A Fire Endless: A Book Review

A Fire Endless is a mystical, lyrical conclusion to this wonderful fantasy duology! I've come to love these characters with my whole heart. Their journeys have been heartwarming, and they've really grown through both of these books. 

The world/setting in these books is phenomenal and one that I will remember for a long time. It really makes me feel like I'm living on a Scottish island with them, full of magic and wonder and danger. I loved exploring more of the magic and spirits in this sequel. 

One thing to know about this duology is that it's slow, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. It takes its time with the world, characters, and the political plot. It took some time and patience for me to immerse myself in the story, but it was worth it. This duology reads like a fairytale and completely transports you to its world. I will definitely be recommending this in the future!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Avon & Harper Voyager, for the review copy!

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, death, poisoning, 2 brief open door scenes

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Begin Again: A Book Review

This book hit me in all the feels! It is the perfect college coming-of-age story with some tender themes I definitely related to from my college experience. Andie goes to college with a detailed, solid plan of what she wants to do through college and beyond, but plans often change, especially as she discovers new things about herself. (This was exactly me in college.) 

This book also has wonderful friendship growth, family connection, learning how to navigate the academic curve, and a slow-burn adorable romance. The book is relatable in so many ways. I would say it focuses more on Andie's personal journey than romance, but it's still a lovely read that you won't want to put down.

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

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the ARC.

Trigger/Content Warnings: cheating, parent cancer death (off page), parent car wreck death (off page), parent abandonment, kissing

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Maine Attraction: A Book Review

The premise was cute for this book, and I loved how many similarities there were to the movie The Proposal, including a wedding weekend, fake dating, and hate to love. The plot held my attention, and I found myself rooting for the romance. There were some things that took me out of the story though: info dumping, way too many side characters (Ramsey's family was just too big), questionable character choices that didn't make sense to me, cringy writing at times, and a third act that fell flat. However, most of these things I could look over and still enjoy the story. 

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

Thank you, Equality Book Tours and Morgan Gauthier, for the review copy!

Trigger/Content Warnings: one fade to black

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night: A Book Review

The info dumping during the first half of this book killed the mood for me. There was so much history thrown at you, and tons of paragraphs explaining the world, the magic, and the current political climate. It was just too much. It distracted from the characters for me, and I couldn't bring myself to sort through all the information. To be honest, I spent a lot of my time skimming. 

However, this story is unique. It explores some cool ideas with differing magic systems that war against each other. The second half of the book has quite a bit of action too. I can definitely see how lots of people would enjoy this book and spend the time learning about the world and magic. But unfortunately, it didn't click with me. 

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

Thank you, Harper Voyager and NetGalley, for the ARC.

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, death, kidnapping, kisses

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Heart of the Sun Warrior: A Book Review

How do I find the words to convey the beauty and magnificence of this series? This series completely touched my heart and fully surprised me. I haven't read anything like it before! The pacing is fast and tense, the characters have incredible growth throughout, and the writing is perfection in every way. 

Heart of the Sun Warrior did not disappoint. It is a worthy sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess, taking the story to new heights. There are greater consequences and plot twists that create lots of tension. The love triangle is so expertly explored in this book as well; I didn't know which way I was leaning for most of the book. But I think my favorite part was the character growth. Each character had their own things to learn: forgiveness, strength, respect, bravery, overcoming grief, unconditional love. I marked so many passages of life lessons to learn from this book. 

Without a doubt, this is my favorite fantasy series and one I will return to again. PLEASE read this series! Especially if you love Chinese folklore, dragons, hidden identity, well-done love triangles, enchantments, strong family bonds, monster battles, and exquisite writing. 

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

Thank you, Harper Voyager and NetGalley, for the ARC.

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, death, kidnapping, kisses

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

A Guide to Just Being Friends: A Book Review

Oh dear. This book was a huge flop for me. Before I go on to list all the things I disliked, I will say that this book had some cute moments, and I liked the unique idea of a salad shop. The end. 

As for the things I couldn't get behind:

- So incredibly boring. Almost all of it felt like day-to-day activities and business conversations that should have been left off page. 

- Zero tension with the romance until about 80%. Seriously. They met, they became friends, and literally nothing was keeping them apart except for their idiocy. 

- Both main characters annoyed me so much. Hailey felt so selfish and prideful to me when she refused all of Wes's gifts, saying he wasn't trying hard enough to "know" what kind of gifts she'd want instead. And Wes was just super vanilla and annoyingly resistant to anything more than friends with benefits. 

