bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

A Sorceress Comes to Call is a compelling and clever fairy tale. In this retelling of the Goose Girl, Cordelia is bound into obedience by her cruel mother. Obedience is far worse than it sounds: imagine the inability to scratch an itch or move even a finger out of line. Cordelia’s mother Evangeline soon sets her sights on remarriage to a wealthy lord. Fortunately, the Squire’s wise sister Hester is less enthralled by Evangeline. Will Cordelia be able to break free of her mother’s clutches before doom befalls them all? 

I couldn’t put this book down from the opening line. T. Kingfisher is an auto-buy author for me at this point! I love how she reimagines fairy tales and creatively infuses them with mild horror. Kingfisher’s writing is witty and filled with hilarious dialogue. I loved Hester and her commitment to saving her brother from himself. Hester and Cordelia share a special bond and it was a relief to see Cordelia breaking free of her mother’s clutches. I would highly recommend this for anyone who loves excellent fairy-tale retellings and clever characters. 

Thank you to T. Kingfisher, Tor Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

The City in Glass is a lyrical and moving tale. I read it straight through and could not put it down. I loved how Nghi Vo created a story about what it would be like for an ethereal being (demons, angels, ghosts etc)  watching/influencing the rise and fall of a city. The writing is beautifully vivid and descriptive. The creative details make the triumphs and challenges of the city feel so tangible. The relationship between the demon and the angel was compelling as it unfolded. 

The City in Glass almost has the feeling of an old fairy tale: where the ending feels heartbreaking, inevitable, and satisfying. Nghi Vo is an auto-buy author for me and I can’t wait to read what she writes next! Readers who enjoy beautiful prose, compelling characters, and epic tales will love The City in Glass. 

Thank you to Nghi Vo, Tordotcom, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

The Au Pair Affair is the latest spicy romance from Tessa Bailey. I couldn’t put it down! Tallulah and Burgess had me hooked from the beginning. Tallulah is a marine biologist working to overcome past trauma. New to Boston, she’s connected to Burgess through mutual friends Wells and Josephine. Tallulah agrees to be an au pair for Burgess’ daughter. What happens when Tallulah and Burgess decide to explore the sparks between them? 

The Au Pair Affair has all the tropes and pulls them off spectacularly: forced proximity, grump/sunshine, groveling, and so many more! Tallulah and Burgess complete each other both emotionally and physically. I love how Burgess was always so protective, but also encouraged Tallulah to conquer her fears and gain independence. There was excellent chemistry between them and I loved their spicy scenes! Very excited for Sig and Chloe’s turn in the next book. 

Readers who love grump/sunshine romance, sweet romance with angst, and hockey romance will love this book. 

Thank you to Tessa Bailey, Avon, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Party Animal is Finch’s book! I was so excited to read her story after getting to know her in previous books. Finch is the veterinarian at Prickle Island Zoo and incredibly proud of her work. She’s also protective of the animals to the point of burnout. When Finch meets a stunning woman who asks for help to avoid an ex, Finch does not expect to see her again. To her shock, Frankie is the new chef at Prickle Island Zoo. Animal shenanigans, sapphic romance, and sibling chaos ensues.

I devoured Party Animal and literally couldn’t put it down! Finch and Frankie have such a sweet romance. Finch is so protective and used to putting everyone first except herself. I loved the fake-dating aspect. Finch and Frankie are adorable and have sweet moments of connection at the zoo. Finch even teaches Frankie how to swim!

This book is full of joyful chaos from the Lachlan siblings as they continue to run their zoo. It was great to see Hannah and Hawk continuing their romance from book two. Frankie and Finch truly bring out the best in each other. Finch helps Frankie explore her sexuality and demand better for herself. Frankie, with the rest of the Lachlan siblings, show Finch that it’s ok to let go and healthy to do so. I loved all the interesting animal knowledge and mischievous zoo animals. I can’t wait to read the next book!

Readers looking for sapphic love, zookeeper adventures, and lovable characters should check out Party Animal.

Thank you so much to Ali K. Mulford for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Guardians of Dawn: Ami, returns where the adventurous series left off with Zhara in book one. This latest installment to the series is fun and dynamic, with a Beauty and the Beast twist. I love the inclusion of the Bangtan Boys! Zhara is coming into her power more and understanding how she can change the world around her. Meanwhile, Ami has bigger problems than magic. She is responsible for her father and strikes a deal to save him when he is arrested. I enjoyed the new characters we met in this sequel. 

This book is filled with action-packed battles, beautiful prose, and fun characters. I loved when Ami and Zhara finally met and were able to work together with their powers. I also enjoyed the LGBTQ+ rep. Readers who enjoy Sailor Moon and magical adventures should check out this series. 
 
Thank you to S. Jae-Jones, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.