CINNAMON ROLL SWEETNESS.

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I think it’s been a minute since I’ve noticeably read a more cinnamon roll/beta hero and I HAVE MISSED THIS. Samson was the absolute sweetest and just wanted a moment for himself but that turns into a wonderful second chance / childhood friends romance.

The cottage setting brought about the perfect dose of forced proximity (my favorite). I do think it slowed down a little in the middle with continuous talks of learning plays and such, but that’s my only minor complaint.

I looove the way Esther Hatch writes her characters. They’re all someone I want to be friends with and are filled with strengths and weaknesses that are worked through by the final pages. This book was light and made my heart just feel happy. Hatch’s regency romances are some of my favorite and can’t wait for what’s next!

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

FASCINATINGLY GOOD.

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I mean, was I expecting anything less? NOPE.

I absolutely loved this. I felt like I was completely immersed in these characters, the story, plot, everything. Having Hoid as the narrator was the perfect dose of wit and spunk that carried everything else along. There was great social commentary that fit in well within the fantasy background and a lot of nods to self-worth and coming of age. I flat out laughed multiple times because the jokes just landed with all of the charm Hoid has.

The story was full of action and heart. I felt like it had a bit of Pirates of the Caribbean vibes with a Cosmere twist. I adored the diverse side characters and the found family that Tress and them became. It was whimsical yet intense and I was on the edge of my seat often.

I loooved the twists and the ending was fantastic. There’s so many little pieces in here that I could talk about (but won’t because spoilers) that really made this entire read. Sanderson crafts books like no others. You’ll love Tress’s character arc and the journey she goes on.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: near death experiences, physical and magical altercations, weapons violence 

A DELIGHT.

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I really enjoyed this! Especially via the audiobook. It had fantastic narration and I was wrapped in this historical story (with a good dose of romance).

The sisters were all unique in their personalities and lifestyles. I love that they came together to find a way to stay in their home and that even with the ups and downs of running a bed and breakfast they found their footing within the home. I love strong relationship bonds like this and I love supportive families. The path is definitely not straight, but the bends and valleys are what makes it dynamic.

I love all of the subtle romances throughout. This specific book focused on one sister more than the others (of which my assumption is each book will have a sister as more of the main focus than others) and I loved her points of view the most. This book is wholesome and they’re Christian themes. I didn’t find these heavy handed, more so beautifully woven throughout. The sentiments of learning to love yourself and forgiveness are some of the themes I appreciated most.

A wonderful read, I look forward to future books with these sisters!!

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent, a flooding situation, injuries from war 

3.5 stars

I FINISHED IT.

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I read the first two books in this series a few years ago and finally swung around to finishing the series. Was it worth it? Eh I suppose to. I liked a lot of this, but it really isn’t my favorite of Kova’s (That would be Air Awakens and I beg of y’all to read it).

Anywho, I DID enjoy this characters. Florence, Ari and Cvareh all play solid roles. I liked the character progression and where they ended up when the war was over. What I struggled with was the relationship between Ari and Cvareh. When books are like HERE’S THE ROMANCE, then take it away for a long time it makes things feel unbalanced.

That’s mostly what I thought of the entire book. Unbalanced. Between the politicking, action and relationship building I was looking for something a bit different.

The magic system is suuuper cool. I do the love dragons, and chimera and steampunk vibes of the world. It’s unique and fresh and what really held the story together for me.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: a little
- Romance: fade to black
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, battle themes, magical and physical altercations 

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC.

MY NEW FAVORITE.

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Y’all. Here me out. Romantic suspense PLUS regency romance. It’s my new favorite thing. I looooved this so much!!!

Jack was heavenly swoony. I tabbed my book many times over at his glances and endearing ways. I loved his personality and there was off the charts chemistry between him and Ginny from the get-go. Fiery banter and passionate kisses and I am in love.

I loved Ginny’s tenacity and take charge nature. It’s not overwhelming, it’s empowering. She grows through putting the past behind, solving crimes, and doing what’s best for her estate. I also appreciate a great friendship and I adored that connection as well.

There’s the perfect balance between romance and suspense. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to know what happens next. Who took the watch? Who’s causing chaos? It’s such a unique dynamic for this genre and Barker’s writing is captivating. I LOVE her writing and will continue to read anything of hers I can get my hands on.

Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: physical altercations, gun violence, arson, attempted murder, loss of a parent 

I liked this novella a lot. The general dynamic between the main couple was great.

Buuut then the drama that unfurled did not work for me at all. It made me for frustrated than anything (hello miscommunication).

Otherwise, it was cute. Loved the setting. Some good swoony moments and kisses.

 

MY HEART.

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Well this book turned me into an absolute puddle and is now my favorite Lia Louis book to date.

I absolutely loved Emmie’s story and the progress she made in loving who she is and where she is and recognizing the love around her. Having to walk through a lot of personal fires to get to where she is at the end had me cheering her on the whole way.

And that romance??? OMG. I was a misty eyed woman reading those last few scenes. Even if you realize what’s happening it’ll still squeeze your heart in the most beautifully painful ways. I love how those things worked out and that Emmie got to know the WHOLE truth of things. It only made the ending that much sweeter.

A fantastic audiobook that I couldn’t put down. A story that will melt your soul and I cannot recommend this one enough. I’m not big on backlist reading, and I am grateful I dove back for this one!!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: slut shaming, victim shaming, sexual assault of a minor, cheating 

NOT FOR ME.

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Oh how I wanted this to work out. But I’m tired of hearing forbidden romance/enemies to lovers and getting absolutely zero angst, animosity, tension and passion between the main couple. Everything was too easy. I was never emotionally drawn in because neither were the characters. Drunken kisses don’t work for me and the romance scenes between them were a bit awkward.

I think I didn’t connect with the writing style and then the further plot fall out caused a general collapse. It’s a very slow and drawn out plot, and that can be fine, but this was not the case here either. Mostly a lot of sitting around, waiting for things to happen and the ultimate “battle” at the end was seen from oceans away.

I don’t want to continue my rant fest. In conclusion, this is not a book I’d recommend.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: two open door
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, ship wrecks, weapons violence, drowning, loss of loved ones 

Thank you Book Club Favorites and Simon and Schuster for the gifted copy.

REAL SWEET.

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I adored this! I LOVE that it fits perfectly into the young adult category. I know I’m far past that, but it goes to show that it can be a well loved book for all ages too.

Zahra went on a coming of age journey through a dash of a love triangle and I was pleasantly charmed. Not one to generally be a fan of love triangles I liked the way this one worked out. Both boys helped Zahra realize some things about herself and ultimately led to a lot of growth for all parties. I do wish there was a little more romantic relationship development, but that’s really the only thing I needed more of.

Even when I found the mom/daughter dynamics frustrating, I loved how caring they were. Both sides looking out for one another and having that true, real relationship between them. I love supportive and kind families and this had a great one.

The plot moved steadily and I don’t remember being bored with any of it. It’s got a great level of dramatics that only add to the flair of the storyline. I loved Zahra’s friendships and how those weren’t just for show. Growing those relationships, even as things are changing, is such an important aspect of life.

Beautiful debut. I loved learning more about Bangladeshi culture and loved the coming of age tale. Can’t wait for more!

Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent (off page, prior to book), low income situations 

Thank you to PRH Audio for the gifted audiobook.

NOT MY FAVORITE.

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Audiobook review notes: I had no issue with the audiobook! I liked the narrator and thought it was well paced. I was able to keep up with the story easily.

After enjoying this author’s first book, I was hoping to like this one too. Aaaand I did not.

This was a poor execution of both enemies to lovers and second chance romance. I thought both Lana and Seth acted pretty childish for most of the book and I hardly saw any growth. I don’t mind a hot mess type of character to start with, but Lana needed a lot more change by the end for me to like her. And I never found that moment.

Themes of positive therapy and mental health were the high points here. There were multiple therapy conversations and working through past trauma that allowed the relationship to at least develop by the end. This also helped the weird boss situation that I’m not sure was ever truly resolved??

I wish at some point I felt like cheering on this couple. I’m feeling all sorts of disappointment over this let down. Lack of true chemistry, lack of character arcs and that competition just didn’t do it for me.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: two open door
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: emotionally unavailable parent, sexual harassment, parental abandonment, alcohol consumption