- Way too many side characters, and too much focus on them. It felt like the author was trying to make this book into an epilogue for the characters from the previous two books. 

Okay, this list is getting rather long, so I'm going to stop now. Suffice it to say, I did not enjoy this book. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 2
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Trigger/Content Warnings: fade to black, divorced parents

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Call of the Sea: A Book Review

I liked this book! I love how the story is based on true events and that Sian Ann Bessey put her own spin on it. It's a thrilling murder-mystery type of story with lots of secrets to uncover. It kept my attention pretty easily, and the pacing felt steady and strong. 

Lief isn't an ordinary Viking with his openness to Christianity and disdain for raids, so that came as a surprise to me. It set up the perfect opportunity for an enemies-to-lovers romance with a Cymry girl. However, the romance was very much a subplot. I would have liked more romantic moments between them and more relationship growth shown. The book is labeled as a romance, but the murder-mystery plot was clearly the focus. 

All in all, I think the historical aspect of this book is its strength, but I would have appreciated more Viking grittiness and more romance. But I was still entertained by the story!

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

Thank you, Covenant Communications and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, murder, kidnapping, kisses only

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Poison Season: A Book Review

This book has so many great elements to it: a magical but greedy forest, a sweet enemies-to-lovers romance, tons of town secrets and plot twists, and cult vibes. I was entertained the whole way through, and I really liked Leelo as a character. She's not the strongest or the most headstrong, but she has her own quiet strength in kindness and empathy. She stands out from her town by questioning what everyone tells her to believe, and she has a strong inner voice that helps her stay true to herself and what she thinks is right. I enjoyed her growth through the book. Jaren is also a kind and understanding character, and while I didn't feel as connected to him, I enjoyed his relationship with Leelo. 

The plot is another strong element to this book! It felt very similar to Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young, but with strong YA themes instead. I liked finding out more about the island and its people's secrets as the story went on. And the ending had me flipping pages as fast as I could! I felt invested not only in Leelo and Jaren's story but the story of the island as well. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

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

Thank you, Inkyard Press and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: death by drowning/poisoning, other deaths recounted, injury, cult mentality, kissing

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Empire of Exiles: A Book Review

This book started off not super great. The writing felt unnatural and confusing, the world building was complicated, and there was tons of info dumping. Lots of characters introduced right at the beginning too. Basically, I was expecting to DNF this by 100 pages. 

But then the murder mystery plot began, and I was somewhat intrigued. I was able to settle into the characters' points of view and suspend my confusion about the magic system and world. And then, basically nothing happened for 200 pages. It was such a SLOW mystery with nothing happening to ramp up the tension. When I read fantasy, I expect there to be some action. But the action didn't come until the last 100 pages with the climax. 

I will say that the climax was good. It had some plot twists and hidden identities. It clarified a few things. But after the ending, I was left with an underwhelming feeling of meh. I don't really care about the characters. I still have so many questions about the magic and the world and the history. (And also I was very confused why two of the characters had either tentacles and horns and no one else did. Did I miss an explanation of a different race?) Anyways, this just wasn't my thing.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 2
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, suicide, kidnapping, poisoning

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Faking Christmas: A Book Review

This book put me in such a holiday mood! It had everything I love in a holiday book: sledding, a snow fight, decorating gingerbread houses, Christmas movies, mistletoe, and just the Christmas spirit in general. The romance was really adorable too. I don't think I've ever read a grump/sunshine trope where the girl is the grump and the guy was the sunshine, but I enjoyed it! Miles is such a happy, funny, lovable character. I will say that Olive stayed a grump a little too long for me. I would have enjoyed it more if she would've admitted her feelings sooner. 

I love how this book dealt with trauma related to loved ones' deaths and a parent remarrying. There were some deeper themes explored through their relationship, so it wasn't all holiday fun and games. This is a fantastic book to add to your Christmas TBR!

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

Thank you, Cindy Steel, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones through cancer and skiing accident, kisses

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss: A Book Review

Okay, I loved this. This book is the perfect example of how to tell a romance with the single-parent trope. Perry has such an amazing character arc of the ups and downs of dating a single mom and wondering if he's good enough. He is so heartfelt and serious and swoony. I loved seeing Perry and Lila's romance develop through working together, fake dating, one-bed trope, and all the adorable kissing. They really are a power couple who communicate well.

