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)

Rebel Witch: A Book Review

This is such a great continuation of the series! I really enjoyed the politics of the two enemy sides fighting for power, with Rune and Gideon caught in the middle of it. It had great tension, and I was entertained all the way through. 

I loved seeing Rune and Gideon's relationship grow too. They both have some great character growth separately that helps them become closer together. However, they stayed enemies for a little too long in this book for me. I wanted them to trust each other a lot sooner than they did. 

Overall, this is such a great, witchy duology. I'm so glad I read it! I think so many people will love this conclusion.

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

Thank you, Wednesday Books, for the arc!

Content: one open door scene

Immortal: A Book Review

Sue Lynn Tan's writing is utterly enchanting and rich—perfect for tales based on mythology and lore. I love being immersed in her fairytale worlds because they always feel fast paced to me, but have deep introspection from the characters and unique love stories. Immortal is no different! I loved the twists and turns in the plot that make the story feel original and fresh. I also loved the romance. The love story was not what I was expecting at all. I was completely swept away.

I will say that Sue Lynn Tan's writing style may make you feel a bit removed from the characters. I feel like her writing has the same vibes as the Grimm brothers, or other classic fairytales or myths. I think that's maybe why her books can be a miss for some people. But for me, her writing feels nostalgic. I loved reading old fairytales and myths as a kid, and Immortal gave me that same nostalgic feeling but with her own spin on it (and more romance!). 

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

Thank you, Harper Voyager, for the arc!

Content Warnings: fade to black

A Heart Devoted: A Book Review

I absolutely loved spending more time with my lovelies Tristian and Isolde, even if I was stressed and angry at what they had to go through. Can't they just live in perfect peace and happiness for the rest of their lives?! (I know, I know. That's not how life works.) Nichole Van is a master in making you feel all the emotions with everything she writes. 

The second half of this book truly shines. I love how everything turned out, and I never saw the plot twist coming. This book made me love Tristian and Isolde even more, if that was possible. It's such a beautiful story continuation.

I will say that I wondered if A Heart Sufficient needed a sequel. Tristian and Isolde's story wraps up perfectly in that book, and I love leaving that ending where it's at. However, A Heart Devoted was nice to just spend time with characters I love and see them overcame challenges in their new life.

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

Thank you, Nichole Van, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fade to black

Joyful Colorwork Socks: A Book Review

Now THIS is a knitting book that makes me smile. Every pattern is utterly unique, well thought out, and niche. There is a pattern for every single knitter in here! The patterns are organized by section: pets, garden, less-popular holidays, parties, and hobbies (think chess, camping, fashion, etc.). The colorwork charts are very clear and easy to follow, and you rarely have to catch floats! Every pattern looks lovely, interesting, and entertaining to knit.

I also love this book because Charlotte has whole sections on catching floats, yarn and color combos, how to beat second sock syndrome, and how to design your very own colorwork socks! Her wealth of knowledge is so valuable to those of us who love beautiful and interesting socks. 

I knit the Birthday Cupcake socks from this book, and I loved the process so much. The colorwork was addicting and looks stunning. I can't wait to make more patterns from this book!

Thank you, Page Street, for the review copy!

We Redeemed the Rain: A Book Review

Ashely Dill is a MASTER at writing emotional, deep romances, which are my absolute favorite kind of romances to read. I love when characters come together to heal their trauma and become better people both individually and together. And I love when their love helps them view the world differently. It's so inspiring and heartwarming to read. This book has all of that, and it deeply touched my heart.

Love is patient and kind, and that's exactly the kind of romance that develops in this book. The characters are incredibly mature through very difficult times. But this romance also has a lightheartedness to it that had me snort-laughing at some parts. The beautiful love story will take you on a journey through all the emotions.

The cowboy vibes are PERFECT in this book too, and the writing is, of course, phenomenal. I was swept away and couldn't put it down! Highly recommend this beautiful romance. 

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

Thank you, Ashely Dill, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: child sexual assault, child abuse, PTSD, side character with chronic health issues, suicide attempt

A Sea of Unspoken Things: A Book Review

Okay, I read that in almost one sitting! I was so drawn in with the murder mystery, the mysterious and claustrophobic forest town, and all the secrets the characters kept. Adrienne Young’s writing never fails to captivate me, even when the plot is a bit slower. She really focuses on the atmosphere and the tension of secrets in this book, so don’t expect a lot of action or dialogue or focus on the romance. But nevertheless, it took me on a JOURNEY, and I couldn’t look away. Another win from Adrienne Young!

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

Thank you, Ballantine, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fade to black, swearing, murder

The Fury of the Gods: A Book Review

The Viking vibes are perfection in this book. I felt very immersed in the world with the language and accuracy. And it felt good to spend time with the characters again! They have gone through so much in this series, so it was satisfying to see their endings and how they all work together.

However, the plot felt too slow. There wasn't enough tension overall in the first half, and I think it's because we have to wait for all the POVs to get in position for the final battle. I wanted more action leading up to that point. And I did get overwhelmed by the big paragraphs of fighting descriptions. I couldn't easily follow along with the action.

