Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book!

Note: I do love puzzles. I feel like that's important to note. The puzzles are were not super clear in the eArc, but I'm sure the physical book will be such a treat for you to follow along with the puzzles!

4/5

Description: Clayton's lived with the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers his entire life. He was left on the doorstep of their commune in a hatbox as an infant and the commune's creator, Phillipa (Pippa), took him in with open arms. However, Pippa passes away, but leaves one last puzzle for Clayton to solve: the mystery of where he came from. Clayton goes on to not only unravel his past, but gets an opportunity to explore a future he never thought he'd have.

All the goodies:
- The puzzles were SO cute and fit the story. They keep the story twisty and will also encourage you to solve the. mystery with Clayton.
- I really loved Clayton's character growth throughout this book.
- The ending left me EXTREMELY satisfied. One of the best stand-alone endings I think I've read in a while.
- The cast of characters you meet along the way are all marvelous and I did tear up over a few side storylines.

The loss of a star:
- I feel like the pacing was inconsistent. The beginning felt very slow, then the latter half felt too fast! 
- As I mentioned earlier, the formatting on the eArc just made it tough to read and I was taken out of it. There were also very random letters placed into some words that were not part of the puzzle, which again, I think was just an eArc issue but I'm not sure. I would highly recommend the physical version of this book, or I'm hoping the official eBook will fix their formatting.

Overall: If you like puzzles and character driven stories, this should be your next read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read and review The Reappearance of Rachel Price early.

4.5/5

Description: Bel (Annabel) Price has grown up in the shadow of her mother's strange disappearance. Why? Because she was with her mom when her mom disappeared. Bel was only 2, so she has no memory of what happened. 16 years later, Bel's dad agrees to let a documentary crew create a story about the disappearance. What nobody is expecting is for Rachel to come back. Where has Rachel been? How was she able to come back? Bel doesn't trust this woman who's been gone for 16 years and comes back without a clear explanation. Can Bel figure out what happened to Rachel, before something happens to Bel?

The good:
- The pacing was extremely well done. I did not want to put it down.
- The mystery and concept felt fresh. I could not predict a thing and having a documentary crew following the story was a great touch to the perspectives you get in this story.
- I appreciated Bel as a main character. You felt like you were right by her side the entire time.
- The cast of characters you meet are unique and everyone has a secret that you can't wait to uncover.

The loss of a half star:
- There is just one plot point where it felt wrapped up too fast? I just didn't understand the choice based on what we know about the character and I have lingering questions regarding this point, which I don't like to have with standalone. 

Overall, if you're looking for your next fast paced, YA mystery standalone, you MUST pick this up!

General Description: Cassie is in school for occupational therapy. However, Cassie recently lost her job and needs a new one to supplement school. She used to do Onlyfans, but that ended roughly for her. She finds a nanny job where luckily it works with her school schedule. Enter Aiden and Sophie. Aiden is a top chef and Sophie is his daughter. However, Aiden and Cassie realize they have a past. Can they overcome it without breaking their working relationship?

The good:
- Sophie is honestly my favorite character and her character growth was sweet to see.
- Aiden's characterization and growth as a father was engaging. I also felt the spice involved did not take away from the plot.
- How Cassie handled (most) situations showed her maturity and kept me thinking the entire time.
- The side characters were dynamic and added to the complexity of the plot.

The loss of a star:
- There are 2 major plot points that happen and every adult I feel becomes extremely stupid. They are pretty much smart people until these 2 plot points where they reacted poorly and I hated it. But it was fine after these plot points.

Overall, if you're looking to get into spicier books, this would be a good starter!

Note: While this is the 3rd in the series, there won't be spoilers in the description, but I would recommend reading the books in order to get not any spoilers.

Description: Eve must find a stable job according to her parents. Eve stumbles upon a small town with a small inn run by Jacob. Jacob is actively looking for a new cook to fill the void in his in. However, Jacob does not like Eve's chaotic energy from the get-go, but after Jacob chases Eve to give her the job, Eve hits Jacob with her car on accident! Now Eve really has to take over the inn. Will Eve take over? How will Jacob recover? Can these two find a way to work together?