I will say that the romance starts a little slow, but it's absolutely worth the wait. The third act was absolutely perfect all the way through with no annoying plot devices that we all hate (looking at you, miscommunication). I was seriously smiling and tearing up at the end. And did I mention that this book has a curvy-girl rep? LOVE.

You definitely need to read this book. It's adorable, lighthearted, and meaningful.

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

Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of spouse, divorce, kisses

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

A Wilderness of Stars: A Book Review

This book started off a bit slow for me, but that ending went wild and quick and absolutely NOT what I was expecting. Like, at all. And I'm still not sure how I feel about it. 

I thought the plot and concept for this book was super fascinating and unique. I liked the traveling aspect, and it was tense with people chasing after them. The romance was developed well too. However, I could not stop focusing on all the stupid decisions the MC made. (Like when people kept seeing her neck tattoo. Can't she tie a scarf around her neck or something?? It killed me.) She was the cause of so much conflict in the plot. I also disliked the extremely long chapters—I think that's why I thought the book was slow even though they are traveling fairly fast.

All in all, this was quite entertaining though a little annoying at times. And Shea Ernshaw took a huge risk with that ending. I'm interested to read other reviews to see what people think. Like, there has to be a book two, right?

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

Thank you, Simon and Schuster and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: parental death, murder/death, cult behavior, kidnapping

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Luminaries: A Book Review

Okay, I wasn't sure what to think about this book at the beginning, but it grew on me! I don't have a super great love for paranormal, but this got me in the mood for fall, and it had some great spooky vibes. It's got a haunted forest with vampira, kelpies, basilisks, a werewolf, and all sorts of other creatures. It's got clans of monster hunters intent on protecting the outside world from these nightmares. It's got a girl who wants nothing more than to be a hunter, even if she has to lie to do it. 

I was a bit worried about the entire plot being based on Winnie's lie and whether she could keep lying. But honestly, it didn't bother me too much, and it doesn't dwell on the lie too much. I liked the friends-to-enemies-to-almost-lovers vibes between Winnie and Jay (there better be kissing in the next book). I loved the dark forest vibes with nightmares and the small town full of monster hunters. And that ending had a twist that makes me excited for the next book!

All in all, I think this book will find a solid home with those who love paranormal thrillers. It's well-written and well thought out! And I love how the idea for this story came from Susan Dennard doing a choose-your-own-adventure for six months on Twitter. The book community is amazing.

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

Thank you, Tor Teen and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: parent abandonment, monster fights, gory and frightening images (dm me for details)

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Dragon's Promise: A Book Review

Elizabeth Lim weaves such enchanting Chinese fairytale stories, and this duology was no different! I loved Six Crimson Cranes so much, and I was excited to pick up The Dragon's Promise. While I did overall like this sequel, it didn't quite live up to my expectations (similar with Unravel the Dusk, the sequel to Spin the Dawn). 

I think my biggest issue with this book is that the plot felt like several tangents strung together. It just didn't feel cohesive to me, and I didn't see a ton of character development because of it. I also got really annoyed with Kiki—her dialogue was immature, her mistakes drastic, and her help too convenient. Also, where was the romance in this book?? And that ending. I don't get it. 

That all being said, I still liked this book. It has some cool underwater scenes and some great parallelism to the first book. The writing is magical, and I love Shiori's relationship with her brothers. But at this point, I'm realizing I have more negative things to say than positive, and it hurts my heart to rate it 3 stars. I really did enjoy reading it, but it was a bit of a let down.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Knopf Books and NetGalley, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Finding Gene Kelly: A Book Review

I’m going to preface this by saying I’m not sure I’m the right audience for this book. It’s HEAVY on the endometriosis rep, so much so that it takes up the plot, character development, romance development, and basically every other aspect of the story. As someone who is lucky enough to have never dealt with endo, I found the endo rep to be a bit overwhelming. (But that’s probably the point because from what I can tell, endo is pretty overwhelming and inescapable.)

Basically, I’m having a hard time reviewing this. If you like the guy-taking-care-of-the-sick-girl trope, then you’ll definitely want to read this one. Cause that’s at least 50% of this romance. If constant mentions of pain and bodily functions bothers you in romance, then maybe skip this. 

I had a few other issues about this book. I couldn’t really connect with Evie very much. She actually annoyed me for a lot of the book. I also had issue with how the toxic-mom issue resolved, and I found the constant punning to be a bit too annoying for me. And the third-act breakup was extremely predictable.