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

Thank you, Orbit, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fighting violence and death, gore, torture, fade to black

Fledgling: A Book Review

The futuristic dystopian world was so interesting. I felt immersed in the world once I understood all the politics and futuristic technology.

I also loved all the POVs. There wasn't a single POV that I had to trudge through. Each character had so much going on for them, and I LOVE when there's a villain POV.

The plot was engaging and tense! Once I picked it up, I had a hard time putting it down. The story sets up for an interesting sequel.

However, I did have some dislikes. The writing had some distracting quirks in its style as well as grammar, and one sentence near the end ruined my whole mood with the story. I'm still angry about what happened in that sentence, and don't understand why it had to happen. What was the point?

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

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: one fade to black, violence and murder, torture

Heir: A Book Review

What a joy to be back in this world from Sabaa Tahir! The magic, politics, and cultures in this world are so expansive and interesting, so I'm pleased she is exploring more of this world with new and old characters.

It really warmed my heart to see characters from An Ember in the Ashes series again. There was a good balance in how much we see them and how they influence events, but they also took a backseat so the new generation could take the spotlight. All the new POVs were interesting, and I love seeing them meet up through the story.

The plot is tense, there's some great character growth, and of course there's a cliffhanger at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it whenever I picked it up. However, I never felt fully sucked into it. I often forgot about the story when I put it down and never felt the urgency to see what happens next. (I'm not sure if this is the fault of my weird reading mood or the book.) But I'm still looking forward to the sequel!

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

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: one vague open door, graphic violence and murder (including children), abuse, torture, sexual assault (vague on-page), genocide

Once Upon a Boy Band: A Book Review

Nobody writes celebrity romances like Jenny Proctor. She really spends the time to understand what a celebrity's perspective could look like, and how hard living with fame can be. It adds so much tension and originality to a romance. Celebrity romances are quickly becoming my favorite because of Jenny Proctor!

Laney and Adam are wonderful characters to spend time with. Their relationship grows organically, and I love their communication and support of each other. Every scene with the two of them is really sweet, and I love seeing them grow together through overcoming their own issues and relationship issues too. 

My one critique is I wanted more justice for a "bad guy" in the end. It seemed like everything was solved really quickly and easily, and I wanted more push and pull to have closure and be satisfied with the ending. But otherwise, this book was really cute and another win for Jenny Proctor!

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

Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: past parent death from cancer, kisses

So True a Love: A Book Review

Right away, I was entertained and captivated by the suspense with the robbery! I love that Verity is fearless and determined to solve it. And I love Verity and Nathaniel's banter and friendship as they work both in competition and together to solve the mystery. Their relationship unfolds naturally and beautifully, and I loved the quiet moments they shared together.

Overall, the plot is quick and engaging, and there's some great character growth in the main characters overcoming their pasts to deal with the present. It's a perfect, quick regency read that feels unique and is memorable. 

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

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the arc!
Releases September 3, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: mild violence, kidnapping, kisses

A Monsoon Rising: A Book Review

Words are FAILING ME with how much I loved this sequel!!!! The Hurricane Wars was one of my favorite books last year, so I had pretty high expectations for A Monsoon Rising. And let me just say, this sequel hit every. single. mark. 

The romantic angst is still there, but there's so much of Alaric and Talasyn working together too. It made my heart MELT. They are constantly in a push and pull with each other, so there was always tension to keep me hooked. I loved them examining their past traumas with each other and tentatively trying to figure out their feelings as well as where their loyalties lie. It's a perfect mix for an engaging, romance-heavy plot.

Not to be outdone, thought, is the actual saving-the-world plot. The inevitable threat of the end of the world also ramps up the tension, so even though there's not a lot of action or fighting scenes, I still felt like I couldn't put this book down easily. And also . . . the PLOT TWISTS?? THAT CLIFFHANGER ENDING THAT WAS EVEN WORSE THAN HURRICANE WARS?!?!?!?!?!? I need the next book right now!!!!!!

This series has the potential to be in my top 3 favorites of all time. I love the emphasis on the romance, it has all the Kylo Ren and Zuko vibes with the MMC that my heart could want, and I am entertained and engaged the entire time while reading. I love these books with all my heart.

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

Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager, for the arc!
Releases Dec 10, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: parent abuse, fighting and violence, death, three open door scenes

Rebel Summer: A Book Review

A new, cute romance from Cindy Steel! I love the small island setting with everyone knowing everyone, the fun outdoor activities, and all the summer vibes. The characters themselves have depth too. Dax and Ivy each have some past trauma they haven't fully gotten over, and I love that Cindy Steel used this to bring the two of them together. Give me all the supportive, cute relationships! 

This book has a fun and unique plot too. It seemed a little too silly to me sometimes, but that may be the serious realist in me. But I won't deny that it held my attention. I think this book is the perfect beach read—not too serious, but something you can easily sit and enjoy.

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

Thank you, Cindy Steel, for the arc!
Releases July 31, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: parent manipulation, sibling abandonment, mild sexual assault, kisses