The good:
- I really liked Jacob's characterization! His behaviors were consistent yet he also grew in this book.
- I felt Eve was consistent between all the books and I loved how her brain worked.
- The idea of running an inn together was so sweet, plus a fun gingerbread festival!
- The spicier scenes in this book were well placed and went along with the plot.

The loss of a star:
- I just really disliked the way Eve's parents treated her especially as I felt it was inconsistent with their characterization from the previous 2 books. It just really bugged me.

Overall, If you've read the other two, I think you'd enjoy this one! But it's not the best in the series in my opinion.

Wow with this re-read, I still rated this 5 stars. It is my favorite series, but let me sell you on why you should be reading this series. Note: This is the 2nd book in a series, there may be spoilers, be aware!

Description: Welcome to Cloral! The territory where everyone lives on floating habitats because there is no land. Bobby and Press follow the evil Saint Dane to this magnificent territory. However, it's not clear how Saint Dane will stir up trouble in Cloral right away. Good thing Bobby and Press get a break right? WRONG. They must work with Spader, a young man on Cloral who is going to be a Traveler but has no idea what that means. When everything comes to a head, can Bobby get Spader on his side and work together to defeat Saint Dane?

ALL the goods:
- Mark and Courtney (the folks Bobby writes his letters to) are getting a more advanced storyline that keeps you wanting more.
- Bobby's personal progression in this book and his path of stepping into his Traveller role is exciting to read.
- The action scenes in this book are descriptive and I can see them in my head.
- Cloral is one of my favorite territories. It's described beautifully with unique technology that makes me want to go there today.
- This book gets emotional but in a way that makes sense and opens more doors than it closes.

Overall: PLEASE REASE THIS SERIES IF YOU EVEN HALF LIKE FANTASY AND SCI-FI, this series will take you on a journey.

3.5/5 Stars

Note: This is the 2nd book in a series, so there will inherently be spoilers. Be aware!

Description: Violet has woken up healed but feeling betrayed. But OH WELL, back to school! Time to blend in with the crowd even though two folks from the War Games aren't returning. Violet enters her second year being expected to balance school work, visiting Xaden, and working on her keeping her dragons under control. However, when the world outside of Basgaith becomes more dangerous, can Violet continue to just be a second year student? Who will actually protect the citizens of the continent?

The goods:
- The action scenes are some of my favorites. I can see them in my head and honestly, I hate being pulled away from them...
- The dragon's storyline was the best storyline in this book. Hands down. I love the exploration of not only dragons but griffins in the book as well.
- The world does grow in this book, which was fantastic to see and I want to spend more time in different places in this world.

The loss of a star and a half
- I'm sorry, but the ending of this book made me SO MAD. I was so enthralled after the ending of book 1, but the book 2 I was rolling my eyes.
- Maybe romantasy is not for me, but I really felt some of the 'spicier' scenes were unnecessary, poorly timed, and added just to add length to the novel.

Overall: I think if you liked Fourth Wing, you'll like this, but I'm not sure if I'll pick up book 3.

Note: This is the 5th book in a series, so there inherently will be spoilers. Be aware!

Description: Magnolia and BJ had their world rocked by death a second time in their relationship. However, as they work to solidify their relationship through marriage, Magnolia has a lot of work to do on herself as the public refuses to give her a break. Will BJ be able to support her? Can Magnolia trust BJ completely in order to heal? Will they make it down the aisle?

The goods:
- BJ's self-growth is extremely evident in this book and I loved to see it.
- Magnolia's journey with dealing with so much grief and trauma from her life was such a beautiful arc that I can't wait to re-read the series again.
- I actually liked focusing much more on BJ and Magnolia. Yes, we see the box set of course, but there was a much more laser focus on the couple and I appreciated that focus, it made the book a bit easier to follow.
- The emotions I experienced reading this book felt so personal and I don't think this book would have dug as deep into my little heart as it has because of Jessa's writing. however...

The loss of a star:
- The book could have been about 70 pages shorter. I just felt some of the writing went on a bit too long and found myself getting disengaged from the book.

Overall: If you've read the first 4 books, this 5th book will not be a disappointment to you, but if you already don't like the series, this most likely won't win you over.

