I don't really have much to say because it's super short. But I enjoyed it!

This was a good intro novella to a series I'm very excited to start. I think the suuuper fast paced made it lean slightly more dramatic than I usually prefer. But it had all of the hallmark things I love about Catherine Cowles romantic suspense books.

This book wasn’t initially on my radar until a trusted friend was talking about how much she loved it. I downloaded immediately, AND FELL IN LOVE.

I feel like this is a really hard book to put into words. It’s raw, human, and shows the lowest of lows alongside the highs. It’s complicated and shows how many things in life are not linear. We get knocked down, dragged around, and fight to stand back up. And that’s the amazing power of our souls.

Every single one of these characters had me wrapped up in their story. I loved the way the side characters were used to further the plot (and I Hope we get more stories from some of them???). I LOVED the children and the way divorce and therapy were discussed in regards to how it effects them. There’s a massive theme of mental health and I was teary eyed many times at the moments of despair and the moments of breakthroughs and triumphs.

I don’t have one bad thing to say. I loved this book. This was my first Kennedy Ryan book and it will definitely not be my last.

BUT, VIKINGS?

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When you think of a Viking book, what comes to mind? I’d say something with intensity, action and passion. I got maybe some passion here and I am missing out on the rest.

There was no conflict? Shelbie shows up at a different time, and every single person she meets is nice. Everyone is ready to help and she frolics around making birthday cakes and watching friendly competitions.

I DID love most of the side characters though. And would love to see more of them. A unique group of people who all were bringing something for the story. Even it wasn’t wholly moving the plot forward.

Romance wise, it’s a bit instant. I wanted more lead-up. Domari and Shelbie did grow on me but I think I’m supposed to feel more invested at this point. The ending left a lot for me to consider and enough so that I do want to give book two a chance. I’m curious how it’s going to go, hopefully well, and I’ll probably be back with another review soon.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open; low-med explicit
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: small physical altercations 

SISTER SISTER.

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Oddly enough, I have just previously finished a book where two sisters didn’t like each other and that was never explained well. Thank heavens for this book that instead brought sisters together in an absolutely beautiful way and showcased the power of that kind of bond.

I am really coming to love Rebecca Ross’s writing style and this is my new favorite YA book by her. I loved the plot and world building and all of the little nuanced magical details that brought everything together. Both sisters, Evadne and Halycon have POV’s and are one of kind women on their own. I love strong FMC’s and that is heavily present throughout.

There’s even a little dash of romance in Evadne’s character arc and I thought it wove in well to the overall storyline. I really liked the love interest and the complexity of his character too.

As a theme of forgiveness, strength, and found family emerge I quickly became invested in all aspects. Some great emotional moments towards the end where the action leaves you flipping pages as fast as you can. And I loved the way the ending wrapped up!

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: accidental murder, poisoning, battle themes, physical and magical altercations, loss of loved ones 

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

MY HEART.

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I knew going in this book was going to hurt. Widow plots are some of the hardest for me to read about. I truly enjoyed this one though and all the truth and love and pain it held. Another beautiful book by Lia Louis!

I loved the overall theme of how grief creates its own path. And that it’s OKAY to have a different path than someone else’s. The side characters provided a lot of different angles to how people approach those experiencing grief too. It became multi-faceted and complex and had all of my heart strings pulled.

The romance was so dang sweet. I loved the slow steps into it and how a friendship grew first. There’s a tiny dash of a love triangle (it’s good, I promise!) and I loved how it worked out in the end.

One particular chapter at the end had me tearing up and wanting to hug Natalie. A fantastic and poignant read that I’d easily recommend!

Overall audience notes:
- Women’s Fiction / Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a spouse (theme), loss of loved ones, grief, depression 

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

LOVED SO MUCH.

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I have been chomping at the bit to get my hands on this book and when it dropped in my inbox I was on cloud 9. Emma St. Clair books never disappoint and I need y’all to had this to your holiday TBR’s. It is a GEM.

I adored Jillian and Case. It was the perfect forced proximity set-up. A car break-down, small town shenanigans that lead to more? Give it all to me. ALL. This is beyond filled with the best flirtatious banter that had me grinning like a fool and swooning to a puddle. I LOVED IT. Everything was perfectly timed and I can not even with a guy falls first scenario.

There’s a small dose of the holiday season that slides in well between the romance. I loved seeing a few characters from Sheet Cake (and wow, every time I read a book in this series do I want to go make sheet cake ASAP).

This is simple, light, and full of all the feel goodness you want this time of year. I loved every dang page.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance Novella
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of loss of parents 

BEAUTIFUL.

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Vague review to keep spoilers away.

This was a gorgeous middle book filled with some necessary healing and loving scenes that I was swooning left and right over. I loved many many moments and even highlighted some quotes (I’m terrible at remembering to highlight parts I love).

The character development is as always, first and foremost in my mind and Lightfall brings it. I loooove seeing how these character continue to move forward from trauma and intensity of all the things that have happened.

I like how Cistine stays at the forefront of this group, but that each book seems to highlight another’s journey. This one followed Ashe the most and while I occasionally wanted to shake her, I’m so happy to see where she is now. The focus on therapy and speaking your truths is a theme throughout.

The PAIN of that ending though has me on pins and needles and I NEED ANSWERS.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: a little
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, physical and magical altercations, battle themes, torture, loss of loved ones, PTSD, mentions of rape and sexual assault 

I LIKED IT.

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I consider this a soft four stars. Some miscommunication popped up that made me want to shake a few people, but otherwise this was a pretty delightful and enchanting read.

The plot was a fantastic idea. I loved the idea of a sentient house (with secrets of its own) and a whole society dedicated to taking care of those situations. There’s reverse grump x sunshine here that also worked so well. I adored Hulda and Merritt’s dynamic. It was charming, a bit humorous and sweet.

I don’t think the extra chapters following an antagonist really changed anything? That could have been covered in a sit down between characters and the pace would have been a bit more steady.

It’s a cozy story and the audio narration was great. There’s a good mix of action and intrigue and I liked how things came together in the end. I liked the whimsical nature and I’m curious to see where book two will go.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical fiction / Fantasy + Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: brief mentions of child abuse, murder, physical injuries 

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC.

*sigh*

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I will still recommend Markum’s first book, This May End Badly. But unfortunately, I can’t recommend this one. It was the complete opposite of everything I loved about TMEB.

Junie spends over 3/4 of this book selfishly entitled, saying every wrong thing, being mean to her almost half sister AND the cute boy and I couldn’t take one more bit of it. I’m all for a character arc with growth, this ain’t it. She did one nice thing at the end and that was great and all, I guess.

The only true saving grace here was Graham. He was sweet and the steadfast kind of hero I loooove. Frankly I don’t know why he kept putting up with Junie.

And the play?? It did NOTHING for the plot other than help me move faster through the book because I skimmed right over these scenes. I did not care that Junie was in a play. Or that she dragged all of her friends into it. Or they had to recast someone. Or etc. etc. etc.

Alright I’ll stop. I hope to try Markum’s third book and that it is a redemption.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: heated make-outs
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: small scale injury, emotionally unavailable father, underage drinking and smoking, loss of a mother (off-page), near drowning