Broken Souls and Bones: A Book Review

A Viking romantasy? Say no more. I love romance, I love Vikings, and I enjoyed LJ Andrews' Ever King series, so I admittedly had some higher expectations for this one. And while I was overall entertained, I don't think this book was memorable or unique in comparison other romantasies. I think I've read this story several different times in different books, and the characters felt cookie cutter. The magic system was cool, but I don't feel like I have a good grasp on it. A lot of things confused me, and I couldn't bother myself with trying to figure out the details. 

I will say that I enjoyed the forbidden romance aspect, and the last couple chapters had me reeling with all the reveals. I think for these reasons I'll pick up the second book to see where the story goes.

Writing: 4
Plot: 3
Characters: 3

Setting: 3

Personal Enjoyment: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Berkley, for the arc!

Content: several open door

The Knight and the Moth: A Book Review

I always know Rachel Gillig's books are going to DELIVER when it comes to beautiful writing and stunning atmospheric vibes. I was swept in right away with the drowning, dreaming, secrets, and a knight love interest. There's so much to explore in the plot and characters and setting, and Rachel Gillig always does an amazing job with letting it unfold naturally and with a lot of tension. 

I love a story that has the main character learning more about herself and unearthing secrets and lies. Her character journey feels so heartfelt, and I also love how her relationship with the knight develops. And the gargoyle?? He's my favorite character of the whole thing. I loved his humor, accidental wisdom, and constant loyalty.

The ending was a little predictable for me (and maybe even too easy?) but I still very much enjoyed reading. I'm completely captivated on where the story is going. I can't wait to read the next book!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Orbit, for the arc!

Content: one open door

A Letter from the Lonesome Shore: A Book Review

I'm convinced there's no other story or world like the one in this Sunken Archive duology. It's so incredibly unique, and it piqued my imagination every time I sat down to read. The epistolary format also lends itself to the uniqueness, and Sylvie Cathrall does a magnificent job relaying information and tension through something as disjointed as letter writing. Her writing is enchanting, and I will be reading everything she publishes just for the pure imaginative joy of it. 

This book has a lot of secrets and world building to explain, and it eventually gets the job done. The first half is a little slow, focusing on the relationship of E. and Henerey the most. I felt like the dialogue got really clunky and pompous here, which drew me out of the story. But the second half really picked up and I was stunned at all the reveals.

I had no idea what direction this book would take, but I truly enjoyed the ride. The ending was a perfect blend of heartwarming and speculation, which is my favorite. I'll be thinking about the world building and the ending for a long time. Both are masterfully conceived and unlike anything I've ever read. Another win for cozy-fantasy lovers!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Orbit, for the arc!

Content: kisses

Wild Reverence: A Book Review

Another magical book from Rebecca Ross! Her writing is, of course, lyrical and stunning, with every sentence its own masterpiece. I love to savor her books because the writing and story deserve to be admired and fully taken in. Reading slowly worked well for this book too, because there's a lot of details to remember and absorb. 

All elements in this book are perfection. The world and magic are stunningly detailed and vivid. The story feels reminiscent of a mythical fairytale. I loved the subtle ties to the Divine Rivals book. And I especially loved Matilda and Vincent as characters. Their love story is one for the ages. 

However, it did feel slow at parts. For most of it, I felt that it was missing tension and urgency. I just wasn’t super drawn to pick it up, and it was easy to put down. But still loved it when I did read, and I still think this book is very worthy of five stars!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Saturday Books, for the arc!

Content: 2-3 vague open door

A Dance of Lies: A Book Review

I loved this one!! I loved the dancing with chronic pain aspects, which really made me want to root for the main character, Vasalie. I also loved the secret spying and all the tension that comes with that. There's a lot of fantastic character growth too, with Vasalie questioning everything she wants and needs, and how those aligns with her personal morals and loyalty. I also think the politics and world building were so detailed and fit well with the story. And oh my goodness, THAT ENDING? I need book two asap. 

There were some minor annoyances for me in this book, mainly with the info dumping, a middle that dragged a little, and some small frustrating moments with Vasalie. But overall, I enjoyed this book so much (especially the last 30%), that it deserves all the stars!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4.5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Del Rey, for the arc!

Content: kissing

Code Word Romance: A Book Review

This cute, suspenseful romance was highly entertaining! I enjoyed the decoy and bodyguard romance plot because it added a lot of tension that felt different than other regular romcoms. There's lots of humor mixed in with the tension too, making it easily bingeable. And the Italian setting brings an extra layer of interest.

However, the main character was a bit too silly for me sometimes, drawing me out of the story long enough for me to roll my eyes. There were also random subplot aspects and characters that didn’t make a ton of sense for the story. (Like, what is up with her weird roommate?)

Overall, I'd say don't expect a lot from this romance. But if you're looking for something fun, quick, and easy to read, this is a good pick!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 3
Overall: 4

Thank you, Berkley, for the arc!

Content: 2 vague open door scenes

Promise Me Sunshine: A Book Review

Wow, I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did. Cara Bastone strikes the perfect balance in romance for me: there's humor and romcom vibes, but also deeply personal growth with both heavy and heartwarming moments. I love a romance that can make me laugh and cry in the same chapter.

The main character in this book is unique, quirky, and funny, but also emotionally intelligent and aware. I loved her journey through grief with Miles’s help. I think their relationship developed realistically with not instantly falling for each other, but instead relying on each other through their friendship and becoming closer and closer. We don't all need (or have resources for) a therapist to help us through grief. Sometimes the most important, impactful people in our lives are friends and loved ones. This book is truly a new favorite for me because it felt so meaningful and realistic. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Random House, for the arc!

Content: open door (one detailed and the rest vague)