Bookclub has happened. Time to rant.

Description: What would you do if your significant other was lost at sea for 6 months, and then returned out of seemingly thin air? Miri must handle that question once she gets the phone call that Leah has returned. However, Leah isn't exactly how Miri remembers her. What did Leah go through in the submarine for 6 months and can Miri get the old Leah back?

The good?
- I liked Leah's perspective, it was very creepy when in the sub.
- The people on the actual sub were very interesting.

The loss of 3 stars:
- Miri SUCKED. I did not like her character from the get-go and I tried to put myself in her shoes, but I couldn't because from the beginning she wants her old Leah back, but how did she even think that would be possible after the trauma Leah must have gone through?
-There is no resolution. Absolutely none. I have a million questions and about zero answers. Extremely irritating, having one storyline closed and answered would have maybe given this book back a half-star.
- I'm salty because there was way too much salt mentioned in this book and I did not understand it at all. It's not like Leah was in the water? They had fresh water in the sub? I was lost, which is a great summary of my whole feelings for this book.

Overall: There are other horror books out there that I think are a bit easier to understand if you are someone that needs a touch more structure and explanation in a book. Clearly people love the writing, but I didn't, so if you like beautiful writing, maybe this is for you...?

Note: This was the first book I cried to in 2024. I only cried to 3 in 2023, so crying is not a common occurrence for me when reading! ALSO: This is a sequel, so there will inherently be spoilers of If He Had Been With Me in the description of this book. LASTLY: check the content warnings before reading. They are at the beginning of the physical copy of the book.

General Description:
Told from three perspectives, you get a unique insight into all the characters from If He Had Been With Me. First up: Finn. The last day of his life is looked at in-depth and we get a unique look at his and Autumn's past, as well as his relationship with Sylvie. Second up, Jack. College was supposed to be an escape, but how can Jack escape when Finn is forever on his mind? How do you deal with the grief of losing your best friend? Lastly: Autumn. When faced with the unexpected, can Autumn cope with all the twists and turns life throws at her?

The goods:
- Finn's part was perfect, gave me closure and answers to numerous questions. It wasn't the exact format I was expecting it in, but I thoroughly feel it was the perfect way to hear from him.
- While Jack's perspective was unexpected to me, it was my favorite of the three. such a unique position to be in that I think Laura captured with grace and excellence.
- Autumn's and Angie's relationship was spectacular to see, especially considering the circumstances they sort of reconnected during.
- It was fantastic to see all the side characters (the moms, Slyvie) get their piece during this book as well and I think Laura chose the right 3 perspectives to have this through.

The loss of
- While I don't think I needed full closure on this book (and I feel like we get full closure on Finn and Jack), I guess I wish it was a bit more wrapped up with Autumn. However, I'm sure that was the point of the book to have an open ending but I am still not a fan of them.

Overall: I liked this a lot better than If He Had Been With Me, so if you've read the first book, I'd highly recommend this one.

4.5/5 Stars

General Description: When Demeter goes at it once again to try to marry off her daugther, Psyche isn't sure what to do. So while escaping a party, Psyche runs into Eros and helps him after he's run one of his errands for his mother, Aphrodite. After Eros and Psyche are photographed today, Aphrodite demands Psyche's heart. Eros's solution? Psyche will be his bride and then Aphrodite will leave her alone...right? What could possibly go wrong in this fake marriage? But, what could go right?

The goods:
- I love a good marriage of convenience trope/fake marriage. I definitely think it's starting to be one of my favorites.
- I loved how this for me isn't a story I've heard time and time again, it felt fresh even though it's based on mythology that I'm sure people have heard before.
- Psyche's personality for me is goals.
- Eros's character progression was honestly so fun to read, I loved seeing him grow.

The loss of a half-star:
- don't hate me. They say the term "milk" and I just CAN'T. Thanks my one of two words when I hear in a spicier scene that I will gag and it's an instant half-star off. Totally a personal preference, but I stand by it.

Overall: If you're looking for books that use spicy as part of the plot, while keeping an interesting plot, pick up the Dark Olympus series.