danadoesbooks's Reviews (954)

Thank you Dutton and NetGalley for the eARC of The Shadow of Perseus!  All opinions in this review are my own.

I absolutely loved The Shadow of Perseus!  I really liked how Haywood took the familiar myth and told it through the eyes of the women that are most important to Perseus's story.  The Author's Note at the end of the book details how Haywood chose to ground the novel in more historical and realistic aspects which I think made it all the stronger.  The short chapters allowed me to fly through this book and I read it in three days!  I am really excited to read Haywood's Daughters of Sparta now!

Thank you Del Rey and NetGalley for the eARC of Nocturne!  All opinions in this review are my own.

Nocturne is a blend of Beauty and the Beast, The Phantom of the Opera, and the Hades/Persephone myth but set in Chicago in the 1930s.  While it took me a little bit to get into because of the wordiness, I ended up really enjoying Nocturne!  Retellings are always hit or miss for me so I was happy I liked this one!  Nocturne is the perfect read for this winter season!

Thank you Knopf and NetGalley for the eARC of The Rachel Incident!  All opinions in this review are my own.

In all honesty, I think I am still trying to process how I feel about this book.  I ended up getting a copy from the library and on the day the book was due, I decided to start it.  While my intention was to binge read it so I could return it, I also couldn't put it down once I started reading it.

At first, I wasn't into reading about Rachel and James struggling through their early 20s.  It was stressful enough to live through that time, I didn't need to read about it in a book.  However, as the book progressed, I was drawn into Rachel and James's friendship, but also this mess that they were creating.  I had to find out how they were going to get through it.

Overall, The Rachel Incident is captivating read.  It is about trying to figure out who you are at such an tumultous time in your life.  I think it can be a comforting read for people who are also going through this stage in their life and to the people who are glad they never have to live through it again.

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the eARC of Behind the Scenes!  All opinions in this review are my own.

After reading Satisfaction Guaranteed, I was excited to read anything Karelia Stetz-Waters wrote.  Behind the Scenes did not disappoint!  I immediately fell in love with Ash and Rose, and I loved seeing them fall in love from their meet cute to the end.  I really appreciated that there was no third act break up and that they were able to work through any issues that came up during their relationship.  I also loved the cameos from Cade and Selena, and the mention of the store too!  I am already looking forward to the next book from Stetz-Waters!

Thank you Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the eARC of 10 Things That Never Happened!  All opinions in this review are my own.

I typically love Alexis Hall books so I am bummed that this one didn't live up to the usual standard.  While I appreciated the Lord of the Rings references and the typical Hall wit, the plot fell short for me.  Jonathan wasn't super likable and while I was expecting to eventually love him, I never really did.  By the end of the book, I just felt bad that he had been lied to for the entire time and I was surprised that he was able to forgive Sam for it.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the eARC of Murder Off The Books!  All opinions in this review are my own.

I am always a fan of cozy mysteries set in a bookstore in a small town!  Murder Off The Books is the third book in the By The Book series featuring thriller writer Tess Harrow.  It was easy to pick up despite not reading the first two books.

I was immediately drawn in when an accused serial killer comes to town and starts spending time with her mom.  When a famous podcast host also comes to town and tries to cozy up to the man that Tess has her eyes on, she starts to get involved in this whole mess.

I want to go back and read Tess's previous adventures!  I am already looking forward to her next one!

Thank you SMP Romance and NetGalley for the eARC of Take the Lead!  All opinions in this review are my own.

I haven't read You Had Me At Hola but I have heard amazing things about it so I was excited to read Take the Lead!  I love romances with a reality TV set up so I knew I would enjoy it.  In this opposites attract romance, there was just enough tension to be sure how Gina and Stone would make it work in the end!

Thank you Amazon Publishing and Net Galley for the eARC of A Night at the Tropicana!  All opinions in this review are my own.

I love Chanel Cleeton's novels so I jumped at the chance to read a short story by her.  My only complaint about A Night at the Tropicana was that I wish it had been longer!  Cleeton's characters are so engaging that you want to continue reading about them.  I liked the romance of Natalie and Antonio, and how they only had one night together before being separated.  I'm already ready for Cleeton's next full length novel!

Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for the eARC of Varina Palladino's Jersey Italian Love Story!  All opinions in this review are my own.

This was easily one of my favorite books I read this year!  My family is Italian so I was able to connect with a lot of the language and traditions described in the book.  While the novel deals with some heavier subjects, it felt like a very cozy read for me.  I felt like I was reading about people I know, and I especially loved Paulie and Dante!  I can't wait to read more from this author!

Thank you Berkley and Tandem Collective for the gifted copy of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches!  All opinions in this review are my own.

I adored this cozy, witchy read!  While I read it in the fall, most of the action happens closer to Winter Solstice so it can easily be a holiday read too.  If you liked The House in the Cerulean Sea, then you will definitely enjoy this one too!