bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

A Drop of Corruption is the outstanding sequel to The Tainted Cup. Readers return to investigators Ana and Din as they are summoned to an impossible locked room murder. Watching Ana and Din work together to solve mysteries is such a delight. I loved how we learned more about them both during this tricky mystery. Malo was a new character who I really enjoyed getting to know as she helped them untangle the murder. I am in awe of how Robert Jackson Bennett creates these enthralling mysteries that have you holding your breath right up until the last page! I also loved the rich world-building and politics of this world.

Readers who love complex fantasy mysteries, entertaining characters, and excellent magic systems will devour this series.

Thank you so much to Robert Jackson Bennett, Del Rey and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet Obsession is the latest installment in the incredible Dark Olympus series. I was so thrilled to read an ARC and it was literally unputdownable. Icarus and Poseidon were never meant to meet, not in any meaningful way. But when Icarus finds himself taken captive by Poseidon, he resolves to seduce him to secure his own safety. However, Poseidon is unlike anyone that Icarus has tried to seduce before. As they connect, Circe’s plot against Olympus comes into play. Poseidon and Icarus must decide if they can trust each other in a world where trust gets people killed. 

Simply put, I devoured this. The relationship between Icarus and Poseidon is SO good! I loved their exploration of kink, the actual use of a safeword, and the sweetness they found despite themselves. Poseidon is an actual cinnamon roll who is too good for this world, while Icarus has been forced to make difficult choices simply to survive. Circe’s escalation against Olympus forces the Thirteen to attempt to work together and highlights Zeus and Hera’s fracturing relationship. No spoilers, but I loved the epilogue. I can’t wait to read what happens next in this series! 

Thank you so much to Katee Robert, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Exquisite Ruin is the romantic story of Sadaré and Daesra. This is a story that beautifully entwines romance and fantasy. When Sadaré wakes in a labyrinth, she finds herself accompanied by the perplexing Daesra. Sadaré must unlock her memories in order to make it out of the maze alive. But who is the real monster in the center of the maze?     

Exquisite Ruin is one of my top books so far this year. I was enthralled by the romance between Sadaré and Daesra. They have an incredible chemistry and AdriAnne May expertly teased out their past so that readers put the clues together along with Sadaré. I loved the spicy scenes between them. The emotions felt so vivid! As the labyrinth becomes more treacherous, the tension between them escalates. I also loved all the twists and turns of the story! The ending was incredible and unputdownable.

Readers who enjoy Katee Robert, mythology retellings, and spicy romance will love Exquisite Ruin. I can’t wait to read what AdriAnne May writes next!   

Thank you so much to AdriAnne May, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

To Steal from Thieves is a fast-paced and enjoyable heist adventure. Our protagonists Kane and Zaria reluctantly team up to undertake a heist for a necklace that is more than it appears. I enjoyed the magic system that M.K. Lobb created, where magic comes with a dangerous price. At times I struggled with the connection between Kane and Zaria as it felt a bit underdeveloped. I’m looking forward to seeing their development continue in book two and learn how they navigate the betrayals and double-crossing. Readers who seek a fast-paced YA heist book will want to check this out! 

Thank you so much to M.K. Lobb, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers,  and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tideborn returns to the rich marine world of Tiankawi. Mira and Nami remain perched on the edge of disaster along with their city. With the reveal that their city was built on the back of a titan whale shark, the looming presence of its’ mate approaches the city at frightening speed. Meanwhile, Mira mourns Kai’s sacrifice while trying to lead and make sure that his sacrifice was worth it. Nami is forced to confront the truth about those closest to her and the ideals she holds. Can Nami and Mira work together to save the city or is it too late? 

Tideborn is an excellent sequel that resolves many of the threads from book one while also delivering a satisfying conclusion. One of my favorite parts of this book was Nami’s character growth. She has evolved in such a positive way from book one and I loved how her relationship with Firth changed. Another favorite character was Cordelia and how she enacted revenge against her husband for poisoning her daughter against her. Cordelia is a morally gray character who has made some unforgivable choices, but it’s impossible not to cackle with glee when she shows up on the page. I also enjoyed Kai’s mother, Jiang-Li, even though she certainly made Mira’s life more difficult. She was relatable as a grieving mother who was trying to do what she thought was right. 

Eliza Chan spins a beautiful tale of grief, identity, and hope. Readers who enjoy rich world-building, complex politics, and lovable characters will enjoy this series. I’m excited to see what Eliza Chan writes next! 

Thank you so much to Eliza Chan, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Hangry Hearts is the story of Julie and Randall- two ex-friends whose families are now in a legendary feud. When they are forced together for a class project, neither of them expect sparks to fly between them. As Julie and Randall reignite their friendship, they start to crush on each other. But since their families would riot if they came clean about their feelings, do they even have a future together? 

Hangry Hearts is a lighthearted and sweet YA. The descriptions of food were mouthwatering and I enjoyed how Julie and Randall had such a strong connection to their families through food. Don’t read this book hungry! I loved the LGBTQ rep and how accepting their families were. Hangry Hearts is as much a story about families and the ties that bind them together as it is about romance. I really enjoyed the relationship between the two grandmothers and learning about the reason behind their feud. Hangry Hearts is a deliciously sweet YA! Readers who enjoy stories about complex and loving families, tasty food, and LGBTQ rep will enjoy this book. 

Thank you so much to Jennifer Chen, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Yael Claneuck has grown up knowing that the weight of their family’s expectations falls squarely on their shoulders. When they make a break for freedom, they are shocked to run into their childhood friend Margot Greenwillow.  Margot is attempting to save her family, her greenhouses, and her beloved town. As Yael becomes Margot’s assistant in the greenhouses, will they be able to work together to save the town and rekindle the spark between them? 

Homegrown Magic is a cozy and lighthearted fantasy that feels as delightful as a warm cup of tea on a winter’s day. I loved the queer characters and rep that is thoughtfully written into the town. The descriptions of the town and greenhouses make it feel like a real place you could visit. I enjoyed Yael and Margot’s friendship and eventual relationship. I didn’t quite buy the third-act chaos, but I enjoyed how the story ended. I'm excited to check out the next book in the series! Homegrown Magic is perfect for readers seeking charmingly cozy and queer fantasy adventures.  

Thank you so much to Jamie Pacton, Rebecca Podos, Del Rey, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.