Binding 13 is the story of Shannon and Johnny. After Shannon is physically and emotionally bullied at her school, she is sent to Tommen for a fresh start. Unfortunately, a rugby ball hits her in the head. Enter Johnny, rugby star, who is filled with fierce protectiveness for Shannon after accidentally injuring her. After their dramatic first meeting, they are told to stay away from each other. Yet something keeps bringing them back together. They become friends and consider the idea of something more. Johnny soon realizes someone is hurting Shannon. But can Johnny help Shannon when the worst source of abuse comes from outside of school?  

Johnny and Shannon have an unlikely romance that is steeped in angst. They sort of orbit around each other, before inevitably crashing together. Even though aspects of this story are flimsy at times, something kept me reading. I loved Johnny’s protectiveness, even if it didn’t particularly make sense. The abuse that Shannon suffers is pretty extreme, so I’m hoping the sequel allows her more agency and freedom from it. I’m hoping to see her grow in confidence as well. Gibsie is by far my favorite character. He’s the best! Gibsie is a loyal and hilarious friend to both Johnny and Shannon. I also loved Shannon's relationship with her brothers. 

Ultimately, I don’t think it needed to be quite as long as it was, though I always enjoy spending more time with the characters. If you can suspend disbelief and are intrigued by the premise, check this series out. Binding 13 would be good for readers who seek unlikely romance, hurt/comfort, and the highs and lows of (high school) rugby. I will be picking up the sequel to see what happens next! 

Thank you to Chloe Walsh, Sourcebooks Bloom Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Red String Theory follows artist Rooney as she finds romance and a deeper knowledge of herself. When she first meets Jack, a scientist who couldn’t be more different from her, they never expect to see each other again. Rooney believes in the possibility of fate and Jack believes in science. When Rooney is chosen to work on an art program at NASA, she is shocked to see Jack again. As Rooney struggles to channel her creativity, she gets to know Jack better. Is there a future for their relationship when so many things stand in their way? 

Red String Theory is an imaginative and lighthearted romance. Jack and Rooney get a second chance at romance when their paths cross in unlikely ways. I loved Rooney’s artistic visions and really appreciated her creativity. It was relatable how at times she felt artistically blocked. I loved how she grew in confidence and was able to put on shows that showed her true artistic vision. Jack is a very scientific guy who learns to embrace a little bit of fate along the way. I enjoyed the ultimate message that the red threads of fate do not mean that something is bound in stone, but rather are meant to give magic and hope along the way. Readers who enjoyed Jessen’s debut Lunar Love will equally adore this book. Readers seeking second-chance romance, a hint of magic, and a sweet love story will enjoy Red String Theory. 

Thank you to Lauren Kung Jessen, Forever, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

The Expectant Detectives is a hilarious and delightfully chaotic mystery. Alice has just moved to the Cotswolds with her partner Joe. She’s about to give birth to an unplanned baby and is hoping to find friends in the small town. Alice and Joe sign up for a prenatal class that has much more adventure than they bargained for. Not only does one of the members go into labor, someone in the shop downstairs dies while the birth happens. Alice starts to investigate what she views as a suspicious death and unveils a confusing mystery. 

Alice is such a funny and cheerful character. I love how she investigated people to get more information about clues, but managed to form genuine connections along the way. Alice and the members of the prenatal class were a unique group that bonded together despite their differences. Of course, Helen plays an outstanding role as Alice’s beloved dog. Helen unintentionally gives Alice clues about the mystery, while being both adorable and terrible.  Kat Ailes has a very witty style of writing, especially internal dialogue. The Expectant Detectives would be perfect for readers who love Finlay Donovan. I would love to see more adventures from Alice!

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

Alessa and Dante did it- they defeated the evil threatening their island. Yet their victory has come at a terrible cost. Dante barely escaped death and finds himself without his powers. While Alessa tries to help, she has her own struggles to deal with. Can their romance survive the traumatic events they went through? Soon, it becomes clear that the evil is spreading to other islands. Dante and Alessa must work together to rally their friends for one last epic battle. 

This Cursed Light is a fantastic conclusion to The Last Finestra duology. I really enjoyed This Vicious Grace, but I loved This Cursed Light even more! Readers already know and love these characters, so the interactions are filled with even more heart and humor. In this book, the worldbuilding was expanded and interesting details were woven in. The writing was filled with witty banter and simply hilarious. I found myself highlighting multiple funny quotes and romantic sections. 

Dante and Alessa’s romance is so heartfelt and I loved that we got to see what their romance looks like after the villains have been defeated (or so they think). They are both compelling characters who will do anything to protect the people they care about. I really loved seeing more about Dante’s past and what it means to have always been treated as different. The side characters are incredible! I particularly enjoyed Kaleb and Adrick’s relationship and character growth.

I would highly recommend this duology, especially for fans of Allison Saft and Rebecca Ross. I’m looking forward to seeing what Emily Thiede writes next! Thank you to Emily Thiede, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.