NOT FOR ME.

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Sucked in by a beautiful cover, let down by the story. I feel like I’m being generous with three stars but I usually reserve 2 star reviews for books that make me angry. This didn’t make me angry, it just didn’t have anything happening.

It was all too easy. For a princess x commoner romance I thought there would be some tension, some will they/won’t they, and that wasn’t here. They went on a few dates, they kissed, they confessed love pretty quickly too. Very predictable. If you’re looking for a very simple read that had some cute moments I would give this a go.

While it wasn’t for me, I did like the characters. The book was sweet. I liked the siblings and the relationships there. I love a Princess Diaries vibe with a make-believe kingdom. There’s some good positives here in the end.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses

Thank you to Harper Voyager and Bibliolifestyle for the gifted copy.

PLEASANT SURPRISE.

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I loooove Chakraborty’s debut trilogy (The City of Brass) but you never know what’s going to happen when you pick up a new book. And here I am, happily throwing five stars at this one because it was SO GOOD.

It felt like a big classic fantasy read. I absolutely am enthralled by Amina. I love that she’s an older bada** mother who takes on trials and adventure to keep her loved ones safe. The set-up for this was perfect and I love that it was from the angle of Amina telling her story, her legend.

There’s a big found family vibe here too and y’all know that’s about an auto-read scenario for me. I loved the whole crew, getting some of their backgrounds and the funny banter and caring souls everyone was. I loooved all of the sea travels and how even with a travel plot (not usually my thing) the pace kept things going. And there was enough happening each time that I kept wanting to know more. The audiobook is INCREDIBLE and highly recommend that option.

Super complex religious, political, and more dynamics intersect throughout. I loved that this had the historical elements woven in with the fantasy. It’s complex without being overwhelming. The writing style is fluid and easily holds your attention. It’s just a great book. I can’t wait for Amina’s next adventure.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: some strong
- Romance: closed-door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, creature attacks, blood/gore depiction 

Thank you to the author for an ecopy!

I WANT TO GO TO OXFORD NOW.

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This was an enjoyable read! Easily binge worthy and very romantic. I loved the second chance romance and the unique twist on a rockstar and old friend.

I struggled a little with their connection at first, but the second half was reallllly strong in those aspects. I liked that Lucy and Jack got to talk a lot of things out and hash over some of the issues they needed to communicate to move forward. I LOVED Jack’s anxiety and panic disorder rep. It hit home in a lot of ways and I love that Lucy was always a listening and helpful partner in those matters.

Lucy’s growth was a little slower (which was fine). I liked that she learned that it was okay to take something for herself. After having to give and give for years, and finally being able to follow the career path you want? That’s monumental and the strides to that destination were great.

The Oxford setting was so fun!! I thought there was just enough of the history and dynamics I didn’t know about the school without overwhelming the fact that it was a romance book. There were maaany swoony moments (the dress scene? YES). I loved the body positivity and the way that was woven into Lucy’s story. There’s plenty of good things to be found in this read!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2-3 open door; med-high explicit
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: panic attacks (on page), depictions of anxiety, loss of a father (recounted), comments on weight and body image, brief gun violence (the gun is never fired) 

FIERY.

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Okay. I am a SUUUUUCKER for a revenge plot with an alpha hero (who’s not a jerk, that protective broody stuff though? ALL DAY LONG). I LOVED this book and it had me in a complete hold the entire day it took me to listen to it.

I loved the second chance romance. It had a bit of a flair with the hidden identities and new stations in life. There was fantastic push and pull and so much flippin’ chemistry between Nicholas and Margaret I could not handle it. I LOVE MIMI MATTHEWS BOOKS.

The plot is steady and uber romantic. I loved alllll of the intense moments. There’s a good bit of action and these two are flat out combustible. I seriously can’t think about anything else other than these two. Perfectly placed vulnerable moments, THE KISSES, the reconnection through change and hardships. All of the complexity of family dynamics and finding a way to be together. It’s all here. It’s so good.

READ IT.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisse
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: gun violence, false imprisonment, sexual assault (unwanted forceful attempt at kissing someone), loss of loved ones, physical altercations 

Thank you to Barbour Books and Austenprose PR for the eARC.

HAUNTING.

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I got so very wrapped up into this I could not put the last 30% down. I loved the way this built and built. I personally hadn’t realized it had a suspense element to it and it was GREAT. Consider me officially invested in all future Hannah Linder books.

I love multiple POV books and having four here worked into this plotline so well. Seeing everyone’s perspective on different matters made the book feel whole and that I could catch all of the angst and longing and desire to be wanted and cared for. Heath and Temperance’s romance was suuuper sweet. I wish there was a little more development there, but I did love them together and the journey they took as a couple.

And childhood friends to lovers is always a great trope. Nan and Gilbert had some great tension and I liked the romantic development here too. What I struggled with was Nan. I wish she was a little more dynamic? I kept expecting her to step up or realize what was happening and instead she mostly spent time as a damsel trying to please someone who didn’t deserve an ounce of her time. One of the antagonists just held too much sway that didn’t completely make sense for me.

I loved the setting and friendships. The Stanhope’s were incredible. I kept expecting something poor to happen there and I loved that it never did. It was a wonderful balance to the darker sides of this story. There is a heavy faith element throughout (for those who like to know!).

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings; loss of a parent (off page), multiple murders, house fires, physical altercations, near death experiences, child homelessness, alcoholic parent, emotionally manipulative parent 

Thank you to House Valor Books and Netgalley for an ALC.

