FULL OF HEART.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I’ve seen this compared to The House on the Cerulean Sea and is definitely a comparison I can follow. This had a lot of those vibes but in a new story that I adored all the same.

I loved the found family between the girls, Mika, and everyone else in the house. Mika needed most to find somewhere to belong with people who knew everything about her and wouldn’t have to leave. I love that she got that chance and how we saw the ups and downs of allowing someone into our lives. It’s not always steps forward, but it’s worth it in the end for the right people.

The romance could have used a little more oomph for me. I did like it, but I thought it was missing something. Maybe a bit more between them would have helped me feel fully connected to Mika and Jamie.

I liked the plot and it moved with a steady pace for a read like this. There were some surprises and a great ending that was filled with sweetness and hope in new beginnings. I’d love to read another book by this author!

Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal Fantasy + Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: open but then fade to black
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mention of death of parent, emotionally detached parent, sibling abuse 

UNIQUE.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

This felt fresh to the holiday genre. Set on a cruise and a small island, it’s got a much different vibe without any snow around (but there’s a big storm, don’t worry!).

What I didn’t know would be my kryptonite was the phrase good girl used in here. Not commonly seen in sweet romance books I loved how this was used here! I’m going to need to see that more often ASAP.

There’s some great forced proximity moments between these two and I always love a brother’s best friend trope. I thought both of these played well. I didn’t always love the FMC, but I did love the epilepsy rep. And the MMC anxiety rep! Both of these were written well and I loved learning more about epilepsy from the author.

I thought the book overall was sweet and fast paced. I really just enjoyed reading it, ya know? There’s bit of a momentum loss towards the end but those last few pages help make it up and I love a down the years epilogue to feel all the flutters.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: on page epileptic seizure, anxiety depiction 

Thank you to MacMillan audio for the ALC.

SOLID PREQUEL.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I know a lot of us are hit/miss on prequel books after the fact the original books are already out. This would be a case of me saying, if you enjoyed Fable / Namesake I think you’ll enjoy Saint too.

I loved getting much of Saint’s background. The heated intensity that is Saint is something else and seeing it with a romantic edge was *chef’s kiss*. It’s a super fast, read in a day, kind of story that gives you a great peek at the fated meeting of Saint and Isolde. It was great getting both points of view because I really wanted some background on Isolde as well. The attraction between them was undeniable and that instantaneous connection worked perfectly here.

The timeline didn’t end where I thought it would (forever wishing Adrienne Young books were a bit longer), but I guess it ended well enough? We all know what happens so I do understand [after the fact] why it closed here, buuut would have loved a bit more in a few different areas.

Audiobook wise: PERFECT. No complaints. Both narrators did an amazing job of reading at the same pace so I was able to keep the speed at the same for the rotating chapters. I felt like it only enhanced my reading experience and would recommend this avenue easy.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: physical altercations, loss of loved ones, loss of life 

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.

NEW FAVORITE OF THE SERIES.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I really liked this one y’all!! I think with the second I was expecting a different kind of story, but with this one, I changed my mindset and enjoyed it all the more. This is very much like a cozy mystery but with pizazz. There’s a bit more drama, a bit more high stakes, and even a bit more romance. All things I am here for in the Finlay Donovan world.

This was another fun installment that had me bursting with laughter and definitely swooning. YES THE ROMANCE I’VE BEEN AFTER FINALLY MOVES SOMEWHERE. The slow burn has been real but I have known where my loyalties lie from day one and I am currently a happy camper.

I still don’t know if I like Vero? I don’t have any solid reasons why y’all. It remains to be seen if she’s a great friend and sidekick or someone I gotta watch out for.

There’s a bit of predictability with the plot, yet it’s an enjoyable comfort in the wildness that is the plot in general. I like the writing style and the quirky characters and many others things about this series. I look forward to seeing where Finlay ends up next!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Mystery
- Language: a little
- Romance: one fade to black
- Violence: med-high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, attempted murder, gun violence 

THOUGHTS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I don’t really know how to go about a non-fiction review (because I rarely read this genre) but, Friends is my ultimate comfort show and I knew I had to listen to Matthew Perry’s memoir.

What I gathered most from this was the sheer complexity of addiction. And the power it can have over someone. I learned a lot and felt like I came out with a better understanding of this topic and more. I also liked hearing some of the behind the scenes stuff about Friends. It’s filled with Perry’s very highest moments and the lowest.

