I was so excited for this book after Curves for Days but it fell a bit flat for me. July was so frustrating throughout the whole book. I understand her issues but all they needed to do was talk. This took the miscommunication trope to the next level. I was confused because they were honest enough when they first met each other again but it went downhill from there. I also struggled with the fact they they were only together for 2 months as kids. I know young love is intense but pining for 20 years seemed a bit of a stretch. The sleep scene was jarring and I still don't understand why it was needed. 

Not much actually happens and I was way more interested in the two teens and their story. I did love the small town and all the side characters. It was great to see Rose and Angus again. Still super adorable. The mental health representation was done well and I recommend cheking the trigger warnings because it does cover some more sensitive topics.
 
I highly recommend checking out Curves for days as I adored that book. I also wish the cover was in the same style as curves for days because that is gorgeous.

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley

Oh my god I loved this book so much. This is the first Anna Noel book I've read but I will definitely be reading more. I look forward to going back and reading book 1 in this series. As I haven't read the first book yet this was my first time meeting Leo so I missed him being an asshole. I definitely fell in love with him in this book though. Anna warns that this is an extremely slow burn and it was delicious. The tension and anticipation are next level. The fake dating was also perfect. Briar telling herself its fake and Leo knowing it isn't *chefs kiss*

I'm not sure who I loved more, Leo or Briar. They are both fantastic characters and they work so well together. They have so much chemistry and their banter is entertaining. Briar is sassy and badass and deserves the world. I love that she calls Leo out on his shit and he works on himself. We get to see both of them grow and learn to trust each other and their feelings. The fact that it happens over a longer time span makes it more believable. 

Elara is the star of the show though. She's adorable and hilarious and seeing Leo love her melted my heart. There are so many amazing side characters and the friendships were beautiful. I need Emmett and Heidis story please and thank you. 

I received an ARC

This gave me Lyla Sage vibes. The Ashby family seem like great fun and I'd love to have monday night dinner with them. Mable is hands down the best character. The Not Angels are hilarious and I need a girl gang like that. There are a lot of characters to keep track of but they are all so lovable. Nash is adorable and as we get flashbacks from his past you get to understand why he is the way he is. Cece was sassy and pretty badass but I did find some of her actions frustrating. They are super cute together though. The last third of the book is pretty smut heavy with not much plot happening and I did find some of it a tad cringey. The 3rd act conflict added some much needed drama. It's a fun cowboy (with a hint of ice hockey) romance. I am looking forward to reading Wade's story. 

I received a copy via NetGalley

Another fantastic addition to the Nikki Hunt series. This can be read as a standalone as there's enough information from previous books that you're not lost but not too much that it's repetitive for people who have read them all. I highly recommend checking them all out in order though 1. because they are an incredible read and 2. so you can see Nikki grow in her personal and professional life. I love that we get to see bits of Nikki's personal life and that she can have a loving family and be good at her job. Although she forgives other people way easier than she forgives herself. She has an amazing team and the hunt for the killer is full of twists and turns. It's also packed full of all the emotions. 

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley

This is book 4 in the Cassie Raven series and I recommend reading them in order to understand Cassie's character and her relationship with Flyte. It is a great series. I love Cassie's character and Flyte has grown on me throughout the series. I need more of the two interacting though. They are so different and work so well together. I enjoyed the addition of DI Bacon and I look forward to seeing more from him. He defintely wasn't what I was expecting. The hint of supernatural with Cassie hearing from the dead is done well and left open for the reader to decide whether it's a gift or just subconcious attention to detail. The Investigation is full of twists and turns and made harder by the fact they didn't start investigating straight away. I had no idea who had killed Sophia or why and the ending was heartbreaking. 

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley

I loved this. The pacing is a bit off with not much happening in the middle and some big time jumps mid chapter but it was still such a fun read. Audrey and Toni balance each other well and I thought they were so cute together. I love a dual POV and it really helped show the chemistry. There are some great supporting characters and I cannot wait to read Willa's book because she is hilarious. It is a bit insta love but the slide into actual relationship is drawn out over several months. It's cute and fun with a touch of spice. Everything I look for in a romcom. 

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley

I loved this book so much. It was such a fun read that made me laugh as well as getting deeper. Theo is so freaking adorable and probably one of my favourite book boyfriends. He should be the poster boy for healthy communication. His honesty was refreshing. The way he dealt with Marcela's insecurities was so cute. I also adored Marcela but her character is more frustrating.  I loved her passion for books and her job but her self sabotaging was painful. 

The plus size representation was done beautifully. Marcela is gorgeous and confident but she's still human and has insecurities and confidence wobbles. It felt very realistic and it wasn't her whole personality like in some books. The way Theo worshipped her and helped her confidence was swoon worthy. There are some great side characters and I need to be besties with Angela. I really hope we get her story next because she's so lovable. I also adored Marcela's mum. Ben however is trash. I did love that despite all the various drama there was no pitting the women against each other. There are a few twists and turns that I didn't expect from a romance. Such a great read. I look forward to more from this author. 

The cover is absolutely gorgeous as well

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley

I fell in love with Ayaans writing last year when I read You think you know me. Her writing is beautiful. Her descriptions of Somalia and the culture draws you in and you feel like you are there. I also really enjoy the look at religion and what it means to these young girls and the peace prayer brings them. Safiya and Halima are both great characters and I enjoyed seeing how they both dealt with being thrown together in less than ideal circumstances. It shows the reality of growing up. Being a teenage girl is hard enough without the addition of family drama. It also takes a look at first relationships and teenage friendships along with bullying. It's a heartfelt and emotional story that had me rooting for both of them. There were some surprising twists and turns and the ending was done perfectly. 

I received a copy via NetGalley

This is a fantastic start to a new series. I loved the different take on the usual police procedural. It was so interesting reading an investigation from the entomologists side. So many amazing facts about insects and spiders. Dr Vanessa Marwood is a lovable and intriguing main character and there are some great supporting characters. Greensands and the abandoned butterfly farm were the perfect creepy setting. It's written so beautifully you feel like you are there. I did guess the main twist but not the specifics of who. There are plenty of odd suspects to keep you guessing. It's a fast paced read with twists and turns that had me hooked to the explosive ending. I look forward to more from this series. 

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley