pick3.5 stars. I really enjoyed how original this felt. I think some things could have been fleshed out more, but overall a solid read. I did wish I had a map to help me picture the world a bit more.
6 likes
Radiance: A Novel | 
pick3.5 stars. I really enjoyed how original this felt. I think some things could have been fleshed out more, but overall a solid read. I did wish I had a map to help me picture the world a bit more.
so-soHigh middling. Legit loved the interactions between the main pair and the slow growth of their relationship, and super enthralled by the author's descriptive writing -- she did a fantastic job of writing both human and non-human as the 'other' in each other's eyes.
Did not like the plot turn to high angst, which was perhaps inevitable in what amounts to a prologue novella but angst isn't generally to my taste.
This book is outside my usual reading scope, but the meet-cute of a human and a non-human romantic pair, both believing the other is the most hideous thing they've ever seen, is legitimately charming.
pickA quick read and a sweet message about the power of love to help you see the person underneath the physical. The leads were maybe a little too sweet and perfect for each other to be believable but still a nice read .
so-soThis was a quick read. I liked it. Story was good, characters were good. The slow burn romance was also good. I wouldn't say this fantasy was very memorable but it sure was a quick, easy read & I needed that to beat the horrible reading slump that I am in.
pick🤣 That quote pretty much says it all about this book. There is not insta-luv here, they can't even find each other esthetically pleasingly to the eye! Their banter is down right hilarious. The pace of the book is a little slow, but it was worth it to me. Both MCs have great qualities. Grace Draven always makes wonderful characters that grow to love each other-- claws and all!
pickThis was incredibly immersive and character driven. It's set up as a dual POV vignette-style sorta thing revolving around the two main characters getting to know and becoming closer to each other. The end sets up an interesting sounding sequel.
pickThis was so addicting I kind of want to read it all over again. It was an emotional journey! This book just made me feel good! And I can‘t get over it. I‘m watching YouTube videos about it, lurking the authors page on goodreads, trying to see if there‘s other books in the series.... I don‘t get this obsessed with a book unless I really love it! I wish she‘d make a new cover though. And can we have a hardcover edition please #gracedraven ?
pickThis is just what I needed, a mind candy romance. I was worried I was going to hate it because I think werewolf (really any paranormal) romance is pretty cringe. But I loved this. I loved the main character‘s relationship and their communication skills (I hate miscommunication in romance novels). I‘ll definitely be picking up the next one soon! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I actually bought this book a while ago to read but never did. Has anyone else read it? It sounds good!
Favorite character dialogue from this (last) month‘s reads:
There‘s lots from Kings of the Wyld, but what stands out to me most is Ildiko and Brishen‘s banter in Radiance. Goodness, I absolutely LOVED Radiance 😍. It deserves infinitely more recognition.
pick
pickI read in a day. Enjoyed. Shows how love can go beyond appearance.
pickWhere the 1st book had little action. This book had a lot. Moreover, magic! I wish they had delved more into the queen‘s mind. I am looking forward to the 3rd installment which is supposed to be published sometime this winter, no exact date yet.
so-soThis was ok. It was what I needed at that specific moment — something light, simple, a sort of fluffy fantasy romance (though I honestly think it could have been a bit more salacious) — but the writing is really blah, which is a pity because the world building has some interesting elements. In more skilled hands, this could be as big as ACOTAR.
After being on the road all day yesterday and running errands half the day today, I am exhausted and though I just unpacked a bunch of bookish goodies, I need a light, guilty-pleasure read. This seemed like it would fit the bill.
panI thought it was okay but I really don't think I would recommend this book to anyone, except if you like cheesy romance and add another book to your reading challenge.
I enjoyed a cheesy romance from time to time. They made me laughed and I thought they were good for one an other but don't expect to explore a world or to see world building. The story felt flat.
pick💜💜💜💜 Forced marriage of convenience between different species. The relationship development is lovely & there are some great secondary characters. I liked the fantasy elements as well. The ending was pretty abrupt & I would have liked it better if the ending had been better handled. #romantsy
Chandler‘s first romantasy! Or romance in general. I maintain that if I couldn‘t also call it fantasy that I‘d never have read it. I was worried about the romance requirement for Read Harder, but I think I‘ll be okay now.
pick"Woman of day, you waited for me"
"Prince of night, you've come back to me-your head intact"
"I promised I'd try"
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This book is a hidden gem, and still my favorite read of 2017.
A strong, fierce and respectful female lead, & a compassionate, well grounded and respectful male lead, well, this book warmed my heart.
Their friendship/relationship, although arranged & bizarre, with both their witty/playful banter, it flourished in such a beautiful way
She is human and b/c she has whites around her eyes he says she looks like a horse- with how the eyes roll about. He is gray-skinned, eyes that glow (w/o rolling about), claws, sharp teeth and can see better in the dark aka a "wolf."
What they both are, however, are big ole marshmallows.
pickThis was a Goodreads rec by an author I like so I took a shot on it. I honestly can't remember if it's YA or not, but it def fantasy! 🦄 Basically a political marriage between two adorable people from different species and how they adjust to the physical oddness of the other. That being said that is their only major hurtle to cross in terms of conflict with each other. It's just shy on 300 pages, so it's quite short. But a fairly solid 1st book.
pickpickI re-read this book today because I am waiting for a hold at the virtual library. I really like this book because of the well drawn out characters and the submersion into another world. I will be reading the sequel next again as I continue to wait for the next Jojo Mayes book from the library.
pickI loved the premise of the story. Two totally opposite people see past their physical and cultural differences and find love. The story is slow building with a cliffhanger at the end but I would read the next book in the series just to see what happens. Dravens' world building is very detailed and provides a great backdrop for this Beauty and the Beast-esque story
Had this in my TBR list for a while. I've heard a lot of positive things about Grace Draven but this is the first book I've read by her. Let's see if she lives up to the hype 🤓
pickAn obscure jewel find. That type of book that you read slowly, not wanting to finish it immediately, savoring each scene to the last page, and makes you long for more. 🤓
I couldn't resist starting this one. Enjoyable so far. Effectively makes me find human eyeballs weird.
I found a new author to follow! I loved, loved, loved this book. I can't wait to read the rest of her books.
pickI am a huge fan of Grace Draven's work. Radiance is my favorite book she has written , so far. It's a Beauty and the Beast Retelling. The story has adventure, love, humor and wholehearted friendship.
pickRead this for Felicia Day's Vaginal Fantasy online book club. I was surprised that I loved it. Audio version was great too. Book 2 just came out - it was an auto buy for me!
I adored this book and the second in The Wraith Kings series, Eidolon, is achingly delicious!
