of a narrator. No specific POVs from the characters. It worked for this book.
If you've never read this then I cannot recommend it enough. It's a timeless classic and will always be worth a read.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
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
5.0
I feel overwhelmed. The cliffhanger ending!!! So many new questions I'm scared finding out the answers to in the fourth book. Read a story that it will be either 2026 or 2027!
The book was wonderful. It was a worth the wait and the anticipation. I think this might be the best one yet. I'm literally in tears at the minute. Emotions are definitely running.
I loved that it picked up right where Iron Flame left off and it developed from there. The story was just so beautifully written. I love this world a lot. The flight leathers are away until our next journey in the series.
The characters were brilliant as always. Violet was definitely more tolerable compared to Iron Flame. Xaden is Xaden. Can't say much else! The other existing characters were good and worked in the scheme of things. A handful of new characters were introduced and they were great.
The dragons. I love them. Aside from Tairn, Andarna and Sgaeyl, we get a glimpse of the sassy attitude of Feirge and the no nonsense one of Glane. Tairn is still a grump but a funny one. If it was acceptable for a dragon to be a book boyfriend, he would be a top candidate. Andarna is her usual sassy and sometimes petulant self. Sgaeyl is well Sgaeyl. I love her.
The book is written entirely in first person. The book is mostly Violet's POV. We do however have one chapter each from Rhiannon, Imogen and Xaden. I really liked this and it worked well.
The dedication at the start was perfection. It felt like I'm being described. Thank you Rebecca.
I can't recommend this book and series enough. I love it.
The book was wonderful. It was a worth the wait and the anticipation. I think this might be the best one yet. I'm literally in tears at the minute. Emotions are definitely running.
I loved that it picked up right where Iron Flame left off and it developed from there. The story was just so beautifully written. I love this world a lot. The flight leathers are away until our next journey in the series.
The characters were brilliant as always. Violet was definitely more tolerable compared to Iron Flame. Xaden is Xaden. Can't say much else! The other existing characters were good and worked in the scheme of things. A handful of new characters were introduced and they were great.
The dragons. I love them. Aside from Tairn, Andarna and Sgaeyl, we get a glimpse of the sassy attitude of Feirge and the no nonsense one of Glane. Tairn is still a grump but a funny one. If it was acceptable for a dragon to be a book boyfriend, he would be a top candidate. Andarna is her usual sassy and sometimes petulant self. Sgaeyl is well Sgaeyl. I love her.
The book is written entirely in first person. The book is mostly Violet's POV. We do however have one chapter each from Rhiannon, Imogen and Xaden. I really liked this and it worked well.
The dedication at the start was perfection. It felt like I'm being described. Thank you Rebecca.
I can't recommend this book and series enough. I love it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Chronic illness, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Medical trauma, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing
The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I had to think long and hard about giving this book a 1 star rating. I asked my husband if it was mean. He said no, if you don't think the book is good then people need to know. I will keep it brief.
I really hated this book. I can't lie. It did not feel like a police procedural/police thriller. I've been reading this genre since I was 16 and not once have I ever seen one laid out like that. This book has exactly sixteen points of view. SIXTEEN!!! Ffion, Leo, Rhys, Jonty, Mia, Yasmin, Ceri, Clemmie, Blythe, Seren, Dee, Caleb, Steffan, Felicia, Bobby, Glynis. There was no need for this. These characters could have easily given their stories in statements or interviews. I have to stop. This book didn't work for me. I wish DNF'ed it.
I want to apologise to anyone offend by my review or rating. It was horrible.
I really hated this book. I can't lie. It did not feel like a police procedural/police thriller. I've been reading this genre since I was 16 and not once have I ever seen one laid out like that. This book has exactly sixteen points of view. SIXTEEN!!! Ffion, Leo, Rhys, Jonty, Mia, Yasmin, Ceri, Clemmie, Blythe, Seren, Dee, Caleb, Steffan, Felicia, Bobby, Glynis. There was no need for this. These characters could have easily given their stories in statements or interviews. I have to stop. This book didn't work for me. I wish DNF'ed it.
I want to apologise to anyone offend by my review or rating. It was horrible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Murder, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Cursing, Xenophobia, Vomit, Dementia, Grief, and Sexual harassment
What Lies Between Us by John Marrs
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was my very first John Marrs novel and it certainly will not be my last. It blew my mind. I'm not even kidding. The people in this book are so messed it up. It made for a very addictive and twist filled read.
There weren't very many characters in the book. The main two were Maggie and Nina. Bobby was also in it for a time too. Nina was extremely messed up! The things she did were just crazy. It's like how can she do things like that to others? Maggie wasn't as messed up but she did do thinks that made you scratch your head. How far can a mother be pushed to protect her child is what you should keep in mind. Bobby was the only normal one. He was really sweet and kind. The minor characters were all good too.
The story was so well written. It kept me guessing and I couldn't figure any of this out at all. I was shocked at all the revelations within the story! I love a book that keeps me on my toes and this more than delivered.
