I feel like this book was trying to be so many different things - a thriller, a mystery, and a science fiction all wrapped into one. But in doing that, I feel like each of the elements suffered... While I was enthused by the idea towards the end, it reads as more of a dry police procedural. That being said, it was atmospheric and I never wanted to put it down. I just felt cheated by the ending.

*Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Oh my GOOOOOOD. This book is a raunchy delight that I can't stop telling people about. A pop star meets porn star Hallmark fantasy that will have you alternating between giggles and swoons. The plot is absurd in the best way and the sexual tension between Bee and Nolan is *immediate*. I loved all of the subtle gags of the adult film crew and just the disaster that is Uncle RayRay. Annnnnd the narrators were PHENOMENAL throughout, even at 2x! They made the dual PoVs all that much better because I felt like I really got a sense for who they were as characters. Overall if you want a steamy holiday romp, check this one out!

*Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an ARC and HarperAudio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review*

For whatever reason, I went into this book completely blind. And honestly? I was hooked after the first sentence.

Dead End Girls is like Thelma and Louise if they faked their own deaths and then went off on a thrilling adventure through the West coast. Just when I felt like the story was getting a little stagnant, we get to switch to Frankie's PoV from months ago and DANG. That's where we really hit our stride in the plot. I felt at times like I didn't understand Maude's motivation for wanting to escape, but Frankie's really made sense. And Natalie Naudus? My ears are in LOVE. This was my first audiobook from her but certainly won't be my last.

Ultimately if you want a fun and quick sapphic read with a little bit of darkness thrown in, snag this one!

*Thank you to Hachette Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

This is the perfect spooky graphic novel for the Halloween season. Emsy is forced to move from California back to her coven in the wake of a murderous tragedy. The art in this book is phenomenal and the story was super interesting. I liked the distinct areas of magic within the coven and how the plot flowed. I really hope that this becomes a series because I want to see how things turn out for Emsy, Ben, and Ash!

*Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I think I love space operas now? This felt like a smuttier version of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet which I am HERE for. But more than that, it had a thrilling plot, fun worldbuilding, and an amazing ensemble cast. Like... give me the thruple any day. This is definitely a great intro book for those who aren't sci-fi savvy. Plus one of the best characters is a telepathic cat-thing, so huge fan.

I also really loved the set-up for the second book. This installment felt self-contained, yet set up the upcoming trilogy wonderfully. I can't wait to see more of Tavi, Kee, and Torran!

This book is *literally* a Taylor Swift song - so catchy and well-written. While this book features a time loop, it doesn't last the entire book and rather ends quite chaotically. Playing with time is becoming a common plot device, but here it felt really original in its execution. We get to watch Emilie shed her type-A checklist personality and finally have FUN (annnnd get the cute loner Nick out of his shell as well). Plus as a fellow Nebraskan, I loved all of the references to the Old Market especially Zio's Pizza. Ultimately this is an amazing YA book for teens and adults alike and while this was my first Lynn Painter book, it certainly won't be my last!

*Thank you to Simon Teen and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Bing bang boom, we've finished number 3. And honestly? I'm not sure how I feel. As usual I loved all of the puzzles and riddles, especially the chess references. But I'm left at a loss when it comes to Grayson... We don't really get resolution as to his feelings or the impact of *many* of the events of this book on him. But ultimately, I understand that it was necessary to have a neat ending.

We do also get to see a bit of conflict in reference to The Hawthorne Legacy and Avery really gets to take the reins in the puzzle solving. She's grown so much throughout the series, though is still a bit petty at times. I had issues distinguishing between some of the characters in terms of narration, but I still think this is overall a solid series and a proper ending.

*Thank you to Hachette Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

I love Jesse Q Sutanto as an author and this book is a great example of how she can write a book *without* murder. (Though I love her even more when she's writing about murder)

This is a cute catfishing gone right romcom that also takes us on a tour of Indonesia. Sharlot definitely has some culture shock going from LA to overseas, but the country begins to grow on her (and the audience). The book is full of her trademark humor and adventure, from whitewater rafting to avoiding the paparazzi. Not to mention the chemistry between George and Sharlot, it's just so dang CUTE!

*Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I've never read The Island of Doctor Moreau, but I feel like this was a really interesting interpretation. On audio, I loved the various accents she used (both French and regional) to distinguish between the various characters. We get to interact with Moreau's hybrids and grow attached, all while the world tries to tear them away from us. I particularly enjoyed Laughton's perspective as a newcomer to all of this. This features Silvia Moreno-Garcia's classic worldbuilding magic, with everything feeling luxurious. But as usual, there's a darker side... and it's executed gorgeously.

*Thank you to PRH Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

I absolutely read this series out of order (3-1-2), but honestly I really loved it that way. Getting to see the relationships in reverse helps you better understand the characters and how they got to their happy endings. Annie and Brendon are precious together, especially as Annie decides whether or not to move to London. I loved all of the romcom references, specifically those focusing on Seattle. I didn't realize there were so many! Annnnnd the epilogue? My heart.