emmreadsbooks's Reviews (1.28k)

I had never read anything by Sara Desai until this book, but man am I excited to read the rest of the series! Zara and Jay had such amazing chemistry - whether it be as friends, enemies, or lovers - and it really propelled the book to new heights. Lawyers so often get portrayed as harsh and dull, but Zara was anything but. I also loved how they embraced their culture throughout the book, be it with the weddings, the food, or with how they related to their loved ones. This book also got VERY steamy without too many descriptions of genitalia which I enjoyed. Overall a bubbly book that will leave you smiling.

*Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This book was amazing and the audio made it even better! I loved listening to Evie and X banter and slowly fall in love, as Evie begins to believe in love again. The paranormal twist of her being able to see the relationships of people in love was so unique and led to the philosophical debate of awareness vs ignorance. Add in a ballroom dancing competition? I was sold. This audiobook was seriously AMAZINGLY narrated, especially given the multimedia in the text. We're talking finishing an audiobook in under a WEEK!! (A huge feat for me)

*Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

I loved the idea of this book - a bookstore down on its luck trying to work its way out of debt. Like seriously, that is usually a winner for me! But Aaron was seriously SO annoying... His assumptions about people, addiction, and outlook on life are all so twisted. His character essentially ruined the book for me. That being said, the audio for this book was phenomenal. As much as I disliked Aaron, I couldn't stop listening (so that should say a lot).

*Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review*

This is an immersive story that left me craving chocolates and chai. Classifying this book into a genre is a bit more complex, as it's certainly romantically inclined but most of it is left up to our imaginations. I'd classify it as women's fiction personally, as we watch Kiran grow into her career and identity. That's not to say that Nash wasn't compelling (and incredibly attractive), but the focus was definitely on Kiran's journey. I'm interested to see how the Chai Masala Club continues, perhaps with Payal!?

*Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I literally SCREAMED when I was approved for this book. Jen DeLuca's books are just delectable and this one was no different. Arguably it was even more unputdownable because we're *finally* getting April and Mitch's story. Personally I've been craving this one since I finished Book 1! But the wait was definitely worth it, as the book is full of April's journey towards commitment and oh so much steam. Plus we've got fake dating and the good ole "one bed" trope, so you're in for a good time.

*Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This book is the definition of a "note to self" and I absolutely loved it. It's filled with stories of optimism and persistence, but also of deep depression and anxiety. Narrated by Matt Haig, we discuss tenets of Buddhism and how they relate to the idea of suffering and beyond (a big plus for a Buddhist like myself). Plus it certainly doesn't hurt that his voice was made for narration. My biggest takeaway is the mantra repeated throughout the book - "Nothing is stronger than a small hope that doesn't give up". It's just everything.

*Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review*

This is a gaslighty thriller that will leave you questioning everything. Magic, ghosts, and the paranormal galore! I especially loved the narrator for the audiobook, as she did some phenomenal accents to distinguish between the girls of Godwin House. This is definitely leaning into the dark academia setting, but I was expecting more of a fantasy. While that’s my own fault, I also felt as though the mystery element of this book was slightly lacking. I can’t quite put my finger on why though… however all things considered, it’s a compelling novel about friendship, betrayal, and vengeance. Hard to say no to that.

*Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review*

Hooooooboy this book was WEIRD. Delightfully so. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into with this book, was it a mystery or a fantasy?? Personally, I view it as a horror.

And a beautiful horror it is. Following the ethereal Hollow sisters as they search for their missing sister and delve into their own disappearance years before was a slow burn that piqued with each appearance of a man with a mask of bone. While I predicted most of the twists, it was no less enjoyable. Honestly I can’t believe that I waited this long to read it!

This book is seriously phenomenal. From the delectable descriptions of food to the forbidden romance, you'll find yourself rapidly flipping the pages to get to the next beat. I loved the dual perspectives, especially given the feud between their families. It really helped flesh out the conflict, especially as they began to figure out the cause of it. I particularly enjoyed their descriptions of art and writing, though they paled in comparison to that of the food. Excuse me while I go drool...

Hoooooly cow, what a long one! But in terms of series endings, I'm fully satisfied. This was ultimately so dramatic, bordering on soap opera-y at times, but we steer into the skid and it all turns out wonderfully. In this book we get to wander into themes of social justice and elements of identity that begin to blur the lines between "hero" and "villain", and without it the series would feel incomplete. That being said, we're also slightly set up for future adventures in this world in the epilogue, which I do NOT recommend skipping. Hoooooly cow, y'all... that's all I'll say.