THAT CLIFFHANGER Y’ALL.

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I don’t really mind cliffhangers, even if they cause me high amounts of stress. And this book definitely ended with a wild one that I LOVEEEE. I have no clue where this will go and why and you better believe I’ll be picking up the next book.

Audiobook thoughts: As an ALC wanted to touch base here too. I did love that within this dual narration any feminine characters were by one actor and the male characters by the other. It gave a real life conversation tone to it and made for a positive listening experiences. What I didn’t love was a few of the side characters voices. They were kind of hard to listen to and was grateful when their roles became more minimal so they didn’t show up as often.

Back to the general bookish thoughts. I really like this romance. Luckily there wasn’t a long separation here and we got to see Layala and Thane work together as a couple (my favorite for fantasy romances). There’s just the right amount of spice that works well within the plot and the story moves forward in interesting ways. I liked all of the dragons that showed up. There’s a good amount of action and I’m intrigued by the antagonists and figuring out who belongs on what side.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: 2 brief/vague open + mild innuendo
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: near death experiences, weapons violence, magical and physical violence, loss of loved ones, battle themes 

FAVORITE OF THE BUNCH.

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This book had me in a chokehold for the two days it took me to read it. GOOD HEAVENS Y’ALL. I aaaabsolutely loved Cal and Alana’s story so dang much. All of the heartache and strength and emotions it took to get to this ending.

I really liked the way Cal’s alcohol issues were handled. I was curious how the third act would be used with it and am very much pleased with the way Asher approached the story. There was a lot of two steps forward, one step back and that very much felt real and raw as Cal worked towards finding his why.

Alana was such a force and was full of deep compassion and love while also creating boundaries and a safe space for her family. I loved this balance and the support she provided Cal without enabling.

This was full of plenty of swoony quotes and moments. I love soft scenes and what they provide to connecting with the relationship. With Cami as well, it was all just SWEET. I couldn’t put this book down. I know billionaire romances come with their own kind of dramatics but that is also the best part of this too. I love the way Asher crafts these romances and cant wait for whatever is next.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: 3-5 open; high explicit
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: alcoholism, mentions of substance abuse, loss of a parent 

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

JUST WHAT I NEEDED.

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I enjoyed this book so much. It turned out to be what I needed when it dropped in my inbox and I stayed up way too late to finish it because I was loving every page.

Josh and Ruby has great chemistry from the get-go. I looooved the banter. I found myself smiling and swooning and when a few fake dating antics got thrown in I was INVOLVED. Little heated glances, the small touches, leaning in to whisper in someone’s ear? GIMME ALL OF IT. This had a very natural flow to the relationship with some push and pull, but ultimately realizing a HEA is in front of you.

Even when I found myself a little frustrated with how Sami was allowing past issues to completely fuel her decisions in the present I did see a lot of growth. Sami allowed herself to be open about her fears, spoke to others and even did some big gestures of her own to show Josh she’s as invested as he is. Josh definitely fell first (my fav) and I adore a guy who shows up, regardless of what that means.

And I thought the plot was fun. I’m hit/miss on music themes and I thought this was wonderfully written. I wanted to see the best for Sami and loved her level headedness about following her dreams and making those happen. It’s a great book. It’s super swoony, it’s on the lighter side and it’s perfect for spring time.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a grandparent, multiple mentions of older people passing away (Sami works as a nurse at a care facility), brief mention of going to rehab, absent father 

IT WAS GOOD.

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Another enjoyable Harmon read. I wouldn’t count this in the favorites column though, but I did like the story and had a hard time putting it down.

I love way Harmon’s stories are crafted. They’re lyrically written with characters that FEEL. I love the tangled web of emotions and life and everything in between that comes together. Bonnie and Finn had this undeniable immediate chemistry. Not one generally for insta-love I did think this was pretty well accomplished. I was invested in the story from the beginning and freaking out at the end waiting for the HEA to happen.

There’s many layers to this that I loved. Coping with grief and loss of a sibling. Dealing with the stress of a tough career. Handling tough situations you didn’t mean to be a part of and all within falling in love with the last person you thought you’d meet.

A beautiful story. I’m loving catching up on Amy Harmon’s backlist!

Overall audience notes:
- NA Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: one vague open door
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: suicide attempt (the book starts with this), suicidal thoughts, gun violence, car wrecks, incarceration, loss of a sibling (from cancer) and (from gun violence)

 

INTRIGUED.

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I’ll be the first person to say love triangles aren’t really my thing. I have to be in the right mood to deal with the drama that arises inevitably when so many parties are involved. I have had this sitting on my kindle for months and the mood hit and HERE WE ARE. I CAN’T DECIDE WHO I LIKE MORE.

I feel like both of the love interests are balanced well. I’m kind of waiting for one of them to snap (more or less) and to see some differentiation within Ryker and Liam. I’m hoping with the expansion of plot in the next book we’ll see some tough decisions made and that will give both of them larger character dynamics.

Evy was a good FMC. She’s on the softer side (nothing wrong with that! Just a note) and also carries that strength too. Going through hell and back and being able to find hope and mercy too is a pretty incredible feat.

I don’t know the last time I read a Cinderella retelling. With that fact I really liked this one! There’s clear allusions, yet it strays enough to keep things interesting and not a worn down fairy tale. I am very much interested enough to see how book two goes.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses + very light innuendo
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: domestic abuse, child abuse, whipping, loss of loved ones (on and off page)