The book is written in first person from the dual POVs of Maggie and Nina. This worked extremely well as we got into both of their minds. The book is set in the present but does have flashback chapters which helps build the picture of the entire story. Again this worked really well. Some of the 90s throwbacks had me all nostalgic. Sweet Valley High books!
I really recommend this to you all. It's a brilliant read.
There weren't very many characters in the book. The main two were Maggie and Nina. Bobby was also in it for a time too. Nina was extremely messed up! The things she did were just crazy. It's like how can she do things like that to others? Maggie wasn't as messed up but she did do thinks that made you scratch your head. How far can a mother be pushed to protect her child is what you should keep in mind. Bobby was the only normal one. He was really sweet and kind. The minor characters were all good too.
The story was so well written. It kept me guessing and I couldn't figure any of this out at all. I was shocked at all the revelations within the story! I love a book that keeps me on my toes and this more than delivered.
The book is written in first person from the dual POVs of Maggie and Nina. This worked extremely well as we got into both of their minds. The book is set in the present but does have flashback chapters which helps build the picture of the entire story. Again this worked really well. Some of the 90s throwbacks had me all nostalgic. Sweet Valley High books!
I really recommend this to you all. It's a brilliant read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Cancer, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
Mind-blowing!!!! Nothing else I can say really. What a brilliant start to a romantasy series. Goodness it was excellent.
The story was very well written and very descriptive. It had lots of elements that I love; Fae, Vampires, magic, alchemy. The book came together so well. I'd say the pace was medium. It flowed very and there were certainly no plots holes. It didn't leave you with more questions when I ended. The first book was rounded off and ended nicely.
The characters. What can I say about them? I adore them all. Let's start Saeris. I thought she was a bit of a petulant child at first but that eventually changed. Kingfisher. Hello book boyfriend number 3 of 2025! He was just so dreamy and broody. Morally grey as well to a point still a good male. Carrion was too funny. I loved him. All the others were great. Wee Onyx was a cute little guy. He's a book furbaby for me!
The book was written from Saeris's POV and in first person. Part of me would had have liked a bit of dual POV but it wasn't a deal breaker. It would have been nice to get into the murky and painful depths of Kingfisher's head. It doesn't matter, it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
I really cannot recommend this one enough guys. It's great for a first time romantasy reader. Even for the more seasoned romantasy reader it's a great book!
The story was very well written and very descriptive. It had lots of elements that I love; Fae, Vampires, magic, alchemy. The book came together so well. I'd say the pace was medium. It flowed very and there were certainly no plots holes. It didn't leave you with more questions when I ended. The first book was rounded off and ended nicely.
The characters. What can I say about them? I adore them all. Let's start Saeris. I thought she was a bit of a petulant child at first but that eventually changed. Kingfisher. Hello book boyfriend number 3 of 2025! He was just so dreamy and broody. Morally grey as well to a point still a good male. Carrion was too funny. I loved him. All the others were great. Wee Onyx was a cute little guy. He's a book furbaby for me!
The book was written from Saeris's POV and in first person. Part of me would had have liked a bit of dual POV but it wasn't a deal breaker. It would have been nice to get into the murky and painful depths of Kingfisher's head. It doesn't matter, it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
I really cannot recommend this one enough guys. It's great for a first time romantasy reader. Even for the more seasoned romantasy reader it's a great book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Vomit
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Oh this was SO good!!! Everyone has a secret that led right back to the same person. I loved it so much!
The story itself was so well written and full of twists. I love a twisty thriller. I found the story bingeable and addictive. I would say it was about a medium pacing which is as excellent and worked well. The book was descriptive as well. It always kept me guessing. Although I did slowly start working things out. The only one I missed was Aoife's secret.
I adored the characters in this book. The book was written from several points of view in first person. Aoife the wedding planner, Hannah the plus one, Jules the bride, Johnno the best man, Olivia the bridesmaid and Will the groom. This just worked so well. I especially liked Olivia and Hannah. They were both good people.
As a side note can I thank Lucy for writing about mental health, self harm and suicide so sensitively? As a someone who's experienced all three I can't thank you enough.
There are little interludes that are in third person from almost like a narrator's point of view. Following the ushers going to look for the body the waitress found.
This was my first Lucy Foley novel and I loved it. I will certainly read more of her work. I highly recommend this one to you all!
The story itself was so well written and full of twists. I love a twisty thriller. I found the story bingeable and addictive. I would say it was about a medium pacing which is as excellent and worked well. The book was descriptive as well. It always kept me guessing. Although I did slowly start working things out. The only one I missed was Aoife's secret.
I adored the characters in this book. The book was written from several points of view in first person. Aoife the wedding planner, Hannah the plus one, Jules the bride, Johnno the best man, Olivia the bridesmaid and Will the groom. This just worked so well. I especially liked Olivia and Hannah. They were both good people.
As a side note can I thank Lucy for writing about mental health, self harm and suicide so sensitively? As a someone who's experienced all three I can't thank you enough.
