Lyric is a scientist diligently working to crack what she has coined “The Sizzle Paradox.” She hopes to find the scientific reasons behind couples working both on a physical and emotional level. Meanwhile, her roommate and best friend Kian is finishing his own thesis. When Lyric receives feedback from her adviser that she needs to do better, Kian agrees to fake date her in order to give her dating practice. Lyric becomes invested in helping Kian find a new girlfriend. As the clock ticks closer to graduation, will Lyric be able to crack The Sizzle Paradox in time? 

The Sizzle Paradox worked beautifully in theory and in reality felt rough. The premise was great and I initially really enjoyed Kian and Lyric’s friendship. They have a fantastic friendship and have known each other for years, helping each other through the trials of academia. When Lyric became focused on helping Kian get a date, this is where things began to feel a little off. Not only did it take an extremely long time for Kian and Lyric to acknowledge feelings about each other, there was far too much time spent on them trying to set each other up with other people. This made the ending feel rushed and not earned. 

I did appreciate that there were many great side characters, such as Lyric’s family and their found family of college friends. Again, the premise was great, but I struggled with the execution. While it takes Lyric a long time to crack The Sizzle Paradox, for readers it may feel frustrating since the answer will likely be very obvious to them. I will definitely still check out whatever Lily Menon writes next and hope that she continues to explore adult romance! Thank you to Lily Menon, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Charmed List is a delightful YA romcom! Ellie hates Jack. Ever since he ditched her at school and their families began competing, their friendship has disappeared. Both Ellie and Jack come from families that can do small forms of magic that make life more joyful. Or at least, that’s what Ellie’s family focuses on. Jack’s family is more interested in power. Despite these differences, they are in equal amounts of trouble when they accidentally expose magic to a non-magical person. To make up for it, they set out on a road trip together to a magical convention. Can they mend their friendship- and maybe find something more- along the way? 

I absolutely loved The Charmed List! This book was filled to the brim with beautiful magic, scheming siblings, and friends-to-enemies-to-friend-to-lovers…my favorite! The Charmed List is simply magical. While concocting magical cupcakes and good luck charms, Julie Abe tackles grief and the pain of lost friendships. As she weaves these serious topics in, the focus remains on joy and finding ways to restore broken friendships. The Charmed List is a lighthearted, swoony YA romcom that I would highly recommend to anyone. This would be the perfect escapist read- only make sure to have some delicious treats on hand when you read! I’m looking forward to what Julie Abe writes next! I’m hope to see more from this beautiful magical world. Thank you to Julie Abe, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Blood Like Fate was one of my most anticipated reads and it absolutely delivered!! This series is one of my favorite duologies. Blood Like Fate returns to the precarious situation that Blood Like Magic concluded with. With everything to lose, Voya must learn how to find her balance as the new Matriarch. With her best friend Keis and former friend Luc firmly against her, Voya must step into her grandmother’s shoes and harness her new magic to unite her family against danger. 

Blood Like Fate is a beautiful and thrilling conclusion to the duology. I already can’t wait to reread it! Liselle Sambury fills the pages with delicious food, witty banter, and heartfelt family moments. I loved seeing Voya find her place with her family as she navigates new powers and weighty responsibility as a Matriarch. Voya is one of my favorite characters- no matter how many obstacles come up, she is persistent and always tries to do her best. While there is plenty of magic, Sambury skillfully includes side characters struggling with addiction, grief, eating disorders, and tricky family dynamics. These portrayals felt realistic to the complexities of a large and intergenerational family living in one house. 

One of my favorite parts of the book was seeing Voya’s character growth- she has come so far from the indecisive girl in the beginning of Blood Like Magic. I loved the overall message that the most important thing is not to be perfect but to always keep trying and do your best. Liselle Sambury elegantly creates a nuanced depiction of family, both found and blood family. Voya’s family was caring, imperfect, and fearlessly worked together to battle the threat against the witches of Toronto. I loved how even when they argued, they were always trying to protect each other. I enjoyed how Voya’s knowledge of the different styles of magic developed as she got to know more of the witch families outside her circle. The pacing was extremely well-done; I couldn’t put it down! 

The ending was fantastic and I would highly recommend this duology to anyone. If you are a reader who enjoys complex family dynamics, a great magic system, and witches then you need to read this duology! I hope we get a novella to spend more time in this world and check back in on these characters. I can’t wait to see what Liselle Sambury writes next! Thank you to Liselle Sambury, Margaret K. McElderry Books and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Daughter of Redwinter is a complex fantasy that follows Raine, who can speak to dead people. Her power is fluctuating and dangerous, having never been trained in how to use it properly. Raine finds herself guided by a mysterious spirit, who aids her in concealing her power. To survive, Raine must trust in the dangerous company of  warriors from Redwinter. Allies and enemies wear similar faces and she must choose whose side she will be on. 

I enjoyed Daughter of Redwinter, though it took me some time to feel fully invested in the story. Raine initially starts out in a toxic relationship that was painful to watch. As Raine learns more about her own magic, an intricate system of magic is revealed. This was one of my favorite aspects of the worldbuilding. The middle did get a bit murky and meandering, but the writing was very atmospheric. In future books, I’m looking forward to seeing Raine form alliances and come into a better understanding of her power. 

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