bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

Hold Fast is my first book from Eliza MacArthur and I loved it! Reading Hold Fast feels like a warm hug. This romance feels like the equivalent of sipping a cozy mug of hot chocolate on a winter's day. There’s plenty of steamy scenes between Una and Ewan, but there is always a strong emphasis on consent and boundaries. Una is such a strong and talented heroine. I loved how even when Ewan was being overprotective, Una never allowed him to control her. There is excellent mental health rep and both characters must rely on their support systems to get through challenging circumstances. The pacing is excellent and I found it hard to put this book down. I can’t wait to read more from Eliza MacArthur! I hope there are more stories about the MacDonald siblings to come. 

Thank you to Eliza MacArthur and Goodreads for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

She’s A Keeper is a joyful and action-packed introduction to the Lachlan family. Lark is a zookeeper who finds comfort in the rhythms of the zoo. She is fiercely protective of her charges and isn’t interested in change. Enter Logan, a new intern who is determined to get to know Lark. Will Logan be able to gain her trust and get to know Lark before his internship is over? 

I really like how Ali K. Mulford writes about the hard work of being a zookeeper. There were so many interesting scenes and facts about animals. There is excellent LGBTQ+ rep throughout. Lark and Logan have great chemistry and tension between them. She’s A Keeper has animal shenanigans, an international trip, and complex family dynamics- plus cute animals! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted zookeeping  adventure with steamy scenes. I’m looking forward to more stories from the other Lachlan siblings! 

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

Ellie Haycock is Totally Normal is the story of a girl with chronic medical issues. Ellie absolutely refuses to let those challenges define her and she makes this work by dividing her life into hospital friends and non-hospital friends. When Ellie is forced to see a new doctor, she must think about the possibility of another surgery. With the help of her hospital friends, can she allow herself to trust a new doctor again? 

I really enjoyed Gretchen Schreiber's debut. It is clear that she is a new author to watch in YA. Ellie’s voice is so realistic and relatable. I completely understand why she separated her life into hospital and non-hospital friends. I’m very glad that she found true friends and eventually ditched the friend who didn’t understand her. Ellie Haycock Is Totally Normal portrays what it is like to be chronically ill and the complex relationship between patients and healthcare providers. This is really important discourse and was done very thoughtfully. Readers who enjoy lovable ensemble casts, determined heroines, and disability rep will love Ellie Haycock Is Totally Normal. I’m excited to see what Schreiber writes next! 

Thank you to Gretchen Schreiber, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Listen for the Lie is the story of Lucy, who was somehow involved in a murder that stole her best friend. The entire town suspects that she was the murderer, but Lucy has amnesia about the night it happened. Lucy returns home only for her beloved grandmother, where she runs into a true-crime podcast host who wants to hear Lucy’s side of the story. As he interviews people throughout the town, new clues and information come to life. Did Lucy commit murder or was someone else there that night?

I really enjoyed this thriller! I enjoy true-crime podcasts and this book did a great job of incorporating that format in the interviews that are conducted. It also points out some of the flaws of this type of podcast and the effects it can have. Lucy is a great character and at times an unreliable narrator because of her amnesia. There are plenty of red herrings and clever twists. I found it hard to put this book down! Readers who enjoyed Apples Never Fall (Liane Moriarty), true crime podcasts, and mysterious murders should check this book out. I’m looking forward to what Amy Tintera writes next!

Thank you to Amy Tintera, Celadon Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 Number Call is the story of two boys who have both been influenced by the number eight. Eighto and Hachi become friends when they realize they both have a connection to the number eight and a friendship between two very different people begins. Eighto and Hachi have a sweet and slow-burn romance set against the backdrop of school. Number Call is a great choice for readers looking for a lighthearted queer romance with a cute couple. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. 

Thank you to Nagisa Furuya, Kodansha Comics, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice returns to the indestructible Finlay and Vero. I would happily read about Finlay and Vero's adventures forever! My favorite part of this action-packed book is Finlay and Vero's friendship and just seeing how far these two women are willing to go for each other. I loved how Finlay grew in confidence and forced her ex to take responsibility for their children. Vero also has fantastic character growth and even some romance! 

Elle Cosimano’s writing is simply hilarious and I literally laughed out loud at points. The plot is so clever and comedic simultaneously. Even when I think I’ve got it figured out, Cosimano manages to keep me guessing. Readers who love sister-like friendships, hilarious writing, and action-packed comedy will love Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. I hope to see Finlay and Vero on more adventures together! 

Thank you to Elle Cosimano, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.