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bandherbooks
I read The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes on my little getaway, and the author's knowledge of the music industry and love of music is a standout here, and the writing makes you hear music.
I personally wanted the romance arc to be more central but that's typical for me. I would definitely say this story is more about Toni's journey towards actualizing dreams she didn't even know she had than about the romance and HEA she finds with her childhood friend and crush. The romance is definitely there but it is an ultimate slow-burn (the first 100 pages the two aren't even on page together except in flashback).
But if you love stories with complicated relationships to fame, found family, messy characters who are not villainized, and poetic language - snap this one up. I'd love to know if anyone listened on audio once the book is released.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for the arc
I personally wanted the romance arc to be more central but that's typical for me. I would definitely say this story is more about Toni's journey towards actualizing dreams she didn't even know she had than about the romance and HEA she finds with her childhood friend and crush. The romance is definitely there but it is an ultimate slow-burn (the first 100 pages the two aren't even on page together except in flashback).
But if you love stories with complicated relationships to fame, found family, messy characters who are not villainized, and poetic language - snap this one up. I'd love to know if anyone listened on audio once the book is released.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for the arc
A wonderful exploration of family, history, and preserving identity while also moving forward to the future, I appreciate the thoughtfulness the author put into the world she built, but the romance just wasn't there for me. For a second chance, I needed more time with the love interests on page together, more of a glimpse into their personal history, more of a reason why I should be invested in their HEA.
Thank you to LJ and the publisher for the ARC. Professional review to come in Library Journal
Thank you to LJ and the publisher for the ARC. Professional review to come in Library Journal
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm going to be honest, I read this wonderful series starter over the weekend and it was a balm to my soul and I 100% didn't read it critically I only read it for my pleasure, and WORTH EVERY MINUTE.
This book has everything I love bantering while brawling, TENSION, pining, longing, fire inducing attraction, and hidden weapons oh my. Plus the hint of a future couple in the series has already made me desperate for that book.
I'll reread again soon and do a more coherent review some other day, for now, thank you Sarah MacLean, I adore your words.
09/2021 - audiobook listen (thank you HarperAudio and LibroFM for the ALC)
Mary Jane Wells did a sublime job narrating Bombshell - I loved every second of this listen. I even really loved her Caleb American accent! Also, thank you to Sarah MacLean and the gamekeeper's cottage scene for keeping me company over four commutes and VERY happy. I'm so excited to read more about this crew of women, and especially to meet Imogen and the Inspector's HEA someday (fingers crossed)!
This book has everything I love
I'll reread again soon and do a more coherent review some other day, for now, thank you Sarah MacLean, I adore your words.
09/2021 - audiobook listen (thank you HarperAudio and LibroFM for the ALC)
Mary Jane Wells did a sublime job narrating Bombshell - I loved every second of this listen. I even really loved her Caleb American accent! Also, thank you to Sarah MacLean and the gamekeeper's cottage scene for keeping me company over four commutes and VERY happy. I'm so excited to read more about this crew of women, and especially to meet Imogen and the Inspector's HEA someday (fingers crossed)!
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Before you even get started with this book, make sure to read the CWs on the author's website if you need them. This is a brutally violent fantasy romance that explores the boundaries of what can be forgiven for a romantic pairing.
That said, I found the story utterly compelling and the heroine, Yvenne, absolutely one to root for. I am unable to comment on whether there was an ableist issues with her story line, as she is disabled from the violence wrought on her body by her father, but she was definitely my favorite character.
I will definitely be interested to read more in this series. The world building was lush and just dense enough to really fulfill that Game of Thrones level immersion into a world I was craving. And whew did it keep me on my toes.
I will never ever get over the blood blow job and that's about all I'm going to say about this book. Go forth and read, if you can.
**I checked this out from Overdrive for Libraries!
That said, I found the story utterly compelling and the heroine, Yvenne, absolutely one to root for. I am unable to comment on whether there was an ableist issues with her story line, as she is disabled from the violence wrought on her body by her father, but she was definitely my favorite character.
I will definitely be interested to read more in this series. The world building was lush and just dense enough to really fulfill that Game of Thrones level immersion into a world I was craving. And whew did it keep me on my toes.
I will never ever get over the blood blow job and that's about all I'm going to say about this book. Go forth and read, if you can.
**I checked this out from Overdrive for Libraries!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Blood, Grief
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Reese Ryan writes delicious and amazing category romances (Oh these Bourbon Brothers), and Reunion of Rivals was a perfect slump buster for me.
A perfect trope-tastic blend of all the things I adore, Max Abbott having to contend with the very real feelings he still feels for Quinn Bazemore while also realizing he has some things to grovel for was so much fun to read.
Also fulfills the "Apple Orchard" square on my Ripped Bodice 2020 Summer Reading Bingo Card, yay!
Thank you to the publisher for the free review copy!
Fun graphic novel about a robot who leads a group of scientists who fight throughout history.
The artists did an amazing job conveying emotion (in a robot) and action, and I dug the non-linear story telling. Several laugh-out-loud moments including a funny dig at Stephen Hawking and excellent word play.
The artists did an amazing job conveying emotion (in a robot) and action, and I dug the non-linear story telling. Several laugh-out-loud moments including a funny dig at Stephen Hawking and excellent word play.
Pretty amazing alternate history Star Wars Tales. Although I thought there would only be one twist that would create a full story arch through each of the orignal trilogy movies, instead each chapter focused on a unique change for the particular movie it focused on. While I didn't always enjoy the ending, the ride was sure fun. Cool awesome fanfic. Leia as a jedi was a particular fave, along with Yoda making his presence a bit (A LOT) more epic. Fun times.
