emmreadsbooks's Reviews (1.28k)

I think this book might be perfect? The narration slayed me with the outright sexual tension between the broody Elliot and the perky Ama. The plot was killer and the steam was perfectly timed - it didn't feel like there was ever a sex scene just for the sake of it. This is a great second chance romance in that there are NO miscommunications! Their initial breakup made complete sense to me, but wasn't ultimately something that couldn't be worked past in time. So when they're thrust together for the wedding of the century? Yeah, something was bound to sprout. Also flower tattoos are a kink I never knew I had, but between Beckett in Lovelight Farms and Elliot Bloom... it's canon now.

I'm hoping that the moody cellist we see at the end is a setup for another wedding themed book, because I'm not done with Ama's stepsiblings yet. Julie Soto, you killed it girl.

*Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review and to LibroFM for the gifted ALC*

Cute baking and video game YA contemporary? It's like Emm bait. But it truly was adorable and SUCH. a quick read. (Literally the palate cleanser I needed so I could actually fall asleep after the horror book I finished previously)

Farah Heron knows how to write fake dating and slow burn romances, it's an art. I loved the various plot arcs, from the Lady Whistledown style gossip instagram to the game development club. It was busy, but so is high school. Samaya comes into her own in this book as she discovers that life DOES exist outside of videogames and high school clout. Daniel is, of course, the sweetest bumbleberry pie hockey himbo and a fabulous foil to Sam. It was also such fun seeing Tahira being a doting older sister and chasing her fashion dreams. Overall just a precious book for when you need something HAPPY to read.

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

It took me forever to read this book, but man if I didn't love it. Was it a bit on the nose and predictable sometimes? Yes. But would I have changed any of it? Hell no. While it's a fairly long book, the plot keeps moving at a great pace. And more impressively, it didn't feel too expository or "lore dump-y". I enjoyed seeing Touraine and Luca navigate their drastically different worlds, all while interfacing with each other. At points it felt like chess, while in other a dramatic game of capture the flag. Full of political intrigue, a unique magic system, and so many queer romances, it's a fantasy book to remember. I'll be diving into The Faithless ASAP!

I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this one, though my experience of it definitely suffered from me falling asleep during the audiobook... frequently... BUT that was because I was on a road trip, not any fault of the narrators. There's something so dark and sexy about it. From the long search for magic to an extremely attractive (and deadly) witch hunter, it'll keep you guessing. I really enjoyed seeing the point of views of the coven. At some points I had trouble following the magic system and what the full capabilities were, but it's a great quick read (especially on audio!)

*Thank you to Libro FM for the gifted ALC and Book Club Girls for the gifted physical copy*

Remind me to never travel again. This book hits on all of my anxieties about it, but does add some romance which is nice. Be it on a plane, train, or automobile, Luke and Cassidy are orally brawling and eyefucking each other. I really enjoyed the narrative on toxic relationships and self-worth. Things get rushed at times, rightfully so as there's a ticking clock to get back for Isabella's wedding, but it's enjoyable throughout. I'd love to see Berkeley get her own book (maybe with Will??), hopefully with a bit less transportation involved. Though will I see a ferris wheel or the Eiffel tower in the same way again? Heck no.

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

I am WIIIIIILD about Jana Goes Wild. From the blatant sexual tension between Jana and Anil, the cutest baby girl Imani, and the awesome settings of Tanzania and the Serengeti, this is an amazing romcom to satisfy your wanderlust. As a huge fan of Kamila Knows Best, I was happy to see Kamila featured in this book (even as a background character). I feel like we get to see Jana and Kamila's friendship grow throughout this book, from being a reluctant member of the Bridal Brigade to really being besties. I love a career-oriented protagonist, especially when she's also prioritizing her family. Anil's not perfect, but he's pretty dang close - he could take me to Disney any day. There are some mild miscommunication tropes throughout, but it's a really solid second-chance romance. AND I can't wait to try out the recipes in the back, mmmmmmmm.

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

You know when a series just absolutely sticks the landing? This is it. The way the last half of the book had me rolling around in bed, audibly gasping, and even screaming "WHAT THE FUCK" before I frantically DMed Amanda Foody about my shock... unparalleled. The whole book is a shadow game, but with most of the key players participating. Amp up the political intrigue by 11 and you've got a really dang interesting book. I loved how many PoVs we got to see throughout, especially Harvey's and Lola's! It makes sense with the narrative as well, because now the book is about more than just Levi and Enne. While the books are sizable, I wholeheartedly recommend this series for YA fantasy fans.

As usual with Alex North books, I am CONFUSED for most of it. But contrary to my usual experiences, I actually enjoyed the confusion this time around. It helped that the real action started within the first few pages, but I really enjoyed the focus on the future as a theme. Would you truly want to know what would happen, especially if it meant you couldn't stop it? The narrator did an amazing job contrasting the dark themes with her light and concise voice, but still added so much drama to the story. Plus the entire idea of controlling your own fate mixed with the tales of a serial killer is just so delectable. I think I would've enjoyed it more on paper, but it's still a super fun and gruesome thriller.

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

An adorable second chance romance set on the beaches of California, this is a great YA for summer. I've never read about sand volleyball at length, so that was a really interesting angle. For me, the most interesting parts of the book were when the family was all together - rather than the romance unfortunately. Dean is such a precious cinnamon roll, but Kaylee is too caught up in herself to treat him right. That being said, Lucy and Jessie are the cutest and have the BEST taste in music. Give me all the ABBA please!

*Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This was my first Sally Hepworth novel and I did enjoy most of it. There was just something about how the mental illnesses in this book were treated that didn't sit right with me. It felt like medication was treated as a cure to all ills, and that certain plot elements were caused purely by it. That being said, I really enjoyed the narration and the tension that was built over the multiple PoVs. Having an Australian narrator really helped keep me focused on where the book was set, and only added to the ambiance. There's so much trauma built into this book from the premise alone, but we also get to explore the relationships in the family and their sordid past. Pacing was excellent, just hoping for a little more sensitivity in her next book.

*Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*