Overall, it was a cute enemies-to-lovers romance. And I think it will connect with readers who have endo. I just don't think it was for me.

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

Thank you, Torie Jean, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: endometriosis, chronic pain, toxic mom, swearing, makeouts, one brief open door(ish)

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

One Dark Window: A Book Review

Wow, this book just got better and better as it went along! It really is perfect for fans of For the Wolf, Legendary, and Uprooted. It had all the dark magic vibes with a broken kingdom, magic cards, secrets, a race to save the world. AND it has the most incredible slow-burn romance ever with a man who reminded me of Mr. Darcy. Every small touch or small smile from him made me SWOON. 

Another thing I love about this book is Elspeth. I love the dynamic of her having a Nightmare in her head, talking to her, protecting her, and slowly taking over her. She is the perfect character for this story: secretive, determined, and tough-as-nails even through her fear. 

I can't wait to read the sequel because THAT ENDING was a cliffhanger. So be warned. But I really, really enjoyed this. It has lovely, atmospheric writing that transports you into the world, and it has a complex magic system with its own lore. I highly recommend to my dark adult-fantasy lovers!

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

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: possession, violence, one open door scene, swearing

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (Young Readers Adaptation): A Book Review

I’m having a hard time rating this book. The information provided deserves five stars. But the execution as a book for “young readers” is three stars. I found the beginning of the book fascinating and captivating, and then it slowly tapered off into politics and laws and movements. Not that this is bad at all, but I don’t think many young readers would make it all the way through this book. It's honestly quite boring. The audience is clearly for adults still, which is a shame.

This book also tried to be too many things at once: history textbook, journalism, and memoir. It’s jumbled all together, and I had a hard time understanding how the memoir bits fit into the rest. The stories just didn’t engage me.

Treuer’s goal, as he states, is to paint a less tragic picture of Native life in America, which I’m not sure he achieved. I think he did a great job at going through the detailed history, but he still focused on tragedy. I think sharing less politics and more stories of intimate Native American lives could have helped (and would have connected more with young readers).

All in all, I wanted more story and more emotion for a young readers adaptation. Instead I got a history textbook with bits of memoir and journalism thrown in. This book wasn’t horrible by any means, but I think my expectations were a little too high.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Content: 5
Inspiration/Value: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Penguin Teen and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: (all of these are noted, but usually not in great detail) war violence, racism, genocide, abuse, substance abuse, rape, murder

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove: A Book Review

I really enjoyed reading this book! I loved the ancient Indian world with a focus on spiritual energy as magic, and I loved all the politics driving the plot. I've discovered that I LOVE politics in my fantasy books, especially when they move the plot along quickly. This story had so many twists and turns; it truly was a joy to read! 

There is also the cutest romance, but be warned—it is a SLOW burn. But the payoff is totally worth it. I loved the character development too. Katyani makes huge strides in her growth, and she is a great character to follow through the story. I also loved the inclusion of Indian myth monsters and creatures.

I do wish that the spiritual energy/magic part was developed a bit more, and I wish the romance wasn't as much of a slow burn. But honestly, this was a solid YA fantasy that I enjoyed. I would definitely recommend if you liked The Tiger at Midnight, Poppy War, and Daughter of the Moon Goddess. 

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

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, torture, monster attacks, war violence

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Bluff: A Book Review

The Bluff is my second Emma St. Clair book, and idk. I don't think her writing is for me? But I say that hesitatingly because I can imagine liking her writing if I'm in the mood for a silly, fluffy romcom, which apparently I wasn't in the mood for this week. But anyways. Her silly metaphors drive me insane, and I'm kinda getting annoyed of the Graham family and how mushy they are. I need some grit in my romance, so this all just felt too fluffy for me. 

I did like the character growth of both James and Winnie. I just didn't like how it didn't happen together in their relationship. The third-act break up was a bit dumb too, and I kept getting frustrated with James and how he handles things throughout the book. I liked the grump/sunshine trope, but James was too much of a grump with little-to-no redeeming qualities. 

That being said, the plot was entertaining, and I did feel like James and Winnie had great chemistry. I didn't hate this book—I just felt annoyed while being entertained at the same time. Is that possible? I still plan to read more Emma St. Clair books to give her another try. Hopefully my mood will be more forgiving next time!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 2
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Emma St. Clair and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Bodyguard: A Book Review

This book was unlike any other romance I've read before! It was cute, funny, and unexpected. 

