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Thank you to www.netgalley.com for the ARC.

A lovely, quiet tale of a sixty-something year old photographer who finds a new start in life after moving into a rural New York cottage. Finding herself lacking in funds and no-longer the famous photographer she once was Rebecca Winter tries to save some money by leasing out her expensive Manhattan apartment and living in a ramshackle little cottage in the woods near a small New York State town. Learning to live quietly and cheaply, alone, Rebecca eventually finds lots to love about her new life.

This was a slow-build story for me, but I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Rebecca's former world with her new existence. It was great to read a story about an older lady who can be happy on her own (or with new friends) while making real art.

This was sweet, but I didn't really buy into the love story. I would have liked this better as a friends' tale. The marginalia and the playlists were a cute idea.

Re-read 3.18.15 to prepare for book 2!

As the daughter of a high ranking general, Kestrel has a choice - join the Vallorian army or marry. She wants neither. Never a great warrior but definitely a strategist, Kestrel prefers above all her beloved piano. Too bad her society doesn't prize art and music, but instead focuses on honor, war, and keeping the conquered Herrani enslaved. Kestrel knows she will soon have to make a decision but she is thrown even further off course when she impusively purchases a male Herranni slave at an auction. Arin, who was definitely "someone" before being a slave, challenges Kestrel like no one has before. When they are both thrown into a revolution, will their budding feelings for each other change the way they each view the other's society?

Pretty amazing world building, I was immediately immersed in the world and belived its structure, language, and myths. Rutkoski is an excellent writer, and I really look forward to seeing where this political romance trilogy goes. Thanks Kristin Cashore for the recommend.

I fondly remember reading this in grade school. Jacen and Jaina's adventures at the Jedi Academy with ol' Uncle Luke. I am still sad that this is no longer canon. Long Live the EU!

Oh, do I ever love a tragic, ill-fated love story and this was so much more than that! Book 2 of the Winner's Curse trilogy pulled no punches.

Kestrel is engaged to be married to the Emperor of Valoria's son; Arin is the new Herrani governor. Both are trying to play the political game(s) required of their new position, all while 'secretly' simmering for each other. I loved how Kestrel is a strong leading lady, who is not sure how much she is willing (if anything) to give up for her love of Arin. I also really enjoy how conflicted she is; this is not an easy 'game' to play, and there are horrific consequences to all of her actions. Man that torture scene is GRUESOME.

This second book also introduced us to some additional secondary characters who also defied tropes.

The Emperor's son and his obvious love of the political prisoner princess of the Eastern Empire especially. Most books would make this into a 'love triangle' between Kestrel, the son, and Arin, but not here! Yay!

I didn't give this five stars due to the fact I found some of the leaps of intuition a bit of a stretch, but whatever. This is great!

I cannot wait for the last book.

Recommended for younger fans of GOT and political intrigue.

Grace lied. Now the two men who know the truth are on parole. Despite re-inventing herself as Julie the antiques restorer, Grace knows time is ticking.

Alternating between Grace's past in Tennessee leading up to the big lie and her current life in Paris, this novel was a stunner. Crammed with evocative language and lush descriptions of antiques, art, and lust, I was swept away from the beginning.

Grace was such an intriguing female character; I felt empathy for her yet loathed her all at the same time. I don't want to give much away, but she is one of those girl's who is a chameleon. She's the girl you want her to be, no matter her true feelings, but how long can the facade last?

Unfortunately, I hated the ending, but the entire ride was so worth it.

The ending redeemed this Korean American re-telling of Jane Eyre. The Jane Eyre I know and love would not find much in common personality wise with Jane Re, who I found much more of a spectator in her own life than a driving force (until hitting the midway point). Worth a read for the story, I wish the comparison with the classic just wasn't there. The story can stand on it's own.

The honeymoon appears to be over for Suzie and Jon, and the Sex Police may have won. Introducing several new characters, Volume 2 of Sex Criminals is compelling, but does lose a little of the pure joy and fun of the first. Can't wait to keep reading - and I hear a TV show may be under development?!

I had a lot of fun reading this! I'm still shocked it is shelved with the Adult Collection in most libraries, as I would compare this to YA titles like Finnikin of the Rock or Graceling, but it will be a good one to point YA readers to. I loved the slow burn back-story development for Yelena and her ultimate triumph over her horrific upbringing. I loved that the Commander who she tasted food for wasn't the bad guy, nor was Valek, and the love story that developed between the two was real, grown-up, and wasn't the crux of the book. Secondary characters were also well-rounded, and while I've heard that the other books in this series aren't as good, I'll probably pick them up eventually.