There are little interludes that are in third person from almost like a narrator's point of view. Following the ushers going to look for the body the waitress found.
This was my first Lucy Foley novel and I loved it. I will certainly read more of her work. I highly recommend this one to you all!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Self harm, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Drug use, Abortion, and Alcohol
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Oh my goodness this book blew me away! Not even kidding. It was so bingeable. I could not put it down. The plot was so good and I absolutely loved the twist!
The characters were all great. I felt sorry for Millie for how Nina treated her. CeCe was a mega brat. Nina was a bit neurotic but understandable. Andrew was a different kettle of fish altogether. I'm saying nothing about this suave, handsome and charming man. The characters all worked perfectly together in the story.
The story itself was so well written. There were no plot holes or any unanswered questions by the time the read was over. It honestly made my day. I love a thriller and I definitely think Freida is the queen of them! I love a plot twist that's unexpected because I can't work it out and this book delivered!
I highly recommend this if you love thrillers. Also if you've never read a thriller or want to read more then please make this your first port of call!!
The characters were all great. I felt sorry for Millie for how Nina treated her. CeCe was a mega brat. Nina was a bit neurotic but understandable. Andrew was a different kettle of fish altogether. I'm saying nothing about this suave, handsome and charming man. The characters all worked perfectly together in the story.
The story itself was so well written. There were no plot holes or any unanswered questions by the time the read was over. It honestly made my day. I love a thriller and I definitely think Freida is the queen of them! I love a plot twist that's unexpected because I can't work it out and this book delivered!
I highly recommend this if you love thrillers. Also if you've never read a thriller or want to read more then please make this your first port of call!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Moderate: Body shaming
Diamond City by Astrid Cole
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
Okay so this blew me away! I think I'm becoming a Sci-fi girlie! I just loved the whole premise of the book. One thing I loved was the name of the districts in Diamond City. Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat. All things that affect the value of a diamond. To be fair, this diamond by Astrid is priceless.
The characters were great. I especially liked Sage, Damian and Gertrude. Damian is the second brand new book boyfriend of 2025. That man was patient as anything. He had a dirty mouth and mind. He was morally grey which is a strong favourite. I love him. Sage was a great and strong FMC. She was a wee bit morally grey but not like Damian! I love that Gertrude is a transgender character. I was happy to see that inclusion and the stigmas she faced.
The story was so well written and it flowers so well. No plot holes or anything that didn't make sense. This is always pleasing having a book that doesn't raise a million plot hole questions. The book is written in third person and is from Sage's point of view. I liked this a lot and it worked well.
I really recommend this book. If you love Sci-fi or you want to try it, I think that this would be a good start!
The characters were great. I especially liked Sage, Damian and Gertrude. Damian is the second brand new book boyfriend of 2025. That man was patient as anything. He had a dirty mouth and mind. He was morally grey which is a strong favourite. I love him. Sage was a great and strong FMC. She was a wee bit morally grey but not like Damian! I love that Gertrude is a transgender character. I was happy to see that inclusion and the stigmas she faced.
The story was so well written and it flowers so well. No plot holes or anything that didn't make sense. This is always pleasing having a book that doesn't raise a million plot hole questions. The book is written in third person and is from Sage's point of view. I liked this a lot and it worked well.
I really recommend this book. If you love Sci-fi or you want to try it, I think that this would be a good start!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Transphobia
Minor: Suicide
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
4.0
I really enjoyed this. It's the first book I've read with any form of Chinese culture or mythology and I have to say it was a truly an amazing experience for me. Thank you Sue Lynn.
The story was inspiring and easy to read. It was slow paced but that didn't extract from the enjoyment. I love that book was split into three different parts of Xingyin's adventures. She is a wonderful and selfless FMC. Not matter what she says!
The characters were all wonderful and very special in their own way. I must admit was extremely taken with Prince Yanxi! Liwei was like the nicest royal person ever. Xingyin again as I said was wonderful and a refreshing character. She's certainly on my list of favourite FMCs!!
The book is written in first person from Xingyin's POV. This was without doubt the best way to do this book. We were her the whole time, fighting with her and hoping she succeeded.
This was a wonderful fantasy novel. Definitely suited for YA fans too. It's was clean and definitely all good for around say ages 15+. There is still some violence which is not so suitable for our younger readers!
The story was inspiring and easy to read. It was slow paced but that didn't extract from the enjoyment. I love that book was split into three different parts of Xingyin's adventures. She is a wonderful and selfless FMC. Not matter what she says!
The characters were all wonderful and very special in their own way. I must admit was extremely taken with Prince Yanxi! Liwei was like the nicest royal person ever. Xingyin again as I said was wonderful and a refreshing character. She's certainly on my list of favourite FMCs!!
The book is written in first person from Xingyin's POV. This was without doubt the best way to do this book. We were her the whole time, fighting with her and hoping she succeeded.
This was a wonderful fantasy novel. Definitely suited for YA fans too. It's was clean and definitely all good for around say ages 15+. There is still some violence which is not so suitable for our younger readers!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War