What I loved:

– Texas ranch backdrop

– Female bodyguard protecting a famous & swoony actor

– Fake dating

– Slow-burn, adorable romance that was closed door

What I didn't love:

– Author's choice to have the MC speak directly to the reader like a conversation (it pulled me out of the story)

– MC's tendency to complain about her job ten pages after saying how much she loves her job

– Some plot points threw me for a loop, like the book was trying too hard to be silly in a serious situation

Overall, I thought it was a fun and enjoyable read. It did toe the line of being too much for me at first—too much complaining, too much silliness, too much awkward speaking to the reader, but the cute romance made up for it. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: stalker, car accident death, gun violence threat, suicide threat

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Coven: A Book Review

I love the idea of graphic novels, but I'm always disappointed with the execution. IDK if I'm just not finding the right ones or this genre just doesn't vibe with me. Either way, I didn't love this one. 

My biggest issue was the pacing. It was so slow and had tons of talking scenes. I would've loved to see more magic and action scenes, especially from a graphic novel. I also didn't really see a lot of character growth. The MC just did what her new teenage friends told her to do. And I also wish the world was expanded a bit more. It's a fascinating concept with secret covens of witches who have different powers, but it still felt lackluster. Alas, this one wasn't for me. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2

Thank you, Penguin Teen and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Content/Trigger Warnings: death and injury due to magic

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Would You Rather: A Book Review

FREAKIN LOVE MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE. If you do too, then you NEED to read this book. Good glory, it was perfect. It had all the feels, all the romantic tension, and all the wonderful couples communication. I'm a sucker for the trope where the guy loves the girl since the beginning, and Noah's cute words and actions for Mia melted me.

Some reviews mentioned that they felt frustrated with Mia's thoughts about not deserving love/marriage because of her chronic illness. However to me, I related to that part and thought her feelings about it (though flawed) made sense. Her character growth was incredibly strong, and Noah's was too. Them growing together and separately is the core strength of this romance!

Definitely pick this one up. So many sweet and tender moments. It deserves all the stars.

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

Thank you, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: chronic illness, transplant, car accident death (off page), brief open door(ish)

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Long Story Short: A Book Review

I'm not usually drawn towards YA summer camp books, but wow, this one is WORTH THE READ. It exceeded all expectations. I absolutely loved Beatrice, the MC. I definitely related to her social awkwardness, but I loved her dedication to trying new things and her ability to stand up for herself. I loved her story of finding out who she is and accepting that she can change and still be herself. And I loved her interactions with her two new friends, especially Mia. Their friendship is so wholesome and heartwarming. 

AND DON'T FORGET THE ADORABLE ROMANCE. The loathe to lovers was absolute perfection with all the teenage angst and crushes. I loved that Nik had some Mr. Darcy-inspired traits. And the Shakespeare camp backdrop was perfect for developing the romance! 

Don't miss this one! I devoured this in one day, staying up late to finish it. It's delightful, and the perfect summer read with lighthearted friendship, an angsty romance, and a heartwarming message. 

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

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

How to Kiss Your Best Friend: A Book Review

I'm surprised how much I loved this book. It's a FANTASTIC friends-to-lovers with a swoony, muscley, kind guy and an adventurous, independent girl who struggles to figure out what she wants. There's lots of tension, some adorable moments between them, and lots of character growth for Kate. I honestly related to this book a lot (I totally knew a "Brody" and a "Kate" in high school/college who had the same relationship dynamic), so I think that's why I enjoyed this so much. 

This is a quick, sweet romance that will keep you reading. It's a wonderful addition to the friends-to-lovers romance books out there!

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

Thank you, Jenny Proctor and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Language: none

Violence: none

Romance: kisses

Content/Trigger Warnings: divorced parents, mention of cheating, brief accidental nudity

Unlikely Match: A Book Review

I was prepared for this book to wreck me. A transplant romance? Yeah, I was ready to cry. But I didn't expect it to be so heartwarming and funny at parts. So definitely read this if you love

- workplace rivals to lovers

- medical stuff/transplant process

- funny banter

- gay best friend who is the BEST

- start-up business culture

- grumpy + sunshine

This book was such a delight to read. I do wish there was a tad more romance, and the pacing felt slow for the last 30% of the book, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story and even tearing up. Definitely add this book to your TBR!

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

Thank you, Laura Bradbury and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger Warnings: chronic health illness, transplant, hospital scenes, foster system

Content Warnings: swearing, one open door and one fade-to-black scene

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!