All the reviews Cinbooks336 has submitted for authors' ARC books.
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Loved it
(4 )
I think I’ve found a new favourite trope: enemies to lovers on a reality TV survival show. This was such a fun read, especially if you love a mix of tension, banter, and forced proximity. Easton and Amity couldn’t be more different. Easton is the rugged, outdoors survival type, while Amity shows up to the competition in a dress, immediately setting the tone that she’s not quite what everyone expects. They clash from the start, and what follows is a lot of angst, slow-burning tension, and plenty of pining. The dynamic really works—especially the enemies-to-lovers progression and opposites attract energy. And yes, he calls her “princess,” which definitely adds to the appeal. Overall, it’s a quick, entertaining read with strong chemistry between the main characters. I’m especially curious to see Easton’s sisters’ book next. |
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Good sequel
(4 )
This is book 2 in The Race for Riches or Romance series, which is a set of interconnected standalones following a fun reality TV romance concept full of flirty chaos and guaranteed happy endings. This story feels a bit different from the first, focusing on exes Andrew (Drew) and Hannah, who split three years ago but clearly never truly moved on. Most of the book revolves around them being forced back into each other’s orbit and figuring out if they can find their way back together, all while competing in the reality show. It’s fast-paced, with plenty of twists, tension, and that classic push-and-pull “are we going to make it or not?” energy. I also really enjoy the characters in this series and am looking forward to the next book. |
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Liked it
(4 )
This is the third book in The Race for Riches or Romance series, and another really fun reality TV romance. It can be read as a standalone, but characters from the previous books do show up again. This season of the show moves to Hollywood, where Bria gets another shot at competing—but this time she needs a partner willing to fake a relationship with her. Enter Rick, a former cameraman on the show, who gets convinced to step in as her fake boyfriend. Of course, the producers have added extra twists, including viewer-voted outcomes and Rick’s ex-wife also joining the cast. We get dual POVs, plenty of chemistry, and some unexpected twists as Bria and Rick navigate both the competition and their growing feelings for each other. Overall, it’s super engaging, very romantic, and full of that reality TV chaos I enjoy. I did feel a couple of small things pulled me out of the story, but they didn’t take away from how fun it was. A satisfying read with a happy ending. |
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So good
(4 )
A Touch of Magic & Desire is a really enchanting read that pulled me right into its magical world from the start. Lee Hawke blends fantasy, romance, and emotion in a way that feels both engaging and easy to get lost in. The chemistry between the characters stands out, and the whole atmosphere is vivid and immersive throughout. Overall, it’s a captivating and heartfelt fantasy romance that’s easy to enjoy and hard to put down. |
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So good
(4 )
I had to put this book down multiple times just to stare at a wall and process what was happening… because WOW, it was twisty. At first, I honestly thought there were plot holes or messy writing, but I was completely wrong. Once everything starts clicking, it’s actually incredibly well done. The way Brezzo builds the story and sneaks in emotional impact without you even realising it, is seriously impressive. I was hooked from the start thanks to the unique setting and magic system, and it only gets stronger as the story unfolds. My only complaint? Now I have to wait for the next book. |
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great read
(4 )
I really enjoyed this book. It had a great mix of romance, suspense, and action that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I'm always a fan of fake dating when it's done well, and I loved watching the relationship between Andie and Quill develop. What starts as a fake arrangement quickly becomes something much more real, but neither of them gets there easily. Andie is carrying a lot of hurt and betrayal and has to learn how to trust again, while Quill has his own walls to break down when it comes to letting someone in. Their journey felt emotional and believable, and I found myself rooting for them the entire time. One thing I really appreciated was the pacing. There was always something happening, whether it was a romantic moment, a new revelation, or a suspenseful twist. The story never felt slow, and I was constantly curious to see what would happen next. While this is the second book in the series and can technically be read as a standalone, it does contain spoilers for the first book. Personally, I'd recommend reading them in order to get the full experience and better understand some of the characters and relationships. The titles may be a little cheesy, but don't let that fool you—the stories themselves are a lot of fun. Overall, this was an entertaining and engaging read with a romance that kept me invested and enough suspense to keep the pages turning. |
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good read
(4 )
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down once I started. Every chapter seemed to end with something that made me want to keep reading "just one more." Gigi is constantly looking over her shoulder, trying to stay ahead of a past she'd rather leave behind. When that past suddenly catches up with her, the story takes off and doesn't slow down. Between the secrets, the danger, and the unexpected twists, there was always something happening to keep me invested. I also loved Brendan. He knows Gigi is hiding something, but his feelings for her never waver. Their relationship felt genuine, and I enjoyed watching the trust between them grow throughout the story. What stood out most to me was how believable the characters felt. I found myself questioning their choices, worrying about them, and getting completely caught up in everything they were going through. The story is full of twists and turns, but at its heart it's really about friendship, loyalty, and love. Overall, this was a fast-paced, engaging read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. And after meeting Quill, I'm definitely excited to read his story next. |
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good
(4 )
The combination of a crumbling castle, late-90s Prague, and a romance full of tension immediately pulled me in. Kara was easy to root for. Her dream of restoring a castle and getting her happily-ever-after quickly turns into one disaster after another, but she never gives up. I loved watching her juggle the pressure of saving the castle while also trying to figure out her complicated feelings. Sean was probably my favorite part of the book. The tension between him and Kara was so good. He's grumpy, frustrating, and determined to keep his distance, which only made me more invested in seeing his walls come down. Add in Ethan's arrival, and I was fully invested in the romantic chaos. What really stood out to me was the setting. Prague felt vivid and alive, and the castle added so much charm to the story. There were plenty of funny moments, lots of chemistry, and enough emotional depth to keep me turning the pages. If you enjoy opposites attract, forced proximity, slow-burning tension, and a love triangle that actually keeps you guessing, this is definitely worth picking up. |
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good
(3 )
I had a good time reading To Drown Among the Stars. It was one of those books that felt like a classic fantasy adventure, packed with danger, secrets, friendship, and just the right amount of romance. Bastion is still reeling from a failed attempt to become a knight when he stumbles across a village that has been attacked by pirates. That's where he meets Ulla, a deaf dragon kin healer, and from there the story quickly turns into a much bigger adventure than either of them expected. What starts as an investigation soon uncovers a larger threat, sending them on a journey to warn Moonwatch before it's too late. I really enjoyed both Bastion and Ulla. They each have their own struggles and secrets, which added a lot of depth to their relationship. I found myself rooting for them from the start and hoping they would learn to trust each other as the story progressed. The pacing was sometimes a bit slow, so that's why it's not 4 stars. Overall, this was a fun and charming fantasy with lovable characters, high-stakes adventure, and a sweet romance woven throughout. I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time with these characters in future books. |