This book is dark, but with the added levity you’d expect from Perry. I listened to it on the audio (which he narrates) so I didn’t notice as many issues as I’ve seen from other reviewers. What I did notice was some repetitive thoughts and such, but I think that if that’s how he wants to write his book, let him?

It felt honest and raw. The ramblings of someone still hoping for love and connection while dealing with darkness on his shoulders. I do hope he continues to stay sober and content with who he is now.

Overall audience notes:
- Memoir
- Language: some strong
- Romance: some mentions of nights with others; innuendo
- Trigger/Content Warnings: dark discussions of alcoholism and drug abuse, descriptions of medical procedures and other medical incidents 

NEW FAVORITE DUOLOGY ALERT.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Not me going from “this book will be thrown across the room if what I think is happening happens” to crying while hugging this beautiful book that broke my soul and mended it.

THIS WAS INCREDIBLE. MAGNIFICENT. Sue Lynn Tan has cemented herself in my auto-buy column after this read. I never wanted to put it down. I love the writing and pacing style that keeps things moving (slow and fast) while adding in the soft and action with ease.

Xingyin is one of the best female protagonists I’ve read in awhile. She is strong, capable and full of self reflection. I love that she can make mistakes, apologize, and hold her ground all in the same story. Complex characters are my lifeblood and Xingyin is someone I would desperately love to have on my side.

THE ROMANCE THOUGH. I want to keep this paragraph pretty vague because spoilers will ruin this for y’all. But I will say, it went different than I expected, but still gave me everything I hoped for when I started reading HOFSW. I don’t think [hope] you’ll be disappointed either. BECAUSE IT BROUGHT ON ALL THE TEARS.

I felt every emotion. Enjoyed every page. And was blissfully satisfied with this conclusion.

I love this book y’all. READ IT PLEASE. THANK ME LATER.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy + Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: med-high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one, battle themes, physical and magical altercations, loss of life 

I really enjoyed this and thought it held a lot of good options and knowledge about handling multiple situations. I'm hopeful to try some of these in our life!

Some novellas work for me and others don't.
This was more of a miss. Too much insta love for me, but the holiday theme was there!

It didn't turn me off from trying a full length novel from this author. I just needed more plot, background and general substance.

OH MY GOSH I LOVED THIS SO MUCH.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I don’t feel like I can accurately put into words how much I loved this book. One of those “no notes” situations where gosh dang I am in a book slump over it.

This is now one of my favorite regency romances and one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I have come across. Add in MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE and I am SOLD. The entire book was filled with alllllllll of the swoon. I was a puddle over Jasper and his story and how he wooed Julie. It has some instant attraction vibes that flat out worked beautifully. It may seem low angst but I felt everything dang feeling watching these two come together.

I wish I had a physical/digital copy (I read the audiobook) to highlight many passages. Matthews creates gorgeous stories that melt your soul and make you fall in love with the characters. I loved the way Julia stood up for herself and found two strong feet to stand out with the faith of Jasper behind her. And I loved that she was shy AND strong.

The plot with the children and family and friends pushed the main romantic plot line perfectly. I am in awe of this read. It was stunning. I’m writing this review right after finishing it and I really just want to yell at everyone TO GO READ IT NOW PLEASE.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: very vague fade to black / closed door
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: physical, emotional, and psychologically abusive parents, grief, recounting war themes 

3.5 stars

Thank you to the author for sending along a copy.

I SEE THE POTENTIAL.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

This kind of got off to a rough start, there was an extreme lack of dialogue which (for me) is hard to get drawn in by. I like the connection the characters and needed more of that.

Once Ari FINALLY started feeling like talking a bit to Ely and others things got better. I liked the dynamic between them and see maaaybe a potential love interest? If not, totally cool, I like the bond they have going. The closeness between them is starting to show and I think that’s why I can see potential. Now that they have a bit of a bond I hope to see it more in book two.

One of my least favorite fantasy tropes is the adventure/traveling plotline. This dragged out for me too. The entire book is one quest without any home base for me to get a feeling of anything else then some woods and running for your lives.

In the end, I did truly enjoy the base of the writing. I wasn’t turned from wanting to continue and I look forward to seeing how book two further expounds on the world building and the character development.

Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: none
- Violence: mild
- Trigger/Content Warnings: small scale skirmish scenes, physical and weaponry altercations, recounting of losing loved ones