"It would seem that the eyes and ears of the world aren’t interested in Palestinian life, only in Palestinian death."

"This isn't an Aggression anymore. It's a Genocide. There isn't another word that can describe the scale of violence I see in front of me."

"It's a calculated, deliberate, and ruthless ethnic cleansing, and nobody seems to care. Why do we live in a world where Genocide has been normalized?"

This book is heartbreaking but such an important read. Anyone who thinks that this is a "war" and both sides are as bad as each other should be reading this. It is a genocide and Plestia shows the devastation. At only 23 she is "4 Israeli aggressions old". She recorded the destruction and brutality of her people and country.

She shows the beauty and life of Gaza before the genocide. She also shows the humans, the ones who are being wiped out by ethnic cleansing. Palestinians are beautiful humans, and the love they show for each other and their country during such horrific times is incredible. People who have lost everything will share anything they have. Strangers are digging through rubble to help families find their loved ones. Children are making bracelets so that they can identify their loved ones bodies. Doctors are still trying to help the injured in the worst conditions whilst putting their lives at risk.

This book details the genocide. There is no defending bombing hospitals, churches, and shelters. Murdering Journalists and doctors is a war crime.
Plestia's diary entries are raw and full of emotion. She describes how getting out has resulted in so much pain and guilt at being safe whilst family and friends are trapped and likely to die.

"December me thought that making it out alive would be the best case scenario. Right now I can't see it. I'm safe and alive, but I don't think I know what being alive truly means."

Whilst this is a hard read, it is a privilege to only witness this atrocity through pages/screens. 

I read an arc via NetGalley

Book 1 in this series was one of my favourite books last year but somehow Madison has outdone herself because I loved this one even more. The banter tips it over into first place. It had me laughing out loud. Amelia's dark sense of humour was hilarious. 

I adored Amelia. She's been through a lot and is constantly on the move to stay alive but she's not really living. It was so beautiful to see her find her place as well as a whole bunch of people who helped her to start enjoying life. The found family is perfect. West is a secret softy with a filthy mouth. We get to see him learn what he wants and stand up for himself in order to get it.  

I loved that they both helped each other see that they deserved more. They didn't push but they made each other feel seen and worthy of love. The tension though, whilst they try to behave and resist each other is next level. As someone who isn't an insta love girly I very much enjoyed the strangers to friends to lovers.

It was also so nice to see all the recurring characters again & see how Wyatt & Rory were doing. Smokey Heights is an incredible lil town. I cannot wait for Lexi's book. 

The perfect balance of banter, spice and romance. 

I read an ARC

This book had some of the most inventive murders I have read and the mechanisms behind them were so intriguing. While there were several murders it was quite slow paced and it felt like not much was actually happening. It picks up pace towards the end and then ends abruptly. I also guessed who the killer was as there were a limited number of suspects. 

Uncovering the motives and learning who else could be at risk added some suspense and I enjoyed getting to know the team. I look forward to seeing more of them in book 2.

I read an arc via NetGalley

I can't believe this is the last book in the series. I have loved every book and I can't wait to see what's next for Lyla. 

Second chance isn't something I reach for unless it's part of a series like this. But, these two were made for each other and deserved their second chance. The flashback chapters were perfect and really showed their love for each other. The notes were so damn cute. 

I've been intrigued by Cam from the start of this series and I really wanted to give her a hug. She carries so much and I loved that Dusty just knows what she needs. He's so damn suportive, protective and always there when needed. He's a walking green flag. Plus the blonde hair, nose ring and tattoos don't hurt. Seeing him interact with Riley was also adorable.

I adore the massive blended family and how they all love and support each other. It was so great to catch up with everyone else and see what the past couples were up to. The found family is perfection. The way Amos takes everyone into his home and gives them pep talks melts my heart.

It was the perfect end to the series.

I read an arc via NetGalley

This is my first book by Thea Lawrence and I loved every second of it. I will definitely be going back for book 1 asap. It made me feel all the emotions and I couldn't put it down. It has the perfect balance of humour, heartbreak, romance, and spice. The chapter with Logan & his dad made me sob.
 
I adored both Logan and Abi and their love for each other was so beautiful. They were meant to be. The road trip was so fun and the way Logan supported her melted my heart. 

Their banter was amazing and their chemistry was next level. This was probably my favourite friends to lovers I've ever read. The forced proximity and one bed made the tension thicc. Logan is a a nerd with a filthy mouth and we love him for it. 

There are so many lovable supporting characters and I'm looking forward to Frankie's book but if you need me I'll be catching up with Imogen & Roman.   

I read an arc

I can't believe we're on book 22, and each book is still as good as book 1. If anything, it's getting better the more we get to know and love the incredible team of characters. Poor Josie deserves a murder free holiday though. She's been through it. I cannot wait to see what happens in her personal life, considering how this one ended. 

There are so many great supporting characters. I loved that Josie had so much love and support throughout. I am still so intrigued by Turner and his story though. 

As always, there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing, and I stressed for Noah throughout because you can't trust Lisa. I had no idea where it was going. The reveal was horrifying. 

I very much approved of the fact that when Josie is rightly taken off the case, she doesn't storm off and try to solve it on her own. She obviously does some investigating but is respectful of the law and makes sure she doesn't do anything that could jeopardise a future trial. 

Highly recommend checking this series out and reading in order.

I read an arc via NetGalley