This Cursed Light: A Book Review

This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2023. And I think my expectations were way too high. 

First of all, the plot was too similar to This Vicious Grace. I wanted it to dive deeper and to get more epic and tense. It didn't feel tense to me at all. And once again, the villain is so removed from the story that there's no tension besides an impending deadline. I liked this plot in This Vicious Grace, but it felt too repetitive and lackluster in This Cursed Light. 

I also was disappointed with the romance. Alessa and Dante lost all their witty banter and their loyalty to each other. There was too much arguing for my tastes, and it felt like they were either mad at each other or lusting. I missed their old relationship! 

I also was annoyed with the dialogue in general. It felt immature, especially with all the innuendos. The dialogue felt young adult, but the innuendos felt out of place. I also didn't love the side characters as much, and their dialogue came off as too cheesy for me. 

In my opinion, I wished This Vicious Grace had been a standalone. There really is no need to continue their story with this sequel, and I think I'll pretend that this one doesn't exist. Maybe my expectations were just too high for this. I hope it finds readers who love it more than I did!

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

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

Release Date: December 5, 2023

Trigger/Content Warnings: a couple brief open door scenes, fighting violence and death, swearing

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

The One with the Kiss Cam: A Book Review

NEW ALL-TIME FAVORITE.

I sat down to read a quick chapter, and I ended up reading The One with the Kiss Cam in one sitting with a huge, stupid smile on my face. I loved every chapter, every word of this book. The meet-cute is adorable with two strangers getting caught on a kiss cam at a basketball game, and I love how the romance develops after that. The banter is TOP NOTCH. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing and squealing. Every word between Duke and Nora carries weight. I also love the depth to their characters, especially Nora. She has amazing character growth throughout the book, and I love how her relationship with Duke grows too. They have incredible chemistry.

I will reread this book at least once a year. It is heartwarming, funny, and literal perfection. I will be forcing everyone I love to read this. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5

Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Cindy Steel, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: toxic parent, parent abandonment, mild injury, kisses

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

Snowed In: A Book Review

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh was my favorite Christmas book last year, so I was SO excited to have Christian's story in Snowed In! I think Christmas family time sets up the perfect recipe for fake dating, and I love how Christian approaches it with Megan. I absolutely love their dynamic. The banter is fresh and hilarious, and I love their personalities and how they fit together. 

I think there is some good depth to this book too, with Christian's growth with his expectations for his life and his relationship with his dad, and Megan confronting her past and learning to stand up for herself. They both have strong individual growth that parallels nicely with their relationship growth. I'm so happy that there's no third-act breakup either. Their relationship is organic all the way through.

I'd recommend reading Holiday Romance before Snowed In, since there is significant page time and plot events surrounding Andrew and Molly from Holiday Romance. I loved seeing a lot more of them in this one, but I think people going in blind will either be annoyed or confused by how much page time they get. 

The title implies that the characters are "snowed in," and I was surprised that this plot point didn't happen for a looong time. At the same time, I think there was a good amount of time spent being snowed in, but I'm surprised that that's the title and the focus. Also, as a fellow knitter, the fact she made two colorwork sweaters, even with bulky yarn, in two days (even two weeks) is insanity. 

Overall, a fantastic Christmas romance! I'll be recommending this series for all my fellow romance lovers!

 Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5

Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

Thank you, NetGalley, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: recounted controlling relationship, mild physical fight, multiple open door (3 I think?)

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